New Frontiers

War is sweet to those who haven't experienced it.
~Latin(on war and peace)

The Blackhawk, the one Alex and I used to leave the Florida Keys, zoomed through the sky at speeds that would seem impossible for a helicopter. Alex was a little worried about meeting the rest of my family after the attack, but I gave my word that I would protect her. I was also a little worried that they wouldn't accept my new job; especially after the recent attack. What's done is done and there's nothing they can do to change it. No, I'm not kidding, I've already been sworn in, and I'm waiting for my call to head to basic with other recruits.

The clothing I wore no longer was civilian clothes; being replaced by MCCUU, or Marine Corps Combat Utility Uniform, and the cloth surrounding the Kevlar on the level 6 vest was replaced by a MARPAT, Marine Pattern, woodland camo. The gun once used by Alex was in my hands as well as a P226 strapped to my leg by a holster, and Alex's, now my, gun was configured like an HK416 with an 11-inch barrel.

Oh ya, I equipped the HK with a hell of a lot of shit to help me. The first two were sights being the Vortex VMX-3T magnifier, a Razor AMG UH-1 holographic for the sights, a PEQ-2 Lazer attached to the top of the gun with a connection to a side flashlight, and a vertical grip near the mag.

Alex had the standard-issue M9 Baretta pistol and the M249 which I recently learned was not a Squad Automatic Weapon. It wasn't easy getting that gun and ammo back – still not sure what actually affects the armor – but it took more time trying to convince the Blackhawk pilot what she wasn't going to kill us. She was on a loose probation with me as the guard while the rest were shipped to different parts of the nation to help defend the nation.

From what I heard, Los Angeles was carpet-bombed, Seattle was occupied, and Manhattan is a complete war zone that we were loosing. We lost contact with France following a large scale nuclear detonation which they were able to contain... Somehow. Russia was doing about as well as us, but the last thing they told us was that they were making a bunker to hide until they could develop anything to take the unknown army down. The Middle East didn't respond and the lack of a response was clear as day.

We were limited with what we could do now especially after they took the Middle East, so we're low on resources until then. The oil companies here raised their prices to get more money out of it all and began burning more to increase the price.

Fuckers.

The US was considering just raiding the oil rigs and facilities so they would stop wasting such a valuable resource. These guys can set up rigs at will because of their capital, but with how things are now; the military needs every single drop.

I sighed knowing that was a little fucked by these new turn of events. We needed a new way of combating these guys or we won't win, but is there really a winner in war.

"We're five mikes from the landing zone!" Our pilot, Zoe Hawkins, said over the comm headset as she guided us in the suburban air.

"Copy that Talion 1-1!" I responded as I let my gun dangle from the sling. I was sitting on the edge of the Blackhawk while it flew low and fast. The familiar flora swiftly passing under me as words went through my head about what to say.

It would be difficult to do so today. Why? Because my mom and stepdad were hosting a cookout with family and friends. This was also the first time my mom and stepdad's side of the family would meet each other there. Those minutes felt like hours to me as I tried to think up the words to say. Each one felt like a stake being shoved deeper into my heart just at the mere thought of it. I could practically see the horror and crushing grip of depression and sadness on their faces. Damn it, why did I volunteer to do this?

I felt my body curl as a pit formed in my stomach and I let out a few choked sobs as I tried to keep the tears from falling. This wasn't the first time this happened, but it certainly wouldn't be the last. Memories of the night I spent on the carrier came back as those nightmares still haunt me. Alex actually had to calm me down from a panic attack that kept us up half the night.

"Hey!" Alex yelled over the comms, "You're not alone in this! My species are responsible for all this and I have to stand by you as you break the bad news! As long as we stick together, we can overcome these obstacles and move on!" She held me close as she comforted me while I just cried; the pressure of it crushing me and trying to break me.

I just sat there in her embrace and not caring that we were about a minute away from the landing zone. She let go and somehow gave me a reassuring smile with a beak despite it being physically impossible. I gulped it all down for a later time as I rubbed my, most likely, red eyes to clear any tears.

It was then when we almost sped past the house at 222 miles per hour. The quick stop forcing me to hold on to the edge – while Alex grabbed me – to keep me from falling out. We slowly got closer to the ground as people from around the neighborhood came to see what was happening.

I could see everyone and that familiar fear rose up again. I just hoped it would be easier to tell them about Alex's support. Oddly enough, Alex, my older brother, was there and just as astonished. I can already tell calling Alex, the griffin is going to be hard because of my brother.

I took in a few deep breaths to calm my nerves as I dropped from the edge of the bird followed by Alex who softened her landing with her wings. I, on the other hand, hit the ground and promptly went face-first into the dirt. I did not use to having all this weight on me at once, but I bet it'll get better as time goes on. I also have to thank that captain for pulling strings and making me an E-5, a Sargent, to give the most valuable information that could help us.

I glared at her and growled as she gave me a playful grin. "Fuck you and your wings," I said as I slowly got up. I was getting used to it; not my much, but I was.

"That's your job." She responded with a cheeky grin and forcing me to stop it quickly because of the company. I heard the Blackhawk's blades slow down as Hawkins joined us, she took her helmet off revealing her lightly tanned skin, her long brown hair tied into a bun, and her green eyes scanning the area.

"Not a good time." She said as she helped me up to my feet and showing my family the new me.

"Holy crap, Hunter! What are you doing?!" My step-grandmother said in complete shock as I took off my Kevlar helmet. My jet black hair reflected the evening sun and feeling nice after having it one for hours on end. Dear God, I sweat in that thing like a pig.

"I was drafted, or that's what the papers say. I actually enlisted after the assault on the Florida Keys." I responded as I adjusted the sling around me to a more comfortable position. I was never a big fan of slings, but I just had to grin and bear it.

"What are you talking about? What assault?" Best guess is that the government is hiding it until the draft begins. Must be some cover-up if the US is hiding multiple nuclear detonations in France.

"Yesterday, an assault hit many nation's ranging from small islands like the Keys to all of Europe from an unknown threat. Living myths attacked us hard and fast. Alex, the griffin to my right was on the first wave but made it to the cost before the following gunfire after her armor was destroyed by 50 Cal rounds. My dad... Distracted them after he lost a leg, Nidia bled to death and James... James was gunned down by her flight partner. My dad died so I could escape, but shot Alex causing her to be taken behind the house I was hiding in. They pulled my dad out and... And... They fucking executed him and all I could do was watch." My family was crying or try not to, but then came the part I dreaded the most that I hoped I wouldn't have to tell them.

"H-how did you know they landed behind the house you hid in?" My breathing stopped as that memory came back, but I felt nothing about what I did. I took a silent, deep breath in and released it before responding.

"I cut his fucking neck open," I said, my tone was as cold as ice as my gaze was once again blank. All my anger, rage, and hatred radiated off me like a nuclear reactor before I clenched my fist around the pistol grip of my rifle. "And I'll do it again."

Alex came behind me and placed a hand on my shoulder while almost everyone else glared at her. Her just being there cut me from my murderous thoughts and building rage, but I hardly physically reacted to it. I gave her a quick glance as she did so while my mom got closer; her eyes still leaking tears.

(Third Person)

What Hunter didn't expect was her to take his pistol, aim it at Alex, and pull the trigger. The loud familiar bang echoed through the suburban neighborhood making everyone walk or run out their houses to see what was happening. Hunter's body reacted on its own as he swiftly moved in front of Alex and took the bullet, but was unfortunate enough for her to fire the whole clip taking down his shields and taking multiple bullets. It wouldn't matter in an hour as the grade six armor would heal him, but his mom was horrified at what he just did. He was internally screaming from the pain as the bullets were forced out body and dropping into the ground.

"Why?" She sobbed, her voice breaking and cracking from the simple word. The fact she shot her son in her anger made her hyperventilate as many thoughts ran through her head. She was also confused about why her son would just save someone who he said killed his brother and father.

"I made a promise to protect her if we got any information about what's happening. She held her end of the bargain, and I'll hold mine. Also, I accidentally destroyed her life." She looked up at me with what he could almost see as happiness, but he did share the same sentiment as his regretful expression contrasted hers. "I accidentally set up a situation where it looked like she killed her flight partner and abandoned her home. From what she's told me about their culture, they will do as told by their parents as children and strongly consider anything as adults. This could lead to her parents' imprisonment or possible execution. The least I could do is protect her as much as possible." He grabbed his pistol that was still in his mother's hands.

His wounds were now healed, but intense phantom pains spread throughout his body. He struggled to get back up to a standing position as the Blackhawk's rotary blades began to spin. Hunter's mother didn't let go of it as she cried harder, not wanting her last son to die in a war, but there wasn't anything for her to do at this point. Defeated, she let go as he ejected the magazine and loaded a new one before getting to the chopper.

"I promise I'll be back! There's no way I'm letting those bastards get away with this!" He yelled as it began to lift off as the female griffin was about to fly to it; her wings extended and prepared for flight. Hunter's mom grabbed her hand, her almost dead look hurt her – it remaining her of how her mother was when she was about to leave – and she stayed for a few more seconds until the sound of the chopper wasn't hindering hearing.

"Please, keep him safe. I won't be able to, so please be my stand-in. I couldn't bear to lose another son." She said as she gave Alex a hopeful look causing her to smile softly and reassuringly.

"I will. Besides, by griffin traditions, I have to." She responded as the older woman looked at her with a curious look. "As of tradition, a male must-win against a female in combat to prove they can protect their young before they may conceive. This normally happens after they've been dating for a while, but it can also be used for a female to see if their crush is able to." The realization began to dawn on her as she stared in shock as the implementations.

"W-wait, does that mean..." Alex smiled and nodded with a smile surprising Hunter's mother.

"Yup, he saved me and I challenged under an excuse to see what his hand to hand combat skills were. He beat me and now I know he can." Alex paused for a moment as Alex began to fly higher into the sky and looked down at the shocked and distraught mother. "This will be my promise: I promise that he will come home alive." With that she sped off, a Sonic boom following shortly after, and a strong wind forcing some of the humans to stabilize themselves to not fall.

Alex looked around for the chopper and eventually found it heading out to the east side of town. When she finally got to it, she slowed down a lot until she landed safely in the cargo compartment where her unknowing mate was sitting out with his legs dangling off the edge.

He saw her and put his helmet back on as he held a hand out for her to take to fly in easier. "Forget anything?" He asked as she turned away with a light blush.

"Stopped by your mother and told her about one of the griffin traditions." She responded as he gave her a questioning look.

"What tradition?" She rolled her eyes and joined him on the edge, their bodies only inches apart and hands almost touching.

She moved her hand ever so slightly to not arouse suspicion from him. Her hand hovered over his; however, she retract in fear of his response to the bold attempt. Also, she saw some anime while she was on the ship, and didn't want to pull a cliche like that. He even pointed out that he's seen it in so many different animes that it's become a trend at that point.

"Umm... Hello there! Earth to Alex!" She looked at him as he tilted his head a little in her direction to see her more clearly.

In all respects, she has seemed more handsome human males on the ship in both military and from the citizens, but he was about average in almost everything physically. Mentally, he was intelligent and preferred to think things through before de did anything. That's how he beat her. Dodge and study her movements before getting her in a chokehold until she gave up. He may not be strong, but he had one hell of a grip.

"So what was the tradition you told her?" He asked once again as she smiled and looked off at the horizon, thankfully out of the glare of the sun.

"That's for us to know and you to find out." She said as he just followed her gaze to the horizon completely dissatisfied by her answer.

"That's a bullshit anime cliche and you know it."

(Equestria)

"Princess, we've done some scouting through a window and predicted where the portal will open." A scientist said as engineers built the small portal mirror.

"Where will we be landing Bright Mind?" Celestia asked as she was curious about the location. It would be important to set up good relations with them.

"An aircraft carrier called the USS Gerald R. Ford. Soldiers seem to be scarce except for a few crew members." He looked at a clipboard in his hand, each page filled with symbols that were the Equestrian alphabet, and almost unclear to most other species.

"Good, anything else I should know?" She gave him a questioning look as he seemed to shake in a little bit of fear.

"Only you can go. Anyone else who goes through will turn into the creatures on the other side... Permanently. Only you have enough magic to stay the same for months; however, we can teach them how to make one on the other side to prevent it. But if they are willing to help use, one or more may need to be permanently changed to save Luna." Bright Mind said as he feared she may banish him for not being able to find another solution. He felt a reassuring aura surround the air as Celestia gave him a comforting smile.

"Do not blame yourself. You did all you could in such little time. All we can do now is hope for the best."

"Actually, we may have some more information. Their world is much smaller than ours – about two times smaller to be exact – and, despite not being able to use magic, the mana is extraordinary potent allowing a child to turn a simple self-defense spell into a lethal attack. So if you need to, put up your best shield if they become hostel." She nodded and banked the thought for when she needed it when it would open.

"How long until it's finished?" The last question she asked would be important to her sister's life and what remains of her battalion.

"Until, six tomorrow, which gives them three hours to get to her." Anxiety filled Celestia about tomorrow, she could begin fighting on the war from three fronts instead of two.

"May Faust look upon me tomorrow and give me strength. I may need it when I meet these creatures.