The first imp was quickly blown in two by the eight gauge depleted-uranium slug from his shotgun, sending one half into the tree's while his legs stayed where they were. The second had it's head completely ripped apart by the second round, causing it's limp body to fly into another imp.

He opened the breech, causing the shells to shoot out behind him. Once he reloaded the gun he fired both barrels into the chest of an advancing hell knight, sending it flying back a few feet into a tree.

Fluttershy screamed as an imp quickly ran towards her. Before he could kill it, the imp was blown back into the forest by a green flash, black smoke trailed off it's body as it crashed several branches. Lunar quickly landed behind the Slayer, followed by Galahad and Cloud Singer, who was carrying Boxer. “Celestia's sake... your aren't exactly a feather you know!”

“Quite your bitchin' and kill somethin'!” Boxer shouted, bashing an incoming imp with his targe and slamming his flail down on it. Galahad readied his sword and used his metal shield to block an incoming attack from an imps claws. As Cloud was unsheathing his sword he looked at the Slayer and pointed.

“Slayer look out!” When he turned an imp landed on his back, knocking his shotgun onto ground. As he grabbed the imp he slammed it onto a tree stumps jagged roots, the roots shot out of it's chest and it died within moments.

He ran strait towards another tree and smashed another imp with his combined mass and that of the tree's. The Baron quickly grabbed his head and threw him across the clearing and into a tree. The Slayer quickly regained his footing and took a large branch in his hands.

He swung the branch, the impact was so loud and the strike so powerful that it shattered the Barons horns and several of it's jagged teeth in one go. The second strike knocked off the demons second horn, holding the branch as it was a spear now he rammed it through the demons mouth.

The branch broke out the back of it's neck, the Slayer then grabbed it by both end's and twisted it. The Baron tried desperately to get free, but it's attempts at escape stopped at the first and loud snap. He dropped the demon's head and walked over to another imp. He kicked it down and then knelt on it's back. Grabbing it by it's jaw he then ripped it's head clean off with one pull.

Cloud Singer was the one to kill the last demon, ripping his sword from it's back and wiping the blade off on it. The Slayer walked towards his shotgun and Fluttershy. Kneeling down he picked up his gun and then looked at her.

“Stay by me.” He said, holding the gun in one hand and helped Fluttershy up. Once she took his hand they stood up.

“W... w... where are we going?” She asked, a little shaken by the skirmish.

“To a Diamond Dog settlement nearby, then we'll take you to Thicket.” Galahad said, pulling his sword out of an imp.

“Better there than here, let's go.” Rainbow said, quickly walking ahead of them. As they walked on the Slayer noticed Fluttershy looking around the ground.

“Angel, Aaaaangel. Come out sweetie we're safe now.” He scanned the ground for this, 'Angel' she was calling. In a hollowed stump he saw a shaking white tail. He leaned down and grabbed the bunny which squeaked and screamed loudly in protest. Once it got a look at him it started to wriggle violently in his hand. But when the Slayer saw him, he paused.

He looked into the bunnies little amber eye's. He set the shotgun on his magnetic belt and moved his hand towards the rabbits head. Expecting it to hurt him, the bunny flinched and closed it's eye's. Only to open them again in surprise when he gently pet the back of his neck. When Fluttershy saw him she quickly walked over and looked at Angel and then the Slayer. “Look Angel, he seem's to like you.”

The Slayer paused, a brief memory went through his head. In it he heard laughter, he wondered if they were his own. He hadn't laughed in centuries, not since the time before Argent D'nur fell.

He once owned, or someone close to him did, once owned an animal similar to this, a gift for someone he once cared deeply for.

Quickly snapping out of his trance he shook his head and gave her the rabbit. Taking his shotgun from his belt he turned and walked towards his companions and then past them into the forest.

“What was that?” Lunar asked.

“No idea, best we don't ask him.”

“Agreed, come lads. Lets get these mares home.” Boxer said, walking past Cloud and following the Slayer into the forest. He looked at Fluttershy and Angel bunny and then back at the Slayer, trying to understand what happened. He ignored it, and quickly caught up with Boxer and Lunar, towards the edge of the forest.

The forest became darker the deeper they went, forcing the Slayer to turn on his helmet's lights. “How far?” He asked Boxer.

“Not to much longer, the quarry should be neab—” A loud bellowing cut him off. The soldiers drew their weapons and knelt down in the brush. In the treeline ahead of them the familiar sounds of a Pinkie demon could be heard, as well as the sounds of other thing's.

“Kill da beastie!” A voice yelled from the tree's. A Pinkie, it's back riddled with spear's, arrows, and other weapons came crashing through the brush, chased by several canine like beings wielding spears, clubs, axe's, and swords. The largest among them, the Slayer estimated his size to be about seven feet tall, cracked the demon over the head with a large wooden club with a stone head.

The demon was knocked face first to the ground and several of it's large teeth flew from it's gaping maw. As it tried to lean back up the Diamond Dog then again slammed the club down on it's head, knocking out several more teeth and killing it from the powerful blow. One of his companions quickly rushed to the pinkie and rammed his sword into it's neck to make sure it was dead. “Those are the Diamond Dog's we're supposed to be meeting.” Cloud said, he sheathed his sword and stood up. He and Boxer walked out of the brush and towards the hunting party.

One of the dog's ears perked up and he whistled to the group. “Oi Mutt, lookey d'ere.” One said, the largest one with the club, a Diamond Dog with a brown coat and short brown hair looked at them. He was wearing a chainmail hauberk that ended at his waist.

“You'da pony folk coming to see us?” He said. His large club had a stone atop it while several other jagged one's were socket'd into it's wooden pole and tied down with sinew.

“Yes, my name is Cloud Singer, I am captain of Canterlot's guard, this is Lunar Lullaby, student to Princess Luna, Galahad, the nephew of Queen Gwendolyn of Griffus.” He had failed to mention the Slayer or Boxer accordingly. The large Diamond Dog looked at the Slayer and Boxer. He had a thick belt on his waist with several loops for small one-handed clubs and knives.

“An'who he 'b?” He said, looking at them both.

“This is—” The Diamond Dog then rudely interrupted.

“Ah know who he is,” Looking at Boxer. “Who dis'un in the green armor 'ere?”

“The Doom Slayer, a mortal and feared enemy among the demons.” The Diamond Dog eye'd him over with his big yellow orbs.

“Long as he can kill these beastie's good, he's alright with me, come come, yer balloon landed in the quarry where da'others are.” He said, setting the large club on his shoulder and leaning down to the dead pinkie's mouth.

He took a small knife from his belt and began to rip at the demons large bottom teeth. Once they were removed he set them on his belt. He looked at the Slayer and then walked back towards the group. “Those would make an effective weapon, or trophy.” Vega chimed.

The quarry was a short walk from where they'd met the hunting party. Down inside of it he saw many more armed Diamond Dog's walking about, some burning the bodies of recently killed demons. Among these Diamond Dog's were large, round bellied giants with flat heads.

Wanting to know exactly what they were he tapped on Lunar's shoulder and with a low grunt he pointed at one. “Oh that's a cave troll. Don't worry, they're naturally very friendly and social creatures. Well unless provoked.”

“Aye they ain't to bright neither, saw two drunk ones fighting over a branch once.” Boxer said, “Diamond Dog's and other kingdoms use'em as heavy lifters in construction and and mines. During times of war they... well they have a habit of using uprooted tree's as clubs.”

“We employ them as mercenaries along our boarders and villages along the mountains to counter the threat of the Arimaspi.” Galahad said. “They are usually paid on hooch or food.”

They walked past one of the trolls, unlike the other's this one was somewhat shorter, about fourteen feet tall maybe, and was wearing what looked like a crude animal skin loincloth and toga. He had several small and large round or kite shaped shields strapped to his shoulder's and large arms and he had a club made from an uprooted tree with a stone tied atop it with rope and chain.

The large beast didn't seem to mind them, he was to focused on picking his nose to care. But when he did notice the trio he smiled and revealed his crooked and dirty teeth. “Hi hi ponay.” He said with a very childish and, somewhat, comical voice. The Slayer then noticed the crater close to the troll that contained the bloody puddle of what remained of an imp.

“They'll do.” He said. Lunar was quite surprised to hear him talk, being silent most of the time he had known him, save the occasional grunt, growl, and sigh.

The entrance to the cave was at the farthest wall of the quarry and it was defended by heavily armored Diamond Dog's with three large cannons outside the entrance. Nearby the airship was docked and the crew was unloading the rifles with the locals.

Inside the entrance he saw another troll, this one being the largest he'd seen so far. He was about twenty three feet tall with a long vest made from the same rough material as the one's outside, except it had what looked like thick wooden planks sewn into it for armor, and he had several normal sized shields strapped to his arms. In his hands he held a large stalactite that only a being of his size could easily use as a weapon. On his back was a large bow made from a tree and a quiver of large arrows on his back made from various materials.

The draw force from that bow would no doubt be as devastating as a siege engine, possibly even more so.

The four trolls nearby, all had a matching height of about twenty feet, had large cages on their backs and one was pulling a large cart. One knelt down and picked up several smaller Diamond Dog's in his hands and put them in the large cart with the others. “Come come lil Dimon dogo's, we's go to trolly mountain.” He said.

“What exactly did he mean by that?” Cloud asked their Diamond Dog guide.

“We's evacuatin, heading towards the foal mountains we are.” He said, “There an old Diamond Dog castle there, we's gonna head to it and hunker down with the trolls there.”

"Isn't that mountain full of spiders and Changeling's?"

"Aye and neigh, spiders good eatin' if cooked right and the bug's left sometime ago. Trolls have made sure we'll'ave a safe trip.” He said, “Oh and Boxer, a couple of your boys arrived here couple of nights ago. Best they know your out of the cell.”

“Aye I'll let'em know.” He said. The group came to a stop, the two ponies they'd rescued earlier stayed close to the Slayer and Galahad while Boxer walked away from the group and into a smaller area with stone and wooden houses.

“How long are we gonna be with you guys?” The Rainbow one asked.

“We have orders to get you too Thicket, you'll be safe there.” Galahad said. The large Diamond Dog they'd met earlier, he assumed his name was Mutt, walked into a small shack. After a few moments he and another Diamond Dog exited. This one was a little smaller and had a white coat. He wore armor made from metal and stone.

“Welcome, glad to see you all arrived safely.” He said, “I'm Bennis, chief of the dogs 'ere.”

“Cloud Singer, captain of the Canterlot guard, Lunar Lullaby, Galahad of Griffonstone, Boxer of... well most of you seem to know him, and the Doom Slayer.” He looked at the large armored man with strange weapons.

“Aye the princess sent me a message, informed me of what's going on.” He said, “I'm sendin' Mutt 'ere to accompany you through the forest and into ol' whitetails city.”

“Thank you. Mutt, it's good to have you.” Cloud said.

“Aye I'll do m'best.”

“Alright, we'll resupply and head on in an hour. Mutt if you want, take your time with the goodbye's.” The Diamond Dog nodded and walked into the group of stone buildings and past it's many residents.

“We could sit for a moment, if you wish. Look over our supplies.” Vega said. The Slayer walked over to a large boulder and sat down, setting his shotgun to the side and taking off the small bag on his back. The bag was left in hell by a U.A.C survey team member who was ripped to shreds by the demons. In the bag was a small assortment of rations left behind by the former owner.

Inside was also his ammunition and the few grenades he had left. The rations consisted of three sealed cans of biscuits, energy bars, potted meat, and canned fruit. With it was three small vials of medi-gel and four stimpacks.

Boxer walked into the small inn. The owner and a few of his helpers were putting the various liquors and wines in boxes while one was serving two patrons nuzzled in one of the corner booths. One was a parrot, about five and a half feet tall with a small saber strapped to his belt. He wore a chainmail hauberk and had thick ailette's on his shoulders.

While the other was an Equestrian with a blue mane and a white coat, though much more younger than him and the other patron. He was dressed in an old guards set of armor, a bit of rust and dents on it but it was still a faded gold, with a chainmail coif on his head. He had a rifle sitting next to him against the wall. “Well... ah'll be damned, that you Boxer?” The Equestrian said, he had an accent that the ponies around Appaloosa or Dodge City would have.

“Aye, that's the big boss alright. How'd prison go?” The parrot asked.

“They needed a bigger cage.” He set his flail on the table and his shield against the booth and sat next to the Equestrian. “What're you two doing here?”

“Blue Jay sent us ahead, see if we can find any recruits.” The parrot said, before he could take a drink of his drink Boxer took it and drank it. After he finished he slid the glass back to the parrot.

“Find anyone?” The Equestrian shook his head.

“Nah boss, everyone's getting ready to scram, case ya haven't noticed.” He said. “Tried to offer our 'elp to em but they said they'd got it handled.”

“They've got twelve trolls with them, they've got it handled in case somethin' does decide to go awry.”

“Where's everyone else?” Boxer asked.

“Western edge of the Everfree, we're hold up in an old stockade, we've been there for a couple week's now but we're about ready to move out.”

“Where too?”

“Not sure, Blue said he'd take us south, possibly to Paramo, or west into Saddle Arabia or Zebrica.” The Equestrian took another drink of his whiskey and somewhat cringed from it. “Not really sure boss, shits gone south real quick the last few days.”

“Did we lose anyone recently?”

“Aye, night 'fore we left those... whatever the fuck they are attacked the camp. We had just finished repairing the old palisades that surrounded the camp when one of those pink fuckers charged the gate and broke a hole through it. Mind you, this gate was made from black cherry with a cedar bracing bar behind it. After that they rushed us, some flew over the walls and spat fire from these metal things on their shoulders.”

“One of those shots easily ripped through the armor of seven of our own before we took it down with a well placed shot to the melon, not much left of them after that though, just mangled bits of meat, bone, and metal.” The young Equestrian explained.

“Fight lasted... about an hour 'fore we secured the camp.” The parrot said, “'ell we probably lost... forty of our boys.” Boxer sighed heavily, taking a drink from the whiskey they had on the table.

“Out of?” Boxer then asked.

“Out of four hundred and three, so that makes us at three hundred sixty three. Most of em are still Diamond Dog though.”

“Few more of our boys went out to the other Diamond Dog tribes, most are heading to the mountain with this lot.”

“I want you two to leave as soon as possible, get a message to Blue Jay, let him know to come here, locals ought be cleared out by then.” The Parrot nodded and finished his drink.

“Come on boyo, lets get a move on. Pray nobody else was killed while we're away.” The Equestrian finished his drink and put his helmet back on. He then slung the rifle over his shoulder and waved goodbye to Boxer.

“Right now, up ye go!” Mutt said, lifting up one of the last children onto the troll's cart.

“How long you gonna be gone for?” The golden pup asked.

“Not long, just gotta help escort some ponies to Thicket, shouldn't take more than a day.” He said.

“Who's that big guy with them?” He asked, pointing towards the Slayer, who was modifying a discarded leather belt and now using it to carry his grenades.

“'Parently, the mean beasties are afeard of 'im, must have a good reason.” He set the last bag onto the cart. “Now, mind your mother, and don't you cause trouble.”

“I promise papa,” He said, Mutt then outstretched his arms and hugged him. After letting go he waved his arms at the troll, letting him know that everyone was ready. The troll walked over to the cart and grabbed the rope to pull it. After a soft grunt the troll then pulled the cart out towards the quarries earthen ramps.

“Your child?” The griffon asked him.

“Aye, one of three. Y' got any?” Galahad shook his head. “Best job in the world it is, come on, lets see if everyone else is ready to get a move on.” He grabbed his club and used it as a walking stick while the other smaller ones on his belt rattled against his mail vest. Unlike earlier he was now wearing stone ailette's on his shoulders and chausses made from layers of linen with brass scales sewn onto them. His arms were protected by brass gauntlets with spikes on the knuckles.

“So, who exactly leads this little... trio.” Mutt asked.

“Well, Cloud Singer is the voice, but it's the Slayer who leads. Though he doesn't say much.”

“So... how good is he?”

“I saw him rip one apart with his bare hands, the guards in Canterlot said many other things as well.” He said, “From what I understand from stories recorded by this Argus, a knight from another world, the lord of these demons hides in the very deepest chasms of hell because of him...” He pointed at the Slayer. Cloud Chaser and Lunar walked over to the large man and said something to him.

The Slayer stood up and looked at the small map Cloud had. “How long is it from here to Thicket?” Galahad asked.

“Bout half a days walk from 'ere, we'll be there by nightfall.” The three then walked over to the Griffon, Vega then formed out from the helmet. “The 'ell's he supposed to be?”

“Vega, he's a friend.” Lunar said.

“We should leave soon before nightfall, after we safely get these two too this Thicket we'll return to Canterlot.” The A.I. said, he then returned into the Slayer's helmet. The large man grunted and walked towards the two waiting ponies.

He stopped in front of Fluttershy and knelt down to her. She somewhat leaned back, but only slightly. She knew he meant her no harm but that didn't mean she was somewhat frightened when he was near. He set his thundering weapons aside and extended a hand to her. “Up... ” He said, in a rather soft but still raspy and hard voice.

She looked at his hand and then back at the unblinking blue eye's staring at her through the visor. She slowly moved her hand towards his and as soon as she felt the cold metal of his gauntlets he gently grabbed her hand and leaned up, she did the same. He then guided them to the center of the group, between he and Boxer.

He then took his shotgun in hand, looked at Cloud and motioned his head towards the forest. Cloud nodded in agreement and the group then walked back into the dark forest.

********

Luna walked alone in her realm of dreams. Her sleep schedule was the same as always, sleep during most of the day and guide dreams at night. But her dreams were no different then the dreams of other ponies.

But she was here for another reason...

“I know your here wretch,” Luna said, gliding from dream cloud to dream cloud. “I could hear you beckoning me again.”

Her voice echoed throughout the endless void, “Come out creature!” She then yelled. Something stirred in the shadows, eventually a large mare resembling Luna herself walked from the mist.

“Selena... ” Nightmare Moon said, referring her to her birth name.

“You called, I answered, what is it you want of me?” She said, crossing her arms.

“Not here, come.” She said, a small portal opened next to her. Luna looked at her and the small swirling portal.

“And how do I know this isn't some ruse of your's to regain control over me?” The large mare let out a small and wry laugh.

“You'd know by now, come... sister.” Nightmare Moon walked through the portal. Luna, hesitant at first, finally decided to see what the wraith had to offer.

When she exited the portal she was surprised to see a pleasant meadow with many flowers that bloomed only at night. She then saw Nightmare Moon, armor and helmet gone, and only wearing a long black dress, unusual attire for someone like her to wear. She was tending to a small glowing flower. “Well, I followed you, so what now?” The wraith didn't seem to mind her too much.

“You wont survive this conflict,” She said, “Not without help from otherworldly allies.” Luna scoffed.

“Is this what you wanted me to hear? That we wont win this conflict?” She yelled, “We have the very person the demons fear the most and he's currently ripping them apart as we speak.”

“Is he enough, I know you've wondered this Selena, how many ponies died that night... or is the number still not known.”

“It's... yes... still unknown.” The mare sighed and sat on a small bench.

“You've hidden me away for long enough Selena, it's time for me to come out again.”

“Excuse me? NO never!” Luna shouted. “You will never control me again!”

“No... not control.” The soft monotone voice made her a little curious, being one to be loud and boastful. She cupped her hands together around a small purple rose petal and blew into it. A faint glow came from her hands. “I will give you small portions of my power to fight back against these invaders.” She then slowly walked over to Luna and presented her with a small necklace that was formed from the flower.

“What does it do?” She asked.

“Simply touch it when you are in the most dire of need, and a portion of my power is yours.” Luna looked at the small necklace, though hesitant, she knew the power Nightmare Moon held. She then took the necklace and put it on.

“Now what?” The mare walked closer to her, almost nose to nose.

“It's time to wake up... ” She touched the center of Luna's head and she then awoke from her sleep. She woke up, lying on a fainting chair in her sisters laboratory. Stretching her arms and yawning, she looked around at the various specimens lying about the tables. Mainly deceased and dissected demons. As she stood up from the chair she felt the small necklace against her neck, taking it off she his it in her pocket.

Her sister was in the center of the room, working on a large golem made from clay, stone, and iron. Her tank top was stained with brown muck from the wet clay and the stains were more so on her hands.

The golem was nearly finished, it was masculine in design with a face similar to that of Vega's but with the body of a fit man. The golem was about the Slayer's height and the finishing parts was the golems chest cavity. She could see its iron ribs and 'heart' that was made from a deactivated crystal ball.

Golem's were usually rare these days, they can be constructed from almost anything inanimate, all the mage would need is a crystal for it's heart, powerful scrolls or parchment, and magic powerful enough for one to stay alive long enough, some can live for thousands of years if properly made. Poorly made ones are usually used for heavy infantry in certain wars. Golem's made of clay were the most common, though unlike some, Golems made from Clay or wood needed organic materials like water to survive.

“Your awake, sleep well?” Celestia said, adding some more clay and water to it's chest. Luna crawled out of the chair and stretched her arms. Looking at a clock she saw it was close to eight pm.

“Well enough, your nearly finished.”

“Nearly, I hope Vega'll like it.”

“If he can use it.” Celestia shrugged and sighed, setting the last bit of clay on the Golem. She then took out her hair tie and shook her head.

“I'm gonna get ready for bed, shower first though.”

“Would you like me to finish him?” Celestia yawned and stretched her arms.

“No, only thing I need to do it add Vega and attach the chest.”

“What about clothing?”

“I'll have a tailor make some tomorrow. It all depends if Vega can operate it.” Luna touched the already dry clay of the golems arms.

“You made him look like Argus.” Luna said.

“Well... he did let us study his anatomy and physique.”

“You mean let you study, you forgot the smile.” Celestia let off a small laugh as she walked out of the room. Luna looked back at the statues face, she then let off a small sigh. She did miss him, not as much as her sister though. She remembered how friendly he was towards her and others, almost like a big brother of sorts.

Then she had heard the news that he would soon be her brother-in-law, but... due to Discord's antics at the time, that never happened. Luna then picked up the heart of the golem.

It was a heart sized, spherical gem with several runes carved into it that glowed slightly. The essence of the golem, sometimes called it's soul, would be put inside it. The problem with this transaction with Vega, he was a machine, not magic. So the problem was pretty clear.

She then looked back to the clock, “Best I prepare, moon isn't gonna raise itself.” She said, walking towards the door and turning left, instead of right where Celestia's quarters were, and towards her private room.

********

The large and ornately carved wooden doors of Thicket slowly swung open with a loud groan, and behind the door the Doom Slayer stood, with Galahad and Cloud Singer beside him.

As they entered the city the Slayer looked around at it's interesting design, and it did somewhat impress him. The buildings were carved directly into the large tree's that made up the forest, bridges and walkways connected each house to another and finally ending at an almost out of place stone citadel that had hundreds of armored soldiers patrolling it.

The Deer, unlike the Equestrians though he really couldn't see much of their fashion after the attack, wore silky and very organic clothing. The soldiers of the deer wore heavy plate armor with chainmail underneath it. Their faces were covered by a veil of chainmail coming from their helmets, the only distinguishing feature among female and male soldiers were their antlers.

Like the guards in Canterlot these one's had golden colored armor with red cloaks, most were armed with a large single-edged sword, a long spear, shield, and a bow.

Walking down the stairs to the citadel he saw their current leader, King Aspen, still adorned in his silver armor with a trio of guards beside him. Cloud took off his helmet and set it under his arm. Once they reached him the few bowed, the Slayer didn't. “I'm fortunate to see nobody was hurt on your journey here.” He said, two unarmed servants walked to the mare's and walked them up the stairs to the castle.

“We ran into a few demons, but not many.” Galahad said, “The Elements of Kindness and Loyalty are safe and sound.”

“Good, good. Come, you must be somewhat wary from the walk.” He said, turning back around and guiding them into the Citadel.

“Have the demons discovered the city m'lord?” Cloud asked.

“We have seen scouts so far, nothing to be concerned about.” He said.

“You mentioned back in Canterlot that one of your own would be joining us, who would that be?”

“My lead scout, Willow Branch. She sets all routes, plans, and locations for my advanced scouts.”

“I'm eager to meet her my king, will an airship take us back to Canterlot?”

“Yes, though it will be som—” A horn rang and several Deer soldiers ran towards the gates.

“My lord Aspen!” A Soldier yelled. She was shorter than most Deer he had seen so far, but clad in the same armor as the others, save her helmet less red hair ending at her shoulders. “The Demons are attacking in force, the west and eastern watch towers have fallen and we've lost contact with the northern watchtower.”

“And of the south?”

“Nothing my lord. What are your orders?”

“Have out troops form up around the gate, archers and slingers in the towers and buildings behind them. Get our civilians inside the castle!” She bowed and quickly ran off with a force of archers.

“King Aspen, what do you want us to do?” Cloud asked.

“Split up, I need your mage and the Diamond Dog on the front with my men. Slayer, our eastern watchtower has something more vital.
A crystal, about fist sized sits in one of it's store room, once activated it will activate several hidden golem's throughout the city. They will help us greatly in this fight, Cloud Chaser and the Prince will reclaim the southern and activate the crystal there.”

“Looks like I'm with you Slayer.” Boxer said, the gate door began to bang and shutter from it being beat on by the demons. A large piece of the gate broke off at the bottom from a pinkie demon ramming through it. Before the beast could regain footing it was cut down by a hail of arrows and spears.

Like a swarm of insects the demons rushed through the gate, many being pinned down by the swarm of arrows while some charged the line of Deer soldiers. They slammed into the shield wall with a loud bang, Deer soldiers rammed their spears into the various demons while many jumped over the line of soldiers. A single hell-knight rammed through the wall like a ram, knocking over many of the soldiers in the process before being killed by a spear thrown into it's face.

Lunar and Mutt quickly ran to the soldiers on the ground, Mutt throwing one of his smaller throwing clubs at an imp while Lunar cast a spell that fired a beam into the chest of a hell-knight

“Come on, lets get to that tower and get these boys the help they need!” Boxer yelled, the Slayer nodded and the two quickly ran towards the southern portion of the city.

Deeper into the city Boxer slammed his hoof against a downed imps head while the Slayer blew one in two with his sawed-off. The inner city was mainly quiet, save for the sounds of fighting at the gate. Most of the civilians had fled for the castle and from what he had observed so far there was little in the terms of civilian deaths, though there were plenty of dead Deer soldiers strewn about the city. Many dying horribly maimed, ripped apart, and broken by the demons.

Another two imps fell to the rounds from his shotgun, one losing it's head completely and the other having it's leg blown off. The imp squealed loudly as it crawled frantically away from the two, leaving a bloody trail across the ground.

Both the Slayer and Boxer walked towards him slowly, Boxer extending his weapon towards the Slayer. “Wanna try it.” The Slayer looked at the primitive though devastating weapon, holding his shotgun with his left hand he took the flail in his right and began to spin it. The imp crawled away frantically before getting most of it's head taken off by the flail. It then became a twitching bleeding lump on the ground.

The Slayer looked at the weapon and admired it's effectiveness at rending the demons flesh, he then gave it back to Boxer. “Tower can't b'far, come on lets m—” Something clattered under his hoof. “Move... ” He knelt down and picked up the small metal casing. “This one of yours?” He sniffed it. “Fresh.”

He was right, the thermal vision in his helmet indicated the round had been fired prior to their arrival, along with many more on the ground around them. Vega then scanned the round. “This is a 5.7x28mm, used by the MG-88 Enforcer, it used by U.A.C Security forces. Well, was.”

“Was?” Boxer asked. Vega then projected the weapon in front of the two.

“The MG-88 is a simple and effective design with a breechloading clip that contains sixty rounds a magazine. U.A.C Security used these in the old bases and Mars City. A place older and far different than the one you awoke in Slayer.”

“What happened to the old one?”

"From it's original population of around nine thousand only one survived the first demon incursion. Before we discovered Argent Energy and before my initial creation, we experimented with particles being broken down in an EPD laser, for terraforming the planet and making new elements to better human living on Earth as well as teleportation, well, that is what we told the initial public.” Vega said.

“Along with that we were excavating ancient ruins found on Mars, as well as making incursions into Hell to study the demons, as you can guess it did not go well. The marine that survived was taken into E.D.F custody and from my knowledge, remains there. Another yet smaller outbreak then occurred a year later after we began to take back bits of the older facility, resulting in a smaller loss of personal but effectively closing the last portal to hell. Until we returned nine years later and discovered Argent Energy, then here we are.”

“But what is so special about these guns?” Boxer asked.

“It means the user was originally Mars security, and they were all either killed or converted into undead troopers to serve their demon masters. It looks like some survived and must have walked across the surface of Mars to reach the new portal, meaning there is another on Mars we didn't close.” Vega said, the Slayer dropped the round and looked at the Deer soldiers killed by it. The rounds cut through their metal armor.

He then pointed towards the intended tower, where the trail of bullets and Deer bodies led. The tower was large with a set of swirling stairs going up and down into store rooms and a barracks. “So if these demons got themselves guns are you able to spare a better one?” Boxer asked. The slayer un-holstered the pistol on his belt and gave it to him.

“You downstairs... ” The Slayer said, pointing to one staircase “I up.” Boxer nodded in agreement and moved downstairs. He slowly walked up the stairs, passing one of the dead Deer guards and an empty magazine.

He then came to a long hallway with several rooms, like he guessed, the hallway was full of dead Deer soldiers with bullet wounds across their bodied and spent casing littered the floor in puddles of fresh blood. Among the dead bodies was a pale and emaciated human in an old set of black and rusty armor.

His skin was as pale as snow and sinewy and it clung to his bones, he had milky white eye's that seemed to fit in with his skeletal like appearance. His armor was old and dented with bullet holes prevalent on it. On his chest was a faded name tag that had only remnents of his birth name on it, "Nasir H. Adil, Mars security captain."

His pants, well almost like shorts on his left leg, were damaged and ripped with only bits remaining on the left and a whole leg on his right. He was killed via decapitation from a nearby Deer soldier who was also dead from several bullet wounds in his back. Lying next to his body was an older model of pistol with a wood grip. The Slayer picked up the small pistol and put it on his belt.

From a nearby room he heard something move around, leveling his shotgun he walked towards the guards room, next to the door was another dead Deer. He peeked his head into the room.

The room was a mess, the beds were ripped apart and wooden debris was strewn among the floor with blood stains on most of them. Standing at a table in the center of the room he saw a large human like figure, lying on the table was a faceless Deer soldier, his eye's were still intact but bloodshot and pale. He heard a quiet chewing coming from the being and the sound of something breaking then ripping, a small grunt and a satisfied moan came from the creature.

On the table beside it was one of the older SMG models Vega had mentioned. The figure wore armor similar to the ones the U.A.C would issue it's guards, except there was no body suit under it, only bloody and skinless flesh with plates strapped on it. The creature then shifted, sniffing the air and then turned, it saw the Slayer at the door. Taking the SMG in hand it turned fully around, revealing it's inhuman face. He had long and bloody teeth, no nose, and piercing orange eye's.

It screeched and fired at the Slayer, the bullets from his gun finding it's target in his breastplate, simply bouncing off his armor. He took cover behind the door, after the creature stopped firing the Slayer turned back into the room and pointed his shotgun where the creature was, but only to find nothing there. He looked at the dead Deer on the table, his chest cavity had been ripped open and some of his organs were missing.

It had fled through an open window, hearing a loud thump from outside. He ran to the window and looked down, seeing it run back inside but not upstairs. He swore under his breath and ran out of the room, only to be met by the several dead Deer, now resurrected and turning their arms to him. The one from the table lunged at him and clung to his back, throwing the faceless zombie off he holstered his shotgun and took out his plasma gun.

The bolts hot plasma ripped through the metal armor and flesh of the undead Deer soldiers, finally putting them down and hopefully to rest. He then continued down the hall and the stairs.

Boxer walked through the empty halls and past the dead Deer, his new pistol in one hand and his shield in the other. He had already past many of the inactive wood golem's, he just needed to find the activation crystal. There were no demons so far, all quiet, and many corpses.

From the end of the hall he heard something mumble and a large figure then walked from an empty room. He had the figure of the Slayer but smaller and his armor was different. His skin clung to his bones and his pants were ripped, in one hand was a pistol like his own and a large shield, through his helmets visor he saw glowing red eyes, those eye's then locked on him and he then hid behind the shield and fired his pistol at Boxer.

The rounds slammed into the stone walls and broke a piece off of his targe, firing back his pistols rounds dented though did not pierce the figures metal shield. His targe was now broken beyond current repair, sighing he threw is aside and took the pistol in both hands and fired at the figures knees.

One of the rounds hit his knee directly, causing him to collapse with a loud snap from his leg. When he fell to his knees he was now exposed, taking this moment, Boxer took out his flail and began to spin it. Sprinting towards the figure he swung it upward, hitting the figure directly in the head before it could raise it's pistol, causing the helmet to fly off, exposing his sunken face and patches of black hair. Boxer then shot the figure in the face several times with the pistol, making the figures face explode and rip apart after the third shot.

After the figure was dead he gave him one last look over before taking the pistol it used and its ammo. Putting the weapon and its strange ammo in his pouch he then picked up it's lightweight though durable shield. “You owe me a new one, fuckin' demons.” As he was getting the hang of it he heard something running behind him.

Before he could turn he heard something let off a shrill screech, he then felt something hard against his back, knocking the wind out of him and propelling him through a door into a small room full of smithing supplies. He groaned, holding his back and trying to stand back up. Before he could stand the same thing that kicked him grabbed him by the collar and threw him against the wall, then he could get a good look at it.

It was like the thing he killed in the hallway except more demonic, with a horrifying maw to accompany it. Taking out his pistol the beast knocked it away and attempted to strike him. Using his new shield he knocked the demons hand away and struck it in the face with one end of it.

The demon grunted and then grabbed the shield, ripping it away with one hand he used his other to punch Boxer in the side and then knock him to the ground. The demon threw the shield aside and grabbed Boxer's head and slamming it hard against an anvil. The first strike dazed him while the second broke the rim on his helmet.

Taking a small hammer off the ground he then struck the demon in the head, causing it to recoil back and hold the said spot. He had struck it where the ear would have been and dazed it, after he regained his footing he hit the demon in the belly with the hammer, causing it to collapse.

He then swung it down, hitting the demon directly in the top of the head and causing the hammer to cave a portion of it's skull in and becoming stuck. The demons stared at him slightly, blood pouring down it's forehead. It then fell to the side. Boxer sat on an anvil and held his side, hearing something else walk to the room he raised the pistol.

He sighed in relief to see the Slayer walk inside and look down at the dead demon and then back at him. “Are you injured?” Vega said through the helmet. Boxer nodded slightly, wincing at the pain in his side.

“Aye, think he broke m' rib, maybe two.” The Slayer took something from his bag and knelt to Boxer. “Better be morphine.” He said.

“Something similar, it should help with the pain.” Vega said. Moving Boxers tabard to the left and pressed the needle into his side. He groaned and winced as the needle and fluid entered his system. “It should also get you on your feet.”

The Slayer helped him up and picked up his new shield for him. “There's an activation crystal somewhere here, should get these golem's working.”

“Lets look around for it then.” Vega said, Boxer huffed and walked out of the room, picking up his flail that was thrown aside during the small tussle. He and the Slayer then walked into another room, this on with another golem, the large magical war machine resembled a small wooden hill in it's dormant form.

Seeing a small crystal lying near the golem he picked it up and pointed it towards the golem. The large beast stayed silent, he then shook it, smacked it against it, and set it back down, huffing annoyingly. Boxer then grabbed it and took it to a small pedestal. Setting it on the pedestal the crystal began to glow and levitate, letting off a small hum afterwards.

The large golem then stood up slowly, letting off what he thought was a groan. It's arms unfolded to reveal large jagged fingers with sharp points and a large blunt mallet on the other. It's feet resembled the bottom's of tree trunks while the rest looked somewhat Equine but with a bigger appearance. It looked around the room and then exited with two others following it out.

“Come on, other's will be waiting for us, lets get back to the gate!” The Slayer grunted in response and ran out of the tower with him and back into the city streets.

Mutt threw another one of his clubs at an imp, the club slammed into it's face and knocked several of it's teeth out in the process, causing the demon to collapse and hold it's bleeding maw. He then took his larger maul in two hands and swung it at the demon, knocking the rest of it's face and body away.

One of the recently awakened golem's impaled an imp on a sharp branch and used it's mass to crush another under it's trunk like feet. Another stopped the full charge of a pinkie demon, being slightly pushed back, it grabbed it by the mouth and threw it to the ground. It then proceeded to rip it apart with it's wooden talons.

From behind a burning building a pinkie roared and charged Mutt, stepping on or over the various corpses in it's path. Before it could reach an unseen force of magic knocked it away and into a stone wall, dazing the beast and killing the unfortunate maggot demon in it's path. Lunar's staff glowed green from the magic force he used to propel the demon, as it slowly faded another imp lunged at him.

Quickly evading it the grey imp tried to slash him with it's long claws but he quickly evaded it. It then readied a fireball in it's hands and threw it at him, stumbling slightly as it threw it. He used his magic to catch it and propel it back at it's face. It screamed as it's fireball struck it's face, searing many of it's twelve eye's shut in the process.

As the smoke cleared it caught the sight of Lunar's staff end striking it, knocking out one of it's eye's and several teeth and then striking it in the groin. As it collapsed he levitated a discarded mace and flew it into the demons face, causing it's remaining eye's to pop out and the mace becoming apart of it's head.

As another pinkie demon charged through the hole in the gate it broke through a small shield wall set up by three Deer soldier's. The wall didn't hold it's charge, one of the soldiers was crushed in it's charge while it's massive mouth latched down like a vice on another's arm. As the Deer screamed it used a broken part of his spear and struck it's head. Only enraging it more it then lifted up it's head and shook, relieving the guard of most of his arm and propelling him into the third guard, who was still recovering from the demon's charge.

The demon than spat out the arm, howled and readied to charge again. But before it could several bullet's impacted it's backside. As it screeched it covered it's face with it's large arm. Boxer, a little confused on how to load his newly acquired "Machine gun" as Vega called it. He opened the breech and pulled out the empty clip, putting in a fresh one soon after. As he fired the bullets bounced off the pinkie's arms and armored face. It roared and charged Boxer.

As it closed in, the Slayer sheathed his shotgun on his belt and unsheathed the old knight sentinels sword, and took it in both hands. As the demon ran past Boxer and towards the Slayer. He swung the sword into the pinkie's maw, taking off the top of it's head and back with an effective and clean cut.

The beast's body fell to the ground twitching while it's head fell next to it. Swinging the sword again he split an imp completely in two from the waist, swinging again he took the arm of another Z-Sec soldier armed with a modified sledgehammer, grabbing it by the blade he swung it like a club and took off a large portion of the zombies head.

A baron of hell charged the Slayer and then knocking his sword away. As the sword flew from him it stopped, covered in a green aura it realigned itself with the Baron and flew into it's back. The Baron howled and fell to it's knee's, allowing the Slayer to grab it by the head and tear it's horn's, as well as it's face, off.

Seeing Lunar's horn dimming, the Slayer gave him a thankful wave and retrieved his sword from the demons back. “Slayer!” Cloud yelled, he and Galahad were running towards him, blood stained their swords and armor. “The tower is secured?” He replied with a low "Mhmm" “Good... has anyone seen King Aspen?”

“After the demon's here started dwindling he and most of the defending force went to the western portion of Thicket to drive them off.” A Deer soldier said. The Slayer looked around, almost on alert.

“Not right... ” He said.

“What's not right?” Lunar asked. The ground then began to slightly to slightly shake, something roared from the forest and the ground shook more.

“Run... ” The Slayer said, he then took out a much larger weapon, it beeped as he activated it. The gate to city was knocked down, sending broken bits of wood and metal flying across the city, one of the large pieces of the door crushed one of the golem's and five Deer trying to flee the carnage. From the smoke a large demon walked out of it.

The demon was massive, having two large clubs for hands and a large horned head for a face. It had a single eye's in the center of it's head and several sharp and jagged teeth. Lesser demons flocked around the beast as it roared, the demons ran to the group.

He pointed at a fallen column, “Cover!” He shouted. Without little hesitation the trio, excluding the Slayer, ran towards it and hid. As the massive creature charged him his large weapon charged up and fired a solid green projectile. Green lightning arced off of it and struck several other demons, causing them to explode into piles of steaming meat and blood.

Once it impacted the massive demon it exploded like the other's into a massive wave of blood, bone, and flesh. The column may have protected them from the blast and demons, but they were still exposed to the rain of flesh and blood that covered them from head to toe.

Cloud stood up and wiped his eye's clean of blood and looked at the piles of flesh and blood caused by the Slayers weapon, “Sweet Celestia! What the hell was that!?” The Slayer shrugged and let off a small chuckle. Before he could react a surviving imp lunged at him, latching it's claws under his helmet. As he threw it off his helmet was in it's claws, revealing his worn and beaten face. Cloud Singer then looked at him.

His face was of brick and mortar, unflinching and unbroken, he face was covered in a litany of scars. His jaw seemed to be carved from the stone of a fortress, and his eye's... like the bluest sea or sky they glowed brightly, even more o with his helmet off. Atop his head was a patch of brown and blonde hair.

A hell-knight then punched him in the side of the head, the impact sounded like iron being slammed against steel. The Slayer recoiled and fell to the ground, the demon stood over him, holding one of it's broken fingers as the imp that stole his helmet walked closer to him.

“That was unwise.” Vega said from the helmet.

As the demon looked down it was met with the face of the Slayer, he grabbed the surprised demon's jaw and yanked it off with little effort. Ramming his fist into it's belly he ripped out it's intestine and reached for the imp. As the hell knight fell onto it's back the Slayer used it's intestines to strangle the imp to death.

As the trio watched and cleaned themselves of the mess of blood and guts of the gibed demons the ground was ripped open in a torrent of fire. As the ground split open another one of the large demon's crawled out. It's eye set on them instead of the Slayer. It charged the group, but as they were getting ready to flee Cloud tripped over some of the debris from the gate.

As the demon snaked it's way to him it roared, the bloodcurdling sound made him freeze in terror. As he tried to crawl he grabbed onto the Slayers leg and looked up. Those blue eye's were locked onto the demon ahead of him. It roared again and it charged causing him to charge it as well. As one of the golem's tried to attack it, the demon smashed it into splinters with it's massive club hands.

Cloud watched as the Slayer grabbed onto it's mouth and force it open. The demon's tongue wagged out and the Slayer bit onto it and ripped it from it's mouth. As blood began to pour from it's mouth the Slayer yanked it to the ground and pinned it's head down, lifting it up and slamming it's head down hard enough to break off one of it's horn's. As it's arms flailed around it was unable to strike the Slayer.

Punching a large hole in it's teeth he then slammed it's head onto the ground again, forcing it's jaws open wide enough until it's jaw was then broken with a loud snap, the beast then squealed and screamed loudly in pain as the Slayer continued his assault. Stepping onto the broken jaw he then grabbed hold of it's horns. As it resisted by pulling back the Slayer took control over the wounded guardian of hell and in one massive twist and pull he removed the upper portion of the demons head.

As the demon finally died he threw it's head aside and looked for his helmet. Several Deer soldiers led by King Aspen emerged from the city and saw the various bodies and ripped apart flesh across the ground. “Have the demons fled?”

“Seems so my king, how many lost?” Galahad said, scraping of what he believed was the flesh of a demons leg from his pauldrons.

“A little over two-hundred, would have been more if the golem's hadn't been activated. Thank you.”

“Always glad to be of assistance my king.” Lunar said, bowing.

“I suppose you'll want to return to Canterlot soon?”

“Yes, but what about the bodies?” Galahad said, mentioning the various corpses of demons strewn about the city.

“The animals of the forest will eat aplenty come morn. Come... lets wash you off.” Cloud looked over at the Slayer, he was kneeling, using his helmets visor as a mirror to wipe off the blood on his face before putting the helmet back on. Taking the sword he then used the dead demon to wipe the blade clean and then put it back in it's sheath.

The trip back to Canterlot wasn't long and had no delay's. After their armor was taken off and washed the group decided not to wear it the rest of the night due to the stink of demon infesting it. Mutt had already fully washed himself by jumping into one of the many public fountains in Thicket, Aspen wasn't entirely amused with the action.

The Slayer stood at one of the wooden tables on the airship, weapons he had taken from the dead Z-Sec guards were strewn out with the various shells and weapons they had. All he didn't have was Boxer's new pistol, like his own but it had a wooden grip.

Five MG-88's, eleven pistols, three grenades, four shotguns, and a handful of riot batons. Due to their age the weapons were rusted and overused. The barrels needed to be cleaned and the dust from the martian surface stained their frame's. But they'd still due as replacements or spare parts if his others were to break.

Along with the few weapons he had a crate full of ammunition for the new weapons. “How long until we reach Canterlot?” Cloud, who was no wearing the simple cloths he wore under his armor, asked one of the airship crewmen.

“Twenty minutes, the rest of the Mane six will be meeting with us in the hangar.” Hearing this caught Boxer's attention, he sighed and slightly grumbled to himself.

“Somethin' wrong pony?” Mutt asked, playing with several of the pinkie teeth he had collected in Thicket.

“Aye... there be a... certain somepony among them that I may have—”

“Did you diddle one?” He asked, Boxer coughed and rubbed the back of his head. “Stone's sake... ye daft draft bastard.”

“Well... I had a reason to stay around Ponyville and a reason to trade with your lot for gems.”

“She like'em?”

“A little yeah... this'll be fun.” He said, laughing a little afterwards. Galahad and Cloud spoke with the new member of this group, the Deer named Willow Branch, or Willow as she liked to be called. Lunar sat close to the Slayer, looking over one of the pistols they acquired from the Z-sec soldiers.

“Are there many of you?” He asked the Slayer, he looked at Lunar but then looked back at the weapons.

“You'll have to be more specific.” Vega said from the helmet.

“Of him. Those... zombies back in Thicket looked kinda like—”

“He's not Human, close, but not close.” Vega said, “He's the last of his kind.”
“Oh... I'm sorry to hear that, truly I am.”

“Are there many of you?”

“Bat Ponies, yeah, but we're not looked highly upon by some Equestrian's.” He said, setting the pistol aside and taking his staff in hand. “Unicorn's like myself are rare.”

“Is there racial prejudice against your people?”

“No not much anymore, long ago when Nightmare Moon revealed herself many of my kind flocked to her side, being's we're moon worshipers.” He tapped the staff on the wooden deck of the ship. As the gem glowed green a few small figures appeared on the table, they were in a way holographic Bat Ponies. “After she was defeated many of my kind fled back home to Trotsylvania, afterwards a small civil war happened for a few good years, short... but a meaningless waste of life.”

The small figures fought each other with small spears and shields until only one was left standing. “I take it the victor is Equestria?” He nodded.

“It's been good so far, but before Princess Luna came back it was difficult for us. Me becoming her student was one of the better things in my life to happen to me.”

“Are you the only unicorn of your kind?”

“No there's a handful of us, most the time one would be the result of a bat pony and unicorn crossbreed, my parents were neither. Like most of my type, I was abducted by the Lunar cult and taken to Canterlot to become either a Priest or combat mage, I picked the latter.” Before he could continue his story the bell on the airship rang out, signaling their approach with the Canterlot zeppelin hanger.

The Slayer picked up the weapons and set them in the small crate. Taking two of the pistol clips in hand he separated them from the rest, as well as the grenades, setting them into a pouch he had taken from a wounded Deer soldier.

As the airship set down several ground crews tied it down with ropes. Standing at the loading dock were the two princesses and their entourage of personal guards and others. A small handful of these other's were different than the Equestrian's around him, they had stripes and wore a different clothing.

He took the box in hand and drug it off the airship and down the ramp. “I was informed of the battle in Thicket, how many lost?” The solar princess asked.

“Few in the terms of civilians, it's defense force lost around two-hundred soldiers.” Cloud replied, dragging the small cart that had his armor in it.

“We'll send what we can to aid Aspen. Slayer, a moment of your time.” He set the box aside and walked to the princess. “Oh no bring your things, we'll speak on the way.” Before he could return to his crate one of the princesses guards picked it up instead. As she asked he followed her through the hallway.

“We've had rather disturbing reports of emaciated beings similar to your build spotted in the forests and cities across Equestria, ponies go missing and end up like these creatures. What are they?”

“Zombies or the Possessed,” Vega said, “Fodder, food, or servants to the demons, no doubt they have come from the older Mars facility. If they are to bite someone they victim will eventually turn, though there are other ways for this process. As seen in the Mars security they still exhibit slight forms of intelligence. We saw some of the Deer soldier's turned into these poor wretches during the battle.”

“Not just those, our guards found something near Ponyville earlier today while searching for any remaining Ponies.” She led them into her personal study, the central area she was studying the demons with her sister, her former student, and Equestria's brightest minds. Lying on a metal table near the emaciated corpse of a former U.A.C engineer, he could tell by what remained of his former orange jumpsuit now ripped and eaten away, with a large hole in his head from a mace wound. His name tag said, "Seamus Blake. Technician. Serial number 6805-14".

On a table next to him were an assortment of horribly and if not creativity crafted weapons from various materials. A large wrench with a metal pipe welded to it to act as a improvised war pick of sorts, an axe made from a metal pipe with sharp metal scrap welded to it, and what seemed like a PDA was strapped to the zombies shoulder to act as an improvised pauldron.

There was also an old chainsaw, through very rusted, and the strangest weapon there was an older shotgun now modified as a club with a long knife welded to the end.

But the princess then diverted his attention to what lay on the table farthest from him. The tall, three meter creature was covered by a shroud. When he stopped in front of it she pulled it off to reveal what was underneath.

It looked Equine in features, but it's skin was completely stripped away exposing it's long bones, implants, and organs. Unlike the prior Revenant's which had a U.A.C made rocket launcher and jet pack, this one didn't have said equipment, instead it had what looked like recently crafted metal implants on it's legs and arm's and unlike the rocket launchers the human one had this one had two three feet long serpents lying dead coiled around it's arms and shoulder.

He recognized these small beast's, almost similar to the one's that power the hell guardians but they expel certain flammable gasses through their mouths and ignite it, almost like a flamethrower. Outside of the demonic additions the Equestrian revenant had a small breastplate still strapped to it, rather small now due to it's increased size. The wound in it's head indicated that a musket ball finished it off while the impact of a metal horseshoe killed the serpents.

“It was found scouring the town hall in Ponyville, three of the group of fifteen were killed by it. One had his arm's ripped off while another died from the burns he received while the last died from a punctured lung.” Celestia explained, “Several demons have also been sighted using various weapons captured from the soldiers they kill, spears, swords, axe's, and even rifles.”

“They're adapting,” Vega said.

“We also need the device Vega is on.” He looked at the Lunar princess in quite a bit of surprise, he then looked at Celestia.

“Why?” Vega said through the helmet.

“A little experiment of sorts, we may have a way of putting you in a body of your own.” Celestia said, pointing towards a humanoid statue made of clay and stone.

“I can see how this project would be beneficial, but will it be dangerous?”

“Possibly not, we've done this before, but not with something of your caliber.” Luna said, “It might take some time.” He looked at the princesses and at Vega, who was now standing next to him in his holographic form. Sighing, he took the small card from a slot on his armor and gave it to Celestia, Vega then dissipated, no longer being able to use the flashlight as a projector. He was no no bigger than a grenade, standing on his A.I. chip.

“This process usually takes sometime to do, Luna will take you to your chambers if you wish?” He simply looked at the princess and tilted his head. He then shrugged and nodded in agreement. A room to store his thing's isn't such a terrible idea.

“Follow me please.” Luna said, walking past him and out the door. He walked past the guard carrying his crate of weapons and as they passed he picked up the box and followed.

The short walk to his new quarters took less than ten minutes, the guard somewhat exhausted due to the weight of the weapons in the crate. Luna stopped at a large wooden door and fiddled with a set of iron keys. After the third key she twisted it and it made a click, she turned the knob and pushed the door opened. Taking the lead she walked into a sizable room with a large bed, two nightstands, a large dresser with a mirror, and a door leading into a bathroom with a large bathtub in it.

Setting the box down the soldier left the room and waited outside the door. “I hope it will suffice, it used to belong to Argus a long time ago, some of his thing's might still be here if you want to look around.” He looked around the room, studying the ceiling, walls, and floor.

It had been a while since he were in a room similar to this, a very long time ago. On the dresser was an old book, the dust on it had been cleaned off recently but it looked like it hadn't been moved for a while. He recognized the leather to belong to the hide of a Baron of hell, something his Sentinels of old would keep personal notes in. “Rest up if you want, I'll come and get you once we've finished.”

Rest, he thought, Been sometime since we've had that.

As she left the room the Slayer stopped her, sticking up his index finger, trying to signal her to wait a moment. “What is it?” He dug through the crate and pulled out the better quality weapons, a shotgun, four pistols, and an MG-88 with a small handful of ammo for it all.

Confused at what he was doing she simply stared at the weapons and then back at him. He gave her one of the guns, “Learn... adapt.” He said.

“Oh... you want us to... make them?” She said, taking the gun in her hands. He nodded, taking out the grenades from the satchel he placed the guns he was giving to her into it. Taking the now heavy bag she slung it over her shoulder. “We'll see what we can do. Thank you.” She turned and walked out of the room, shutting the door behind her.

He stood silently, staring at the door and then back at the bed. After a few moments to himself all of his weapons and their ammunition were spread out on the bed, smallest to largest. The BFG being at the one end while the pistol and grenades were at the other.

Rest, he thought. An almost foreign concept to him after years in hell, the last time he was able to rest is when he was imprisoned by the demon's. Deciding it would be best for him he walked into the bathroom and stared at the tub. It was about his size, long enough to lie in. Turning one of the knobs the water then began to pour out, after a moment he began to see the steam coming from the boiling water.

Setting his helmet on his bed and the rest of the armor next to it he walked towards the bathroom. As he passed the mirror he stopped and looked at himself. His chest bore the signs of demons new and old, most a lesser being would be easily killed by. His palms bore the demonic pentagrams that were branded onto his hands when he was captured. Postponing his one-man war against the demons for a time.

He reminisced on the memories he had across his body, pointing at the one on his right breast. A Baron of Hell did that, before he had gotten the Praetor armor from the Seraphim. He remembered seeing his flesh being ripped open like tissue paper, the pain was worse. Like before, and like all the other's... he survived. Again and again... he survived, while his brother's and sister's in arm's died around him, one by one...

Not wanting to reflect on the past, he walked towards the tub. It was high enough so he turned off the water, the heat from the water was noticeable due to the steam fogging up the window. The water didn't burn him as he entered, as he was fully submerged he crossed his arms aver his chest and closed his eye's. As he slowed his heart rate he entered a small dream like state, almost like sleep.

Celestia set Vega's ship aside and prepared the Golem for activation. Luna had recently returned and started taking apart and writing down the inner workings of the advanced U.A.C. weapons. “How long should this process take?” Vega asked.

“Normally a few hours, but it take's an additional two to prepare the crystal for transmogrification with your hardware.” Celestia said, her magic being focused directly on the small crystal ball. “While that happen's, I figured we could talk.”

“About what?”

“Everything, I want you to start from the beginning, the U.A.C, the Demons, what you know about him.” She said, no doubt meaning the Slayer. Vega paced around his chip before sitting on it.

“Of course princess, though I don't think he'd enjoy me discussing his past. It's... from what I observed, not a pleasant tale.” She knelt down, setting her head on her crossed arms she stared at the little A.I.

“Please begin.”

“As you wish.” Luna looked over at the two, she couldn't exactly hear them speaking but she could see Celestia's horn glowing. She looked down at the small necklace Nightmare Moon had given her, touching it slightly the small crystal had a dim glow behind it. She then focused her attention back on the weapons, hoping they'd help in events to come.

Author's Note

Well this took longer than I expected. But here it is, It'll be a slower chapter next but It'll get better as it goes.

I am now gonna focus all my attention to this one, due to it going to be at least 8-9 chapters. After that I'm gonna focus on my longer one, The Guardian and The Traitor and a couple smaller one's that are in limbo right now.

One is gonna be my first attempt at a Romance and the other is gonna be a Star Wars crossover(Legends Canon).

But anyways, hope you all enjoy and if there are questions please ask away. Hope to see more likes and support as I go on