{*\_4 Months Later_/*}

The morning sun slowly rose before a black crystal fort in the barren plans of Northern Equestria, gently rising the temperature to just below freezing. From the fort, no one was able to see the two figures in the distance slowly closing the gap with the sun to their back.

The pony was one of a dark red coat with a jet black mane who sported a light brown jacket with it’s collar flipped up. On his flank was a blood red flag.

Next to this pony was a changeling in fur-lined assortment of armour, levitating a crossbow by his side.

Without diverting his eyes from the fort, Flag Bearer lightly broke the silence, “So Comrade Zhelezo, not that I distrust you, but how do I know that that camp hasn’t already been cleared?”

Levitating a spy glass out of a satchel hanging off his side and passing it to Flag Bearer, Zhelezo responded, “Simple Comrade Bearer, do you see how there a still guards by the gate and how their hideous green banner still flies? Well had we been here before none of that would be still standing.”

“I see Comrade Zhelezo, and you plan on taking out a fort on your own? Don’t you Changelings usually attack in swarms?”

“Usually yes, Comrade Bearer, but for the mission we’re demonstrating, only one changeling is required. And besides, the Nationalists are huge about exaggerating their numbers, there can’t be more than a few dozen in that fort now.” Zhelezo replied as he checked the load of arrows awaiting in the bows reload mechanism.

“Understood Comrade Zhelezo, clear out the fort, then show me your work. I will be waiting for you here.” With that, Zhelezo took off into the air, looking for a weak link to attack from the inside-out.

Among the 3 by 6 rows of cabins several ponies could be seen walking to and from their duties. But what caught his eye was a single pony stacking fire wood in the back of the fort complex.

Gliding soundlessly above, Zhelezo banked into a dive directly at the lone pony. Unlike in traditional combat, this was done without a magical barrier as initial stealth was required for a flawless success.

The pony never knew what happened as Zhelezo broke his fall with the pony’s neck.

Pulling his crossbow to the ready, Zhelezo sped towards the opposite fort wall, almost sliding into it due to the mud caused by the morning due. Recomposing himself, he started his method snaking his way through the alleyways.

As he rounded the first corner, he spotted two crystal ponies walking away, deep in their last conversation. *click* *swoosh* *click* *swoosh* And with that, the two Nationalists were lying face down in the mud, each with an arrow in the back of the neck.

Running past the lifeless bodies, Zhelezo pulled the arrows out and placed them into the quiver strapped to his side.

“No point in littering now”, he muttered to himself, now side-sliding past the next corner. But he now found himself face-to-face with yet another pony draped in a white robe.

Thrusting the crossbow into the ponies open mouth, Zhelezo let loose an arrow that went straight though and out the other side. The pony tumbled onto his back from the force of the crossbow being shoved into his face. Gurgling from the hole in his throat, the pony tried to be defiant, but with the cloth over his face turning red, it was clear that his days were done.

“So. You’re supreme to me?”, Zhelezo silently asked, “Well how come it’s you in the mud now?”

Denying the pony the mercy of quick death, Zhelezo resumed his snaking pattern between the cabins.

The next street was as barren as the tundra outside, but sliding by the fourth street Zhelezo spotted three Nationalists sitting around a fire, one of whom made eye contact with Zhelezo.

“Shieee” Zhelezo did in a high pitch whisper as the Nationalist opened his mouth to warn his fire partners. However, before a word was uttered, he received an arrow into the top of his throat. The one to his right received an arrow to the lower back of the skull. Meanwhile, the other Nationalist was turning to see where the arrows were coming from but was stopped when an arrow went through on ear and out the other, taking a bit a grey matter with it.

Skidding to a stop, Zhelezo watched as the three lumped over almost simultaneously. Trotting over, he pulled the arrows out and rolled their bodies away from the fire.

“That was a bit too close, luckily I’m the faster draw though.” Zhelezo whispered to the Nationalist he’d made eye contact with. The pony passed out in response.

Silently running through the last two streets, Zhelezo confirmed that they were empty for the time being. That could change at a moment, and Zhelezo knew that.

With the inside section cleared Zhelezo finally made his way up to the front gate. From there, he climbed silently up to the top gate platform where the single Crystal Nationalist with a position of height was enjoying a morning cup o’ joe.

As the Nationalist lifted his cup to his mouth, he felt a presence behind him. Before he could react, he was already falling off the gate towards the right-most stationed ground guard. The left-most guard shocked at what he’d witnessed, received an arrow through each eye.

“What’s goin—” started the guard who had his ally thrown on him before the two received a mini barrage of three arrows.

With that, there were no living ponies outside of the cabins. Now, it was time for Zhelezo’s part two.

Flying upwards, Zhelezo reached an angle in which he could see the front of all the cabins, their inhabitants unaware of anything going on that morning. Pulling out a box from his satchel, Zhelezo unloaded his crossbow and started to load arrows enchanted with a flame spell.

“Might as well get you prepared for your new home.”, Zhelezo said taking aim at the middle front cabin’s door.

-------->

“That weapon did this?”, Flag Bearer asked as he stepped over a charred corpse, too shocked at the destruction to be formal.

“That’s right Comrade Bearer,” Zhelezo chirped in, “similar to how the arrows used in the Equestrian Games are enchanted to make ice, this bow can shoot arrows enchanted to make fire.” Although “fire” could be an understatement as the entire compound was in a two-hour blaze hot enough to roast the ponies who did manage to not catch on fire.

Moving between the crumbled ashes of what used to be cabins, Zhelezo scanned for any signs of survivors. The only ones breathing, though, were the two figures who knew of this attack.

“I don’t know what we expected to find Comrade Zhelezo, I could feel the heat back at our meeting point. I don’t think that even Pinkie Magic could save anything here.”, stated Flag Bearer, with a regained composer.

“What’s ‘Pinkie Magic’, Comrade Bearer?”

“Have you not heard of that term, Comrade Zhelezo? It comes from the element bearer of laughter who apparently has the power to bend the rules of reality.”

“My, apologize Comrade Bearer. I am not as familiar with those elements as the other changeling who served further south.”

“No need to apologize Comrade Zhelezo, I can imagine that it is more of a pony joke. Although, if you don’t mind me asking, why did Comrade Breakheart not come to view the test of your might?”

“Captain Breakheart is currently at a convention with that filly he’s adopted, Comrade Bearer.” Zhelezo responded, “Besides, he’s found remorse in killing ever since he was stationed at our outpost.”

At this Flag Bearer’s eyebrow raised in confusion, “Comrade Zhelezo, are you saying Comrade Breakheart’s feelings on killing are recent?”

“Yes, Comrade Bearer, while Captain Breakheart’s kill count isn’t that impressive it did cease after the Siege of Canterlot.”

“Comrade Breakheart was at Canterlot? He was part of an attempt to stop the Diarchy? What would cause him to feel remorse?”

“I am not sure Comrade Bearer, but I have heard rumours that his filly is a result of him atoning for it.”

“It appears to me that Comrade Breakheart isn’t quite fit to lead a force for revolution, would you say that is true Comrade Zhelezo?”

“Comrade Bearer, I’ve been thinking that he seemed too gentle since he was first stationed at our outpost seven years ago. And that’s without counting the fact that he’s missing several key parts.”

Turning to face Zhelezo front profiled Flag Bearer said with a grin, “Well then Comrade Zhelezo, don’t you think it’s about time that we change that? That it’s time to make Our Red Army the strongest?”

Returning the grin Zhelezo responded, “Captain Breakheart’s an inspiration to the others who are damaged, Comrade Bearer.” With a wink, Zhelezo continued, “It would be a shame if he ended as a young martyr.”

Walking into the sunset, the two began to discuss how thing would be done under their rule, and how to get there.