Twisted Nightmares: Standing Alone

“Are you pulling my leg? That old tank is meant to save our asses!? With all due respect sir, why the hell did we come here, just for that?” Said a man with a Londoner tone. A weak chuckle came from the front of the group. The Leader, Captain Marcus Weston was standing in front of the old tank. From the outside it looked nothing more than the post era Tiger I tank. But no one knew her new secret.

“Please, do not judge this machine by her looks. I assure you, comrades that this machine is more than looks. She is the Germans new upgraded beast we will be using. So quit your whining and get in her.” Said a Russian voice. He was Aleksey, the most accurate sharpshooter on the team. No one has escaped the scope of his SVD-12. Aleksey looked straight at the Londoner. His heavy machine placed idly by his feet.

“Aye, you disrespectful bastards, quit your whining.” Called a Scottish voice as the sound of the blast doors dropped to a deafening silence. The Scot had begun to make his way to the Tiger tank. He stopped and looked at it. “I call shotgun”

“Mate! That gun is mine! I do the crazy lunatic business. That machine gun is as good as mine.” Said another voice after him before he leaped into the air. Barrel rolled and then went into the tank. Seconds followed with the sound a gas like charge. The front machine gun by the driver lit up blue. Before suddenly firing a volley of plasma rounds at the blast doors. The lunatic that jumped in soon popped his head out of the hatch. He went by the name of Dan Stark. “This gun is amazing.”

“Ja, she is amazing. But we don’t have time to dwell and stare at her beauty. We must go. George and Aleksey, you both will be in the turret.” The Londoner nodded and Aleksey began to climb the massive tank. He opened the turret hatch and allowed George in, then he soon followed. “Dan, you are the radio operator, Marcus you drive. As you are better than all of us and Leon you can mount the light machine gun on top of the turret. And since I was an old tank commander in my more youthful days, I will be the commander once more for this old girl.” Said the German of the team, he had blonde hair with brown highlights and had brown eyes.

Marcus was the last one into the modified old war machine. He closed the hatch and got into the driver’s seat. But instead of tillers, which are what usually controls a tank there was a steering wheel. That didn’t surprise him at all. The Germans did make technology ahead of its time. He started the tank’s engine like how you would normally. It started making normal engine sounds, before the sound of charging filled the old war machine.

“Ah, that must be the new plasma reactor that they put into the Tiger. As well as a Plasma 8.8cm KW.K 36 L/56 cannon. It was a last resort to use the chassis of the last working Tiger tank. But this should be worth our efforts. Marcus would you please fill us in with Intel.” Said the German. He went by the name of Ayden. His second name was classified, but a fake one was never made up for him. Due to the sudden war, humanity fall into utter chaos. For ten years now humanity has been at war. But to no success. The Aliens armour is too hard to penetrate with even the most powerful of tanks. The only thing that could destroy their armour was plasma.

“Yes, of course. Right then listen in lads. Finally we have the upper hand now. This modified post era tank is going to secure our future, and we are going to die trying. For if we don’t push these intruders back, then we are not men! Our latest Intel from the last remaining satellite has shown us, that the aliens have set up their hive in America. If they do that, they will become more organised and bolder with their attacks. So we must stick to the shadows and only shot if we have to. Any questions?” Marcus said as he briefed his men of the situation. None of the men seemed to have any questions. “Ok. We all know there was one way one way out. Yes, that means we get to test the new weapons and the shield. Do not get over excited. If that gun overheats Dan we are screwed. Don’t go trigger happy.” With that said, Marcus began to slowly drive the Tiger to the blast doors. They refused to open. Meaning there were targets behind the door.

Ayden gave the order for George to charge the plasma. It hissed as it charged up to its correct heat level. Within seconds it was ready. George didn’t hesitate to lower the cannon slightly, it whirred in response. The wait seemed like it was forever. George pulled the cannons trigger. Just like lightning, the plasma round ripped out of the barrel and hit the blast door with explosive force. The doors came off the hinges and was propelled down the hallway, followed by a trail of blue light. The short sounds of alien screams echoed the hallway. Once happy that no more were ready to pounce on them, Marcus revved the engine full throttle. The plasma engine lurched the old tank frame forward at speeds of 45 mph. A new speed for the old tank. Now that stood between them and the wasteland was 5 miles of concrete bunker.

That sounded easier than it did, as they eventually reached where the doors had settled after the shot. ¾ of mile it had travelled down the hallway with a faint blue tinge where the plasma round had it. Green fluid surrounded the door with ripped apart limbs still twitching the digits. The new Tiger crew laughed at their new small victory, but a large alien army was waiting for them. Weapons drawn and two of their tanks behind them.

“Shield is on 100%. Let’s play dirty.” Dan said, as he immediately squeezed his Machine gun’s trigger. The sound of the new plasma machine gun was a force to be reckoned with. Fully automatic firing allowed the plasma cannon to spit round after round at high speed without compromising the rate of fire. With each round of the plasma machine gun an alien dropped lifeless onto the cold, concrete ground. All in the same time as George was firing the main cannon. One enemy vehicle went up in flames with a long bang! The last one took a shot at the Tiger. It ricocheted off and the Tiger’s shield bounced it. George rotated the cannon to the last remaining tank slowly, so that it added the feeling of anger like a raged animal. Marcus revved the engine in good timing as it sounded like a growl. George pulled the cannon trigger. Another tank was neutralised. Just the enemy infantry remained. Where Dan was still letting his plasma gun mow down the infantry as the Tiger I mowed them down like overgrown grass. Nothing was going to stop them from winning this war know that they had a chance.

Waves upon waves of infantry targets were lining up to be slaughtered as the Tiger tank was pushed to its new top speed. It continued to crush those that stood between it and freedom. A light could be seen at the end of the tunnel. But a large enemy force was waiting to kill them. But that wasn’t going to happen. George had charged up the main plasma cannon. Before long, he fired. The round ripped out of the barrel and hit the ground with explosive force. The E.T group were thrown around like ragdolls from the plasma explosion. Even Marcus had to put the driver’s sight protector down. A blinding, blue angelic light had shined through the tunnel of death.

“Holy God, that was close. George what the hell man? Over kill much.” Said Ayden with his strong German accent.

“Sorry sir, we need to dispatch these guys as fast as possible. Do you have a way to get to America?” George asked while he watched the cannon’s new charging icon flash red before stopping on solid green.

“I have already spread word with our new on board radio system. Our allies are creating tanks similar to the configuration of ours. But not as a Tiger. We are lucky that this old girl accepted the new power supply, but let us not abuse it. We must limit ourselves to an extent.” Ayden said with the interior radio.

“May I ask why, am I the loader? Not to be disrespectful, but it’s not like we are using shells anymore.” Aleksey said while he wondered why there were old 8.8cm shells for the cannon. “Unless we can still fire old shells, but I don’t get how we do that in a modified tank, that shots plasma.” Ayden let off a quick chuckle.

“The mechanics have not changed, Aleksey. Just merely modified. George can select between the plasma cannon or the covenantal AP shell. If he chooses the AP shell, the plasma shuts itself off, but the AP round will be fired at the velocity of the plasma rounds. So, be careful with them. The recoil will rip you apart.” Ayden said. Aleksey shook his head, but nevertheless he was impressed at the fact the Tiger could now switch between plasma, and its most feared 8.8cm KWK.36 L/56 cannon. But wouldn’t the shells be useless? After all modern M1 Abrams, Challenger MK.2, Leopard 2 and even the T-90 could penetrate the alien armour. Is it because of the newer higher velocity that the cannon now fires at? Maybe, but that is untested.

The interior of the Tiger tank fall silent as the crew continued to ram through any aliens that were blocking the unbelievably long tunnel. It was filled with the dying screams of alien and groaning of alien metal. The sound of death. The light at the end of the tunnel didn’t seem to be getting closer, in the tube full of darkness and terror. But the Tiger crew pushed that aside. This was their finest hour. Humanities moment has arrived. We can push the aliens back.

“Where the fuck is the end to this god-forsaken tunnel?” Dan said, getting annoyed of how long it was taking them to get out. It didn’t help that Dan’s plasma MG 34 was beginning to overheat after the continuous fire that Dan used to suppress the enemy. It was working, but now he could hear the plasma MG 34 hiss as it neared its heat limit.

“Dan, don’t strain that weapon, allow the manual cool down to take place. Leon you use the mounted plasma MG 34 to continue to lay suppressive fire, while Dan cools his weapon down.” Ayden said with the radio crackle afterwards.

“Where the hell is the cool down switch?” Dan asked getting peeved that he couldn’t find the manual cool down switch; but he had noticed that the weapon had a cocking handle, despite it being a plasma weapon.

“It’s the cocking handle Dan, but be quick, as it spits the super-heated waste gas.”

“What the fuck!” Dan shouted. The weapon didn’t even wait for him to fully pull the cocking handle back before it had spat out the waste heat. Like a child spitting out raisons. Dan leaned back into his seat while the gas spewed out of the weapon, he could hear the faint sound of the other plasma MG 34 firing away as the Tiger roared down the tunnel. “Actually these plasma MG 34’s last quite long before they need to cool down. I am impressed, we can lay waste to our targets now.”

“Yes we can, but we cannot switch to bullets. They are fixed as plasma rounds. As long as if our plasma reactor doesn’t explode, they will work. Even with the reactor off. The weapons will fire. With exception of the plasma 8.8cm KWK 36 L/56. That will not work unless the reactor is on. Unless you have the AP rounds ready to fire and can crank that turret ring clog really quick.” Ayden said. “But don’t let up. Leon as soon as that MG 34 begins to overheat alert us, then drop into the turret and Dan will resume firing his weapon.” A loud thud came from the front of the Tiger tank as it rammed down a heavier infantry target. Now there were more enemy tanks to get past. The Tiger crew was beginning to think that this place was going to get swarmed with these aliens.

“Were are we heading exactly?” Aleksey asked as he opened the loader’s hatch. He placed his SVD-12 onto the turret’s hull and then he perched himself in a comfortable position. He aimed down the scope of his weapon. An alien head went directly in the middle of his scope. Aleksey pulled the trigger. To his surprise the round hit the aliens exposed head and killed it. “New intel. Head-shots kill them. It is the weakest part of their armour.” He took another shot. But the sound of the 8.8cm KWK 36 L/56 charging made Aleksey get back into the turret and close the hatch.

“Better get your popcorn sir, this is going to be a good show.” George said before he fired the Tiger’s mighty cannon. A loud scream of the cannon echoed through the tunnels walls and the explosion that followed indicated a successful kill. Multiple alien infantry flew forward from the blast from the cannon. Another enemy tank went up in blue/purple flames. George fired again but missed by a slight 2mm, the missed plasma round hit the tunnel wall and erupted into molten plasma, which then oozed onto the turret of the alien tank before it melted through and burned the occupants inside. George gave a victorious yell.

“One more of those bastard’s down… hundreds more to go.” George said half-heartily. Causing the rest to give a weak chuckle.

“Stuff this, we aren’t getting anywhere. We should have been out of tis god-forsaken tunnel by now.” Dan said getting impatient with the ordeal of being endlessly travelling in the alien filled tunnel.

“They have put one a time manipulation field. It makes use think we are moving but actually we are not. To get it to end we kill them all, or find a big tank that looks like it has to alien tesla coils….” Ayden said, before George interrupted with a.

“Found it!” He shouted before he charged the plasma cannon. Once ready he fired it, and in return it screamed as the plasma ripped out of the end of the muzzle at a high velocity. It hit one of the tesla coils, but nothing happened. Instead a faint yellow/blue glow replaced were the plasma shell was meant to hit. “Oh. Sir, it has a shield. Orders?”

“Like everything, charge the weapon until it warns you it cannot charge much longer, then fire.” Ayden said. “Trust me, I have read it on a note. But in return for the charge up, it will take longer to load the next round, so switch to AP shells and finish it off.”

“Confirmed. Will do sir, consider it done.” George said. While Ayden was advising him to charge the cannon to its very maximum, George had already done it. He fired the cannon and immediately Aleksey had to move as the loading hatch of the cannon blew open. Waste heat was being ventilated. Aleksey then opened his hatch to let all the heat out. Then without anyone asking him, he loaded an 8.8cm AP shell into the cannon and George fired again. It ripped out faster than it did WW2.  The Tiger new main updated gun was even deadlier then before.

“Targeted killed.” Aleksey and George said together just as the time manipulation tank went up in a fiery explosion. Immediately the light at the end of the tunnel began to get closer. The crew was relived, but they just noticed a second explosion came from their plasma round. Due to the sheer velocity that they charged the cannon to. The plasma that had dripped off of the enemy tank enough energy to exploded again, and then when the fired a normal 8.8cm shell the explosion from that detonated the plasma. A shockwave ripped through the enemy ranks and made its way down the tunnel toward the Tiger tank and the entrance.

“Just push through the shockwave, the frontal armour will take it. Whatever you do though do not stop. The heat will surely kill us, quickly everyone fasten your hatches.” Ayden ordered. Everyone all said done one after the other. Happy with the fact that the modified Tiger tank could take the shockwave, but it was the extreme heat of the plasma that worried.  “Keep the shields up, that will hold of the heat long enough.”

“How long would say?” Dan asked.

“Hopefully until we get out of the tunnel. Which is getting closer. But if the shield fails, we will have to rely on the plasma reactor anti-heat system to cool the tank down. If that fails, we still should get out, but will be sweating like dog in heat.” Ayden said with a little bit of humour to sugar coat the fact that they may die.

However the shockwave soon caught up to them and hit them head on. The sheer force seemed like it had stopped the tank completely in its tracks. The crew were flung forward for a brief second before being flung back into their seats, as the Tiger lurched forward after being stopped against its will and its tracks rattled loudly like a rattle snake warning another predator of its presence. A loud droning beeping sound filled the tank.

“The overheat system is flaring up. Shield systems are holding out at 75% lads. Don’t stop her now.  We have to drive her out of this death.” Ayden said. “As soon as we come out of the tunnel make an immediate left.”  The Light at the end of the tunnel now was within reach as it drew closer and closer with each passing second, but death was so close to the Tiger crew. Fire was chasing down the modified Tiger as it raced to escape the flame drenched hallways. The fire began to lick the back of the Tiger tank as it caught up within seconds, however by the slight millimetre the Tiger escaped into the light and escaped the flame.

However much to the horror of the Tiger crew, the scenery had suddenly changed from what was left a peaceful woodland was now a concrete building of some sort, filled with colourful equines. Marcus stopped the tank and awkwardly looked at them through his drivers viewport. The equines looked at the strange machine.

“I think we are in the way of their leader or leaders. I have picked up a white and blue dot on our radar on our six.” George said. “Sir, Ayden or Marcus. What are your orders?” Marcus was just getting confused of the coloured equines. Each of them slightly different to each other.

“Marcus just drive forward slowly, George be ready to fire that main gun if those do not open. Dan, as much as I hate to say this. You get ready to fire at anyone that tries to attack the front.” Ayden ordered. He got grunts of approval from the three men. Leon and Aleksey could be heard doing something with their weapons. Ayden payed no mind, if they were just counting ammo, or getting ready for an attack then he was going to leave them be. He trusted the entire team. They listened to Marcus when they are on foot. After all this is Marcus’s squad. But when it came to tanks, Ayden was the one that gives orders. As he is much more experienced with tanks commanding.

“Driving forward slowly.” Marcus stated as he sounded off what he was doing. Surprisingly none of the colourful equines had moved, but instead were just looking at said Tank in return with curiosity. Even as it drove down the red carpet that led to a set of large wooden doors. Once Marcus had got half way to the door. A shot of some sort had flew past them and hit the wall just a inch or so from the doors. Marcus stopped the Tiger tank and then begun to traverse the hull to face the attackers. Once he had the tank facing them he noticed that his radar was also displaying the two leaders as a white and blue dot. He noticed that they too were equine. But unlike the other equines around them, these two in front of the Tiger Tank were the size of a normal horse. Almost. Marcus had calculated a quick theory, that the two leaders would be the same size as a fully grown male human, or slightly smaller.

However what he did noticed was, the smaller dark blue equine leader’s long horn was steaming. Marcus then past his findings to Ayden. After all he was the leader when it came to being in the tank.

“George, charge that main gun immediately. We do not why she fired, but we have the right to act in self defence. Make sure the charge is slow and deliberate.” Ayden ordered. “No one is to harmed, unless they threaten this Tank this tank first.”

“Ayden sir, a load of equines in golden armour have surrounded us. They have formed a defensive circle. Spears are pointing at us.” George said as he watched the small armoured equines point their spears at the metal beast they were in. “Do they really think spears are going to harm us? Sir, maybe we should just do a demonstration fire of our Plasma 8.8 cannon. After all it has unlimited ammo, unlike the 36 APCR shells we have.” George continued to watch them surround the Tank. But Marcus clearly wasn’t having it, he kept the Tiger going forward towards the intended target. Once he had it close enough. Marcus had stopped the tank in front of the white and blue equines. A small smile formed. However that vanished when a guard tried to stab the tank, the spear made contact with the glass. However the Plasma shield was still up; it bounced off the Tiger’s thick armour and thus rendered the spear useless. Marcus then noticed that the armoured equine must be a guard, but nevertheless Marcus saw this as a chance. Without any delay he had his hatch open in no time at all.

“Who do you thing you are? Hitting my tank like that. Are you aware who your messing with? No? Well then perhaps I should teach you the proper way to be disciplined. After all it looks like to me your training is pathetic. I’ve seen a child do better wielding a weapon.” Marcus said as he finally stood tall and proud above his hatch. He looked down at the guard. His spear held close in the air. Marcus then noticed the guard had a horn. “Don’t think your armour will protect you. Not against Sasha it won’t.” He tapped the L85A2 that was strapped to his chest with its sling. Marcus watched the pony guard look at the weapon on his chest. So Marcus unclipped the ‘emergency’ release. The L85A2 was now free to move while still being still attached to Marcus.

“Come down here and face me creature.” The guard said. Marcus noticed the fear deep in his voice. He gave an evil like chuckle.

“If that is your wish.” Marcus said; he shut the driver’s hatch before he jumped off the Tiger tank; he landed with a loud thud as his Assault boots made contact with the marble beneath him. His L85A2’s cocking handle rattled but still refused to pull the working parts of the rifle back. The unicorn guard looked at human. “Remember. Size does not win a battle. The bigger they are, the harder they fall. So go ahead, guard. Make. Your. Move. Impress your Princess.” They both stood battle ready. Both posed to strike, but both refused to move.

“Be warned mate, he is British. Close Quarters Combat is his speciality. I would not get too far away from him either. You will just piss him off.” Aleksey said as got into a sitting position on the Tiger’s turret.

“Go ahead and tell them we are stuck in a war with an alien race, and we are humanity’s last hope… Oh you going to try that?” Marcus said just as he countered the guard’s right hook attack. He managed to get the attacking arm behind the guard’s back. “Most impressive. For guards your discipline is well focused. But you broke it too easily. However I find your lack of close quarters combat disturbing.” He said while giving small tugs on the arm, causing guard to give small yelps of pain. Marcus then focused his attention to the two Princesses.

“Free him.” The taller white Princess ordered. Marcus noticed she had both a horn and wings, same with the smaller blue one.

“If that is what you desire. Twas my pleasure showing the weakness within the Kingdom. I will be sure to point out any errors within the Kingdom. After all thine power lies within the Kingdom. Ha ha, maybe you should learn from humanity’s mistake.” Marcus said as he pushed the guard towards the Princess. A loud mechanical whir came from the Tiger as its Plasma 8.8 cannon moved to shoot in-between both Princesses; Marcus gave the hand signal to halt. The whirring stopped. Only to be replaced by the sound of the charging Plasma weapon. Nevertheless Marcus spotted six more equines that just jumped in front of the Princesses. “How Dear. Six friends. Just remember that friendship is the greatest weapon of them all. It takes nobility to stand by one’s side and fight until death do us part. Trust me. I had a wife and two kids. Two of which have died. No thanks to the alien species that want humanity turned to dust. Not forgetting my adoptive Dragon daughter. Aradace”

“Comrade just get your rear end back into the tank. We have an important mission to get on with. Ditch your flirting and get in here. Your Dragon is acting strange.” Aleksey said. “Before you ask. She is running in circles on your seat.” Marcus continued to look at the six new equines. First thing he noticed was there were all female. Second thing was there two of each. By that there were two Pegasi, two unicorns and normal looking equines. Third thing was. One unicorn was purple with a highlight in her mane and tail, she had a star on her flanks. Whereas the other unicorn was as white as snow with a gleaming purple mane and tail and she had three diamonds on her flanks. He then looked at the two Pegasi. One was yellow as the evening sun. Her mane and tail were a light pink and she seemed to hide behind her own mane, and she had three pink butterflies on her flank. Now the other Pegasus was the opposite. She held her head out and had a sense of pride. Her coat colour was a cyan blue with a rainbow mane and tail. She had a cloud with rainbow lighting on her flanks. Marcus now turned hi attention to the equines without any wings or horns. He started with pink mare that didn’t seem to keep still. She was bouncing on the spot and thus made it hard for Marcus to get any detailing on her. But what he could get was the fact she was a darker pink then that of the yellow Pegasus’s. Her mane on the other hand looked like a mess, and was slightly lighter. From what Marcus could get was she had balloons on her flank. Last but not least was the orange coated mare with blonde hair. Red tape appeared to hold it in a pony-tail. A Stenson hat sat on her head.

“Who Aradace? Let her out. She needs to stretch her legs.” Marcus said while not taking his gaze off the six mares. “Speaking of Dragons. Magnificent beasts are they not? Powered by pride these creatures are. But must be raised with care.” With that said a dragon appeared on Marcus’s right shoulder. Its scales were black everywhere except for the underbelly, for that was dark blue. Same with the wing sails. They too were dark blue. Two fairly large horns for her size were pointing back towards the tank. And four smaller cheek horns protruded from her cheeks. A bone protruded from both of her wing elbow joints, these were wing blades. Same with her tail. That too turned into solid bone, that could be used as a weapon. Finally she had a Emerald hanging by a brown metallic chain around her neck. It wasn’t too tight nor too loose.

“Greetings your most noble majesties. I am Aradace. Pleasure to be of acquaintance.” She said and gave a bow, while still being able to balance on Marcus’s shoulder. She rose slowly and while she did, her Emerald slowly swung into her chest scales. “Begging your pardons your highness. But these humans have flown half way around their planet and then jumped from the highest point in their sky, just so they could get this war changer. Yet alone the battle that they did before coming here.”

“Here to stop me from making a mistake?” Marcus asked. A lady like chuckle came from the dragon.

“As always my dear. Sometimes you need a lady’s touch. Besides you men are still pumped with adrenaline. Thus its effecting your judgements. Still if were to say, nice use of that reversal. Your training still impresses me… But enough of that matter. You must apologise for attempting to fire that tank of yours.” Aradace said. Her lady like charm seemed to impress the white unicorn.

“It isn’t I that controls that cannon. George is the one that controls it. Talk to him about that. I just drive the beast.” Marcus said. He got a tut off the dragon. Aleksey could be heard chuckling.

“If you carry on my Russian friend, I am going to have to do something most un-lady like.” Aradace threatened while she flexed her three claws. Aleksey’s chuckling stopped abruptly. “You know I an no stranger to getting my claws dirty. After all. I am trained and raised by none other than Marcus himself. Marcus gave himself a small smile.

“This ruffian taught you to be lady like, yet he has taught you the arts of combat.” Said the white unicorn.

“It is rude to assume that one is full of violence, when one does not know of his background. Did he not just say he once lived in peace? Did he not just say he had a family. A family which were killed inhumanely. His species were almost wiped to extinction. Tell me fair Rarity. Would you not do the same, if your were in his place?” Aradace said aiming each word at the white unicorn she just named. And she had named correctly. The white unicorn flinched. “Surprised I know your name? I know all your names. I knew the moment when I laid my eyes on all of you. I even your Princesses names. To which I will not reveal unless their permission has been given… Any more questions? I love to answer questions.”

“Wow. Marcus what did you train her in? She has your sharp wits. Yet, she operates on a more…”

“Finish that sentence and I will end you Aleksey. I am trying a diplomatic approach, I do not need a soldier. Yet.” Aradace said with venom, she then turned back to the Princesses. “All I ask is that one day is given to these men, to restock on water and food.”

"We have more then enough for a week, even if it is ration packs. We only need water. Plus sunlight to keep this girl warm.” Aleksey said tapping the cannon. “Even with a big lad like our friend on the cannon. We will survive. We are paratroopers. Picked by the Queen herself.”

“There you have it. One day is all we will need your highnesses. Then we will out of your hair.” Marcus said. He gave a British salut the clipped the sling back together, about turned followed by a march. He got half way before his name was called. He did an about turn on the march, but instead of proceeding afterwards. He remained halted.

“One day is all you and your men have. Please do not kill any of my subjects.” The white winged unicorn said.

“One day is all we need ma’am. As for the no causalities. I am going to say this once. As long as we are not disturbed to be mocked, then we agree on your terms. If anyone tries violence against us. We will retaliate. Are met on that term?” Marcus said respectfully. The white winged unicorn gave a nod. “Then the terms have been accepted.” With it said and done Marcus marched back to the Tiger tank. Climbed on top of it and opened the driver’s hatch all at the same time as Aleksey opening the loaders hatch.. He unclipped his L85A2 and placed it carefully by the right side of his seat; he got into the driver’s seat as quickly as he could while Aradace followed him in. She immediately went for his lap.

Marcus went to traverse the tank so it would face the door but realised the reactor had put itself into ‘sleep’ mode. So turned the ignition key. A loud splutter followed by a charging whirring sound filled the tank and the hall they were in. When the charging stopped, Marcus traversed the Tiger tank slowly. When he finally had it facing the doors, two guards were in front of it by ten metres. They only seemed to move when the tracks rattled while the tank moved forward.

"Clearly, you are to drive carefully. Hence the guards. I presume they are to guide us to a safe location.” Aradace said. Marcus nodded and carefully put his foot on the accelerator. With a low purr, the Tiger tank began to move slowly as it followed the two escort guards out of the doors and then into a three-way hallway. Both of the guards continued to walk straight ahead, so Marcus kept his foot on the accelerator lightly. He admired the décor of this hallway and was impressed. It almost resembled medieval history.

“Guards are going to turn right. Use the wheel and not the tillers.” Aradace said. Marcus was going to question how she knew; he decided against it and instead moved his control from the tillers to the steering wheel. As soon as the guard on the left began his arc to the right, so did Marcus. He felt the tank give off slightly more vibrations and a louder purr. They turned the corner efficiently. However this hallway got noticeably smaller, and the two guards had to get closer to the machine they actually feared. Marcus could see another three-way hallway. “Guards will turn left this time.” Just like before, Marcus got ready to turn to tank. Deep down he knew if these hallways get too tight it is going to be one loud grind down the hallway. Without warning the two guards stopped and Marcus just about stopped the tank in time. He watched the guards look back horrified. Marcus opened his hatch. Horror surrounded him. This hallway was pitch black. Blood was stained on the walls in hoof prints. Dead bodies littered the floor.

“Guys whats going on? Why the sudden stop?” Marcus asked.

“Our foe is here. The changelings. A insect like race. Must have killed the guards here. We need more of us.” One of guards said.

“Or let us help. This tank has the strength of 50 men. Dan, open fire. Light this room up. Don’t set anything on fire.” Marcus ordered. Aradace turned the Tiger’s forward fog light on. The light revealed the mass of the dead guards. Blood splatter owned the floor. Both red and a yellow-green blood dripped from the ceiling.

“Targets!!!” Dan shouted. The guards got down on Marcus’s orders. Just in time too. Dan pulled his plasma MG 34’s trigger and didn’t stopped. Both the guards watched in horror as changelings were killed without remorse. They watched the blue bolts of plasma fly across their field of vision. Each bolt struck the remaining changelings with speed and power. Once their bodies had fallen. Dan stopped firing. “Targets neutralised.”

“You two get on now, we need to warn the Princesses ASAP!” Marcus ordered. Both guards got on without hesitation. “We are not going to reverse, instead I am traversing this thing so I can see where we are going.” He dropped back into the driver’s section, and began to traverse the tank 180°. Once he done that he didn’t waste time. With safety on the line Marcus put all of his weight onto the accelerator. The Tiger lurched forward followed by a roar from the reactor. Before long it had reached its new top speed of 45mph. Luckily Marcus remembered the route they took. He just had to reverse it. The last left turn then turned into the first right turn. So the first right would turn into the last left. From there was the long hallway of a straight line. In theory the Tiger tank can then regain its lost momentum.

****

“Turn left! Turn left! Then it’s the final run. We must get these guards to the Princesses now!” Aradace shouted. She was almost jumping out of the closed hatch. Her excitement was soaring, and she didn’t know why. Nevertheless she watched as the came around the corner before they then launched forward. The door they once left, were now drawing in at high speed. Marcus had mixed reactions playing in his mind; he shouted up to the guards. They shouted back once the machine stops they will warn the Princesses. The wooden doors approached rapidly. Soon enough there would not be time to brace.

Bang! George fired a 8.8 plasma shell. It hit the wooden door with velocity that they were ripped off their hinges. All in the same time as the Tiger tank roaring through. Both of the guards had fear painted on their faces while the machine refused to slow down. However that was short lived as the tank came to a sudden stop, and thus flung the now dazed guards onto the floor. While Aradace had flew out the driver’s hatch, which Marcus had left open, and hovered in front of the two Princesses.

“We ran into a bit of trouble. Insect like ponies had attacked the guards in one of the hallways. These two had to take cover while our machine gunner laid waste to the insect like creature.” Aradace said. She looked back to the tank. It had already traversed so the massive 8.8 cannon was facing the door. Marcus was now on top of the commander’s hatch and pulled Leon out. He was gasping for air while Marcus helped him out. Once he was out Marcus helped the sniper down. Leon knew what his sniper instincts were. He cocked his rifle and pulled a table to the closet Princess (who happened to be the taller white one.) he flipped it over to form cover.

"Nothing gets in or out without the Princesses orders. No questions asked. We must protect them at all costs. George you are cleared to fire that cannon. Dan you are to keep them at bay with that plasma machine. Ayden, if need to be you will use that other MG 34. Leon and I will provide close support.” Marcus ordered through his radio. The cannon whirred as George kept it ready. Like Leon he was going to get into cover. Something stopped him. His sixth sense began to tingle. “They are already here. Fire now!”

Seconds followed and Dan was already letting his plasma MG 34 burned the insect like ponies alive. Bolts of blue plasma were holding them at bay. But how long until that machine other heats?

“Dan control your fire! Your going to overheat your gun. You will give them chance to get in. Control your fire!” Marcus ordered once more down the radio. “Leon you cover the older looking Princess. I will cover the younger one. Do not let anything past.”

“Consider it done, sir.” Leon said as he focused down his weapon sights. Nothing but pitch black in the now dark hallway. He turned his scope’s night-vision on. What saw creeped him out. “Sir, they are making themselves look like the guards. I can confirm with night-vision. Orders sir?” Marcus groaned loudly.

“Put a round through them all. Guard or not. You are the sniper. If you see them change into a guard, then kill them before they think they have a chance.” Marcus said. Leon fired two rounds. BLAM! BLAM! The equines in the room jumped as Leon’s suddenly fired. Two empty shells clanged on the floor lifeless with steam rising from them. “Nice shot. I heard it hit one of them. Pick them off until you reload. Then I will take over.” Marcus moved backwards on step, before he then crouched down like his training taught him. More accurate shots can be taken while crouched than standing. That round can save your or someone else’s’ life. “With respect your highness stay behind me. You six other equines. Those necklaces’ aren’t normal are they?”

“Actually Marcus, they are the elements of harmony. The only weapon this world has. Believe it or not. This weapon is deadly. It will destroy evil faster then our tank can reload. And that thing reloads quick. How long do you reckon we can hold them off before the elements have to be used?” Aradace asked.

“We have until me and Leon run out of ammo, and until that Tiger’s reactor gives way. That could be hours. It’s a plasma reactor, it can go on for hours.” Marcus said not taking his eyes from his scope. “If we are unlucky, we are looking about half an hour. Then we have to rely on the APCR shells we have. 36 will not be enough, but its still something to hold them off with.”

“Thank you, that’s all the information I need.” Aradace said. With a low growl orange spine spikes emerged on her spine. After all she was nature’s most deadliest weapon that breathed. “I will do the best I can back here”

A loud bang followed by hiss came from the plasma 8.8 as it sudden unleashed its huge plasma shell. It had lit up the hallway briefly for 3 seconds. That was all they needed. Marcus unleashed controlled bursts of fire from his L85A2 (SA80A2.) empty shells flew from the rifle as it spat its 5.56mm rounds at the intended targets down range.

“Magazine out, reloading. Cover fire.” Marcus said loud enough for Leon to here. Seconds followed with the sound of metal sliding and grinding as the reload was done. Next what followed was a loud click, as Marcus realised the working parts followed by the quick forward assist next safety was turned back to fire. “Reload completed.”

“Roger that, enemy seems to be immobile. Permission to investigate, sir?” Leon requested. Marcus tapped his weapon while he thought.

“Denied, I’m firing a flare.” He said. He pulled his flare gun from its respectful hiding place, and he fired it. THUMP! Went the flare. A whistle came from it as it travelled to its target before bouncing then finally lighting up the darkness. Shrieking followed shortly after from the insect like creatures they were fighting off. George didn’t wait for any orders, for he had found the targets grouped up. A perfect multi-kill for the plasma 8.8. He heard the quick charge sound before he fired. He laughed when the bolt struck the centre of them all. Burned by the fourth state of matter. Burned by the power of the sun. To be precise burned by something four times hotter then the surface of the sun. Dan too didn’t waste any time. He laid waste to the enemies in front of his field of vision. Both Princesses just watched as the six man squad worked more efficiently than their guards.

“Target spotted.” Leon said getting the white winged unicorn’s attention. He had the target in his scope. The trigger was pulled. “Target neutralised, switching position.” He then smacked the bipod of his weapon to bring it up while he moved closer to the winged unicorn. However he watched the table somehow hovered and moved closer to him before it placed itself next to him.

“You need your cover in order to protect me right?” Said a voice. Leon knew it was the winged unicorn behind him.

“Yes ma’am. Thank you ma’am.” Leon said. He brought the bipod back down and rested it once more on the overturned table. He looked at his spent shells compared to Marcus’s. He had less compared to his commander. What was to be expected? Marcus was using a using a fully automatic assault rifle. “Sir, we should push forward.”

“Negative. And loose the arrowhead formation. No! Hold position that’s an order. George fire a smoke capsule. They will have come in. Aleksey get the driver’s seat, George doesn’t need you to load anything yet. You are better off keeping that tank moving. Aradace hows your electric charge?” Marcus said. He heard his Dragon give a chuckle.

“Lets just say, I’m ready to do some bug zapping.” She said. A guard gave a mocking chuckle. Bad mistake. Aradace had all four of her talons in the guards armour and had him suspended in the air. Her wings beating powerfully for a teen-age dragon. “If you dare mock me again. I will give you a shock you will never forget. Understand that?” The guard gave a quick nod. Aradace realised her grip and he dropped two feet. The yellow Pegasus pony went to go to guards side to help him up. But was stopped by the dark blue Princess. Aradace rattled her scales for added threatening posture. She then resumed her post of standing in line of Marcus and Leon. She may not see past the tank. But her sensitive hearing can pick out different types of foot print. She could tell you who was behind or on approach just by their footsteps.

“They’ve breached the doorway!” Leon spat as he picked of the insect creatures off one by one. He refused to use their names. Marcus had more or less the same idea. He was using single shots only. That was until one had gotten too close and received the butt of the L85 in its face, followed by a boot in the throat. Steel toe cap. Nothing gets back up after a good enough kick. Aradace had unleashed a torrent of pure electrical energy towards her victims. She looked back at the Purple unicorn mare. Her mouth was agape.

"Surprised Miss Sparkle? Dragons can use any element. Depending on what nature decides to give.” She said loud enough so only the mare could hear. “Just please be ready to use those elements.”

“Grenade out!” Marcus shouted.

“Wait what?!” Leon shouted back, when he noticed Marcus toss the grenade. He couldn’t but say. “Oh shit! Get down!” Two loud metallic clanks echoed the battlefield. Surprisingly no civilian causalities yet. However three seconds followed. A explosion erupted ending shrapnel flying into the enemy ranks. Those insect things unfortunate to be by the grenade were torn to pieces violently.

“Tangos down.” Marcus shouted before placing his L85A2 on safety just seconds before swinging it to his back. While he brought his arms back, he grabbed his sheathed Glock 17c and began to fire at the closest targets first. Yet again one got a little too close to the blue princess he was protecting. He yanked it back, booted its hind leg before two 9mm rounds were placed in the back of its head. “Not while I’m on guard you don’t.”