Skarviks, Kell of House Kings, awoke to a smell he was all too familiar with, war. It's scent still fresh in his memory from his battle with the Scorn. This time, though, it smelled different, the blood smelled strange and burning rubble even stranger. Dazed and confused, he painfully tried to stand up. He found himself in an alleyway of sorts, with rubble and fire being the only noticable thing about the evironment.

Where am i? Scratch that, what planet am i on? he thought to himself. He saw a bright blue sky with an even brighter sun shining down on him. Last time he was at the Reef, there were no day-night cycles and there most definetly wasn't a clear sky to be seen anywhere. Whatever, first things first. Find weapon, search the vicinity for hostiles, look for high ground to check surroundings and plant a distress beacon. Not that hard, right? he thought while looking for his precious schrapnel launcher that had saved him many times before.

After about 2 minutes of scouring the area he found his Launcher stuck under some wooden planks, wich he quickly tried removing with his 4 hands. He found it to be more difficult than he anticipated because apparently he was missing his upper-left middle finger, wich was replaced by a bloody mess and air. Fucking Scorn...

He would've gone on a rant inside his head, if he weren't interrupted by approaching footsteps. He finally freed his Launcher from the evil grasp of 2x4's, activated his camouflage and backed up against the wall of a ruined building. As the footsteps came closer, his grip on his weapon grew tighter. He just came out of battle and he wasn't interested in engaging in one again. He aimed his gun where the alley went into the street and focused. Well, he wasn't expecting to see the creature that popped up in his sights, it was equine and stood on 2 legs and seemed to be both wounded and in a hurry. It was adorned in a golden armor with a spear in it's hands. It entered the alley, to Skarviks' annoyance, and backed up against the same wall as him, only a meter apart from each other. Now that it was closer, Skarviks could get a good look at the being hiding next to him. It seemed male with a white coat and a black mane, it's right arm and torso bleeding.

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The gaurd's quick breathing stopped and his nose began sniffing the air, his eyes suddenly trained on the blue-ish blood that seemed to drip from mid-air. He then began looking at the slight distortion he stood right next to and kept looking up until 4 small, blue eyes stared directly into his. He froze in terror as the distortion deactivated it's apparent camouflage and revealed it's large stature to the now cowering gaurd. That cowering quickly stopped and he gained a more stern look on his face. ''What are you and what are you doing here?!'' he shouted while aiming his spear at it's abdomen. Apparently not a good idea as he received a loud roar and a face full of 3-fingered anger. The gaurd flew out of the alley, back on the street where he came from, now clutching his chest as a couple ribs must've snapped at the very least from the strenght of that punch. Amazing, first a changeling invasion, then reports of strange four-armed savages that attacked anything that wasn't their own, and now actually finding one that's twice my height? This day can't get better, can it? the gaurd thought to himself. He turned himself around and began crawling back up the street, despite his body's condition. He heard two sounds, one was amazing and the other terrifying, one was a squadron of gaurds that noticed him and were calling his name, and number dos were the footsteps of the creature right behind him, it's strange growly/creaky breathing filling his head. His advances were stopped by a large 3-fingered hand grabbing him around his neck.

Skarviks had just met a local, not even done anything to anger it, and it already threatened him and shouted at him. He wasn't going to take that very kindly, so he punched it back on the street to teach it some respect. He was walking to the creature to make sure it would remember his face 'till the day it dies. His lower-right arm grabbed it and was about to lift it up when he heard more shouting and footsteps. He looked up the street and found an entire squadron of those creatures, ready to charge him, as was noticable from the 2 that had their glowing horns trained on him. Wait, glowing?was all he could think before being hit square in the chest by a strange, yet powerful red beam of whatever it was that came out of those horns. The impact and power behind it sent him to the ground in a matter of seconds and knocked him unconscious yet again.

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Sikres awoke with a grunt to a mixture of agressive shouting and pain all over her body. When she tried to sit up, she found the source of both of those things, as she felt another blunt object hit her in the ribs, followed by more shouting and the undeniable shimmer of a spear that was aimed right at her face. As she pondered about what was going on, she finally began to slightly understand the shouts that were apparently spoken in English, as ''Stay down!'' and ''Don't move!''.
She was one of the few on the ketch that studied the multiple languages of humans, those being English, German, Spanish and French. She had mastered the first two but was still struggling with the others.
She heard another whack but didn't feel anything that time, wich meant only one thing, there was an ally near her. As she tried to turn her body she only got a glimpse of the Captain next to her, but a glimpse was all she needed, she'd come to recognize that noticable crack on the back of that helmet, as none other than Skell-Rook, the somehow still lower ranking captain that was famous for getting out of harsh situations rather efficiently. Only this time, he wasn't so lucky, he was sitting on his knees with his arms behind his head, surrounded by four strange, equine creatures that seemed to be violently interrogating him. She couldn't even help him as she was surrounded herself, most likely next on the interrogation list. She took what little time and liberty she currently had to look at her surroundings, they were in some kind of garden, a large and beautiful one at that, that appeared to be inside of a building or fortification. Perhaps a castle? Or a citadel? Or some kind of fancy lair? She didn't have much time to ponder about her current location as two of the armed equines dragged her to her knees and put her hands behind her head, wich in turn made her realize that she had a broken lower-right hand and a cut up left leg that she didn't notice due to the confusion and disorientation she experienced at the moment. She was promptly hit in the stomach with the back end of a spear by the leader of the group, who commanded her to ''not move or end up like her friend''. The leader, male, a light shade of blue with a white mane, moved in front of her with his spear ready in his hands. He inhaled and exhaled quite deeply before looking her in the eyes and beginning the interrogation.

''What are you?''

''... Eliksniiii...'' she replied with a slight hiss in her voice.

''What does that mean?''

''... Species...''

''Why are you here?''

''... I... Don't know...''

She received another blow to the stomach, followed by the same question, wich she gave the same answer, to the leader's annoyance.

''Whatever, next question, why is your kind attacking our city?'' he asked with venom in his voice. To this she didn't know the answer. They were fighting Scorn earlier, so why would they suddenly focus their attacks on a new species? Unless, and she hoped it wasn't true, the Scorn were transported as well. She got another hit from the spear, followed by the leader's angry voice,

''Why. Is. Your. Kind. Attacking. Our city?!''

''Oh, calm down Iron Sights, you'll burst a vessel if you keep screaming your head off. Besides, it's giving me a headache.'' one of the others, a completely white one, said.

''And why should i stop, huh? First changelings and now these savages! What's next, a dragon?'' he yelled back. ''Besides, i'm still awaiting an answer from you!'' he yelled in Sikres' direction.

''... It was not us... It was Scorn... Corrupted, undead Eliksni...''

''So basically zombies? You're kidding right? We're not idiots, we are elite gaurds of Canterlot Castle and you are some kind of freak that doesn't even belong here!'' Iron Sights bit back. He sighed, ''You know what? I've had enough of this. I'm getting someone else to interrogate. This is getting on my nerves.''
And with that, he left through the garden's entryway. Five of the twelve gaurds went after him while the others stayed behind to gaurd the Eliksni Captains.

''Proper good job there. Haven't seen him so worked up since his wedding day'' the gaurd Iron was arguing with, a white colored male with a white mane, said. Sikres looked up at him, for once not being hit by a spear. He continued, ''Y'know, i actually believe you. I mean, have you smelled those other bastards? You knew they were coming before you could even hear them. They were called Scorn, correct?''

She nodded.

''Hmm, interesting. And they are corrupted and undead as you so lovingly put it?''

She nodded again, wondering if this was going anywhere.

''So, if you know what they are, do you know how to get rid of them? I mean, our spears were usually enough, but others wielded these strange, ranged weapons we had quite the trouble with. Some were humongous and grotesque, others just exploded if we got too close. So i ask of you, what is the best way of fighting these so called Scorn?'' the gaurd asked.

''... Not easy... Ranged is primary target... But watch for Screeb or Abomination, as they take out large group in seconds... Chieftain is leader of squad and should be taken out fast... Ranged plasma do lots of damage, explosions even better...'' her voice began feeling sore, wich terrified her, as that could mean there was something wrong with her Ether supply or mask. The gaurd noticing her slight distress,

''You alright there?''

''... Yes, nothing i cannot fix another time...''

''Alright then, anyways, you got a name? Mine's Loyal Duty, pleased to meet ya.''

''... Sikres, the Brave...''

''Sikres, eh? I like that name, but i do have another question or two, afterwards i'll go see if there's a medic available for you and your buddy. Here's the first question. Does your kind work with plasma often? If so, was that what those Scorn used?''

''... Yes, and not exactly... Scorn use modified weaponry, infused with what we call 'Void energy'... Powerful, but not always better... My kind works with 'Arc energy', wich is electricity and plasma... Useful for many things, weapons, shields and more...''

''Wow, so i guess you guys are more advanced than i thought. Do you not use magic then? Because i am pretty sure that magic would've been an easier power source than 'Arc energy' or whatever it was called.''

''... Magic?''

''Yes, magic. Do you not have magic where you come from? Whatever, i can always ask that later. Second question. Are you and your buddies responsible for both the lightshow plus giant object that appeared in the Everfree and the giant black-blue ball that pretty much landed in the middle of town square?''

''... Lightshow? I would not know... Object? Possibly ship... Ball? That is Pilot Servitor of Ketch''

''I'll be sure to ask about those later. But for now, i'll see if i can find a medic that's actually available. Pretty hard after the changeling/Scorn invasion earlier.''

She noticed how he said those last words with quite the pent up anger.

''... Changeling? What are they?''

''Dangerous, that's what they are. Black skin, bug-like appearance, insect wings, blue or green eyes and a big hunger for destroying and disrupting innocent lives. Did i mention they can shapeshift? Because they can shapeshift. Becoming a Royal Gaurd is more difficult than ever due to the amount of extra tests they give you to check if you actually are who claim to be. Anyways, i'm getting sidetracked, i should go get that medic now. Also, whenever the new interrogator arrives or Iron returns, just be honest, it'll make things much easier.''

''... Understood...''

Before Loyal Duty left he turned and said, ''Welcome to Equestria, Sikres. It'll be quite the journey.''

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Skanis awoke to find himself in some kind of fancy room, perhaps a throne room or a conference room. He also found out about another thing. His lower left arm had been severed and was replaced by a bloody stump with... Bandages?

''It's awake! Be cautious, my subjects!'' he heard a female voice call out. He heard the words, but didn't understand them. Sikres was usually his translator for human languages but- she wasn't around at the moment. Skanis sat up off the floor and turned his head towards the voice, wich got quite the defensive reaction, seeing as an entire battalion of gold-clad soldiers he'd never seen before were instantly forming a wall around 2 tall and 6 shorter figures. He took another look around and concluded that whatever happened here, it wasn't good. The room was ransacked and there was a strange green mush on the floor and walls. Tables were broken, chairs nearly stuffed into the walls and windows were shattered. Skanis stood up to his full height and found that the 2 taller figures got to his waist in height, while the others made it to his thighs. He couldn't stand for long as he found himself severely weakened from his previous battle and found himself on one knee with his last lower arm supporting him. This was a sign of weakness, wich would've cost his other lower arm in any other circumstances. But right now, he had other worries. He heard whispers, followed by the clearing of the wall of shields and swords, followed by a single yellow colored, pink maned, female equine humanoid. She looked as innocent and shy as Skanis was imposing. She slowly approached him with her hands raised to show she was unarmed, wich he would've believed, were it not for the many Gaurdians he came across that did the same, only to pull a knife out of their boot and attempt to stab him. As Yellow, as he momentarily named the equine, kept approaching Skanis growled when he thought she was close enough. This growl was met with the raising of weapons again from the golden gaurds.

''Hosh e ge.''(1) Skanis announced to the entire room. Everyone froze in anticipation at what he would do or what those words meant. Skanis noticed that the tall white equines' horn began glowing and he prepared himself for whatever trick they'd play on him. Nothing came though as he looked back at the tall white one. He noticed that the tall ones had wings, a horn and flowing hair that seemed to nearly emit light. After the horn stopped glowing, the tall equine stepped through the wall of weapons as well and moved herself next to Yellow. Now Skanis could see that she too, was a female. It was quite hard to see behind a wall of shields and slightly blurry vision. Tall white then cleared her throat,

''Greetings, My name is Princess Celestia, co-ruler of Equestria. If you can understand me, you will answer my first question. What is your name?''

Skanis was surprised that he could suddenly understand the Princess. He figured, if he could suddenly understand her, she could understand him, right?

''Skanis, the Exiled. Kell of the House of Exile.'' he said through breaths and coughs.

''Skanis, meet Fluttershy, she is the one who patched up your wound. Sadly there was nothing we could do to re-attach your arm. Our healing power can only go so far. I hope you don't mind that we have taken your arm and blood for research purposes.''

Although he was happy with knowing the name of the adorable yellow one... Wait, adorable? No! He must not think this way! No weakness in front of an unknown Princess of an unknown land! Although, she did take his arm away, wich pissed him off severely.

''... Bring. Me. My. Arm.'' Skanis ordered with venom dripping from those words.

''I will bring it to you after our research is done. There's no telling how long it will take, seeing as we have just survived an invasion caused by Queen Chrysalis.'' Celestia said with a somber tone.

''No... Bring. Arm. Now. I do not care for your sob story. I require my arm, my Scorch Cannon and my Ketch... I just noticed, you stole my fucking Scorch Cannon!?'' Skanis bit back. He was always seen as a more peaceful and merciful Kell, but right now? He was barely holding it together. He lost at least half his army, the Prime Servitor, his arm, and possibly even the rest of his crew. He had his reasons for being angry.

Celestia didn't even flinch at the yell but Fluttershy froze in place and seemed in shock.

''We have our reasons for temporarily taking your 'Cannon' for safety purposes. As well as the other weapons you had on you. As for your 'Ketch', i have no idea. Is it that ball that appeared not too long ago? Or is it that giant object resting in the forest?''

''Ball is Pilot Servitor, object is most likely my Ketch. Pilot Servitor controls Ketch and i control Pilot Servitor. You have your info, now give me my weapons, my arm and my Servitor, and i will leave this place without an extra skull trophy.''

''Was that a threat? I am not called 'Celestia, the Unconquered' for nothing. I am more experienced in war than i let on. And i do not appreciate anyone or anything threatening me or my subjects. Keep that in mind, Skanis.''

''Just bring me my arm, my gun and show me the way to my Ketch, before we both do something we might regret.''

''Fine.''

Celestia finally agreed to give him his arm. What a relief! Now he will have his arm as a sign of survival, and not a sign of shame. Perhaps there is a chance these equines will co-operate with him and not be a pain in the neck.

It was finally decided that he would be led to his arm and weapons, only if 16 gaurds accompanied him on his way there. He was allowed to rest in the wedding room for the time being. But he wasn't allowed outside just yet.

When the night arrived, Skanis couldn't sleep, he had too many worries and didn't trust these equines yet. So he stayed up all night to face any oncoming dangers. Luckily, that danger never came. Or did it?

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Author's Note

Y'all know what? I'm gonna abandon this story for a while. I've been rereading this story for a few months and i don't feel like i started it off right or which direction i want it to take. I think i'm gonna make a different story, perhaps a Fallout Equestria one. It would seem interesting to have the cunning scavengers be in a world where they fit in with the other scavengers and raiders.

This story however is being put aside for now. I might rewrite it another time to start this story anew though.