Foxes of War

POV...Penny

“Okay, what the fuck is going on with the sky today?” Zen-2 asked as the moon had risen early today, the horse shadow on the moon had disappeared, then the red eye on it spread turning it completely red, now the sun's back right out of nowhere. “Really What. The. Fuck.”

“I have no fucking clue,” I grumbled. “So what now?”

“Twenty-mile jog,” Ironhide said, still distracted by what was happening with the moon. “I’m still looking into what happened today. Communications are slow out here.”

“Um, sir?” I said.

“Yes, Private Penny?” He asked.

“We did that already… And had to go do improvised target practice on the Shadow beasts that appeared out of nowhere.” I said, the field scattered with dead beasts.

“I see...um go to lunch. You know what, have the rest of the day off, but be prepared.” He grumbled. “What the fuck are they doing down South?”

“Dunno sir.” I sighed. “And thank you,” I said, giving a respectful salute and the rest followed my lead.

“A day off, well half a day!” Antwon cheered as his ghost summoned a chessboard. “Ready for the next session!” He asked Zoey.

“Yes. My legs are killing me though, so no standing.” The other bear groaned. “Warlocks don’t do this physical conditioning.”

“That's the army for you. Physical and Mental conditioning is pretty much a requirement.” I sighed. I was never more thankful for my slug adapting my body more and more. Of course, that meant Ironhide gave me Harder Physical and Mental Training than the others. Didn't want me getting lazy.

“Don’t see why he’s treating Exos like we have muscle.” Zen-2 sighed.

“Maybe he is just attempting to boost your Strength, but doesn't know how?” I asked with a shrug.

“Even we don’t know. We eat something and we get better, eat something else and get faster and so on. A Warlock named Osiris theorized it may be nanites or something. He was banished from the City some time ago.” Zen-2 explained.

“Wonder Why?” I asked.

“He was saying stuff people didn’t want to hear. So they banished them.” Zoey growled.

“So, Typical Religious bullshit?” I asked. “Great.”

“Yep.” Antwon groaned.

“Well, hopefully, when we meet him, he doesn't gleefully rub it into the Vanguard’s faces that he was right.” I chuckled sourly. “Funny that may be.”

“I hope not.” Zen sighed.

“Yeah,” I said, as I entered the mess hall. “Hey, they got Bacon!”

“YES!” Saladin yelled as he rushed the line and pulled his plate with bacon. I noted Shaxx was giving him the stink eye, having barely gotten behind him. It was clear the two had rushed the line, Saladin getting there first.

“They’ve missed bacon, I guess,” Zoey said, blinking in at shock at the two titans.

“That, and Saladin has a rivalry with Lord Shaxx,” I said, getting behind the two. “I mean, did you see how Saladin gave Shaxx that smug look back on the ship?” I asked.

“With how they fell out, could guess.” Zen sighed.

“Yeah. Oh, my turn.” I said, getting up Front. They had sandwiches, salads, and a lot of restaurant foods. I piled up my tray as I got to the table.

Zoey just got a sandwich, Zen a tea, and Antwon got prime rib steak. “I love the food here.” Antwon chuckled.

“Multi-cultural. At least both sides respect the other.” I said, eating a strip of Bacon.

“I know. They hate each other sure, but the Dogs love pony food and the ponies love dog food.” Zen said as he sipped his tea.

“So what can we do?” I asked. “For the rest of today, I mean?”

“There’s a game going on. Or basketball.” Zen suggested.

“Huh,” I said.

“I said we could play Basketball, or watch the game on the T.V.” He reiterated.

“Ah,” I said. “Not in the mood to play.”

“So T.V.?” He asked. “We can’t leave base yet.”

On the television was a game what looked like a football sport, and the other had the news.

“Yeah. Could do.” I said.

The news was talking about the strange creatures and events in a town called Ponyville...I shot up as I remember the latest My Little Pony show.

“Aw shite.” I groaned. “We got attacked by Nightmare Moon!”

“Who?” Zoey asked as her interest peaked.

“Princess Luna after being corrupted. Dunno how.” I Said. “And I think she was the One who summoned the Shadow Beasts.”

“So we have another threat to deal with?” Antwon groaned.

“Doubt it. Moon’s back to normal, So she may have been dealt with.” I shrugged.

“Got it. Check.” Zoey told Antwon.

“What no!” Antwon yelled.

“Well, I’ll go see if someone wants a romp,” Zen-2 said, making me do a double take.

“Wait, you’re capable of sex!?” I balked.

“Ah, yeah. Some of us… Later models can. Cayde-6 seems to be one of the last models.” He told me. “Actual sleep, eating... Waste, and sex.”

“Ah,” I said. “So, guess you'll be off?” I asked.

“For a bit...unless you to join me.” he chuckled with a wink before walking off.

I huffed, sitting back and looking at the TV as Zoey and Antwon carried on.

“You okay?” Antwon asked as he tried focusing on his pieces.

“A little, just, feeling a sense of loss. Like, I know there is Someone I once knew somewhere, but can't seem to Find them.” I sighed, watching the telly as the news played, Something about the ‘Elements of Harmony’ being found and wielded by these Six, and Princess Luna's return…

“And on other news. We seem to have Gained two new Princesses...wait what, am I reading that right?” The news mare asked. “I get Luna...what do you mean the fox behind?!”

I got up in Shock, my eyes focusing on the vixen on screen. I was getting flickers of memory, of an old friend from relatively Long ago, Michael, who was somewhat obsessed with Disney and played those MMOs.

“Michael?” I gasped, before a Wolf tumbled across the camera, wrestling what looked like a demon before he kicked it off him and raced out of view with a bark of ‘C'mere Cupcake!’

Another fox came into view and shot it. “Last one.” He said while wearing what looked like Doom Armor.

“Todd?” I gasped Faintly as the Wolf dusted himself off, covered in blood.

‘Hey Todd, we're on TV!’ The Wolf said with a cheeky grin and Wave, while also confirming the fox’s identity as Todd.

‘I can see that.’ he said falling into his, a man of few words persona. ‘With the portal closed, we can actually enjoy the party.’

‘Ye!’ the Wolf said as he looked off Screen. ‘Hey Daisy, you gettin’ in?’

“Wait why are we cutting the feed?” The news mare asked before the screen switched to the weather.

“I… I need to get there,” I whined.

“Huh, why?” Zoey asked.

“I have an old friend and a Brother to meet with,” I said, before looking for the commander. “I need permission to go off the Base. Shadow Trespass needed.”

“Are you sure that’s a good idea?” Antwon asked. “Our training just started.”

“And I haven’t Seen my Brother, and my Friend for three hellish years!” I growled. “If I can't Go, I am teleporting there!”

I walked out and found Ironhide talking over the phone looking over papers that were being printed. “Not now Private. I’m almost done.”

“I need to leave the base for today, sir,” I said.

“Hmmm, why, and if I let you I expect you ready for 0600 tomorrow.” He told me.

“I Saw my Brother, and my friend, On the news in Ponyville. I haven't Seen them for two Long years.” I told him. “And I will. I just need clearance to my ship, Shadow Trespass.”

“Fine. only today. You still have a few months of training left, then I’m sending you guys on a mission at the end. You signed a contract to fight to remember that.” He told me.

“I never forgot,” I told him. “And thank you, Sir,” I told him, before leaving the room and heading to the Hanger.

“Ma’am, the ships are under lock…” The hangar master told me before I gave her my temporary permit to leave. She read it over before nodding and letting my head out.

It was a quick flight for me to get to Ponyville, which considering the distance and how Fast Shadow Trespass was, Wasn't that surprising. I was swift to land my ship just outside it, hopping out and dashing to the parade.

I could see Todd with that bunny from before and a green Alicorn eating cake near him. Two more guys were dressed like Todd sitting next to Marian, and the wolf. The Wolf looked up as I approached, his Head cocking to the side. “Hey, Todd, Marian, you two know her?” he asked them.

“Michael, Todd!” I yipped, teleporting over and hugging the two.

“Oh...hey Penny,” Marian said, making me Blink as I realized what the Wolf called her.

“How have you been sis?” Todd asked as I noticed his size.

“I… Not that Okay, but… What happened? Why are you So Big? And Michael, Why did he call you Marian?” I asked.

“Fought hell for eons.” He told me. “Also got displaced.”

“My token turned me into a girl and I decided to take the name with how I looked like Maid Marian from Disney's Robin Hood.” She explained.

“Oh.” I mewled, before nuzzling them. “I missed you both,” I whined.

“Yeah, I’m just happy to be out of that Tomb,” Todd told me.

“Tomb?” I asked as the Wolf watched me, his eyes straying to my arm.

“I have fought hell so much they shit their pants at what I do to them.” He chuckled as bunny nuzzled him.

“Oh, you got a Girlfriend?” I giggled.

“Yes, thought she got killed and turned into a demon. Worst mistake Hell ever made.” He chuckled.

“I was just captured but not killed, but my dad betrayed my realm.” She told us.

“Happy I killed them then.” Todd snarled.

“So, how about you, Mic- Uh, I mean, Marian?” I asked her.

“Well...not as marvelous as Todd’s was, but I’m a werewolf, and have some jackasses.” She told me.

“Yeah. Was there for some.” the Wolf said. “My name is Victor, a pleasure to meet you, miss Penny,” he told me.

“Victor.” Marian mewled as Victor nuzzled her.

“Just being polite, Honey,” he said.

“The loincloth tells of alternative motives.” She told him.

“That, I cannot help, Honey.” He pointed out. She mewled as she shifted.

“Uhhhh, you Okay Marian?” I asked.

“Werewolf.” She said simply before calming down. “My inner beast likes...to be troublesome.”

“Oh. Arousal?” I asked as I noted Victor twitch.

“Yes.” She mewled. “I can control myself.”

“Good. Dragon soul for me.” Victor spoke up. “Kinda made to be an artificial Dovahkiin,” he explained.

“So you want to party?” Marian asked me as I chuckled and nodded, happy to have family here.

POV...Marian

I chuckled as Victor told some joke before moving over to talk with the Doom Marines.

Palutena spotted me. She then muttered something in Victor’s and Todd’s ear that caused both of them to blink in surprise. Victor looked angry and started yelling at the mare. I blinked in confusion as he tried hitting her, only for her to kiss him. The wolf blinked in shock for a moment, before he growled and turned away, looking like he was about to Pop several Blood vessels. Palutena sighed and tried talking with him again, only to be rebuffed by the Umbra with a growl.

POV…Victor

“Okay Victor, tell ya what, punch me, punch me until you get it out of your System.” Palutena said

“Else where. Not here.” I growled, nodding at Apollo, who cooed.

”Any preference?” Palutena responded,

“Hey Bookworm, Cotton candy, know any good places?” I asked Twilight and Pinkie Pie flatly.

“Uh...there’s an open field to the east of here.” Twilight said. “Some Bandits are in the area though.”

“F…A…B.” I nodded.

“Okay.” Palutena opened a portal to where they had suggested and walked through. I followed her with a growl, popping the joints on my left hand.

Once we were there she took a calm stance in front of me as I started punching her.

She calmly took the hit, unflinchingly. I growled in frustration at that.

“How are you feeling?” Palutena asked, “Better?

I just growled, letting stones cover my fist as I used my Atlas powers.

“I'll take that as a no,” she said, waiting for my next strike. I rammed my stone fist into her face with a roar.

“Are you feeling better?” Palutena asked again, making me growl as I charged my blows via my taser knuckles.

Eventually, I just slumped over, having burned myself out.

As I laid on the grass, I heard a sound, making me look up to see some grimy scout from the Bandits come by, investigating the commotion. He took a look at us both and just ran for the hills. Must have been me giving him the stink eye. Darn, it should have learned Ore Gaze. That would be funny.

“Well, if you can cast spells, I can give you a petrification spell.”

“Nah,” I grunted, dragging myself after the Bandit.

I found him and the camp as Palutena followed, guess she wanted to make sure I didn’t get hurt.

“shall I or do you want to?” Palutena asked me

“Heh, I go.” I huffed, “Gotta keep my skill up.” I said, casting renewal.

I got up and pulled out Ace of Spades, shooting the fleeing scout in the back of the head before rushing the unprepared camp. Wonder if there is a bounty? Eh, won’t really get anything, if I don’t know the target.

These guys were a standard bandit camp from Skyrim, but with guns about here or there. I smiled and just tore through them. Once I finished had left two rather busty girls alive, feeling a bit relieved after ripping through the Bandits. I looked them over, taking note of their species. One was Diamond Dog with military ranks on her shirt, the other, a gryphon with claw marks all over her face.

Palutena walked in as the two girls looked at the two of us in fear. I was covered in the blood of their comrades.

“Anything useful?” Palutena asked as she cast her gaze over the carnage.

“Guns that still work, and maybe these two. I’m unsure if anyone of them had a bounty.” I said shrugging as the dog peed herself. “What are your names?” I asked.

“Tamra, and Gretchen. The boss had a bounty on his!” The Gryphon yelled out as blood dripped from the splash of it on her beak. “Please don’t kill us!”

“why exactly would we kill you?” Palutena asked curiously.

“Our whole gang is wanted dead for aiding the Burrow! But only the boss and this chick are part of them and the boss was the main target!” The gryphon explained as the dog snarled at her.

“Shut Up, you bitch!” The dog snarled.

“Says the Actual bitch.” I snarked.

“Did you have a choice?” Palutena said before I could start interrogating.

“Ye...yes.” She mewled in fear.

“And that choice was?” she pressed

“Could have just left, but we were getting good money.” She mewled as I shifted my legs.

Palutena sighed with exasperation, “sleepga.” the two girls fell down like a sack of potatoes as they began snoring softly, with a click of her fingers as she cleaned them up.

“And I was here for nothing but Gorn.” I drily snarked. “Well, guess I am walking home,” I said, turning on my heel, or rather, my Hoof, and walking off.

“Why would you be walking home?” Palutena asked

“I have to ask my summoner to End contract, then I just Keep walkin’,” I Grumbled. “And don't bother me.”

“Hang on who summoned you?”

“Berserker.” I flatly stated.

“Oh, you mean my bro?”

“Let me guess, The Marines are your Bros?”

“Yes, if only in a weird adoptive sort of way. Still, I was going to offer a portal back to where we left,” Palutena replied

“No.” I flatly said.