The Hardest Fight...

Maria and Twilight were slowly walking through the town. There was a sense of fear that was undeniable.

"Before we leave this town, there's somewhere we need to go," Maria stated.

"Where?"

"The library."

"What do we need there?"

"The internet is still running, and there are books on constructing communication devices. I think it's possible we can stay in touch across dimensions, and I need to learn how to further modify my weapon."

"You can make your firearm more powerful?"

"Yeah. If I make a few adjustments, I can increase the accuracy and impact."

"How do you know all this stuff, anyway?"

"I played a lot of horror games."

"You learned how to survive from games?"

"It's not really that hard. I just took notes on things that the characters could've done better. Nothing guarantees survival in these situations, but it helps to know a few things."

"Were you expecting something like this to happen?"

"No. I just have a tendency to think realistically."

"I have to say, I'm impressed. You're more prepared for a crisis than anyone I've ever met."

"I think you've got a decent amount of bases covered yourself, but you're forgetting one important aspect."

"What's that?"

"Food and water. You can't fight on an empty stomach."

"That's a good point."

They continued walking on for a while in silence, then, Twilight asked a serious question.

"What happened to you?"

"What do you mean?"

"Why are you going through this alone?"

"...My brother was killed the night before I left town. I was the only person the clowns left behind. I'm not sure why. My best guess is, they were in a rush. They were going after everyone too quickly, and the group that invaded our home didn't check upstairs. I had to bury him the next morning."

"I'm sorry..."

"Don't be. We couldn't have stopped them."

"What was your brother's name?"

"Brandon."

"Hopefully he's in a better pla-"

"Sh!"

Maria silenced Twilight. She began whispering.

"Someone's close. We need to find cover."

They quickly ran behind a brick building.

"Cover your eyes, Twilight. I don't want you to see what might happen."

"Don't worry about me. I already saw, remember?"

"Right. Just stay close to me, then."

"Okay."

"I'm moving in. I'll signal you if it's not a threat."

"I'll cast a protection spell. It should keep me safe from any weapons they have."

"Good plan. Watch out for me."

"I will."

Maria left from behind the building and slowly made her to the other individual. Unfortunately, it was, in fact, a clown.

"I'm only going to warn you once! Don't come any closer, or I'll have no choice but to shoot!"

The clown continued moving towards her, and Maria responded by holding her weapon steady.

"So be it."

Maria fired, and the clown fell dead to the ground. Once whoever behind the mask was deceased, she lowered the gun and returned to Twilight's location, and Twilight end the spell.

"That was my first kill...I was hoping it wouldn't turn out like this..."

"Don't be too hard on yourself...You told them what would happen..."

"...Let's go. I need to leave before I vomit."

"Mm."

Half an hour after the incident, they reached the library. It didn't take long to find what they were looking for. Twilight borrowed several books about satellites, radio towers, and radio devices.

"You said we would need some kind of suit to breathe in space, right?"

"They're special suits made of nylon tricot, spandex, and urethane-coated nylon. You're also gonna' need an oxygen tank. It's probably better if you study those books first so you know what you're doing when you get up there."

"What about your weapon?"

"I mostly just have to realign a few small parts and adjust the tightness of some springs."

"You said the radio devices I should make are portable ones, right?"

"Mhm, that way you can carry it with you so we can stay in contact almost anywhere. Be careful, though. Forests can block out the signals, so it won't work there."

"I should probably get home now. The sooner we get this stuff ready, the better off we'll be."

"True, but how are you gonna' get back?"

"I teleported here. I can get back that way."

"Better get to it then."

"How long will it take to craft everything?"

"If you pay close enough attention, I think it should only take about two or three weeks. Those books should tell you the measurements and materials for the parts you need. I think they can be found in your universe."

"Will you be alright until I come back?"

"I haven't been alright for the last couple days, but I'll manage."

"Take care of yourself."

"Will do."

Twilight teleported back to Equestria with the books.

"My goodness, Twilight! You look exhausted! Are you alright!?"

"Not really, but right now we have work to do, princess."

"If you're feeling unwell, you should rest."

"I can't. Maria's depending on all of us."

"At least eat something. You skipped breakfast this morning."

"Okay. I'll eat, then we need to get in contact with the best engineers we can find."

"Engineers? Whatever for?"

"We think we found a way to keep in touch when I'm not there."

"I see. Very well. I will grant your request."

"Thank you."

Twilight left the main hall and had lunch. She couldn't stop thinking about the horrible sight that was permanently ingrained in her mind. So much death, and all for what? But now was not the time to dwell on it. She had a mission to accomplish, and she was going to see it through to the end, no matter what.