“I assume you have a plan,” Platinum stated simply.

“We will utilize the hellvault maneuver,” Perfect Tempo stated, glancing to his wife expectantly. “Provided she believes she is up to the task.”

“Always,” Ghost exclaimed.

“Platinum shall support you while the boys and I cover,” Perfect Tempo remarked.

“Sounds simple enough,” Harvest Moon declared.

“Really? Have you seen how fucking big that thing is?” Thevetat exclaimed, throwing an arm out at the enormous golem.

“Enough complaining, you have your assignments,” Perfect Tempo interrupted.

No sooner had the conversation concluded did the golem begin to move, its wide vacant eyes locking on Perfect Tempo’s group. A strange light flickered within those great orbs, igniting a fire that burned white hot within the creature’s skull. Though it had no mouth with which to scream, the enormous monster groaned emeting a wailing groan of pain and rage. The sound shook the earth with an even greater ferocity than the stone’s awakening, shaking everything so violently that loose rock rained down from above.

“Something tells me he ain't a fan of getting woken up,” Thevetat remarked.

“He is as much a morning person as you,” Harvest Tempo replied.

Thevetat snorted in amusement.

“Focus up,” Perfect Tempo declared. “It's locked onto us.”

Sure enough, the creature’s gaze settled on them once more, though Perfect Tempo could tell that he was the true target of the monster. Its hatred burned into him, though it felt borrowed, almost familiar, as if the anger the thing felt did not come from itself. That type of cold anger was something Foxtrot was known for, but it had a bitter edge that Perfect Tempo was used to seeing from something else.

It is a product of both that old stallion and Foxtrot. Perfect Tempo thought to himself. Good, it will focus on me.

As the great beast lifted its arms into the air, Ghost knelt down and began to channel her energy into the ground. Power flowed through her, causing the temperature to drop, and for whisps of frost to float through the air. Next to her stood Platinum, the undead placing her hand on her friend’s shoulder. A thin trickle of ghostly green mist emanated from Platinum’s fingers and fell upon the kneeling woman, dissipating into the now glowing stony ground beneath them.

“Here it comes,” Thevetat exclaimed.

Perfect Tempo rolled his shoulders and stepped away from the others, putting a good amount of distance between them. Once he had the room necessary to work unimpeded of the others, Perfect Tempo took a moment and neatly tucked his sleeves up around his biceps. Now as ready as he was going to get, the man stared up and waited, watching intently as the golem cocked its arms.

Then in a woosh of displaced air, the limbs flew out at him, shooting forward with the speed of a cannon shot. Perfect Tempo only had a split second to dodge but that was all he needed, the man springing into a high back flip, arcing over the fists and avoiding them completely. As one of the limbs retracted, the other attempted to grab the man but he proved faster still, landing in a roll and coming up under the swipe.

“Back off,” Thevetat shouted, mid-jump.

His fist slammed into the side of the golem’s enormous hand with a loud crack, though there didn't seem to be any damage done to the thing. Thevetat himself landed a second later, cradling his injured fist and cursing bitterly under his breath.

Perfect Tempo didn't glance his friend’s way, focusing fully on the fists as they launched down at him a second time. This time there was a slight pause between them, staggering their impacts and making it harder to dodge. Harder was a relative term, however, as Perfect Tempo was still able to leap aside of one before springing up over the second.

Each thunderous blow caused the earth to shake and sent debris flying, shattering the stony ground and carving deep pits. The shockwaves nearly caused Perfect Tempo to get sent off course but the man was able to roll with it, staying vertical. No sooner had he gotten back to his feet and the monster lashed out at him again, this time bringing its arms down in an attack that would hit an enormous area.

Including Ghost and Platinum. This was something Perfect Tempo would not allow.

He nodded to Thevetat and Harvest Tempo before pointing to the right arm. Not waiting to see if his order was carried out, Perfect Tempo gathered himself before springing high into the air.

Harvest Tempo lashed out with his blade several times in quick succession, sending out cutting shockwaves that sliced through the air before slamming into the golem’s right arm. Thevetat leaped up after that and with a titanic kick, knocked the limb a bit further, clearing Ghost and Platinum from danger.

Perfect Tempo handled the other limb with far more elegance, striking the arm in several key places. The shockwaves traveling through the golem’s arm collected at a key point, causing it to snap to the side at the last possible.

Both Thevetat and Perfect Tempo landed just before the golem’s attack slammed the ground, knocking nearly everyone present into the air. Thevetat was sent flailing and spinning, Perfect Tempo expertly rolled, while Harvest Tempo bent his knees and absorbed the impact, getting propelled upward only a few short inches. Only Ghost and Platinum were completely unbothered, with the glowing magical circle seemingly absorbing the kinetic energy and feeding on it.

“I don't know how long we can do this,” Harvest Moon remarked.

“Hurry it up, ladies. We don't got all day,” Thevetat shouted.

“It won't be much longer,” Perfect Tempo stated.

The man observed that already the temperature had dropped nearly ten degrees and showed no sign of slowing. Furthermore, the dust that filled the air was outnumbered by the snowflakes that flickered about, melting only to reform a moment later. Long blue lines of energy stretched outwards from the circle, extending across the quarry and reaching up the wall towards the distant golem.

“Here it comes,” Thevetat exclaimed.

Perfect Tempo looked up to see that the golem was indeed attempting to strike them again. This time it was faster, launching a flurry of blows at Perfect Tempo, the thing intent on crushing its opponent.

Leaping to one side, Perfect Tempo rode the impact into a leap, dodging over the second attack. The third struck almost immediately after the second, the golem resorting to quicker, less powerful punches. Though they carried less kinetic energy they were still enough to send tremors through the area, and chunks of shattered stone flying.

It was these broken hunks of rock that Perfect Tempo used to save himself, the man leaping from one to the other, bouncing off of them. Each time he leaped off another hunk of airborne rock, a stone fist would obliterate it a second later, narrowly missing its target. Over and over it went, with each miss causing more shards to fly into the air, giving the man more opportunities to stay ahead of his opponent.

The golem soon gave up, abandoning its flurry of hits and roaring in bitter defiance.

“Just a few more seconds,” Platinum growled.

Perfect Tempo noted that the glowing blue lines had begun to spread out as they reached the golem, encircling the thing in a web of magic.

“I think it knows what's coming,” Harvest Moon muttered.

The golem’s grasping hands gripped a hunk of rock, a spare building, a boulder larger than a tank, and finally an actual tank in short succession. There was only a small pause between each of these projectiles, though they were all aimed squarely at Ghost and no one else.

Thevetat, ever eager, was the first to jump into action, launching himself up at the first rock and chopping it in half with his hand. The building was dealt with just as swiftly, with a flurry of cutting waves dicing into small pieces that rained down on either side of them. Perfect Tempo handled the final two himself, the man leaping into the air with such explosive force that he left behind dual imprints of his shoes.

Arms outstretched, the man somehow managed to guide the stone around him, bending it before firing it back. Shooting back up at the golem, it struck the tank it had just thrown, causing both stone and tank to land far from their targets.

It tried to grab something else, but by then the glowing lines had gripped it completely. With a pulse, the energy reached a crescendo and exploded upward, turning into a mass of ice so large it resembled a land-bound glacier. The frozen hunk of water was so large, so thick that it captured the golem completely, trapping it and leaving it unable to move.

Perfect Tempo landed in a jog, the man walking hastily over to the two women.

“Are you two alright?” he asked.

“We are- we’re fine,” Platinum dismissed, her undead companion pulling her gently into a stand.

“There was much magical energy already present. I need not expend much of my own reserves,” Ghost added, dusting off her shoulder.

“That is good to hear,” Perfect Tempo exclaimed.

“That was excellent spellcraft Miss Ghost,” Harvest Moon offered.

“Coulda moved a little quicker, but yeah I guess it wasn't bad,” Thevetat added.

“And you could have destroyed that rock more efficiently,” Platinum spat. “You dirtied my clothes you barbarian.”

“What? That's what you're complaining about?” Thevetat shouted.

“Silence,” Perfect Tempo interrupted, a finger placed against his ear. “Sunset has caught up to Foxtrot. It’s time to move.”

“I will stop here a moment,” Perfect Tempo declared, tapping the top of the recording orb. “Sunset Shimmer’s recollection of these events was complete and so I will not repeat what is already recorded.”

Perfect Tempo frowned and stood up. His brow furrowed and he sipped at his drink, pacing back and forth with a pensive expression on his face.

“No. that is not wholly true,” Perfect Tempo stated suddenly, stopping in place. “It is not just that I wish to cover the events that Sunset was not present for but rather I am genuinely… disappointed.”

The man began to pace, cup in hand and frown still on his face.

“Foxtrot was many things. Adaptable, willful, brilliant… prideful,” Perfect Tempo remarked. “I believe it was this pride that the elements were able to latch on to, serving as the point of infection so to speak.”

“Pride on its own is necessary to a stable, healthy mind. It is the barricade that holds doubt at bay and keeps it from consuming us but in excess pride leaves us weak. Vulnerable both physically and mentally,” Perfect Tempo concluded. “And I don't want any potential future viewer to see Foxtrot that way. It is true that if you listen to recent records you will think him the villain and I would not argue with such a sentiment.”

Perfect Tempo paused and drained the last of his drink, enjoying the cool liquid as it descended his throat, landing in his belly.

“But you likely do not see his years of sacrifice, of work done in the shadows of this world. Work that included avoiding a potential world war, averting the sudden eruption of a super volcano, and more missions so secret you will likely never hear of them,” Perfect Tempo added. “You will see him at his weakest, at his cruelest, and at his most well… pathetic.”

“I will not dirty his legacy any further,” Perfect Tempo stated, seating himself once more. “I will simply say that he died with honor, and with his mind returned to him. I will leave the details to rumor and speculation.”

“Now then,” he began again, hovering a hand over the orb. “Shortly after Foxtrot’s defeat the changelings arrived en masse and laid siege to my forces. You have likely already reviewed Sunset Shimmer’s account of these events given how I plan on categorizing these events so I will not mince words.”

“It was brutal.”

Perfect Tempo spared a glance at the fleeing shape of Sunset Shimmer and the rest of her squad. Though they had many foes left to fight through, and much ground to cover, they were on their way at least. The group was small though, and didn't attract the attention that Perfect Tempo and his cadre did.

Those same individuals had fanned out, taking control of the area, and creating a tight kill zone. The ramp leading up to their defensive position was littered with corpses, while at the top, waited the men and women under Perfect Tempo’s command. The human among them were hastily erecting cover, others were reloading, or dragging away their injured comrade in arms. The inhuman were taking on a far more offensive strategy, covering the scattered groups for their fellows who were still reeling from the sudden appearance of so many enemies.

“We need to grab as much attention as possible,” Perfect Tempo stated, tapping his earpiece. “The more of them that attack us, the less that will attempt to breach containment, or slow down Sunset.”

“You are saying we should break out the flashier of moves,” Harvest Moon remarked calmly, while bisecting a pair of changelings with a flash of his blade.

“I am telling you to go crazy,” Perfect Tempo replied with the smallest of smiles.

“Hoo-fucking-ra baby. Let's do this!” Thevetat shouted.

The dragon broke into a sprint, growing in size with each step until he towered over even the largest of the misshapen shapeshifters by an order of magnitude. Wading into the mass of changelings, Thevetat swiped, stomped, and crushed dozens of attackers in mere moments.

A thunderous stomp carved a new crater in the ground, turning several changelings into little more than pulp. A slash of his now sword-length claws cut to ribbons nearly twenty of the shrieking creatures in an instant. Even his tail was in motion, swiping this way and that, sending the dragon’s foes flying, leaving them disoriented and unable to attack him.

In the shock of his attack, the human soldiers of Perfect Tempo’s group were able to regroup. They were assisted by Harvest Moon who dragged rocks, burnt-out vehicles, and other large objects towards the malformed wall of debris that was slowly coming together. Perfect Tempo maintained his visual, observing the fighting, and occasionally tapping his ear piece.

“Zeta squad, advance down the ramp and secure the two troopers trapped under the corpse of that changeling,” ordered the man. “You three, search the buildings and gather any and all supplies. We may have ample ammo at the moment but that will change.”

Though he was quick to order around the humans who served with him, he need not do so with his friends. Platinum was almost completely consumed in her task of raising the deceased soldiers who had served under Foxtrot as well as Perfect Tempo. Though their shambling form drew nervous looks from those who still lived, the fact that the zombified bodies were forming the frontline was a relief that almost washed the unfortunate taste from the mouths of those who witnessed their friends and colleagues stumbling back into some facsimile of life. Even Platinum’s servant was making himself useful, moving amongst the line and going to wherever the fighting was fiercest in order to reinforce the living.

Ghost was seemingly absent, at least at first glance anyway, as a glance back toward the quarry’s edge confirmed that wasn't true. Long thin lines of blue light trickled in from the forest, feeding into a great magical array large enough to fill a small parking lot. Just outside this space, the temperature dropped several degrees while inside, it was cold enough to turn airborne water vapor into tiny chunks of hail. These small blobs of ice flowed as they had yet to freeze, joining into a large golem made from the purest blue.

Perfect Tempo knew that in time, the towering automaton would serve its purpose well, but that time had not yet come. A worried look confirmed to the man that his friend Thevetat was not in trouble, though that would likely change very soon.

He had accomplished his goal of temporarily pushing back the changelings and giving them a moment to breathe but he had done a bit too good of a job. Hundreds of the clawing abominations scrambled over the surface of his body, scratching, and biting at any section of flesh they could reach. Thevetat was possessed of a thick hide, however, leaving him with few true injuries though the weight was beginning to get to him.

Nearly invisible amidst the swarm, he was being dragged down to the ground where he would presumably be killed. This would not come to be, however, as the dragon returned his mass all at once, leaving the shapeshifters to fall amongst themselves. The confused and half-mad creatures claws and scraped in confusion, attacking themselves while Thevetat landed at their edge, grinning to himself.

He kicked a changeling out of the way before shoulder-checking the last few who dared cross his path, emerging back out of the horde once more.

“Yo cover me would ya!” He shouted, waving his arms over his head. “Those bastards were heavy!”

Both living and dead alike turned their fire back down the ramp, focusing on the space immediately around the fleeing dragon. Even Harvest Moon emerged, dashing out from amongst cover and sprinting up to his friend.

“Done already? Was that even three minutes?” He prodded.

Rather than be annoyed, Thevetat threw his head back and laughed.

“You wish you could grow to such sizes but alas only your ego is that large!” Thevetat exclaimed.

Harvest Moon smirked as he waded into the changeling horde, his blade flashing left and right, cutting head from neck and leg from torso. Behind him, Thevetat stumbled back through an opening in the line, falling to the ground and lying sprawled out in the dirt.

“You have done an excellent job,” Perfect Tempo stated, stepping next to the dragon.

“Save your praise for when we reach Equestria and I can truly unleash my full potential. Complimenting me now feels too much like I am being patronized too,” Thevetat dismissed.

“Take a moment to rest. Grab some coffee or a shot of scotch from Foxtrot’s looted supply. Something tells me we aren't going to enjoy either in a few short minutes,” Perfect Tempo offered, gesturing to a nearby office that was serving coffee, while also sheltering the wounded.

“Don't mind if I do,” Thevetat declared, dragging himself into a stand and stumbling in that direction.

“Their numbers are depleted, for now,” Harvest Moon stated, flicking his blade out and causing the blood that covered it to splatter against Thevetat’s back.

“You fucker!” Thevetat shouted, making an obscene gesture over his shoulder.

“That may be but it will not be for long,” Perfect Tempo stated. “I am most worried about the next wave.”

“If a significant amount lands behind the line we will be overwhelmed in short order,” Harvest Moon added.

“I am entrusting you and Ghost to ensure this does not happen,” Perfect Tempo concluded, crossing his arms over his chest.

“I will do what I can,” Harvest Moon answered simply.

The words barely had a chance to leave the man’s mouth before the sky opened up once more, and more changelings began to fall through. Just like the ones before, they immediately began to go mad upon reaching this world, their bodies twisting and contorting as their minds shattered. Their panicked screeching tore through the cacophony of screams, and wailing coming from those shapeshifters who had survived so far.

Perfect Tempo glanced from Harvest Moon to Ghost, quickly confirming that both of them were ready to go. Ghost neither nodded nor made a gesture of confirmation, but her gaze was skyward, and her magical circle had disappeared. Harvest Moon withdrew his sword an inch from its scabbard before falling into a tense position, arm bulging as he gathered power in the limb.

The man’s blade began to vibrate, and a deep frown crossed his face. His preparation was complete, and the changelings had fallen into range.

In an instant the blade was loose, and dozens of cutting blades of wind were flying up into the sky. Ghost’s newest creation was next to let loose its rage, unleashing a storm of jagged crystal spines from its upraised palms. Like an anti-air defense emplacement, the golem tore the falling changelings to ribbons long before they had a chance to reach them. While at the same time, the great slashes ripped through two, three even four of the shapeshifters before dissipating, leaving limbless, or lifeless bodies in their wake.

Perfect Tempo stepped aside, just before the desiccated remains of a dead changeling fell wetly next to him. Around him dozens upon dozens of corpses rained down around them, splattering limbs, guts, and bodies everywhere. For a horrifying instant, it felt as though the sky had opened up and was drenching them in emerald rain.

Then the survivors were able to land, though they were not many, and were cut down before they had a chance to complete their terrifying metamorphosis.

“Excellent work, now focus on the ramp. Their numbers swell, and their confidence grows,” Perfect Tempo warned, speaking into the earpiece once again.

Sure enough, the changelings advanced with renewed vigor, their newly insane brothers and sisters clambering over them, eager to devour the human defenders. Taking position near the front were all save for Thevetat who was still slowly sipping on a warm cup of coffee before pausing and taking a swig from a stolen bottle of liquor.

Ghost primarily channeled her power through her golem, feeding it a stream of icy moisture it turned into projectiles with which to cut down its master’s foes. Harvest MoonOccasionally created another cutting blade of air, though he for the most part waited for the moment the advancing wave of screaming shapeshifters got too close and his talents would be needed. Perfect Tempo relayed orders and ensured that everyone remained calm, though like Harvest Moon he was readying himself for what he knew was coming.

Platinum could see it too, the tide was too great, the enemy so numerous that not a single square centimeter of dirt was visible. She knew that despite the defenders opening up and unloading every round they had, that soon the fight would be a close one. This was a danger she would not let come to pass, and with her usual dispassionate expression, she knelt down below the wall of soldiers.

“Pittable creatures. Return to the earth,” Platinum muttered to herself.

A plume of dark green mist billowed forth from her open palms, spilling into the earth and seeping into the ground. In moments the stone around her feet had begun to glow and extend outwards like a many-fingered hand. The moment even one of these ethereal digits reached a changeling, it began to slow, flesh sloughing off its body. The effected creatures screamed and thrashed briefly before before falling still, their organs spilling out of their mouths and giving them a taste of what their own insides tasted like.

The wave began to get tangled, limbs interlocking and living allies being dragged down by dead friends. The creature’s momentum faltered, their numbers depleting rapidly, only for their survivors to suddenly stop and convulse suddenly. Even those not affected by Platinum’s miasma stopped dead in their tracks, mouths open wide as they screamed in unison.

“Nice job Platinum. I didn't know you had it in you,” Thevetat remarked, tossing the empty glass over his shoulder.

“That wasn't me, knave,” Platinum spat, the woman taking her minion’s hand and being pulled back into a stand.

“Sunset has either killed or captured the queen. Press the advantage,” Perfect Tempo ordered.

The group unleashed their fury once more, bullets and magically conjured ice tearing through stunned changelings. Harvest Moon waded into the thickest group, cutting dozens of the twitching shapeshifters down in mere moments. The others added their own attacks into the mass, thinning the innumerable horde until the dead outnumbered the living.

Then the twitching stopped, and the changelings suddenly fled back down the ramp, leaving their injured and dying behind to perish.

“Hold,” Perfect Tempo interrupted, stopping Thevetat from chasing any further. “Take this reprieve to rearm while you can.”

“But they are just running away!” Thevetat shouted bitterly.

“A new queen is likely in the making, we will need a plan to deal with it,” Perfect Tempo retorted.

“Whatever,” Thevetat muttered, stomping back behind the line.

Harvest Moon joined the dragon, who in turn took position next to Ghost and Platinum.

“This does not look good,” Platinum stated simply. “The death of their queen barely seemed to slow them.”

“We are in uncharted waters,” Harvest Moon offered. “I doubt something like this has ever happened before.”

“I don't like it,” Ghost muttered, lip curled in disgust.

“S-sir I’ve finished. Oh uh apologies for interrupting,” exclaimed a scrawny man equipped in the garb of a soldier, and carrying a box stuffed with ammo.

“Go ahead. Perhaps the news you bring will affect my plans,” Perfect Tempo offered.

“Uhh,” the soldier glanced about the near-mythical figures of Perfect Tempo’s inner circle before clearing his throat and standing a little straighter. “We’ve finished locating everything of use and though I believe our ammunition stocks will be significant, there is little in the way of medical supplies or repair parts for the vehicles.”

Perfect Tempo glanced back to where two armored personnel carriers and three light assault vehicles sat off to one side. All but one were still operational, though their weapon systems had suffered critical damage, making them useless.

“I don't believe we would have the time regardless,” Perfect Tempo remarked.

“Not likely,” the soldier replied.

“Did you at least find more of Foxtrot’s booze?” Thevetat asked incredulously.

“Uh no but I was able to locate nearly three hundred pounds of explosive charges,” declared the young man, gesturing back to nearly a dozen crates piled near a small supply structure. “They are old, likely from when this quarry was operational but they do seem to be undamaged and ready for use.”

“Gather volunteers, and set up these explosives along the line,” Perfect Tempo ordered. “Should we need to retreat, it will serve as a more than adequate distraction.”

“Yes sir!” Yelled the younger man before sprinting off.

“You aren't thinking of retreating are you?” Thevetat asked, eyes narrowing.

“It may become necessary,” Perfect Tempo answered.

“But where would we even go?” Thevetat retorted.

“I will create a ramp leading down to the forest’s edge. We will escape on the armored vehicles, using the explosives as cover,” Ghost offered.

“I hope that will not be necessary,” Platinum added, glancing out at the writhing changeling mass. “I cannot imagine the damage these things will do to this world.”

“Her Highness worried about the humans? That's a first,” Thevetat joked.

“I-”

“Wait,” Perfect Tempo interrupted, holding a hand up to his ear. “Go ahead, operator.”

“Our agent in the field has spotted ground crews moving into position. They are scrambling fast movers and it looks like more than a few combat teams are being put together,” answered a nervous voice from the other end.

“You there,” Perfect Tempo shouted, pointing at the nearest of his human soldiers. “Get on the horn and signal a general retreat of whatever is the nearest rally point. I want everyone not present on this hill to pull out, now!”

“Y-y-yes sir!” squealed the man before scrambling away from his squad and sprinting towards the closest radio set.

“Ghost, you know what to do. Secure our exit,” Perfect Tempo began, glancing from one of his friends to the next in short succession. “With the encircling forces retreating we will need to paint as big a target as possible on us.”

“Don't worry. We can do flashy,” Thevetat declared.

“Make it as flashy as possible everyone. Leave as few of these creatures as possible for the military,” Perfect Tempo stated.

“And what about this new queen?” Harvest Moon inquired.

“I have a feeling that Sunset’s squad will take care of it and if they don't… well, let us hope they do not nuke our backyard,” Perfect Tempo answered.

“That would be most irritating,” Platinum muttered.

“Contact! They’re coming back around!” Shouted a distant voice.

“You all know what to do,” Perfect Tempo remarked.

The guns opened up, creating a deafening cacophony of miniature explosions, nearly drowning out the chaotic clamor of clacking chitin climbing towards them. Ghost’s golem opened up as well, though without its master present, it slowly siphoned off its own mass to fire down at the encroaching horde. Platinum focused herself on merely slowing the advancing army, her magic sapping their strength and weighing down their limbs. Harvest Moon stood on the frontlines, his blade in constant motion as slash after slash of tearing air ripped into the enemy lines. Thevetat resorted to throwing hunks of stone, burning debris, and changeling corpses at the enemy, adding to the attack in his own way. Perfect Tempo joined the fray after grabbing a handful of small stones, flicking them through the skulls of the lead changelings, causing them to trip over each other.

The advance up the ramp was a slow one, with shapeshifters forced to clamor over their dead or dying brothers. The sheer amount of viscera made the ground slippery, leading to more confusion amongst their ranks. Even still, there were so many that even with all these obstacles they were making their way closer with each passing second.

Perfect Tempo paused to activate the main channel, taking a second to make sure his message was being broadcast.

“Come in. Do you copy? Forget about the queen. We’re abandoning Foxtrot’s base. Fast movers are inbound and intel has confirmed that the National Guard is enroute. Repeat, we are pulling out,” exclaimed the voice.

Perfect Tempo need not listen any further, and clicked it off, focusing on the battlefield. Just in time too, as the changeling mass was beginning to grow more organized, and advanced. The previously useless wings that fluttered on their backs were growing larger, adapting to their increased size.

The sudden hum of a four-winged drone lurching above his fellows drew Perfect Tempo’s eye immediately and he put a pebble through its right eye, detonating its skull and sending brains everywhere. Though the first had been dealt with swiftly, more were beginning to rise into the air, and worse still, other mutations were becoming visible. Extra limbs, increased size, and even more heads were all sprouting from the changelings who had been bold enough to absorb one or more of their fellows.

It was horrific, and worse than the sheer stomach-churning nature of it all, it also proved that they had limited time. Soon they would grow too large, too numerous, and too advanced for them to hold out against. Perfect Tempo only hoped that the egg he could see forming in the depths of the quarry was the only one.

A sudden surge of fliers attacking from the flank drew his attention in that direction. The ice golem turned and opened fire, but a hard chitinous exterior was able to soak up a considerable number of projectiles before finally failing. It was obvious to the man that they would be able to successfully flank them in only a few seconds if Perfect Tempo didn't move to stop them that was.

Running over to the blasted hulk of a tank, Perfect Tempo plucked one of the enormous rounds from the ground and cocked back his arm. The changelings barely had a moment to react before the shell slammed into the shapeshifter leading the pack. Detonating on impact, the mass reactive projectile blew the creature apart and sent enough biological shrapnel through its allies to knock two from the sky. The final remaining changeling was focused fire by a pair of soldiers and the golem that cut its wings from its back and left it unable to stay airborne.

“They’re getting closer!” Thevetat shouted.

Perfect Tempo ran back to the line and glanced down to find that the more heavily armored changelings had made a wall at the forefront of their ranks. Their heavy chitin and bulky bodies were able to shrug aside most fire without difficulty, though Harvest Moon’s cutting swipes still killed a few of their more bold comrades. Despite this, Perfect Tempo could tell that again he was facing another problem that would require extra effort.

He didn't get a chance to put his plan into motion, however, as the human soldiers beat him to it.

“Grenades up and over!” Shouted one of the men.

A moment later a dozen or so of the tiny metal bombs arced over the first rank of changelings before detonating in a shower of gore. Stunned by the explosion, but not killed, the first rank of changelings were soon cut down by a mix of Thevetat and Harvest Moon. One punched through the shapeshifter’s armor while the other dexterously avoided the heavier segments, cutting off limbs or the occasional head.

In no time at all, the frontline had crumpled, and the momentum of the changelings had been stymied once more. Their numbers began to fall rapidly, though even still, there were more then enough to refill their ranks and fill every square inch of ground. The reprieve lasted stretched on for several minutes during which everyone continued to fight to the best of their abilities. The enemy surged forward and was pushed back, with their attempts becoming more and more halfhearted.

“I think they’re finally realizing the futility of their actions,” Harvest Moon remarked.

“Either that or these mindless idiots have learned fear,” Thevetat added.

“Do not be so sure,” Platinum warned.

Perfect Tempo couldn't help but agree with Platinum no matter how much he wished Thevetat and Harvest Moon were correct. Their actions were becoming more planned, not less, their resistance should increase in its order, and with that not happening, Perfect Tempo began to worry. Then he felt it, the telltale tingle of magic surging nearby, drawing his attention towards the still-frozen golem atop the quarry.

“Sunset is in position. It is time to pull out,” Perfect Tempo declared.

“How do you know that?” Thevetat question.

“I just do. Now unless you wish to stand alone against these horrors I expect you to move,” Perfect Tempo growled.

“Sure thing boss,” Thevetat muttered.

“You know what to do Platinum,” Perfect Tempo added.

“I do,” Platinum replied simply.

Perfect Tempo turned his gaze skyward and watched as the portals opened once more, spewing out even more changelings. It was clear to the man that this was the last that would come through, as the ambient magic fell suddenly. Though still significant due to just how many spells were being slung, Perfect Tempo could feel that none came from above.

“Empty your clips, and throw all grenades!” Shouted the human sergeant who had taken unofficial command of the auxiliaries. “Then move!”

“Give it all you got,” Perfect Tempo added.

No sooner had the command been uttered did everyone do just that, launching every last attack they could muster. Not only that but Perfect Tempo felt a sudden chill blow in from behind him.

“It is done,” stated Ghost’s flat, monotone voice.

Perfect Tempo noted that the vehicles were running, and prepared to flee, their drivers idling nervously. A sudden ripple of explosions drew the man’s gaze back to the battle, where dozens of grenades detonated amongst the enemy line. They were joined by as many cutting waves as Harvest Moon could manage, and a rare blast of concentrated dragonfire.

The result was a complete, if temporary blunting of the enemy forces, stopping them dead in their tracks and giving the defenders valuable time.

“Go go go!” Shouted the human sergeant.

The auxiliaries stumbled towards the transport, with Thevetat, Harvest Moon and Ghost joining a moment later. Perfect Tempo lingered behind, taking the offered detonator from one of the men sprinting towards the tanks.

“I just finished wiring it together,” he explained.

Perfect Tempo nodded to the man and turned back, watching as Platinum finished her spell.

By then the changelings had recovered, and their newly arrived comrades were beginning to land all around them. Just as Perfect Tempo began to worry, Platinum completed what she had set out to do, reanimating every last corpse present. The mass of dead clogged the changeling advance and turned the battle into a confusing mass of undead and their baffled living counterparts.

Platinum ran towards the idling armored personnel carrier at the back, but unfortunately for her, dozens of changelings stood between them. Perfect Tempo was already moving to assist, lashing out with devastating blows that cave in skulls, and shattered bodies but it would not be enough. There were too many, and the necromancer’s spell had taken too much out of her, leaving the woman slow and unsteady. Then her ever-loyal bodyguard burst from the mass, heaving his master up onto his shoulder before sprinting onward.

He barely made it a few feet before encountering resistance but he made no effort to dodge, plowing through them with reckless abandon. Despite his strength and weight, the changelings were beginning to slow him down, grappling with whatever they could grab. He started to slow, and Perfect Tempo worried that their retreat might turn into a rescue mission only to be surprised.

The zombified soldier heaved its master into the air, throwing the startled necromancer towards Perfect Tempo. The man caught his friend and placed her hastily on the ground. The pair didn't need to exchange any words. Platinum’s expression was like iron, and she jogged alongside Perfect Tempo as they made their way back to the A.P.C.

Perfect Tempo glanced over his shoulder and gave the undead a small nod. Which he returned before promptly getting buried in a mass of changeling bodies.

A leap put Perfect Tempo atop the vehicle, Platinum joining him a moment later. The second her feet touched metal, the convoy set out, rolling towards the ice ramp leading down to the forest’s edge. Perfect Tempo didn't look forward though, only back, the man carefully observing the battle.

Only when the undead defenders were starting to lose ground, and the fight grew fiercer did he he squeeze down on the trigger. A split second later the entire line detonated in a deafening explosion that killed what was likely hundreds of changelings in an instant. The shockwave was powerful enough to lift the vehicle off the ground for a second, and nearly toss a soldier from the back. Perfect Tempo grabbed him at the last moment and dropped the thankful human back on the tank’s side.

The damage done was immense, with the changelings temporarily broken, and their organization completely shattered. What few that had managed to break through and give chase, were wandering aimlessly, psychic backlash leaving them stunned. None pursued them, the sight allowing Perfect Tempo to relax for the first time in what felt like hours.

“Take us around the back of the quarry where the golem was,” Perfect Tempo ordered, a finger placed in his ear. “We have a few more passengers left to pick up.”

Author's Note

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