Author's Note

I know I'm late on doing this, but I have decided to include the average heights of ponies and griffons. Reason being is I couldn't really decide scale so I basically decided this at random.
The average height of a pony and griffon is about 3.5-4ft tall from hoof to shoulder.
Alicorns are around 6.5-7.5ft tall hoof to shoulder. Celestia being the tallest and Flurry being the shortest.
Jorge stands around 5ft 10
Carter 5 ft 6
Kat 5ft 4
Emile 5 ft 6
Six 5 ft 6
Jun 5 ft 5

Chapter 12

(Seven months later)
(Unknown Location)

"IT HAS BEEN 6 MONTHS !!!!" a voice screeched causing glass around the table to shake almost shattering at the high octaves it had managed to reach, staring down at each of the commanders Colonel Vulture his steel gray eye boring into them as he towered over them. Vulture was a massive Griffen in stature standing at around 4ft 8in tall he was a mixture of muscle and fat that towered over most griffons, his feathers were dark grey, and he had a short bushy beard of feathers. Pointing a claw at his commanders two young griffons dressed in gray and red formal military attire the griffon on the right was grey and red griffon with his feathers styled into a mohawk his eyes were the color of whiskey and were staring down into the stone, next to him was a beige and brown griffon who had short and professionally styled feathers his eyes were a deep emerald Vulture snarled "You lot have been trying your damnedest to replace Iron Tail but you can't even manage to deliver MESSAGES!"

Lowering their heads further Half Wings and Glaze's head almost were touching the ground, gritting their beaks they did their best to not to make any excuses to Colonel Vulture but were finding it difficult. He had been getting their reports mysteriously disappearing caravans' whole squads of the best troops disappearing while on patrol, and rumors of massive armored ponies chewing through them and leaving almost no survivors. Even now Half Wing could only bow despite the plan he had it just needed time to reach its target both Colonel Vulture and Horus were in the dark about it, but once it was executed Iron Tails spot would be Half Wings. Despite this Horus had pulled back almost all the weapons the U.P.R. had gifted them stating "Until we can either identify when and where these.......Wendigos attack I want the weapons to be moved constantly and randomly. From this point on only I will know where, when and how these weapons will be moved." closing his eyes Half Wing thought 'Good thing me and Glaze managed to acquire it before the embargo.' clenching a claw so tightly Half Wing began to bleed.

Slamming a fist down Vulture was getting close to finishing his rant Glaze could feel it but they only had to endure his ranting a little longer. Glaze and Half Wing had been doing wonders for the G.C.P. with their assaults on G.R. strong holds, they were the reason for the capture of The Endless Stone and without them the G.R. would have broken the line and had invaded the capital months ago. The Wendigos were doing so much to undermine the entire G.C.P. disrupting troops, supplies, and communications every time the G.C.P. seemed to get be getting an edge they would appear destroying everything in their path for them only to disappear without a trace. To take over General Iron Tails spot Glaze would have to kill and bring in the corpses for Horus to inspect then Glaze would be the next General........he had to be Horus needed more stable leaders by his side, and the rant that Vulture was on only proved it more and more. Grinding his forehead against the stone Glaze began to construct a plan to find and execute the Wendigos.

"NOW I WANT YOU*CLICK*" stopping mid rant Vultures eyes whipped forward ready to tear a new one to whoever had decided to interrupt him only for his word to catch in his throat for a moment before he hoarily squawked "Lord Horus."

Immediately stiffening Half Wing and Glaze dared not rise unless order watching out of the corners of their eyes, they saw Horus slowly past his metal covered claws clicking as he passed. The metal covering said claws was made from an unknown material that the U.P.R. had gifted them the best smiths and scientist the G.C.P. had couldn't figure out anything about the material, only just recently did they discover how to melt and mold the metals into weapons and armor. Stopping next to them Horus spoke his voice deep and reverberating "Colonel Vulture how goes the war effort?"

"I am just reprimanding my subordinates.......for failing at the only mission they have."

"I see," pausing it seemed Horus was thinking but both Half Wing and Glaze could feel his lords gaze passing over them the weight was like a mountain passing over them the voice continued "How goes this reprimanding?"

"I was just finishing my lord."

"Then I shall take over," the claws moved toward Vultures spot clicking softly on the metal as he moved Horus raised a claw placing it on Vultures shoulder he said "Why don't you rest old friend and join Colonel Grey Feather tomorrow to plan the next move for the G.C.P."

"Yes, my lord." as the words left his mouth Colonel Vulture took his leave once the door clicked shut signaling his presence were gone both Half Wing and Glaze dared not move for fear of angering their lord. For an eternity the room was silent but Horus spoke cutting into it like a knife through warm butter "Stand and face me I do not wish to talk to your backs."

Slowly rising both Griffons looked up at Horus they'd seen him on T.V.'s, Posters, books, and banners all over the country. Horus was one of the few Griffons in the world whose head and wings resembled a Hawks perfectly his body was a deep gold, but his eyes were a deep indigo. Staring down at each of them they both were not ready for his next words "I know of each of your plans despite best efforts to keep them from me.........and I approve."

"My lord?" Half Wing croaked and eyes widening in shock he couldn't believe what he'd heard, daring to look at Glaze from the corner of his eye he saw the griffon had the same awestruck expression as his.

"Of course, the G.C.P., Equestria, the Crystal Empire and even our so called allies the U.P.R. are all enemies and Imperialist that wish to only control the weak. Your plans will help us show the world just how serious we are about ending their rules and freeing the world, Half Wing I have helped guide your project to reach its goal quicker I approve of your choices. Glaze you will be sent on a top secret mission with the Bloodied Shield once we are alone I will inform you what that mission will be." starting to pace Horus had a proud look on his face as he looked up at the wall of their base he let out a small chuckle before continuing "To say I am proud of your initiative to move forward and try to gain my approval is admirable, despite your failings you still are sharp as ever. Half Wing and Glaze what I have to say next will alter your lives beyond measure if these missions succeed."

Pausing Horus had approached a window and looked out onto a bustling base with air ships slowly rising or falling each carrying loyal G.C.P. fighters slowly turning back Horus continued "You two will be promoted to the rank of General I believe both of you have the potential to push the G.R. to break.......and sometimes it takes you yougins to push us older birds to work harder."

Letting out a small chuckle at his joke Horus looked down at each of the commanders only to see them with shocked looks adorning both their faces. Sighing Horus motioned for Half Wing to excuse himself and the young commander did slowly standing he turned made his way out of the room, once the door was shut and Horus was sure the young commander had left Horus motioned for Glaze to stand and come closer. Doing so Glaze moved slowly as if his body was stuck in syrup the effort, he was putting into his movements was intense, finding himself next to Horus the Lord looked down at him and smiled while saying "I know my news is shocking to the both of you, but I need you to shape up I can't be repeating myself with this mission."

"YES MY LORD!" Glaze snapped up his spine straightening up and eyes locking onto Horus's nodding his head approvingly he turned away and began to walk to the middle of the room once there he dropped his voice to a whisper "Now what I am about to tell you is only known by me and five of the best individuals in the Bloodied Shields once I tell you that number will go up to seven. This information is highly confidential and if you speak of this you will be tried for treason and publicly executed do you understand."

"I understand my lord." Glaze whispered his voice taking on a slight edge whatever this was could be a game changer for the G.C.P. and with the Bloodied Shield taking part in it further proved it.

"Good both your mission and Half Wings will bloody the G.R. and teach a valuable lesson to the ponies of Equestria, even if those pretentious elites think we believe their lies about those Wendigos not being their soldiers." Horus placed a claw on Glazes shoulder looking him deep in his eyes he said "Half Wing will strike fear into the G.R. and you will strike fear into Equestria."

"How sir?"

"Allow me to explain just how you will manage to do all this." Horus said standing to his full 5ft 2 height towering over the smaller griffon his grey and red uniform which gleamed with a rainbow of ribbons and medals the lord had a burning fire in his eyes that seemed to ignite the fire in Glazes heart.

(3 weeks later)
(Griffon Republic Port City)

Running through the streets a group of college students were spending their spring break traveling with a large group of about ten ponies. Among these ponies were Cherry Blossom, Wild Eye and Orchid taking a quick selfie in front of one of the griffon saints, sending it to Silk on her cell phone Cherry turned to her friends and said "It sucks that Silk and Cloud couldn't make the trip."

"Well you know how serious they have to take their schooling and work," Wild Eye said as he turned eyeing a couple of female griffons as they sauntered by before continuing "I mean they are national heroes and the foals of some too, so they can't just drop everything last minute to join use on a globe hoping trip."

"That and the whole G.C.P. terrorist just north of us too." Orchid muttered as she rolled her eyes scoffing at her both Cherry and Wild waved their hooves before Wild spoke "We're in the south end of the G.R. the furthest place from the front lines."

"You really think that stops terrorist?"

"Well................yes?"

"This is ridiculous If I had fucking known this is where we were going I would have declined."

"Oh cmon what are you afraid of?"

"I'm afraid that the G.C.P. will do another bombing run on of the cities at random like they've been doing for the last few weeks, I'm afraid we'll get abducted and tortured, and I'm terrified we'll get caught between some kind of fire fight between them and the G.R."

".......shit I'm sorry I-I didn't realize." Wild Eye said his ears pinning back and his eyes finding the ground very interesting, taking a step forward Cherry set a hoof on her sister's shoulder and took over the conversation "Orchid what if we leave tomorrow then, would that make you feel better."

"No, we've only been here a few hours," taking the hoof into hers Orchid took a deep breath ", lets just have some safe fun."

"Of course, now how about we try one of those Griffon cafes. I hear they are on par with even Prance cafes, let put that to the test, shall we?"

"I believe we should." Orchid stated a smile adorning her face as she looked at her before they both burst into a fit of laughter. Shaking his head Wild Eye began to follow the two sisters toward the cafe, the group was a mixture of athletes and academics all friendly with each other in one form or another. But the goal of the trip was to make the most of their spring break and have fun before going back to school and the hum drum of Ponyville, making as many memories as possible the group split apart each going their separate ways into the city to take in sights, food, and experiences. But soon the day was coming to an end and the ponies began to meet back at their hotel one group at a time, telling stories about what they'd done that day and the fun they'd had.

Laughter and stories flowed through the night as the friends began order drinks and food, the day soon bled into night and the cities night life began to rise out of their beds either going to work or out to enjoy the night life that Port City offered. Giggling and leaning back in his chair Wild Eye looked around the hotel's dining area seeing Griffons and Ponies each enjoying the food and atmosphere with their own friends or family, sighing Wild pushed his chair back and said "Alright everypony I'm going to hit the hay, see you all in the morning."

"Good night." a chorus of voices called back to him as the young stallion went up to his room, once he arrived Wild went through his nightly preparations before tucking himself into bed. Feeling the days events catching up to him Wild's eyes slid shut and his mind slowly blacked out fading into a deep dream filled with his hopes and dreams for the future.

*BRRRR* *BRRRRRR* Snapping awake Wild turned around franticly looking for where the noise was coming from that's when he noticed the banging on the door. Making his way over to it Wild swung the door open staring at a frantic Orchid and Cherry blossom seeing that they were still in their pajamas grabbing the stallion the two mares began to drag the stallion away from his room still tired and confused Wild asked "What's going on? Why are the two of you acting so crazy?"

"Wild the G.C.P. just destroyed Humabird the entire city has been wiped off the face of Equis." Orchid hissed fear dripping heavily from her voice as she pulled him along franticly looking back and forth. Humabird was just south of Port City only fifteen miles from Equestria's border, shaking off his grogginess Wild's adrenaline was starting to kick in and he needed a lot less help from the girls as he also stated to race beside them. Taking a deep breath Wild finally asked the question that was on his mind "When the fuck did that happen?"

"Two hours ago !!!" Cherry said pushing open a door they soon began to race down the stairwell making their way towards the lobby, breathing heavily she panted out "Me and Orchid were watching the news when it broke live, they don't know how the G.C.P. managed to do it but they are taking credit!"

"The King and President are in talks with Equestria about shutting the border!" Orchid cut in leaping down and flared her wings to glide down the next set of stairs skipping two floors as she did. Following suit Cherry teleported behind her and Wild started to glid to, fear gripping his heart Wild screeched "Do we know how long we have before they shut the border down!?"

"No not even the news knows, the cities going crazy griffons are racing around and ponies are racing off." Cherry said looking behind her back at Wild she slid into the wall before getting a grip and continuing "The police are already patrolling but they don't seem to be getting a grip on a lot of-:

"STOP !!!!" a voice snarled stopping and looking behind them they saw a griffon stalking towards he wore a police uniform pointing to the three ponies he shouted "GET BACK TO YOUR ROOM! THE CITIES LOCKED DOWN UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE!"

"B-b-but sir-"

"BACK NOW," the griffon growled pointing a claw behind him his eyes cut deep into the younger ponies before hissing "Unless you three want to end up in a cell until the lock down is lifted."

"W-w-w-we-" Cherry started but couldn't get any words out before tears started to stream down her cheeks and her words were lost as she devolved into a sobbing mess. Seeing this the officer took a breath and raised a claw before saying "It will be safer if you foals stay in your room, I can tell your Equestrians the G.R. are on good terms with your government. I would trust they would get you home soon, its dangerous out there right now I'm just doing my job...........please return to your rooms."

Nodding their head the three soon began to drag themselves back up to their rooms as they passed the officer, he looked down at them given them each a sympathetic look, placing a claw on Cherry's shoulder he said, "I'm officer Gilded Wing.......If you three are ok with it I'll check on you later tonight."

"T-thank you sir." Cherry mumbled wiping her eyes as she slowly pulled away from the griffon sighing, he also turned and raced away going into a city gripped by fear and anger. He knew that his fellow griffons wouldn't stand for this, the recruitment offices would be overrun tomorrow with those ready to get revenge on those G.C.P. terrorist and liberate their country once and for all.

(One week later)
(Canterlot)

Staring at another video of the massive crater that once was a bustling city Celestia's heart felt torn she couldn't believe that the G.C.P. would go so far, but then again from after action report from Noble and the information that the G.R. was passing along she shouldn't have been surprised. But now Humabird a bustling city with two and a half million lives was gone a crater devoid of all life and any future it could have had, sighing she looked down at her hooves slowly mentally preparing herself for what she was about to announce to her own nation that she had planned to aid the G.R. nation and wished to go to war.............war something Equestria had not been part of in two thousand years something that each of the sisters wished to never take part in ever again. Taking a deep breath Celestia straightened her pristine white suit and exited her room seeing Luna and Twilight side by side, Luna wore a midnight blue suite while Twilight wore a lavender suit, looking up at her she gave them both a determined nod they followed her.

Making their way to a briefing room they soon came across Cortana standing with five fit looking ponies each wearing a formal uniform and sitting staright, slowing down Celestia motioned for Twilight and Luna to go ahead of her. Once they were gone Celestia looked down at all the ponies and small smile graced her lips before she speaking she gave a polite nod to the soldiers before turning to Cortana and speaking "Where's Noble team?"

"I have gone ahead and deployed them.......they are going to being striking the G.C.P. and bloodying their nose," Cortana stated her eyes taking on a steely look as she turned to the group, she was about to introduce them when Celestia interrupted "I thought we were going to officially introduce the world to the SPARTAN's show Equestria the super soldiers who'll be leading the charge."

Sighing Cortana stood up and placed a hoof onto Celestia's shoulder and in a calm voice she said "Then allow me to introduce you to Ultraviolet a recently created SPARTAN fireteam who've just finished training."

Eyes shooting wide Celestia felt her blood and magic boil and was ready to tear into the mare for creating SPARTANs for taking foals of her country and ripping them "Ma'am it's good to see you again." a husky female voice spoke stopping the anger Celestia turned to the mare who'd just spoken and slowly moved towards her "Quick Stop?"

"Yes ma'am." Quick stated sitting up straighter giving Celestia a determined look, Quick was one of the guards best ponies and the very first to go through the training to become an soldier of Equestria. Unlike other ponies her team had elected not to continue into the spec ops training but would round in and out of The Forge to help with training the new recruits, now that Celestia's attention was firmly on the ponies she recognized each and everypony before her. All were adults and had been in the guards for years their ages ranged from mid-twenties to mid-thirties, taking a breath Celestia turned to Cortana and asked failing to hide some anger "How did they become SPARTAN's?"

"They had undergone the surgeries ten months ago, training lasted up until two months ago and so far there are only two other fireteams including Ultraviolet. The other two teams are still being shaped up their training should be finished in the next month, But I know that not what you wanted to hear." Cortana took a breath and turned to the ponies and motioned for them to also push ahead nodding their heads the turned to Celestia, now she saw them the scars which mirrored the exact ones Noble bore as they left Cortana continued "I did not want to wait any longer than I had to, so I went ahead and made some SPARTAN's. They went under Augmentations a few months after the arrival of Noble..........I purposely pit those I thought would be exceptional choices against Noble, and once they got a taste and demanded on how to be better I made the offer to them. With advances in medicine and technology the SPARTAN augmentation procedures were easy to replicate here and with the help of magic.........well these ponies are a whole different breed."

"But why keep this from me?"

"Why not," Cortana sneered while she slowly began to pace back and forth looking down at her hooves before continuing "I couldn't take the risk of you shooting down the project before it even got off the ground and I have plans to turn more fireteams into SPARTANs but with what you already knew about the SPARTAN project from my universe I had a good idea that you wouldn't let me continue."

"But these were consenting adults not foals..................as much as it pains me to say this I would have allowed you to continue with the project."

"But I could not take that chance, Celestia I know what I'm doing. I know what needs to be done to win this war, and to win it we need SPARTAN's and we need them now."

"How many more teams do you have chosen?"

"With how small the numbers are," Cortan chewed the bottom of her lip taking a breath she looked up at Celestia and said "Only two more teams at the moment, we're only on the ninth company of troops being trained."

"Do you have-"

"YES, the program will not be something you can just jump into only the best of the best will be chosen. The one failing I saw with the S-IV program was it chose Individuals but with this program I am choosing whole teams those who I have put through hell and pushed to their very limits. Those that rose above and beyond were chosen and given the option to join the SPARTAN's

"How many individuals will we have if those next two teams choose to join?"

"In total there are fifteen active SPARTAN's not including Noble with the next two teams it will bring it up to twenty three. But I have not approached them just yet, I do think by the end of next year with us announcing us joining the war that number can double."

"Ok, but I need to know and I want the truth Cortana."

"Of course."

"Have you recreated the S-II program or the S-III program?"

"No, I have not." Cortana said her voice not even wavering as she spoke, looking into her eyes Celestia searched for any sign of deception from Cortana seeing none Celestia sighed a smile tugging at her lips she asked "Will you be joining us for the announcement?"

"Sadly no, I am helping some of your military leaders gear up for our assault on the G.C.P. we have a few ideas for our invasion."

"Will you be using your ships?"

"No, my gut is telling me we need to keep them under wraps and a secret until absolutely necessary."

"I agree, now I must be off to break the news to the nation." Celestia stated turning she began to leave but before she got to far away Cortana called out "Celestia I added a file of Ultraviolet's training, lets show the world my SPARTAN's"

Smiling to herself Celestia made her way towards a massive set of doors where Ultraviolet was waiting for her as she arrived Quick spoke first "Don't worry your highness everything will go great."

(Unknown location)

Sitting in the odd ship as it flew them across the country Glaze looked around the troop bay packed with twenty Bloodied Shield elite soldiers, each wearing the mysterious armor gifted to them by the U.P.R. along with each of them being equipped with the same weapons Horus had stockpiled. Rolling his shoulders Glaze couldn't get used to the harness equipped to him and the strange hum it generated, checking the weapon again it was a different one than he was used to using instead of being shaped like a C this it was more like a horseshoe, and it was a deep blue color with a pattern that glowed a faint sky blue while a few of the troopers carried longer ones that were a dull silver they hummed with a soft green glow. Feeling someone tap his shoulder he looked up seeing one of the senior Shields looking at him he spoke "Sir the pilot says we'll be arriving in two minutes."

"Alright," Glaze whispered licking his beak he looked around the cabin seeing that all eyes were on him, nodding his head Glaze put as much authority behind his voice as he could "We have our orders from Lord Horus, this base is to be destroyed and any information we can learn about it must be taken back to our mother country. It is close enough to our border that we think this is the base the Wendigos are being trained and deployed from, once we land on the ground we split apart into four griffon fireteams and we kill any and all personal before blowing the base. Lord Horus is counting on us, DO YOU PLAN ON LETTING HIM DOWN!"

"SIR NO SIR!!" the cabin echoed with a chorus of griffons ready to invade Tartarus and take it for the G.C.P. nodding his head Glaze continued "I know your seasoned veterans but remember when we deploy go silent, I don't want to hear a peep from anyone of you. If you do know this I will personally execute you."

Not one griffon spoke during the talk enough time had passed for the pilot to speak up over a comm system and said "Twenty seconds out, you G.C.P. soldiers better get the job done!" ignoring the jab from the U.P.R. pilot the Bloodied Shields checked weapons and armor before turning to the hatches. Once they silently slid open the griffons filed out gliding to the ground without making a sound as they landed. Being the last to exit Glaze looked off into the distance towards multiple structures glaring at them he couldn't wait to light the place on fire and end all those who'd had a hand in creating the Wendigos jumping out he made his way to the ground and landed, seeing that the last fireteam had created a perimeter he turned to them and made a few motions "Move up and keep your eyes open."

Nodding the group began to make their way through the forest it was midnight so no one should be up or moving besides the night guards. But Glaze had ordered the pilot to drop them off two miles away from the base each team before the landing had been given specific instructions by Glaze, they would each split off and infiltrate from different sites. Not one team knew where the others were infiltrating, they all knew where extraction was of course, but Glaze knew not all of them would make it out alive, scanning the environment Glaze noticed how quiet the forest was............something was off they were only halfway to the base. So Glaze looked to the others and held up a claw and waved them towards himself, closing ranks they scanned the area around themselves after a moment Glaze made a few motions 'Keep your heads on a swivel, I've got a bad feeling about this.'

Nodding their heads, the group readied themselves and their rifles scanning the area for any type of hostile activity. As the group moved through the forest, they soon noticed buildings in the distance, good they were getting closer to the base and soon would strike a blow to Equestria sending a message that not even they were safe from the G.C.P.

But Glaze couldn't shake the feeling they were being stalked like rabbits being hunted by a bob cat, but they'd just reached the edge of the forest and the base was now clearly visible to the group. Turning to the team he saw three of them setting up a perimeter while the fourth sidled beside Glaze. Noticing they were near a large ditch Glaze and the other griffon dropped to their bellies and crawled to the edge, once they were in position both pulled out binoculars zoomed in on the base. Slowly scanning the area Glaze saw training areas, bench's, firing ranges, and obstacle course's. Turning to the structures he tried looking at each of them doing his best to discern which ones were armory, classrooms, infirmary, or administration. Sighing Glaze pulled the binoculars off his face and sighed before his team mate got his attention and made a few motions "What building do we hit first?"

"Let's hit the closest one to us and make our way in further." Glaze motioned turning to the griffon he saw him about to answer when suddenly a quiet cough filled the air and the griffons body shimmered with a silver energy. Feeling the impacts also on his back Glaze grabbed the griffon rolled forward over the edge into the ditch and looked over the edge of the ditch trying to find where the fire seeing small muzzle flashes in the distance.

The rear guards had taken cover behind some trees which seemed to be getting chipped away from by the incoming fire, which they happily returned when given the opportunity cursing to himself silently Glaze thought 'The missions a bust they know we're here.' pulling the upon up Glaze fired to the last know location where he saw a flash. Suddenly a voice whispered to his right "Sir we're blown, we need to move into the base now!"

Without moving taking his gaze off the battle Glaze sighed and slid down into the ditch while staring at the team member, he knew that he was risking death, but Glaze saw his point muted speak only worked when infiltrating in the middle of a fire fight it was useless. Grinding his beak Glaze looked to him and asked, "Do you have the explosives?"

"Yes, I do." the griffon said an edge locked into his voice as he shifted his shoulders, almost all the Bloodied Shields had special explosive that their scientists had just created in the last four months. It was a grayish past like substance that could be adhered to any surface and with enough of it you could level entire buildings, and they had planned to plant the entire complex with enough of the stuff to turn it into a parking lot. Glaze took his own satchel off and handed it to the griffon while saying "We'll cover you, drop this onto any buildings and activate the timer."

Nodding his head, the griffon turned and was about to take to the sky when Glaze slapped a claw onto his shoulder while hissing "Only move when we start returning fire."

It Didn't take long for the light coughing to start again chipping away at the trees and dirt Glaze and his griffons waited for it to subside. The intermittent fire made it difficult to guess just how many ponies were attacking them, but glaze had a theory that there were at least four to five individuals firing on them and soon they'd be dead maybe even injured if Glaze wanted a prisoner to drag back home.....but then again a corpse would be just as good a gift to Horus as a live Wendigo. Taking a deep breath Glaze raised his weapon and opened up on the grouping of trees he last saw a muzzle flash at, while the other three griffons each chose a grouping of trees and reduced them to a pile of ash. As soon as they opened fired the griffon beside Glaze took off as fast as he could heading straight for the compound, targeting the buildings close enough to them he planned on dropping the packs off onto the roof tops it would be better for them to be planted inside but considering the circumstances the soldier wanted to do damage. As he approached the first building, he was about to drop the first load when-*CRACK*

Looking over his shoulder Glaze saw the griffon plummeting from the sky towards the building landing atop it, after a heartbeat a bright green sphere appeared on the rooftop consuming the body and weapons it carried. Getting down low Glaze chewed the inside of his beak looking for where the shot came from but couldn't find any signs of the shooter, a clod of dirt blew apart near his head rolling to the left and further into the ditch Glaze thought 'Just how many of these freaks are their!' popping back out he fired into the forest again this time blindly firing in all directions hoping he would hit something anything that was a pony. But his sporadic fire was cut short as a shot glanced off his shoulder the shimmering shield failed and punched its way down to the armor forcing him to his back and knocking the wind out of him, letting out a groan he looked down at the shoulder seeing the armor had taken most of the impact. Forcing himself up he turned to his men again seeing that there cover was almost gone, looking to him Glaze called out "Fall back I'll cover you."

Nodding their heads two of the three griffons began to fire covering fire along with Glaze who was firing from the ditch, laying back down they waited a few moments before popping back up and firing again for the next griffon could join and the process was repeated once for till all three griffons were hiding in the ditch. Catching his breath Glaze spoke up in a harsh whisper "We are ditching the muted speak, they have a sniper somewhere I don't know where."

"We heard the shot, their close if we heard the sound and the body fell as quickly as it did." one of the shields growled as he checked the weapon trying to figure out the strange symbols on his rifle, they were flashing now all the G.C.P. elites knew that the weapons were about to run out of ammunition......whatever the hell that was.

"Sir we don't have time for this they have us cut off." a griffon behind Glaze spoke up as he returned fire to the ponies in the forest as he dropped back down, he looked out into the compound he eyes taking on a glassy look he whispered "Those things are herding us into the compound, sir I think we need to activate the failsafe's."

"Dammit Chipped Claw your losing it," the griffon who'd spoke earlier growled out pulling himself up over the lip and firing a short burst into the forest he didn't take his eye of the forest saying "Why would those things push us into the compound!"

Glaze had to agree why would they push them further into their own base, but neither group knew the others motives at this time. Everything was speculation but Glaze knew what needed to be done turning to the griffons around him Glaze snarled "Activate the failsafe's we can't-"

*THUD* Hearing something land in the dirt next to them the griffons turned to see a small round object the size of small orange. Eyes going wide they all began to scramble away when it blew apart creating a small orange ball of light while shrapnel blew through the griffons, the explosion sent each of the griffons flying in different directions in Chipped Claws case he was scattered in a radius the only thing left of him were chunks of meat, bone, and blood. With his ears ringing Glaze tried to force himself to his feet only for a heavy metal hoof to plant itself on his back turning to look up at the pony he saw a Wendigo where the heavy assault armor they were known to wear. But this one was different its armor was a dull orange with gray outlining its armor and helmet didn't match any of the ones seen on the others opening his beak Glaze was about to speak when it brought its hoof down knocking him out.

Looking over the bodies of the griffons the ponies grabbed each of them and vacated the area, speaking over the radio the lead pony said "This is Ursa Team, we have captured three griffons alive all teams report in."