Chapters Twisted Nightmares: Voyage of the unknown
Bermuda Triangle
North Atlantic Ocean
2035
22:00 hrs
Baltimore heavy cruiser under attack by Axis warship and a alien spacecraft
Rain weeped from the clouds above the Baltimore class cruiser code-named 'Selena'. Which was now sailing the North Atlantic Ocean for any sign of alien activity. So far there was no sign of anything but a seemingly endless downpour of rain, which forced the Crew to get inside of the old World War Two vessel. The rain could still be heard from inside of the vessel. Meanwhile down in the mess hall two sailors question what they are doing.
"Why the North Atlantic? Couldn't we scan a warmer area of the planet?" Said a sailor to his friend next to him in the mess hall before he took a bite out of his burger.
"It's not the cold that bothers me. It's this old ship. No offence this is a good looking ship, but she is outdated by a long-shot. I mean the Americans haven't used this type of ship since World War Two. So why use them now? Said the other Sailor, finishing off his chicken curry.
"We are using this type of vessel because I have chosen it. I hope this doesn't present a problem Private." Said a voice from the mess hall doors. However the voice soon revealed itself as the Captain of the Selena. Marcus Weston. He wore a standard British No.3 Naval uniform "And why are you two the last ones in here?"
The two sailors immediately braced up at the presence of the Captain before being told 'at ease' by him. They exhaled with the element of surprise fading away.
"Sorry sir, we didn't mean to offend your decision." One of them said in defence, but was silenced by Marcus raising his hand. He fall quiet quickly.
"We are using an old vessel because the aliens can track our most advanced warships. So in order stand a chance, we've began using old World War Two naval ships. However never fear, the radar has been improved a lot and the guns have and had upgraded reload time and better firing mechanics. Does that ease you?" Marcus said taking a seat in front of the two sailors.
"I'm a little at ease after hearing that, sir. But one thing still worries me. That thing is, why are we in the North Atlantic Ocean?" Asked the sailor directly opposite him. Marcus sat in silence for a while debating whether to tell them the truth.
"We've had reports that an alien ship was spotted heading towards the Bermuda Triangle, and we have to find it and destroy it. So eat up, everyone is up all night. Do you know what section your in? As you were called individually to be told what section you are in. Then you are to move your kit to the appropriate dorms for your section." Marcus said. One of the sailors who just had a sip of his drink, spat it out instantly with the mention of the Bermuda Triangle. As if on Que. The mess hall lights cut out before struggling to turn back on. Once they did, Marcus was now standing and even looked slightly moved.
"The Bermuda Triangle, sir? Have they gone completely insane. Every single ship that has went into the Devils Triangle never comes back out. Some even say the area is haunted by the ships that sunk there." The sailor said wiping his chin from the liquid he just spat out. "Besides why would the aliens use that place. If humans fear it?"
"That's precisely why they would use it. If they know that Humanity fears the Bermuda Triangle, then why would we head there?" Marcus said. "So by meeting them on their doorstep may be risky, but we need intel on them. As of now, you two need need to hurry up. No one is sleeping tonight and all lights are going off. At this moment we are going full tactical."
Once that was said Marcus got up and walked back towards the mess hall doors. He stopped for a quick second before.
"Captain your needed on the Bridge immediately. Two Princesses want you." Said a Russian voice over the ship radio. Marcus soon faded from the two sailors vision.
"His joking right? We're not really going to the Bermuda Triangle."
"I've never seen Marcus more serious. But did you see the hint of fear when the lights went out?"
* * * *
After a long walk through the Selena's hallways, Marcus began to walk back to the bridge to were he was just summoned by his Russian friend. As he did he took this as an opportunity to have a little time to himself and talk to some of his men and women. However that was short lived as he now stood in front of the Bridge door. With a mighty twist, he twisted the twist handle before lifting the lever on the bulkhead door, he soon pulled the door open he was greeted with darkness. The only scourge of light was green glow sticks place neatly on the floor. The bulkhead groaned in response as Marcus opened it. He stepped into the bridge. At first the crew in the Bridge didn't seem to notice, due to the dark, well that is in-till Marcus slammed the door shut. Everyone jumped from their seats and stood at attention followed by a salute. Marcus merely stood there, before he slowly began to move forward. As he past the nearest crew member they relaxed their salute. This continued in-till he reached his Russian friend, Aleksey Resnov.
"Everything is in ship shape, sir. However two 'Princesses' wish to see you. But I warn you comrade. They are not what you would expect them to be.." He said before being interrupted by the raise of Marcus's hand.
"I expect nothing of these two. However I am curious. For one; how did they get aboard my ship? Two, were are they now?" Marcus said as he grabbed control over the helm of the ship.
"We are here." Said two voices in unison. However Marcus could tell apart the two different voices. One had the old English way of speaking, whereas the other one sounded more modern.
"Right. I can hear that. But what do you want? But first identify yourself" Marcus said without taking his eyes off of the ocean as he still scanned the waters for any sign of trouble. So far, nothing was of a threat. Marcus sighed before turning around. He immediately regretted it. Because as soon as he turned he was greeted by two equines ,One was eye level with him and was white in colour. It's eyes were a light magenta and white. It's mane moved in a breeze that didn't exist, but the colours of the mane could not be identified. The other equine was smaller but still tall and was a dark blue, it's eyes were turquoise and it's mane also seemed to flow and it's colour still couldn't be identified, Marcus jumped back and un holstered his hidden M9 pistol and aimed at the tallest one.
Aleksey saw this and immediately reacted by grabbing the gun wielding hand just as Marcus brought it up. As soon as Aleksey grabbed that arm, he pushed it down just enough so he could kick the weapon out of Marcus's hands.
"I did warn you comrade. They are not what you expect. Yes, I know they are horses. But for now put that behind you, we have a mission to finish." He said while holding Marcus back. Then barking began to fill the bridge. Aleksey watched Marcus's face light up and let him go. Marcus crouched down and held his arms open and within seconds a German Shepherd Dog pounced into his arm whining. "Or Dina stops you by doing that. By the way just to get you three introduced. The white is Princess Celestia and the Dark blue is Princess Luna."
"Charmed." Princess Luna said offering and hoof-hand shake. Marcus cautiously shook her hoof with his free hand.
"Sir! Unidentified ship directly above us." Called the radio officer. Marcus stopped what he was going and stood up. He took control of the ships helm.
"How far are we from the Bermuda Triangle?" He asked.
"We are approximately fifth-teen minutes away. I suggest that we take it out as fast as possible before it warns any more of its forces." Aleksey said. Marcus agreed.
"Wait! What has this 'aliens done to you?' Should you leave them alone?" Said Princess Celestia. Marcus looked behind to face who questioned Aleksey, he wasn't surprised when he saw the white equine walking closer, but was stopped by Dina barking at her. Marcus then switched his gaze to Aleksey. Who immediately knew what was to be done. He walked over the the radio and switched on the last news report.
"Today San Francisco was hit today by two unknown alien aircraft. The United States Air Force despite their best efforts, could not push the aliens back. It is estimated that half the city is under siege and thousands are presumed dead. British and Russian forces are attempting to help the evacuation of what remains of San Francisco..." , channel change, "The Statue of Liberty has fallen tonight alongside with many of our warships. The USS Redemption, a Baltimore class ship, was lost a took 1,150 sailors to their death. Followed by hundreds of American, British and Russian aircraft destroyed and shot down. The newly built Tower 1 has collapsed faster then the twin towers..." After the mention of the twin towers, one of the radio operators got up and turned the radio off before heading back to her position in tears. The bridge went silent.
Aleksey looked at Marcus, before he made his way to comfort her.
"Position guns at 2-1-0. Angle at guns 60° And prepare to fire." Marcus said.
"But comrade that would.." Aleksey was cut of by a sudden shout.
"Drop port anchor!" Marcus called over the battle siren that just activated.
"Anchor dropped!" Called a sailor. Marcus looked back towards the two princesses and Aleksey. His face showed a hint of fear. Marcus only mouthed the word 'Brace.' Because as soon as he did the port side of the ships bow dipped, followed by the stern coming out of the water slightly while turning hard left.
As planned the alien ship slowly flew over the Selena without noticing what just happened below. Marcus wasted no time in executing his plan. As the ship's stern plunged back into the water he ordered the port anchor to be holstered back up. Just when the alien ships engines came into view, Marcus prepared...
"Fire!"
Twisted Nightmares: Voyage of the unknown
Bermuda Triangle
North Atlantic Ocean
2035
22:40 hrs
Attack order given. Defensive position set.
"Fire!" Marcus called. Within seconds all three of the Selena's main cannons unleashed their Armour Piercing shells to the target. A loud whistle could be heard soon followed by nine ear piercing explosions. The engines erupted into flames and slowly the alien craft began to slowly to plummet from its low altitude. However Marcus wasn't going to wait any longer then he had to, he ordered another fire order. Each gun now fired High Explosive shells one gun at a time. Marcus watched as each shell lit up the darkness, and smiled at how amazing it looked. "Fire the anti-air guns now!" Without a moment to loose all the AA gun on the starboard side unloaded round after round into the damaged engines. Nine loud explosions followed in pursuit.
Horrified from the scene Princess Celestia let her wings drop lifelessly by her sides. She couldn't hide her sorrow much longer. Watching one of her ships go down was heart-breaking to her. Luna saw this and went to talk to her sister, however she was beaten to it by Aleksey. Who had already moved over to Celestia and began to comfort her. So instead she joined Marcus at the helm and holstered his M9 back into its sheath using her hooves, as for no known reason her magic didn't work. She watched one of her forces ships slowly plummet while it broke into three separate parts. However the silence was broken by a radio officer claiming he hacked into the alien comms array.
"Mayday, Mayday this is the ERN Celestial, we've been hit! Reactor is down! We've split into three parts. Human warship snuck up from behind! In my final words I say this. I warned you all. We should of left the humans alone. Now Equestria is in danger." Said a male voice over the radio.
Marcus loudly inhaled and exhaled before turning around to face Celestia. She looked up at him and knew that he was going to question her. However to her surprise he instead walked over to the radio officer and whispered something into her ear. She nodded and began to broadcast the distress beacon while she also hacked into the optics, of the new one that just appeared on the radar. Celestia was confused with this action but soon picked up on it.
"Wait please don't harm them, I'll call them off!" She bellowed. "Please I beg you, show mercy." Luna looked back at her sister with surprise. Marcus too looked surprise but that was short lived as he changed back to emotionless.
"Give me a good enough reason! You've killed countless innocent people, you've destroyed our cities for no reason. For what? Nothing! You want mercy? Then restore what you've took from us!" He said looking deep into her magenta eyes. They were filled with nothing but sorrow. Even with glow-sticks as a light source, he could still see her tears running down her cheeks.
"I-I can't do that. Magic can't replace what's been..."
"Contact! Twelve o'clock, I've hacked into their optics, and they have noticed us sir!"
"Reposition the two bow cannons to match their coordinates." Marcus ordered before returning back to the helm. Instantly the sound of mechanical whirs and clicks could be heard as the guns rotated anti-clockwise 45° back to their default positions before the barrels adjusted themselves to match the coordinates of the new threat. Marcus now lifted his right arm with three fingers extended. 3. 2. 1.
"Please don't do this. Please I beg you. I could have a daughter on that ship." Celestia said in a attempt to persuade him not to fire.
"Then my revenge would be complete then wouldn't it? An eye for an eye. You have taken my daughter away from me, now it's my turn to show what humanity is capable off." Marcus said with venom.
"Please..."
"Fire!" Marcus shouted. Not a second was wasted. Two turrets. Six barrels. Six HP shells. One target. Time seem to slow down for Celestia as she looked through the optics from her forces warship as it looked down on her, as it was hacked into by the Tech officer, Six white dots was heading straight towards her and she was dreading every second. Without a moment too soon the shell hit their mark followed by an explosion in the bridge which them trailed down towards the stern.
"Looks like to me, the shells hit more then their mark comrade." Aleksey said form behind Marcus as they all watched the burning wreckage fly past before emitting a thunderous explosion. Marcus took off his headwear and removed the picture of him and his family before the war. The picture contained Marcus wearing the no.3 Royal Navy uniform while hugging his wife around her waist, and finally their two kids. One son and one daughter. "You miss them dearly don't you?" Marcus nodded as he put the picture.
"Not a day goes by that I wish my daughter was back with us, but I know that will never happen. I've seen families torn apart by this war. Men and women alike are laying down their lives for Humanities future. But know we have the upper hand. It took us so long to realise that our most advanced warships could be tracked, but a light shined in our defeat. I discovered that they couldn't track our old World War Two ships." Marcus said as he wiped a forming tear before turning back to Celestia. "You wasn't their to see her face when one of your warships fired a plasma round through the artery in her chest. It burned and hurt her to a point that she asked me to show mercy and her misery. Do you know how hard that was for me as a father to do? My weapon has been stained with the blood I swore to protect. Now do you see why I'm not going to stop. In till you go through what I'm going through."
"I.." Celestia was interrupted by Marcus digging his M9 into her left cheek. Even Aleksey couldn't anticipate Marcus move. Luna on the other hand was impressed while also fearing for her sister.
"But nothing! My kind has done nothing to you have we? So why? Stop your emotional train wreck. Your meant to be a Princess. My daughter could hold her emotions better then you. Look at me in the eyes now!" Marcus shouted and pushed the barrel a bit harder into her cheek. Celestia could only oblige. "Oh how the mighty have fallen. I will avenge my daughter by killing the pony that watched her die."
"Two more ships have been dotted on our radar, sir. One of is the ERN and the other seems to be one of ours, but it's identified as an Axis warship." Called the radar officer. Marcus looked deep into Celestia's eyes in pure anger for five more seconds before moving back to the helm.
"We are heading straight into the Bermuda Triangle, we will lose them in there."
Twisted Nightmares: Voyage of the unknown
"Wait what? Comrade you can't be serious! Ships have gone in there and never came back out." Aleksey said with shock.
"Yes I am one hundred percent serious. We are heading straight into the Triangle itself. And now we know the reason why our ships never return." Marcus said and shot Celestia and Luna a death glare. "Don't worry girls I'll be sure not to get us killed. But why would I? After all you have finally gave me a reason to see this war through." With that said Marcus pushed the Ships throttle to maximum. A sudden jolt with the ships speed indicted it was going faster.
"Sir that Axis Warship is getting closer. What are your orders?" Asked the radar officer. Marcus pulled down the microphone for the the ship to ship radio.
"To un-identified warship, this is the United Nations Selena. Identify yourselves immediately." Marcus said into it. He released the button and the room was filled with the radios buzzing sound. At first everyone thought that they stumble across a abandoned ship.
"United Nations Selena, this the HMS Frostbite. State your business in these waters." Came the reply. Marcus jumped back in surprise.
"Looks like its one of your nations warship, comrade." Aleksey said walking up to Marcus and then standing next to him.
"HMS?" Luna asked out the blue, causing Marcus to look at her.
"Her Majesty's Ship. It means that the ship belongs to the Queen of England. Didn't think we still held that call sign." He said before snapping back to face the ocean. "This the UN Selena, we are on a top secret mission. Classified on all Government sectors. Turn your ship around immediately."
"Your on a classified mission?" Luna asked getting slightly curious.
"Yes we are. Any more details regarding this mission, are extremely classified. Only the Queen or higher can know of this mission. Right, they've had long enough to reply. Position guns to their position." Marcus said as he scanned for abnormalities on the ocean waves. He soon found it. The British naval vessel was coming at them from the port side. Once again the loud mechanical whirring echoed through the Bridge once more.
"UN Selena, we are requesting permission to provide extra reinforcements by order of the Queen herself." Said the Captain of the HMS Frostbite. "We are carrying four Liquid Nitrogen shell launchers. Still yet to be approved for Naval warfare. We ask for covering fire on this mission, in return for us giving reinforcements."
Marcus exhaled loudly and couldn't believe what he was hearing. Liquid nitrogen being weaponised into Naval warfare. From what he heard the last experiments ended in disaster. But now he had to make a choice. Let yet another vessel be lost in this small victory. Or allow it tag along and provide the necessary extra reinforcements that may be needed for the rest of the mission. He made his decision.
"HMS Frostbite are cleared to assist, proceed to acquired coordinates and rally there. We still have another 'alien vessel' to take care off. You continue to coordinates we will rally up" Marcus ordered before notifying the crew in charge of the anchors to drop the port anchor again. The only deference now were the guns. Instead of protecting the starboard side, they were no protecting the port side. "See you through the storm HMS Frostbite." Once that was over Marcus turned back around and noticed that Celestia was bowing her head and was muttering something. He quietly whistled to get Aleksey's attention. It worked, he then mouthed. 'See what's wrong with her.'
"What seems to be problem Celestia?" Aleksey asked sounding like he came up with the idea and wasn't ordered to. He made his to Celestia and stopped by her side. Celestia passed him a weak glaze before dropping her head again.
"Long story." She said. Aleksey grinned at her slight stubbornness. But two can play at that game.
"I have time. In fact we have more then enough before Marcus blows a third spacecraft out of the sky. So with all due respect speak your mind." Aleksey said folding his arms and pulling a emotionless face. Celestia sighed but remained quiet. Aleksey shook his head. "Fine, by that way if you desire. But the longer you bottle it. The more you'll regret it." He then shuffled slightly before slowly backing away.
"Wait please!" Celestia eventually whispered loud enough for him to hear. When she heard Aleksey's footsteps ceased, she relaxed. "Truth be told, I'm scared. For myself and Luna." She heard Aleksey get closer. He was chuckling lightly
"You'd be a pretty horrible sister otherwise wouldn't you? Think about it. Your in a world which you've been attacking for a reason unknown, and now your aboard a feared warship. You would be emotionless if you didn't feel something. Before you ask, how long has Marcus been like this. I will say this. You are incredibly lucky he didn't shoot you on the spot when he had the chance. But he is a man who likes to see those suffer in return for what they took from him. In fact I'm surprise your sister hasn't copped his anger. Yet. However since you are not the one that killed Sasha, he will leave you alone in-till you do something to him. Don't give him that reason." Aleksey said and folded his arms. Celestia turned to face him.
"I wish I never caused all this. I've plunged your kind into war. Something that I'm against." She said with a sniffle.
"Celestia listen to me. Humanity has had many wars with itself over the years. Each war caused by something different yet similar. You what started our wars? Politics. Different Nations have different views, and when we don't agree we rebel to prove which one is the better option. In fact I'm almost glad that war is happening. Why? Because Russia and America are finally allies once more." Aleksey said in attempt to cheer her up. So far it worked.
"Marcus! That Equestrian spacecraft is nearing at a rapid past." Called the radar officer. "Also the Captain of the HMS Frostbite wishes to speak should I patch him through?" With a nod off Marcus she past the word along to radio officer, who then patched the radio transmission to loud speaker.
"Alright then gents and ladies, let's go this together chaps and let's kick their rear ends back to wear they came." Said the HMS Frostbite's captain.
"Change of plan Captain, we have new intel from the coordinates I sent you. We'll head there and destroy the contact there. That's an order not a suggestion." Marcus said while he twisted the helm fully to the right. In response the UN Selena tilted left as it steered hard right without the use of the anchor. For once. "Fire the flare."
"Sir, I'd advise not using the flare." Said one of crew members. Marcus couldn't tell who it was, for the reason was the glow-sticks were now dying.
"Yes, I agree. Wouldn't that give away your position?" Luna asked slightly pleased with herself for finally speaking 'normal English'. Marcus groaned with annoyance.
"Yes it would give our location away. But it would also allow me to see were the HMS Frostbite is. By the way you've picked up on modern English rather quickly." He said. "Will someone just fire the flare before I kicked someone up their arse!" Within seconds a flare was launched into the air.
"That it? I was expecting light." Luna said disappointed
"Don't worry it will light this darkness with a matter of seconds. Just don't look directly at it." Marcus said chuckling to himself. He looked at Luna and still looked confused he was going ask, but he was interrupted by the loud hiss of the flare finally lighting itself up. Luna immediately looked away blinking rapidly while she looked away. "Ah there you my friend, not to close and not too far. Right that's enough of steering for one day."
"UN Selena is that you? We've lost our radar since that flare went up."
"Selena reporting in, yes it's us don't fire! We sent a flare to locate your position as our radar was cracking up on us. We are after all by the Bermuda itself. Never thought I'd be saying this, but were going to need all the help we need. Keep your course we will be right behind you."
"But these coordinates head straight into the Bermuda, and the weather is getting worst."
"I've figured it out why our ships never come back. The Bermuda is gateway to another world, and the weather is primary defence to drive ships away. Keep your course and fire the rear cannon at target when I give the order, the electro magnetic flare will disrupt its optics and radar for a short amount of time. That's all we need." The Bermuda was only blink away now.
* * * *
"Gah, that's bright!" The entire bridge crew exclaimed, all except Marcus. He watched as the scene unfold. The dark clouds were pierced by a heavenly golden light that revealed a beautiful blue sky. Just in the distance was a city with a statue made of some sort of green material.
"It's New York!" Aleksey exclaimed.
"No, New York has the entire United States Navy guarding it now. This city has nothing protecting it." Marcus said while he switched his attention to the HMS Frostbite which was sailing just ahead of them on their port side. However his attention was seized by a gasp. He turned around to notice both Celestia and Luna looking at him. "What seems to be so interesting now?"
"Your so well built." Luna said blushing ever so slightly. Marcus looked at his arms. "What are they?" She pointed at the three flags on his right arm and the picture of a survival knife. The blade was positioned vertically with blood running of the tip. Two small sentences one at the bottom and the other at the top. Luna couldn't resist reading them aloud. "When the Darkness seems to spread. Be the light that pushes that darkness."
"Yes, it a motto I've always lived. I made it up so I never forget to loose hope, I made it because if I'm happy then I can spread that happiness and push the darkness away. However it seems after the lost of my daughter, extinguished that flame and now I will destroy the very thing that took her sweet little soul from me." Marcus said as he got handed an apple by one of the sailors. Luna eyed it curiously. "I haven't slept in five days on this voyage. I will not rest in till I've torn the bastard's heart from his chest." With that said he gently squeezed the apple it instantly popped. Apple juice began to run off his hand and splattered on the floor causing Luna to jump back.
"And you aware that these two Princesses are more then just a normal right?" Aleksey asked with a smile slowly appearing on his features.
"Yes I noticed, they both have a horn and wings. Was I supposed to be surprised? Well I'm not. In fact I'm a little disappointed." Marcus said before he moved back to controlling the ship. "HMS Frostbite resume course head straight towards that green statue and don't stop for anything." Marcus said as he took control of his ship. Then just out of the corner of eye he noticed a civilian cruiser creeping its way into his arc of fire.
Twisted Nightmares: Voyage of the unknown
Equestria
Destination: unknown
2035 human year
00:20 GMT Equestrian time unknown
Docking on unknown harbour. Hostiles identified. Caution is advised.
"UN Selena break off! Civilian cruise liner heading to your twelve o'clock. I repeat UN Selena break off immediately!" Called the other captain on the radio and destroyed Marcus's train of thought. He looked at the cruisers position but held his grip on the helm and refused to move.
"Comrade steer the ship or we will ram through it!" Aleksey said. Before he ran to the Bridge's windows and predicted the distance left. When he didn't feel the ship turn he looked back at Marcus then Celestia and Luna. However Marcus lifted his left arm before pulling down on something. Aleksey knew what it was. The Ships horn. But he didn't think that this ship had one. Nevertheless everyone but Marcus cringed at the sheer volume of the horn. It was defiantly something to fear now.
"Louder then you remember Aleksey? I thought so, I didn't make the improvements for nothing. Oh look at that it isn't moving out of the way." Marcus said while he still watched the cruiser. It still didn't attempt to steer out of the way. Marcus's anger only grew.
"UN Selena hard to port now! Civilian cruiser will not break off. Selena break off!" Called the other Captain. Instead Marcus put the radio on loud speaker. Before he turned to the radar officer.
"Intel shows that the cruiser is empty sir, only six civilians are present on board. The ship is not showing a radar cross section. The engine isn't on but it seems to match our ships speed. What are your orders sir?" She said. Marcus looked at his ships bow and noticed that the two cannons had repositioned themselves back to their neutral positions.
"Lift barrel 2 on the second bow cannon, fire a warning round" He said. Within seconds the cannon closer to the bridge shot one shell out of its middle barrel. The High Explosive round shot past the cruise liner before hitting the water causing a breech. The water shot up several feet in the air before coming back down. Despite the warning shot the cruiser still somehow continue to move. "How in the world is it still moving without propulsion. It can't be drift. The ship would start to slow down. Fuck it! Aim the cannon a little lower and fire at the middle section of the hull."
Marcus's order was obeyed immediately. The second cannon's middle barrel lowered and then matched the other two barrels. Not a moment too soon all three barrels fired their shells. To Marcus nothing was more relaxing then the sound of Battleships cannon blowing a hole in another ship. Three small explosions came after the shells hit their mark followed the loud groaning of the metal straining; the ship began to take on water and was rapidly sinking. To make matters worst, Marcus hadn't moved his helm and now was heading towards the hole he just blew into the vessel.
"UN Selena you've just went against code and regulation. You attacked an unarmed civilian cruiser..."
"Stick the code and regulation down your throat before I do it for you. How many of our civilians were lost at sea? Too many to fucking count. So shut your mouth before I code and regulation you. After all your on my mission under my command. So get set and ready for orders!" Marcus said with venom and just to prove he wasn't joking, he left the radio on as his ship rammed through the hull breach on the other ship. The sound of grating metal filled the bridge of the Selena while it relayed it to the HMS Frostbite. A psychopathic grin was plastered onto Marcus's face. He looked behind to see Aleksey, Celestia, Luna and the entire crew in the bridge holding their ears. Marcus paid no attention. Because was his chance to rein destruction in return for what these equines have done to him, but first he wanted to see the equine that killed his daughter.
Eventually the Selena had past through the cruiser with almost no damage excluding the worn paint. With the sound gone the crew recovered and got back to work. Celestia and Luna on the other hand still had their ears pinned back. 'Clearly they have more sensitive hearing the us. No matter I'll use that to my advantage' Marcus thought to himself. He now looked at the city, it was closer then he imagined. Even the Statue of Liberty was different yet similar. For one it was in the shape of a horse but still held the same pose and torch. But the sightseeing was short-live as six equines were spotted on the bow of the ship. Marcus was just about to sound the alarm but they disappeared into thin air. It didn't take him long to figure out what happened, he unholstered his M9 Beretta and aimed at the floor with the weapon pointed 50° down. Within seconds the six equines appeared in front of him. A purple unicorn was right at the end of the barrel of the weapon.
"Welcome on board the Selena, were hopes and dreams die. State your business or get your sorry asses off my ship before I kick you off myself! I wouldn't move if I were you. I have your leaders. If my demands are not met I will kill them. Now let's get this straight. You disrespect my rank, you die. You disrespect my crew and my ship, you die. You insult my species, you will die. Do I make myself clear?" Marcus said cocking the hand-gun, causing the purple unicorn to look at Celestia and gulp. She nodded slowly. "And no flying inside my ship. Otherwise I'll rip them from their joints." The blue Pegasus with the rainbow mane and tail disobeyed the order immediately.
"You seem tough. Prove it. I challenge you to a hoof-wrestle." Was all it said. Marcus could tell it was a female.
"You wish to challenge? So be it. Challenge excepted. Aleksey get one of those portable tables please." Marcus said as he slowly unbuttoned his No. 3 shirt and pulled the throttle right back to 5 knots. He turned back around and Aleksey had already had the table set up with two seats on each side of it. The rainbow maned Pegasus was already sitting on the chair. Marcus chuckled at her competitiveness and took of his shirt then placed it neatly on the back of the chair, this showed the black tank top that he wore underneath. He noticed that all the mares were looking at him. Not that he cared. He had a challenge to win. "Alright then let's get this over with. Since your the challenger, I offer you. Your freedom. If you loose. You all become my prisoners of war."
He sat the chair and put his right arm on the table in the arm wrestling position, the rainbow maned mare did the same. They both gripped each ever's hand-hoove and on the word of go. They began. Just for a laugh, Marcus controlled his fake defeat to increase her confidence. He allowed his hand to reach one inch off the table. He heard the pony whisper yes.
"Don't get over confident." Marcus said as he barely put any effort in his push and still managed to move her hoove so it was now an inch from touching. He heard gasps and light sobbing from somewhere. But he wanted them in suspense so he loosened his grip once more and he watched as his arm was slowly going back to the starting position. "Come on girl, prove yourself wrong. Your friends are all relying on you. You can do it, try harder." With the little encouragement given, he noticed more effort come from the mare and in return Marcus stopped his arm in the starting position. 'Her confidence is good, but it can be her downfall. She has so much potential.' To tease her further he allowed his arm to touch the table by hair before completing overpowering her with minimal effort. Marcus heard gasps of horror and defeat. He released his grip and got up then held out his hand to shake her hoove.
"Nice try miss. But better look next time." Marcus said. The rainbow maned pony only sighed with defeat then joined her friends, who now had their ears back and were slouching. "Since you put up a well enough fight. I've decided to let you off with one warning. Next time I won't play nice."
"UN Selena your speed has slew down too much. You are falling behind and that Equestrian craft is gaining on your six. Increase speed." Called the other Captain. The six new mares all looked around looking for the source of the voice.
"HMS Frostbite don't worry about us. This old girl has survived worst. You go ahead, we will RV in shallow water by the city, however don't get too close." Marcus said as he walked closer to the ships helm. Once he did he pushed the throttle half way forward followed by turning the radio off, then walking back to the collapsible table. "It's about time you six introduce your selfs." As if on Que.
"I'm Twilight Sparkle. I represent the element of magic." Said the purple unicorn.
"I'm Rainbow Dash. Element of Loyalty." Said the rainbow maned blue Pegasus with pride.
"My names AppleJack. Pleasure meeting you. " Said the normal orange pony. What Marcus notice about her was her thick southern accent along with a cowboy hat.
"I presume you represent the element of... Honesty." He said earning a nod off the mare.
"Pleasure meeting you mister. I am the fashion designer. Rarity. Element of Generosity." Said the white unicorn with silky purple mane. Marcus took the names well so far, but he noticed one was missing. However that didn't bother him. But a timid yellow Pegasus with a pink mane caught his attention. As she was hiding behind her mane. "This here is Fluttershy, she is the element of kindness."
"Charmed, I'm Marcus Weston, formally known was Captain Weston. However you will call me Captain or sir. Whatever you please I'm not bothered. One thing you should know about me. I do not tolerate misbehaviour. If one of you step out of line aboard my ship, I assure you, I will reinforce punishment to put you back in line. Even ask Celestia herself what I'm capable of. But I assure you have more to see. Are you aware that your Princesses sent war machines over to my world, and have killed countless of my people for no reason?" Marcus said. He carefully grabbed his no.3 shirt and put it on. He then unbuckled his belt followed by tucking his shirt in. Finally he buckled his belt back up. But when he looked at Twilight, her face held mixed emotions. "Now if you excuse me, I must resume command of my ship, if you have any questions you a free to approach me at the helm."
* * *
Marcus slowly brought the UN Selena into the harbour, which Princess Luna had given permission for both warships to use for the time being,the throttle was ease and rested on 0knots. Once he was certain that the ship was close enough, he ordered the sailors to throw over the chains to secure the ship down. Once that was done they were stood down, except for the cannon operators. As what was expected the ponies that gathered in front the ship grabbed the chains and tied them around the steel beams in the harbour. But Marcus was left wondering when he saw the Equestrian ship fly over them before it turned around. Both ships were face to face. But it finally clicked for Marcus. That ship was one that wounded his daughter with the deadly plasma blast, then it had the nerve to watch him as he gave his daughter mercy with the bullet to the head.
"Aleksey, your in charge of the ship in till I get back. Do not cease radio contact. Before I go, where's Dina?" Marcus said turning around. Barking notified him Dina was around. But only when she popped her head from by the radar officer before running around the small corner and sprinted towards Marcus barking happily. But once she reached Marcus she had turned around and began growling at the new mares. "It's alright girl, they are alright for now. I need to watch over them for me. Can you do that?" A small bark indicated yes.
"Excuse me for asking, but what type of dog is she?" Twilight said but made the fatal mistake of moving forward. Dina barked several times as a warning. It make Twilight jump back and it even caused Celestia and Luna to jump in surprise. "Because she looks like a wolf."
"That's because she is a Alsatian Wolf Dog, also most commonly known as a German Shepherd. Dina is one of the most intelligent breed of canine and yet very Loyal to their owner. If you want me to show her power and jaw strength I'd honoured to. Any questions?" Marcus asked. All six of mares lifted a hoove. "If it's about the tattoos you can put your hooves down." As expected all their hooves went down expect for Rainbow Dash's. Marcus signalled her to go ahead ask the question.
"What training do you do. I mean look at you! You're huge!" She said and gave Marcus a quick jab in his left arm.
"A training program that I hope, you'll never get involved. Both your Princesses know what I'm on about. It called dedication. Anything else you'll like to like to know, Miss Dash?" Marcus said in a rather sinister tone with Rainbow Dash didn't pick up on, but the others did.
"How well do you respond to threats?" Rainbow Dash asked getting ready to dish some threats out.
"Rainbow! Don't upset him!" Rarity exclaimed but was stopped by Aleksey.
"I beg to differ, let her. Marcus will prove how his emotions have withstood time itself." Aleksey said, encouraging them.
"Make your move, Miss Dash." Marcus too encouraged. Rainbow smiled weakly at that moment. She all of sudden didn't want to. "Or was that just a question you had to ask?" When the nod came from Rainbow, he relaxed his pose ever so slightly. Even the Princesses sighed in relief.
"Are we going to off this ship to talk to that guy?" Aleksey asked pointing at the white equine standing on the harbour walkway. Marcus nodded and opened the Bridge the door with Dina right by his feet.
"When your done sightseeing from a window, would you care to get off my ship." Marcus said. Getting slightly irritated. Once everyone was lined up in Alphabetic order he started a list of names. Once that done he led them through to the bridge door and onto the deck of the ship. The smell of the sea air made Marcus at home, however he knew he didn't have time to relish the smell. He led down onto the harbour walkway but was stopped by five unicorn guards holding spears at his chest. He laughed.
"How adorable. You have advance warship, that can shoot plasma. Yet you threaten me with sticks and stones!?" Marcus said as he lifted his M9 in the air while he got handed another one. "Let me show you a more resilient weapon." Four guards dropped lifeless with two bangs from each M9. The last dropped his spear and began to walk backwards away from Marcus. The guard looked behind the angered human to see the sun Princess behind him. Marcus admired the fear that drenched this dark.
"Marcus, please don't! He is only a guard going his job!" Celestia said.
"Then he'll die doing his job. Why should I so mercy to your pitiful kind, do your kind so mercy when those innocent souls begged for mercy? No you didn't! So why should I?" Marcus shouted before pushing both the handguns into guards cheeks pointing up to his brain. "Give me one good valid reason why I should spare him? No? Don't have one? Some what a waste of a good one." Both triggers were pulled at the same time. Blood was sprayed in both directions as the guard dropped lifeless. Marcus looked up at the white unicorn ahead of him. Another pony stood next it.
"Cadence!" Twilight shouted with joy before practically galloping to said pony. Marcus just watched her from the corner of his eye while he put one of his M9s back into the holster and he gave the other one back to Aleksey before he walked towards the rear of his ship. Two sailors peered over the stern before giving a salute to Marcus. He returned it and ordered them to activate the port side crane and deploy the aircraft that was armed on the slingshot. They nodded and immediately got to it. Marcus had to tell to stop just as the aircraft was about to hit the floor, he climbed into the cock-pit to lower the landing gear, then the sailors carefully placed the aircraft down. They then returned the ship's crane back to its neutral position. What was in front of Marcus was pure British aviation history restored. A Super-marine Spitfire mark 2 was parked and ready to fly.
"What is that?" Luna asked, causing Marcus to groan in annoyance but he continued to work. That's when the rest of the group came over.
"Ah, a Spitfire mark 2. Never thought I'll get to see one in my lifetime. Maximum of 1,150 horsepower this plane made British aviation. Come on comrade, fly her! Let her rule the skies once more!" Aleksey cheered while indirectly answering Luna's question. Marcus couldn't help but feel the urge to fly it, but a memory flash halted him. He took a deep breath before climbing into the aircraft. Aleksey quickly ran through the preflight checks once Marcus had the engine on. Which failed to start at first but when it did RainbowDash looked impressed.
"Want to race? I'll go easy on you." She asked slightly getting ahead of herself.
"If want to race fine, but this old girl is built for war, not racing. And don't play nice. I would like a challenge." Marcus said before he closed the cock-pit door and pushed the throttle right forward. Seconds followed and the old plane began to move forward at a rapid pace. Half-way down the makeshift runway the Spitfire's tail lifted off of the ground, Rainbow Dash couldn't help run after the old plane to imitate the take off. Before she knew the aircraft was already in a vertical climb, she shouted 'hi' to Cadence as she ran past. By then the Spitfire was flying inverted towards her, much to her relief Marcus corrected the plane just as it shot past her with the engine roaring as it did.
"Where is Marcus? More importantly what is that?" Twilight asked pointed the plane as it shot past with Rainbow Dash in hot pursuit. Aleksey stopped with the rest of the group by the white unicorn and Cadence. Celestia and Luna and the others followed the sound of the roaring plane.
"That Miss Sparkle, is a legendary aircraft known as a Spitfire. What your seeing know is rare piece of British history, and the Spitfire has made its mark." Aleksey said while they continued to watch Rainbow Dash chase after the old war plane. "By the way excluding Miss Dash for now but wasn't there six of you?"
"Yeah there was. Pinkie Pie said she had some business to attend to, at the last second before she literally disappeared." Twilight said without moving her focus off of the plane. "Who was it that mentioned a race? It wasn't Rainbow was it?"
"Miss Dash asked Marcus if he wanted to race and he happily obliged. I would suggest that you don't piss him off now, Marcus is a tough bastard to get happy again. I'm impressed that Miss Dash has made him happy." Aleksey said. "Why is that a problem?"
* * *
Almost half and hour had passed since the 'race' between Rainbow Dash and the legendary aircraft took flight. Aleksey, Twilight, Applejack, Fluttershy, Rarity, Celestia, Luna, the tall white unicorn known as Twilight's brother and the pink winged unicorn all watched as the race turned into stunt competition. Rainbow Dash would pull a dangerous stunt such as tucking her wings and dropping several feet before opening them and flying off somewhere. Marcus pulled something similar. He had pulled the Spitfire into a vertical climb and Rainbow Dash went belly to belly with the old plane. The crowd looked impressed and cheered them on.
Meanwhile in the cock-pit Marcus had to quickly put the pilot O2 mask as the altitude was starving him of precious oxygen. Once he was done he concentrated on seeing this flight all the through. He looked at the Altimeter. 'Right engine is going to stall. Better break off.' He thought to himself, and once the spluttering began to occur he pulled the stick back slowly and was now flying inverted, the harbour walkway was in his sight. Without wasting anymore time he pulled back on the throttle and levelled the plane. He now patiently waited to get close enough to deploy the landing gear. That came faster then he expected. He did the final adjustments to land and just as the harbour walkway was about to go underneath he lowered the altitude in-till he felt the suspension bounce then he cut the throttle right back. He could see Aleksey and princesses waiting for them to finish their spectacular performance.
Once the plane came to complete stop Marcus cut the power to the engine and listened to it die down. A small splutter let him know that it just finished, he took the O2 mask off before opened the cock-pit door and got out. He looked at everyone. Smiles are spread across everyone's faces except Cadence's in fact she had the hint of fear.
"You were pretty good up there. I'm impressed." Rainbow said and tried to nudge him but to no avail.
"In fact, I'm surprised that you have damaged your body doing high g turns. Nevertheless that was good flying Miss Dash. Wait in till next time, I'll be pulling more vicious manoeuvres." Marcus said offering a hand-hoof shake. Rainbow took the offer and gave a nice but firm shake.
"How was the old warbird comrade?" Aleksey said. As he lead the group towards Marcus.
"The stick was a little sluggish, engine was slower then usual. I may need to clean the hydraulics and re-pressurise them. I might also need to replace a few engine parts. Black smoke began to blow out the exhaust. Might actually bad oil. So I'm going to grain the engine and top her back up." Marcus said. Aleksey nodded his head in a confirmed way. "What's wrong ma'am?" Celestia, Luna and Cadence looked at him in surprise.
"Which one of them are talking to?" Asked the tall unicorn. Marcus noticed the voice pattern was male. Another thing to add to his list.
"The pink one. I do believe you are yet to introduce yourself." Marcus said turning his attention to the unicorn.
"I'm Shining Armour, Captain of the Royal the guard. I'm the older brother to Twilight and Husband to Princess Cadence." Shining Armour said keeping the information brief.
"Ah, we have another Captain! The name's Captain Marcus Weston. I'm the Captain and leader of the ship you stand before." Marcus said. "Right then, where was I? Oh yes, anything wrong Cadence? You seem to be going white. If that's even possible for fur to go white on its own."
"It's Princess Cadence!" Shining barked. But before Celestia could say anything.
"This isn't a formal event in my books, boy! Do not abuse your rank in my presence. If this were a formal gathering then yes. I would call her Princess, but since it isn't. There is no use of rank here, unless you are addressing your own forces." Marcus barked back. "Shadow team! Front and centre!" Once the order was given, six human figures came out the water wearing black military dive suits, which were off just as fast as the men that jumped out the water. As what their order was, they stood motionless in front of Marcus. They saluted. Marcus saluted them back he told to stand at ease and told them why.
"These are Marcus's hand-picked Special Forces. The Shadows. Marcus trained these guys himself. All of them razor sharp and deadly. All six are from three different nation. Two American, Two British and Two Russian. Notice how they are all equal? If you piss Marcus off enough, these guys will make you life a shitstorm. Hey Marcus! Are you drilling these guys." Aleksey said before turning it into a question. Marcus nodded. "Marcus will show your guards how it is done. These guys and Marcus don't fuck around when it comes to marching. In fact they have been honoured by the queen herself for outstanding drill performance. Even the President of the United Stated was impressed by the performance."
"Ok boys you ready?" Marcus shouted in his drill voice.
"Sir, Yes Sir!" Called the six men in unison.
"Listen in. Squad will turn to left in twos. Left turn!" Marcus drilled. "Squad will advance quick march. Left right left. Left Right left. Come on boys got lose your pacing keep in step with me." Luna looked at the small squad as they marched to the half-way mark on the walkway. "Squad will retire, about turn!"
"I'm impressed, they march better then your guards Tia. Maybe we should hire him to train our guards. They could use the discipline. Look at efficiently they move." Luna said as Marcus marched the six manned squad right past them.
"Squad! Halt!" Marcus shouted. The squad halted in sync. "In the open order, right dress!" The front rank took a step forward before lifting their right arm to measure the distance between them and the next man. "Eyes front!" The squad lowered their eyes while snapping their eyes forward. "To your duties, fall out!" With the order given they all turned right in sync before marching three paces before stopping completely and flanked Marcus.
"You must Shining. Your guards need more training. They are pathetic excuse of guards." One of Russian ones said.
"If I might add an opinion, Mr Armour. I would recommend allowing Marcus two weeks to introduce his training program. Maybe you'll get more out of these guards of yours." Said one of the British ones.
"That's a good a idea, what do you think sister?" Luna asked turning the attention to her sister.
"If you think your guards are up for the challenge, let them. Because I guaranty that not one of them will make it through. But enough of nonsense. Aleksey get the men up and tell them that we are throwing a 'end of the voyage party' at Nineteen hundred hours." Marcus said. Aleksey nodded and began walking towards the ship. Marcus then looked at his six men. "Rear rank dismissed go and help Aleksey. Now you three are going to stay with me and push that old girl back to the stern of the ship, so the crane and lift her back up." Not a second was wasted as they got to work immediately to push the old Spitfire back towards the stern. Two men were each side of Spifire's wings ready to push it back. Once the work of command was given, they began to push the plane back.
Twisted Nightmares: Voyage of the unknown
The relaxation before the party
Equestria
Destination: Unknown
2035: human year
15:00 hours by UN Selena's clocks
Docked at unknown harbour. Party hosted aboard UN Selena.
Marcus was sitting on the walkway near the stern of his ship looking out to sea. He admired the smell of the ocean, but something didn't feel right about this entire ordeal. Why would these equines attack humanity and then ask for help with something they can't attack? It didn't make any sense and he didn't whether he should help or kill them for the crime they committed against his kind. He sighed and allowed time to slowly tick to 19:00. But his time being was interrupted by hoof steps.
"Why are you here and not aboard your ship?" A female voice said. Marcus focused on how she spoke.
"Why don't you want me to sit on the walkway? Because I can always walk onto my ship. In fact I don't have to throw a party. But do you why I'm throwing it? It's to allow my men to unwind and relax from the demanding job, and now it's to socialise. By the way I know it's you Luna." Marcus said getting a surprised gasp in response. "How did I know it was you? Well for a start your hoof-steps are heavier then that of a normal Pegasus or a normal pony."
"Now I'm surprised that you can recognise a pony by their hoof step." Luna said stepping a bit closer but stopped when Marcus got up.
"No I'm the one that is surprised with you. For a starter, I killed a few of your guards and you as well as your sister just watched. What ruler does that? I hate your kind for what you've done to mine. Yet, I haven't even attempted to destroy this city. But why aren't you doing anything! I've pulled a weapon to your sister and you've had your chance to arrest me. You could've used your magic, after all I was on your territory. But why? Why didn't you?" Marcus shouted he went to hit Luna but stopped just mere centimetres. Luna did have her ears pinned back ready to feel the hit. But then she saw the hint of fear in Marcus's eyes. It was a small flicker but she noticed it.
"Because your heart knows you can't take an innocent life. Deep down Marcus, I know you only acted on instinct. You were threatened so you reacted. I also know your scared. You may not admit it, but you are my world and you fear the unknown. Like I, when I was aboard your ship. It was new to me and I was standing in front of the very being I indirectly harmed. I couldn't use my magic and I was scared I'll never see my subjects, but you haven't killed me or my sister." Luna said sitting down as Marcus lowered his arm. "I'm thankful that you haven't yet. But deep down you know, you need a better reason to begin killing."
They both where put off by the sound of galloping and by the sound of it, Marcus could tell it was Celestia. He was right. He watched her slide to a halt while magically pulling a sword out of thin air, which was pointed at his throat.
"There's a Princess I would of rather faced, then that quivering mess you were on my ship. As I said to your dear sister, I'm in your territory, so go ahead strike me down." Marcus said looking deep into Celestia's eyes. "I know you want to, just do it."
"Wait sister don't! He didn't do anything to me. We just talking." Luna said coming to Marcus's aid although clearly he didn't need it.
"You going to listen to your sister? Or you just send us back and forget about why you even want us in the first place. Because clearly you hate me and I despise your kind for what they done to humanity, even you two played a part indirectly." Marcus said. Celestia sighed and lowered her weapon.
"Actually your wrong. My sister and I didn't give the order for war. Some else with enough power did." She said.
"If you didn't then how didn't you notice the warships, and how come you were begging me not to shoot them down?" Marcus said feeling like he found a flaw.
"Because they still were my ponies you killed." Celestia said.
"As a matter of fact. I gave the order to shoot. My ship is the one that blew them up. Alright enough of squawking. I'll believe you for now. But we need to find who gave the order. This has to be between us three alone. I won't even notify my crew. So I expect that you'll keep it to yourselves." Marcus said. Celestia nodded as she put the sword back into thin air.
"So you are ok with me being around now?" She asked offering her hoof for a shake. Marcus shook it.
"Yes, but still doesn't drop the fact, I will avenge my daughter." He said. "But answer me this. You two are the most powerful rulers yes? But you especially Celestia, why haven't you took me down?
"Please no more killing on your first day and night here. We will find who started the war on humanity and punish them accordingly, but please in till then no more killing." She said trying to strike something with Marcus. "I don't want to bring harm to you."
"You don't have to. I'll understand If you put me behind bars. Because at the end of the day, your doing what is I expected of a Princess. What me and you do as a job are remarkable similar. I'm the captain of this proud warship, and it's my job to make sure the crew are doing that they are meant to be doing, and to make sure my ship is in perfect conditions. Yes it's small scale compared your jobs." Marcus said. "Look I will admit this is nice place, but how. Every single of of your subjects respect you, and not one has rebelled."
"It's because she is a kind, motherly figure to her subjects, comrade. A role model to them. She uses the Benevolent Dictatorship. They don't rebel because they don't even try to. They adore them." Aleksey said as he joined the conversation, completely unaware of the small bargain they just did. "I see they've changed you slightly. Your are not so hell bent on killing civilians. I guess that's a start. I warn you then Princesses, he can quite stubborn at times." He began to walk off before any of them could speak. Leaving Celestia and Luna confused.
"So that's why no one has rebelled. Your nice to them. But who was the one that gave the order to attack?" Marcus asked beginning to pace back and forth. "It'll come to light soon, as for now I need to be ready for the party. After all it's aboard my ship, and I can't be wearing this." With it said he waved them good-bye as he walked up the plank back to his ship.
"Despite us starting out horribly, I like him. His unpredictable. I like that." Luna stated out of the blue. It was when she got a look off Celestia. "What?"
"Like him in what way?" Celestia asked.
"A friend way of course. But he confuses me. Haven't you noticed how his mood changes with a set circumstance? I can't just blame his training can I? No, I can't. Too many factors can alter someone's mood at any given time. Magic perhaps?" Luna said getting slightly worked up of what is the cause of his mood swings.
"I would be the same if I lost my family to war. As Marcus puts it. The killer watched him give his daughter mercy. That alone would be enough to send me into a rampage. I won't pretend what Marcus feels, but I understand his pain. Living for a 1,000 years doesn't put me at ease. But it's you. He changes mood because of you, your the reason." Celestia said watching Marcus disappear into area where they walked out of several hours ago. She waved and to her surprise she got one back.
"Me? But what do I do to him that somehow alters his emotions?" Luna asked getting confused.
"Not you directly. But remind him of his daughter. From what I heard from Aleksey. Marcus's daughter had your eyes. So to him it feels like he his about to hit his own daughter. Something he never has had to do. He is a good father, I will admit that." Celestia said. "Go a talk to him about it. I'm sure he will talk to you."
Luna looked at the ship, then back at her sister. With a nod she began to walk up the plank and was about to walk into the section where she came out of several hours, but two of Marcus's special forces men spotted her. From a rough estimate one was Russian and the other, she couldn't tell whether he was American or British.
"Where are you off to ma'am?" Said the Russian one.
"I'm here to see Marcus. I need to talk to him." Luna said, she though that they were going to keep the door shut, but to her surprise they opened it. Efficiently and without asking questions. "I like you both already. Unlike our guards you don't ask questions."
"It's not our job to ma'am. We weren't even guarding it. Besides your old enough to look after yourself, plus I bet it's annoying having guards following you around all the time." They said unison once the door was open. "Farewell ma'am we will see you at the party yes?" Luna gave them a nod, before she entered the door. It was closed once she was fully inside.
* * *
Luna began to feel like she has been walking in circles. Everywhere in this ship looks similar and it confused her.
"What are doing down this far ma'am?" Said a voice from behind, she turned around to notice it was another sailor. "Your lost aren't you ma'am?" Luna nodded. The sailor gestured for her to follow.
"I'm looking for Marcus. Can you please help me." Luna asked. The sailor nodded and began to lead her in the right direction. "May I ask, why does everything look the same?"
"It's trickery ma'am. It's because your new to the ship and haven't learned to navigate her hallways. Marcus did his best at organising this ship, I'd say he has done a smashing job. Yeah as I said. You new to the ship, so navigating will be difficult." The sailor said while he gave the tour on the quickest route to where Marcus is. "By the way. Nice to someone who can change Marcus. Believe it or not. But Marcus wasn't always like he is know. He was still the most feared Captain, but he never killed civilians or unarmed soldiers. That all changed when one of your warships wounded his daughter badly, then had the guts to watch him put her out of her pain. Something inside him snapped. He kill anything that stands in his way. That is in till you arrived."
"My sister has already told me. I have Marcus's daughter's eyes. That's why he won't harm me." Luna said immediately knowing where this was going.
"Yes that is true. I watched the little incident that happened a few minutes ago now. He was going to hit you but stopped at your cheek. I advise that you be careful around him because eventually you'll remind him of what he has lost. Oh lucky that were here. Just before you go though. You've set him a challenge to not to kill for a full day right? Good that's a first step. Let's hope this party goes to plan. Goodbye ma'am" the sailor said. He gave Luna a salute before he walked off. Luna looked at the door which read 'Captain's private quarters' she attempted to hear what was inside, but couldn't. She opened the door and was attacked by water vapour as it escaped from the room. She stepped in.
* * *
"Marcus are you in here?" She called as she admired the decorative wallpaper that plastered the dull grey hull of the ship. A creak threw her attention to another door that looked exactly like the door she just walked through but steam was coming out of this one with the sound of running water. 'Seriously what is with these doors? They all look the exact same'. She just pushed this one and it opened. She was greeted with the smell of various scents, it sent her to paradise. That moment didn't last long. Because the sound of running water stopped and she was snapped out of paradise, then realised she was in Marcus's shower room. She frantically looked around for his towel so she could telekinesis it in front of him, but then realise her magic doesn't work on his ship. All she could down was close her eyes. Two wet footsteps was heard.
"Oh, I didn't I had fans that liked to watch me shower." Marcus said clearly being sarcastic. He just stood there un fazed that Luna was standing there. Eyes closed and ears back. But she accidentally opened her eyes and immediately looked at his chest.
"I think I've just found why humans wear clothes." Luna said blushing deeply. Her dark blue fur around her cheeks went crimson from embarrassment. She only heard Marcus chuckle and kept her gaze on his chest. "Could you put something on? I think a towel would be suitable."
"Why what seems to be the issue, you have walked in my room. Besides my towel is all the way in my room. Oh look at that it's just outside this door. Come on." Marcus said as he began to walk off. He started to wrap the towel around the lower half of his body. "You seem tense, come sit down or you can have a shower." Luna shook her head.
"No I didn't come here to use your facilities. I want to know why you can't seem to bring harm to him. I have too many theories reloading around in my mind, but I know that's wrong to assume, so I came to ask you why." Luna said being straight forward. She looked at Marcus and saw he was taking it well so far.
"I guessing you heard the rumours? I assure you they are all true. You do indeed have my daughters eyes. So to me, it feels like lif I harm you I'm harming my daughter. I'm not kind of father. Now you see why. Your sister is probably right. Maybe it's time I let her go and accept she's gone." Marcus said trying to find some relaxing lotion.
"We don't want to you to forget her, we just don't want you bringing harm to our subjects. But I'm terribly sorry for this whole misunderstanding, me and sister didn't start this war between us. I assure you though Marcus. We will help you find who the traitor is among our mist. Enough of this. I got my answer so let's not dwell on it." Luna said watching Marcus. "What are you looking for?"
"Lotion. You know the stuff that smells nice and relaxes your muscles. Oh, I found it." Marcus said pulling a bottle of purple liquid. Half the bottle was empty, but it was still enough. "This is the stuff. If you fall asleep while someone applies this onto your aching joints I wouldn't blame you." Luna eyed the bottle.
"Does it actually work?" She asked. Marcus chuckled before tapping his bed. "What? No, no I couldn't impose."
"Your not, I'm offering you a chance to learn new culture. It's probably similar to your spars if you have any." Marcus said. Luna sighed and got onto the bed.
"Fine just make this quick, it's nearly time for the party that your hosting." She said while she got comfortable. "Whereabouts are you doing this massage?"
"Wherever your most tense. Which area feels like it isn't moving as efficiently as it should?" Marcus asked. Luna moved each part of her body or see which area didn't move as fast as should, she found out that it was her wings.
"It's the wings." She said, Marcus nodded before applying the lotion onto his hand before he rubbed it against his other hand. Once the Luna gave the nod that she was comfortable. Marcus began massaging her wings. He found the wing joint and gently began massaging that. With a light gasp of pain coming of Luna caused Marcus to stop.
"Indeed your wings are over stressed. Mostly due to high G manoeuvres. Your wings look slight damaged as well. The joint needs to be realigned. How long has it been like this?" Marcus asked then he quickly squeezed again to be sure, when Luna gasped in pain and he stopped. "Defiantly, you have dislocated the joint from its socket, I'll have to realign it. But you've been doing moves that your frame can't handle. Haven't you Luna?" She nodded.
"Do you have anything to ease the pain?" She asked.
"In fact I do. It's a little painkiller called morphine. However It can sometimes have nasty side effects. For your case you'll need it." Marcus said. "But would you rather me finish the massage first?" Luna nodded and Marcus continued to gently massage the lotion into her aching joints.
"Is is safe to say that is the best massage ever. Your hands feel so relaxing." Luna said actually getting into the massage despite her not agreeing at the start. Marcus chuckled lightly.
"Don't get any ideas Luna, you have your servants that could do this for me." He said just to see what Luna would say.
"Please, this is the best I've had in years, I've never been so relaxed." Luna said resting her head as Marcus pulled one of his white pillows under her chin. "I wouldn't mind if you sat on my back you know. After all you seem to massaging me in an awkward position, and I can't have that."
"No, I'm not sitting you. Plus if any decides to randomly walk in, it would look weird." Marcus said. When Luna moaned he stopped his massage and threw her a look. "It doesn't help if you moan like that either. I would be rather grateful that you be yourself aboard my ship."
"Out of curiosity, did you do this often with your misses?" Luna said. "Because you are really... Good."
"Actually now that you ask, yes I did. Every time I got back from a voyage I'd host a party and invite the families of my crew, then I'd go home with mine, put the kids to bed. Then I would massage my wife's back as a way of showing my appreciation of her." Marcus said finally stopping for the last time as the lotion had been rubbed in. He got up and headed for his medical cabinet and pulled out a small bottle of morphine and a needle.
"You do realise your still in the towel." Luna said watching his every move from her relaxed position.
"Never mind the towel, I'm more concerned about your wing. I find it fascinating how only one wing seems to have suffer displacement. Does it hurt you when it moves?" Marcus asked and got a quick nod in reply. "Ok then don't move, I need to inject the needle directly into the wing muscle, this will numb the pain faster so I can push it back into place. If you need to scream just do it into the pillow." Luna felt Marcus get back onto the bed and carefully injected the needle into the muscle. The effect was just below the standard dosage, as Marcus didn't know how tolerant her body was to it, she immediately felt numb in her right wing.
"How do you know so much about realigning dislodge.. Aah!" Luna said before screaming in agony into the pillow. Marcus could only hold her steady so she didn't damage her wing further.
"Medical training that's all." Marcus said as she began to recover. "Need another dose?" Luna shook her head and pulled Marcus into a hug.
"No but thanks anyway. I feel much better." She whispered.
Twisted Nightmares: Voyage of the unknown
Ending the party with a Bang
Equestria
Destination: city resembling Manhattan and New York
2035: by time stamp
15:30hrs by UN Selena's clocks
Docked at harbour. Party cancelled at last second. Execution declared for treason.
Once the ordeal was over, Marcus walked over to his clothes rack and pulled off a black pair of trousers, a white polo shirt and a black blazer with a red tie. While he was getting ready for the party he had left Luna on his bed to allow her time to recover. Her injury had damaged her wing joint slightly and Marcus just realigned it. The morphine was now taking its effect as Marcus feared. He didn't know how it would affect her.
"Feeling alright?" He asked as he buttoned the last button on his polo shirt. Luna nodded. "Nothing feel out of the normal. Morphine can have some nasty side effects."
"Side effects? Like what exactly?" She asked getting slightly scared that the painkiller she just took has side effects.
"It depends on the individual. The less common effects are loss in sexual ability, irregular menstrual cycles and list goes on." Marcus said watching Luna's face drop into half surprised and half playful gaze.
"Loss of sexual ability? Well I'll see about that." Luna said in a playful manner as she slowly got off the bed. She wanted to see how Marcus would react. So far all she got was a raised eyebrow. "So morphine will reduce my sexual ability?" She took another step forward and half lidded gaze. She tried to remain in a fake sexual way, so far she was going well. But she didn't want to over do it. When she finally got close enough to Marcus, she noticed that he wasn't bothered by her actions. However she had no more trick on her hoof.
"Luna, I suggest you stop. I'm still a married man. I will betray the vow I made on my wedding day." Marcus said looking directly into Luna's eyes.
"Do you not like me then Weston?" Luna teased as she purposely flanked Marcus. She controlled her tail so she could gently lift Marcus's head with a gentle push. He still didn't seemed to be falling. "Can't a mare have fun?"
"I'm still bounded by code Luna. I will not break that code of honour I've pledged to my wife." Marcus said and mentally sighed when Luna dropped the act. She looked impressed.
"I'm impressed. Most stallions would usually. You know fall it." She said but then realised she felt awkward after saying that.
"And you would know that how exactly? Oh don't tell me Princess." Marcus said playfully as he loaded a full magazine into his M9 and then put the hostler just under his left arm. He then checked that the safety cache was on and then put the handgun in the holster followed by putting the Blazer. "Before you ask, no I don't plan on using the weapon. Everyone knows that I carry a weapon around at all times. Plus I have a bad vibe." Luna was curiously watching the weapon.
"Yet, you promised that you shall not kill." She said.
"Who said I'll kill the target with the weapon? I'll injure them with it, but not kill. When I make a promise, I keep that promise. I assure you this though Luna. If the target is indeed a threat and they are aboard my ship, they will be dealt with by my customs. This is my ship and my duty is to protect those who are aboard her." Marcus said walking to the door. "So are coming or you just going to sit there looking pretty for no reason?"
"But you still won't kill them right?" Luna asked while she walked to the door then an idea popped into her mind. "I want to play a prank on my sister. Can you help me with that." Marcus didn't like where this was going, but he could use this bit of laughter.
"Ok then what's the idea? Please don't be a bucket of ice cold water on top of a partially opened door." He said. But was shocked when Luna shook her head. "No? Then what is it?" This caused Luna to shuffle uncomfortable but assured herself.
"We are going to pretend that we... Erm you know?" Luna said hoping that Marcus understood where she was doing with this. He did, but he just shook his head to tease her.
"I do believe I'm not on the same tracks, please inform me of your plan to prank your sister." Marcus said mentally chuckling at how Luna just sat there wide eyed in disbelieve. He knew perfectly want she was on about, but he wanted to have a little fun himself before the big prank. "I'm joking Luna. I know what your on about. To be honest I didn't think you would be thinking of this sort of thing."
"So you'll go along with it? I just want to see my sisters reaction." Luna said and got a nod of Marcus. He had a vague guess of what Celestia may do to him.
"If you want make look slightly realistic, you'll need to look like your sweating and your mane and tail need to be all over the place." Marcus said before he realised what he just said.
"And how do you know this? Do you and your wi..." Luna was about to say before being silenced by Marcus's hand.
"And you don't need to know what me and my wife did behind closed doors. Ok? Do you wish for your sister to believe that is prank is real? Then go with it." Marcus said. Luna nodded. Marcus then started to fluff out her mane and attempted to make it look messy. "How good are you at acting?"
"I'm very good, I've actually managed to act drunk and Celestia thought I was drunk." Luna said with a matter of fact tone. "However I don't think I can act like we've you know? Because I've never had it before. So I have nothing to relate it to." Marcus thought about weather it would work or not.
"Act like your hind legs are like jelly." He said and got a raised eyebrow in return. "Do you want to fool your sister or not?" Luna nodded. Before they walked out the door, Marcus shut the light off and then when they stepped out the room he shut the bulkhead door, followed by twisted the lock to engage the locking mechanism.
* * *
Luna's mane caught the attention of Marcus's men with ease, each one that walked passed would jump back a step before commenting Luna's mane, before she then told them she was going to prank her sister. Finding Celestia was easier then expected, but the her reaction was not what Marcus expected. In fact it was the opposite. Because of being over protective like Marcus thought she'll be. She actually looked at them with a smug grin before disappearing somewhere by the rear cannon, which was off limits in-till he gave his speech. Falling for the trick Luna and Marcus followed her around to the stern of the ship. What he saw made him face-palm at the pun Celestia was implying. Luna on the other hand didn't get why her sister was wearing a saddle.
"Well Marcus aren't you going to mount me? This is a human custom, no?" Celestia said trying her best not to laugh. Marcus just stood there unamused, while Luna was practically in tears on the floor laughing like a mad mare.
"Celestia what are you doing? Take it off, your going to embarrass yourself." Marcus said trying to get Luna back up. "I'm surprised you managed to the saddle on. But tell me this. If Equines are the dominant species of this land. Then why do you need saddles?" Celestia looked stumped.
"Perhaps it just makes them feel sexier." Aleksey said as he came round the other side of the stern. He continued to closer. Once he joined the small group he noticed Celestia blush slightly.
"Aleksey could you get that off her, before I start the announcements." Marcus said before he turned around and began to start heading towards the bow of his ship. Aleksey turned his attention back to Celestia and folded his arms.
"May I ask, what were you hoping to achieve by wearing a saddle?" He asked just as Marcus turned in front of the forward cannons. "Please don't tell me, you were expecting him to actually climb onto the saddle. You were weren't you?" Celestia nodded.
"Why? What's wrong with him?" She asked.
"I don't know the full story, but Marcus used to ride horses when he was around twelve years old. It was when he was fifth-teen, he was thrown of his horse and came close to breaking his spine. Since then he has never recovered and can never bring back the courage the climb into a saddle." Aleksey said. Luna stopped laughing and got up slowly. All the laughing had weakened her slightly.
"What? That's horrible." Luna exclaimed.
"Back on Earth, horses aren't the most intelligent of creatures. So I wouldn't be too surprised. I do feel sorry for him though. He has had to take special tablets to help restrengthen his spine. His fine now, but he could of been paralysed." Aleksey said realising his folded arms.
"Oh, I didn't know Marcus had a fear of riding. Shame. After all the trouble I went through to get it on." Celestia said before she had an idea. "Aleksey would you mind just getting into the saddle? Please, I don't want this moment to be wasted." Aleksey looked at her shocked.
"That's a little low, even for you. Don't get me wrong your a great and powerful mare, but wearing a saddle when your species are the intelligent ones, that raises questions." Aleksey said, which caused Luna to burst out in laughter in laughter. Said laughter attracted two of Marcus's Shadow team members.
"Oh it's you, Sir. We thought some of the sailors snuck back here. Never mind us, we will just continue our patrol." One of them said.
"Before you do go. State your names. Please." Aleksey ordered. Celestia and Luna watched as they both formed into one rank without asking a question. One stepped forward and stomped his foot.
"Leon Rhys, sir. I operate the British L115A3 sniper. One of the British-men in the shadow team." Rhys said before saluting then stepping back followed by a stomp. Next was the other man.
"Boleslav, sir. I operate the Dragunov SVD-12. One of the Russians in the shadow team." Boleslav said, repeating what Leon did. They both were dismissed and began to walk off, leaving Aleksey, Celestia and Luna alone.
"Give her a nice ride will you, sir!" Leon said before they both ran around the remaining part of the stern as fast as they were trained. Aleksey shook his head before he turned back to face Celestia, who was now blushing furiously. Luna was trying her best not to hurts back into her laughing fit.
"Fine, but only because I want to surprise that bastard." Aleksey said while he looked for the stirrups. Once he did he climbed up like a pro. Luna looked at him surprise. "What? I quote this 'I don't want this moment to go to waste' so then Celestia I'm i too heavy?" Celestia merely shook her head.
"No, but you best hold on then if you want me to gallop." She said before she reared up before launching into a full gallop in pursuit of the two men. Which didn't take long, they were already half way to the ships bow. Celestia focused a little bit more while she increased her speed, Aleksey on the other hand was holding on with one hand. When they galloped past Twilight and friends, he watched their reaction before he chuckled. He noticed that Celestia was slowly getting slower, so he leaned forward so that her ear was right by his face.
"Come on Tia, you can do it. Just a little more!" Aleksey encouraged hoping that it work. Celestia puffed a little before galloping as fast as she could go. The two shadow members noticed them gaining and picked up their pace before throwing a table in the way. Celestia just jumped over that with ease and she landed with two loud clanks. They turned the bend on the port side of the ships bow and ran past Shining Armour and Princess Cadence. Just ahead they saw Marcus half way up the hull of the ship with Luna catching up to him. But Celestia watched Marcus effortlessly catch his two men, before she slid to a grinding halt then rearing up and whinnied. The crowd behind her clapped, when she turned around she noticed it was Twilight and her friends.
"One thing for certain Tia, you know how to make an entrance. And what did you two do to her?" Marcus said while letting his two men go.
"Nothing, sir. We just complimented Aleksey, when he mounted the saddle on Celestia's back. Which I applaud you ma'am, for a princess you can move." Leon said. That was enough. Luna was back on the floor laughing. "What wrong with her."
"The word mounted, seems to be the cause of it all." Aleksey said as he carefully dismounted off the saddle and Celestia. Once he did, he loosened the straps holding the saddle to Celestia before undoing them, followed by taking it off completely. "Well there you go, you asked to be ridden, so you've been ridden. Although you may need to lay off whatever your eating. It's effecting your stamina. Water is down in the mess hall if you need some." Aleksey was stopped by Shining. "Greetings comrade, what can I do for you?"
"Aleksey, your a natural. Tell me. How'd you managed to hold on with one hand?" Celestia asked, once more getting Aleksey's attention.
"My dear friend Aleksey, back in his youth, used to live on a ranch. Which trained horses. So that's why he knows what to do when comes to the saddle." Marcus said brushing off some of Celestia fur that somehow got onto his blazer. "Mrs Cadence would you mind helping us get the food stands set up in the correct arrangements. I'll need to do my announcement at half seven and it's now quarter past. And you two are the sniper-men? Good, get your weapons and climb those two cranes and watch the party. Stay in radio contact." Marcus located a table out of place then pushed it into place following the diagram he set up earlier. Aleksey then began to assist.
* * * *
With all them helping at once, the ships deck was ready for the party in precisely five minutes. They could already see the large crowd of the crew walking towards the stern. Since there was more room to form up. Marcus had alright prepared the speech. Now he counted the mares and the one stallion aboard the ship. Pinkie Pie was still missing. 'I thought Miss Sparkle said there was six elements of harmony, where is Miss Pie then?' Never minded it for too long, he still arrange the quests to the side of the platoon. Who fall silent.
"Good evening Gents and Ladies! We are gathered here tonight to symbolise, yet another victorious voyage! And to celebrate our success. I have decided to throw a party. Like always. However this year we have very special guests. These guests you may have already meet and talked to today. Those of you who haven't. I'm going to introduce you to them. Please welcome aboard Princess Celestia, Princess Luna and Princess Cadence." Marcus said in a perfect army drill tone. The crew applauded before a hand gesture for them to be quiet was signalled. "And to finish off, I welcome aboard: Miss Twilight Sparkle, Miss RainbowDash, Miss Rarity, Miss Applejack, Miss Fluttershy, Miss Pinkamena Diane Pie, who isn't here as of yet, and finally Mr Shining Armour." With another clap the mentioned ponies walked towards Marcus in an organised manner before they stopped. Turning so they faced the crew before they waved.
As if it was planned the rear cannon somehow fired party streamers from each barrel, then middle one clicked and clanked while the barrel lifted a full 45° before firing once more. But what confused everyone was the fact that the cannon fired nothing but a spinning pink Sphere that was hovering just 10inches away from the barrel. Without warning it stopped. It was a pink pony, with a messed Darker pink mane and tail. It was similar to AppleJack in terms with it didn't have a horn or wings. Eventually it landed.
"Pinkie!" The five other elements exclaimed in sync as they all hugged one another. Marcus and his entire crew all looked at the barrel of the cannon before looking at pinkie.
"Sir, we aren't drunk are we? Or did we see that mare shoot herself out of that barrel." Said one of crew members.
"If I may add comrade. Isn't it impossible for her to squeeze through that 8inch diameter barrel. It's only designed to fire the shells that are 8inches." Said one of the four remaining members of the shadow team as two of them were on sniper duty. Marcus gave the gesture for him to come on the makeshift stage to introduce himself.
"I'll now introduce the guests to my special forces team. If you have a problem with guests, speak to these guys and then they'll speak to me. Same to you Princesses, if a problem occurs speak to these guys who I'll introduce to you know. Then they will pass it up to me." Marcus said getting nods off all of them. One of the Shadow members stepped forward, and slow marched to Marcus. He halted followed with a salute before about turning.
"My name is Dmitriy. I'm one of two of the Russian personal in the shadow team. My weapon of choice is the AK-12, with moderation to shoot 7.62mm round. I'm a rifleman in the squad. It is my duty, to protect the rest. However, we all play a vital. We are a team." Dmitriy said before marching back into his place. One more stepped forward and repeated the process. Celestia was impressed with how they executed each movement efficienctly. But she whispered into Marcus's ear to halt him. Marcus did exactly that.
"May I ask you question sailor?" Celestia asked him.
"Ask me anything, ma'am." The shadow member said standing tall and proud.
"What is the purpose of this introduction?" Celestia said asking one last question.
"It's called a ice-breaker, ma'am. The purpose of it is to introduce yourself with confidence, ma'am. Any more question you'll like to ask, ma'am?" He asked, but this irked Shining a little. The Shadow member noticed this from the corner of his eye.
"Thanks, no I have no more questions. You may continue your ice-breaker." Celestia said stepping a few paces back, so the shadow member could step forward and he did followed with his about turn.
"My name is Aiden Arthur. I'm one of two of the British-men in the shadow team. My weapon of choice is the British L85A2. Like Dmitry, I'm the rifleman and demolition man." Aiden said then repeated the process that Dmitry did.
"Ok, let's get this over with, the last remaining two, front and centre!" Marcus ordered. As sharp as possible the two remaining members marched in sync, halting in sync, and saluted in sync. One stepped forward.
"My name is Rafael Cayden, my weapon of choice is M32 MGL. I'm the explosive expert in the squad, it is my job to remove any obstacle that stands in our way." Rafael said. Now the last man stepped forward.
"Frank Scott is My name, and my weapon of choice is the M4A1, I'm one of the Americans in the squad, the other is Aiden, and just like Aiden over there. I'm the rifleman. And my duty is just the same, to protect." Frank said. Then they marched back. Marcus stepped forward.
"Alright boys and girls, enjoy tonight, and have fun. Platoon dismissed!" He said and watched as his entire crew did a right turn in sync before doing a three paced march before dispersing in all directions. But Frank walked to Marcus as Celestia, Luna and Shining Armour just joined him.
"Sir, may I respectfully ask where Leon and Boleslav are." Frank asked.
"They are both on sniper duty tonight, they are also testing prototype scopes which scan the mind of the target while giving personal info." Marcus said. The he turned to the Princesses. "Crime does happen here right? This place can't be all peaceful." To his surprise Luna nodded.
"Equestria has fallen under darkness. Ponies are committing crimes. Breaking into each other's houses, assualt one another and..." Celestia said stopping herself on the last word. However her attention was caught by a beep. It was Marcus's small radio.
"Marcus do you read, it's Leon. I have a fix on a stallion coming to the harbour. He is in full gallop. Scope his saying he is a wanted fugitive. Hold on it's coming with what he is thinking... He is after Miss Sparkle, he wants to molest her, sir. Permission to fire." Leon said. Celestia gasped. Marcus looked at Shining then Twilight. She heard all of it and was now by Aleksey, who just handed his unloaded AK-12, she was staying as close to him as possible without getting in his way. The other sailors were about to assist, but were gesture to act like nothing was out the norm.
"Negative, hold fire! Switch weapon ready to fire, but what for my signal. Make sure its a rubber round first. I want this bastard alive." Marcus said as he unholstered his M9 from under his right arm, he pulled the working parts to the rear. He then pointed to Shining Armour. "Come with me. I'll show you how we punish those that sin against the innocent. Your sister is at risk." With it said Marcus and Shining began to casually began walking to the were the staircase allowed people to get on and off the ship.
"Why are you doing this? I mean Twilight is my sister, so it's my job to protect her." Shining asked slightly concerned.
"Because it'll look bad on me, if your sister was molested aboard my ship I didn't do anything. Look, you may look at me and hate me. But no one will bring harm to the Princesses and the elements on our watch." Marcus said halting the both them and gestures to crouch down and use the Ships belt guards as cover. "Leon, you clear to fire when he steps hoof on the ship." His radio beeped quietly this time since he lowered the volume.
"Target is at walking pace, sir. Stallion's fur colour is mud brown, he has no mark on his flank. Ok, he is walking up the boardwalk. Disgusting bastard! Sir, permission to fire." Leon said. Shining knew what was going on, he stood up but only got pulled back down by Marcus.
"Permission granted fire through his tail hot him where it hurts, me and Shining Armour will arrest the bastard and interrogate him." Marcus said granting the fire order.
"Firing in. 3...2...1. Shot fired." Leon said before he pulled the trigger back. A loud bang followed by a scream signalled Marcus and Shining to sprint the remaining distance on the ship's belt.
* * *
Moments later Marcus and Shining Armour came round the corner to the ship's stern, with Marcus carrying the stallion over his left shoulder, his weapon still drawn in his right hand. Once they were in front of Celestia, Marcus threw him onto the deck with a loud thud. He then raised his left arm and gestured for Leon to fire. The shot came. It ripped though the stallion's thigh with ease.
"Who is your contact!" Marcus shouted down his ear before pulling the ear. The stallion remained silent, and just in time one of Marcus's many sailors had brought a bucket of ice water. Marcus grabbed the stallion's mane before forcing his head into the bucket, in-till only the muffled gargles could be heard. Marcus then pulled him back out. "Last chance who is you point of contact!" The stallion still remained quiet. This only aggravated Marcus more, so he shot him right in the leg joint. "Not a talker then? You will be if your family is in danger."
Dmitry, Aiden, Rafael and Frank placed a cream white unicorn mare with two foals clutching onto her legs. Shining looked at Marcus and then his sister. He remembered what Marcus said on the way back. 'She may not be mine to look after, but know this Shining I will defend the innocent with burning fire. Twilight has done nothing wrong, and anyone that tries to harm her. And her friends will be dealt with by his hand.' For once he understood why Marcus was like this. Loosing someone close to you is painful, but having a family member assaulted or raped and nothing was done about it. Would be enough to cause deep regret and anger.
"Marcus I see your motives, but do you have to bring his family into this?" Shining asked.
"I won't kill them Shining. I've made a vow to Luna that I shall not kill. I did so in the old English language that she once spoke in. Spilling innocent blood is long gone. But if he wishes to see his family unharmed, he will talk." Marcus said calming slightly as he turned his attention to Shining. Twilight however was still by Aleksey's leg and she was beginning to quiver. Not even her friends could calm her, Celestia was trying her best as well. Marcus continued his torture. He dunked the stallion's head back into the ice-water. He once more pulled him back out. "Who is your point of contact!" The stallion only just noticed that his family was sitting behind the ice-bucket. His wife clearly didn't look happy, but his kids were scared.
"Please let them go. It me you want not them." The stallion said.
"Yes, I know. I give you my word, they'll walk away from this ship unharmed. But if you don't tell me a why, you had this twisted intension to rape Miss Sparkle aboard my ship. Then you'll watch your family be tortured." Marcus said. He clicked his fingers and the two American shadow members came out the shadows behind the Stallion's wife and two foals. Their weapons drawn. "Your wife is a unicorn is she not? Hmm. Pity, somehow magic doesn't work aboard my ship. Otherwise she could of teleported herself off this ship. But since she can't."
Dmitry had just walked around the corner after being ordered to get a handheld circular saw. Said saw was handed to Marcus, while he walked over to the two Americans and on the word of command, the two Americans separated the foals while Dmitry held the mare steady. Marcus activated the battery powered handheld circular saw. The with all her might struggled to break free from the Russian's grip. The saw was know only a millimetre away when the stallion called for him to stop. Marcus turned the saw off. He noticed Shining had control of the stallion. He gave a nod.
"Please, I'll tell you. Just let them go!" The stallion pleaded. Marcus looked at Twilight. She was still shivering but was looking at him. Marcus waved her over. Twilight hesitated but Celestia began to walk towards him instead.
"Information first or no deal." Marcus said as he know unholstered the handgun again, then pushed it into unicorns cheek. "Why attempt to rape Miss Sparkle? And who is, your point of contact!" The mare glared at her husband. Marcus noticed this. "Didn't you know?" The mare shook her head. Now the stallion knew he was in trouble.
"Not only did you try to rape my sister, but you kept it hidden from your wife?" Shining said clearly disappointed.
"Why? Don't you love us anymore? Am I not good enough for you? So you go out and try to rape other mares." The mare said getting upset, Marcus released the push of the weapon and allowed her freedom. In return she just jumped into a hug while sobbing into Marcus shoulder. While this was happening he waved one of the crew over. Marcus told her, he needed to get to the bottom of this and she went over the to crew member with her foals following her.
"My word has been upheld. Your family will go home free of harm. However now it's your turn. Who is your point of contact? Who is it. I want a name, a address and who they work for." Marcus said, getting closer to the stallion. His weapon clearly showing and ready to fire.
"I don't know his name, all I know is he lives in Canterlot. But he is going to sweet apple acres about something." The stallion said. Marcus looked at AppleJack.
"Didn't you mention, your family runs a apple orchard? Is it by any chance the one this guy mentioned." Marcus asked her. AppleJack nodded. He turned back to the stallion. "Unfortunately it is now up to Celestia, Luna, Twilight and your wife, what happens to you."
"Kill him!" Twilight said out the blue and went to dive at the injured stallion, but Aleksey caught her in midair with his free arm, his AK pointing at the ground. She squirmed fiercely. The remaining other element bearers were shocked at their friends outburst. The cream mare tapped Marcus leg to get his attention. Once he turned around she handed him a elegant looking ring. She noticed his left hand had gold ring around the ring-finger.
"I see your already married. At least you've upheld your vow unlike him over there. If I had my choice, I'll rather see him suffer. But he is aboard your ship." She said and then began to walk off. But she stopped and looked behind to look at Marcus again. "Thanks." A crewman escorted her and her two foals off the ship. Marcus was left to look at Celestia and then Luna, who had just come over to see what she handed him.
"That's an expensive ring, most likely forged in Canterlot. I've only seen a few of them myself." Luna said getting a few looks in return. "What? Is it wrong to see which ring I like and dislike?" They all chuckled lightly expect for the stallion. Marcus looked at Celestia, he whispered sorry to her. Then he walked to the stallion and stood behind him. He took a deep breath before lifting the M9 to the back of the stallion's skull.
"For your crime against the crown, you have been declared guilty. Any objections from the crown?" Marcus asked. He looked at Celestia, Luna, Shining and now Cadence.
"Guilty."
"Guilty."
Shining looked at his younger sister once more. Then nodded. "Guilty."
"What do you plead Cadence?" Marcus asked. Cadence was about to answer but Twilight had already informed her what just happened."
"I plead him not guilty." The resulting answer caught a load of gasps. "Every deserves a second chance."
"Three to one. Your out voted Cadence." Marcus said. Celestia weakly nodded.
"I'm sorry Cadence, but Equertria is no longer the peaceful place we once knew. Something is causing them to rebel. But Marcus, I grant you permission for a say in this." She said. Marcus could she her eyes getting misty again.
"By the act of Ministry of Defence act of 2029. Any crime that is about to be committed is punishable by dishonourable discharge of the Armed Forces of any nation, followed by an immediate execution." Marcus said remembering when the act was introduced. "I declare you guilty." Not a second was longer was wasted. Marcus pulled the trigger of his M9. The round enter its victim's skull and killed him instantly. Blood oozed from the entry hole. Marcus was shaking and he didn't know why. But he looked at the element bearers then the three Princesses and Shining Armour. They were looking at him. All he did was took a deep breath. "Party dismissed." He then walked of up the belt of the ship. But all of sudden, thunder clapped from the now darkening sky. Rain was running out from the sea and getting closer to ship.
Twisted Nightmares: Voyage of the unknown
Equestria
Destination: city named as Manehattan
2035
15:45hrs Still going by the clocks aboard the Selena
Docked at Harbour. Unexpected storm consisting of hail stones and heavy rain
Marcus stormed through his dorm door after the incident that just occurred. So many thoughts were attacking Marcus's mind and he couldn't think straight. He slammed his door shut, but instead it ricochet back a bit which left it slightly ajar. He then stood in front of is cabinet. A letter addressed to him was left on it. The letter was by his wife. Marcus's heart seemed to have skipped a beat. He opened the letter and began to read. The ink was red. Marcus knew what it meant. Red is when someone passed away.
"Dear Marcus
If you are reading this now, then you are aware that I've passed away. However I had a few things I wanted to get off my chest before I did. First of all I was diagnosed with a rare disease that is yet to be named. The Doctors over in Germany said there was nothing they could do to cure it, and I had only twenty-four hours before the pathogen would attack my brain. Secondly I'm proud to be married to you. I've never been more proud of myself. I have a loving husband and a son. Last of all, I'll like to inform you that a mare came into my dreams. She was dark blue with a flowing mane filled with stars, but unlike a normal mare, she had a horn and wings with a picture of the moon on her flank. She informed me where you are. I'm happy that your helping them, just promise me this. Win their war. Help them restore their world back to its peaceful self. And one last thing. Our son has been offered a place to stay by Aleksey mom. So tell him I said thanks. So I'll see you on the other side sweetheart. Live your life and never regret anything. And please talk to this mare." Marcus said reading the letter out loud. A tear escaped his eye.
* * *
Rain hammered down on the UN Selena's deck, drenching everyone in seconds. The blood from the body began to be washed away as the excess water began to flow off of the ship. By that moment Aleksey had seen the last of the crew in, followed by the Princesses, element bearers and the Captain of Celestia's guards. Before he shut the door and locked everyone inside the ship. He turned round to see a load of concerned faces from the guests. However two gunshots caught all their attention. Aleksey knew were it came from.
"Marcus!" He shouted before running as fast as he could while he tightened the AK's sling so he could run with it. Once it was down, he belted down the hallways with Shining Armour, Twilight and Luna in pursuit. He found turned hard left and nearly tripped in the process, he regained his posture in razor sharp time and continued running.
"For bipedal, creatures they move remarkably fast when they want to." Twilight stated while she and the other two galloped after Aleksey. Who now just stopped in front of a bulkhead door. He moved the two levers so the bolt was half way past the door. A click signalled that one lock was removed, he repeated the process on the lower lever. It too clicked and he pushed the door open before, belting it down the hallway. Music could be heard playing. Judging by the flute and bagpipes, it was an instrumental. Aleksey recognised it as the theme to the Titanic. Hymn to the sea. Twilight watched him turn hard right. The music was beginning to get louder. Eventually Aleksey halted them outside Marcus's door. They noticed the music was coming from here and the door was slightly ajar, with darkness owning the room. With a deep breath Aleksey un clipped the sling so it allowed the weapon to move while still being attached to him. He pushed the door open slowly with help off Shining.
The lights to Marcus's room were off, so when Aleksey turned them on, they flickered on before eventually switching themselves on and off. Twilight gulped as she walked past Aleksey unaware. When the lights flickered on, she jumped back into Aleksey but before she could scream at the blood puddle, he had already silenced her with a hand over her mouth.
"Sshh. Don't scream. That's the worst thing you can do in a situation like this." Aleksey whispered causing Twilight to gasp quietly.
"How many times has Marcus been like this?" She asked while maintaining the whisper.
"Twice now. We just need to talk to him." Aleksey said letting go of Twilight and then slowly walking forward to the blood puddle, but a dark silhouetted human figure caught his attention instead. Aleksey noticed that the figure was wearing a hooded cape. "Comrade, talk us. We can help you." The figure slowly turned to face Aleksey and the others. The hood was removed from over the figures face and revealed Marcus in a near self mutilated state. His face had a cut running from his above his right eye, down to his right cheek. The object to blame was the survival knife that was idle hanging in Marcus's left hand. Even his hand was stained with blood which then dripped onto the floor. His eyes were red from something. Luna knew what caused. So she stepped forward slowly while keeping an eye on Marcus.
"Marcus can you hear me? Please stop this." She said stepping one step closer. "Remove the cape, please." Marcus was hesitant at first but he dropped the blade then slowly removed the cape.
"Twilight, darling where are you?" Called a voice from outside of the door. Aleksey turned round and opened the door slowly. Rarity was outside of the door. "May I come in darling?" Aleksey debated with himself but he still opened the door, only to immediately put his hand over mouth to prevent her screaming. He whispered for her to be quiet and to not make any loud noises while Marcus is in this state. She nodded then Aleksey released her. She looked at Marcus's bed a gasped weakly. His bed was suppose to have four poles with flags at the top of them. However one flag pole was broken three quarters of the way with the rest of the pole on the bed.
"Oh my." Twilight said when the cape hit the floor and revealed the rest of Marcus's body. The left side of his shirt was ripped with four gash marks which blood slowly ran down the now reddening shirt. Whereas the right side was unaffected. But his right arm, like the rest of his body had two long gashes going from the bicep to elbow. He just stood there like nothing was out of the ordinary. But when Luna took on more step forward, he stepped backwards. Luna noticed this and made a mental note where the door to the shower room was, then she took another pace. Just as expected Marcus took another step back. She kept repeating the process in till Marcus was in the shower.
"First of all, you are having a shower. Then I'm going to treat your wounds like you did my wing, then we are going to have a nice chat." She said as she finally stepped in the shower room with Marcus directly under the shower. If only her magic would work aboard the ship, but for some reason it doesn't. She cast that aside and took one last step forwards, this cause Marcus to step back and turn the shower, drenching both of them. At fist like all showers, the water came out cold then gradually got warmer. With her plan finally in motion she managed to get close enough to Marcus so she could take off the damaged shirt. She found a yellow sponge on a little shelf just above her. She reared up to get it before dampening it. She got to work of clearing Marcus's cuts.
* * *
"What's taking them so long? Don't you have a schedule to keep up with?" Twilight asked getting impatient.
"I've already told you. There was meant to be a party from half seven to eleven o'clock, but since it rained after... Well you what happened. Everyone has been stood down." Aleksey said while he did a NSP of his weapon without his mag in the weapon. "So Shining. This your first time aboard a military vessel?"
"First and only time aboard a military vessel. Equestria doesn't have these type of ships. To be honest, the alien ships as what you call them. Aren't even ours. We captured a few of them from the Griffin's. It originally shot small stones at high speeds. That alone was enough to kill. But we modified the cannon to fire heat using a magical charm." Shining said watching Aleksey strip the weapon. "Then we started loosing ponies faster then gaining this machines, so with are remaining 'spacecraft' we attacked you humans in hope, you'll follow us into the gateway and lead us to victory."
"So this was all a hoax so, one of our warships could enter the gateway, to help you win a war against the Griffin nation?" Aleksey said just as gently pulled the gas plug from his AK. "Bold but impressive, yet what makes you thing one of our cruisers is enough? Answer me this then. Why attack the innocent?"
"Actually believe it or not. The orders were to fire but miss military ships. But as I am now aware, someone changed the order, and whoever it was. They had higher clearance then mine." Shining said. "As for the one ship thing. We are aware of how much devastation one human warship can do."
"A traitor amongst your ranks is bad for the guard you know that? But you've got two human warships, which both have a secret weapon that is authorised to used with extreme force. The other ship, goes by HMS Frostbite. That ship carries experimental Liquid Nitrogen shells. Whereas this ship carries Hydrogen shells. To sum it all up. The HMS Frostbite will freeze you solid, and this ship will wipe clear an entire city in seconds." Aleksey said. A faint knock on the bedroom door got his attention, he groaned as he got up and made his way to the door. Once he opened it. Celestia and the other four elements of harmony were standing there. "Welcome to the bedroom, where dreams become a reality." He said sarcastically. Celestia led the rest into Marcus's room.
"Where has my sister gone?" She asked. She was halfway to the shower room door. Before she noticed the blood she began to panic.
"Fear not. That's Marcus blood, not Luna's blood. In fact Luna is cleaning Marcus in the shower. If you managed to catch up earlier, you would of seen what state he was in. It took your sister to get Marcus into the shower. Hopefully she has brought him back to normal." Aleksey said assuring Celestia. It seemed to be working. In-till Marcus sprinted out of the shower room with only a towel on.
"That went too far Luna! What would your sister think?" He shouted but when he turned his head to face his front, he slid to a halt while holding the towel so it didn't fall down. He stood in front of said mare. Never minding her he looked at his bed quickly ran and slid under his bed and waited for Luna to come out of the shower room.
"Marcus! I'm not finished with you yet! Get back here!" She shouted and then began to pace around the room unaware that she was being watched by the others. She found the water prints from Marcus's wet feet and followed them to the bed. Marcus silently cursed, but he got lucky and found a ball. 'Since when did I have a ball under my bed?' He thought before he threw the ball as a distraction. It worked so far. Luna looked to were the source of the sound came from which then gave Marcus time to get from under the bed. "You can't hide from me forever!" Marcus quietly creeped back towards the shower room but stopped in fear when Luna looked directly into his eyes. "Found you!" Marcus dashed into the shower and closed the door followed by locking it. He turned around to come nose to nose to Luna.
"How'd you get in? I closed the door!" He said in belief. Luna only lightly chuckled.
"Deception. I used a little spell that required little to no magic. A deception spell that allows the caster to project a copy of themselves while they are hidden. Did you really think you could get away from that easy?" She said and raised her right hoof which had the sponge. "Now come, drop the towel."
"No way! Your fucking crazy if you think I'm dropping this towel with you here. I knew you were up to something when you tried to take my trousers off. No offence your nice a girl, but I'd rather shower myself." Marcus said refusing the order of the princess.
"I'm only trying to pay you back for the massage you gave me earlier. Now I command you to drop the towel." Luna demanded. Marcus still refused. "Really? Your being immature about this. Just drop the towel."
"No and that's final. Besides I haven't got fur unlike you." Marcus said standing his ground. But to his relief Celestia opened the door. "Call of your sister, is turned into a fucking blood hound. She demands I drop the towel." Celestia just stopped and stared at both of them. Marcus seized his new chance and slid underneath Celestia and back into his bedroom. "Ha! No way your getting me back in that shower. Fuck that!"
"Language darling." Said a voice from behind him, he risked a glance. It was none other then Rarity. "May I make a suggestion? Just let the towel go."
"I wouldn't. You don't understand. Humans don't have fur to conceal our reproductive organs." Aleksey said trying his hardest to withhold his laughter. Marcus on the other hand was rummaging through his drawer and pulled out a normal pair of boxers. Not a second was wasted. He had them on in record speed.
"Ha! Can't get me back in the shower now. I'm getting dressed. Ha." Marcus said taunting Luna, but stopped when he notice she had the 'try me' look.
"Marcus... You shouldn't taught my sister." Celestia warned as she noticed that look in Luna's eyes. "Plus it's a bad Idea to get on the wrong side of her." Marcus just sighed.
"Shame, I've already finished getting dressed." He said as he finished buttoning up his clean shirt, which looked exactly identical to the other one. He switched his gaze to other six mares and Shining. "Can't a man have class. I was born into a wealthy family. But unlike the others I'm not a stuck up bastard, like the fellow you mentioned Rarity."
"Do you have a cane to go with that?" Rarity asked. Marcus opened a secret latch in the floor and pulled out a sinister looking cane. It's hilt was slightly less curved then normal, but it was the stick itself that caught her attention. It was the second royal tank regiment's motto. 'Fear nought'. But what really shock her was when Marcus unclipped something, he pulled the handle and it slid away from the stick and revealed a silver sword.
"So who is up for bit of fun, unless you want me to go mental again?" Marcus asked giving the sword a quick swish through the air. To his surprise Rainbow Dash had her hoof up. So being fair, he pulled up the sword that was in its secret place just the side of his canes secret latch. He handed the blade to Rainbow, before he put one arm behind his back and stood in the fencing position. "No injuring one another. The blade is to stop before it makes contact with the flesh, and aim for the blade." Aleksey soon gave the order when Rainbow Dash copied Marcus stance. Rainbow was the first to strike but ended with a deflect of Marcus. Who then did quick and aggressive moves against Rainbow's blade. Her balance was getting thrown over the place. In till she turned the tables. She used fast but weak moves to confuse Marcus.
"Now who's confidence is there downfall?" She said but regretted it was Marcus swiped her blade in half. He place his cane sword back into its sheath.
"Know the strength and weakness of your blade. In a fight that blade may save your life.." He said picking up the shattered blade. "It's best to know what metal your opponents blade is made of. But other then that. Well done." He offered his hand to shake. She respectfully shook it.
"May I ask what the time is?" Celestia asked while trying to look for the clock. Instead Marcus checked his watch.
"It's 8:30pm by my watch... Oh sugar I should of have the ship back out at sea. Aleksey notify the crew immediately! No offence I don't don't trust being here, I prefer being near the countryside. Besides the nights are the best time to sail through, in my opinion." Marcus said as he moved the broken pole of his bed. "Cadence and Armour go with him, Aleksey get the ship unhooked from the harbour and the rest of you follow me." They were out the door in seconds with it securely locked behind them. As planned Aleksey, Cadence and Shining Armour and broke off left whereas Marcus led the others to the bridge.
Once there, Marcus fired up the engines. The sound of them charging filled the bridge, to Marcus it was a reassuring sound, but it cut halfway through.
"Status report?" He asked. Twilight remembered what the other people were doing early before they docked at the harbour. She ran to the module she thought was the correct one. She looked at what was wrong with ship.
"Pressure valve. Something is wrong with the pressure valve." She said looking at all dials to see which one would help.
"Sparkle listen to me carefully. See the red hexagon shaped button? Push it in and twist it to the right. It'll activate the reactors repair function." Marcus said but got a confused look. "Yes, I'm fully aware that this is an ancient ship, but she has had modifications to her. An Reactor self-repair module to be exact and better cannon mechanics. Push it." Twilight did what she was asked.
'Reactor self-repair in progress. Analysing damage... Complete. Pressure valve fully restored.' Chimed the computer that Twilight was at. She gave Marcus the green light and he fired the engine once more. Only this time it fired up. Marcus noticed Aleksey give the thumbs up about unhooking the ship, and by the looks of it the rain was still pouring down. Marcus put the ship into reverse. The harbour began to slowly drift away. Eventually once they were far enough from the docks. Marcus turned the helm to the port position while he throttle the UN Selena to 5 Knots.
"You are fully aware it's still pissing down of rain right? Besides I know where you are going. Your heading to the village that was mentioned. I've taken the liberty of widening the cannel using help of the HMS Frostbite. It should be wide enough to sail through at a slow speed. Go get her moving the Frostbite will follow." Aleksey said before Marcus watched him and others run in. Not a second too soon they were in the bridge with the remaining bridge crew. Once settled, the ship returned back to its full efficiently and began to head towards the cannel.
* * *
Roughly an hour had past and they were only way half to the ever-free forest and by now the cannel was borrower with each mile they sailed, and the turns got tighter. Marcus had to bring the speed down to 3knots and anticipate the turns. But the rain still hammered down on anything unfortunate that didn't get to shelter.
"How far is it to the village?" Marcus asked. He wanted to mood going as it was dead inside the bridge. Everyone refused to talk during the storm.
"See that meander? It should lead you to a small island that splits the cannel into two before it rejoins. But be careful of the small stone bridge." Twilight said moving away from her friends and closer to Marcus. When she got close enough. "Marcus, may I speak to you privately please?"
"Fire away Miss Sparkle. I'm all yours." Marcus said. Twilight sighed with relief. She wanted to get this off her chest. It was bugging her the second Luna was acting a little strange.
"What do you think of Princess Luna?" She asked.
"In what way? Normally, I'd say she is generally a kind, playful but powerful mare, just like her older sister. I think she needs someone to help her be the way she is now. It must be hard for her to be normal especially because she is a Princess as well." Marcus said whilst he steered starboard with the meander.
"Yes that is true. Luna wishes to be friends with us normal ponies, but every treats her like she still is Nightmare Moon. This only upsets her further. She needs someone she can talk to, and your that person." Twilight said.
"Nightmare who? I thought Luna was herself for however long she has lived." Marcus said getting confused at Twilights mention of Nightmare Moon, but he divided not to get hung up on it for too long. Small flickers of red flame erupted on both sides of the canal followed by small explosions. "Battle stations now. Well use the night as cover. Rotate the forward guns anti-clockwise by 50°. We will fire a warning shot off towards the attacking side if they don't respond to the flare."
"Aye, aye captain Flare ready to fie sir."
"Forward cannons locked and loaded, sir."
"At our current speed, sir. We are practically ducks in open water, sir."
"We have the HMS Frostbite on our six, she is just as ready to unleash her Liquid nitrogen rounds on command. Be ready to drop the anchor." Marcus said while he concentrated on where the canel meandered. With the nightsky getting darker, the canel was becoming more dangerous, but casting that asisde, Marcus ordered the flare to be fired. Within seconds a hiss filled the dark night, before the flare activated and lit up the sky, Marcus blew the ships horn twice before turning the horn into voice amplifier. "This is the UN Selena declaring national security of the Equestrian nation. Stand down or we'll be forced to fire. I say again stand down. The leader of the Griffin nation is to report to my ship immediately. I warn you now, we have are authorised to use highly lethal force if you don't comply." With that state said, Marcus then switch it back into its horn before another flare went up.
"Please don't say you've loaded a Hydrogen shell into the cannon." Aleksey said. He spotted one of the Griffin 'spacecraft' arm it's cannon. "Sir it's going to..."
"Fire the H shell on that ship." Marcus ordered. While the cannon was being rotated to match the ships altitude. Marcus switched the horn back into the speaker. "If that is your wish, so be it. You have forced my hand. Now you'll see the devastating power of this ship." Once the speech was spoken, the second forward cannon fired its middle barrel. The H-shell ripped out the barrel and hit the 'spacecraft' with extreme explosive force, a small but powerful concussion waved swept in the air. Followed with multiple pieces of shrapnel fell out the sky. "That's a warning round, next time all guns will fire on ground forces, your army will be turned to ash, so stand down while you have a chance."
Celestia and Luna both kept switching the attention from the downed ship to Marcus, and realise he wasn't joking about extreme force. However both were impressed with the display of the test round, even though it was unbecoming of a Princess. They just tried to focus on Marcus's facial expression in the reflection on the Bridge windows.. 'Why is he so hard to predict. How does he keep a straight face?' Celestia thought to herself whereas Luna was trying to lower her moon, but to no avail. Somehow human technology indirectly affects magic if that wasn't already noticed. 'Why won't some of my spells work?' Luna thought to herself. Her moon was stuck where it was and she couldn't do anything to it. Depressed slightly, she looked at Marcus to see if he still had the emotionless war face he seems to have.
"Why does thou has no emotion?" Luna asked slightly slipping back into her old tone.
"Why should? After all from what I know of, equestria didn't do anything to the Griffons. I show no pity of them, if they want war, I'll give it to them full power. I suggest you use a SOS spell, it should be enough to bypass the 'no magic' aboard my ship." Marcus said, the he gave the order to both ships to drop anchor and get ready. Each of the old Baltimore cruiser's guns all loaded a Hydrogen-shell as the two remaining guns focused on protecting the port side of the ship. "This is why you attacked us? To help with this war? This will be over quickly."
"Actually this is just a scout force." Celestia said with a matter of fact tone. "I'm just as surprised as you. We wasn't exacted pony-ville to be first."
"War will surprise you, but I wonder why you can't use magic aboard my ship? The Griffins haven't stood down, is there anything else that is a threat in this war that you forgot to mention?" Marcus asked giving the Griffin leader a few more minutes to stand down before he would open fire on them once more.
"I have no idea. But there must be a explanation." Celestia said. "I've just realised your actually slightly bigger then me." She chuckled lightly before a question began to bug her. "I must know, why did you protect Twilight from the... incident.I refuse to relive what happened on the deck." Marcus turned around to face her. But he noticed a tear forming in her eyes, her ears were slowly pinning back even Luna was wondering what was going on. Marcus knew what bothered her.
"I may not like you for what you've indirectly done to me, but that doesn't mean I won't protect you, your sister or the six elements. They are aboard my ship and are apart of my crew, as you all are." Marcus said wiping her tears away with his handkerchief he pulled from his trouser pocket.
"Thou really are quite the gentleman." Luna said. Marcus thanked her as he continued to dap Celestia's tears.
"War changes people, your learning to fight back, now you need to let me help. Yes, you attacked cities and killed innocents in a two way war. But all that just to get our attention. Nice tactic, bad decision." He said finishing drying Celestia's eyes. Which were now puffed red. "They have had long enough. Fire! Watch this for fun." On Marcus's order the cannons fired the first round of the Hydrogen shells. What happened next was pure devastation. The shock waves caused by the concussion ways ripped through the rear ranks faster then butter on toast. Bodies were being flung all over the place, the once flying Griffin warships ripped themselves part as the concussion wave destroyed their reactor. "I was expecting a bit more of a reaction, clearly altitude is the key to detonate the hydrogen atoms properly. Aleksey fire another another flare." Aleksey passed the order down and seconds later a beautiful white light shone in the darkness. Griffins were scattered all over the place, their ranks were highly disorganised from the hydrogen bombardment. The UN Selena's and HMS Frostbite's AA guns opened fired at the griffins that attempted to fly away. The Selena's main cannons fired again, only this time firing high explosive shells.
Half and hour past, the order was given to cease fire. The cannons stopped just as fast as they fired. The opposite side of the cannel was left in utter wreck. Nothing natural was left as fires burned away at the once beautiful land and turned it to a deathly black. Celestia couldn't believe what devastation was just unleashed. Even the elements stood with their mouths agape.
"Pity. They didn't even put up a fight. However I'm thankful they didn't get into the village." Marcus said watching the burning land with disappointment. "Aleksey, damage report."
"Minor hull damage on the port side. Just shock damage from the H-shells. She'll be alright as long as if we aren't as close next time." Aleksey said. "It's nearing midnight. Perhaps we should head to bed, and you know get use to the time in this world." Marcus nodded in agreement before issuing the order to head to bed. But Aleksey had stayed further back with Celestia.
Twisted Nightmares: Voyage of the unknown
Nightmare and a interrogation
Equestria
Location: Marcus's dream
2035
Time unknown
Last location of UN Selena: near a village named Pony-ville
Luna stood in dream world of blistering ice and hills that varied in shape and size, she noticed a human figure approaching her. She held her ground and charged up a spell ready to attack. But the chilling winds and the snow made it harder to get the spell to full charge. She was getting confused. She was a Alicorn, yet her magic was faltering. The human figure stopped 5 metres in front of her, it's cape waving in the wind.
"Who are you?" She asked it. The figure remained still.
"I am the guardian of the dreamscape. And you are?" It asked. Remaining perfectly still.
"I am Princess Luna. Princess of the night." Luna said. The figure reacted by taking one step towards her. She tried to move backwards but her legs wouldn't obey her.
"You shouldn't of come here night bringer. The one you now hold dear, is about to relive a tragic event in his youth. This very place will become a place of wrecks. Here that drone?" The figure asked. Luna in fact could hear a loud droning sound, that was remarkably similar to the plane Marcus demonstrated on the Manehattan docks. "Ah, so you that sound? It's a old Avro Lancaster British bomber from the Second World War. It hasn't seen service until Equestrian forces attacked humanities best aircraft, ships and even tanks. This forced them to use old war machines against your forces. Something that you cant track. But at first the old mechanics of the machines couldn't handle the strain, this then forced humans to improve the mechanics while keeping everything the same. That aircraft you hear now, was the first to undergo the modifications. Marcus was only eighteen at the time. Would like to watch from down hear, or get front row seats?" The said getting closer and closer.
"Front row?" Luna said. The figure raised his arm before saying.
"As you wish." He then clicked his fingers.
The sound of the droning engines were muffled slightly, and Luna's vision was filled with inside of the once great Lancaster warplane. She could already see four men at work. She noticed the pilot, flight engineer, wireless operator and the Navigator. But the pilot caught her attention the most. So she focused a little harder on him. Realisation hit her when she reared back in shock. It was none another then Marcus, but he was a lot younger, 18 at least.
"No please. I don't want to be here. I don't want nothing to do with his past. What's done is done. Leave me be." Luna said, not liking were this was going. The figure shock its head.
"If you wish to be with Marcus. You need to know his past. For he was never always the way he is now. Something on this day. Something wasn't meant to happen on this diplomatic mission, that thing changed him. But you and you alone can rekindle his trust of your race. Just tell your sister of your advancement. Enough talking. Pay attention to what the men say." The figure said.
Luna did what was asked and payed attention to what the men were talking about. At first it wasn't all that interesting. Just mostly the men talking about what they were planning to do after the mission. Nothing really concerning Luna in-till the flight engineer asked Marcus what he plans to do after the mission.
"Not much to be honest. Maybe say hello to my mom, and my brothers. Maybe find a girl to spend the rest of my life with. But still I have a question for you." She heard Marcus ask. But the the flight engineer said 'go ahead ask me anything.'
"If been hearing that these 'aliens are actually based on equine anatomy. I've been wondering though, what if one falls in love with me the enemy. What do you think?" He asked. The flight engineer had a stumped face but offered his opinion.
"I don't even know the answer to that one, but of she falls in love with you, and you fall in love with her. I see no problems. Love is love. Right?" The engineer said. Marcus nodded in agreement.
Luna continued to walk around within the old warplane, but found it a little cramped for a big aircraft. Never the less she managed to squirm her way to the front of the aircraft, where Marcus was seated. She tried talking to him, but found that she couldn't. Which then figure pointed to the Lancaster's radar. A fleet of red dots owned the bottom half of the new modern radar.
"Tail gunner reporting, large enemy aircraft on our six. Roof gunner check six. Need assistance. I'm going to want in-till they open fire on us before I return fire." Called the tail gunner on radio. Luna looked around and noticed ladders leading up to somewhere. So she presumed it was the roof gunner. But she also noticed a hatch on the floor. She tried to open it, but it wouldn't budge. The figure told her she can't do anything in this dream. She is as defenceless as Marcus during this mission. She looked at the figure.
"If this is diplomatic aircraft. Then why is it armed with cannon?" She asked it.
"By default the Lancaster is armed with two cannons. One on the tail amd roof. It has to be able to defend itself. This is what started the war between humans and ponies. When your forces attacked this plane, when a meeting was organised for 06:00hrs. It is now 5:25. Listen to the what the pilot now says." The figure said. Just as he finished, Marcus spoke.
"This Lancaster two-two-five-nine reporting in. We are on approach to the suggested landing zone. Call off your fighters. I repeat call of the fighters, we are on diplomatic mission." He called into the radio.
"Fighters are in attack formation, I'm opening fire." Luna heard the tail gunner call on the radio. Seconds followed and the sound of gunfire filled the aircraft over the drone of the engines. "Brace they are firing some sort of plasma based projectile. It'll burn right through us."
"There's too many flying above us. I can't handle all of them!" Called the roof gunner. Luna could her the fear in his tone of voice. But she heard the droning sound get louder.
"I'm increasing power to her engines. Pushing her to full speed and attempting evasive manoeuvres." Marcus called and steadily pulled the yoke's control column towards him while he forcefully spun the yoke's wheel. The aircraft roared loudly as the heavy bomber slowly did a barrel roll. Something that the aircraft wasn't built to do. But there wasn't any bombs aboard the aircraft, so the weight was limited to the fuel and ammunition. It was an option Marcus did go with. Luna was shouting 'no don't do it' not that he could hear her, it was a dream being relived by Marcus. But she began to tear up when Marcus started to talk to himself about his family.
"Sorry mom, I won't be making it home today. I just wish this mission would go to plan. But clearly they can't be trusted. If I survive this, I'm going to rip their leader apart with my bare hands." He said afterwards causing Luna to jump back with a gulp. Now she wanted out. But the figure stood idly as the aircraft shook violently after its barrel roll.
"This is the part were everything falls apart. The trust was broken, and so was young Marcus's innocence in this war." It said.
* * *
"Fuck! One of them are heading straight towards the tail!" Called the roof gunner, followed with the loud crackling of gunfire. A faint explosion indicted the successful destruction of the fighter. Which then was followed by the sound of hissing as the 'plasma' hit of the airframe. Another explosion faintly echoed the plane. Luna was happy that it was going well so far.
"We might actually get there unharmed." Said the flight engineer directly to Marcus. However that theory was cut short at loud explosion violently shook the aircraft. Alarms began to blare in the cockpit. "Engine one is hit. It's spitting flame." Luna felt the aircraft loose its steady flight plan, and adopt a rattly one. She could feel every rattle coming off of the first engine. More gunfire then filled the warplane. It rung at her ears at the amount of noise in one plane.
"They've hit the rudder on your right, Marcus. Steering her is going to be a problem." The tail gunner said with his voice echoing on the radio. Gunfire from his cannon could be be faintly heard in the plane. Luna looked at the figure. It didn't so any sign of emotion.
"You play a vital part in this balance you highness. You can be with him and hopefully bring a full strong alliance with humainty. Or never have the chance to talk to him again for the cost of defeat. For what is about to happen, links both of you together. The bond you two share can't be broken, but it was forged from terror and misleadings. That can be changed." The figure said as he fast forward the dream to the point where the fourth engine was hit. Once more she was surrounded by different levels that rung inside of the plane. Now something else was irritating her. The smell of fire.
"Shit! It's heading straight towards me. I'm getting out!" Shouted the tail gunner. His hatch immediately. Luna watched him climb out and stumble onto the floor. Before he crawled extremily quick. But then Luna realised why. The hatch he climbed out of bursted into two and one side hung lifeless while the other half, was left on then floor. "Marcus land her. She won't stay airborne. She's loosing her tail!"
"Negative! She'll make it. She has to! We can put an end to this war before it gets worst." Marcus shouted over the gunfire and engine drone, but a loud splutter filled the aircraft. "No not now girl! Restart engine three! Come on girl! Don't fail now!" She heard Marcus shout again as he attempted to restart the third engine. With every attempt it would splutter.
"She hold much longer on one engine. Radio a mayday call!" Said the flight engineer. Marcus tried one last time, with a bit of Lady Luck engine three fired up.
"Mayday, mayday! This Delta two-two-five-niner, engine one and four have been damaged and are in flames. We have been engaged. I repeat we've been engaged. Diplomatic mission is no go. She won't make it home. We are forced to resume course." Marcus hollowed down the radio. But now both engine one and four erupted into a more violent flame. The aircraft rattled uncontrollably while the nose of the plane pointed steeply downwards. Luna laid low to the ground while Marcus ranting could still be heard. "Come on girl! You can do it. Don't give up, we are still here, just fly girl, come one!" Luna begged for the figure to end this nightmare. But no matter how much she begged the scene wouldn't end. It did however change to were she and her sister stood seventeen years ago.
She now was standing on a hill she knew dearly. It was the very day that She and Celestia planned a diplomatic solution before the war got out of hand, and to ask for help. But something was different. She noticed back seventeen years ago, her mane wasn't filled with replicas of the stars. It was a light blue instead. Same with her fur it was lighter then what it is now. 'This is after when Twilight Sparkle saved me from Nightmare Moon. Me and Tia were to meet the humans that were sent to peace talk. Tia had me have a flower in my mane to make me look prettier or something.' Her thoughts were cut off, when she saw the Lancaster coming towards her past self and Celestia. The furtherest engines ablaze with golden flames.
"No! Something not right. Why are our forces attacking?" Celestia exclaimed.
"You call them off, I'm doing to see if I can help them!" Luna's past self said as she ran towards the oncoming burning plane. Her light blue mane waving in the cold wind. Not even Celestia could stop her. She was gone in a flash.
She then reappeared inside of the Lancaster unaware her future self was watching her. But she immediately pinned her ears back when the spell finished. Her young ears were ravaged by the loud noise of the crippled warplane. One of the men noticed her. She waved and to her surprise he didn't so any hostility. He merely waved her to come over. She did, and asked what was going on. The man quickly stated his job first before saying they were under attack by her forces. Which in return Luna stated she told them not to fire.
"Marcus you have the Princess wanting to speak to you." Shouted the navigator. "He is at the front of the plane, make your way over to him. Just state your the ruler and ask him to use the radio." Young Luna nodded before walking to the pilot and flight engineer. She took a deep breath.
"Greetings human, I am Princess Luna. Co-ruler of this land. I need to use your radio, our forces aren't responding to the spot firing order. They were told not to attack but to escort." She said.
"About fucking time. Radio is there! Make it quick this old girl will not take another hit!" Marcus shouted while he fraught with the plane to keep it in the air. The flight engineer told her the Lancaster designation code and handed the radio to her hesitantly. It was weird enough that he just met the beings trying to start yet end the war, plus she was a talking horse that was weird in itself.
"This is Princess Luna reporting from Delta two-tow-five-niner. Cease fire! Your weren't ordered to fire! Stand down!" She shouted down that radio. Marcus risked a glance at her. She looked pissed. He took the radio of her gently.
"You heard your leader stand down or you'll kill her with this bird." He said but to no use. Somewhere among the plane exploded midway from the airframe. Once more the aircraft rattled violently as it plummeted at few feet out of the air. "Your highness you need to get out of here. Go! Now!" Young Luna nodded turned round but stopped as there was a tall human figure in the way, wearing the same type of clothing that the tail gunner had.
"Roof gunner reporting in Weston. They've hit just behind my gun. Several pieces of her airframe has been ripped off. Fire is raging back there. Land her before you loose hydraulic power to her rudders." He said. Young Luna watched Marcus pull down a lever and a loud mechanical clicks and whirs could just be heard over the engine drone.
"Altitude is 7 feet Weston, land her now! She won't make it to the runway." Called the flight engineer. Young Luna spotted her sister on the small hill several kilometres away."
"My sister is just there, maybe she can help." Young luna said pointing to the hill where Celestia was illuminated, while her older self continued to watch, she was beginning to slowly to fall into tears. She remembered this day. She loved but hated it. Because she remembered that this was the day that she actually began to have a crush on Marcus. But her sister gave him one wish.
"With all due respect your highness, you need to get of this warplane, she won't handle the crash landing. Her frame is too damaged. Get off now! I'd rather see myself die then to see the ruler go down with a being she barely just met. Now..." Marcus said before getting interrupted by the planes wheels touching the snow. But something was off. The plane just kept on moving despite Marcus pulling back on the throttle, the Lancaster's engines refused to slow down. "She won't respond, the throttle isn't responding! Were going to hit the hill!" Luna looked at the figure that brought her to this tragic day, and begged it to end this nightmare. To her avail the figure didn't change the dream.
"You now have a option. You can watch this warplane crash or stay in the same position you were seventeen years ago when you committed a small act of love for Marcus." The figure said pausing the nightmare for the moment, giving Luna time to decide.
"I've already experienced the downfall of this plane, I wish to see what happened in a third person point of view." She said. The figure gave a click of fingers, they were teleported out of the plane, Luna gasped in shock with how damaged the aircraft was. Bright red/orange flames covered engines one and four. A large black scorch mark was plastered behind the roof gunner. That's was all she could take in, because the figure clicked his fingers and the nightmare continued. She watched the great machine violently rattled over the rigid, snowy terrain. It horrified her when she remembered watching the hill that her sister was on, get closer and closer before everything went black, but she watched what happened while she blacked out and she didn't like it. The scene caused her to feel the regret, she once felt many years ago. She watched helplessly as the landing gear was torn off by the very hill that Celestia was stood on many years ago, the aircraft flew for a brief six seconds before it hit the snow with a loud roar. A loud mechanical clank signified that engines was brought to a halt. Snow began to gather around the nose of the plane as it pushed itself deeper into the snow, due to it sliding. The fire on the engines leaving dark black smoke contrails behind the machine. Luna watched was the younger Celestia circled the plane like a vulture. Eventually Celestia landed and called for Luna. This lasted for at least half and hour, and the pilots of her 'spacecraft' fall in behind her in ranks. However young Celestia was not happy. In fact she was so fuming that the heat coming off her was slowly melting the snow beneath her feet, she even began to flap her wings in frustration.
"Who gave you orders to attack this plane?" She shouted with venom, her pilots flinched but none of them spoke. They all stood there, speechless and confused. "This was our only chance to make do what we did wrong. We were ending the war with humanity... Not only that you miserable traitors, you've killed my sister..." She was interrupted with the moaning of the downed plane as the roof gun swivelled around to face the platoon. "I wouldn't be surprised if it fired." But another metallic groan caught her attention again. Celestia noticed something move on the side of the planes tail. She jumped back in horror when she saw a piece of the aircraft fall off, with a figure of a bipedal creature holding young Luna. Young Celestia was too shocked to move as the creature had her sister in its arms as it ran from the plane with a green box in its free arm.
"Get over here, I need medical assistance!" It shouted. Luna watched her older young sister run towards Marcus. Before she slid the remaining yards. While Marcus was carefully putting down her young self. He place the green box down, young Celestia to noticed it had a Red Cross. She breathed a sigh of relief. But was worried about the human in case it killed her sister. "Put pressure on wound please. It's located just under her wing." Celestia did what was asked while the human got an bandage. She moved away and allowed Marcus to work. Once that was done, he noticed Luna had stopped breathing. He quickly rolled her onto her back and began CPR. But once he noticed one of guards come out of the platoon, he unsheathed a strange object and aimed at the guard. He told Celestia to tell him to get back into rank. But he didn't. So Marcus fired a warning shot, he still didn't obey, so Marcus fired his next round into the disobedient guard. He then resumed preforming CPR. But when it came to the rescue breaths he had to ask Celestia to do it. Which Luna and the figure both involuntary shuddered.
"I don't even get why he got my sister to do that." Luna said as the figure clicked its fingers to pause the dream.
"You and Marcus already share a strong bond. In which cannot be broken. However it is built on trust and war. Said war is what brought you both together. Now you both must work alongside one another. Otherwise your relationship won't work. But guarantied you'll make it work." The figure said watching Luna take in the site around her.
"So you mean, that me and Marcus are already bonded together in a relationship?" She asked without moving her gaze, but the hint of joy was becoming present in her tone.
"That all depends on you. Marcus believe it or not is highly acceptive of certain things. A relationship can work, but through his eyes you need to meet him on his level. He is captain of an old Baltimore cruiser. You are a princess. See the difference?" The figure said. Luna faced the figure eye to eye.
"I see no difference, I only see two beings in successful relationship." She said defensively, which impressed the figure.
"I admire your confidence, but that can lead to a downfall. I can however give you advice of how to start it." It said. Luna looked at it confused but amazed at the same time, but nodded in agreement. "Make him fly to the co-ordinates of this crash. Leave a note on the planes control column for him to recover. By the time he flys back, you should have something to say. As for now, I must leave you to figure out if this next dream is really a dream.
****
Luna presumed that she awoke from the dream/nightmare of Marcus's dream. Because she wearily noticed that she was lying on top of Marcus, who also had his hands locked just under her wings in an embrace. A confused expression plastered itself on Luna's muzzle. But she went along with it. 'It's actually rather pleasant to have him hold me like this. I wish that this could last forever.'
"You know, I realise how adorable you look when you think like that." Marcus said, causing her to loose her train of thought. She looked at him and weakly blushed. "No need to blush at a comment dear Luna. Just accept the fact I've given a nice comment about you." She teased up a little bit. Her head began to swim.
"Why are you acting like this? What happened to the Captain of the Ship?" She asked. Marcus merely gave a light chuckle. His weak British humour clearly hear-able.
"There is no need to be worried my dear. I'm still the Captain. I'm just a more talkative man when in the bedroom." He said as he slowly began to draw small circles by Luna's wing joints. This prompted weak moans from the mare. "Relax Luna, why be so tensed? Please tell me what your worries are." He continued while he still massaged her. Luna could help herself, she was being drawn in from how amazing his hands were at relieving her tense muscles.
"Nothing is wrong." Luna lied but moaned in blitz when Marcus put a little more pressure into his fingers. He continued circling around the wing joint. He could feel how tense she was, and now he is going to interrogate her into telling him. Using the power of his fingers and the new found knowledge of Luna's ticklish spot.
"I know that there is something up Luna. Just tell me, and end this tickle torture." Marcus said slightly speeding his circles, he knew he did something correctly, because Luna gave a moan. Marcus chuckled to himself. Luna playfully pretended to struggle, but realised that she just pushed Marcus's left index finger into her nerve. Causing her to moan in an overly excited way.
"Please stop, I don't know how much more I can take." She said playfully. Marcus however carried on with his tickle torture. He gradually picked up his speed with every five or so complete circles. Luna was in pure wonderland, she couldn't withhold herself from constantly moaning as Marcus's fingers circled her tense wing muscles.
"Hmm I wonder Miss Luna, how long it will take for you to confess." Marcus said in an almost seductive tone. He wanted to make this 'interrogation' a success. However with Luna's constant moaning he was beginning to wonder if this is going to work. After all if he could do this to her just by massaging her wings, he didn't want to know what else he could do. So he continued. "How do you see me as Luna? In what way do you like me?" Marcus added in a more seductive tone, he felt Luna shiver upon him.
"In what.. W-way? Nothing more of a f-friend why?" Luna said getting unable to concentrate as Marcus began to move up her wings, he easily found where the nerves were. She couldn't withhold herself any longer as she moaned deeply.
"My dear luna you are lying to me already. Tut, tut. I can real the raw emotion flowing through your body as we speak. Do you think I could read the signs that you were innocently hinting?" Marcus asked trying his hardest to stay at the seductive level but he still noticed Luna shivering despite her being under the blanket with him. Her eyes made her look like that she was in pure blitz. Salvia had slowly began to form in the corners of her maw. "Since when did you have these feelings Luna?" Marcus inwardly chuckled when she didn't answer his question but gave him a moan. 'Why does this feel wrong, but right? It's only been a couple of hours, yet I've picked up on this mare's feelings for me. Thanks to miss Sparkle confirming that theory. I'm only doing this as an interrogation. I wonder how Celestia would react to the fact that her plan worked. Telling me that Luna would be in pure blitz if I were to massage her wings.' He thought to himself while he gently rubbed around Luna's wing joint.
"Honestly, I m-mean it. I like you dearly as a friend!" Luna said going high pitched at the last two words. Marcus could still see the salvia gathered at the rear of her maw, threatening to overfill. But alas, the massaging was proving to much for the midnight alicorn. Her salvia dripped out and landed with small splats on Marcus bare chest. "Oh my stars. I've never felt this way in... Well never." She exclaimed with a half-lidded gaze. Marcus could notice how cute she actually looked. 'Tease he. Marcus you dolt! Fuck the boundaries, make her realise her feelings are returned. My wife wants me to move on, so why not let this wonderful made have a chance? If see truly loves me for me, this is the time to do it. Kiss her you coward!' He thought to himself again. Without second thought Marcus whispered Luna's name. She looked at him with her eyes slowly widening. Intill without further warning Marcus did half a sit up to match her muzzle level, before bringing them in for a long passionate kiss.
Luna's eyes widened in shocked. She looked at Marcus and her eyes immediatly closed as she melted into the kiss. 'I should of seized this chance sooner. I should of confessed when we were aboard the Lancaster all those years ago.' She thought to herself wondering how long it would take before Marcus would stop for air. However she didn't have to wonder long for it was she that broke the kiss with moan of pure delight. She felt Marcus run his fingers down her spine and begin circling were her cutie mark was. It hit the spot. Now she was in a world of dreams, or was she? She couldn't tell the difference. 'He certainly knows how to please a lady.'
"Couldn't withhold must longer Luna?" Marcus said slowly and deliberately applied a bit more pressure into his circles. Luna couldn't help but to moan in pure ecstasy as she began to shiver once again. 'I wonder what she'll be like in the morning?' Marcus thought over the moaning of Luna. Eventually he began to slow the circling down to a almost complete stop. Luna's mane was in a right mess and all over the place. However she still continued to drool. He tried speaking to her, but all he got was weak mumbling. 'Think I've made her speechless.'
"Oh Marcus thank you! We love thee so much!" Luna suddenly exclaimed out of the blue. Marcus mentally fist pumped as a sign of victory. However what Luna couldn't tell if this was real. Or was it a dream?