Blood in the Sand

“Drop and give me twenty you pathetic wastes of space.” The instructor yelled. “You all are the worst group of trainees I have ever had the displeasure of dealing with.” Most of the trainees would struggle and complain except for Roman and Rainbow. The two of them punched out push up after push up angrily working at each other. This wasn't basic training to them it was a competition to see who is stronger. Meanwhile, Applejack is at the end of the group doing just as good as her two friends. Make no mistake the three of them were already stronger than some of the trainees and the others knew this so they always got met with glares and hateful stares. They didn't care all they cared about was surviving boot camp.

“Alright ladies take a break then get ready for a forty five minute drill run.” The instructor looks and Roman, Rainbow, and Applejack. “You three come here. Double time move it.” They come jogging over to their instructor. “What are you names maggots?” They stand at attention and salute.

“Private Rainbow Dash. Sir.” She says loud and proud

“Private Applejack, Sir.”he said puffing out her chest

“Private Anton Roman. Sir.” he said with pride in his voice

“Well, you three have to be the most pathetic bunch of Trainees I've ever met. You three will be leading the group when we run and if any of you fall behind, then you’ll be cleaning the latrines for a week.” None of them flinch and stay stoic and salute once again.

“Sir yes sir.” the three said in unison as they jogged off to get some water. The instructor rubs his chin and smirks.

“Those three are unbreakable. This is gonna be fun.” he said laughing to himself.

Meanwhile, in Nigeria

“Zeus Thirteen this is Percival Two were coming up on Abuja. What are our orders?” the radio chimes back with the voice of a young middle eastern man.

“Gentlemen this is Nizaar Rabbani, your objective is to park in the center of the city and arm the bombs. Once you boys are out of the blast radius detonate the bomb then return to base. Gentlemen it's time to bring the world to the light about Prometheus. Et mundabo saeculum per ignem.”

“Et mundabo saeculum per ignem.” The armed men said in unison before readying the bomb. After a few minutes of driving they three vans park in strategic points in the city as they arm the bombs. Hopping into another van they speed out of the city. Once far enough they detonate the bombs and massive explosions decimate the inner portion of the city washing thousands of people in a blanket of fire. Buildings in ruin crumble as the rubble crushes those trapped inside the corresponding buildings. Rescue workers rush to help as children cling to the bodies of their dead parents and parents hold their dead and wounded children in their arms. From that moment on things in the world would never be the same.

Over the coming months after the Abuja terrorist attack Prometheus orchestrated three more terrorist attacks on Dubai, Berlin, and Sydney. each time Prometheus claimed responsibility with pride. After two months of silence from the terrorist group world leaders began to panic it wasn't until three sleeper cells were discovered in the U.S Senate, and Two in the British Parliament that the world had enough and the U.S and UK declared war on Prometheus but after finding out that Syria and Russia were joining Prometheus in the fight it became official World War Three had begun. All world leaders knew that another bloody chapter in human history was beginning. nevertheless they were ready to defend their people.

Back in the states during all the terror and bloodshed Roma, Rainbow, and Applejack fared better than they thought. In the months leading up to the war the three excelled in everything from strength all the way to tactical genius. After more ruthless training the day came. Graduation Day. Out of the thrity that enlisted only fifteen made it to Graduation, they were fifteen of the finest soldiers the U.S.M.C had to offer. Since it was the weekend of graduation everyone's friends and family came and in the crowd were five colorful girls cheering their friends on. After graduation was over everyone was allowed to have visitors and Twilight and her friends were not about to pass that up. They sign in and head into the gymnasium. They all run up and hug each other.

“Oh my gosh I never thought I’d see the day I saw you wearing a uniform.” Sunset says kissing Roman and giggling. Romans parents come in and surprise him. Everyone sat around and laughed and joked. Once it was time to leave everyone hugged and walked out. Sunset stops Roman and kisses him on the lips deeply as they hold each other for a few there lips intertwined with each others. They break the kiss and Sunset smiles and heads out to her car. After more conversations with each other it was time for lights out so everyone headed to their barracks for the night. Suddenly in the dead of night siren went off and the instructor burst into the barracks.

“Everyone up now this is an emergency. You all are being shipped out to Nigeria.” a Private stands up in the back.

“Why Nigeria sir?” he said scared.

“Nows not the time for questions maggot, get your ass up and head to the auditorium now.” he said in a angry tone. Everyone got dressed and poured into the auditorium and took their seat as the Sergeant Major came out onto the stage and gave them a rundown on everything that's happening. A silence came across the crowd as they were given their orders.

“Prometheus is a very dangerous group everyone. There highly skilled and heavily armed. They are ruthless and will not show mercy I expect the same from all of you. Now, gear up and meet in front of the airstrip we’re leaving immediately. Everyone runs out of the building and over to the armory as everyone takes a vest, rifle, handgun, a couple grenades, and finally parachutes and they run to the airstrip.

“So, is this all there sending, just one base of marines?” a private said to Roman.

“No if this is as bad as the president said it is then every base in the U.S will be sending company after company to Nigeria and other points of interest. Applejack and Rainbow hold hands as they wait for their Commanding Officer. “You o girls?” Roman said looking at them.

“Ya sugarcube were just a little nervous. This will be our first time in real combat.” Applejack said as Rainbow lets go of her hand.

“Ya, but as long as the three of us stay together we will keep each other safe.” Rainbow said gaining back her iconic determination that Roman saw back during basic. Roman was just a nervous as them but he was ready. He knew that this was his destiny and that he would fight to the bitter end. More importantly he would defend his friends and brothers to the death if he had to. Just then a tall olive skinned man with black hair walked up to them.

“Your the three privates from Equestria right?” the man said to Roman.

“Yes we are, and who are you.” Roman said looking at the rather muscular man.

“I’m Sergeant Baxter nice to meet you.” he said shaking hands with the three privates. “I've heard a lot about you three so fighting beside you guys is gonna be interesting.” he said chuckling but before anyone could respond Sergeant Major Maxim stepped up to the podium and began listing people and the companies they will be going to. Roman, Baxter, Rainbow, and Applejack got assigned to Rhino Company along with about half of the marines there. The other half was split up and sent to Griffin Company and Mako Company. Once all that was over everyone loaded onto their Companies AC-130 and took their seats and waited for take off. After a few hours of flying everyone decided that it would be best to get some shut eye so that they would be alert and focused for the upcoming battle. it was gonna be a long and bloody war everyone knew this yet they were ready and willing to die to protect their homes and families. Roman however was ready to die for Rainbow, Sunset, Applejack, and everyone else he has come to know. Make no mistake he was gonna fight like a rabid dog against Prometheus. After several hours of silence the red light finally hit as everyone shot up and ready themselves for the jump.

“Drop-zone ETA three minutes everyone jump on my mark.” Maxim yelled as everyone put a hand on the shoulder of the soldier in front of them. “ETA thirty seconds.” Everyone settled their nerves and took a deep breath. “Jump now, go go go.” One after another everyone jumped out of the airplane pulling their shoots and floating to the ground. In the distance gunfire and explosions could be heard meaning Griffin and Mako Company landed safely and is giving Prometheus hell.

As they hit the ground everyone yanked their rifles forward and charged in firing at the enemies and sliding into cover. Bullets whizzing past their heads and the sounds of men screaming can be heard not even thirty minutes into the fight and the smell of blood is thick in the air. Everyone stayed in position firing and throwing grenades waiting for further orders. Rainbow, Roman, and Applejack were handling everything like true soldiers. Around them men fell from both sides but not once did they look back or worry about the wounded. All that mattered now was survival. After an hour of bloody fighting Maxim came running in with the rest of Rhino Company as they pushed back Prometheus. After a couple minutes maxim ordered a cease fire. Everyone stopped firing and breathed a sigh of relief. Casualties were heavy on both sides the fields were littered with bodies and the smell of blood and burning flesh filled everyone's nostrils Applejack and a couple of privates ended up vomiting onto the ground. They did it all three of them survived their first battle as marines. Maxim walks up to Roman and Rainbow handing them ammo for there handguns.

“You two are on cleaning duty. I want you two to got out into the fields and execute any survivors that refuse to give up intel on Prometheus.” They saluted him and headed out into the fields putting one round into the head of each survivor.

“Hey Roman I got three survivors over here. They said they give up what they know in exchange for mercy.” she said keeping her gun at the ready.

“Alright bag ‘em and tag ‘em. Let’s get them back to Maxim.” Roman shoots one more survivor in the head. Before accompanying Rainbow back to the makeshift HQ. Once there Roman and Rainbow salute Maxim.

“Sir, Private Rainbow here found three men who are willing to give any intel they have in exchange for mercy.” Maxim salutes them back.

“”Good job private, I take it you both were successful?” Maxim said raising an eyebrow.

“Yes sir Roman executed all survivors that withheld information.” She said saluting Roman.

“Very good, you two head back to the barracks and grab some food and take a rest, you both have earned it. I’ll take care of these three POW’s.” Maxim said ordering two soldiers to escort the prisoners to his quarters. Maxim looks to see the three privates arms around each other's shoulders laughing and eating. Maxim smiles at the sight, and heads to his tent to prep the men for interrogation.

Meanwhile, back in Yemen

A man in a suit and tie comes walking into a room with a tall brown skinned man with curly hair and a scar across his cheek. The man had on his side a revolver loaded with six armor piercing rounds.

“Brother, I have the report from the firefight in Nigeria.” the man known as Tahir turns around to face the man in the suit.

“Was our mission a success Nizaar?” Tahir asked offering his little brother some water. To which he graciously accepts.

“No sir. We only managed to capture an airfield and several building near it. Our forces were pushed back by U.S forces. There were no survivors.” he hung his head in sadness as he said the last sentence.

“Damn Americans there response was faster then anticipated. No matter send over several hundred soldiers to reinforce the five hundred we already have guarding that airfield. If the Americans capture that airfield they will discover secrets that could jeopardize our entire goal.” Tahir said taking a shot of whiskey.

“What is our goal brother?” Nizaar asked standing up to go give the order.

Tahir laughs before stirring the whiskey in his glass. “Simple little brother, were going to cleanse this world of its corrupt and unjust.” he finishes his drink as Nizaar heads out to issue order and send the reinforcements to Nigeria.

Back in Nigeria Maxim was hard at work breaking the three men and getting them to spill whatever intel they had. After several minutes the men finally broke down and told Maxim everything they knew, including the location of a nearby airfield with supplies, intel, and projects Prometheus is working on. Once he acquired the info he executed the three men at point blank range and ordered his guards to dispose of the bodies. Armed with the new intel he received Maxim walks out and heads to the mess hall were the soldiers were busy eating and conversing. Maxim enters the tent and everyone quickly becomes silent.

“Ladies and gentlemen thanks to the intel we gained from the POW’s we have located the reason Prometheus is here in Nigeria. There is an airfield about 30 mikes west of here loaded with soldiers, intel, and Promethean projects. Rhino Company I’m tasking you with seizing that airfield and clearing out so we can come in and collect everything they have. Soldiers this mission could be the decision that ends his war. After your done eating I want you all geared up and in the transport truck ASAP. Do i make myself clear.” Maxim looks around as Rhino Company stands up and salutes.

“Sir yes sir.” They all yell in unison.

“Very good I’ll see you all very soon.” Maxim leaves the tent as everyone quickly finishes there food. A couple minutes later Rhino Company rushes out of the tent and gear up as they hop into the trucks one by one. The Humvee up t the front honk their horns signaling that it's time to move out. One by one the trucks pull out and carry one hundred and ninety men and women into the jaws of hell.

Once they got close to the airfield everything went to hell. Out of the blue a rocket propelled grenade flies and hits the Humvee as they flip crash and explode.

“Everyone get the fuck out of here and get into cover now.” Roman yelled to everyone over there walkies. The trucks stopped and men poured out scrambling for cover.

“Where is our company leader.” a soldier screamed to Roman.

“He was in the humvee, just listen to me and Private dash we will get everyone out of this. For right now don’t let up and keep the pressure on them while me, Rainbow, and applejack move up to get a better shot.” the soldier looked at roman and passed on the order.

“Popping a smoke on my mark we charge for that hanger on the east end. Baxter i want you to take some of the men and apply pressure to those Mg nests. if anyone gets caught by those things were fucked.” Baxter nods his head as he takes his men and they charge providing suppressing fire. “Let's move everyone.” Roman says as everyone charges for the hanger and to his surprise Roman lost only three men in the charge. They continued pushing forward until they reached cover. Once there they dug in and provided covering fire for the other half of the company. Intense gunfire continues for several minutes before the opposing side began to dwindle. Sensing this Roman stands up and orders everyone to push forward. All of a sudden Baxter comes over the radio screaming about reinforcements converging on the airfield. Romans eyes widen as he turns pale at the sight of several hundred soldiers charging down from the hill to the east.

“Enemy reinforcements everyone get the fuck to cover now or However, back gonna be overrun.” everyone panics as they make a break for whatever cover they could find. Roman gets on the radio and contacts HQ. “Sergeant Major Maxim they knew we were coming we have control of the airfield but have at least two hundred plus foot mobiles converging on our position. We need an air-strike now or we're gonna lose the airfield. I repeat two hundred plus foot mobiles converging on our position at the airfield requesting reinforcements and a air-strike. Over.” waiting for a response Roman looks at his brothers and sisters cowering in fear. “everyone I’m getting reinforcements for now hit them with everything we got.” Just then Maxim radios back.

“Roger that son I have your coordinates I need you to pop a smoke to mark the area. Make sure what you mark won't damage the airfield in anyway. I also have several Humvee and soldiers en-route to your position. Hang in there son help is on the way.” Maxim hangs up and Roman relays the good and bad news to the troops.

“Rainbow come here” Roman said as she comes running over.

“I got us an air-strike coming in issue is i gotta get close to that small army and throw the smoke to signal the attack. If I don’t make it back tell everyone back home I died a hero.” Roman says this and kisses Rainbows head before he grabs his rifle and charges into the crowd.

“Everyone provide Roman with covering fire now.” rainbow screamed at the top of her lungs. Don’t die just yet you fool.” she says to herself before she to joins in on the fire. Bullets whiz past Romans head as he see enemy after enemy fall once he is in the middle of it all he pops the flare as he sees the jet's approaching. he drops the flare and hides in a nearby building. The jets rush over and begin pounding the field with artillery and napalm strikes. The ground shakes before him as he hears the sounds of men screaming and bullets striking flesh, rock, and sand. After a few minutes of heavy shelling he hears the sounds of Vulcan mini guns tearing through what's left of the group. However back at the airfield Rhino Company suffered more heavy casualties. Delta scan that building for enemies. a soldier screams. Delta comes in and finds Roman huddled against the wall catching his breathe.

Sir I found Private Roman and he is alive and well. Maxim walks in and sticks out his hand to pull Roman to his feet.

“Son that was brave but very reckless, but thanks to you what's left of Rhino Company is now tearing the airfield apart taking whatever they can in terms of Intel and firepower. The operation was a success thanks to your recklessness son. So, as of this moment on I’m putting you in charge of Titan Squad. It's a group of twelve of the best soldiers from the marines. Private Dash and Private Jack will also be joining you. I’m also promoting you three to Sergeants. Now, let's get you out of here and back to your company.” Maxim says patting the brave soldier on his back as they load into the Humvee and head for the airfield.

Once the Humvee arrived Rainbow and Applejack wait in anticipation. Before there eyes Roman comes out the Humvee with a big smile on his face. The two girls run to him and hug him tightly. The other members of Rhino Company come running out cheering loudly at the victory they snatched up from the jaws of certain death. everyone gathered around Roman cheering him on and slapping his helmet.

“Don’t ever scare us like that again you big idiot.” Rainbow said hugging him tighter before letting him go.

“OK Rhino Company thanks to all of your hard work today we have a chance and making this war end sooner rather than later. I want all of you to head back to base, grab yourselves a hot meal and relax for the night. Were gonna have a clean up crew salvage what they can from this shit hole. Damn fine job marines.” Maxim said saluting his men.

“Urah!” they all yelled at the top of their lungs fists raised high in the air as they all loaded into the trucks and headed for HQ. Needless to say Rainbow rarely left Roman's side that night, but he didn't mind after all they were all in this together no matter what. After a nice hot meal Roman headed back to the barracks and went to bed exhausted from his death defying stunt earlier today. Roman was at peace he knew they were gonna when the war and as it stands now the three of them will get to go home and keep the promise they made to Sunset. His mind focused on Sunset as he drifted off to sleep.