Chapter 26

The trip back to Ponyville was not a joyful one, not in the slightest. Once again, we were all met with the bittersweet atmosphere as we neared home. Flash, Zephyr, Draco, and Alpha Squad stood by me, all of us frowning as we thought about our prisoner in the brig. I still didn’t want to believe the stallion who was locked up, beat to shit, and his arm torn off was the quiet stallion, Big Macintosh. This world, this enemy, this war, all of it was all still so unreal to me despite being here for over four months.

I also couldn’t help but think about my old life back on Earth, how I was just a former vet and working a simple office job for the U.K. military and now I’m right back on the battlefield. No normal human could’ve ever expected something like this to happen: waging war in a world that was supposed to be just fantasy, working for the Devil himself, getting crazy super powers, and I somehow I get the feeling that this whole thing is gonna get even harder once I defeat Lust and take back the Crystal Empire.

I then heard Draco clear his throat which made me turn to him. He looked a little uneasy which reminded me he didn’t want to be around until the matter with Mac is over and done with.

“You sure you don’t wanna tag along for this? It’ll be a hard pill to swallow but it has to be done.” I said.

“Considering I ripped off Big Mac’s arm off and swallowed it, then maybe a pill I’d rather not have to deal with as well.” He added.

“I guess you have a point.” I said with a fake laugh. “Where should we leave you off in the meantime?”

He hummed to himself as he gave the idea of some thought. “How about I wait for you guys by the lake? I wanted to get work out in, and a good swim may help ease my nerves for later.”

“Sounds good, you hear that Soarin?” I asked one of my helmsponies.

“Got it, Captain.” Soarin said as he turned the wheel.

“Hey Captain?” Shadow Star said. “Is it alright if we go with him?”

“You lot wanna go with him? How come?”

“We kinda wanna get to know the newest member of the resistance and, if we’re being honest, we don’t really wanna be around either when you break the news to everypony.” Swift Snow said, earning nods of agreement from the rest of Alpha Squad.

“Well I don’t see why not, if that’s ok with you?” I asked Draco.

Draco looked over at the group of ponies and shrugged his shoulders. “They’re free to do whatever they want.”

“Cool.”

After a few minutes, we arrived at the lake and I had just The Prometheus hover just above the shore of the lake. As the gangplank was being lowered, I walked over to Draco and held out an earpiece to him.

“I’ll radio you and the others once I’m done. I was planning to give one to you anyway so might as well do it now.”

“Hmm thanks I guess.” He took the little earpiece and stuck it into his ear. “I’ll see you when you get back.” He placed his hand on my shoulder and lightly patted it. “Good luck man, you’re braver than me at this point."

“At any other point in time I’d believe you, now...I’m not so sure.” I sighed. He walked down the gangplank to the ground below, with the rest of Alpha Squad following behind him. Draco looked back up to me with a sympathetic look before waving goodbye.

3rd POV

As Lock’s ship sailed away through the air with his other ships, Draco and Alpha Squad walked along the edge of the water. Draco sighed as he squatted down on his feet as the others walked up beside him.

“Hey man, you doing ok?” Wild Ace asked.

Draco let out a groan as he scooped some water from the lake, to splash on his face. “Not exactly, but then again it’s been awhile since I had to deal with something this heavy.”

“I still can’t believe it was Mac all along.” Big B growled. “He tossed everything to the side like garbage, all for his own selfish wants.”

“I hope he rots.” Swift Snow adds. “More so, I think Captain should’ve killed him right then and there.”

Draco sighed as he kicked off his socks and shoes, sitting down to dip them into the water. “It may sound simple, but can anyone of you be able to go tell Applejack, her family, and friends what he became or that you were the ones who had killed him?”

“Why wouldn’t it be simple?” Big B asked. “He was a traitor, and if they can’t handle it then tough.”

“B! How can you be so insensitive?!” Shadow snaps.

“Hey, I can say whatever I damn well please. I should’ve been the one to go with Captain, maybe then we wouldn’t have to deal with the drama he’s about to go through.”

“I’ve heard just about enough from you!” Wild Ace snarled as he unfurled his wings. “If you don’t shut up, I’ll make you regret it, you big bucking brute!”

“Come at me then, little bitch!” B challenged.

“Guys stop! Fighting won’t get anypony anywhere!” Cloud Skipper pleads.

“RRAAAAAAHHHHH!!!” Draco let out a massive roar that caused everyone to cover their ears and look to him. “ENOUGH!!!” His eyes were red with slitted eyes and teeth as sharp as a wild beast.

“What’s your problem?!” B barked only for Draco to stomp towards him and grab his shirt collar. He pulled the stallion down and seethed as his slitted eyes glared daggers into B.

“My problem is you cannot fathom the pain and suffering me and Lock are going through right now! Yet you claim it is easy, and you’d be willing to pick a fight with your own team?!” He lifted the stallion off the ground his glare never wavering. “This is hard on all of us, but it’s not Big Mac’s fault entirely. He was turned by the damn Sins who used his feeling of being less important, or not feeling like he makes a difference, corrupt him.”

“What kind of lame excuse is that?!” Swift asked, making Draco snap his head to the other earth pony. “If he was so unhappy with his life, then why did he have to be such a coward and keep it to himself?! If anything, it’s his own damn fault for turning against Equestria!”

Dropping Big B Draco walked over to the other earth pony. “So you think it’s easy to admit you faults? Then go ahead, tell us you’re weakness your ashamed of.”

Swift Snow opened his mouth and was about to speak, but no words came out. He glanced at his teammates who stared at him, waiting for his reply, but no words came out. “I...I’m...” Swift stuttered but his ears drooped as he hung his head in shame.

“Well? Why are you hesitating? You’re not a coward like Big Mac like you claim he is, right? So spill it, let us all know.” Draco persisted as he glared at the stallion.

Without warning, Swift grabbed Draco by the arm and pulled him away from the group. Once they were out of earshot, Swift released Draco and glared at him as tears started to form in his eyes.

“Got something you want to say?” Draco asked in a calm tone.

“I...I’m...gay...”

Draco blinked his eyes for a moment and looked around. “And?” He asked, expecting more.

“But...I feel more than that. Like I’m a mare trapped in a stallion’s body. Do you have any idea how frightening it is to be this way in a world like this? The only other ponies who know are my parents, so I actually have a right to be afraid!”

Draco, seeing Swift’s concern, moved his hand to gently pat his head. “I bet that was hard to admit? Like if you did, others would think less of you right?” Draco asked while gently bringing the pony into a hug rubbing his back. “Now imagine if the Sins found away to exploit those emotions and fears to turn you against your friends and family.”

“I hate feeling this way sometimes.” Swift admits. “Especially when I’m constantly around somepony I’ve had a crush on since I became part of Alpha Squad.”

Draco continued to pet the stallion’s back as he tried to sooth him. He lead Swift back to the group who were waiting with confused expressions. “I’m not justifying Big Mac’s actions, but I am trying to show you guys that he wasn’t the only one at fault here.” He looked to the sky feeling a bit depressed. "Me and Lock knew the life that he was meant to have at one point, but now that future is gone. He could have been something better, but now it’s too late.”

“Is it gonna always be like this?” Shadow asked with her ears drooped. “Finding more ponies who have betrayed us like Mac?”

Draco let out a long sigh as he looked to all the members of Alpha Squad. “I’d be lying if I said that we wouldn’t. The sad fact is the Sins can use one’s feeling and emotions to twist another’s mind, like Big Mac. That’s what sucks about war, you’re going to see and hear a lot more depressing shit then you are any good stuff.”

Alpha Squad took a moment to think about Draco’s words, because he was right. Their Captain had been on the front lines longer than they have and he was most likely shouldering the burden of seeing most of the ugliness of this war.

“Hey...sorry for snapping like that.” B said as he rubbed the back of his head. “It’s just I got a sister who we saved back in Detrot. She was in bad shape since she was almost turned into a red collar and it just set me off.”

Draco waved it hand to show there was no hard feelings. “It’s fine dude. I can understand your anger, because in all honesty I feel just as much as the rest of you, if not more.” He looked to each of the individual members and let out a sign. “Look, we shouldn’t let this moment of peace go to waste. Who knows how long it will last. Let’s all just take the time to relax and take a mental recharge, alright?”

“I agree.” Shadow said. “So Draco, what did you have in mind for us to do?”

Draco smirked as he grabbed the bottom of his shirt and pulled it off. Thanks to the strange gem embedded in his chest and his time on Eques, Draco had just as much muscle mass as Lock. His abdominals, pectorals, traps, and biceps bulged as he stretched. Shadow’s face immediately reddened as she gawked at Draco’s body, even Swift couldn’t help but blush a little.

“Damn, Draco, you’re almost as cut as the Captain!” Ace commented.

“How’re you so freaking buff?!” B yelped.

He shrugged his shoulders and popped a few joints as he stretched. “Well when you’ve been fighting nonstop, you tend to build a body suited for it. Plus when I’m not hunting down Caribou and traitor stallions, I’m working out.” He smiled as he pointed to the lake. “You guys should try swimming, it helps work all the mucles in your body at once.”

The members of Alpha Squad looked at each other but then shrugged as they stripped out of their main clothing to swim. Shadow was still in a daze as she stared at Draco but was pulled along by Ace so they could swim. As Swift was about to join the others, Draco waved his hand over to Swift so he could talk to him.

“Was there something else you needed?” Swift asked.

Making sure that no pony was within earshot. “About what you told me, it will be our little secret. And if you want I can tell you a secret of my own.”

“Um, ok sure.” Swift said.

“You see there is somepony I have a crush on, but know I don’t have a snowball’s chance in hell with.” He gently pulled Swift in to whisper who.

When Draco whispered in his ear, his eyes widened and did a double take at the young human. “Are you for real? Her?!”

Draco nodded his head. “Yeah, you may have a chance, but me.” He shook his head. “Not even a glimmer of hope.”

“Well hey, look at it this way, love works in mysterious ways. I mean if Captain can end up together with Princess Twilight, why can’t you with your special somepony?” Swift questioned.

Again Draco shrugged his shoulders. “Because I know her heart could never be mine, that her heart is set on somepony else.” He folded his hands behind his head and sighed. “But it’s fine. That’s life for you.” He made his way over to the edge of the water. “But enough about that, let’s get a good work out in. What do you say?”

“You bet!” Swift chirped as he joined Draco.

While Swift joined the other stallions in a swimming race, Shadow swam over to Draco with a thankful smile. “Hey Draco, thanks for helping set the boys straight. It’s hard being the only mare on the team sometimes.”

Draco smiled as he noticed how cute this unicorn mare was. Her ash grey coat and wavy light blue mane and tail glistened in the afternoon sun and her eyes were a pretty deep brown. Not to mention she had quite the slender yet muscular body which she showed off pretty well since she was only wearing yoga pants and a sports bra as she swam.

“It’s no big deal. Honestly I’m surprised they actually were willing to listen to me, seeing as I’m not even a member of the team.” He leaned back against the water’s edge, staring up at the sky.

“True, you sounded more like a leader.” Shadow said as she leaned with Draco.

“Hah! Me a leader? Pfft, as if. They wouldn’t let me lead my troop back when I was the oldest member in boy scouts. I just told them the truth, and I’m not even sure if I’m right or not.” Draco’s smile faded for a moment as he thought back to Big Macintosh. He looked up to the stallion, and when he came to this world he wanted to meet him so bad. He was excited to meet his idol, only for that dream to be shattered.

“Well...” Shadow said as she scooted a bit closer. “I think you’d make a great leader, since you were so cool earlier.”

“If you say so.” Draco was still staring up at the sky deep in his own thoughts to notice Shadow moving in closer.

“Well, what if you were to become leader of Alpha Squad?” Shadow asked as she moved closer to the point she was almost leaning on him, but he still didn’t seem to notice.

“The day I become the leader of this squad is the day I will wear a pink tutu and eat a hat while riding on a unicycle.” Draco laughed just thinking of the idea.

“You sure Draco?” Shadow said as she leaned up close to his face. It was then Draco finally turned his head and was met with Shadow’s eyes right in front of him, making his eyes widen and face flush red. “Boo!”

“Gaahhh!” Draco yelped as he tried to move away from the mare, only to fall backwards into the water.

“Hahahahaha!” Shadow laughed, clutching her sides. “You should see your face!”

“Good one Shadow!” One of the stallions called out.

“She really got you there Draco!”

“Serves you right, you little runt!”

Shadow’s eyes widened as Draco grinned a menacing smile and slowly turned to the stallions who were desperately covering Big B’s muzzle.

“Um...Draco?” Shadow muttered nervously.

Draco’s head slowly lowered into the water until he was completely out of sight. For a good while no pony dared move a muscle as they waited for him to reappear. Just then, a massive fin poked up from the water and swam towards the stallions who began to panic.

“SWIM FOR YOUR LIVES!! HE’S GONNA DEVOUR US!!”

Soon the head of a massive shark emerged from the water, jaws open with rows if teeth the size of butcher knives.

“TAKE HIM! HE SAID IT!” Ace yelped as he and the others abandoned Big B and swam for their dear lives.

“Mommy!” B squeaked as he stared at the large sets of teeth.

Just as the the teeth were about to come down on the stallion, the large shark head shrank back to Draco’s original head. “Call me a minuscule pipsqueak runt again, and you will be shark bait.” Draco threatened.

“But...I didn’t... say...” Draco growled as Big B shrunk into the water. “Never mind...”

“Good.” He turned his sights into Shadow before slowly dunking his head underwater and moving out of sight.

Shadow looked around for Draco since she could not see him in the water until she felt a tingling sensation on her hooves.

“What the-HAAHhahhaahAHHAHA! Stop! What’s tickling my hooves?!” Shadow cried as she tried to pull her legs out of the water.

Try as she might though she could only laugh out, as her hooves were tickled relentlessly. Draco poked his head out from the water with a shit eating grin on his face. “Do you surrender?” He asked with a cocky smile as he kept at it.

“HAHAHhahaa! OK OK, I surre-woah!” Shadow yelped as she fell forward and onto Draco. Shadow shook her head and looked down to see Draco was face first in her chest and his hands had accidentally found their way on her flanks. She yelped and swam away, leaving Draco a blushing mess. “I-I-I’m sorry Draco!”

Draco said nothing as he fell backwards into the water, leaving a small amount of bubbles in the spot he sunk down into.

“OH NO!” Shadow dived in and swam towards Draco and grabbed him by his arms. She then pulled him towards shore and laid him down on his back and placed her head on his chest. “Don’t worry Draco, I’ll save you!” Shadow said as she opened his jaw and proceed to give Draco CPR.

Draco’s eyes slowly started to flutter open, only for them to widen as he saw Shadow in such close proximity, he could feel her lips on his own. His face turned a bright crimson before his eyes rolled into his head.

“DRACO!”

SLAP! SLAP!

“WAKE UP OR I’LL...I’LL...I’LL KISS YOU FOR REAL!”

Draco’s face was now red from the slaps that Shadow had given him. His eyes still rolled into his head and a slightly bloody nose.

“Uh, Shadow? I think you’re doing more damage than good.” Cloud said as he and the other stallions walked up from the water.

“But how else do we wake him up?! Captain will be pissed if he finds him like this!”

“Let me try something.” Swift said as he leaned in to whisper in Draco’s ear.

Draco’s eyes rolled back and he quickly sat straight up. “Do that, and I swear to…” Draco looked around and noticed the smug smile on Swift’s face. “Well played…”

“Thank you.” Swift said.

Just as the group was about to return to having fun, one of the small airboats flew over and landed just a ways from Draco and Alpha Squad. From the boat, Flash and Zephyr walked out from the gangplank with Spitfire and Soarin, each with sad frowns on their faces.

Draco jumped to his feet and walked over to the group of ponies as they walked off the gangplank. “Where’s Lock?”

Flash looked up to Draco and looked away as he hung his head. Zephyr walked up to Draco as Spitfire went to console her coltfriend.

“It’s...not good, Draco. Not good at all.” Zephyr said.

Letting out a sigh Draco could sense the unease in everyone’s voice. “Where is Lock?”

“In Canterlot.” Flash replied with a sad tone. “With...Applejack and her family. Along with a near beaten to death Macintosh...”

Author's Note

What could have possibly happened in Ponyville? Next chapter, the clock winds back to recount the events.

Side note, apologies for the short chapter. My studies have been a little, shall we say, preoccupying.

Hope you enjoyed!

~WurkyWilk has left the building...