Diamond's Evil Journey 2: Outbreak

Diamond Tiara stood before the large doors that had become familiar to her. She double checked all of her equipment before she walked in. Tactical vest? Check. Knife? Check. Rifle? Check. Saddlebags? Check. Handgun and revolver? Check. Ammunition? Check. She grinned and pushed her way through the doors.

The following room was humongous. Along the walls were all kinds of weapons, armor, and training equipment. Scattered around the room were ponies training hard, most of which were bat ponies. Some of them glanced at Diamond as she passed. They had gotten too used to her to be surprised by her entrance. Some of them were still bothered by how much she stood out. Her age alone would be enough to earn her some looks in a place like this, but the way she insisted on standing on two legs didn't help.

She ignored their gazes as she walked up to the dark blue alicorn waiting for her in the middle of the room. Luna greeted her with a nod and smile “Good evening Diamond Tiara. Are you prepared for tonight's training?” she asked.

Diamond reciprocated the greeting with a slight bow “Of course. So what is it tonight?” she asked.

“It has been some time since we last had unarmed sparing.” she said. Diamond just smirked as she took off her rifle and saddlebags. She then laid them on the ground nearby before turning back to Luna.

She took a fighting stance with her fore hooves raised just below her chin and hind legs parted “I'm ready when you are.” she said.

Luna lowered into a ready stance with her wings slightly unfurled. The two stared each other down looking for a weakness in the other's defense. After a few short moments, Luna's eyes slightly glanced to the side. Diamond took that as her chance and rushed in towards her. She threw a hook aimed at the princess's jaw. Luna raised a fore hoof to block and push the filly's hoof away. Diamond used the momentum from Luna's push to swing a kick towards her.

Luna leaned back to dodge the kick and tried to counter with a punch of her own. Diamond sidestepped the punch and grabbed a hold of the alicorn's leg. She then pulled with all of her strength trying to throw Luna off balance. Luna stayed calm and went with the momentum to turn it into a roll. Once she was back on her hooves she turned around to see that Diamond had disappeared. She turned again to see Diamond jumping towards her. Luna didn't have time to dodge and took a kick to the face.

Diamond tried to follow up with an uppercut which was blocked. Luna swung a hind leg toward her with a powerful flap from her wings for more speed. Diamond performed a backwards somersault to dodge and gain some distance. Luna wiped her cheek where she was kicked with a grin “Great form. Your kick carried much force, I see you haven't been slacking on your exercise regimen.” she said.

Diamond's grin grew at the praise “Good to know that it's paying off.” she said. Their expressions then changed to ones of focus as they continued their match.

Near the wall of the room was a bat pony stallion facing a training dummy. He had a light tan coat with a red spiky mane and tail. His cutie mark was of three metal feathers. He had wingblades on and was starting to sweat from his intense training “Hey Razor Wing!” called an energetic female voice.

Razor turned to see a light gray coated bat pony with a short dark green mane and tail. Her cutie mark was of a white star with a reticle in the middle. He gave the smiling mare a nod “Hey Starshot.” he greeted.

Starshot glanced at the sparing match in the middle of the room “Ooh the princess and Diamond are sparing again.” she said. Razor narrowed his eyes in contempt at Diamond. Starshot's smile shrank at that “What's wrong?” she asked.

“Something seems real fishy about her situation, doesn't it?” he asked.

She put a hoof to her chin as she thought “Hmmm, fishy?” she wondered before shaking her head “Nope, I don't think so.” she decided.

Razor sighed “Think about it. She supposedly got sent to another world and faced horrible dangers but is there any proof of that?” he questioned.

“Princess Luna said it was true. Isn't that good enough?” she asked.

“No it's not. I can't just take sompony's word for something like that. I'm not even convinced that the human world exists.” he said.

“Why don't you see for yourself? Princess Twilight did create that portal to the human world a few months back.” she argued.

Razor glared at her “You know exactly why I can't. Only the princesses and those with their permission can enter it. They say it's because they're working on relations between our worlds but maybe it's because that world isn't real.” he said.

Starshot rolled her eyes with a giggle “Enough with the crazy conspiracy theories, where's your sense of wonder?” she asked.

Razor gave a unamused expression “I think I was born without that.” he shook his head to get back on track “Either way, I just don't think she deserves to be here.” he said.

“Be careful how loud you say that. You shouldn't be talking about your superior like that.” she warned.

Razor scoffed “That's a load of horse apples anyway. How did a filly become second-in-command of the night guard. It's a total embarrassment.” he said.

Starshot watched the sparing match with wonder in her eyes “But you have to admit that she's super impressive. Just look, she's sparing with the princess.” she said.

He shook his head “All I see is the princess taking time out of a busy training day to play with a foal.” he said.

She pouted at his negativity “And you could do better?” she questioned.

With that, a thought crossed Razor's mind “I certainly could, and I think I will.” he said before walking toward the sparing match. He got their attention by loudly clearing his throat.

Luna and Diamond stopped the match and turned to him “Is there something you needed Razor Wing?” Luna asked.

“Not from you princess.” he said respectfully before turning to Diamond “Diamond Tiara, I challenge you to a match for your position of second-in-command. Do you accept?” he questioned with confidence.

Diamond sighed and rolled her eyes “Fine, let's get this over with.” she said in an almost bored tone.

Razor growled slightly “You cocky little...” he stopped himself and got into a fighting stance. Once he saw that Diamond was also prepared, he took to the air and dove down at her. She simply sidestepped him and threw a quick jab to his throat. He crashed into a heap behind her and started gasping for air.

Diamond turned back to him “Are we done here?” she asked him.

He slowly got to his hooves while he tried to recover “O-of course not! It's gonna take more than a lucky shot to take me down!” he yelled before dashing forward and attempting a wild haymaker. Diamond ducked under the punch and countered with a high kick to his jaw. She then swept his legs out from under him to knock him on his side.

Before he could get up Diamond took her knife in her hoof and held it against his throat. He was too afraid to move with the blade so close to his throat.

“That's enough!” came a commanding male voice that echoed around the room. Diamond turned her gaze to the older bat pony stallion walking up to them. His coat was a navy blue and his wavy mane was a dull yellow. His cutie mark was of two crossed glaives “Let him go Tiara, the match is over.” he ordered.

“Yes, Captain Glaive.” she said as she holstered her knife and allowed Razor to get to his hooves.

Captain Glaive walked up to Razor “That was disgraceful. You underestimated your opponent and payed for it. I don't care if you're up against a rock, never underestimate your opponent.” he scolded.

Razor avoided eye contact “Yes sir.” he mumbled before walking off.

Captain then turned to Diamond “The same to you Tiara. That match could have lost you your rank. You have to take it more seriously. Do you understand?” he questioned.

“I knew that he didn't stand a chance, he-”

“Do you understand, Tiara?” he repeated.

Diamond sighed “Yes captain.” she said. He gave her a nod before walking off.

Luna walked up to her “Perhaps we should call it a night.” she said.

Diamond raised an eyebrow at her “Really? Isn't it just around midnight?” she asked.

Luna nodded “Yes but I'll have a mission for you and a few others tomorrow night so I'd like you to be well rested. Would you like me to teleport you home?” she asked.

Diamond frowned as a thought crossed her mind “Sure, Filthy should be asleep by now...hopefully.” she grumbled.

Luna gave a concerned expression “So you still refuse to call him your father?” she asked.

“I'll call him that when he starts acting like one.” she said with a growl. Luna knew that discussing her father any more will only sour her mood further. She just lit up her horn and cast the teleportation spell.

In a flash Diamond was in front of the mansion she called home. Her eyes widened as she saw Silver Spoon and the cutie mark crusaders waiting in front of the door. She smiled and ran up to her friends “Girls! What are you doing here at this hour?” she asked.

Apple Bloom waved a hoof at her “Howdy Diamond! We were waitin' here 'cause we wanted ta see ya.” she said.

Silver nodded with a smile “Yeah, my parents are taking me to Manehattan to visit some family tomorrow so it might be some time before we can see each other again. So I got the girls together so that we can all hang out before I leave.” she explained.

Diamond was about to invite them inside but decided against it since they might wake Filthy Rich “How about we go for a walk then.” she suggested. They all agreed and made their way away from the Rich household.

Scootaloo decided to start their conversation “So, anything interesting happen at training?” she asked.

Diamond rolled her eyes at the memory “I got another challenge from somepony who wanted my rank.” she said with a hint of annoyance.

Sweetie Belle raised an eyebrow “That seems to happen a lot, I wonder why.” she said.

“Because even after three years, most of the guards still don't take me seriously. They think challenging me is an easy promotion.” she answered.

“How can they still underestimate you after all this time?” Scootaloo asked.

“Because the night guard never does anything. I spend most of my time standing in front of a doorway trying not to fall asleep. The last time I even went on a mission was when we had that timber wolf attack and that was taken care of in a few minutes. Any time anything big happens, Twilight and her friends handle it. I just wish I could prove to them that I deserve my rank” Diamond explained sadly.

She felt a fore leg wrap around her neck and pull her into a hug. She turned to see Apple Bloom “Ya ain't gotta prove nothin' ta them. We already know that yer awesome.” she said.

Silver joined in on her other side “And don't worry, I'm sure you'll earn their respect sometime.” she said.

Diamond found her smile again “Thanks girls. I really needed this.” she said.

After a few more moments of walking, Silver tilted her head as she thought of something “Any news about that portal to the human's world?” She asked.

“The princesses are still the only ponies allowed through, unless you have their permission. They haven't mentioned when we'll be able to cross over freely.” Diamond said.

Scootaloo gave her a playful nudge “I bet you're excited for it so you can see your human friends again.” she said.

A reminiscing smile found it's way on her face “It's been so long since I last saw Leon and Ashley. You can't blame me for missing them.” she said.

Sweetie Belle giggled “I would love to meet them too. They sound wonderful from the way you talk about them.” she said.

They continued talking until they reached the Rich household once again. Diamond's smiled faded at the sight of it before she turned back to her friends “I should get some rest. Apparently I have a mission tomorrow so I don't want to be tired for that.” she said.

Silver nodded but felt a bit of sadness “Alright, I guess I'll see you when I get back from Manehattan.” she said.

Diamond gave her friends a hug before she turned back to her home. She took a deep breath before walking in. Right away she was greeted by one of the maids “Good evening Miss Tiara. Do you need anything?” she asked with a soft smile.

She shook her head before glancing around the room “Is Filthy Rich still awake?” she asked.

“He is not. He's been asleep for a while now.” she answered.

Diamond let out a sigh of relief “Thank Celestia.” she then passed the maid and walked up the stairs. She quietly passed her fathers room and made it to her own.

Princess Luna stood atop the balcony on Canterlot Castle staring out at her night sky. She turned when she heard hoofsteps and was surprised to see Celestia “Sister? Is there a reason that you are up at this hour?” she asked.

Celestia nodded with a serious expression “Yes, we must discuss how we are going to remedy the situation in Manehattan.” she said.

Luna didn't seem concerned in the slightest “No need. I already have a plan.” she said.

That surprised Celestia “You do? Mind letting me in on your plan?” she asked.

“I'll send a team of ponies from my guard to investigate.” she said.

Celestia didn't seem happy about that plan “Would Diamond Tiara be included in that plan?” she asked in a way that almost sounded like an accusation.

“She has to be. She is my second-in-command. Both her and Steel Glaive are needed for any mission.” she explained.

Celestia shook her head “We don't know how dangerous this will be, you cannot send a filly. I shall inform Twilight about the situation, her and her friends will surely handle it.” she said.

Luna glared at her sister “My guards are well trained and highly skilled, especially Diamond Tiara. I shall not allow their talents waste away while Twilight and her friends handle yet another problem. Don't you think you rely on them too much?” she questioned.

Celestia gasped at the accusation “What? I don...fine. I'll allow you to go ahead with your plan, but if it doesn't go well I'm informing Twilight.” she said before walking away. Luna turned back towards the sky before letting out a sad sigh.

Diamond started to awaken when she hear some sort of clicking noise. She opened her eyes and lifted her head from her bed. She then saw Starshot in her room inspecting her rifle. She raised an eyebrow at the sight “Starshot, what are doing with my rifle?” she asked in a drowsy tone.

Starshot immediately put the gun down in a panic and blushed “S-sorry Diamond. I was sent to get you so I came through the window. I was just about to wake you up but then I saw the rifle and got curious.” she explained.

“If you're so curious then why don't you get one yourself?” she asked.

Starshot waved a hoof in the air dismissively “Oh no I couldn't. I've trained too long with a bow, I couldn't just switch like that.” she said.

Diamond rubbed the sleep from her eyes and glanced at the window to see that the sun was just going down “You said you were sent to get me? Is this about the mission Luna told me about yesterday?” she asked.

Starshot nodded her head vigorously “Yup, although I have no idea what the mission is. She said she'd brief us once we arrived.” she said.

Diamond nodded and hopped down from her bed “Alright, I'll grab my stuff and catch a train to Canterlot.” she said.

Starshot lowered and extended her bat wings “Are you sure you don't want to take a ride on my back? It'll be fun. Flying alone is boring.” she said.

Diamond giggled at her antics but shook her head “I'll just meet you there, it won't take long.” she said.

Starshot pouted in mock sadness “Alright then, I guess I'll just talk to the demons in my head on the trip.” she then giggled and flew back out of the window.

Diamond chuckled with a shake of her head “What a crazy mare.” she said. She then began gathering all of her equipment. Once she was prepared she walked downstairs and made her way to the door.

When she passed the kitchen she heard a voice she wished she hadn't “Diamond, you must be hungry. Why don't you join me for dinner?” he invited.

She turned to see Filthy Rich staring at her from the kitchen table. His tone was friendly but she knew better at this point. Their conversations always started civil but the fighting was inevitable. She tried to come up with reason not to eat with him “I was going to grab something from Sugarcube Corner.” she said while inching toward the door.

“Nonsense. There's already a plate here for you.” he said. Diamond clenched her teeth in anger but tried to hide it.

She took a moment to calm herself before answering “Alright, I guess I have time. It would have to be quick though.” she said, knowing that ignoring him would only make things worse. Filthy gave her a smile as she came up to the table.

She tried to eat quickly, hoping that she could get through the meal before he could speak. Her hopes were dashed when Filthy eyed her gear. He cleared his throat and began as casually as he could “You seem to be leaving early. Early training session?” he asked.

Diamond mentally cursed and prepared to answer as pleasantly as possible “No, Luna wanted to talk to me about a mission.” she said.

Filthy nodded in understanding and was silent for a few seconds. He then spoke in a obviously sad tone “I guess I'll just sit at home and wonder if you'll come home or not.” he said.

There it was. Diamond sighed and put a hoof to her head as if a headache was coming “Don't do this right now.” she said in annoyance.

Filthy put a hoof to his chest and gave her a hurt look as if he had no idea what she was talking about “Don't do what? What else am I supposed to do while you're out there doing, whatever dangerous thing the princess wants you to do?” he questioned.

Diamond slammed a hoof into the table “Stop trying to make me feel bad for doing my job! I get it already! You don't like what I do! You don't have to keep reminding me Filthy!” she shouted.

He glared down at his daughter “Why am I the bad guy for being worried for my daughter? Would you rather I not care about your well being?” he asked with a sharp edge in his tone.

Diamond didn't back down “I'd love that! At least I wouldn't have to hear about how worried you are over and over again!” she yelled.

Filthy growled “You wouldn't say the same if it was Leon who was worrying about you. Maybe you'd rather have him as a father.” he said.

“Stop being so dramatic!” she started walking out of the kitchen “I'm done arguing! I have work to do!” she shouted before pushing though the front door.

Filthy sighed and buried his face in his hooves. A maid walked over with concern and put a hoof on his back “A-are you going to be alright sir?” she asked. He didn't acknowledge her and preceded to sob into his hooves.

Diamond walked into the castle to see many of her fellow guardsponies. They were standing around chatting while Luna stood in front of them silently. Luna made eye contact with her and smiled. She then cleared her throat to get the the room's attention “As many of have heard, I have a mission for a few of you. We have gotten reports of a mysterious disease rising in Manehattan.” she said.

Diamond's eyes widened “What disease?” she asked while trying to hide her worry.

“We don't have much information. All we know is that those infected have a tendency to be violent. I will send a team of five to investigate. Your mission is to identify what this sickness is and how it effects ponies. Once you gather enough information, we will know best how to deal with the situation.” she explained.

Captain Glaive nodded in understanding “Who will you be sending on this mission?” he asked.

“of course you and Diamond Tiara will lead the investigation team. The other three will be Razor Wing, Starshot, and Time Step.” she said.

At the last name, Razor raised an eyebrow “Time Step? But isn't he just a rookie?” he asked.

Luna nodded “I am aware of his lack of experience, but I'm confident that he's ready for this.” she said. She turned to a brown coated bat pony with a black mane and tail with streaks of silver. His cutie mark was of a pair of tap shoes “Do you feel that you are ready, Step?” she asked.

He swallowed a lump in his throat and nodded slowly “I'll t-try my best p-princess.” he said.

That was good enough for Luna so she turned her attention to the rest of the investigation team “You will depart as soon as you're ready. You'll be flying to Manehattan, so one of you will have to take Diamond up with you.” she said.

Starshot immediately wrapped a fore leg around the filly “I volunteer! Now you can't turn me down.” she said with a wide smile. Despite Diamond's sour mood, she still managed a giggle.

The investigation team quickly started getting their equipment together. They all put on their armor except for Diamond who already wore her tactical vest. They then grabbed their respective weapons. Captain Glaive strapped his glaive to his side. Razor affixed wingblades on his wings. Starshot strapped her bow to her left side and a quiver full of arrows to her right. Time Step clumsily holstered his spear to his side. He also had a handgun holstered on his other side.

Diamond checked that she had all three of her guns, her knife and some grenades. After they all got everything together, they took to the sky.

As they flew through the night sky. Razor couldn't help but glance back at the filly attached to Starshot's back in annoyance. He flew a bit faster to fly next to Captain Glaive “Captain, mind if I ask you a question?” he asked.

“What is it?” he asked with a straight face.

“Why are we bringing the child along?” he asked.

Glaive narrowed his eyes at him “She's my second-in-command. She's here to take the lead if something were to happen to me.” he said.

Razor growled “You can't really expect me to take orders from somepony so young.” he said.

“I expect you to respect your superiors, no matter who they might be. If the princess didn't think she was capable, she wouldn't be here. I don't want to hear anymore of that talk about those above you. Am I clear?” he questioned.

Razor shook his head “I can't take her rank seriously. She probably payed the last second-in-command to throw the match so she could easily get promoted. Her father is Filthy Rich, so I wouldn't doubt it.” he said.

Glaive stared dangerously at him “That is a serious accusation. Do you have any proof?” he asked.

“No, bu-”

“Then I don't want to hear it. If you don't like following orders then get promoted and you can give whatever orders you want. But as long as she is your Superior, you will follow her orders to a T. Now shut your disrespectful mouth and fly.” he said. Razor growled but decided to drop it.

Finally they touched down on the asphalt streets of Manehattan. Instantly they knew something was wrong. There were no signs of life around them and the few carriages they saw were abandoned. Time Step slightly shook at the creepy atmosphere “W-why is nopony around?” he asked.

Glaive glanced around in suspicion “They could all be inside because of the sickness. Let's continue looking around for somepony.” he said.

They walked down the streets but kept seeing more of the same. Diamond couldn't help but think about Silver Spoon. Did her parents cancel the trip because of the sickness? Or did they not know? She tried to keep that off of her mind for now and focus.

They turned a corner and saw something that shocked them. There was the body of a pegasus lying in a pool of it's own blood in front of them. Starshot and Time Step gasped in shock while the others advanced on the body to investigate.

The body two holes in it's side and their was a trail of blood that began a few feet away to end at the body. Razor studied the scene “I think it's safe to say a sickness didn't cause this.” he said.

Diamond pointed at the blood trail “They didn't die immediately. Was probably attacked and left for dead. They didn't take long to bleed out.” she said.

Glaive took a closer look at the holes in the body “I don't recognize what could have made these wounds but they're recent. The killer is most likely still nearby. Have your weapons at the ready.” he warned.

They all nodded and proceed cautiously. They turned down another street to finally find a living pony. It seemed like a earth pony mare but she had her back to them. Razor took the lead as they made their way toward her “Finally we can actually get some answers.” he said. He started shouting at her “Hey you!” he called but she refused to turn. He tried again “Hey! Can you hear me?” he asked but she still didn't move a muscle. He started getting irritated “Turn around you bitch! I know you can hear me!” he snapped.

He started trotting up to the mare. Diamond eyed the mare with suspicion. She then noticed a small puddle of blood below her head. Her eyes widened “Razor! Stop!” she warned.

He ignored her commands and stopped directly behind the mare “Turn around right now and answer my questions! Or I can bring you in and you can answer to Princess Luna! Is that what you want?” he threatened.

Diamond ran after him in a panic “Get away from her! That's an order!” she yelled.

He continued to ignore her as he gave the mare a hard shove “Respond! This is your last warning!” he yelled as he unfurled his wings. His expression changed to one of shock when the mare turned to face him. The mare had bug-like mandibles growing out of her mouth that were dripping with blood.

Before he could react, she lunged at him and dug her mandibles into his eyes. He screamed in pain as she continued to dig into his eye sockets. Diamond and the other were all frozen in shock but she shook it off quickly “Damn it!” she cursed before she took her handgun in her mouth and fired three shots into the mare's side.

The mare didn't seem too bothered by the gun shots but she dropped razor to the floor before turning to Diamond. The mare charged and Diamond shot more shots into her. Right before the mare reached her, she took a bullet between the eyes which finished her.

The remaining members of the investigation team walked up to join her. Starshot and Time Step passed her to check on Razor while Captain Glaive studied the mare's body. Time Step vomited at the sight of Razor's emptied eye sockets. Starshot closed her eyes and said a quiet goodbye to her friend.

Captain Glaive opened the mare's mouth to study the mandibles “Some kind of mutation. There is no way this is a natural disease. Somepony's behind this.” he said.

They heard screeching behind them. They turned to see two creatures flying in. they looked like pegasi but their wings looked much more fleshy than feathery. Their fore hooves also mutated into blade-like bones.

Captain Glaive took a fighting stance “More of them! I don't know what they are but they aren't ponies anymore. Take them out.” he ordered before taking to the air.

Starshot glared up at them “Gladly.” she said. She flew up and took her bow in her fore hooves. One infected flew towards her with it's blades aimed at her throat. She took an arrow in her teeth to nock it before pulling the string back. She fired the arrow into the it's chest but it only slowed it down.

It swung it's blade at her but she flew out of the way before slamming her bow into it's head to send it into the street below. Before it could recover, she fired another arrow into it's head to kill it. She then landed next to it to retrieve her arrows “That was for Razor Wing.” she said.

The Captain held his Glaive in his teeth as he faced the infected pony in the air. It charged at him but he quickly slashed it's fore legs off. He then swung upwards to take it's head clean off. Diamond walked up to the remains and looked closely at it's mutated legs. She gasped as a thought crossed her mind “This couldn't be...could it?” she wondered.

Captain Glaive walked up to her “Do you have an idea of what caused this Tiara?” he asked.

She hummed in though “This reminds me of las plagas. It's not exact, but it's similar.” she said.

Time Step recovered from his vomit and walked up to join them “Las plagas? I don't think I know what that is. Is it a disease?” he asked.

She shook her head “It's a parasite. It's what I was fighting against three years ago in the human world.” she said.

Starshot put a hoof to her chin to think “So it's a parasite? Who would infect ponies with something like that?” she wondered.

“Well before it was a cult called the Los Illuminados but it can't be them now. They're done for, I made sure of that.” Diamond said.

Before they could speculate more, Time Step's eyes widened as he saw a small horde of infected in the distance “M-m-more of them.” he said in fear.

Glaive turned and growled when he saw their numbers “We shouldn't take them head on. Let's hide and come up with a plan.” he said.

Starshot flew over to a warehouse that was nearby and checked if it was unlocked. Luckily it was so she opened it and took a look inside. After a second, she turned to the others “This looks safe! In here!” she called.

The team ran into the warehouse before they could be spotted by the horde. Time Step sat down and held his head in his hooves “I'm gonna die. I'm gonna die. I'm gonna die.” he repeated.

Diamond walked up to him and slapped him “Get a hold of yourself!” she scolded.

He calmed himself down and nodded “S-sorry ma'am.” he said.

Starshot turned to the captain “So what's the plan cap?” she asked.

He hummed in thought “We don't know how much of the population is infected, or if there are any survivors. Finding any survivors should be our first move.” he said.

Diamond shook her head “For all we know, all of Manehattan is infected. First we should call for back up. It'll be hard to take on a city with just four ponies.” she glanced at Time Step who was whimpering “Three and a half.” she corrected.

Captain Glaive nodded “Fair point.” he turned to Time Step “Step! We need you to fly back to Canterlot to inform the princess of the situation and request reinforcements.” he ordered.

Time Step nodded and was about to leave but Diamond stopped him “Wait, I think we need more than that. We need someone with experience in situations like this.” she said.

Glaive raised an eyebrow “What do you have in mind?” he questioned.

She gave a smirk “Leon Kennedy.” she said.

Starshot gasped “Isn't that the human you told me about?” she asked.

Glaive seemed skeptical “Human? The portal to the human world is still relatively new and we haven't established a friendly connection with the humans. What reason would they have to give us any assistance?” he questioned.

“Equestria might not have made a friendly connection with them but I do. Just trust me on this. Ask President Graham and he's sure to agree. And make sure to mention my name.” she said.

Starshot and Time Step both stared at Glaive, waiting for his answer. He finally nodded “Fine. Princess Luna seems to trust you and I trust her with my life. If you think the humans will go for it then it's worth a try.” he said. He then turned to time step again “You heard Tiara's order, get moving!” he commanded.

He gave a panicked salute before flying out of a window. Starshot then turned back to Glaive “So, what do we do in the meantime?” she asked.

“We need more information. We'll split up so we can cover more ground. Our top priority is the safety of any survivors. Also take out as many infected as you can on the way.” he said.

Diamond nodded “Sounds like a plan.” she said.

Glaive then walked out of the door before taking to the air. Starshot walked near the door but turned back to Diamond. She trotted up to the filly and gave her quick hug “Please don't die. I don't want to lose two friends.” she said.

Diamond embraced her back “Same to you.” she said. Starshot gave her a smile before flying out of the door. Diamond was once again reminded of her best friend “Silvy, please be alive.” she said to no one.