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.”
Twisted Nightmares: Standing Alone
Chapter 2: Accidents happen
Dead bodies littered the room. Empty shells lay lifeless on the floor after being fired from their respected rifles. Even the Tiger tank seemed to be knackered. Plasma vapour was rising from its cannon even the hatches were open. The four crew were coughing and groaning.
“Great *cough* *cough* plasma cannon fired the cooling system prematurely. *cough* for the lord’s sake, plasma vapour sprayed out of the rear of the cannon. Will be safe to go back in?” George said holding back a cough.
“Should be safe in a few minutes. Best let the cannon cool itself down. It should then do a ventilation procedure.” Marcus said while picking up his spent 5.56mm shells. Leon was going the same with his higher calibre weapon. “Great that’s three of my magazines wasted. Three more left. We are lucky we have that new plasma based Tiger tank. Ayden what is status of the cooling system?”
“Not long left. She is almost done. A straight hour and a half has allowed massive heat build up. We are lucky George switched it to Plasma mortar, otherwise the cannon would have overheated a lot quicker.” Ayden said while he got out of the commander’s hatch. Aleksey began to get out of the driver’s hatch. Dan was just sitting half in and half out of his hatch.
“I consider that lucky comrade. Come look at burn mark on wall.” Aleksey said. His Russian accent becoming more dominant. He walked right in-between the two Princesses and straight to the wall with Marcus behind him. Aleksey pulled his combat knife from his boot seethe. He put the tip of the blade onto the scorch mark. Strangely the blade tip turned purple.
“Black magic.” Marcus said getting gasps of everyone in the room. “We are dealing with a dangerous enemy. Black magic is not a force to be used lightly. It has the power to corrupt those who are strong. It has the power to corrupt light. Black magic is weapon of the magical world, even dragons fear this type of magic.”
“Dragons fear black magic? What about you? You’ve been cursed to forever use magic. How do you react to black magic?” Aleksey asked. Unintentionally he had set the two Princesses gaze upon the commander.
“Its forbidden by the ancient dragon law. Even I refuse to tamper with such magic. It can reanimate the dead and allow them to walk among the living. Its an unholy thought, that only the devil should control. As for me being cursed. Call it what you wish. But I call it a gift off nature herself. If she can give a dragon the gift of magic, why not a human? Do you wish to know why see doesn’t?” Marcus asked. His squad gave a nod and had all began to sit on the back of the Tiger tank.
“With all due respect, sir. We knew you can use magic. After all we have seen you train Aradace with it. But we have yet to know why you have this ‘gift’ and why we can’t.” George said, since he was the last one to sit down after helping Leon up.
"The reason why Nature does not give us the power to use magic, is simply because we are a destructive species. Nature’s weapon as some put it. But in order to balance our destruction those many years ago while we still were understanding the world. Nature had created a tool of life. Dragons. While man used fire for destruction. A dragon used fire as a tool of creation. They undid what man had done to their world. But like all great things. Man began to try to hunt dragons. Luckily dragons had used their combined magic, and thus created an alternate dimension so they could live peacefully.” Marcus said. His throat beginning to hurt. He blamed the lack of water consumption. “The reason why I can use magic, simply lies on the fact I saved a dragon from death in my youth. In return the dragon allowed the gift of magic. It still comes at a price. Do not use black magic. But believe me when I say this. Magic is within use all. Only some of us are chosen to use it.”
“Riders of Dragons.” Leon said. Marcus nodded.
“Indeed. Dragon guardians or Dragon riders are unlikely pair of unnatural design. A force of destruction and a force of creation united as one, is a force to be reckoned with.” Marcus said. His tone somewhat not changing. Aradace landed on Marcus’s shoulder. “Enough Ancient dragon history. We have a new enemy we must wipe out. Before they have chance to corrupt this world.”
“Sir, yes sir. Consider it done, sir!” They all said in unison. While they were going the last minute adjustments. Leon had approached the white unicorn.
“I would like to thank you ma’am. You didn’t show hostility while we were doing what we are trained to do. So I am thanking you ma’am.” Leon said before giving a well executed British salute. He about turned on the spot then marched off. He climbed up the back of the Tiger. His weapon on his back; he warned he was getting in. Then he was gone.
“Your highnesses!” Marcus called. Both Princesses looked at him concerned. “If we are to protect this Kingdom. We will need at least one more tank. If have seen another human vehicle please let us know. You may not want another human weapon among your ranks. But as you have seen, we can hold those insect things off a lot longer than your guards. Time is of valuable essence.”
“If I am to make a respectful option. Much like what the Germans did with that Tiger tank. My nation of people have brought back an old KV-3 tank. They have place a reactor capable of casting a impenetrable plasma shield in return for disabling the cannon. Never fear though, the cannon has very penetration. But the bad news is it has three more months until completion.” Aleksey said. “Sorry for not letting you know sooner comrade. The project needed to be as secret as possible. With the German’s success in bringing the Tiger back to life with full deadly firepower. My people have tried to create one such weapon too. I hope it does well.”
“Hopefully the project does indeed go to plan. We will need another weapon to aid humanities struggle against the aliens. Once we help these equines win their upcoming war we can get back to Earth. And finally win. Clearly we are here by reason. Question nature’s plan later. Now we must protect this kingdom.” Marcus said. He turned back to the winged unicorns. Only now did he noticed they had flowing manes and tails. The white one had; light blue, green, dark blue and pink mane and her tail. Her eyes were magenta in colour. His attention switched the smaller dark blue winged unicorn. Her colour was slightly easier for Marcus’s eyes to adjust to. He mentally took a note of each of the rulers colours. The smaller one was just Dark Blue in colour, her mane and tail seemed to match her coats colour, but had white sparkle in both her mane and tail. Almost like the night sky. Her eyes were that of a lighter shade of blue.
“Noted. Comrade let us go fourth. We must scout.” Aleksey said trying to speed things along. “Maybe protect the front gates. No, that’s what they want. We must patrol around the walls.” With that said he vanished into the tank. That left Marcus and Aradace to get in.
“May I request your names?” Marcus said while he had quickly done a spell to replenish his and Leon’s ammunition. Both Princess looked at each other before turning their attention back Marcus. “Never mind. Forget I asked.” He respectfully saluted before walking away. Loud metallic bangs echoed the room as Marcus climbed up the side. At the same as the tank gained a urban camouflaged from nowhere. By the time it was finished, Marcus closed the hatch with a loud thud. The sound of the reactor turning back on followed. It charged up before it bursting back into life. Marcus gently put his foot on the accelerator. In return the Tiger gave a purr while its tracks rattled as it moved forward towards the blown up doorway. Just as they were about to past it. The tank suddenly growled but wasn’t moving forward. The tracks rattled, but yet nothing was happening. That was until the sirens began to wail that a sudden change in altitude was to blame.
“It appears that we are floating. Maybe it’s the unicorns that are the cause. But it is wrong to accuse without evidence.” George said. His theory however was way over assumed. It was actually the winged unicorns lifting the tank. As apparent when they spun the tank around. “Marcus, sir. What did you say to them?”
“I only asked for their names, then decided it didn’t matter. Why? Nothing wrong with that. Besides they do not look angry. In fact they look the same. But rather a little… Happier. I don’t know why.” Marcus said being observant. “Something isn’t right.” He watched the two Princesses put the tank down carefully, and they even shut the reactor off. Its dying whine echoed the room.
“Should we get out? Or stay in?” Leon asked. Marcus said nothing. Aradace eyed the two Princesses.
“Well good news is they do not wish to harm us. Maybe they going to answer your question.” She said as they just sat down on their hunches. “It appears they want you to get out Marcus.” Marcus gave a weak smile. He admired their persistence, but that’s what he was beginning to hate
“I admire your persistence to keep us in this room. What is your desire now?” Marcus said but almost regretted it when the Princesses eyes lit up. He was in trouble now. “We have a mission to be completed. Our world is in danger. We must finish our mission, so we can go home.” It didn’t sway either of the Princesses.
“You wished to know our names, did you not?” The blue Princess asked. “Then your dragon has my permission to reveal our names. Thus relieving her of the burden of secrecy.” After those words Aradace emerged from the tank. Wings fully stretched out as she risen from the machine, with a quick internal debate she decided to go to the younger one first. With one beat of her young, agile wings she had propelled herself forward towards the dark blue Princess; a flash later Aradace was already hovering above the Princess with her wings beating slowly but powerful enough to hold her in the air. She cleared her throat.
“This is Princess Luna. She is the younger sister of the one to the left. Luna controls the moon. She as a matter of fact rises and lowers it; also adding that she is responsible for the stars.” Aradace said almost coming to land on Luna’s back, but stopped just before a single piece of fur could be touched. The older sister looked at the dragon while she increased her distance from Luna’s back; Aradace had found her shadow on the floor in front of the purple unicorn. She watched the dragon with watchful eyes.
“Right, and what of the older sister then?” Marcus asked promoting a smile on the young Dragon’s face; red electricity began to dance around her tail before heading towards her two main horns. She had her shadow in sight. Everyone in the room had their eyes on the small black dragon. In a flash she dashed to her shadow and upon contact she went through it. Only to emerge from the wall behind the white winged unicorn.
“Impossible! That’s against nature!” Cried the purple unicorn.
“It is only impossible if one does not try to achieve.” Aradace said as she stopped above the white winged unicorn’s wings. “Look at them. They had ancestors fight in the most horrific battle humanity has ever seen. World War 2. A war that was never meant to happen. A war which the allied forces of Britain, Russia and America struggled with. Germany was proving a far greeter enemy then they thought. Germany had better machines, better firepower. It was all in vein. Germany soon grew desperate as the allies began to push them back. Yet the allies thought it was impossible.” Aradace said. “I find it impossible that you pacifists are at war. That’s if you are pacifists.”
“Moving topic. Stay on the introduction of the Princesses.” Marcus said having to shout over the argument, sadly Aradace never heard him. He shook his head as the argument between dragon and unicorn got more and more intense. “George, Aleksey load the 8.8 with a old AP shell. Then fire.”
Orders were executed efficiently; Aleksey had the shell in the chamber within two seconds before he sealed the shell inside. He shouted ‘loaded' down the internal radio. Marcus received the transmission, but he noticed Princess Luna’s ears twitch towards the tank. Marcus was looking for a spot to shoot at. He found it, he could George to adjust the cannon before ordering to fire. Silence followed.
“Stop your childish bickering, it gets on my nerves. Aradace please continue with introduction the Princess you are above.” Marcus said. “Do not force my had to fire that 8.8 again. It has ten times more velocity than it did in world war 2. You know that Aradace.” Aradace nodded to acknowledgement. The argument seized.
“Continuing with the introduction. This is Princess Celestia. She is the older sister of Princess Luna and is the ruler of the day. Believe me when I say this, she raises and lowers the sun. But they both work together to keep the right amount of day and night at the same hours. Just like how Earth rotates on its axis.” Aradace said finishing with the introduction. She landed shortly her wings were aching so with a quick stretch she fully deployed her wings. Her wings measuring 2ft compared to her 3ft frame. She hasn’t reached her teen-age stage yet. After her wing stretch, she folded them to her sides and began walking back. “Nice to meet you all dears.” She added before jumping onto the top of the Tiger 1.
“Right then, we must find a place were we can rest for the day. Our operation begins at night. Under the cover of darkness our foes shall feel the might of our weapon.” Marcus said. With a metallic thud his hatch was closed. Only the whirring of the Tiger’s plasma reactor charging back up filled the quite room. Once it started up Marcus traversed it so they were facing the blown open door. Hopefully for the last time and began to drive slowly towards the door way. Marcus relaxed at the gently sound of the reactor while the tracks rattled against the floor.
"That dragon knows too much. Better yet she is another Pinkie Pie with her denying the laws of physics. It is impossible to disappear into your shadow.” The purple unicorn said ranting while she watched the machine move through the hallways before it make the first left turn. “Luna doesn’t that lead to your guard area? Better yet doesn’t it lead to your bed chambers?” Princess Luna didn’t even looked surprised.
“Highly unlikely they will find it.” She said. To their surprised the Tank had come back in reverse before it traversed right and carried on down the main hallway. Luna’s face changed for a brief millisecond. “I will see to it that they find their way out.”
****
“Where in blue daisies is that exit door?” George asked as gentleman like as possible. “Sir, so If I am correct. We are finding a place to camp, then we are going to sleep until night arrives?”
“Indeed. We all work better at night. In my opinion, we need to scout out under the cover of darkness. Were these ponies should then sleeping, thus making it easier to get around without being noticed by the civilians. Should be easier to map the city.” Marcus said while he concentrated on keeping the Tiger in the middle of the hallway so they didn’t damage the décor; but he stopped the machine at a two choice hallway. Left or Right. With serious consideration he chose the left.
“You are fully aware, if you take this route you will end up turning around. As you would have found Princess Luna’s bed chamber. I doubt she will be nice to you if she catches you doing through her draws.” Aradace said through the ball she was in on Marcus’s lap. Despite her being a 3ft dragon she could curl up into a tiny ball of scales. “Its not polite to go through a girl’s things. You caught me that.” Marcus gave a hearty chuckle; the course remained the same.
“Perhaps she is right. Turn us around comrade, I don’t want the Princess of the night after us on our first night here.” Aleksey said trying his best to suppress his yawn. Clearly it didn’t work. He yawned down the internal radio. “They both seemed a bit too happy when you and Leon demonstrated a two man team. We held them at bay while Leon picked them off. At the same time your getting the ones that Dan couldn’t get. Still loved the Glock-17c kill though.”
“How did you feel having the Sun Princess help you Leon? Forgot to drag the table the back?” Dan teased.
“Didn’t see a way of dragging it back without having to put my rifle away. So I left it, but it was were I could return to if needed. Clearly though Princess Celestia moved the table. At the time I thought nothing of it. Now on the other hand. I fear anything with horns.” Leon said. He took a sharp breath when he realised that Aradace had horns.
“Hey! I have horns too you know. They just can’t focus magic. Its not what they are design for. They are designed to stab.” Aradace said without moving from her ball. “But saying that I have never used my horns as a weapon, yet.”
“Now young lady, don’t you start thinking ‘war.’ We someone who is good at diplomacy. Besides people tend to trust someone that can speak in a civilised manner. With us being soldiers, and with us operating this tank. The civilians will look at this thing and run.” George said eyeing his new updated weapon instruments. “I must say. So far this old Tank has impressed me. It has targeting system that is easy to use. A plasma system that reloads the shell by forming it in the chamber. Yet it can go back to its 8.8 shell. Its marvellous.”
“She is isn’t she? This was our last chance to save humanity. Germany and Britain secretly worked together in project known as Project: Plasma Storm. As much as I hate to say. John Weston is apart of the project. He now serves in Operation Plasma-fire.” Ayden said and took a deep breath when Marcus slowly brought the tank to a standstill in front of a door with a crescent moon. “From what the British have said. They plan to send at least 5,000 tanks into Operation Plasma-fire. Its happening as we speak.”
“Hopefully if my son plays by the book, he will pull through. Please tell me what tank he is driving.” He said,
“I do believe it’s a Chieftain FV4201 MBT. Due to the project, it now fires plasma due to its plasma systems. But 5,000 tanks have this modification. Since its mostly Britain and Germany involved, the battalion had 2,500 Leopard Tanks and 2,500 Chieftain FV4201.” Ayden said. “Sorry to tell you this now, but I am having that old commander’s feeling I used to get back in WW2. This feeling is telling me we are going to need him. No matter how insane he is.”
“We are all insane in our own little way. Look at me for example, give me a chance and I will run right up to the enemy. But I haven’t yet.” Dan said giving a small chuckle. Everyone followed shortly after. Everyone except Marcus. After hearing that his son was heading off In what could be humanity’s last battle. It could be the last he hears from his son; he pushed that thought aside. Immediately he traversed the Tiger 1 180° only to see the night Princess herself with two guards. Unlike a normal Pegasus these guards were more bat-like. Their eyes were slitted, wings were in the shape of bat wings. Their ears appeared normal. But the small Driver's window didn't offer much view. He did see the guards with their spears pointed at the machine. Just to test them he had George lower the cannon. The guards trembled.
"Princess Luna wants you to get out. She wishes to introduce you to her latest recruits. I suggest you have Aleksey with this time. After all he was the first man in your team." Aradace said. Marcus groaned. This would make it at least the third time he got out. He called Aleksey while he threw open his hatch in a pissed off manner; grabbing his L85A2 by the sling and then putting it on him. He firmly held it on his chest and tightened the sling so it held the weapon on his chest. Aleksey on the other held his Dragunov SVD-12 on full display. How he managed to fit such a big rifle inside that tank is a mystery. They both jumped off the tank and landed with a thud. Their Army boots absorbed the impact. Both the guards trembled.
"New recruits. Fresh bodies in the corps. Ha ha. You are both going to have some serious fun guarding things that we can just roll through. No, but moving on. More serious matters await us. You waited us your highness? Please make it quick. We have to set up camp." Aleksey said. His attention was soon grabbed by one those insect things from earlier. He brought the rifle scope to his eye as he whispered get down. With a quick pull of the trigger. The recoil took his weapon up all in while the spent shell was ejected. "Target neutralised. It isn't getting up." He looked at the two guards.
"Let's not scare the recruits Aleksey. After all you have start somewhere." Marcus said looking at the Princess. She got the idea of what Marcus wanted, her guards were introduced. A brother and sister. "Pleasure to meet you both. I wish you luck on your future fitness tests. Word of advise. Ignore the rumours, of any get spread about you both. If you happen to us walking around, I am Major Weston, this one next to me is Captain Aleksey. I still don't know what Russian rank he is. If you want intel on long range tactic he is the go to guy. Or Leon is the other one." He shook both the guards hoofs before dismissing himself and Aleksey. However Marcus stopped. "If you need us, just seek us. We aren't that hard to find." They both then got back into the tank.
"That lasted far longer than I wanted it to." Aleksey said just as he sat down. "Remind me, why were are helping them? Because in my opinion most of their guards are weak and undisciplined. They need more training. Look at the two we pretty much dragged back to the Princesses. They were shaking in their boots. Say, what happened to them?" The Tiger purred once it began driving again.
"In due time they will become better, but for now lets concentrate on getting to our campsite. We will work under the cover of darkness. That way we haven't got the civilians in the way." Marcus said. "The amount of times we have had to stop has already began to annoy me. Oh, before I forget. Ayden, can we reduce the noise of the engine of this thing? Or logic remains with that."
"Nein. Reactor sound can not be reduced. I recommend scouting the area out. A forrest is most suitable. However we are in a urban environment. An alleyway should do fine while you and Aleksey do some recon." Ayden said. "Aradace seems to sleeping to recharge her energy. You both are going to need her."
"True, she has been very helpful. She knows where her loyalty stands." Aleksey said. "She can detect almost anything before they have chance to get close. She is another good member of the team."
****
After finally finding the correct route, with the help from Princess Luna walking them through the castle. From head on it looked menacing. Luna herself being rather dark natured when she wanted to be or was frustrated. But she didn't look back to see if the machine was still there. She didn't need to because the machine itself was loud with the Plasma reactor yet alone the tracks were just as worst with the rattling; every now and then she had to stop to get the Tank to stop just so she could lesson her headache. However this stop was different. This time was different she had to find a way to silence that tank. How would she do that exactly? An idea struck her. Ask the humans to use an alternate fuel source. Marcus watched the gesture she just pulled off in front of his visor. At least the Germans had a little sense to make his view a little easier. That didn't help him with the gesture though.
"She wants you to get out again. She wants to know whether you can use a quieter fuel source. That or turn the reactor off. Those requests are something we can not fulfil. I could reason with her. After all I know everything about her. I will tell you how I know later on. I am just letting the realisation kick in. By the way you lot have lasted longer than expected." Aradace said yawning as she stretched her muscles. She went to stretch her wings but an inch stopped her. Said inch was on her wing blade on the right wing. "Could you open this hatch please. I would open it using magic, but as you say 'its pointless to use magic when you can do it yourself.' Now I know why my mom granted you magic." Marcus rolled his eyes while Aradace blabbered on. He got the hatch open so the dragon could get out. He left it ajar.
"Sorry Princess, but no. Machines can't be any quieter than what this is now. At the end of the day this is a war machine, and it doesn't help that the engine is a plasma reactor. As for the tracks, the only way to silence them is to stop the tank completely." He heard Aradace say to the Princess. "How about we stay at a distance. These two guards could keep an eye on us."
"Neigh, I will cope with the annoying sounds. Your just trying to escape." Marcus heard Princess Luna say. Marcus just shrugged his shoulder and turned the reactor back on. Its usual sounds purred from the tank, and once Aradace was in Marcus put his foot down.
"She thinks we are trying to escape... Wait she can't be leading us to the... She is! Floor it!" Aradace said. She accessed the magical aura and immediately knew of Princess Luna's intention. "Make an immediate right." Marcus dropped the break on the right track and drove the left one forward. Luckily the suspension took the sheer weight that was suddenly applied to the left track. Nevertheless the Tiger 1 made the immediate right turn.
"Нет! Why would she does this!" Aleksey said accidentally using his native language through the internal radio.
"They have turned hostile. Permission to fire?" George asked as he monitored his advance targeting system.
"Nein, hold fire!" Ayden ordered. "Marcus I want you drive and don't stop! Dan if anything attacks from the front you are ordered to fire! George and Aleksey you are authorised to fire at door or big threats."
****
"Gah! This is taking the fucking piss! Where the fuck is that exit!" Leon shouted as the tank violently shook while it smashed through the walls. "At least the walls aren't slowing the tank down."
"I have a bad feeling we are going to end up where we began." Aleksey said while he monitor what systems he had that concerned about the cannon. So far his systems had not picked up any damages. Other than the crashing through walls everything was fine.
"Ayden what a your systems reading? Mine are threatening to shut down, I think I have rammed to many walls." Marcus asked as he did a hard turn left and sacred a few maid ponies by accident. Marcus held a confused expression. "Maid uniforms here reveal more than they should. That or she has out-grown that uniform."
"Who else wished they closed their eyes while going through that group of maids?" Dan asked sounding a bit disturbed through the radio. "That's a sight I do not want to see that again. Because If see one more maid, I'm going to get out and have a few words with the Princesses. That is one image I am never going to be able to get out my brain." Marcus heard him shudder through the radio.
"Done a pulse scan while Princess Luna had you distracted. I have only just received the map. From this location there is balcony. Bad news is its a sheer drop. The shield will have to be overcharged in order to lift the pressure off the suspension. It will get us outside, but at the cost of our shield for an hour while it recharges." Ayden said while he quickly ran scenario tests. "Right, continue at this speed. And drive through the door ahead of you. Divert all power to the shields now." Marcus kept the tank on its course for the mentioned door while pulled a new lever inside of his compartment. All power to the cannon was diverted to the shields By the time Marcus had done that all he felt was a strong thud as the Tiger just rammed through the door and the banister guardrails. Seconds past and the Altitude sensor was blaring at them as the altitude was dropping too quickly.
"Brace for impact!" Marcus shouted as he saw the beginning of a building and the paths becoming more clearer, even the ground became much clearer. By now he could actually tell there were ponies watching the strange machine plummet from the sky. Marcus looked at the warning indictor and the altitude sensor system, they were much more frantic; as planned Marcus diverted all power to the Tiger's plasma shield. Immediately power was drained and the shield had overcharged. It was all it good timing too. Marcus shouted 'brace' for a second time. This time everyone got into the aircraft emergency position. To the crew time seemed to have slowed down, as it felt like the crash was taking forever.
However it all came crashing down on them like a tonne of bricks. Within moments after Marcus declaring 'brace' the Tiger slammed into the ground with outstanding force it made the stone beneath make a splash like it was water. Guards that were by the main door looked at the tank with fear. They noticed a Blue-yellow flash vaporise seconds after the crash. If it wan't for their guard shift they would have investigated the mysterious thing. Instead they had to just watch it instead.
"Guards what is going on out here... Oh my. I think they found the exit." Celestia said as she walked out the castle to the sight. She studied the trajectory of the fall and then looked up to the balcony. It confirmed her theory. She saw Luna looking down completely shocked. Same with her new guards they too shared Luna's expression. "Do you know what happened? They were meant to be under your supervision."
"They aren't children Tia! I was leading them to the prisons, but they must have thought we were going to lock them up." Princess Luna shouted back at her older sister in hopes to hide the lie. She sent her two new guards down to study if the tank crew survived. Even with the reactor still chugging lightly, no one was concerned of it moving. Oh how they thought wrong. To their surprise the driver's hatch swung open with Marcus half in half out. Blood was running from the top right of his head, but he was getting the machine to move forward.
Luckily the shield had took the punishment of the fall as planned. That saved the tank's suspension system and saved the crew. At the cost of the shield. Now the crew had to rely on the thickened armour of the Tiger 1 to protect them. Thats if their injuries didn't knock them out first.
"Aradace do your best to keep your weight on the accelerator while I steer us away from that crazy night Princess. There is no way in hell am I going to prison for nothing. We have committed no such crime as of yet. So why is she trying to lock us up?" Marcus said aloud by mistake. Thus alerted Princess Celestia what Luna was up to. "She wants a reason to lock us up? How about a assassination attempt."
Once Marcus had the tank at the bottom of the stair case, he stopped allowing the tank to go forward and instead traversed the machine 180° so he had a clear view of Luna on the balcony. He asked Aradace to stop with her assistance with the accelerator. She happily stopped putting her weight onto the peddle and collapsed straight after. Marcus on the other hand could see his vision blackening. As quick as he could he reached for his L85A2 rifle; Luna was in his sights and was looking directly at him. She eventually realised the weapon was drawn on her. Marcus's finger was squeezing to trigger, sweet trickled down his face, mixing with the blood from his wound. Bang! The finger pulled the trigger. Lucky for Luna, Marcus fall unconscious after putting the safety back on after he fired. Just by timing the Tiger 1's reactor ceased to function. However a message was left on all the screens in each compartment. The message was 'all crew knock out. Activating sleep mode. Reactor offline. Estimated wake up time: unknown.' Marcus dropped the rifle onto his chair before he fall forward onto the hull of the machine. His vision finally blackened and his hearing was becoming muffled.
"Get them all into the nearest hospital now! Before we blow our chance of standing a chance..." Was all Marcus heard off Princess Luna before he was succumbing to the darkness. He tried to fight it off by getting angry. It appeared to working. The blackness around his vision was pushed back. Marcus saw the opportunity he made for himself to make a move, he pushed up with all his might only to discover the blackness began to spread across his vision again. He continued to fight it off but no matter no hard he tried, he could feel his muscles ache. However he diverted all his energy to looking straight into Luna’s eyes.
“Me and you are going to have conversation about this.” He said until he heard and saw a camera flash. He looked in the direction and pulled his Glock-17c and then fired at the camera. Its echo made all the ponies cower with fear. “No flash photography without legal authorisation of the United Nations Defence Force.” As soon as he said it. He finally succumbed to the darkness.
“Looks like your having a long conversation about this to him. I suspected something was off. They aren’t that stupid to drive off a balcony with a sheer drop willingly. Plus that dragon misses nothing. She must have sensed something. I suggest talking to him one on one. Be sure to place his men in the same room…. And leave their weapons alone. We must show that we trust them if we are to get them to help us win.” Princess Celestia said as she walked to her younger sister; who in returned scoffed at her sister’s comment. “Being imprisoned on your moon for a 1,000 has done you no good. You need to talk to people outside our species. People like them humans. They know nothing of your past, so it should be easy.”
“Ha! Like they will ever trust me after this. How am I meant to get their trust again after this? They protected us in our own courtroom, yet I just threw that trust away like a unusable tissue. Thou must be mad if you think they will trust me again.” Princess Luna said. Deep down she knew her older sister was right. “I am lost in this modern world. No speaks the way I remember it. I am struggling with this improved language.”
“You have the hang of it so far. These humans are more advanced than we are. So maybe they can help you.” Celestia said gleaming with joy.
“Your highness, how are we meant to move this thing? Its too heavy for us to pull to the nearest hospital. They may not survive the trip as we will take to long to get it there.” A solar guard said as he walked towards the two Princesses.
“Never-mind then. I will teleport them to the hospital with my own doctors to watch over them. Their tank will be kept with me in throne room. Princess Luna will watch over them.” Princess Celestia said before she cast a spell which made the tank disappear and crew teleport them to the nearest hospital. “Go sister. You must be there when Marcus awakens.”
****
Marcus awoke on a bed that was rather comfortable. It felt a bit wet but was comfortable and warm nevertheless. The bed sheets the selves are smooth to the touch. They even smelled like lavender. It was quiet too. Nut he could feel something on top of him as well as the sound of snickering. He opened his eyes in flash. There were at least two doctors and two nurses by his bed. Their laughing had stopped and one of the doctors had approached him before he had chance to figure out what was on top of him.
“Good evening Mister Weston. You and your crew a lucky to have survived that crash with only minor head wounds. Its nothing to minor, but to be sure the Princess has ordered that you all are to stay in for one more day. Your crew are happy with this, but the weird deep voiced guy said to speak it to you. If it helps the guy had a weird accent. With a flag wit white, blue and red in a horizontal configuration.” The doctor said. Marcus nodded in confirmation.
“Its been awhile since I have been called Mister instead of Major. Lucky to walk away from a crash like that, I am amazed that the shield held at the crash. As for the extra day, I couldn’t care less. Its an extra day in bed. By the way it was Aleksey you spoke to. He is Russian. Nice bloke. Just avoid upsetting him.” Marcus said but his eyes still refused to focus. “What of my Dragon Aradace?”
“She is ok Mister Weston. Unlike you and your crew though, she has suffered more than a hole in her wing sails.” The doctor said. Marcus gave a sigh of relief. “If you need us at anytime just ring the buzzer. We have told the rest of your men the same thing.”
“Hopefully I will be fine. I have been in much worst conditions than this measly bump. One thing bothers me though Doctor. You haven’t showed the look of fear. Whereas all the other civilians looked mortified. I find it adorable.” Marcus said with his vision still refusing to un-blur everything.
“We try not to make fuss over petit things. At the end of the day your species shows better intelligence. Your not carnivores are you?” The doctor.
“Humans are omnivores mostly. We eat both plants and meat. A balanced mixture of both is what keeps our bodies operating. Too much meat for example leads to build up of protein. Which then I think turns to fat if it isn’t burned of.” Marcus said. “What this object sitting on me? Feels like someone decided to place a large teddy filled with bricks.” The two doctors and nurses had to choke back a snicker.
"Its none other than Princess Luna. She must have grown extremely tired and fall asleep on you. Even Alicorns are a mystery to us. They work differently compared to the Earth, Pegasus and unicorn races. But Princess Celestia has warned not to wake her up. She is… Cranky so to speak. We are going to leave you lot alone. Don’t be afraid to push the buzzer.” The Doctor said as he led the others out of the room and left him alone. He tried to focus his eyesight only for it fail. Instead he hugged the ‘object’ on his chest. It was sort of natural. It felt like hugging a better bear. Expect this one had a horn and wings, let alone it was a Princess. Even if he was pissed off at her, he pushed that aside and fall asleep stroking Luna’s mane and behind her ears. She seemed to like it for she moved closer to his hand.
“She hasn’t anyone talk to her in a very long time. You’re the only people that don’t fear her because of her past. As her older sister I want to see her happy. Can you do that for me? Since you even stated you will operate under the cover of the Night sky. That makes you apart of the Lunar guard. Sorry for startling you at this time.” Said a voice which he had identified as Celestia due to the gentle voice. Where she did startle him, it wasn’t enough to make him jump.
“Its our personal goal to move from the past mistakes we once made. It makes us better at who we are. By not knowing of her past mistakes must be good for her. Why? Clearly she must have done something big in order for the entire population to fear her. Just please do not tell me. I would like to here from her point of view first. It is normal to be scratched behind the ears and enjoy this much?” Marcus asked while Luna move her head slightly to place Marcus’s hand to a spot on her ear that made her sigh with relief.
“Some ponies are different than others. Although I warn you know from personal experience. Do not touch her flanks. She will go from a talkative mare to one that will bite your ear. As her older sister I did it as a joke. I am never doing that again.” Princess Celestia said while shuddering. Marcus chuckled lightly.
“I find it odd that she swooped down to a soldier’s level just to get this. Believe it if you will. Me and my squad are all mixtures of Special forces. Take me and Leon for example. We are both Paratroopers in the British armed forces. Aleksey is a Russian Spetnez Sniper. Like Leon he hasn’t missed a single target. Ayden my German father was a elite German tank commander that commanded a single King Tiger against his ruler. The crew of five had saved five KV-1 from another King Tiger and several Panzer mark IV. He emerged from a bush and went full on against the Panzers. The King Tiger was far more armoured and better weaponised. Ayden’s crew laid waste but saved the Russian KV-1 squad. He went onto assist them. Finally Dan and George are British SAS. Special Air Service it stands for. The SAS are the most elite form of Special Forces. They are the elite of British forces.” Marcus said while still stroking Luna’s ear. His vision was slowly restoring to him and Celestia was coming into focus. “It’s a shame that high society is demanding. While being full of opinion filled snobs, that think they are above the world. The press are just as annoying. I hate the press just as much as arrogant people.”
“The Press have a habit of twisting what you say and turn it into lies.” Celestia said. They both nodded in agreement.
“I warn you now though. If you find a pony with a smashed camera and a bullet hole through their head you know it was me. No photos are to be taken without my authorisation, and will not be printed unless they have my say so. Sorry, but I am not having photos of me and my crew, just for the Press to corrupt those words. Or what would the caption be if they had a picture of me and Luna like this.” Marcus said. “Like when I shot the one before failing unconscious. I hope it didn’t go through to kill the pony.” Marcus said. Thankfully Celestia shook her head.
“Luckily the metal that your weapon spat out got lodged in the camera. Camera was destroyed in the process, but the pony lived. Its unbecoming of me to say this, but its about time someone starts putting them in line. Since you humans aren’t under my law, by law I can’t touch you. So you could I don’t know… Lay waste to the Press buildings that take photos of your tank and crew.” Celestia said trying to stifle a laugh.
“Lay waste, nothing would be left standing. I would feel sorry for the pony that tries to take a picture while standing in our way. Must be terrifying to have a 60 ton piece of metal coming towards you. As long if your giving indirect permission, consider the press no threat.” Marcus said giving Celestia a evil smirk. “Hmm I have a feeling you are distressed, and you want revenge for something.”
“Aradace may be rubbing off on you, for you have guessed correctly. The paparazzi got a picture of my rear end through one of my windows. I can never go anywhere without some random stallion trying to hit on me. For your first mission you are to hunt this stallion down.” Celestia said spawning a magazine with the picture of her flank on the title page. Marcus gave a disappointed look.
"Consider it done your majesty. But I have better plan. Hold a open event tomorrow were you introduce us. Here we will punish the photographer. Since humanity isn’t chained by your law, we can see to it they get the punishment they deserve.” Marcus said while he thought of the plan. “I will have the Tiger behind us in camouflage, so they will not see it. I will stand in full display of the Press conference. Here I will make it known, no photography of the crown without legal permission.”
“Just do not kill them, it will make your kind look bad.” Celestia said.
“I can’t guaranty he will survive the procedure I will have done to them. I have a feeling it’s a male. Tomorrow dead on 12:00.” Marcus said. “You will get your payback, and I get to demonstrate what happens when people step out of line. Ssh Luna just stirred.” Just as he said her name. Luna began to stir and naturally Marcus stopped scratching her ear. Once she had settled down, she yawned and fall back to sleep. Marcus continued scratching her ear but decided to draw circles instead. Celestia gave a warming smile.
“Is she heavy?” She said playfully. Marcus shook his head.
“Not at all. She is lighter than I expected. That is probably because she has her weight distributed evenly.” He said holding back a yawn. “Just stick to the plan, we will do the rest. Hopefully it will install fear in the press. So much fear as a matter of fact they wouldn’t dare take another photo.”
“She is around the same size as you, that’s probably why she is light.”
“Your around the same size as an average human. You are estimated to be 6ft. That is around average height. Its just that a human male is at least 1 inch taller than you.” Marcus corrected. “The other ponies seem to be around 4ft tall.”
“Impressive. You judge size very well. I now feel small with you two legs walking around.” Celestia said in a joking manner.
“Liked the joke there. Good use use of it. I find it odd though, how your sister can mood swing pretty quickly when the circumstances require. I mean she went from trying to jail us to sleeping on my chest. I find it questionable.” Marcus said while circling her ear.
“She has had troubled past. She gets shunned because of it and as her older sister I get worried that the past is going to repeat itself. I need someone to be by her side when I can’t. Since you don’t fear her maybe you and your crew are the right people for that.” Celestia said. Marcus had to stop himself from choking.
“Pardon? With all due respect ma’am we are soldiers of war. We can’t get too attached to anything, otherwise it will be harder to do our jobs. Our duty as soldiers is to protect the innocent. No matter the cost.” Marcus said after recovering from what Celestia had said.
“You making yourself sound as cold hearted as the machine you control. Is Humanity really that dark as a species? Has this war really turned you all cold hearted?...”
“No not at all, its just these aliens came from nowhere and wage war on our kind for no reason. We held up as long as could after hearing projects were being researched to grant us better weapons. Thus the plasma Tiger was born. Each country worked in unison to created machines that could aid us.” Marcus said taking a break to add effect. “We all got a taste of the blood shed and violence, some got more than others. They are the ones who lost all their humanity. For us it was fight or be eradicated. You can guess what humanity went for.” Celestia gave of nod of understanding.
"I see. You were plunged into a war that your kind didn’t want. Yet you still fought for freedom. Has the war been one?” She asked Marcus shook his head weakly.
"The Plasma Tiger was the German’s first break though with Plasma technology. Since most of our forces were focus on a full force assault, my team had to get to the research facility. When we did we only had brief time to the use to the machine.” Marcus said. “And we are here now. We do as the circumstances demand. I suppose we are the only ones who can understand Luna. For we have so many similarities. One being we are strangers in the civilian word.”
“Your Highness you are needed back in the castle.” A guard said as he flung the door open in a hurry. His fur was white in colour and his armour was Golden with imprints of the sun. Celestia and Marcus looked at one another with confused expressions. Nevertheless Celestia heeded the request. With a Good-bye to Marcus she slowly left the room.
“Wow. How the fuck did that work? Try to go to sleep and end up having a…. Half an hour conversation.” Marcus said looking at the clock above the door. “I wonder how Aradace is.” He wondered for bit but decided against it. If his crew needed him, they would surely seek him. So he began to drift of in to the world sleep.
