Equestria At War - In the Shadow of the Sun

by Mokoma

Rating: mature
Tags: Other, Nightmare Moon, Thriller, Original Character, Profanity, Adventure, Daybreaker, Violence, Main 6, Narcotics, Gore, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Equestria at War, Dark, Death
Length: 122277

Decades after the terrible wars that shred Equus apart, the reign of Daybreaker looms over the East. Only those in the shadows may hope to put out the sun.

Equus has suffered terribly. The Civil War had erupted alongside the Great War, Equestria facing a foe from the East and West. The South had fallen to chaos, and the North had suffered from Stalliongrad's and Sombra's pursuits.

Surrounded by villains, aggressors; Celestia knew that she could not carry on the way she was. Whether by choice or by circumstance, she unleashed a terrible power she swore never to release.

It is the year 1020. Equus is united under the Solar Empire's banner. The Elements of Harmony cannot stand a villain to replace their Princess. They flee East; where their over-sea neighbors anxiously plan what to do with such a crazed monarch across the water.

But while the light of hope fades, darkness instead takes upon the beacon of hope. A group of creatures have emerged from the shadows to bring back Harmony - or at the very least, peace to Equestria. Their names were never recorded. Their involvement in this attempt would never be noted anywhere. No medals, accolades, or respect was to be found. Upon death, their corpses were to be cremated. But their methods however - were completely unrestricted.

They were creatures not to be heroes. They were creatures not to be saviors. They were creatures with the task of fixing the world however they could.

And this is their story.

***

Cover by Comma Typer! Thank you so much for this, it's perfect for the story!

Published 2022-09-10 21:20:01 UTC
Last updated 2025-02-04 01:16:14 UTC

Prologue 2, Part One - Simple Pleasures

A mare's voice - smooth as silk and as sweet as honey - sung; accompanied by the guitar, bass, piano, and saxophone. She let her words flow into a melody; lyrics of adoration and life.

"Carry my fragile little soul,
hold it close - warmly with your love~...
And together, this course we shall chart~...

And if the fates would be so cruel...
To dare and have us be apart~...
Then come hell or high water-
I'll wait as long as need be; with my eager heart~..."

Along the coast, the palms swayed to the gentle breeze. The music played - not from the radio, but from a group of musicians who perfected their craft to bring joy to the beach-side pub. The sun had been setting, so the party was getting started, especially for the foreigners who claim to have traveled to Zeblu for vacation.

"You know ladies..." Grinned a pegasus, leaning against the bar with his hooves around two Zebras. "We pegasi have the stamina to fly for hours. Clearing clouds trains you in all kinds of ways." He cooed. "Maybe I could give you a demonstration? Though I think if that happens, it'll bring all sorts of clouds in your heads instead of clearing them~."

The two girls laughed - whether out of endearment or humor was up to anyone's interpretation. They would mingle only for a few seconds, before telling they were going to "do something real quick". The pegasus could only shake his head as he watched them go, but his smile didn't waver.

As they left - the pegasus was approached by a griffon. A very rugged one - who could not hide his intimidating looks even with a tropical-style floral-pattern, pink shirt draped over his torso. The griffon ordered a drink, and addressed the pegasus with his side.

"You suck at smooth-talking. Besides, no matter what ya change into, ya can't handle two Zebra gals." The griffon smirked, receiving his rum & coke.

The pegasus sighed - a green light washing over him. Or rather, her.

"I thought a cute lil' cocksure pegasus boy would do the trick. Girls who are tough to handle usually love a weak one they can torment." Said the purple-eyed changeling, her own drink being an ice cold Piña colada. "Either way...Gomer, did we find out any leads?"

"Well damn, Chari - we'd find 'em out sooner if you didn't spend this whole time tryina' get into other's in-betweens." Gomer, the griffon, scoffed.

"Hey, all this searching has racked up an appetite." The changeling pouted softly.

Gomer disarmed her by giving a soft chuckle to indicate a joke. "But yeah - we've got something. The rumors that this place has a communist recruiter were confirmed. Found a guy who seems to be scoping out the more athletic and young sort. Been chatting up a bunch of fellas, talking about the injustices of the government and socialist ideals. Our Zebra friend, Umfuni, has been translating what he's overheard. He's convinced our suspect's trying to get them into a communist honeypot." Gomer muttered quietly - while the bartender was busy and far away.

"First of all, honeypot doesn't mean what you think it does." Chari coughed. "It means using sexual allure for the sake of getting information out of someone."

"Well, I think free housing, education, and medicine is sexy. Food too - especially." Gomer scoffed.

"So what, you're a communist all of the sudden?" The changeling leaned in and rose a brow.

"Hey, I voted for Gaudreau when I lived in Aquileia. I like a socialist system - s'long as it doesn't involve taking away hardworking people's shit or shooting people in the back of the head cause they speak out against you. Democratic Socialism, I think they called it."

"...Gomer, weren't you from Griffonstone? Since when are you able to vote in Aquileia?"

"Tomato - tomata. I'm in Griffonstone one day, I live in Aquileia the other day, and today I'm doing clandestine shit for New Mareland. Griffonia is a bit less straightforward than Equus, y'know."

Chari sighed softly. "...Saying out loud that you're a spy. I guess you do live up to your nickname, "Gomer"."

"For the last time - it's my real name. And hey - at this point, we already look outta place. Ain't reason to pussyfoot much."

"...A-Anyways!" Chari realized she fell into his classic trap - his ability to derail any conversation into banter and casual talk. "I was going to ask! Other than you not understanding the phrase "honeypot", I also wanted to point out the question - why are we suspecting someone for talking with athletes? It's not the most suspicious thing, is it?"

"You either talk with a group of young guys like that if you want them to star in a raunchy movie, or you want to rope 'em them into somethin' sketchy, like a cult, gang - or a violent political movement. Fit bodies are always in demand. And from what I can tell, Umfuni noted he's following some kinda script of sorts, almost as if he recited half the shit he's saying."

"You'd know all about raunchy movies with groups of young guys." Chari rolled her eyes - but realized she fell into the same trap, and coughed. "Okay - so what's the move? Has Colton given any orders?"

Gomer nodded. "Umi's gonna try a risky move. He's gonna approach him to claim to be an insurgent and claim that a problem came up, using our intel if he asks questions. He'll lead 'im into an alleyway, and corner him. Then we do some magic - and find out if he knows where Cipher is."

"..." Chari sadly looked forward at the crowd - of course keeping eyes on Umfuni as he approached the suspected Zebra sitting in the corner of the bar's exterior, but her mind was still somewhat blank. Gomer frowned somewhat, and gave her a soft, cheeky bump on the shoulder. She looked up at him, and he smiled down at her.

"Hey, Cipher's a tough sonnuva bitch. South Equus chewed his ass up and spat him out, and then between all the other shit, he got chewed up in Equestria and spat out into Griffonia. I'm sure that some shit-hole prison in the middle of the jungles is gonna be daycare for him. Plus, they want him alive - and being an Earth pony, it's not like he's got wings or a horn to lose. Maybe a few teeth at best, but c'mon. He'll be alright."

"...Thanks Gomer." Chari smiled, leaning away from the bar and switching discreetly into an unremarkable Zebra, while Gomer put his sunglasses on and followed at a distance. Umfuni led their target somewhere secluded.

...

The two Zebras had walked off into an alleyway, surrounded by trash, rats - but no prying eyes.

Their target spoke angrily to the other Zebra. "I do not understand. What could be so troubling? The commander made it clear that we had no chance of detection. You better not be pulling my leg."

"I'm not, brother." Umfuni softly spoke. "...Your chances of detection were not null."

"...What?"

The communist had no time to react as a pair of hooves put him into a headlock. He yelled out, but Umfuni moved quickly to cover the other Zebra's mouth. The muffled noises were stopped as, joined by Gomer, they had restrained him, and beaten the wind out of his lungs to prevent resistance.

He would awake in the same alleyway - before not three, but five creatures.

From left to right, he saw a changeling, a Zebra, a pegasus, a unicorn, and a griffon.

"W-What...?" The rebel softly spoke - unable to raise his voice due to damages to his throat. "Who...?"

"Cipher." The pegasus coldly spoke, leaning in. "Earth pony prisoner. Captured half a year ago, transported here from the Kiria. Where is he?"

"...I-I...I do not know..."

"Colton." Said the unicorn. "He might be telling the truth, he's somewhat low-ranked."

"No. News like this travels, Plymouth." Colton, the pegasus, leaned in and produced a bowie knife...He placed its cold steel against the rebel's cheek, and gently dragged it along, forming a scar.

He noticed that his victim squirmed - not out of fear, but out of self-preservation. He saw the way he looked at the blade - focusing on it purely. His victim was focused on being unharmed, afraid for his body rather than trying to prove he was clueless.

"Gomer - eyelid."

With a grunt of distaste, Gomer used his sharp talons to force one of the rebel's eyelids open, allowing Colton to press the knife's tip against his bare eye. The zebra hyperventilated, and gasped for mercy. The tip of the blade hurt - and whether it was hallucination or reality, the rebel could feel it pushing in...

"N-No! Stop! I-I know where he is, just stop!"

"..." Colton put the blade aside.

"Sanbrawa! He is held in the village of Sanbrawa! I-It is about 40 kilometers north-east of here!"

"You're lying." Colton said, pushing the blade against his eye at such a rapid speed that the rebel didn't even register what had happened - with enough force to start bleeding. Too scared to pay attention to pain, the rebel continued.

"I swear! Everyone's heard of the pony prisoner, it's made us more anxious about the rescue attempts! H-He was put into a box dug underground in a camp near the village! You have to believe me! He's there! He's there!"

Colton put the blade away - locking it away in its leather sheathe. "...Good. Thank you."

The silenced gunshot rang - and the rebel slumped to his side. Umfuni was the most visibly displeased, gritting his teeth and looking to the side.

"Plymouth." Colton told the unicorn. "Get the car. Chari, Gomer..." He told the changeling and griffon. "Get the guns from the dead drop. Umfuni, come with me."

The five dispersed - and the zebra had followed the pegasus.

"Colton...That was awful." The zebra told the pegasus. "You did not need to show such bloodthirst and carnage. He had confessed, betrayed his own beliefs. What was the purpose of your brutality?"

"Speed. I need to know where Cipher is as fast as possible, Umfuni." Colton sighed. "He's being tortured and maimed in ways I don't want to describe. What I'm doing is to ensure we get him out faster. I'm doing this for my second-in-command, and my close friend. For those I care about, I'm willing to be a piece of shit for their sake. You understand what I mean."

The Zebra sighed, and nodded. "...I do."

***

It was a dark corner. A musty one - a hole in the ground surrounded by sheet metal from all sides that looked more like a septic tank than a prisoner's cell. It probably was a septic tank at that point.

It had a sole prisoner. He was forced to be standing on his hind-legs and a hoof raised via hoofcuff welded into the wall. But at this, point with the numbness his body felt, was it even all that painful?

The Earth pony whistled a tune. It wasn't particularly a tune that meant anything special to him. At the very least he knew that they wouldn't cut his tongue as they somehow expected him to talk. And as an Earth pony, did he have to worry about something like a horn or wings? So as such, what was another deep laceration in his thighs, a cigarette burn in the face, or a third pulled-out tooth?...Or...another severed, missing hoof?

He was able to look at the other hoof he was left with. The hoof was burned and charred - but not from this interrogation. Looking at this injury had been a steadfast reminder. A reminder of what happened some time ago. He saw the scars, remembered their shape exactly...His other hoof had been burned in a similar manner - and he had no idea where it was now. Maybe fed to the dogs. It was a terrible injury - but...He was thankful to be left with this reminder.

Looking forward once more, he began to reflect on the situation. A daily reflection where he kept in mind all the important facts. His captors had no schedule - to keep him anxious. However, the prisoner read his captors as easily as a children's book. They never interrogated at night - too paranoid and anxious of night attacks, and perhaps too lazy. Never in the mornings too - too grumpy and groggy. He heard them marching and chanting military songs - so they did morning drills of sorts. He also knew that they weren't well equipped or in possession of good intel - nobody from Zeblu could have been aware of him. Foreign powers were in play.

Not that he didn't believe in the strength or skill of Zebras; he just knew that the possibility of some communist guerilla in the middle of the Zebrican subtropics being able to capture someone of his caliber without outside help was low. He wasn't meant to ask questions - but he did wonder what the hell New Mareland sought to gain by meddling in this continent when Equus was a bigger hot mess.

He was passing in and out of consciousness - but a stream of water being sprayed at him from above had been enough for him to gasp, hyperventilate...He tilted his head - he knew he had four seconds to get as much water as he could. This was all shock therapy and necessity - a means to get him to keep clinging onto life, but not a courtesy.

He jolted in surprise as his back was dragged along the rusty metal wall, scarring it. He could only grit his teeth - feeling more pain from the sunlight hitting his eyes after a week of being in total darkness than the injury he had become used to. He heard foreign languages - those he was perfectly capable of understanding, but relied on the impression he was oblivious. The language of Zeblu and...Stalliongrad's own language.

"Sir, we cannot hope to keep this one here any longer." Spoke a male voice in the Stalliongrad language, but with a thick and unpracticed accent. "We are certain that the disappearance of our recruiter is no coincidence. A retrieval effort is underway. The longer we keep him alive, the more danger we bring upon ourselves. At this stage, we should cut out losses and kill him."

"...I'll try it once more." Responded another male voice in the Stalliongrad language - but with no imperfections in his accent. "If he still refuses, kill him and leave the body as featureless as possible."

With that, the prisoner could feel himself be propped up on a chair...And through the blur of the sun did he see that someone had pulled up a chair opposite of him. A stallion - but not a Zebra.

"...So..." This foreign pony spoke. "Let's be realistic. Don't you think it's futile? Ten months - being tortured and maimed for a simple piece of information, yet with no real reward for being silent."

Cipher smiled weakly. "Actually it's been only six or so months. You can't really rely on me not counting the days and making me think I've been here longer than I really have. It's...a rookie's interrogation strategy."

The stallion sitting opposite of him sighed. "What do you hope to get? I don't understand...You think that your nation will somehow reward the loyalty of an agent that has been captured for so long, and is now a liability to them? They'll kill you themselves to ensure you won't spill any more information."

The prisoner looked at him right in the eyes...The foreigner grimaced softly. He knew that the prisoner was blinded mostly, but that gaze...it pierced.

With that, the prisoner softly smiled. "...At-least I still have a country."

The foreigner was used to this - this time, he had restrained his hoof, as last time it voided the interrogation due to knocking the prisoner unconscious. He composed himself, huffing under his breath. "Stalliongrad lives on. In our hearts, in our minds. We are not bound by concepts such as borders. Our way of life perseveres, and will for ages."

"Heh...No, it lives on in the backwater country of Prywhen." The prisoner made sure to get ready to shut his teeth as hard as he could - not wanting his tongue bitten off. "But sure, you sure showed the perseverance of your way of life when Stalliongrad burned down, and when your cowardly leader fled to Griffo--"

The prisoner called it. The punch came - rocking his right temple and making his ears ring, so that the tinnitus had naturally censored all the horrible cursing that came his way. By the time he had regained his hearing, he felt the hoof violently grip his chin and force him to face the only other non-striped stallion in the camp.

"You are going to be executed if you don't speak now. Do you understand? Exe-cu-ted. You are going to have all your bones broken inwards, you will have acid poured into your eyes, and you will be kept alive as long as possible so that we can squeeze the information we want, so that maybe we'd have the mercy to kill you faster."

This had the effect of making the prisoner quiet. "...Fine...I'll..." The Earth pony sighed. This was indeed something to consider - time could be bought no longer. "...I'll give you the names of the agents in Prywhen..."

"Good boy..." The Stalliongrad pony smiled. "Out with it."

"...The name of the agent is Yoer."

"...Yoer?" The stallion rose a brow.

"...Yoer mum is a--"

The stallion swung his hoof.

Welp - it was now or ever, Cipher thought.

Ducking his head underneath, the hoof missed. Cipher leapt up with his three hooves like a spring releasing tension - and what teeth he had left were bared. With a shriek of terror, the foreigner had no time to react as the prisoner's jaw clamped down on his throat. Cipher's hooves were unable to purchase on his body - so to keep this grip, his teeth had to sink in deeper and deeper, hard enough to crack several more teeth in the process. He was able to however wrestle his opponent on the ground, but so that the foreigner was on top of him and shielding him while Cipher was underneath gums-deep in the other's neck.

"Dntf mff! Dntf mff r hh rrh hh trhh oehn!" He yelled in the local Zebra language. Through the intensity and intent, everyone understood it as "Don't move! Don't move or I'll rip his throat open!"

"Careful!" A zebra yelled. "We cannot have the agent be hurt! Get him off, get him off!"

"H-He'll really rip his throat apart if we try! Sergeant!?"

"Fuck, I'm thinking! T-Try to shoot the prisoner, carefully! In the head!"

"Do I look like a markzebra!? A-And I have a shotgun with buckshot, how am I gonna do that!?"

"Where's the corporal that had the hunting rifle!? S-Shit, shit!"

"Wait, where is he!? H-He was here just a minute ag--"

Cipher continued biting into his foe's neck. He made his desperation concealed in his aggression - biting down harder hoping that his living shield would protect him just a little longer. He shed tears of fear - disguised as tears of pain from making his own gums bleed.

A hoof went to grab him. It pulled him away from his foe, and Cipher's brain had started to panic. It needed to survive. Cipher used what strength he had to instead bite the hoof that tried to take him. His teeth once again dug into it - but now too weak to reach the bone again.

His eyes were still blurred - but as he bit, the other hoof grabbed him...Not to fight him, but to hold him steady. To calm him.

"...Cipher...!"

"Cipher!"

"Cipher!" Cried out the voice of his closest friend.

"Cipher, calm down! It's okay! It's me, Colton! You're okay..."

The earth pony gazed at the pegasus...His jaw relaxed - allowing blood to freely pour down his mouth. He looked at Colton with disbelief, and the hoof he had bitten hard enough to draw blood...His eyes watered harder, and the tears mixed with the blood on his mouth. Around him, all the Zebras had been shot.

"...You...You came..."

Cipher reached out a hoof to his commander.

Colton did not take it.

Instead, he pulled Cipher in for a hug. He held onto him. He did not want him to disappear again. Cipher then felt another pair of hooves wrap themselves from behind - these ones full of holes. Chari had a hard time resisting the hug. Another pair of hooves of a unicorn did the same - Plymouth couldn't do it either.

Umfuni looked at Gomer. The gryphon looked down at the Zebra with an awkward look, and then shrugged.

"They're the sentimental sort."

"I'm more-so surprised you don't intend to join." Umi coughed, not quite acquainted with Cipher and thus deciding it wasn't yet his time.

Gomer looked at him, and then at the group. With a sigh, he had to suppress his excitement. But at that point, he couldn't. He lost his cold and gruff demeanor to join the group hug.

The small radio that rested on Colton's chest had buzzed softly - a female voice patched through it.

"Hey, fillies! Is Cipher alive!? No jokes, tell me right now!" Exclaimed the voice.

"He's fine Raz...He's..." Colton sighed, ushering everyone to give some space as he laid Cipher on his back to assess the damages. "...Not looking so good for wear. But he's alive."

"Thank the Sky of Seas and Sea of Skies." She sighed. "Is the LZ clear? I've already contacted the hospital - they're ready and waiting. I want him there pronto."

Colton quickly scanned the area. "You're clear. We'll pop smoke. Just don't make this a bumpy ride, Raz...I don't know how much more he can handle..."

"Roger - Frenzy 1 is coming for extraction, ETA 5 minutes."

Colton had put away the radio to focus on Cipher - monitoring the stallion's condition. Cipher couldn't move - only look into the eyes of his commander. The pegasus smiled softly. "It's okay. We're going home, Cipher...We're going home."

"...Colton?" Cipher finally spoke past the pain and deliriousness.

"Yeah?"

"...When we get there..."

"Anything. Just tell me."

"I want a bath...a gallon of water...a five-scoop sundae...and a hayburger the size of Princess Celestia's ass."

"Pft..." The commander laughed softly. "Simple pleasures, huh?"

Chapter 1 - Sunset, planned in Sunset.

Cipher sat on the bed - a luxury he had lost over half a year ago. He sat after attempting to stand up - which resulted him in falling down on the ground. Of course - the hoof that was taken happened to be his favorite. He sat facing the window - the rays of dawn upon his face. He looked at the sunrise, the light not too damaging for his eyes anymore now that he got used to it. He missed this room so much - and the sunrise was always a sign of hope and peace.

Now...Remembering past events, he was not so sure anymore. An odd distaste was left in his mouth after the fact. Once, the sun was warm and pleasant. Now - the sun was oppressive in its almost omnipotent presence. It was a reminder. He supposed he understood his apprehensive feelings considering what had happened in Equestria.

After all, he only needed to look once at his charred hoof - where the fur had singed off to reveal flesh; a sight not common to see on a pony. It healed somewhat...

But now, he had a new injury. The other hoof was missing - one that was also burned terribly like this one, but now was severed.

He was unsure why this terrifying loss had no profound effect on him. Of course like any mortal - he screamed and sobbed the whole time it was being hacked off - before passing out. But he had largely forgot about it while he was kept in the prison. Now however - he had time to adjust and understand what was really happening to him, now that he was no longer in a constantly extreme situation. Now he could regroup his feelings somewhat.

It was awful, tragic, and merciless; but in the end...

He stood as best as he could on three hooves, for ultimately he thought...How would a missing limb really compromise his ability to do his work?

Especially since there was a solution.

He was able to awkwardly hobble and limp over to a contraption in the room. It was a device with a built-in crane, which required him to attach a harness to his own body. He had followed the instructions given, before operating the machine. The crane had lifted his body up partially - before descending it to properly fit the crucial component of the device.

A metallic hoof had connected to him...incompletely. He had been instructed on how to work with this process - but it wasn't any more pleasant. He pulled out a leather belt that was nearby - and bit it as hard as his teeth would allow; the same teeth that only recently received a surgery to make up for the losses and damages when he bit the Stalliongrad agent's neck.

With the pull of a lever, a terrible mechanical whir came from the device. With the whir came movement - intense movement in the smaller mechanisms of the device. Small bolts would spin and begin to violently push in. There were many components - needles, screws, nuts & bolts, and clamps. They dug into his flesh - in specific areas. His missing hoof already had a contraption in its stump - a metallic socket - and so this device fit into it.

The pain that came was akin to having the limb returned to him, but then having it set on fire, electrified, and made cold all at the same time. It was the sort of pain that made it sure he didn't need any coffee this morning. The mechanical hoof had several straps attached to it - for if it was set loose now, his hoof would perform several involuntary movements that could damage his body. His only outlet for the pain was the leather belt in his teeth, and tears.

This lasted for a minute - which had seemingly dragged onto 10 minutes. The device had released, prompting Cipher to move away from it as far as possible, limping and cursing as more tears were shed...

But as the fog cleared, he looked down to see that...He finally had his leg back. Albeit - temporarily. It was a metallic hoof - with the same size of his original leg, but heavier, adding several dozens of kilograms to his weight. This hoof had a simple, memorable - and very inspired name; the Rockbell.

More important was the soft whirring he heard. He knew what it was - for he was informed by the engineers. This was the complicated, possibly even volatile - blend of modern-day technology and unicorn magic.

It may seem redundant - for prosthetics work as they need be. There is a mare in the world known as Kerfuffle, a brilliant engineer herself who very comfortably moves however she pleases with a prosthetic that has not even a fraction of the complexity of Cipher's leg.

Yet - Cipher, together with the Research & Development Department of the Sunset Intelligence Bureau, knew to seize opportunities. The Rockbell was his way to seize the opportunity of losing something dear to him.

He had left his room, going through the dormitory's halls. Wherever he went, he was met by familiar faces. Colleagues and friends. They had all delayed him by some minutes - those unaware of his return were astonished, gasping and yelping at the sight of him, and full of questions. Still - everycreature who knew him was happy to see him again, and albeit it made him anxious, he enjoyed knowing that there were those who had missed him, a selfish little scratch itched.

Finally after some short hours, he was able to make his way to his destination, the briefing room.

The Handler had just finished going over the details of Tull's case - and in the room, all of his teammates sat watching a projector. As Cipher entered, there were smiles.

The Handler scoffed softly. "Cipher - still not kicked the habit of coming late for debriefs?"

"Zebrica helped me kick my teeth out, my bones, and a lot of blood; but no, not my nasty habits." Giggled the pony.

Even the Handler produced a warm smile. "I jest. It is good to have you back here, Cipher. This team really needed you."

Gomer reclined on his chair and waved his talon. "Mhm - now all we need is our personal stripper troupe and brewery, and this team would be really perfect."

"Gomer - I think at your age, those strippers aren't gonna do much for you, especially not after some beer." Cipher smirked, earning a challenging smile from the bird.

"What, you scared of some mature gals and a strong drink, wuss?" The griffon laughed.

"I'm worried about your heart and blood pressure, old bastard." The earth pony scoffed.

"Can't hear ya from the other side of the room, small fry!" Gomer bellowed.

"Limp-dick." Cipher grunted.

"Virgin!" Gomer shouted.

"Whiskey-dick." Cipher retorted.

"Small-dick!" Gomer exclaimed.

"Retirement home resident!" Cipher barked.

"Cipher!" Chari cried out. "The Gomer curse, remember!?"

"...Ah, to derail the conversation at a whim." Cipher shook his head. "You got me good this time, Gomer."

"Heheh..."

Colton stood up, and patted Umi on the shoulder. The Zebra nodded, and the two males stood up, approaching Cipher. "Cipher - somebody I'd like you to meet. When you disappeared, we had to get someone to fill in your position in order to help with your search - and I'd say he proved himself to the point we can have a sixth team member. This is Umfuni - but he insists on being called Umi."

The Zebra smiled, holding out his hoof. "It is an honor, Mister Cipher. I have heard much about you from the team. I'm honored to have assisted in your rescue and to have the chance to work with you."

Cipher was only happy, returning the hoof shake eagerly. "The pleasure's mine, Umi. No need for the "mister" stuff."

"Yeah - he likes being called "Miss" instead!" Gomer said from the other end of the room.

Umi rolled his eyes, and smiled. "I understand, Cipher. I'd love to see you in action - your decryption skills are second to none."

Cipher chuckled. "I had a short brief on the Zebra who led the team my way; someone who's got a knack for languages and cultures, as well as all the other stuff I've heard; I think I'm equally excited."

"Get a room you two!" Plymouth yelped.

"Rude!" Chari chastised.

Colton coughed. "Now - for the pressing matter...Handler informed me that our assignment is going to change as of 00:00 sharp today."

Gomer tilted his head. "You mean, last-night midnight, or this night midnight?"

"Last night." Colton dryly said. "I wanted us to get Cipher in here and adjusted, because we're about to receive our mission details."

"Re-assignment?" Plymouth whined. "Again? First it's MARESOC, then Fascists, then Stalliongrad's backup plans, and now we're changing again?"

"Is that a problem?" Handler rose a brow as he asked the unicorn.

Plymouth softly sighed, taking out a cigarette and putting it between his lips. "Feels like we're just going in circles not finishing the job...I get that we've severed most of our ex-target's assets and knocked them down a peg, but if MARESOC keeps popping up on our radar ever five or so years, or if the Fascists are still fighting the new Wingbardy government from the shadows, or if Zebrica and Griffonia are still threatened by Serov's plans to take back Stalliongrad by building up a large enough communist bloc...Are we really doing our job? And are we even fighting an enemy worth fighting this time?"

Before Plymouth could light his cigarette - Colton's hoof swiftly took it out of his subordinate's lips, who growled once - but softly.

"Trust me." Colton put the cigarette back into Plymouth's breast pocket. "This time, I think we're fighting a pretty worthy enemy. Perhaps too worthy. But first, we'll be meeting someone who might not like having a smoker in his office."

***

Umi shook softly as he sat on the seat. Everything was dark, cramped...and volatile - shaking and rocking side-to-side. He felt a metallic hoof put itself on his shoulder, as Cipher leaned in with concern. The zebra saw this, and offered a warm smile. "Don't worry, Cipher." He said. "I am quite claustrophobic...I understand that this form of transport isn't dangerous, but it is unpleasant to consider there aren't many escape routes..."

Cipher smiled reassuringly. "I figured as much. I've had too much exposure therapy over these last few months to get too claustrophobic..." He chuckled. They, alongside the others, sat in a small underground train car, as it traveled through the tunnels. Cipher had never used it, but he knew what it was. Sunset had a special underground system, which was essentially designed to be used by important creatures within the military and government...And judging by the direction he deemed they were traveling, he knew where they were going...

"Has he changed much since our last meeting?" Colton rose a brow, standing next to Handler.

"Heh..." The Handler shook his head. "Never changing is why he's so good at his job."

"Sooo, is there some kinda special etiquette we oughta hang onto when we meet 'im?" Asked Plymouth, leaning against the doors.

"He's not a Princess or anything of the like." Handler said. "Just be polite. Oh, and don't get too friendly with his wife, aight? That includes you too, Chari."

"Psht - what, do I look like I'm gonna swoon over any cute mare?" Plymouth scoffed.

"Yeah, Handler." Chari joined in with a pout. "A "cute mare", as he put, won't enchant me."

***

Plymouth and Chari were sweating bullets as they sat around the table, eyes pinned onto the yellow unicorn mare that had passed around the table with a tray of teacups, her lavender-and-beige mane finely sparkling, as was her entire facial expression - one of total loveliness and sweetness.

"She's so..." Plymouth and Chari whispered in unison. "Cute!"

As Upper Crust set the tea-cups in-front of the two, she noticed the odd look, but wasn't sure what it was about. But all she could do was smile warmly and lean in. "Hey, don't worry! My husband's not the kinda stallion you should be all so worried about meeting! He's very sweet and nice! And even if you're still worried, just know that everything's gonna be okay! You've got this!" She exclaimed, giving them a smile so warm that Plymouth's heartbeat matched the pace of a rigorous cardio exercise, while Chari actively changed her body into losing the ability to blush. They both received a bump under the table - Plymouth getting his from Colton, and Chari getting hers from the Handler.

"Thank you for your hospitality, Mrs. Upper Crust." Colton smiled warmly.

"Heh, now if only he always came before everycreature had been seated...Anyhow, you are welcome, darlings. I suppose I won't be too welcome in this room due as I know how secret your dealings get. Can I guess what it is, though? Oh, did you uncover a mole? Perhaps a daring plan to retrieve lost artifacts lost during the war? Or maybe rescuing someone important?"

"Mrs. Upper Crust..." Cipher chuckled softly. "At this point, the SIB's archives would've been indistinguishable from a Daring Do book..." He smiled.

She laughed heartily. "What can I say, A.K. Yearling's captured my heart all those years ago when I was a filly. Can't blame a young gal for letting it shape her fantasies. Anyhow, I shall leave you to it! He'll be here any time. Have a good meeting, all!" She smiled, and left the room.

Once she did however, voices could be heard on the other side of the door.

"Oh, there you are!" Upper Crust's voice could be heard. "Honey, would it kill you to perhaps greet you guests just a little bit prior to them entering the chamber?"

"Ah..." A stallion's voice sighed. "Sorry sweetheart, you know how my schedule can get..."

"Aw, it's alright sweetie. I understand...Here, let me adjust your tie."

"Dear, it's fine--"

"Nah-uh, you must look dashing in-front of your spy colleagues, hehe~...Okay, here we go! Don't forget about the school's opening ceremony you're to attend at six, okay honey?"

"Alright honey." The stallion laughed. "Love you."

"Love you too sweetie. Have a nice meet!"

Gomer, hearing everything, was unable but chuckle - but immediately stopped as he heard the door handle turn.

The doors had opened, and through it stepped in a stallion that all recognized immediately; the President of New Mareland, Jet Set.

All rose - softly saying, "Mr. President", even Umi who acted by very swiftly repeating after his colleagues, very well able of adapting to match the appropriate etiquette as displayed by the others.

Jet Set shook his head as he walked to his seat. "Please, filly and gentlecolts - sit." He softly spoke, and they had done as told. Jet Set would take a seat at the head of the table, directly facing Handler on the other end. The table was somewhat shorter than what one would've expected, and the distance between him and the Handler was no more than two meters at the most, therefore both Colton and Cipher had been seating at such a distance that they were mindful of not accidentally touching legs under the table with the president.

Jet Set looked at all the present creatures at the table, moving his head to address them clockwise starting with Colton.

"Mister Colton, Mister Cipher, Mister Umfuni, Mister Gomer, Mister Handler, Miss Chari, and Mister Plymouth..." He said, making eye contact with each. "I've worked together with the Sunset Intelligence Bureau for many years starting with the recent catastrophic wars that washed over the world. The SIB has been responsible for handling the most threatening and malicious threats to New Mareland without fail. And from what I have gathered, your team - Mister Colton - is the best the SIB has."

"Thank you, Mister President." Colton bowed his head.

"As such..." Jet Set sighed. "It befalls upon me to make a decision to assign you to what I can only consider the most difficult and dangerous mission I have ever I have ever assigned to any SIB operatives - and hopefully one that I will never need to assign ever again. I will only ask however...Are you willing to risk your lives more than I could ever ask you to?"

Colton looked at his team - and no wavering glances came. He looked back at Jet Set, and smiled. "Yes, sir. We're willing."

Jet Set nodded to the Handler, who stood up to fetch something, in the meantime, Jet Set continued.

"The SIB, following this meeting and once we have confirmed your participation and the security of its assets, will launch Operation Sunset. The Handler will give you all the necessary documents - but I think you should understand what we are set to do based on my words alone...and the name of the operation."

Plymouth blinked, and leaned in. "Mister President, you don't mean...?"

Cipher sighed, and closed his eyes.

Colton reclined back and did the same, nodding. "...Daybreaker."

Jet Set sadly lowered his head - a nod he tried to make more confident, but couldn't. "...Yes."

"Wait..." Chari squeaked. "We are going to act against Daybreaker? But...Why?"

Gomer put a talon to his beak, scratching thoughtfully. "Yeah - I don't get it either. I assumed The Solar Empire isn't that big of a deal for us - considering it's not only an entire ocean apart, but also 'cause as far as everyone's concerned, Daybreaker is only interested in Equus."

"At the beginning, this was the accepted belief." Jet Set stated. "New Mareland's independence, but support for Equestria - has ensured that we have minimized hostilities as much as we could while seeking complete autonomy for the sake of advancing our economy and state. When Daybreaker had ascended, all diplomatic channels were cut, but we had not seen any indication that Daybreaker would set her sights on anything that wasn't Equestria. Even Nova Griffonia remains untouched thanks to its neutrality in the Great Wars..."

"...But then...?" Umfuni softly asked.

"...Certain sources within Equestria, alongside the SIB, made disturbing discoveries, and have even been able to record Cele--...Daybreaker's conversations with her generals and other trusted personnel. All points out that she believes West Griffonia to be a security concern, believing that not only would Aquileia and Wingbardy attempt to invade with the help of its neighbors - which includes us - but she also is aware of Stalliongrad's "resurrection" plan, so her sights are on Prywhen and any communist nation in the tri-continent area...And of course, the elephant in the room; she may ignore New Mareland's independence entirely."

The Handler went around the table, placing dossiers for the team to peruse.

"As it stands..." Jet said said. "Recent trends in the Solar Empire's war industry point to alarming possibilities. Of them, the most outstanding are their developments and increase of equipment that would enable massive naval invasions. On top of this, an increase of their strategic bombers has been noted...With very unfortunate possibilities."

"Soooo..." Plymouth coughed. "How're we going to fight them? We don't really have a lot of ponypower - but I assume we might be able to easily make a formal military alliance with our neighbors and stand some kinda chance, right?"

Jet Set shook his head. "Direct conflict is to be avoided. We cannot drag West Griffonia into a war, and especially if we'd be by ourselves, we would be obliterated in mere hours."

"I'd disagree. A cold war can be more damaging than a hot one." Gomer folded his talons. "We're more or less aware of the military might of West Griffonia and Equus. So - an alliance between us, Wingbardy, Aquileia, the Griffon Republic, Vartai; and hopefully of whatever remains of the River Federation...It should be enough to fight her - even fight her back. Otherwise, we got no idea what kinds of tricks she's got in her sleeves."

Jet Set smiled. "I appreciate your enthusiasm and your willingness to make solutions, Mr. Gomer." He then frowned. "But you are right - there are tricks involved. Please look at appendix one."

"..."

The sound of furling pages filled the room.

"...What is it?" Asked Colton. "An explosion?"

"Its aftermath." Jet Set said. "Note its strange shape - that of a mushroom cloud."

"...So you think that the Solar Empire has developed a weapon capable of doing intense amount of damage - and are increasing their bombers capabilities to send them across the ocean?"

"Yes." Jet Set nodded. "Therefore, open warfare is possible - but if this weapon is to be used...it'd be more catastrophic than we could ever imagine. The pictures were taken in an unknown area - the quality of the photograph is unable to discern any geographic features, and the operatives who took this photograph haven't been able to identify the source of the picture either. The only information we have is a word that was drawn on the back of the photograph with a marker; the phrase..."Vividvale".

"...What's the mission, Mr. President?" Asked Colton.

"As I said, open warfare is not an option - not between New Mareland and the Solar Empire, and not between Griffonia as a whole. In the current state of things, our actions must be done from the shadows - behind the scenes to keep the world colder than it needs to get." Jet Set declared. "Therefore, our mission here is to remove Daybreaker from power, and prevent the Solar Empire from seizing the upper hand that will allow it to wage a destructive war on West Griffonia. We are to identify the cause of the explosion, and neutralize it."

"To remove Daybreaker...Sir, that may not imply that we will be able to return Princess Celestia." Umfuni spoke up.

Jet Set sighed. "I understand. I chose your team because I know you have the strongest ability to adapt and make the best choices on the field. As you will be able to view the situation with your own eyes, I trust your judgement the most."

Cipher spoke afterwards. "Mr. President; we are dealing with Daybreaker and the combined might of Equus. She is cunning - all surviving assets that belonged to Stalliongrad, Nightmare Moon, Sombra, and the Changelings are under her command. This would be akin to trying to fight an entire continent; and yet we are barely tenth its size."

Jet Set nodded softly. "I know. I wouldn't have even thought of conducting an operation if I had no faith in its possibility. The operation has been planned thoroughly for some time now, and there a few crucial elements to it all. We would need to get support from some of our neighbors - particularly Aquileia, Wingbardy, the Griffon Republic, and SFR Vartai, hopefully as well from whoever else would be willing to join the fight. I have already made some plans to attend the upcoming summit."

"Then..." Umfuni leaned in. "What trump card do we actually have to have such determination for this operation, sir - if even allies are not guaranteed?"

The President slowly looked at the window, gazing outside. "...Much of the crucial information we received on this situation was granted to us by someone who we've been searching for some years now...The ones we've tried to bring to safety."

"Wait..." Cipher leaned in, eyes full of hope, anticipation, and anxiety. "You mean...the..."

"The Elements of Harmony." Jet Set stated. "Our mission to safely bring them to New Mareland was a success...A partial success."

The temperature in the room had shifted from warm to freezing by the time the sentence ended.

"P-Partial!?" Plymouth yelped, not liking the intonation one bit.

Jet Set frowned. "We were unable to locate one of the elements...Namely; the unicorn who goes by the name of Rarity."

"Rarity is missing?" Cipher whimpered.

"Moreover...The pegasus Rainbow Dash suffered severe injuries, while Pinkamena Diane Pie has not spoken a single word - according to Princess Twilight Sparkle - since the events of Daybreaker's ascension. And, to top it all off; the Earth pony Applejack has expressed intense disapproval to being brought to New Mareland. She insists to remain in Equus due to not wanting to be separate from her family, so her compliance and cooperation are under question."

Colton sighed, scratching his head. "At the very least, is Princess Twilight Sparkle okay? And since you've not mentioned anything in regards to the Element of Kindness, can we rely on the fact she's fine?"

"More or less, yes...Albeit, I fear that post-traumatic stress disorder is not an impossibility between the five present..." Muttered Jet Set.

Gomer raised a talon.

"Yes, Mister Gomer?" Jet Set turned his head.

"I'm gonna make a lil' disclaimer 'fore I speak..." The griffon sighed. "I'm from central Griffonia, right? I haven't met a single pony until I met a communist spy from Longsword, and by then I was pushing my thirties. And the only thing I know about these "Elements of Harmony" is that my commander, General Gilda, was friends with one of them; a pegasus, I think. So, pardon me for my lack of education, but why can't they just fix this whole situation? I've heard stories that they've saved Equestria from the worst of the worst, so what's the matter now?"

Everycreature turned to Jet Set. Cipher, Colton, and the Handler knew the answer, but believed Jet Set had more experience and knowledge to explain it.

"Because the elements must always be together." Jet Set simply explained. "The Elements of Harmony may technically be the mares themselves - rather than a magical set of artifacts - but their power must necessarily be drawn out through their friendship. There must be complete, total synchronization and cooperation should they wish to make it work...Because if it isn't present, then they cannot gather up even a fraction of their power...Not to mention..."

The Handler nodded. "Realistically speaking, in this day and age, the Elements of Harmony have lost their power."

"What...?" Gomer leaned in, taping his talons on the table. "No offense - so why are we so worried about them if they're useless to us?"

"Gomer!" Colton barked. "That's enough."

Jet Set however, answered the question.

"It isn't as simple as "they have no more power", but the Elements of Harmony were used to fight and ward off evil and disharmony...And harmony is something that is essentially non-existent at this time." Jet Set answered. "But that doesn't mean that they're obsolete. On the contrary - they're one of the few sources of hope we've got left. The Elements of Harmony may still have an amount of power, if drawn out somehow, it could be used to fight back Daybreaker. It may take time to discover how to make these elements work effectively in these circumstances - but the first step is to have them here, and together...So, we're halfway there."

"Living on a prayer." Chari chortled silently, heard only by Plymouth and Cipher, the former tried hard not to giggle as he suppressed it with a cough.

"Mr. President, as far as I'm concerned, it's already a big leap forward that we've found at-least five of the elements. W-Where are they right now, though?"

"About that." Jet Set coughed. "Your first assignment is bring them here."

"A...Rather simple task, sir." Colton noted.

The Handler stopped leaning against the wall, stepping forward. "We need someone reliable to protect them, when we believe that infiltrators from Equus may be tailing them. For the time being, they have been residing in a secret location, in a safehouse belonging to the SIB. It's protected - but moving one from point A to B is not so simple. Besides, there was a certain...condition from the Princess."

"A condition, sir?" Cipher asked.

"She requested that once we are able to mobilize a capable team, she has the chance to speak to all of its members privately." Handler noted.

"Sooo..." Gomer chuckled. "We go in there with some recording tools?"

"No." The Handler coldly said.

"Eh...?"

"We don't want to risk that being found. You can relay yourself what the Princess said if you want - but we'd rather stay within Twilight Sparkle's good will." Jet Set explained. "We need to cooperate with the Elements of Harmony fully; this isn't time to manipulate the situation in a way that we seem to be more fit. Besides, we've a common goal."

"But maybe not the same means." Cipher quietly muttered to himself.

"And..." Jet Set observed the room for a moment. "There was another request made by her, a very specific one..."

Cipher's ears perked up.

"Princess Twilight Sparkle asked that whether or not Cipher is a member of this team, that he accompanies too. And that she speaks to him first."

As confusion and surprise rose from his team members...

Cipher sighed softly, and glanced at his hooves. One metallic, the other burned.

Chapter 2 - Hooves

Flick...Light...Flick...Light...Flick...Light...Flick...Light.

As she sat on the float of her seaplane, the batpony mare played with her zip lighter; despite not having touched a single cigarette in her young life. She sat with her hind-legs adorned in a special, packed waterproof material, so that the metal would not rust as she dipped them in the water, relying on phantom pains alone to perhaps once again feel the waters adorning her once-organic legs.

She looked at the singular cabin in the distance, humming a tune softly.

Sliding the door of the seaplane open, Cipher descended upon the float to sit beside the batpony.

"Yo, Cipher." She smiled. "Still waiting on the signal, huh? I don't really get why we can't just go in there immediately. Thought the SIB had eyes on this plot of land."

"We need to be thorough. Colton says it's important that there isn't a single opening for infiltrators. They've ordered several squads of the New Mareland Defense Force to comb the surrounding area, and joined in too." Cipher explained. "A single sniper hidden in the foliage can destroy all hope we have left, or a single well-placed bomb. Can't be too careful."

"Soooo, why are you still in the seaplane with me? Not that I mind the company, I just thought your sense of situational awareness could help 'em."

"Colton's orders. Since the Princess requested to see me...He wants to make sure I'm not a target."

"Heh." The batpony grinned. "On the bright side, you get the company of yours truly. And her coffee. If we weren't on mission, I'd bust out some of my mango drinks."

"Eh, sorry Raz - your mango wine gives me heartburn. And the mango cider gives me the shits. I'll stick to the coffee - even though I'm not sure how much having a coffee machine in your plane affects its aerodynamic capability..."

The batpony giggled. "More for me then!"

"Besides..." Cipher muttered. "Kind of a weird juxtaposition - don't you get most of that stuff from your homeland - the alcohol I mean?"

"The Mediolano islands, in West Wingbardy? Yeah, what's the matter?"

"Raz - I get a lot of wine and cider is made in Wingbardy, but I don't think it has the climate for growing mangoes or the other tropical fruit you have. So, how does that work...? Is that why it messes up my stomach?"

"Oh please, it's not that bad." Raz huffed. "Bit of Mediolano islander wisdom for ya; don't look a gift pony in the mouth."

"...That makes no sense."

"Oup, you looked it in the mouth! What're'ya, a dentist?"

Cipher rolled his eyes, sitting by her side. As he did, she noticed his metallic hoof, and looked into his eyes. "So, tell me - what's it like?"

"..." Cipher tilted his head. "The mare who has two prosthetic legs is asking a stallion with a prosthetic hoof what it's like having a prosthetic hoof?"

"They're not just prosthetics." Raz humphed, folding her hooves. "They are specialized codename Rockbell designs that are designed to give me perfect control over aircraft. What good would the prosthetics be if I can't operate the rudder? It's operated by pedals, y'know, while remaining so lightweight that it does not impact the aerodynamic potential an ace omnipilot like me needs."

"Not to mention, the lack of legs limits your blood flow and allows you to be more resistant to g-force fluctuations."
"Not to mention, the lack of legs limits my blood flow and allows me to be more resistant to g-force fluctuations."

Cipher grinned, having spoken at the same time as her, predicting her words in their entire as it was far from the first time he heard them. Realizing what had happened, the thestral gave a dissatisfied humph.

"Question about the whole omnipilot thing, though." Cipher quizzed her.

"Hm?"

"Considering that you've been trained to fly every class of aircraft that exists - more or less - what's the view on that by the creatures of the Mediolano islands? I assumed it's only accepted to fly seaplanes."

"Death penalty for being seen flying anything other than a seaplane."

"W-Wait, really?"

"Of course not, doofus. It's just that there is no reason to fly anything but a seaplane in Mediolano islands. Helicopters aren't practical and neither are planes that can't float. I learned to fly helicopters though because I was commissioned as a rescue pilot a bit deeper into the mainland, and jet-based aircraft came with the military."

"Still, you learned to fly so many different types of aircraft at such a young age?" Cipher quizzed.

"Why not? Pilots usually stick to not just one type of aircraft, but one model of aircraft specifically, because it's ultimately not about memorizing controls or the like, but it's more about being able to have the muscle memory and internal adjustment for different weights and aerodynamic properties of different aircraft. I've even felt how different it is to fly the same jet model, but manufactured in different countries. You not only have to be ready to adjust to the different weapons you may be equipped for a sortie, but also how the jet will handle after delivering its payloads and becoming lighter and more aerodynamic as a result." She said.

"So, with what you've said, it leads to me to believe it's even less possible." Cipher said.

"Not at all! I'm really good at adjusting to that kinda stuff. Besides - ever since losing my legs, as you know, it made g-force a minimal issue for me. I've so many hours flying that it's not a concern."

"I'm not gonna ask how many hours you've flown--"

"12,527 hours." She said, taking a quick lean to peek at a log book in her cabin.

"...Right - but when did you even start?" Cipher asked. "I'm gonna guess perhaps when you were 18, or 17 at most. Would be weird to imagine someone letting a teen, let alone a child pilot a--"

"My first unsupervised flight was at the age of eleven." She grinned.

"Yeah, that's what I thou--...what?"

"Eleven." She blinked at him.

"...Somecreature - and I assume somegriffon..." Cipher looked at his hooves and did gestures to help him process the information. "Took you...Into a seaplane...And determined that...At eleven years old...You were capable of piloting a seaplane all by yourself, landing included...?"

"...Yeah?"

"...Do child protective services even exist in Wingbardia?"

"Not where I'm from." She grinned.

"Right." He sighed.

She blinked at him and humphed. "Your countries are weird. The only thing there should be an age limit for is sex and joining the army. Flying, driving, traveling, working, even drinking - what's the point of restricting it if you know how to do it and how to do it responsibly? You know that it's normal for children to have a - albeit - single glass of wine for dinner, right? It's a part of the culture; and wine is quite healthy."

"...Please don't tell me you've flown an airplane after drinking wine." He sighed.

"Huh!? Are you crazy?" She furrowed her brows at him.

"Phew, that's at-least nice to hear--"

"How else would I get home from Granny Gisella after dinner when we live like thirty kilometers apart!? Heellloooooo? You don't think I'm gonna SWIM back home, right?" She groaned. "And one glass isn't much! Try flying home after like, five, and then trying to land at night when you can't see the cliffs cause it's not a full moon and your spotlight's busted!" She snorted.

"...How did you end up as a pilot for any military, let alone, y'know, the Sunset Intelligence Bureau?"

"Cause I'm an ace even when drunk." She folded her hooves and gave a proud, snobbish grin.

On the horizon...Came flashing. It came in a pattern, and Raz cussed softly, hiding her zipper in her bomber jacket. "Just when I had fun talking about home. That's our cue, Ci. I'll swim ya closer to shore so you won't have to swim...too much. Just don't forget to put on the hoof sheathe, you do NOT wanna have to clean the rust off of a Rockbell." She said as she got back into the plane. Cipher opted to keep seated on the float, smiling softly - but returning to a frown as he disappeared from her line of sight.

It was time to face his fears, and regrets.

***

Cipher leaned against the door...He looked blankly forward, blinking uncertainly. He was the only pony in the building right now - except for those on the other side of the door. Silence passed for a minute, and from behind the door...came a voice.

"...You don't need to be afraid, you know..." Came a mare's voice.

"...I'm not afraid of looking at you, ma'am - please do not ever think that way...I'm afraid of other things entirely..." Sighed Cipher.

"...How are your hooves...?"

"Heh, funny you mention that...One of them is completely free of burns now...Only it's heavier, metallic, and detaches sometimes..."

"O-Oh...I'm so sorry to hear that, I-..."

"Don't be, ma'am. They're the risks I was made aware of when I joined the SIB." He softly smiled.

"...Cipher - you don't need to be ashamed. Whatever happened, it wasn't your fault. Please, don't blame yourself this much..."

"Princess...? Has...Has anypony actually survived something like what happened to me? I know you're powerful and it's not surprising that an alicorn such as yourself did, but..."

"Well, I...I don't think I've seen it happen m-much before, other than with Sombra...But...Well, it may depend on--"

"...Ma'am?"

"...No. I still don't know how it's possible - but all I know is that I'm glad you're alive. P-Please, open the door. Okay...? Mahogany is not a good conduit of sound...Heh..."

"...Would the others even want to see me, though? I--"

"My friends would never dare blame you for trying to help me back then, so please - just come in."

"Yeah!" Called out a scratchy, gruff mare's voice. "Lemme see that gnarly robo-hoof you're rockin' already! I bet it's a Rockbell, isn't it?"

With a sigh, Cipher opened the door...His frown at the sight of Twilight Sparkle deepened.

For the terrible burn scar on the left side of her face was a grim reminder of his failure.

But Twilight, instead smiled.

"It's been a while." Twilight softly spoke.

"Yeah..."

Rainbow Dash grinned, waving. "Yo, egghead." She said - the title that was infamously given oftentimes to Twilight instead meant to Cipher. "...Hah, called it." She said, looking at his prosthetic hoof, reflexively unfurling her wings; one also prosthetic, the other one the original and organic one.

"They're practically flawless - just heavy and painful to install." Cipher shrugged at her. He looked around the room, and smiled to the others.

"Hey!" Exclaimed a young male's voice. Cipher smiled as he looked at its source.

"Hey, Spike!" The earth pony responded. "How've you been?"

"Well, not great all things considered." The baby dragon sighed, approaching to stand next to Twilight. "But, at-least we're here, right?"

Cipher smiled and leaned down. "Here; I took this since I knew you were coming over. A promise is a promise, right?" He asked, hoofing him a small bag of something that made a glass-like clutter. Spike's eyes widened as he opened the bag and looked inside.

"No way!"

Cipher chuckled. "Maxixe, citrine, a bit jadeite and some rare sapphires I forgot the name of. Stuff that I researched to be somewhat more rare in Equestria. Enjoy."

"Aw man, sweet!" Spike grinned.

Cipher turned his attention to the rest of the room. Pinkie Pie watched him quietly - sitting at the tinted window sill.

"General Pie. It's good to see you."

The pink mare only nodded once - not producing a smile, but giving him a look of trust.

"Professor Fluttershy..."

"Cipher..." The pegasus softly said. "I-...I'm sorry about the hoof."

"Please, don't be...And, General Applejack?"

"..." Applejack looked at him, and sighed softly, folding her hooves.

"...President Jet Set told me." Cipher sighed. "I will persist in convincing the SIB to retrieve your family members, ma'am."

"...'Yer gonna carry the whole family farm overseas while 'yer at it?" She rose a brow.

"Applejack..." Fluttershy whispered.

"..." Cipher shook his head. "I don't do well with sarcasm, ma'am. A bit more and I might've gone and asked if we have a boat or plane big enough."

That at-least earned a smirk from Applejack, whether amused or instead, also sarcastic.

Cipher looked around the room once more, and turned to the Princess. "...Rarity...? Is she...?"

"N-No." Twilight firmly said. "No, not at all. She's alive. I know she is - and I can prove it." She said intensely. "But...She...She disappeared; on her own accord...By choice..."

"...Any idea why?"

"Only that when she was gone, it coincided with the fact that the radio in our safehouse had been set to a frequency that picked up transmissions from a Lunarist wavelength, forwarded from South Equus. I wrote down as much as I could. I have some more details, but...I need your help. The SIB's help."

Cipher nodded, but knew that there must've been something else to all this. "...Princess, why did you call me here? Why did you request to talk to me, and exclude my team - let alone the President?"

"...What was the mission that Jet Set assigned your team, Cipher?"

"...To remove Daybreaker from power. And if possible, return her as Princess Celestia."

"..." The Princess's lips quivered.

"...Ah." Cipher lowered his head. "..."If possible". That's...That's what you're not happy with."

Twilight furrowed her brows and raised her voice. "Yes! I'm not happy with the prospect that Jet Set isn't outraged with the idea of killing Celestia! My mentor! My...My--"

"Twilight..." A yellow hoof was put on her side softly. Twilight looked back, and sighed.

"...If I knew how to revert Daybreaker into Celestia - I would do it." Cipher said. "I studied this ever since, well...What happened on that day. The only possibility I know is the application of the elements of harmony, but...Well..."

"I know Jet Set intends to help us use the power of the elements, but..." Twilight took a step away towards the window, putting a hoof on Pinkie, who smiled back at her. "But...The Elements are not guaranteed to "save" her as they did with Luna after her first return as Nightmare Moon. It's a risk; what happened with Nightmare Moon was a factor I don't think we predicted or anticipated. I don't know if we can control it, and--..."

"...We don't need to solve this issue right now." Cipher said. "The mission is long. This mission might take months, maybe years. I don't think we even have the means to get close to her right now. What I can tell you is that right now, we need to get as much information as we can. Not to mention, I guess I learned the hard way that it's not easy to approach Daybreaker..."

"...So, what is going to happen now?" Asked Twilight.

"President Jet Set told me that he needed your presence and skill to help him on a few other matters that will help our operation. Particularly, helping secure alliances and assistance from our neighbors, especially those with pony populations. Your knowledge and close experience with Daybreaker - or Celestia - will be of help too."

"I feel like we're being used." Applejack groaned.

"...You are." Cipher simply said.

Applejack rose a brow at his remark.

"You look at the world as it is right now..." Muttered Cipher. "You stop feeling that locomotion is your own feat. Whether it's fate, machinations of the powerful, or whatever force you might think of, it puts you somewhere where it's necessary. I am put somewhere - as much as you are, because there's a purpose. I feel like Jet Set is just as a pawn as you make yourself to be - he's moved by the entire country to get his work done. The world is a cycle of movement we impose upon each other. The weak are moved by the powerful - but the desire to be powerful over the weak is what moves the powerful themselves."

"...Jeez." Rainbow rolled her eyes. "Was there a point to that odd little speech?"

Cipher chuckled. "If you asked me if you're being used, and I told you "No, not at all", is that kinda answer reassuring at all?"

Dash shrugged with her mixed wings. "Beats me."

Cipher turned to Twilight. "You do not need to trust Jet Set - or the SIB. At the end of the day, we're still clandestine operatives working for a goal that suits our country's interests - not the greater good." He told her. "But I ask you to trust me in that I have a personal stake in this. I knew it would come to this - so I didn't allow myself to die in Zebrica."

"Cipher..." Twilight frowned, stepping reaching a hoof out to him.

"..." Cipher looked her in the eyes - and allowed a single tear to escape.

"Princess...Please...Give me this chance to make things right. To correct my failure and my mistakes." He said with a soft whimper. "I will not let myself fail again as I did then - and if I do, I will not allow myself to cheat death again - especially not at the cost of someone else's life...P-Please...I--"

Twilight's hoof was positioned to his shoulder. He looked up at her - before having looked through her rather than at her.

Princess Twilight Sparkle softly sighed. "...I will trust you Cipher - and the SIB. We'll make things right." She smiled.

Slightly, Cipher nodded.

Chapter 3 - Icarus Team

The meek journalist stood in-front of the building; at a very specific position as instructed by the city's guards, so that the windows had no line of sight on her. She stood behind a truck, but at an angle with which the camerapony could get somewhat of a shot at the building, and some of the windows; not minding that he risked his life for a good shot.

"Egh..." A nearby guard groaned. "You press ponies - do you really need to lug all of this gear around? Ain't a way to not carry all this?" He asked the journalist.

The camerapony gave the guard a shrug. "When they make smaller cameras and microphones and transmitters - ya bet."

The guard sighed and walked away. With a small "hmph", the journalist pony was given a microphone - attached to a long series of machinery with a built-in antenna.

"Are we ready?" She asked the camerapony.

"Ready when you are - big gal. Just don't poke your head out." He chuckled. "My stuff ain't waterproof."

"...Charming." She sighed. "Don't miss the mark - when are we live?"

"Almost - I'll start the countdown in a bit. Gussy up, ya?"

"Ugh, whatever you say." She said, brushing her mane and briefly checking her portable mirror, before putting it away and standing ready.

"Three...Two...One...Let's hear ya!"

"Ahem. Good evening - Echo Voice reporting. The tensions between the hostage-takers and the city's guard have been increasing, as gunshots have been heard from inside the embassy." The journalist said. "Although the hostage-takers have not agreed to dialogue following the shots, snipers and observers have deduced that a hostage has been killed - mister Rowler, who was a member of embassy staff. However, the guard has not been able to siege the embassy, and the reasons have not been clear. This is the sixth day of the siege, and as the sun sets and visibility lessens, we may only speculate how many more days it can be prolonged fo-- H-Hey! Where are you pointing the camera!?"

"Up there!" The cameraman exclaimed.

Realizing what was happening, Echo spoke into the microphone. "H-Hold on! W-What appears to be a group of soldiers are gathering on the roof top of the building!"

***

"Icarus team." The unicorn Major told his seven subordinates as they rigged the rappels between the ledges and their black, featureless uniforms, his gas mask raised to allow him to speak audibly. "Twenty eight hostages - ten tangos. I expect this to be clean and quick - any longer than five minutes and we can consider our performance to be sloppy. I expect no more than four bullets per target - chest and head. No talking to press - no revealing your faces." He said. "Guard the hostages with your lives. Take hostiles prison only if they're surrendering. I'm not repeating this. Everypony, operation commences in thirty seconds. Alpha, on me. Bravo - you're with Pepper." The stallion ordered, finally putting the mask over his face.

"Yes sir." Softly said Lieutenant Pepper Scorch with her gas mask already worn, as she and three other operators started to slowly descend closer to the windows.

"You smell that, Leftenant?" Grinned the stallion to her right - Sergeant Strive. "That's the sweet, sweet smell of ascension. After this, we're gonna get noticed by the big lady herself."

"'Fore you worry about ascension - worry 'bout not letting the enemy ascend a gun barrel towards that ugly face of yours." The Lieutenant scoffed, her pegasus wings folding to make sure the entry would not injure them. With a single motion of her hoof, she put on her nightvision device. "Adler, Sizzle - you two ready?"

The two corporals had quietly whispered in agreement. Pepper looked left, and gave the Major a gest of readiness. Which was returned by him. He started to tap his hoof against the wall - every tap indicating a countdown from five to one.

Tap.

Tap.

Tap.

Tap.

Tap.

Eight windows had shattered into a mad flurry of shards, an explosion of glass that blew across the entire room.

"They're here!" Screamed a stallion in the dark - who shot at one of the silhouettes...But was unable to note that it had sank into the shadows - his shot going nowhere. He was dropped instantly - two 45 ACP bullets had connected with his chest and head.

"W-Who the fuck!?" A mare shouted - her final words as her corpse sank into the cover of shadows.

"Guys!" Yelled a voice from an adjacent room. "W-We have intruders! Open fire!"

"But the hostages!?" Asked another muffled voice.

"Fuck them! I'd rather get out of here alive!"

The two voices had opened blind fire through the door. The operators refused to fire not knowing who or what was on the other side - but all it took was a little patience and cover. As the holes were formed in the wood, Pepper and Adler were each able to take a controlled shot at the gunponies, dropping them.

"How many hostages in this room?" Pepper asked her corporals.

"Eighteen, ma'am!" Sizzle exclaimed.

"Ten may have been taken as part of a contingency plan in another part of the building." The Major said. "Bravo - sweep second floor. Alpha - first floor, on me."

With three stallions in a file behind her, the Lieutenant began to walk at a firm pace with her gun trained forward, her boots enabling her to walk completely silently despite the intensity of her speed. Yells rang through the walls - from hostages and hostiles - but none from their own operators, Pepper knew that much.

"No radios..." The Sergeant sighed. "Sniper updates would be nice."

"Adapt." She said, stacking up to a door. "Snipers last reported three tangos in this room, intel is currently dated by 3 minutes. Be ready." She said, producing a flashbang.

With a flash of white and a thundering explosion - the two assailants were not prepared. One of them had taken a stallion as a living shield - but it only took a single bullet in the head to drop him. The other was dropped just as quickly while he attempted to cower.

"Six hostages here, others must be below for Alpha." Paprika said. "Search 'em and gather them, we're taking them outside."

"...They're clear as ice, ma'am." Adler told her, taking one of the hostages - a red stallion, and propping him onto his hooves, and then doing the same with the rest.

"...Affirmative." Softly cursing, she began to take the hostages by the collars of their clothing and form them in a line, ordering them to then follow her.

They would advance further through the hallways - albeit the hostages were confused why she opted to go for a more winded path that led them to a stairwell.

Suddenly, Pepper had turned around and grabbed one of the hostages by the neck - the red stallion who Adler had checked earlier. Swiftly, she had shoved him - and losing balance, the stallion began to fall down the stairs.

As he fell down and his consciousness wavered, he had been met with a pair of green nightvision lights in the dark - before blackness swiftly took him forever. The grenade that he had planned to use harmlessly rolled away, its pin still nested. Without a word, the Major knew that the stallion that was dropped onto the floor he was clearing was by no means friendly.

The hostages looked both relieved and in terror. Pepper smiled at them. "Guess he kept you quiet with the threats, huh? Good call on staying cool. Best hostages I've had the pleasure of saving." She chuckled softly to herself, before beginning to descend down the stairs as the second floor had been thoroughly searched; passing by the corpse of the hostile who had attempted to blend in with the hostages.

And as another pair of silenced gunshots erupted...It took for four minutes and forty two seconds for all the hostages to be safely brought outside; all of them zip-tied, laid on the ground, and identified by the guard one at a time.

Sergeant Strive laughed at Pepper as they left the building. "So your "ice" trick worked, huh?"

"I figured they'd try blending with the hostages. It was best to have a codeword without raising suspicion."

Echo Voice ran as fast as she could to the eight black-clad ponies. "E-Excuse me! Excuse me! Echo Voice - Equus Oculus News! M-May we please ask some questions?"

As per orders, the eight ponies would shake their heads, and turn away.

Echo's eyebrow twitched as she cussed softly. "B-But, please! Everypony wants to know the names of the heroes such as yourselves, I-I..."

All hope of getting an interview seemed lost...

Until spoke a mare's wicked voice.

"These fillies and gentlecolts..." The approaching mare's voice sounded. "Are a highly trained team belonging to a special forces unit of our glorious army, the unit that goes by the title - The Special Insertion Force."

This caught the attention of Icarus team, who turned around to face the mare who had so easily given away their identity.

"...General Aurora." Whispered the Major.

The tall mare smiled wide. "Major--, ah, I suppose your name ought to be redacted." She giggled. "Ahem. Major; it's been a while. Have your legs healed?"

"They ache when I remember how the lack of updates from command was the reason we were stuck in the fight longer than we had to." The Major coldly said, prompting Aurora to laugh softly.

"Oh Major - you've always been a sour lil' cocktail of pessimism, rudeness, and disrespect. Shame you're a war hero - can't do much to punish ya." She giggled, and turned to Echo. "You're a smart mare, and you know what to keep off the record, right?" She asked, shooting a look at the camerapony not to turn on his camera, which made him squeak softly as he nearly dropped it entirely.

Echo would only nod her head - nervously and meekly.

The Major sighed. "What do you want?"

Aurora gave a big, warm smile. "I've come to inform you that Her Majesty, Daybreaker, is considering ascending you and your team - provided you can pull off one more assignment. That's what I overheard, at-least."

Pepper's eyes widened behind the tinted gas mask, while Strive had a big grin. The Major however, remained facially stationary.

"That's what you overheard, huh. Is that all?"

Aurora rose a brow at him. "Are you disregarding the words of Daybreaker herself, Major?"

"General Aurora - these words hold weight when said by Daybreaker herself, or by somepony with the appropriate designation to speak on her behalf." The stallion softly scoffed. "I am not under your command. I am under hers, and of much higher authorities you're not aware of. Don't bother me just to antagonize me. Daybreaker's words will reach me one way or another. Mail, telegraph, telephone, even via fucking pidgeon if needs be. As it stands, I do not answer to the words of the Baltimare Butcher."

"...What did you call me?" Aurora softly hissed.

"...They were enemies of the state - but they were ponies. Equestrians, as much as they deemed themselves not to be." The Major softly said. "If I had the authority - I'd have you shot for using white phosphorus. Get out of my sight, you mangy, wretched bitch."

"...You're going to dance like a little trained puppy if I want you to - Silver." She whispered - voice seeping with venom.

"And if I want to, I'll have you squirming on a noose." The Major softly said, and looked at Echo. "If you need to report - report this. Eques--...The Solar Empire does not negotiate with terrorists. Let this operation be a message to those willing to endanger its citizens. That's the only flashy bit of words you need for a good headline, miss journalist." He said, and whistled over to his team. Perking up to attention, the other seven ponies had run over to the black van, and boarded it - Pepper being the last pony to board.

The lieutenant made eye contact with General Aurora for a moment, and felt a sense of dread wash over her.

And she hated that she was met with Aurora's smile - one that was visually pleasant and warm; but radiated with toxic wickedness.

Pepper closed the door to the van, and it drove off.

Softly whimpering, Echo turned to the tall General, who had to crane her head down to look at the journalist.

And the general's smile widened into a bigger grin.

"An interview, then. Shall we?" Aurora proposed.

Chapter 4 - Awkward Silence

Five of the elements of harmony sat on one side of the table - while Colton's team sat on the other. President Jet Set sat at the head of the table, and the handler sat at the other. The pilot - Raz, had been allowed to join in on the conversation. In the meantime, Spike was taken by Upper Crust on a tour around the facility - none in the party wanting Spike to have to deal with the conversation.

It was a table full of colorful personalities, and creatures of some importance and high skill...

And yet, there was an awkward silence - that followed the exchange of information between the elements of harmony, the Handler, and Jet Set.

"..."

"...Soooo..." Gomer coughed awkwardly. "We uh, gonna continue the talkin'?"

"Words are very unnecessary. They can only do harm." Chari said under her breath, heard only by Cipher, who smirked for a flash, before returning to normalcy.

Twilight Sparkle sighed. "These circumstances don't really allow for easy talking...Gomer, right?"

"One and only." He chuckled. "Speaking of which, mind if I ask an unrelated question?"

"...Sure?" She rose a brow.

"Rainbow Dash, right?" Gomer looked at the blue pegasus. "Rumor was that you were friends with my General. Gilda ring any bells?"

The pegasus chuckled. "Not as loud as that scratchy voice of hers." She blurted out.

"'Yer one to talk." Applejack softly giggled, prompting Rainbow Dash to roll her eyes.

"But yeah." Dash smiled. "We used to go to the same flight camp. Then we met up again - kinda broke off cause she was rude to Pinkie. Then we kinda made up for it later - and since then I kinda haven't seen 'er." She said.

The griffon laughed. "She's been well - if you're wondering. Her reputation as the "Guardian of the East" has landed her the position of Field Marshal overlooking Griffonstone's entire eastern border. She hasn't been kicking Blackrock's ass - but at-least she's made sure Griffonstone isn't getting theirs kicked by her."

"Yeah - though I heard you were kinda getting your butts kicked at the start." Rainbow Dash coughed softly.

Gomer shrugged. "I was able to poke enough holes from inside Blackrock to give us an upper talon in the whole conflict, but Gilda was the only one able to push them farther east when Vartai invaded Northern Blackrock." He said.

Rainbow blinked at him for a second. "Ah - so you're that mysterious loner that Gilda wrote to me about those years ago, the one that got stuck in those bandit lands for like, a buncha years. Heard you killed Blackrock's personal marksgriffon squad."

Gomer rubbed the back of his head with a talon. "Don't give me that much credit, kid." He laughed. "A soldier will always be better than a bandit "marksgriffon". They didn't even have scopes over 4-times magnification...I bet they had no idea how to zero their scopes either."

Jet Set smiled softly, glad that a conversation had started - as part of his auxiliary plan.

The batpony scoffed softly, pouring grape soda into her cup. "Oh Gomer, always humble in-front of those you want to impress - and yet more boastful than Beakolini when you're with us."

"Don't you boast about your flying skill and g-force resistance like every day?" Plymouth whined softly.

Applejack was unable to stop laughing, nudging Rainbow Dash the entire time. "Every day beats every minute, I'll tell ya that much."

"I don't boast THAT much. Right Fluttershy?" Rainbow Dash shot the pegasus a look - but the timid gal was unable to neither agree or disagree, making Applejack laugh more.

"Actually." Twilight Sparkle coughed. "Mister Colton - we haven't had much time for introductions - the trip here was kind of...quiet."

Colton gave a polite nod. "You know Cipher, our information, decryption, and tech specialist - and you became acquainted with Gomer just now - our marksgriffon, demolitionsgriffon, and--"

"Handsomemotherfuckergriffon." Gomer coughed - which prompted the Handler to shoot a most terrifying glare at him underneath his glasses. Gomer blushed remembering that the president was present - but relaxed upon noticing that he had been distracted sifting through some things while Gomer spoke.

Colton sighed, and continued. "...And our weapons expert. To my right is Plymouth - our Lake-City born operative. He's a specialist in terrains and tactics - alongside survival skills and guerilla warfare." Colton said - which he noticed coaxed a displeased look from the unicorn.

"You forgot camouflage expert, bladed CQC specialist, and qualified combat medic." Plymouth pouted.

"And a serial whiner, right." Colton coughed. "Chari to his right is our infiltration specialist - of course - but she is our CBRN expert and, well..."

Chari gave a toothy grin with her pointy fangs. "He can never eloquently put into words the fact that my ability to transform into animals is just handy for combat and other situations. Also I'm the other qualified medic, and black propaganda specialist."

"B-Black propaganda?" Fluttershy squeaked.

"Strategical gaslighting." Was the best Chari could put out.

Colton nodded over Chari's right. "And to her right is our newest member Umfuni. Culture and linguistics expert - which we learned can be handy. Our diplomat and rapport-builder. But also a scary force of nature when it comes to breaching. Bucked a door so hard it managed to launch a mannequin through the plaster wood and right through another mannequin on the other side. Also pretty good with grenade launchers."

"Sir!" Umfuni coughed. "Y-You're making me sound much too intimidating."

"Pretty sure he's tryina not make you look too soft after the first thing he said." Raz giggled.

"And that bat next to 'im is Raz." Colton smirked. "Our pilot."

"..."

"..."

"Aaaaand?" Raz leaned towards Colton, having to gently push through Umi to do so.

"And?"

"Come on - where's the rest?"

"Raz what else is there other than the fact you're a pilot?"

"Maybe the fact that I'm an omnipilot?"

Rainbow Dash's eyes widened. "Whoa. You're not kidding that you're an omnipilot, are you? Even I couldn't make that claim - you wouldn't get me to fly anything slower than a fighter."

"Somepony appreciates me." Raz stuck her tongue out at Colton, making Umi cringe as he felt some saliva drool on him. "But yeah - I got a knack for aircraft. It's in my blood."

As always - the blue pegasus saw a challenge, and grinned. "Well, then I gotta see if your flying skills can compare to mine."

"Just try to go for a 90 degree turn and we'll see." Raz laughed.

The conversation went on - until Twilight's silence became...noticed. All eyes were on her - and her eyes were on the president. She looked at Jet Set seriously. "Mr. President - there is one condition I will want to ask of."

"Of course, ma'am?"

"...I want Rarity rescued immediately."

"Ma'am..." Jet Set sighed. "We wish to have Rarity returned her immediately as well - do not doubt this. But we have no intel to go on. We would have the SIB acting blind, entering a territory they have no assets or intel in. I--"

"Otherwise, if you won't even make an effort..." Twilight firmly said. "I will not cooperate - not until I know my friend is being rescued."

"Ma'am..." Jet Set sighed. "I--"

"Princess Sparkle." The Handler spoke up. "I respectfully remind you that you here are a guest, and that your title of a Princess is not a sign of authority in the independent state of New Mareland. This does not give you the right to give orders or demands to the President."

Twilight narrowed his eyes as she looked at him. "I see how it is. In that case, I certainly won't mind going back to Equus to rescue her. I came here believing that it was our common goal, that I would be able to look for her with the assistance of New Mareland's best - but if it isn't the case, what reason do I have to cooperate?"

"Princess..." The Handler was about to speak.

But Cipher stood up, and smiled. "Finding Rarity isn't the hardest part - we have enough intel to start with. Why not split the teams? One half can go to South Equus, the other can investigate the activity on Clover Island."

"...Clover Island?" Applejack leaned in.

The Handler sighed. "This was meant to be our primary objective." He looked at the mare. "While we sent the SIB to retrieve you six, we had been notified by the New Mareland Coast Guard of strange activity and signatures on Clover Island - an island some hundreds of kilometers from the coast. Practically unseen on the map, but still in New Mareland's waters - just barely."

"And still, we can multitask." Cipher suggested.

"You know I'm the leader here, right?" Colton rose a brow.

"Yeah - but think about it." Cipher insisted. "I have a hunch where Rarity could be found; and the more operatives we bring, the more potentially dangerous the mission can be due to the detection. On the other hand, if we just grab a few reserve members, we might be able to balance the two teams to kill two birds with one stone. Everycreature's priorities will be met at the same time."

"...Mister Handler?" Jet Set asked. "Would you approve of this method?"

The Handler softly tapped the table in thought. "...Cipher, Plymouth, Chari, Raz, you're going to rescue Rarity. Colton, Gomer, Umfuni; you're given a small auxiliary fire team of four creatures, Recon Team Typhoon, to enter Clover Island and determine what is going on there."

"And us...?" The Elements of Harmony asked.

Jet Set smiled. "I could use your help too...But not in a way that will involve risking your lives." He said. "I will need to meet some rather...big names on this continent. I was hoping you could come."

Chapter 5 - Two Leaf Clover

The rain was pouring heavily, the tropical island becoming wet, and the mud had become sloppy and malleable. Sitting in the foliage of a hill overlooking the island, Colton adjusted his bullpup as he scanned what he saw.

"Typhoon." He softly spoke into his radio. "Adjust your approach. The East side of the compound seems to be patrolled by attack dogs and long-ranged sentries. West is possibly landmined. Copy?"

"Yeah boss - we know." The leader of Typhoon said reported back. "By the way, you guys gonna come to Typhoon 4's wedding when it happens?"

The radio cut in as the medic spoke with excitement. "My dumb ass is finally proposing after 5 years! I ain't letting myself die on this mission."

"Typhoon 4..." Gomer spoke into the radio. "Look, don't talk about this kinda stuff on a mission, aight? The first person to bring up their relationship is usually the first one to die."

"That's just in the movies, bozo." 4 scoffed. "You better bring a nice gift for the wedding when I survive this, ya fool."

"Whatever you say." Gomer shuddered. "Nhh, fuck. He's totally dying."

"Sir." Umfuni said as he looked through his binoculars. "I see an armored car entering the premises, bearing two, four, two."

Colton's aim appropriately adjusted for the coordinates, and indeed - he saw what appeared to be an armored half-track driving through the gates.

"...See someone notable in there?" Gomer asked.

"...Ah shit. Nopony good." Colton cussed.

"Eh? Lemme see." Gomer's own sniper adjusted left - before he put the gun down. "...Ah shit, no way. That's not who I think it is, is it?"

"It is." Colton sighed.

Gomer spat on the ground below him. "I'd rather see fucking Prince Blueblood or something! What the fuck's the Butcher of Baltimare doing here!?"

They would see General Aurora exit the car, and a pony had approached her, looking somewhat distraught and nervous. They would trail her with their scopes as she entered a building, and disappeared behind the door.

"...Sir?" Umfuni asked. "The presence of high command from the Solar Empire means danger for New Mareland if we are identified. What's our move?"

"Our mission isn't complete." Colton stated. "We're here to understand what's happening - not who's involved. Stick to the plan. If Aurora dies, she dies."

"Sir, we may be risking an international incident that may damage New Mareland's security." Umfuni said.

"This island itself may be damaging to New Mareland's security. Let's move it." He said, and patted Gomer.

The Griffon nodded, and produced a crossbow-like device. It shot out a small anchor far, far away - and into an adjacent mountain. The anchor had carried over a rope, which he tugged hard several times, before nodding. He gave out everyone a small hook-like device, to allow them to use the rope as a zip-line. He was the first to go - relatively safe with his wings as he would test out the integrity of the connection first. Confirming its safety, the other two followed.

***

Wading through the foliage, they were able to approach the fence. It wasn't electrified - but it was coated in thick barbed wire at its top. Colton nodded to Umfuni, and the zebra approached the fence. He produced a small spray can, and giving it a shake, he squeezed the trigger, and allowed a silvery liquid to start coating the metal. Then, with a pull of his gloved hoof, the covered fencing was easily torn off - silently. They slipped through the hole.

There were parked vehicles, crates, containers, all manner of miscellaneous objects that allowed them to take cover. They were now on cemented road, which forced them to take cover as a jeep would drive by them - its headlights unable to detect them. The complex was the size of a soccer field - and it was a grueling challenge to stay undetected. They were able to move up by about ten meters a minute; laying under parked trucks. They saw an opening to stand up, and did so, softly walking through the concealed spots between structures and objects.

The first kill came as a guard was on a collision course with Gomer, who walked around the corner. Deciding not to take risks, Gomer had pulled the guard in. The guard had no time to scream as Gomer's clawed talon had pierced itself right into his throat in tandem with the pull - to ensure silence - before a horizontal swipe of his sharp claw ensured blood loss and immobilization. Gomer had allowed the soon limp body to drop on the floor. Before the body was to be hidden however - all three took a brief moment to observe the body.

The dead pony was dressed in a tigerstripe camouflage and a webbing-based rig, as well as a two-eyehole balaclava and a headset, armed with what appeared to be a New Mareland-made battle rifle.

"...Not a Solar Empire uniform if I've ever seen one." Gomer noted.

"Mercenaries?" Umfuni asked.

"Not sure." Colton said. "Could be - could be something else."

They were able to stuff the body into a small opening behind a dumpster - knowing they had little time. They would continue making their way through the compound - but took note of an obstacle. There was a metallic pillbox next to their objective - a large defended position with spotlights and machine guns. Colton cursed - knowing such a threat would make it difficult to remain silent.

They would have to cut through a quonset hut. Gomer had used the barrel of his gun to start peeking the door open...And felt it get stopped by something. He nodded to Colton.

Bucking the door open, the guard that was smoking and leaning against the door was launched forward and ragdolled across the floor. Gomer had broken in, taking a silenced shot a guard who sprung up from a chair, while Umfuni's silenced gun headshot a guard who reached for his own gun. A heavily sleeping guard was none the wiser - Colton silently wading past him...And continuing on forward after slitting his throat with his knife. They emerged through the other side as they were closer - within twenty meters.

"Target should be in one of these buildings. Any intel that can help us figure out the meaning of all this shit will be sufficient." Colton whispered.

As they scanned the situation around the hut - they saw an opportunity to keep moving - but it would result in them being right in-front of the pillbox...

They would find another opening to keep moving - but then, the tide had changed.

Colton had ended up going around a corner - and bumped into a guard - and another two behind him. He grabbed the guard up-close and reached for his silenced pistol - shooting one of the distant ones...but allowing another to take a shot with his own unsilenced pistol - hitting the spine of the meatshield - and receiving a bullet back in the head. The commotion of the shot had allured much interest...and gunfire followed.

"Shit!" Gomer ducked as fire rained down from the pillbox - machine guns boxing them behind a section of concrete wall that seemed to have some limited integrity as the bullets chipped away.

The team suddenly held onto their ears - as a piercing sound came from the loudspeakers of the base.

"Well well~!" Called out the playful voice of General Aurora. "I was waiting for intruders - but not ones able to actually fight so well. Special ops, from the looks of it. Who are ya? E.L.F.? Some communists? Aquileia? Wait - I know; some more Changelings trying to restore their stillborn dream? Ah, maybe you're just some scum that survived in Baltimare and now you're here only because somepony tipped you off about my location..."

"Or maybe you're New Marelanders - would make more sense that this island is in your waters, ehe..."

Colton cursed softly, taking cover as a bullet had nearly torn off his head.

"Tell ya what!" Aurora called out. "Surrender, and this will be easy for you! Give us the information we want, and we will allow you to comfortably live in Canterlot. I swear it - since this isn't my philosophy - it is Her Majesty's - Daybreaker's. I myself would've torn the skin off your bodies while keeping you high on adrenaline, but that's not really an incentive, eheh...So come on, raise your hooves, drop your weapons, yadda yadda - tell us what we need, you get immunity, and you can live comfortably...Come on!...Well - I'm waiting!...No? Wait, seriously?"

"...Hahahaha...Oh wow..." Aurora laughed. "Okay. You're either stupid, or just brave! I like that. Okay then. Don't blame me if this island becomes your grave. Boys and girls - do whatever you want to our guests! Shoot them, burn them, rape them - I really don't care much. I promised to be back in Canterlot by the next general's reception in Manehattan, and this little inspection took my time. And to you my clandestine fellows, toodles~. I'll find out your identities and deliver whatever remains to your families in gift boxes. Ehe~."

The sound of a helicopter engine revving up was heard - indicating that the mare in question had been able to secure her transport. They were unable to peek their head out to see whether or not it ascended - for trying to get too nosy of their environment could prove to be lethal.

"Damn, this bitch doesn't just have a screw loose - her entire fucking foundation is made with cardboard or some shit!" Gomer called out, loading a stripper clip into his rifle.

"Shut up and focus on getting outta here alive!" Colton shouted. "They're gonna surround us if we don't act - we need to cut off our flanks ASAP!" He put his hoof to his radio. "Typhoon - report position!"

"We're on the North side of the compound, engaging the targets!" Typhoon-1 exclaimed. "Orders?!"

"Keep an eye on your flanks!" Colton exclaimed. "Use your mines if you need to! I'm going to radio Station for--"

"CAS!" Gomer yelled.

"An evacuation!" Umfuni exclaimed.

"...I'm going to order a napalm strike on the treelines!" He shouted.

"Oooh shit, u-uh, c-copy!" Typhoon-1 exclaimed.

"Colton!?" Umfuni and Gomer shouted in unison.

"We're not going to stay here longer than we need to, and we can't leave earlier. The rain might not let the napalm burn too long, but it's gonna give us a time window!" He said, and took his radio and dialed it to a different channel. "All-Father! This is Colton, clearance code Sierra-5, Oscar-2, Alpha-9! Requesting a danger-close napalm strike on the treelines surrounding Objective Omega! How copy!?"

"Copy - keep away from the trees. Deploying Super Sabres on your position. ETA for strike five minutes, over and out."

"Five minutes!?" Gomer yelled. "I know that's impressively fast since I don't know in what bumfuck part of the ocean the closest carrier is - but fuck me that's still too long!"

"Then I expect you to do as well in these five minutes as you did in six years in Blackrock, Gomer!" Colton shouted. "What guns are they firing!?" Colton asked.

"Seem to be those "buzzsaw" bitches!" Gomer exclaimed. "Looked like that shit was belt-fed! Why, you're gonna wait for them to run out of ammo or some shit!?"

"...Wait one minute!" Colton exclaimed.

The three males did their best for the minute. Gomer would see an enemy attempting to run around them, and swiftly shot them dead. Umfuni had done the same on his side, a burst from his assault rifle downing three enemies that tried to run and gun towards them. Colton had timed it - one minute.

"Umfuni - we're gonna advance. Pop smoke screens!"

Umfuni acted fast - his underbarrel grenade launcher now housing a smoke grenade. Firing it, he repeated the process four times - and the high-pressure smoke grenades had formed a long white wall.

"Get in there and find cover!" Yelled Colton.

His timing was perfect - for he knew the limits of changeling-made weaponry. He had believed that the crew manning the machine gun was struggling not with the lack of ammo, but the overheating of the barrel. As they tried to swiftly change the barrel - they would spot a small, brown ball land in their elevated pillbox.

The explosion from within the pillbox and the screaming had indicated that the larger danger was dealt with - but there were still other concerns. The three had managed to make it deeper into the compound - swiftly shooting at the targets as they noted them. Umfuni's lack of experience was apparent - as he hadn't noticed a markspony aiming a rifle at him from the corner of a nearby building. This was remedied fast by Gomer - who saw the threat before it hit the Zebra, firing his sniper and reducing the foe's head to mush. Noting this, Zebra turned to Gomer, and gave a thankful nod.

As time passed - a terrible sound pierced the skies; and the night sky had lit up orange. The napalm was delivered - a flurry of fire overtaking the treeline - the heavy rain yet unable to truly put out the thick liquid-based fire. Distant screams were heard even through the sound of gunfire and rain, making Colton smirk. He was right - they tried to flank them through the forest.

They would fight on until they were near the center of the compound, pressed against a shipping container.

"We're gonna figure out what this base is for at the same time while fighting off these bastards!?" Gomer yelled. "Tall order, ain't it!?"

"I'll do the former part myself! You two cover me. Umfuni, smoke that building's front door with tear gas!" He yelled, pointing at the only structure that had been made of concrete - a two storey structure. It contained a large antenna on the roof, and a gas tank on the side. To Colton, this definitely looked like a building of importance - perhaps the headquarters.

Umfuni nodded, loading in his next smoke grenade as he aimed at the front door.

"But we didn't bring any fucking gas masks!" Gomer yelled.

"I'll figure it out. Cover me!" Colton humphed as he wrapped the scarf on his neck around his nose, and sprinted for the building. Gomer nodded, popping out of cover to dump his magazine at the enemy lines, while Umfuni fired another smoke grenade parallel to Colton's position and the enemy's.

Colton busted through the front door - and as luck had it, his anticipations were met. An enemy was struggling to put on his gas mask, and was caught off-guard as the door slammed him against the wall, cracking the mask partially. As it dropped, Colton shoved him against the wall once more - causing lethal blunt trauma. Swiftly, he put on the mask without skipping a beat, and was able to breathe under the gas.

Through the thick and oppressive smoke, he could hear coughing, gagging, and vomiting. He waded through the cloud and rid of his targets as was needed - firing off his bullpup in controlled bursts at whatever armed threat he saw. He hadn't anticipated however the barrel of an assault rifle bump into his mask as he walked through the cloud. With a swift and quick-reflexive movement of his neck, the bullet was only able to shoot only the side of the gasmask and break it apart. Colton had quickly moved behind this target and used his own rifle to choke him, while wrestling him down into the ground. With just enough pressure, he was able to overpower him, and use the rifle to break his enemy's neck, before taking his gasmask for himself. He proceeded to the stairs, where he anticipated his target to be. The smoke hadn't been so potent at that point, so he lifted the mask up to his forehead, entering with his gun trained to check corners.

He was in an empty section, and the room he had reached at the end of the hallway seemed to be a briefing room. However, this was no time for investigation. He saw a duffel bag, and swiftly scooped everything he saw; from papers, to notebooks, to maps, to staplers, and even accidentally a bobblehead of Daybreaker. The bag had weighed a solid ten kilogrammes as it was filled with all the things he was able to sweep off the desk and into the bag.

However - he had felt that the room was somewhat heating up...And the smoke was no longer a shade of grey, but black. He knew that a fire must have started - reacting with the tear gas and whatever flammable factor had occurred on the floor below him...But he was well aware that the building had a gas tank connecting to it from the outside...

Decisively, Colton grabbed the bag, and used the gas mask as protection as he rammed head-first through the glass pane; just in-time as a massive explosion tore off the side of the building. He spun over the dirt - and blinked as he saw he had landed at the foot of an armed hostile, who looked down at him somewhat stunned to have seen such a stunt.

Before the foe could take advantage of Colton's helplessness, a bullet had shot through the back of his head. Swiftly thinking, Colton pulled out his sidearm to fire at the closest two foes who were in the same squad. In the distance, he saw Typhoon team approach; missing one of its four members.

"Okay - our teams linked!" Typhoon 1 exclaimed, noting Gomer and Umfuni who were able to start going around the corner of the building to approach them. "What's next?"

"There were two helicopters on this base - we'll take the other one! Umfuni should be qualified as a pilot."

"So is Typhoon 2." 1 nodded. "Did we get what we needed?" He asked, wincing from a bullet that passed him, and swiftly turning a 180 degrees to return two bullets, eliminating the foe who was a 100 meters away.

"We'll have to hope!" Colton said, patting the duffel bag.

By now, Gomer and Umfuni had run up to the rest of Typhoon. Goomer looked at them, and frowned.

"Damn it! I told you he wouldn't make it...The poor guy. Which one of you's telling his girlfriend!?"

"What? Who?" Typhoon 1 asked.

"You know - the kid! Typhoon 4 - the one who was gonna propose and shit!"

"...Actually I'm right here." Typhoon 4 raised a hoof.

"...Oh. Who died then?"

"Typhoon 3." 1 sighed. "We've used the emergency cremation-spell kit on him, his body should've turned to ash by now."

"May the road from now on be peaceful for him." Umfuni frowned. "Where are the helicopters?"

"Forty meters - over that low fence!" Colton yelled.

"That's going to cut through two enemy positions!" Typhoon 2 yelped.

"Umfuni - smokes!?" Colton asked.

"I'm out!" The Zebra replied.

"We sit here and they're gonna go around and smoke us! Fuck!" Gomer grunted.

"...Okay - we'll do this the hard way. Hunker down." Colton grunted. The others had taken cover behind whatever angle they could've used to prevent an enemy advance.

"...Oh fuck no you're not." Gomer understood immediately what Colton wanted to do the moment the pegasus picked up his radio.

"Evac is impossible anyways - I saw the bodies and some of them got launchers. We'll just shock and awe these fuckers." Colton whispered.

"I'm not ready to become a roast chicken you bastard!" Gomer grunted, taking off the head of three enemies who tried to run up on them from their side, loading in another clip immediately in a manner of seconds.

"All-Father." Colton spoke into the radio. "Sierra-5, Oscar-2, Alpha-9. Two napalm strikes on the east and west portions of the compound. The burning building is friendlies. Do not target the helicopter landing pad to our north, over!"

"This is All-Father; the position of the carrier has changed - the ETA will be only two minutes...But your request is danger close and our pilots are going to have to work at night. If the napalm's burned some of the power lines, there may be no visibility on the target itself. Please confirm, over."

"Rather get burned than captured, All-Father. Send it!"

"...Copy that, the pilots will do their best. Over."

"...Oh fuck." Gomer sighed. "I didn't think I'd live long enough to have napalm called on me. Colton, you fucking owe me!"

"Stop whining! We're gonna have to make a dash for the helos as soon as those bombs drop!" Colton yelled. He saw the helmet of an enemy poke through the side, and shot the wall just a little behind it, the penetration of his weapon enough to kill the enemy attempting to use a decoy, while using sheet metal as cover. For the next two minutes, the six did their best - but those minutes were straining, foes pouring at them through various angles and openings.

"Out of ammo!" Typhoon 1 yelled as he pulled out his pistol.

"Last stripper!" Gomer yelled, putting in the last stripper clip into his sniper.

"Last magazine, no more grenades!" Umfuni yelled.

"Havin' a pity contest!?" Typhoon 4 exclaimed. "I've run out of ammo like a minute ago but was to embarrassed to admit it! Last handgun mag!"

"...Fuck! Everyone, hit the deck!" Colton yelled as loud as he could - for the sky was pierced with a most terrible sound. The six all hit the dirt with their faces, not caring as they kissed the mud - for that was vastly preferable to what was happening to those out in the open. Orange had engulfed the camp, and so did screams. Earlier, the rain had made it cold and damp...Now it was hot and sweltering. Colton looked around - and saw that it was as he intended; a path was made, and the sides of this path were burning. He saw silhouettes of burning creatures as they stumbled. But he had no time to reflect on the horror. He grabbed Umfuni and raised him onto his feet, yelling for the others to get up.

The six would run - the only bullets fired at them were stray, and their accuracy dampened by the fire and smoke. The helicopter was in sight - both Gomer and Typhoon 2 made a dash to get to the cockpit as fast as they could. However, as they ran - they had failed to account for the hazards.

The fire had spread to a crate containing a hooful of artillery shells.

The wood of the exploding crate split into nearly a hundred splinters - but the metal of the shells was the real danger. Umfuni barely had time to react as a piece of metal had flown and hit him right in the flank. The force of the explosion had knocked the nearby victims - Umfuni, Colton, and Typhoon 1 - aside. Colton was thrown and was forced to roll over the dirt, while Typhoon 1 regained his footing quickly.

Umfuni however, was forced to fly straight into the wall of burning napalm.

He wasn't launched in deep into the fire - but in a daze, shock, and concussion, he was unable to stop his body from being partially submerged in the napalm. He regained consciousness quickly, screaming as he felt fire overtake his side. He tried to roll - but the shrapnel in his stomach had ensured it would wedge the metal into his organs. He did his best to put it out - but his saving grace came as Colton immediately ran over and started to remove the oxygen from the fire, swiftly wrapping it in a fabric.

"Shit, Umfuni - stay with me!" Colton yelled. He made Umfuni drape one hoof over his neck, as he lifted the Zebra up. Joined by Typhoon 1, they swiftly carried him into the helicopter - which was already spinning up.

"Fuck!" Gomer yelled as he leapt out of the helicopter to start helping Umfuni. "Shit! Shit - hey! Four!" Gomer shouted at Typhoon 4. "Help him!" He exclaimed, hoisting the wounded Zebra into the interior.

"Shit!" Typhoon four yelled. "Okay - just keep the helicopter stable! Hey, close the fucking doors!"

As the helicopter lifted off, the flames began to consume the rest of the compound. Umfuni grunted in pain, hyperventilating and screaming. Typhoon Four produced his first aid kit and started to do what he could.

"I'm here! Umi, I'm here!" Colton yelled, holding the Zebra's hoof. "Shit, just hang on! Just hang on! Hey - no! Don't close your eyes, don't--"

***

Colton looked down at the ground as he stood against the door. He was a wreck - haven't spoken a single word since leaving the carrier's hospital. He was completely silent and unapproachable, lost in his own regret, worry, and self-loathing.

The metallic door opened, a stallion in a doctor's coat had exited. "...You're the leader of his squad, right?" The doctor asked.

"...Yeah."

"...What's the matter?"

"...It was my fault. I...I shouldn't have called the strike. If I didn't, then...Then that wouldn't have happened."

The doctor blinked at him, and smiled softly. "...You know, it's normal for leaders to feel sorrow and regret over the death of their subordinate - the soldiers that trust their orders - that they will bring the squad both success and safety."

"..."

"But seeing a leader feel sorrow over the fact that his subordinate was lightly injured and with only a projected two weeks in hospital?" The doctor laughed. "The shrapnel plugged his body from blood loss nicely, and the burns didn't burn in deep. Are you sure you're black ops? You feel a bit too soft-hearted."

Colton sighed. "He will have burns on the side of his body - we're only lucky they missed his face. And that scar from the shrapnel will stay. I...I let my own subordinate get maimed. A third time..."

The doctor blinked at him, and smiled. "Ah - I think I know who you're talking about. A colleague working in the SIB told me about a stallion...First time his hooves were burned, and the second time - just a week or so ago, one of those hooves was lost and a prosthetic system was installed. And he told me that both times he saw a commander leaning against the door surgery room brooding. Is this an effective way to clear your head?"

"I sure as tartarus don't know what I should be doing..." Colton sighed.

The doctor put a hoof on his shoulder. "...You can start by keeping him company. A patient's worst is when he's bed-ridden and totally alone." He smiled. "It's not so apparent until you experience it yourself." He said, pointing to a scar around his own neck. "After hospitals became targets for bombs...many doctors understand this."

Colton looked at him for a long few seconds...And nodded. He stepped through the door the doctor stepped out of.

Inside, he saw Umfuni - the floor covered in blood...The Zebra had several bandages and wound dressings, and the sides of his body were covered in a very thick layer of ointment.

And despite the fact that the Zebra looked at the stallion who's decisions led to this terrible injury...

Umi was able to grin.

"...Umfuni, I--" Colton frowned.

"You can begin by shuffling." The Zebra smiled, nodding over to a deck of cards on the nearby table. "And prepare to lose."

"Hmph." Colton pulled up a stool. "You're pretty happy for being bed-ridden for the next few weeks."

"There's a good-looking nurse who's going to be tending to me." Umfuni smiled.

"Eh? I didn't see any mare nurses on this carrier."

"Just shut up and deal already."

Chapter 6, Part One - Yucoltan Heat

The cabin of the plane was filled with a few particular noises. The hum of the engine...The sound of Plymouth checking his weapon...The sound of Cipher adjusting his metallic hoof to prepare it for additional pressure...The sound of bat fangs popping open a bottle of mango cider while Raz multi-tasked as she piloted the aircraft...

And the sound of Chari rapidly hyperventilating into a bag.

Plymouth groaned softly. "You're gonna screw up your breathing." He told her. "You really don't wanna get hypoxia."

"I-I've jumped with a parachute before..." She squeaked. "B-But at THIS height!?"

"11-ish kilometers." Raz said, sipping her drink.

"...You sure it's a good idea drinking soda right now?" Plymouth rose a brow.

"I'll be fine." Raz rolled her eyes. "I need some way to cope with the fact I'm piloting a transport plane."

"What's wrong with transport planes?" Cipher asked.

"Can't maneuver with 'em. Slow as hell - annoying engine sound, and I'm not sitting in the damn center of the aircraft. I should've known Handler grouped me with you because I'm your taxi, blegh."

"You are a pilot." Plymouth rose a brow.

"Bitch." Raz turned to him halfway, only one hoof on the controls, making Chari hyperventilate harder. "You seen the shooting range? I scored better than Cipher y'know!"

"That's because Cipher just had the damn hoof installed and was getting used to it, idiot. You're like a basketball player who just dunked on a pony in a wheelchair."

"Wheelchairs are only for bipeds." Raz rose a brow.

"Who cares!?" Chari yelped. "Eyes on the sky!"

"Riiight." Raz groaned.

"And anyway, why are we flying at this distance!? I'd prefer a nice freefall not at an altitude where I can see the world's curvature through the damn window!"

"It's called a porthole." Raz coughed.

"Raz!" Chari yelped like a child who was feeling frustrated, making Raz giggle.

"We're flying this high because this range is above the vertical range of most contemporary radars that Equus has access to." Raz explained. "And may the Sky of Seas and Sea of Skies will it, they haven't improved them much. Still, this type of aircraft is also designed to be less noticeable by radars; albeit it's smaller and not so fuel efficient that I could fly this thing deeper into the continent. Oh, and even if we get spotted - I set the plane's IFF to perfectly replicate the patterns that were noticed on Solar airplanes, so we should be identified as a civilian plane. The SIB's magic lets us find out this kinda stuff."

"Why do we gotta jump though?" Plymouth asked. "Wouldn't Gomer and Colton, and Chari - be able to jump and then fly out of the airplane? Weird how they picked a unicorn and earth pony for this op..."

"Because at this height..." Raz said. "Between the lack of oxygen, you would either not have enough energy to fly safely to the ground - or were you to not fly immediately, the sheer air pressure and speed of descent would make it hard for you to start flying - and the g-force would rip your wings off if you tried, if not kill you."

"How grand." Plymouth scoffed. "Cipher - go over our mission once more."

"The Princess reported that Rarity disappeared after the radio was set to a Lunarist frequency, and from what she told me, these frequencies would have no chance to still be up in the continent...unless you go more south where things are still a bit more chaotic. SIB elements within Equus reported that a possible Lunarist frequency came from Yucoltan. Our objective is to find the source. If possible, it's also important to identify what the station was transmitting on the day of Rarity's disappearance."

"Won't they be hostile to us?" Plymouth asked.

"The Lunarists? Yeah. We may need to use less diplomatic means." Cipher said. "On the other hand, if we can convince them we're against Daybreaker..."

"But we ain't rooting for Nightmare Moon either..." Plymouth muttered.

"Raz." Cipher said. "Have you ever encountered Nightmare Moon in the world of dreams?"

"Nah. The fuck you think I was doing in my dreams?"

"...P...Piloting?"

"And having the best sex of my life. I ain't got not a damn bit of time for some weird moon bitch." Raz exhaled through her nostrils.

"...Still, I assumed all thestrals have some kinda connection to her - or at-least Luna..." Plymouth spoke up.

"I just couldn't be bothered. You think I really care what happens on the other side of the ocean?" Raz asked. "This is, in-fact - my first time in Equus. And I really don't feel much about it. It's just another airspace for me - without the warm waters of my home underneath." She said.

"Getting homesick, Chari?" Cipher smiled.

"..." Raz smiled softly. "Yeah. But what I do here may prevent my home from being one of the first areas to be invaded by The Solar Empire." She softly said. "I don't have the time to be homesick."

"..."

"And besides..." Raz turned to him. "You're the one who's returning home, aren't you?"

"..." Colton looked quietly at the ground. "Not that I remember much. I don't even remember where I lived in South-east Equus..."

Raz was about to speak - but an ear-piercing sound emerged from the plane's instruments.

"Raz!?" Chari shot up in panic.

"A-A missile!? What the fuck!?" Raz screamed. "No, no, no! Fuck! This can't be happening! We're above their effective range! D-Deploying countermeasures and maneuvering!"

A flick of a button had allowed the plane to shoot out two dozen of scalding, hot flares - forming a wing-like drawing made of smoke behind the plane. With that, she had also started to turn the plane - banking it to the side.

With some miracle, Raz was able to put some ten meters between the plane and the rocket, allowing it to whistle past into the sky and detonate at a flare that was several meters higher.

"...I've never seen that missile before, what the fuck!?" Raz yelled.

"You can tell missiles apart!?" Plymouth yelled.

"Sound, speed, even in a blink of an eye I can see the general shape! This isn't what I fucking expected! These aren't the fucking S-to-A missiles I'm used to! How the fuck did it even climb up 30,000 and more feet in such a short time!?" Raz yelled back. Cipher looked at everypony for a moment and cursed softly.

"We're gonna jump now - walk the rest of the distance. Raz, get back to safety. If they only just started locking on maybe it means you can still get outta their range." He exclaimed.

"Or they fucking waited for us to get in the damn middle!" Plymouth shouted.

Raz grit her teeth. "Shit, o-okay! Opening the ramp, get your fucking oxygen masks on now!" She yelled. Cipher had complied, and so did the others - pulling up the small masks that covered their muzzles, connected to small oxygen tanks attached to their fronts.

However - as they did...another warning came.

"Fuck! Not another one..." Raz whimpered. "The IFF is civilian! Why the fuck would they not even bother to try and contact me first!?"

"Fuck these Solar Empire bastards..." Plymouth anxiously said past his mask. "Totalitarian pieces of shit - won't blink before shooting down whatever they see."

"I'll evade, just hang on!" Raz yelled - starting to deploy flares from out of the plane, and banking in the same manner as she did previously. However, as the warning of the incoming missile blared on louder and louder - a scream of terror came from the batpony.

A powerful explosion tore through the back of the plane, ripping out a large portion of the back and opening the hole that the ramp had intended to. All except for Raz fell towards the pilot's seats as the plane had started to tilt downwards - fire and smoking coming from one of the engines and the hull.

"S-Shit...Fuck..." Cipher attempted to stand. "R-Raz, put on your parachute, you're jumping with us."

"And who's gonna keep this fucking coffin steady, genius!?" She yelled. "You jump! I'll stabilize it! I can pull it off! It's not that fucked yet! I'll try to find a place to do an emergency landing!"

"Don't be stupid, damn it!" Plymouth yelled at her. "Jump!"

"No!" She exclaimed. "I said go first! Fuck! Just jump already or we're all gonna die if another fucking missile hits!"

"Y-You better jump, Raz! Or at the very fucking least you better not let yourself die!" He shouted.

"I'll be fine! Fucking go!"

With a curse, Cipher pulled Chari and ran up the inclined path to the opened tail. With a lunge powered by his hooves, he, alongside Chari and Plymouth, were able to eject themselves out the back of the airplane - entering free fall about twenty thousand feet.

"Come on Raz..." Chari whispered to himself, watching the airplane continuing to fall down and inclining even steeper down. "Just jump! Just--"

In horror, Cipher could only witness a narrow trail of smoke emerging from the clouds below, and rapidly approaching the plane...

"Raz!" Cipher yelled in horror as his mask had come undone.

An explosion had tore the airplane in half - and a fireball of burning fuel had remained as the wreck would descend even faster under the clouds - disappearing from their sight.

"This...This isn't real." Cipher whimpered to himself - and if Plymouth or Chari had attempted to say anything...He would be unable to hear them from the sound of rushing air.

As they descended, they would see greenery. A lush forest - far as they eye can see, was underneath them. But Cipher was not caring for this. He didn't know what to care about right now. Only a distressed and panicked Plymouth would be able to nudge him into attention. As they were low enough, Cipher quickly sprung to attention. In sync, they had pulled out their parachutes, and began to descend into the jungles of what they assumed to be Yucoltan.

***

A sharp bowie knife had undone the straps of the parachute, dropping Plymouth onto the grass underneath.

"Shit, thanks...Teach me to sheathe my knife behind my back."

"..." Cipher only quietly watched the unicorn, sighing. From the side, Chari approached them.

"Should...Should we continue with our mission?" She softly asked.

"...No choice." Cipher whispered. "It would make Raz's death in-vain if we backed out."

"M-Maybe she's not dead!" Chari chirped up. "M-Maybe...Maybe we didn't see her deploy the parachute? Maybe we just didn't notice something? Maybe--..."

Plymouth looked at Chari and softly shook his head. With a whimper, Chari sighed.

"...Let's go." The earth pony said, and pulled up his saddlebags, as well as his rifle.

"Yeah - uh, where are we gonna go?" Plymouth asked as they began walking through the dense jungle. "We don't even know where we landed from our original intended LZ. We're just gonna walk and hope to find some landmarks, or what?"

"We'll make do." Cipher said. "We'll find a way to a settlement, and go on from there."

***

The night fell, and darkness consumed the jungles. They sat around a campfire. A special technique of making the campfire smokeless had allowed this endeavor to be safe. Cipher looked into the fire as he prepared to eat the last of his MRE, while Chari napped, and Plymouth had already been drinking the tea after having eaten his portion.

"Nice hiss." Cipher softly spoke, opening a can of fruits. His MRE and Plymouth's were different - both of them able to pack whatever country's style they deemed fit as long as it fit their requirements. Plymouth enjoyed a Lake City MRE that included a tofu curry, a soup, bean-paste taiyaki, some green-tea flavored chocolate, and a cup of caramel tea, as well as a cup of banana-flavored vitamin-rich juice.

Cipher meanwhile had eaten an Equestria-style MRE that went out of official production some five years ago; it contained a hot portion of vegetarian chili mac, some crackers with peanut butter spread, a small piece of pound cake, a cup of coffee, a cup of lemon-flavored vitamin-rich juice - and the aforementioned canned fruits which he requested to be put in himself.

Chari instead - had no need to rely on MRE's, and her own food came in a different way. Instead she had a pair of headphones which would play the soft voices of adoration and love; a passive way of feeding and ensuring pleasant dreams.

"...South, huh? You think getting close to the coast is a good idea?" Plymouth asked, responding to a conversation that happened as they began eating.

"Might increase our chances." Cipher softly said. "The thestrals in this region are very unlikely to support Daybreaker, but there is a high military presence in the region to suppress them. It's a saving grace that the government isn't cracking down on them too hard, but that might change sooner or later." He said.

"..." Plymouth nodded. "Okay, that's fair - but I don't know if I can trust them."

"The thestrals are somewhat divided between who they really support - be it Princess Luna or Nightmare Moon. But at the end of the line, they want Daybreaker gone." Cipher said. "If we want to win their support by performing a bit of sabotage or some revenge work by killing a few officers, I'm not against it."

"And if they don't need us?"

"...Then such is life." Cipher joked.

"Indeed. Such is life." Said a female voice behind Cipher, as a pair of dark hooves wrapped themselves around his neck - unable to see that the same had been done to Plymouth and Chari.

***

Thirst. Blindness. And deafness. Cipher felt all of these things as consciousness returned to him. However - squirming and trying to get himself upright was able to remove the loosely placed headset packed with cotton on his head, letting him hear once more.

"I'm telling you to wait!" A male voice exclaimed. "We don't know who they are, and--"

"Yes, exactly!" A female voice barked back. "We don't know who they are! Changelings, ponies - from Equus, or Griffonia - Zebrica; wherever - they're not one of us, and they're in our territory, with map markings indicating they're trying to locate us! We shoot them - and we remove this liability!"

"We don't have ammo for shooting prisoners." An older female's voice said. "You may want to use a machete instead - but unless you've sharpened it, I'd rather hang them...Also, wow - these canned fruits are great - thanks for not spilling 'em when you nabbed these guys."

"The commander is going to come here anyways!" The male shouted, ignoring the older woman's comments. "She will address the situation, damn you - and then we will make deductions!"

"Oh right." The younger female scoffed. "The same commander who got a squad killed because she's a shit tactician? The same commander who denounces Nightmare Moon and fought for the Celestial State? Be it Nightmare Moon's will, we would have fucking shot her."

"Yeah - well I don't fucking bow down to a tyrant! You wanna shoot me too, huh!? Come on - I'm out here and I'm saying; fuck you, and fuck Nightmare Moon. Here--" The sound of something weighing three kilogrammes and made of metal - according to Cipher's hearing, dropped on the dirt. "My gun's down - my fucking hooves are wide open. Shoot me if you're such a bad bitch, bitch!"

"You dare say this sort of shit!?" The younger female yelled. "You believe Nightmare Moon is some "princess Luna"? You really think an inferior title such as that can carry on the legacy of the night? Our strength as Thestrals comes from the Moon. Without Nightmare Moon we have no power, no respect. Is it not enough for you to see that the Equestrians simply brushed us away south!?"

"...Children." The sound of a cigarette being lit came as the older female spoke. "I'm just happy to spend a day without being shot at, psht..."

"We had a chance to fucking live together." The male cursed. "If you "disciples" didn't screw around, if none of this cultist bullshit polluted Luna's mind - mind you who already was struggling with all the shit she had to deal with - and if this fucking stupid civil war didn't start over some stupid religion and racial issue that could've been solved with some fucking patience, MAYBE we wouldn't have FUCKED the whole of Equus, and stood a chance against our crazy damn neighbors - and maybe, just fucking maybe--" The male's voice raised to shouting. "Maybe we wouldn't have fucking Daybreaker sitting on the throne over us!"

"You know what!? Screw you. Fuck you, and fuck your Equestrian bullshit!" The female yelled. "Xo, give me your gun!"

The older female spoke after exhaling her cigarette. "I told you small fry - ammo's not expendable for executions. Use the machete."

Cipher grit his teeth - but before he was going to act, he heard Chari yelling.

"Hey!" She yelled. "W-We're not hostile! We're here to fight against the Solar Empire! We're not your enemies!"

"Shut up!" The sound of impact was heard, making Cipher alert.

"Hey!" Cipher yelled. "Don't you fucking touch her!"

"Tough guy, huh!?" The female yelled. "Going first then? Crane that fucking head back and let's hope this rusty piece of shit can off you in the first three or four slices!"

"Hey, why don't ya go for me first, huh!?" Plymouth yelled. "A stupid bitch with anger issues is just the way I wanted to die! Come on! I'll crane my neck so damn high for ya, ya might have to hurry before I break it and kill myself first! Come on, ya whore!"

"Oooh you're so fucked now, unicorn. I'll start with chopping off that stupid horn of yours first, right below that inhibitor clamp."

Cipher could hear the sounds of struggle - and the female's voice was right behind Plymouth's.

"Plymouth!" Cipher yelled. "Get away from him you creep! If you touch him, you're a dead mare!"

"Raise that head high, unicorn bitch!" Yelled the female. "I'm about to--"

"...About to what?" Asked a new voice. Another female.

"...About to cut these pricks into ribbons." The female threatening Plymouth grunted.

"I don't remember giving that order. Tay, get their blindfolds off." The new voice dryly said.

"Y-Yes ma'am." The male said...

Soon enough, Cipher was able to see once more.

He was tied and bound by a campfire. It seemed to be a small camp with only three tents and weapons scattered about. He and his team were positioned around different parts of the camp, almost in a way to mathematically separate them equally to ensure they couldn't help each other. Plymouth was the last to be released, as the machete-wielding thestral had hesitated to move away.

Other than Cipher's team, there were four in this camp. All thestrals. The older one, Xo, was already adding another cigarette butt to the pile under her. The male, Tay, anxiously studied them with an assault rifle readied. The machete-wielding female stood a bit away.

The new voice belonged to a rugged and scar-faced thestral. She wore what appeared to be a red beret - but this beret was so maimed and damaged, it no longer had any cap badge - only a faint outlined remained. She crouched in-front of Cipher, looking at him face-to-face.

"...New Marelanders." The beret-wearing Thestral said.

"How can ya tell?" Xo asked.

"There's a few reasons - we don't have time to elaborate." The commander said, and went behind the backs of Cipher and his team, undoing their bindings.

"My real name isn't for you." She told them. "But you can call me Azul. You may try to fight me right now - but there's no way you'd find your way through these jungles. If you know what's good for you, stick with my group."

"And you're not worried we might try to smoke you?" Plymouth rose a brow, rubbing his hooves as they had been untied.

"Like I said - the jungles of Yucoltan will become your grave if you try to make it out yourself. Now, grab your gear."

Quietly, and carefully - the others would approach a pile of things. All of their things were there, even with the bullets. This level of trust surprised Cipher - but it was effective; he made sure the safety on his gun was on.

"...You three." She stood up and looked at the other thestrals. "We're gonna get these three to Camp Serpens."

"B-But the search parties!?" Tay yelped. "Surely the Equestrians sent someone armed after that plane!"

"It's an order." Azul said. "That means you too, Bea."

"..." The younger female thestral sighed, and dropped the machete as she began to gather her things. Xo flicked the cigarette butt into the pile, and began to do the same, while Tay stayed pointing his weapon at the three in-case.

***

They had walked for an hour and half. The heat was unbearable to the two ponies - while Chari had no struggle changing her own body's internal temperature. It was worse for Cipher, who's metallic hooves had absorbed a decent amount of warmth, and accidentally trying to wipe the sweat off his brow with it would bring upon an irritating feeling against his fur.

"Remember." Azul spoke. "You're guests here - and a good guest always takes her boots off before she enters someone's home."

"...L-Literally?" Chari squeaked.

"It's a figure of speech." Said Azul as they continued walking. As they chopped away a bush - they would see a larger camp, which now seemed more fitting to be a military encampment compared to where they were before. "Welcome to Camp Serpens - our third headquarters for this month. We'd blindfold you before bringing you here, but I doubt you even know what way we went through."

The camp was populated with several thestrals of various ages, and various appearances. Some donned uniforms that both belonged to the Celestial State and the Cultists that clashed in the Civil War, while several had the telltale markings of mercenaries. No flags were flown - but several flags could be seen in various places. On uniform patches, on vehicles covered in netting, tattoos, and even carvings on trees.

Azul noticed Cipher's confused look, so she turned to him. "Thestrals - and ponies - were at each other's throats those two decades or so ago. But that was when the struggle was of ideology...religion - or even money if you came from Aztlan. Now however - when the manners concern the survival of an entire race and a way of life...these flags are going to have to get along." She explained. "I fought for the loyalists - but many here obey Nightmare Moon. There's veterans, and new blood - those who were even born after the war started."

Azul sighed softly, noticing a young batpony male passing by with a rifle as he patrolled the perimeter. "And..." She continued. "It doesn't make me proud to be their commander knowing that for some, this isn't their war - nor their time to fight. But the circumstances are such." She said, looking back at the earth pony. "We fight now to make sure that we won't have to fight like this any longer, and more importantly...to prevent our own extinction."

Cipher looked her in the eyes and then at the thestrals in the camp. "...You don't really believe war ends, do you?"

"Only the hope of conflict ending allows you to remain being more than a killing machine. Once you start killing for the sake of killing, you become lower than the dirt that fertilizes the soil." Azul chuckled. "...Anyway, there's a reason I came here after Tay radioed me about the three "paratroopers" they found. Come."

Hearing something in her voice made Cipher feel hope...He nodded over to Plymouth and Chari, who followed Azul into a small tent marked with a very makeshift red cross.

"You three go in. It gets mighty cramped with that many pairs of standing hooves." Azul nodded towards the tent...

Putting two and two together, Cipher practically ran in. Before he even entered, he already exclaimed...

"Raz...!"

...But all he saw, was a male thestral who laid on a makeshift bed, and looked mighty annoyed to be intruded as he read a magazine.

Cipher frowned...

"...Right here, stupid." Said Raz's voice - as the batpony was actually laying on the immediate right of the entrance on a similar bed.

"R-Raz!" Cipher cried out, leaning in to hug her.

"Holy shit, so you actually made it out!?" Plymouth looked flabbergasted.

"S-See!?" Chari smiled, trying to hold back tears of happiness. "I-I told you she might've made it out!"

"But..." Cipher whispered. "How did you--...Wait...W-What happened to..." He looked down to see that in place of Raz's prosthetics were only her metallic sockets.

"Eheh..." Raz nervously rubbed her head. "Yeah, that girl in R&D is gonna kill me...I was able to jump out and deploy my parachute, but I kinda did so late, and the parachute was also a bit damaged...I was able to land sorta okay, but uh...I had to use my legs to break the fall. It worked - but they shattered into bits."

"H-How did you get here though?" Chari asked.

"I was found by these other batponies." Raz simply said. "They didn't even ask any questions. They saw I was a batpony and I was kinda hurt, so they dragged me in here."

"...So if you were to be a Solar spy or something like that..." Plymouth rose a brow. "Weird priorities, these are..."

"They believe that all Thestrals work together and none can be disloyal to one another, whatever that means..." Raz shrugged. "At-least that's what that Azul chick claims."

"The one that can probably hear us through the tent?" Plymouth muttered.

Raz merely shrugged.

"...So, what's the next step?" Asked Chari.

"We're gonna get as much intel from the Thestrals as we can and get some leads. It's a big and broad target - and we may be looking for a needle in a haystack...but Rarity is a high-profile individual. Anyone who's got live information in South Equus could be aware where she had gone." Cipher explained.

"Then let's do it - the less time we spend sweating our assess off in this damn jungle, the better." Plymouth grinned.

***

Eight were gathered outside around a map of South Equus, as well as some other papers on the table that were deemed helpful for the matter. The first four were Cipher and his team - the other four were thestrals consisting of Azul, Xo, and two other higher-ranking batponies, a male and female.

"So you're looking for a single unicorn who apparently took part in defeating Nightmare Moon. A curious thing - to ask us for help finding her." Laughed one of the other batponies.

"Do you know what was being transmitted on this date?" Cipher asked, not bothering to answer the question much to the annoyance of the other batpony.

"This frequency was..." Azul took a moment to think if the information was worth telling. "This frequency was broadcast from a makeshift station with two main purposes - to attract more thestrals to our cause, and to assist in the search for Princess Luna..."

"Search...?" Cipher asked.

"...Her death in Canterlot is unconfirmed. This leaves us with a very important chance that we may not pass up. But here's the interesting detail..." Azul said. "Did you not mention that the SIB - as you call yourselves - were assisting the elements' transport from Eastern Baltimare?"

"That's where they were last before the ship took them to New Mareland." Cipher said. "A complex road that also happened to pass through the jungles."

"That's what makes me wonder..." Azul said. "Considering the range of our stations, there is no way that we could've actually had coverage in Baltimare...But I do know that we did temporarily establish a radio station farther than normal...And it did have a specific purpose to air on that frequency."

"What was it...?"

"There was intel that the position of Princess Luna - or Nightmare Moon, was confirmed..."

"It was...!?"

"...And it came out to be false. The Solar Empire had attempted to bait us."

Cipher cursed softly. "...Oh shit. That means..."

"That means that Rarity has been led to a bait set up by Daybreaker..."

"But if you know it's a bait..." Plymouth tilted his head. "Doesn't that mean it's no longer effective?"

"We know it's a bait, but..." Azul sighed. "We didn't do anything about it. We confirmed it was another fake, but we're not acting in hopes that maybe leaving this bait open would mean that Daybreaker is wasting her resources."

"But that means that Rarity's heading to a trap that's still open!" Cipher exclaimed. "W-Where has the location been reported to!?"

"The coordinates coincide with an old Disciple temple built West of here." Azul said. "Again - we confirmed this to be fake intel as this temple was lost by the Lunarists when Daybreaker's forces came here those years ago. I guess they just didn't expect any survivors to inform us that it was lost."

"From East Baltimare to there..." Cipher thought. "There are no train tracks. No proper highways. The air is risky. Rarity is traveling by hoof!?"

"Your Element of Generosity sounds like a smart mare." Xo scoffed. "I'm sure she must've found somebat or somepony who could guide her. Either way though, if we're going from Baltimare to that temple, and we have no transport to work with...you're looking at a solid...oh, shall we say half a month of travel minimum, maybe give a week?"

"Cipher..." Chari gulped. "It's been about one and a half weeks since the Elements arrived to New Mareland..."

"And it took us about another one and a half to get them sailed." Cipher cursed. "We're way too close. Rarity could've already arrived by now..."

"Or be close." Plymouth nodded.

"...Well, that's all I can give you." Azul nodded. "We're already giving too much information to outsiders. You'll figure out the rest, won't you?"

"..." Cipher looked at the map and shook his head. "...No, we're going to need transport and some security. If it's an ambush designed to target your units, then they'll have the appropriate amount of soldiers."

"...And?" Xo rose a brow.

"We're going to need your help." Cipher said. "We're not gonna pull this off ourselves, as it stands. If we want to retrieve Rarity then we'll need the help to make sure she can be secure."

This prompted Azul to give out a dry, lifeless laugh. "Great joke. I never said anything about helping you. And don't bullshit me with implication." She said, waving a hoof around the camp. "Even if I wanted to help - you think half the bodies in this camp are capable soldiers? The young, the injured, the inexperienced - we're not a regular army you can command to fight. We're a guerilla force. We can maim the enemy with sabotage and dirty tricks, but we're not going to win against them outright."

"But this is our best chance to get rid of Daybreaker." Chari softly said. "If Rarity can reunite with the Elements of Harmony, then they can stop her!"

"They'll stop Daybreaker, but couldn't stop all the other horrible figures that appeared around Equestria?" Xo laughed softly.

Azul shook her head. "You're going for a hypothesis." She told Chari. "You're risking the lives of my fighters for maybes. I can't exchange that."

Raz furrowed her brows, grunting as leg-wheels weighed her down somewhat. "I thought you're trying to fight for a better future. To free South Equus. So what, you're gonna twiddle your hooves making some dumbass little spike pit traps and blowing up another factory or weapon's depot out of the thousands out there, instead of actually trying something and fighting for your lives and futures?" The batpony yelled.

"Maybe the situation looks different to a pilot. But this is the reality. I cannot allow pointless sacrifice." Azul said. "And besides, if you practiced what you preached, then you would fight here - for your home and for your own race."

"Wait, shit, don't--" Cipher tried to stop Azul...But Raz's teeth were already gritting like two stones against one another.

"Home and race, huh?" Raz looked at her. "I don't know a damn thing about this backwater land." She began. One of the senior batponies sprung up in anger.

"You dare call our home a "backwater land"!?"

Raz scoffed. "I've been sweating near damn nonstop, I'm getting bitten by so many fucking mosquitos that I'm probably gonna fucking die of some disease before the enemy kills me. You think just because I'm one of you - just biologically - it means I suddenly owe you my whole damn life?" She asked. "You know who I actually owe my life to? The griffons of Mediolano who took me under their wing. The griffons who hid me from fascists, the griffons who taught me my purpose in life - the griffons who raised me and the griffons who welcomed me with open talons to dine with them. I grew up on those islands, I fought for those islands, and I lost my fucking legs for those islands when I took down the fascist's best ace above Karthin." She exclaimed.

"Oh, I see how it is." The senior laughed. "You're happy to tell others to sacrifice themselves when this soil isn't your own, huh?"

"Shut the fuck up." Raz barked. "You heard me well, so don't pretend you didn't. I sacrificed a lot for my own home, knowing that I could've died. And right now, working for the SIB is another one of those sacrifices. I'm giving up my own safety knowing that cooperating with them will help me keep Daybreaker off of my home's front door. I was shot down and nearly died. You're trying to convey that you love your land, right? Being a bunch of pussies despite knowing that you have the upper hoof to ambush the enemy, and knowing that this may be a good chance to save your homes...Yeah - you're not showing me that you love this jungle a whole lot." Raz scoffed.

"Hah." Xo laughed. "Big words, small fry. I admit you're not one of us - and since you are a pilot, yeah - you're definitely not in the right place to talk, girl. Why don't you--"

"She's right!" Shouted a voice...Everybat and everypony - and the changeling, turned to see that the voice belonged to Bea - the batpony who had attempted to lop of Plymouth's head with a machete earlier.

"Bea." Xo chuckled. "You're an even smaller fry. Why don't you stop bothering the adults and keep that mouth--"

"Keep your damn mouth shut yourself, hag! I can't believe that a batpony from the other damn side of the ocean knows more about fighting for our home than you lot!" Bea shouted. "We have a chance to ambush an entire unit of Daybreaker's troops! We know they will be there! We know these jungles, we know how to utilize irregular warfare, and we have the assistance of some SIB agents who probably know how to fight better than us! We have an opportunity here to actually get something done!" The young mare exclaimed.

"Bea!" Azul yelled. "Stand down!"

"You're not gonna order me right now, "commander"! This isn't about Nightmare Moon anymore! I no longer care that my hate for you starts from the day you joined the loyalists! Right now, all my hate stems from the sheer fact that your own foolishness led to the death of so many of our best!" Bea exclaimed.

Azul grit her teeth. "Our intel was lacking - none could've predicted--"

"Tomo, Lola, Krovley, Daubenton, Yuma--"

"Bea, that's enough!" Azul yelled.

"Kitti, Pipistrelle - do you even remember the damn fact that she was barely an adult!? She was a damn ammo carrier! She wasn't supposed to die! And the list goes on, so let me continue so all may know of the deaths you were responsible for!"

A gunshot rang. Azul stood with a pistol pointed to the sky, and a look of fury in her eyes. She eyed down Bea...And lowered the pistol at her...Before dropping it on the dirt, and rapidly blinking.

"...I...I don't want that to repeat." Azul whispered. "I...I don't want another incident like this. I..."

Bea looked at Azul with tears in her eyes, hooves planted in the ground firmly. "...We can do this to send a message. And if these foreigners are right...This unicorn may be the key to removing Daybreaker. We either try to do something, or continue doing nothing - slowly dying from the attrition." Bea spoke. "...I don't care about anything else. I just want my home to be safe."

"..."

Azul turned to Raz. "...I'm sorry about that." She sighed, and looked at Cipher. "...Okay. We're...We'll help you - but we are going to minimize our casualties as much as we can."

"Thank you." The stallion smiled. "...Listen." He told Azul. "I don't know what I can give you in return. I can assure you that once I return to New Mareland, I will--"

"Nah." Azul smirked, wiping tears from her eyes. "Even if you have a good heart - your higher-ups may not allow you to bring back any rewards here. But I'll cut you a deal." The commander said. "We'll help you get to that temple. In return, you help us smoke every damn soldier who intended to ambush us. We'll send a message to that fire-maned bitch."

Plymouth smirked. "That we can do free of charge, ma'am."

"S'long as we maintain plausible deniability." Cipher rose a brow at him. "But your terms are agreeable, Azul."

"What's the plan then?" Xo folded her hooves. "You know that they probably set up entrenched positions. Probably with machine guns, armored vehicles - hell, if the Bitch of Baltimare sorted these guys, they might have willy pete too."

"Leave that to me." Plymouth grinned. "Lake City's army corps teaches you a thing or two in guerilla warfare. Cipher - mind if I take the stick in advising our little rag tag group?"

"You go ahead." Cipher said. "You focus on eliminating the enemy - I'll focus on getting Rarity to safety. Also, we might need another element to this job..." He said, turning to Chari.

The changeling sighed. "Who am I gonna disguise as this time then?"

"I don't know why I keep forgetting this, but..." Cipher thoughtfully said. "When changelings transform, they are able to create "clothing" on their bodies, right?"

"...Son of a bitch." Chari groaned.

Chapter 6, Part Two - Bat Outta Hell

The soldier hummed a tune as he leaned against the gates of the fencing that surrounded the outpost. This was a great post. Before, he had been posted in Canterlot. What hell it was. Every single minute meant the possibility of some high-ranked officer crossing your path, and you'd need to salute them all and do all of their commands at any whim. Go here, inform this, take this and bring it there - it was mentally and physically exhausting.

And his inability to perform would see him sent to Yucoltan. He feared this - Yucoltan was reported to be beyond awful - full of guerillas in the night, disease-bearing mosquitos, and other nasty elements.

And yet, he realized this meant that he would not see a single high-ranking uniform for the rest of this post. He held onto his battle-rifle like a teddy bear, nearly asleep under the shade. This was a calm place. An outpost that never had any worries or troubles - and too small to be a target for the bats, serving no real strategic value other than working as light sentry with observation duties.

He saw something approach. He paid it no mind. This base was not important to anypony. Who could be approaching seeing that they wore a uniform? Bats had no uniforms. So this was maybe another soldier assigned to the outpost. Maybe a courier of sorts. Maybe a supply runner. He allowed himself to doze off a bit more.

And so, he napped...And noticed through the blur of his sleepy eyes that the uniformed figure stood in-front of him.

He scrunched his muzzle a little, feeling annoyance. He was on guard duty, and was just a low-ranker. What was he, a statue to be gawked at?

And yet, the figure didn't leave.

Grunting slightly under his breath, he allowed his mouth to doom him.

"Pal - can you uh...fuck off a lil' bit? You're making it hard to sleep."

"Ahem."

"Listen..." He groaned. "What the fuck do you even need here, we're--" He opened his eyes.

...

And felt his entire life flash before his eyes.

"Oh no...Oh no no no no no..." He whispered under his breath.

Standing tall above him, General Aurora looked down at him with disdain. Behind her was a stallion wearing a cap and a mask over his face - hooves gloved as he wore a simple uniform that looked fitting for a driver.

"...So..." She spoke. "Now that you're awake, worm...You're going to be a nice puppy and let me establish contact with the unit positioned at the temple. And get me transport."

"Y-Yes ma'am! C-Corporal!" He screamed over to the soldiers in the outpost. "W-We need the radio ASAP, m-make contact with the temple unit!"

***

The armored car had driven through a dirt path along the jungle - driven by her driver, and accompanied by a nervous corporal who sat in the front, letting Aurora sit in the back. The car had then made a turn - and allowed Aurora to see the matter at hoof.

A large temple complex was seen, spanning several square kilometers, surrounded by old walls. They drove for several more minutes, before finally arriving at the entrance of the temple's perimeter. There stood an officer; from his markings it was apparent that he was a Captain. He saluted as Aurora disembarked, and she would give a salute back. The driver would stay with the car, and the Corporal had run off.

"General!" The Captain exclaimed. "We are honored by your visit - but to be truthful, we're surprised and completely both unprepared and unaware this would be a meeting." He said. "W...Where are your bodyguards, ma'am?"

"Dead. I eliminated the ambushing hostiles and at-least managed to preserve the driver." Aurora shook her head. "This jungle is too untamed for my liking. I assume you can guess why I'm here. After all, I believe we have the matter of a certain...VIP to discuss."

"Ah..." The Captain looked back at the temple. "We believed Icarus team had been sent to retrieve the VIP, though..." He said. "A-And, why did you come here personally?"

Aurora hesitated for a moment, before taking steps towards the Captain. "...Are you sure that pointless questions are in your interest right now, Captain?"

"E-Er...N-No, ma'am. P-please, right this way..." The Captain said.

"Tell me about this little installation of yours you have in this temple." Aurora coldly said as they walked.

"We believed that cultists could return here in hopes of returning Nightmare Moon." The Captain said. "Following your protocol, we have utilized such hot-spots for ambushes. Our soldiers aren't quite visible from the nearby area, we have camouflaged positions along the ridges of the cliffs, and several smaller outposts ready to deploy QRF's." He said. "Hence we were surprised that the VIP in question, well, appeared."

"How many positions, and where?" She rose a brow. "I better hear the real numbers - you better not be slacking."

"Yes ma'am." He coughed. "They're mostly on the cliffs, and a few along the dirt road. The road should have four in total, all with LMGs and anti-vehicle equipment, while the ones on the cliffs are combinations of LMG and sniper specialists. And of course, white phosphorus mortars are ready upon the appropriate requests from the observers."

She frowned for a moment. "...Good." She smiled. "That's quite enough. And within this temple - what are the forces?"

"We didn't intend on putting any soldiers into the temple itself..." He said. "Would be dangerous for them if we were to use a temple as a trap to flood with gas or something, but since the prisoner's arrival...we had to put her, and a squad of troops to guard her."

"I see." She said. "Let's take a gander at her, then - shall we?"

"Yes ma'am."

Aurora looked around herself. These temples were ancient - yet every wall was carved with markings and odd illustrations of alicorns, stars, and the moon. She gazed at them with near wonder, allowing her gaze to go back and forth. Whenever she saw that the Captain might've looked back at her however, her gaze had immediately set itself straight and serious.

They would descend far down...and upon reaching the lowest levels of the temple...And finally, into its dungeon. Skeletal remains were in the cells - many of them still having their locks on the doors. But the further they walked - they'd see that one of the cells had been lit with modern light sources.

Aurora approached the cell, and saw her.

For a moment, she froze, looking at her like a deer in the headlights.

"...Ma'am?" The Captain turned to Aurora.

"...Leave us be for a moment. And the guards." She spoke.

"But if she--"

"Now."

"...Step out until we are told to return." The Captain told the nearby guards, and they would walk off. The strange temple's design, and the material of its walls, indicated that the acoustics were somewhat weak, so sound and noise wasn't an issue.

As the sound of the hooves faded away, Aurora looked at the cell and spoke.

"You're...Rarity, aren't--"

She had no time to react as a white hoof jettisoned through the bars, and wrapped itself around Aurora's horn, before pulling it in hard enough to bash her skull-first into the metal.

"YOU!" Rarity yelled. "How dare you show your face!? I had wondered what a brute was at work here, and I am not surprised in the least!" She said. Aurora yelped, attempting to pull away - but was once again slammed into bars.

"Rarity!" Aurora yelled.

"I don't care what you might do to me, wretch!" Rarity growled. "You can maim me all you want - but if you hurt my friends, I will drag you to tartarus-- no, I will drag you UNDER tartarus, do you understand--"

"Rarity, I'm--" Aurora grit her teeth past the pain.

"And as unladylike as I behave right now, know that I am acting quite civilized compared to what should be done to you, you...you b--"

"Rarity!" Yelled Aurora...And yet...Rarity noticed that the voice wasn't quite...hers.

Rarity stopped for a moment. "H-Huh...?"

"Miss...U-Ugh, R-Rarity..." Aurora whimpered. "I-I'm...not...her..."

"A-A changeling!?" Rarity whisper-yelled. "You certainly have the gall to disguise as the Butcher of Baltimare, darling! I-I'm so sorry about--"

"That's fine..." The "general" chuckled. "L-Listen, my name is Chari." She whispered. "I'm with New Mareland, SIB. We're here to--"

"New Mareland!?" Rarity yelled in a hushed tone. "My friends! They're--"

"Already met with the president, safe and sound." Chari smiled at her. "The Princess insisted that we get you out immediately - and I sure am surprised how fast we managed it..."

"They're safe and sound...That's...That's what I wanted to hear." She sighed in relief - nearly fainting - but then snapping to attention. "Anyhow...You managed to merely discover me, dear." Rarity sighed. "But how will you escape? I heard the guards blabber about a downed plane...That wasn't you, was it?"

"..." Chari smiled. "But the pilot survived, so we'll be good once we find something we can fly."

"...Oh bother." Rarity sighed. "But what's the plan? Do you think your disguise will allow you to take me out of here safely?"

"More or less. Based on what my team and the batponies told me, it's easy to pass of as the general once I just act as a threatening force of brutality and no compromise." She chuckled. "But there's one more thing I must do. We promised in exchange for help, we would wipe out the enemies attempting to draw the batponies into an ambush here. I need to get some more intel from the Captain, and then find an opening to radio the--"

"General." Said an approaching voice.

"...O-Oh no." Chari whispered, and changed her voice as she looked at the speaker. "Hm, who goes there?" Aurora asked.

"..."

Icarus team stood there - four of its members in the room with Aurora and Rarity, and the others in the room behind.

The Major looked at Aurora with a displeased look.

"...Oh. Hello." Aurora said. Shit. She had no idea who this was.

"So, what brings you out here?" The Major asked.

"...I had to see her for myself, and believed that maybe I'd ask her some questions." Aurora said. "...And you?"

"...We're here because we were tasked with bringing her to Canterlot?" He rose a brow.

Pepper had looked strangely at Aurora, and then at Rarity.

"Well." Aurora coughed. "I'm afraid I can't let you do that..." She looked at his uniform to see any marks of rank, and yet saw none, making the Major more curious as to what was going on.

"We already discussed the authorities involved. This is a direct order from Daybreaker."

"Well." Aurora coughed. "As it stands, my orders are Daybreaker's as well. Have you not heard the news?"

"...News?" The Major asked.

"We believe that there are certain infiltrators from..." She faked a cough. "From Stalliongrad. They may have caught wind of the VIP's location. An airplane that fell here is believed to have deployed parachutes, and they are still a threat." She said.

"I did overhear some news of a downed airplane, but had no idea parachutes were deployed." Strive muttered.

"Actually they reported that the plane was downed at about 30,000 feet." Adler mentioned. "So..."

"Right. Perfect for a HAHO jump. They may not have been able to even detect any parachutes by then." Pepper nodded in agreement.

"The communists learned to HAHO jump, huh? What a bother." The Major sighed. "So, why are you here then?"

"Daybreaker ordered me to come immediately." She said. "So I did. She told me to ask some important questions from her about the whereabouts of the other elements of harmony, in-case these infiltrators might somehow hurt her or take her before we can take her to Canterlot. Questions she entrusted me to ask - only."

"So, did you finish then?" The Major impatiently looked at her.

"Nnnnno." Aurora coughed. "And, I need to use the radio to request some backup for our escort." She coughed.

"Okay - so we'll tell the commander here to ramp up security."

"NO!" Aurora exclaimed.

"No...?" The Major looked baffled.

"...If our activity increases now, it may be too much of an indicator for the infiltrators as to where we are and what we are doing. We'll keep a low profile for now." She said. "...Ahem, if you'll excuse me, I'll go pay a visit to the radio. Keep an eye on our guest..."

Rarity made a soft noise, and Aurora turned to her.

"Don't worry..." She said, trying to put on her most malicious and toxic voice. "...I'll be back." She said...and walked off.

Icarus team looked at her depart...making all but the Major blink in confusion.

Sergeant Strive narrowed his eyes. "...Major, Aurora isn't acting like her normal self. Very suspicious. So, you thinking what I'm thinking?" He asked.

"...Yeah, I am." The Major said.

"...There's no doubt." Pepper sighed, shaking her head...and breaking into a wide smile. "She totally got scared after your last meeting!" She grinned. "Holy shit, I've never seen her like that!"

"That's the Major for ya. He'll make even somepony like get her hooves scattering." Adler laughed.

The Major was unable but to suppress a chuckle. ""And if I want to, I'll have you squirming on a noose.". Here I thought it didn't sound as good as it did in my head."

***

Led into the radio room, Aurora demanded complete privacy. The radio tuned for her was set to a frequency of a larger base near Yucoltan, and after setting it, the soldiers left.

Once she had her privacy, she tweaked the radio to another frequency, and her voice returned.

"Okay." Chari whispered. "We have a few issues. First of all, their positions." She said. She had relayed all the locations she was made aware of, and all the numbers and equipment that followed.

"Right." Plymouth's voice responded. "Azul, you got all this?"

"Of course." Azul's voice responded. "This will be easy. I'll get my fillies and colts to reposition accordingly."

"One more issue." Chari coughed.

"Go ahead." Plymouth's voice responded.

"Somepony was already tasked with retrieving Rarity. They apparently are some kind of special forces from what I gather. No badges or indications of rank, just patches for blood types and some other patch that I guess is their unit. Any ideas who that is - because they seem mean. Some kinda Icarus team, if I heard right?"

"Shit, that's S.I.F." Plymouth cursed. "Special Insertion Force; they're basically the best of Daybreaker's best...though half of them were "Celestia's" best at some point. You're not gonna survive an encounter with them, so keep up your appearances. Where's Cipher?"

"Still waiting..." She sighed. "I'm worried this might complicate things."

"He'll be fine." Plymouth said. "Try to get Rarity out of there, we'll begin an attack if things either go south, or you successfully leave."

"...Got it." Chari said. "I'm going for an attempt. Switching frequency back."

"Good luck - be safe." Plymouth sighed.

She switched off to the original frequency, and stood up, before leaving. The Captain of the temple was in-front of the door, and she nodded down at him. "Radio's all yours." She told him, and kept walking.

The Captain looked at her leave, and thoughtfully looked at the floor. He entered the room, and locked the door behind him.

He wondered...With the lack of guards, with the lack of prior heads up - and with the apparent fact that Icarus team hadn't cancelled their objective...He had to be sure with the circumstances considered. His frequency changed to a long-ranged one.

"This is Captain Pines, Yucoltan Temple Outpost Sierra-5. I'd like to make an inquiry, over."

"..."

"Yes. Can you please inform me of General Aurora's location, over?"

"..."

"I have special clearance from Her Majesty. Code 5602 - Alpha - 2310 - Bravo - 9823. I repeat, can you please inform me of the location of General Aurora, how copy - over?"

"..."

"At a General's Reception in Canterlot. I see..."

"..."

"Yes - there is a minor problem. We believe that a changeling is impersonating her. No worries. We have appropriate assets to eliminate this threat. Thank you. Captain Pines, Sierra-5 out."

***

"Sir!" A guard ran into the room containing Rarity's cell, faced with Icarus team.

"What is it?" The Major gruffly asked.

"S.I.F. Headquarters have contacted our long-ranged radio and are requiring all of your team to respond, orders regarding the infiltrators!" He exclaimed.

"...Was it really them?" The Major asked. "How did they introduce themselves?"

The soldier hesitated. "T-They didn't when we asked to, they demanded you immediately..."

"Shit, makes sense I guess since nopony else would know we're here." The Major sighed. "Keep an eye on the prisoner. Icarus, let's go."

As Icarus team ran out of the cell, the guard quickly transformed into General Aurora.

"O-Okay." The disguised changeling told Rarity. "Stand back as far as you can, and if you see any green on you, please don't touch it, it may make the injury worse."

Gulping softly, the unicorn took steps back against the corner of the cell. This gave Chari the safe distance she needed, quickly transforming into a hideous bug-like beast. The beast had insect mandibles that excreted a glowing green substance, and as she spat on the metal of the cell, it burned off the rusting bars.

Transforming back into Aurora, Chari had pulled the cell door, tearing it off of the weakened bars.

"Sorry for the scare." The fake Aurora chuckled. "Are you okay?"

"Y-Yes. Let's make haste dear." Rarity said, and ran out of the cell...

And stopped as she and Chari both saw armed ponies running into the room, each aiming their weapons at the two. Afterwards, Icarus team had ran in to the take the flanks, aiming their guns right at Chari's head.

Following afterwards was the Captain of the Temple, smirking softly.

"...Captain." Aurora chuckled. "I see you have a death wish--"

"Shut your mouth, trash." He told Chari. "I can't believe a damn changeling fooled me - well, close to fooling me." He grunted. "Now, we can do this the easy way, or we can do this the hard way. You'll wind up dead either way - just with less suffering if you cooperate."

Sighing, Chari stood in-front of Rarity to shield her from harm.

"So I guess not all of you Solar Empire grunts are numbskulls." She said - transforming into a changeling; but not herself. It was a typical blue-eyed changeling that had no distinguishable features. "I'm impressed. Somewhat."

"Can't blame ya too much." Pepper laughed. "You'd have a chance if we didn't show up. I got no idea what lousy training regiment these soldiers here have."

The Captain turned to Pepper and barked. "You dare disrespect my troops!?"

The Major turned his head to the Captain while his weapon was trained at Chari, and shot him a look. "The troops who can barely remove the threat of Lunarist rebels in our own territory? You better stop running your mouth."

The Captain grit his teeth. "You have some nerve to--"

"Heeey." Sergeant Strive grinned. "Buddy. I got some advice. We're Daybreaker's favorites. If we wanted to air out every single thing in this room - maybe minus the prisoner of course - we would be forgiven. And if we were to blame our guest here for managing to kill all of ya, they'd trust us."

"And believe you me." Pepper chuckled. "I have no qualms looping your intestines through your throat."

The Captain would meekly quiet down, legs buckling slightly.

Chari however, looked not a bit afraid, smiling. "So this is the S.I.F., huh? I see you guys love your carte blanche."

Pepper chuckled. "I hate grunts who think they're hotshots. I think that's universal among any SOF."

"You're telling me." Chari giggled. "I've seen my share of pansy officers like him who think they're hot shit. They scare easily though, and are usually pretty shit in combat. Hey, hypothetically - if I were to resist right now, and go down in a blaze of glory knowing I'd rather die than get captured...Could I be allowed to at-least get him killed?"

"Ppft, ain't you a cutie." Pepper chuckled. "He's all yours if you think you can pull the trigger before we can, crazy girl. Not that I see a gun on ya."

"Don't need one." Chari giggled.

Rarity found herself pushed back into the cell with a force of magic that came from Chari, and soon after, the changeling's reflexes made her aware that the hooves had started to squeeze the triggers. It was now or never.

What they ended up firing at was the air, unable to hit Chari; for in the place of the changeling was no longer that, but a wasp - a pixel in the three-dimensional space where not even the Major was able to lock onto it. The wasp rapidly flew towards the line of armed ponies, and not even a rain of gunfire was able to hit it.

It then quickly flew into their ranks, and caused them all to cease fire, yelling out orders and exclamations as firing would now be too dangerous with the risk of hitting an ally, and as the wasp started flying between their hooves and behind them, they would try to make some space between each other to try and trace it.

"Damn it, swat the damn bitch!" The Captain yelled. "Hit--" He interrupted himself as he started gasping violently and wheezing. He began to punch his own throat.

"Captain!?" A regular soldier yelled.

"I-Inside!" The Captain screamed in horror. "She's insi--!!!"

The Captain was torn apart into pieces from his chest; as from it emerged a large manticore. It instantly lunged at two regular soldiers, and with one strong shut of its jaws, managed to tear them apart with one bite. A soldier had prepared to fire at it, but a swipe of its tail-stinger had caused instant death by blunt force trauma. The tip of the stinger had then hooked onto a smoke grenade that was attached to the soldier's vest, pulling it using gravity as the soldier fell. The high-pressure canister had suddenly erupted with grey, thick smoke.

"Gas masks! Whoever got thermals, use them!" The Major yelled; and Icarus team had put on their masks. The regular soldiers were forced to suffer through severe coughing fits as they tried to wave the smoke away.

Three members of Icarus - namely Pepper, Adler, and a markspony corporal, all pulled out large bulky devices from their pouches. Pepper's and the markspony's were shaped like a scope, and they quickly mounted them on their guns, while Adler had to use his like a pair of binoculars. They were box-shaped and roughly almost the size of the guns themselves, but the three users looked through it.

"Gone again!" Adler yelled.

"Going for the same trick twice!?" Strive yelled. "Won't be that easy for her!"

"Can't see her still!" Pepper yelled. "Keep your headsets on and tighten your masks, don't give this bitch an entry!"

However, as they anticipated the same maneuver from her...They would see that some of the regular soldiers would scream - and suddenly collapse.

"The hell did she transform into now!?" Shrieked a regular soldier as he attempted to hold a cloth to his mouth with one hoof and his gun with the other.

"I can't see, I can't--" A regular soldier attempted to relay, but too devolved into a shrieking mess and his mouth foamed.

"Fuck, something venomous!" Pepper yelled, jumping away from that soldier. "A frog!? Some kinda insect!?"

The Major looked at the soldiers who had been dying - looking at their locations, and the progress. He took attention to which way the torrent of death was coming, and he precisely waited, and waited...

His gloved hooves were able to clap together to catch the highly venomous spider. However, his attempts to crush it to death were in-vain, as he had reflexively jumped back as he saw a flash of green, indicating another transformation.

***

Meanwhile, a soldier had managed to start crawling away, going down the hallways of the temple. He looked up, and saw the driver of the armored car that apparently had delivered Aurora.

"S-Send help, please..." The soldier whimpered as he laid on the ground, attempting to crane his neck up at the driver.

The driver had instead looked forward to see where the trail of blood had come from, and shot the injured soldier in the head as a cold-hearted way to thank him for the guidance.

***

Rarity could only cower and shake. The gunfire. The death. The screaming...This wasn't for her. This wasn't where she should be. Yes - this conflict revolved around her either escaping or falling to Daybreaker's clutches, but right now all she wanted was safety. She in horror would see a large monstrosity be pushed back by explosives; a maulwurf that had been able to tear off a leg of a soldier. Icarus Team had mostly been able to avoid the damage, but several more fresh members had to attend to their own injuries.

Now however, Chari had sustained too many injuries in the course of the ten minutes of fighting. Transforming from animal to creature, she had steamrolled the regulars - but now faced with Icarus team, she had been plugged with several bullets, and now had to deal with the concussion of a grenade launcher to the body; saved only by the fact that it took more than that to kill a maulwurf.

Still - by now she had been unable to keep this up. She would only be able to return herself to the same featureless changeling, falling onto one knee as she slid back from the explosion.

"Not too bad." The Major said, starting to walk towards her. "But you're outnumbered anyway. So, you wanna spill the beans - or are we going to need to make this painstaking?"

However, the Major's reflexes allowed him to take swift action to save himself. A hail of bullets rained from his side, and he was quick to fire back. The driver stood around the corner of the room armed with a submachine gun. The Major had taken a shot back - and the driver was able to go back around the corner; his hat shot off.

Cipher cursed as he lost half of his disguise, the other being on his mouth; and perhaps on his hooves, knowing that the white gloves were crucial to keep his identity vague. "Shit." He hissed.

"Kill the changeling!" Yelled a voice from the room, and Cipher grit his teeth. He turned the corner again, and felt an impact hit him. A bullet slammed into him, forcing him back around into cover. It was bait, and he hated falling for it. He was relieved that the bullet hit the improvised kevlar padding he had under the uniform, but he knew that it was unlikely he'd make another mistake like this for free.

He took note that the enemies wore gasmasks, so the flashbangs he had been given were close to dead weight. There was little time to make a plan...He instead threw several smoke grenades, making quick mental notes of what was located and where.

Chari noticed that she had an opportunity to act, so she decided to make most of it. She was able to temporarily transform herself into a fire-breathing serpent; which earned another responsive hail of bullets from Icarus Team; but the flames had the purpose of not hurting, but causing a wall. Pepper cursed, attempting to aim with her thermal scope at Cipher, but the fire had painted it all a blinding shade of white. The others with thermal devices ran into the same issue.

Cipher made a mad dash through the smoke and flames, disappearing into the cloud.

He would run to where he knew Chari was - and that should've been close to where Rarity's cell was. However, mid-run, he felt a force slam into him, and it slammed him into a set of iron bars. Regaining his senses, he saw a silhouette through the smoke. Ducking down, he was able to avoid the butt of a rifle from the Major. It allowed Cipher to get a hook into his stomach, forcing the older stallion to stumble back as he dropped his rifle.

Squinting his eyes underneath the gasmask, the stallion's glove produced a strange clicking sound, but Cipher was unable to see what it was. He had then been unable to anticipate a kick so powerful, that it once again pushed him against the cell so hard he had been forced to stand on his hind hooves...

Only through sheer reflex and luck did Cipher notice the faint appearance of a blade. His only way to protect himself was his own hoof - the metallic one. He saw the tip emerge through the other side, nearly hitting his eye. The Major looked in surprise to see that the attack was swallowed, his blade that was connected to his glove was now stuck in metal and wiring.

Taking this opportunity, Cipher had the opening to use one of the legs he stood on to kick the Major right in the mask - shattering the glass and sending him back, while snapping the blade in half. The Major would stumble into the smoke and flames, and Cipher had breathing room. He ran towards Chari.

Meanwhile, Rarity had hugged the corner of her cell, whimpering and shaking as she saw a fire break out. She shut her eyes as hard as she could - and screamed when a pair of hooves began to touch her. She attempted to scream - but she would feel one of the hooves shut her mouth. She opened her eyes...And they widened in shock.

Cipher's neck scarf had come down to reveal his face. Rarity's breathing became fast for a moment - but slowed down. She nodded to him surely. He raised her to her hooves, and ran through the smoke - protecting her as they ran, and making sure Chari was right next to him as she too ran, but with a limp. To cover his trail, Cipher had thrown a specialized thermite grenade, which would burn red-hot for several minutes.

***

The temple was not completely tamed by Daybreaker's forces. Several hallways and rooms were devoid of any military equipment, indicating that the soldiers did not think that these areas were important, or hadn't at all explored them. In a forgotten chamber, well-concealed by the confusion of the temple's construction, an amber chemlight had been snapped, and light had flooded the room.

"Yellow...?" Chari weakly asked. "How boring. Couldn't you have packed some purples or reds? Greens at the least."

"I'm not a walking light show." Cipher asked, and turned to Rarity. "Ma'am, are you okay?"

"Quite fine, dear." The unicorn sighed. "Better knowing I'm among friends now. You...You knew I was here?"

Cipher shook his head. "Not when we came to Equus; but Twilight had gathered enough clues to throw us a good bone to start with. Matter of fact, thanks to our plane crash, we even landed a bit closer than we intended." He said. "Otherwise, all we had was that frequency you left the radio on."

Rarity frowned, sighing sadly.

"...Why didn't you tell them?" He asked.

Rarity blankly looked at the amber glowstick. "Because if I did, they would have immediately set off to go after me. It would be far too dangerous for them, and I supposed that maybe Twilight would have the incentive to ask for help if she were to make it across the ocean. It was the best I could do to ensure all my goals were met - to pursue my search, and to ensure my friends' safety..."

Cipher frowned. "Why find Luna - or Nightmare Moon...?"

"..." Rarity looked into his eyes. "I cannot explain this right now - not in such a dire and urgent situation."

"Just tell me the light gist of it. Please." Cipher whispered. "I need it."

"...I suppose you are much like Twilight. An analyst needs facts and information even in the least appropriate of situations to achieve the peace of mind needed to focus on the matter at hand." She softly laughed. "Well, I shall give the light gist as you ask for it. I...I have seen something. Something that leads me to believe that I am somehow...responsible."

"F-For what, Miss Rarity...?"

"...Not "responsible" directly per se, but...I believe that it was something that I didn't do that...that started this whole mess. From the civil war."

"...W-What?" Cipher asked. "Rarity, that's...certainly silly."

"Maybe I misinterpret what I saw." She admitted. "Maybe it wasn't my choice - maybe it was somepony else's. But...In my visions...I saw...I saw myself with Princess Luna. By her side, and...Things...Things were different."

"In what way...?"

"...I saw Ponyville, Canterlot - Manehattan and all other places. I saw...Not a single firearm, not a single tank - not a single act of warfare. I...I saw peace. Thestrals together with the other ponies. But strangely I also saw other things..." She whimpered in thought. "I saw...I saw the future - I...I saw Twilight in Canterlot, and I-I saw some other purple unicorn by her side, and all of us too - but I know it was the future, something seemed off. I even saw changelings - they looked different somehow, even colorful. I saw...I saw..."

Rarity could only sigh in exhaustion. Cipher frowned, but contained himself. "I-I'm sorry I made you tired, ma'am. You're right. L-let's focus on getting out...Chari?"

There was silence.

"...Chari!" Cipher yelled, running over to the limp changeling on the other side of the room. "Chari! Hey!" He softly cried out, holding her face with his hooves.

One of her lavender eyes fluttered open. "H-Hey, sorry...Just need a nap." She giggled weakly...Cipher looked to see a colored liquid on the glove of his burned hoof.

"...S-Shit, your nose is bleeding." He cursed. "Chari, h-how many times did you transform!?"

"...Enough times." She responded. "Uh...An acid-spewing Barrad Mantis to get the cell open, a wasp, Manticore, some venomous Eastern Zebrica spider, hippopotamus, er...some other things. Oh, and a East Zebrican serpent at the end. That's a couple too many, I guess, huh?"

"Shit, what were you thinking?" He cursed. "O-Okay, listen, I've got some love here." He said, reaching into his pouch and taking out three plastic vials of pink liquid. "Can this keep you up for now?"

"It'll do. B-But I think overall...I'll need as much love as you'd get from falling in love and growing old with somepony." She smiled. "...Or a steamy orgy." She grinned.

"Keep laughing. I'll inject this straight in, okay?" He asked, producing a needle from his first aid kit.

"...Fine. Just make it quick." She closed her eyes shut as Cipher began to fill the needle with the liquid.

"W-What's going on?" Rarity asked, leaning in.

Cipher's eyes remained on the procedure as he spoke. "Changelings are unique creatures - many assume that their shapeshifting is an illusion and that they will possess none of the properties. This isn't true. They are indeed capable of perfectly replicating other organisms by radically changing their own cell structure. It's a combination of biology and magic at work. Changeling shapeshifting takes all the elements that they have in their body, and re-arranges them; while magic can rapidly manipulate the amounts of these elements to "fill in" the requirements of the desired body."

"Don't bore the guest with a science les--" Chari said - but shut up as the needle made her squeak in pain.

"Because of the proportions of elements and therefore chemicals in the bodies of ponies, and since changelings have many of these elements in common with them, it's easy for changelings to change into ponies - albeit it's not easy to turn into alicorns; hence only Queen Chrysalis was successful as impersonating Princess Cadence. However, once you turn into a creature that is either much bigger, much smaller, or possesses special features such as flight, night-vision, venom, or anything like that, then the magic in the bodies of changelings is required to manipulate the amounts of elements involved."

"Come on, I'm gonna fall aslee--" Chari shut up as she squeaked a second time.

"Chari had transformed so much, that it consumed a lot of her body's magic. You've seen ponies when they're drained of their magic, per chance. They're in a similar state when their magic runs low. Weak and nearly soulless. The issue is that Chari is also injured. So we need to keep her love up. However - this is taking in consideration that the bodies of changelings use "love", and convert it into the magic that their bodies use. She's low on love - and her body is not producing magic quickly. With her injuries, the process is probably stopped to a halt."

"Where did you even learn any of this--" Chari shut up as she squeaked a third time.

"Love is a strange little thing - it's both a concept, and yet somehow a tangible thing. It's kind of like Friendship. Friendship makes magic stronger because it makes the magic user more confident - but also gives them the determination of helping their friends and keeping them safe, alongside a cocktail of other emotional benefits that give them the clarity and power to use magic better. Love, as such, is in a similar vein; and this raw power is converted into something more biological and...less esoteric, per se." Cipher said, disinfecting the hole he poked into Chari as the changeling quietly listened.

Rarity looked at Cipher, and softly nodded. "I see. We must find ways for Chari to acquire love."

"We have some "extracted" love, but yeah." Cipher nodded. "But it's not gonna keep her alive for as long as I'd like..."

The white unicorn closed her eyes. "And until then, we can't really move out of here securely, can we?"

"...Not quite." Cipher sighed.

"Go and get help." She told him. "Is that something you can do?"

"The thestrals are waiting for my signal to start attacking." Cipher said. "That, or we wait for another...twenty or so minutes."

"These twenty or so minutes are too much. Can you signal them now?" She asked.

"I could, but..."

"This area is quite hidden." Rarity smiled. "Please, trust me darling. We can't afford to let Chari stay here long. Make haste - but stay safe."

Cipher could only anxiously gaze at her, weighing his options. Nodding, he hoofed Rarity his sidearm, which the mare very reluctantly took. With that, he ran off.

Rarity turned back to Chari, who smiled weakly. "Hey, uh..." The changeling chuckled. "You really think you can fix the whole love issue?"

"I certainly can, dear." Rarity said, sitting next to her.

"That's gonna be difficult. Fake love won't really do the trick." Chari told. "We changelings know when you don't mean nice things. Seeing as we're strangers, I'm probably not gonna--"

"You were the first ray of hope I've seen in a long time, dear. And the news you gave to me of my friends...they gave me some life. I am forever grateful for you, and your efforts to protect me." She said, pulling Chari down to her side...The changeling surrendered, laying her head on Rarity's lap, as she felt white hooves stroke her head. "Please Chari, rest. And know that I am forever grateful to you, my dear friend..."

"...Okay. I guess this is nice." Chari smiled, and closed her eyes.

***

Cipher sprinted; not to an exit, but to the central chambers of the temple. He knew not their layouts, but their principle. He knew what they were made for, and he knew it suited his purposes. They had twenty or so minutes - but he couldn't afford to wait this time.

From his pocket, he produced a flare gun. He checked his pockets and found two flares - a red and green. He had loaded the green in, a signal to indicate that an attack should begin, but that the temple should not be attacked with artillery. The red was reserved in the event things got...too ugly. He aimed it at the ceiling...Through which he saw an opening all the way to the top of the temple, and at the sky - at the exact position where the full moon would be at a certain date at midnight.

However, he would be unable to fire it as a force slammed into him from behind, dropping him on the floor.

"Lucky me!" Sergeant Strive yelled. "Good thing we split up - and good thing I have a good intuition, heh." The stallion said, approaching Cipher to kick him in the stomach. The kick was strong enough to force him to slide along the floor. Regaining his sense, Cipher could see Strive straddle his chest, and raise his hoof high, before slamming it into his face.

Cipher's vision had blurred from the impact, and another soon followed. His ears rang as pain tore his head asunder...

But remembering why he was here - he couldn't afford to let the sacrificial altar of the temple become his tomb. He had shielded his face with his metallic hoof once more - and Strive had punched it...stabbing his hoof into Major's blade, which was still stuck inside. Grunting, Strive was distracted for a mere second - but it was what Cipher needed.

Cipher had reached a hoof to pull at Strive's gas mask, leaving it open from the chin. Without thinking other than for the sake of survival, he quickly aimed the flare gun at the opening, and fired it, before letting go of the gas mask and instead lunging with his teeth to bite the strap of the gas mask, and pull it as hard as he could to fasten it as tightly as possible to Strive's face.

The Sergeant would let out a bloody scream, turning and contorting all over the floor as his gas mask was illuminated with green, the searing-hot flare producing smoke from the gas mask, and filling the room with the smell of overcooked meat and fur.

Cipher quickly stood up and ran to the spot he was before...And checked his pockets. He cursed. He had used his green flare for self defense - so now he had to use the red.

Pointing it at the ceiling, he hesitated...Before pulling the trigger.

***

Rarity had fallen asleep. Exhaustion had overtaken her...But she felt an impact hit her head. A small pebble. Scrunching her nose, her eyes fluttered awake...She saw the changeling at her lap and...she saw dust falling from the ceiling.

Her eyes widened as the entire temple shook violently.

"C-Cipher!" She screamed, calling out. She then looked down at started to shake Chari. "Darling, wake up!"

But the changeling hadn't opened her eyes this time.

"...Oh no. No no no no no...C-Chari! Chari, wake up! Chari--"

"Rarity!" Cipher ran into the cell.

"She's not waking up!" Rarity exclaimed.

Cipher ran up and quickly put his hoof to Chari's neck - before sighing in relief. "Pulse present. Hoist her over. We're getting out of here."

Using levitation, Rarity was able to put Chari over Cipher's back, and helped secure her. "W-What's going on? Were those explosions?"

"...Our escape might become a bit complex now - but the good news is that we'll have an opening now. I doubt half the ponies in this temple want to get caved in. Let's go - and try to cast some magic for light!" Cipher exclaimed.

"R-Right!" Rarity yelped, and the two started to run, with Chari in tow.

***

"FUCK! FUCK, FUCK!" Plymouth screamed as he mowed down his targets. He angrily grit his teeth as he refused to let go of the trigger, much to the fear of the batpony who continued feeding the belt connected to his silenced machinegun.

"Compose yourself, damn you!" Azul yelled as she laid in the concealed position with him, in-between using the radio for commands.

"I'm going to compose the fucking funeral songs for all of these motherfuckers! They just killed my friends, and our best damn bet to save Equestria!" He shouted.

A hoof connected with his cheek, prompting him to stop firing.

"Fucking pull yourself together!" Azul shouted in his face. "They may still be alive! Don't judge a situation based on the immediate facts, and stop firing at whatever damn soldier you see! Focus on taking out their damn nests!"

Looking at her and breathing, Plymouth cursed, returning to the scope of his machine gun as he looked...He saw what appeared to be a group of soldiers leaving the temple, carrying a limp stallion with magic - but none of them wearing identifiable uniforms...His hope had sunk lower - and by the time he had them in his sights...He ran out of ammunition.

A final rocket barrage had done in the old stones of the temple. The structure had continued shaking as pieces had become torn off - and the dust ejecting from its exits had made it unmistakable that it was collapsing from the inside.

"Stop firing!" Azul exclaimed. By now, it was apparent that the battle was won. A combined assault on the positions relayed by Chari carried out with precise timing had allowed this to be a sweep, rather than a battle. The artillery had flushed out what soldiers were inside...

But the commander frowned. She saw nopony else exit.

The radio came alive with Bea's voice. "Look! The South entrance!"

There were three silhouettes. They waded through the cloud of dust as they left the temple, dazed and limping. The cloud cleared, and the identities became apparent.

Rarity weakly smiled at Cipher who limped behind her as he carried Chari.

"That...Is some impressive...shield work." Cipher coughed past the dust in his mouth.

The unicorn stood there with slight smoke emitting from the tip of her horn. "Well...I am the Element of Generosity, dear. Protecting others is a form of generosity too, r-right?" She smiled.

"Heh..." Cipher smiled.

Rarity gave a big smile in return.

Then, she collapsed.

Cipher gently leaned down to securely and safely place Chari on the ground, and then stood upright.

Before then collapsing as well.

Chapter 7 - Fog of Peace

Author's Note

This chapter was a bit of a bottleneck and needed thorough revision and carefulness! I needed consultation for writing the mod-canon characters, so I'd like to thank UnknownError here on fimfic, as well as Dice from the EaW Discord server for helping me with some consultation on the way the characters here were written!

Chapter 7 - Fog of Peace

The white unicorn could only stare with a mild look of annoyance as she sat in a gorgeous, luxurious room. It had all the comfort and decadence of a very lavish suite, yet none of the warmth as the room failed to conceal several of its features designed for maximum safety; such as the faux windows that projected a fake sky, skyline, and pedestrians - or several heavy-duty cameras that gave Rarity little in the way of privacy - or the fact that the front door was a pressurized, heavy metal door that made Rarity shudder at the thought of it being stuck.

It didn't help that she was to be accompanied by two roommates; roommates who were sitting on different sides of the room, wearing suits, over which were vests containing magazine pouches for the carbine rifles that were placed not too far away.

To hell with the fact her guards wore the oppressive reminder she was stripped of privacy and forced to be around loaded firearms; the more painful fact for Rarity was that the suits were navy blue, and did not whatsoever match the tan-camouflaged tactical equipment.

"You're not talkative at all, are you?" Rarity asked one of the two bodyguards; a pegasus mare. Then, she looked at a unicorn stallion. Time and time again she attempted to make some conversation, but was met with stone-faced gazes.

The pressurized hiss of the door opening made the guards stand to attention however; they had gotten an order through their earpiece radios, so while one kept an eye on Rarity, the other went to the door to assist its movement. It would slowly and heavily slide open, to make way for four figures; Cipher, Plymouth, Chari - and the Handler.

"House keeping." Cipher smiled softly as he saw Rarity.

The white mare scoffed, folding her hooves as she sat. "I don't suppose if an actual maid comes here she'll be clad in an ammo belt adorned around her body - with a rocket launcher on her back, and a machine gun under the skirt?"

"Is that a new fashion line you're making ideas for, I sense?" Cipher grinned, prompting a small but genuine smile out of the mare.

"Quite. Ought to be popular for your organization." Rarity said. "...Where's the pilot, Raz - was it?"

"Raz, uh..." Plymouth smiled nervously. "Getting chewed out by her engineer because she broke her legs. They take a lot of resources to make and are otherwise painstaking."

"...So who are you then?" Rarity asked, looking at the Handler.

The changeling softly smiled. "If you'd like to keep to the hotel terms, ma'am - I'm the Maître d' of this little inn."

"Admirable attempt dear. But the term you're seeking is majordomo." Rarity brushed her hair idly. "The contemporary Maître d' refers to the head of a dining staff. And no respectful majordomo would wear sunglasses indoors."

"Maybe my eyes are sensitive to light." The changeling laughed. "Call me the "Handler", ma'am. I sense you might suspect me of being the "leader" of the SIB - but let's keep to the fact that I am merely an agent who ensures this organization operates like a well oiled machine." He explained.

"So I don't suppose you came here to inspect me as if I were some sort of precious cargo, or an exotic zoo animal?" The unicorn said, staring at him. "I certainly could use all the reasons you may have on hoof to tell me why I'm not with my friends yet."

"We had to admit to a few concessions." The Handler stated. "We want nothing more than to keep the elements together - but the timing of your rescue wasn't good."

"Oh, pray tell why. And pray the answer satisfies me." The unicorn furrowed her brows and folder her hooves even tighter. Plymouth couldn't help but to smile seeing the Handler getting his flank handed on pieces of silver platters with each of Rarity's sentences. The male changeling sighed.

"President Jet Set needs the assistance of the Elements of Harmony for diplomatic affairs, especially since Equestria is going to be the topic of discussion." He explained. "And as it happens, your rescue attempt had taken a bit too long and we were behind schedule; so the President had to take the liberty to call the five to attend the GC-Summit."

"GC-Summit?" Rarity tilted her head.

"Griffonia Cooperation Summit, commissioned recently as the powers of the continent shifted. A little meeting of leaders of Griffonia that takes place to iron out diplomatic and trade-related kinks, as well as military-related topics. Usually gets hosted on the West Coast and never in the South - all things considered. Aquileia is the host this time around. List of attendees involves most nations and excludes the usual suspects like Blackrock, Prywhen, or Sicameon...Though there are governments-in-exile and political party leaders that are going to be there as well. Serov excluded."

"...But can Twilight and the others truly be seen there?" Rarity asked. "If she's seen there...It may provoke Daybreaker..."

"She won't attend the general and televised conference." The Handler smiled. "When it comes to important decisions - they've got their own little room to discuss them. The press won't even know she was there."

***

It lasted for hours - speeches and televised conferences that would allow all to see how the nations of Griffonia had cooperated and discussed matters that one could consider either banal and boring, or crucial and intense. A discussion concerning the embargo on Haukland, reparation efforts for the damages caused by the Dread League, new trade routes - and several votes that were done less so to decide on something, but rather to see which nations could still consider the other friendly. Andreia could only release a quiet curse as she stared down Francis IX Martlewing - and the latter looked back into her eyes as he made his "No" vote clear - on her proposals to support Nimbusia in its rising tensions with Honoria Goldmane's Witteland regime. Francis's vote was the one that put the final nail in the coffin - and Andreia had been offended that of all rulers to screw her over, it was somehow Martlewing; the one who could no longer be mocked as a stammerer.

Speaking of, Honoria Goldmane would have snickered in schadenfreude at the sight of Andreia's fumble, but only while she was blissfully unaware of the sanctions that she was about to have slapped across her face after a few more rounds of talks, following the tensions caused by her racially-motivated policies.

Áltu Kexa could only play with her hair - mind occupied on thinking of a stanza that could perfectly encapsulate just how much of a pointless task it was to dig about in bureaucracy and painstaking votes when with the collective authority in this chamber there could be potential to make good decisions to help the world in a shorter amount of time, especially not when the Riverlands was burning hotter and hotter, day by day. This was a sentiment that Alexander Kemerskai Jr. understood - but feared; any intrusive thought of making a "good change" happen "fast and without the slowness of democracy" reminding him of his father's last words on his deathbed, and the thin line of authoritarianism which he hated so much - especially the monarchistic sort. He had no desire to fail his father.

On the other side of the chamber, both Genevieve Guildedwing and Théodore Vérany were almost zealous in their involvement. Genevieve had practically made a major involvement in any economical discussion, while Théodore had involved himself in all conversations regarding security threats to West Griffonia - particularly those that belonged to royalist movements and fascists.

One of the older leaders present was Garibald Talonuel III, who was pushing his eighties; a legend who was a key figure to ending the fascist rule over Wingbardy following a harsh and brutal counter-revolution, regaining his place as king and assuming higher executive authority. As rumors had it - he had intentionally allowed the angry mob take Beakolini before his soldiers could arrest the fascist, and Talonuel himself arranged to have him hung upside down. However, as despotic as he intended his reclaimed rule to be, the political situation and the nature of the liberation had demanded some concessions. A constitutional monarchy had been placed, allowing the Partito Repubblicano Wingbardo and Partito Popolare Wingbardo to have a level of authority. This would have made Garibald extremely displeased - if it didn't calm him when he remembered that this guaranteed his son would never have absolute power once he finally croaked.

And finally, there was Gabriela Eagleclaw. The Herzland was shattered, the Reichspakt forcefully disbanded due to a treaty imposed by the Republic and Aquileia. However - Gabriela knew how to play her cards, and only her own wit and diplomatic tricks had been able to allow most of the Herzland nations to remain un-annexed. After all, how could she gift the Herzland to young Grover if there wouldn't be a Herzland left? She now sat in the room as a representative of the region...Considering that she represented a puppeted land, it would be a pitiful position - but with the big and radiant smile she adorned upon her face, and the grace she acted with; she was able to own it. Vérany had a perceptive eye to spot that the closer a camera was to pointing at her, the wider that cute, big smile of hers became.

President Jet Set had been unusually quiet. Of course there was the rubbing of his face, and the continuing messiness of his mane caused by nervous movements. More subtle gestures of hoof however were making a clear signal to a select few of the present leaders. The one that took the most effort to communicate this to however were Genevieve and Gabriela; the former too immersed in documents and ledgers to raise her head up at him, and Gabriella having a constantly wide smile; the elevation of her cheeks partially blocking her eyesight.

When several hours passed, it was time for recess. A recess that would last several hours. President Jet Set had slipped away into a secluded location - followed in order by Vérany, Kemerskai Jr., Kexa, Guildedwing, Eagleclaw, Martlewing, and finally Talonuel.

The room was dark - but lit closer to the center. Smoke had filled it; the first to light cigars being Talonuel and Vérany, while both Kexa and Guildedwing tried to stand farther from the two griffons. Martlewing was more calculated - standing with a vent between the smoke so that it would be sucked up before reaching him.

About to take a puff, Vérany had to stop as he saw Gabriela setting ablaze a cigar of her own - one that was several centimeters longer than the other griffons', a 9 inch long one. She would nonchalantly breathe in, before releasing smoke rings that would float across the room; said rings having various shapes and sizes that gave the griffon a little entertainment as she sighed in relief.

"Compensating for the entire Herzland." Talonuel whispered under his breath.

"What're you smoking anyhow?" Asked Vérany.

Gabriela smiled. Not the same smile she gave the cameras, but a very calm and slow-burning one. "Just a gift from Puerto Caballo; Lindo pájaro fresa Gran Corona, I think the name was. Hints of berries and vanilla."

In the center of the room was a table that held upon it a map; a magical artifact gifted by a unicorn benefactor that could easily change its contents, or highlight certain features. There had been other furniture for comfort and for utility, making it appear as a lively office built around the map.

As everyone was getting comfortable, Talonuel heard steps approaching him. He'd look down to see a younger griffon that wore a top-hat and monocle, smiling up at him.

"Genevieve." The old griffon said, looking at her.

"Your majesty." Her smile warmed. "I wanted the opportune moment. I bring you a gift. An addition to the world's most expansive collection of stamps." She grinned, pulling out a small square paper; on it a small portrait Warda bint Sakhr, and illustrations of some of the landmarks of the Emirate of Osqat.

The griffon's beak had almost opened too ajar as the cigar nearly fell out. "...Well I'll be. I have a few from Osqat - but...This one...It's the Venerable Sadlhara Green...950?"

"In plain terms, is it rare enough for your tastes?" Vérany scoffed - but the remark had no attention from the King who was very focused.

"Very. I heard that perhaps less than fifty of these exist. Guildedwing, whenever did you get your talons on this?"

The younger griffon could only warmly smile. "Well Your Majesty...Skyfall being what it is, trading with practically any nation all over the world, it shouldn't be too surprising I come across lovely and rare trinkets."

Talonuel looked at her...And smiled. He knew she did this because she felt partial blame for her father's actions - but he didn't have the heart to call her out, to make her think it wasn't working. Besides, he couldn't pass up on rare stamps if this was her idea of gifts.

President Jet Set noted that all the colleagues he wished to summon were in the room, and he locked it, with a deep and shaky sigh. The sound of the lock made all turn their heads.

Gabriela smiled softly. "Jet Set. It has certainly been a minute since that door was shut tight. You aren't intending on pulling us into some dastardly little intrigue, are you~? Something pertaining to that nasty Nimbusian vote, perhaps? I say - Andreia was staring daggers at poor Francis." She chuckled, puffing smoke; head raised up to avoid blowing it directly into the faces of the other smoking griffons, but at such an angle that secretly - partially avoiding the flow of the ventilation system - it'd settle down upon them from the ceiling.

"I don't have an interest in fanning the flames to a war. Especially not one based on race." Martlewing plainly said. "She'll have to take my decisive "No" vote and live with it."

"And here I wondered why they stopped calling you The Stammerer - seeing how you dropped you stutter for the tendency to be able to grab somecreature by the balls." Vérany said under his breath.

Adjusting her wheel-aids, the Zebra poetess smiled at Francis. "Truly; that display was admirable Martlewing...But madmares like her only fall into rage in the face of any resistance." Kexa sighed. "Witteland and Nimbusia are two forces that will collide, and the shockwave will hurt those around them, their own citizens included. We must put a stop to them - and I do hope this is what we're here to discuss."

"Judging by the fact most in this room are Western Griffonians..." Kemerskai Jr. coughed. "Sorry, Kexa - I somewhy doubt this is the case." He said. The zebra would only take a few moments looking at him, before sighing and looking elsewhere.

"Okay - so if it's not the Riverlands..." Gabriela put a talon to her beak. "Blackrock and Sicameon?...No, too simple. Serov's government-in-exile? I heard you'd been doing some work to fight it. Two communist powerhouses on one continent is one too many anyway."

"Shoulda just married Sombra." Very quietly Genevieve coughed.

"I doubt it's about him." Vérany interrupted. "Starry Night's been pressuring Prywhen a lot over Serov's recent actions, and I doubt it's our concern right now. I guess being a communist doesn't guarantee being on the same page."

Garibald shook his head. "They sort of are on the same page, I'd say. You've seen just how much Vartai has grown...I think they're both fine with the idea of expanding this...nasty little ideology." He commented.

Kemerskai Jr. could only look at Talonuel with distaste. "Monarchism isn't that much better...Constitutional or not."

Garibald dismissively spoke back without as much as looking at him. "Yes, Junior - well, you're the president, yet also the son of the last president; yet claim to have installed a democratic government as per your dad's request. Let's not get into the many thin lines of this argument, because this summit has drained me of my desire to do it more, capische?"

"I'm not as concerned in regards to Vartai." Francis spoke up in an attempt to divert the topic and break up the tension in the room. "Communist or otherwise, Vartai isn't as bad as Stalliongrad under Serov. At the very least, Starry Night isn't as insane or maniacal as Diellza or Baron Leer either if we consider what they annexed."

"Yes, Diellza and Leer - the only few faces I am somewhat glad my Grover wasn't, and isn't going to be around." Gabriela sighed in relief together with a smoke cloud.

"Speaking of Starry - wherever in the world is she?" Genevieve asked. "I thought she'd be here so we could discuss our economic cooperation. It's almost as if she doesn't want any import or shipping contracts! I can't imagine operating a landlocked country if you want economic prosperity..."

"The contracts are coming along at the pace they must."

It was a male voice which spoke up. A voice that none had anticipated - and made Théodore pull out a pistol from underneath his sleeve, while Talonuel unsheathed his ceremonial sword, and both Kexa and Martlewing got into a stance to prepare for unarmed combat.

In the dark corner of the room stood a dark-blue stallion with black hair tied into a pony tail.

"Well. This bodes well for the career of this summit's security staff's leadership." Gabriela coughed, one talon very slowly going for her poison-tipped head-feather pin.

Kemerskai Jr. looked anxiously - but displayed confusion as the glasses-wearing pony in the room seemed rather calm.

"You're..." Jet Set narrowed his eyes, having stopped shaking somewhat out of fear of an intruder in the room. "Abba Povner. Right?"

"I appreciate remembering my face from your last meeting with Starry." The stallion coldly spoke. "Please, lay down your intent to harm." He told the others in the room.

Kexa's voice spoke immediately. "If you swim in the shadows and demand disarmament, one would worry if you're trying to drown them in the same shadows."

"...What does that mean?" Genevieve whispered. "And who are you anyway!?"

"A general of Vartai, and Starry's right hoof." President Jet Set explained. "A key member of Vartai's revolution, too."

"Not normally do you see intruders in this room. How did you even get here?" Théodore grunted as he reluctantly returned the weapon to his holster.

"...I was here this whole time. You merely just didn't see me." Abba coldly stated.

"...No?" Gabriela tilted her head. "I let my eyes wander all over this room - and I am positive I hadn't seen you!"

"Then you didn't let your eyes wander enough."

"But--"

"That answer will be the most satisfying; and will ensure you won't lose sleep." Was all he could say. "I suppose you expected to see Starry this summit - but she cannot join you. Problems from Prywhen and the Stalliongrad exiles. Not to mention the bandits from Blackrock and Sicameon. I'll simply relay all you must to her."

"Right - about that." Francis looked at Jet Set. "I think you should tell us why you brought us here. You've been taking some time before answering, to the point we've gone on too many tangents."

President Jet Set needed a moment before delivering his words, the fact all eyes were on him was not all too easy to deal with. "I believe it was a good idea to let you all get it out of your system, I'm going to start slow for this bit. Abba - I can trust you to keep a secret." He said - the statement not even a question.

The Vartai stallion nodded. "Secrets are the only reason I am alive. Go ahead, Mr. President."

The President sighed softly. "Okay. The eight of you in this room consist of those I can trust with this problem; not to mention that we more-or-less make up the frontier of Western Griffonia. We're talking about a security threat."

Vérany folded his talons and shook his head with a smile. "Worried about security threats to the continent, are we? I heard you were one of those noble types before. Glad to see some twenty odd years of politics turned you into a politician."

"Even lost my Canterlot accent." Jet Set sighed softly again - now with a smile. "Anyhow - yes. This pertains to Western Griffonia, and the stakes will be high."

"Kasa is in Western Griffonia?" Gabriela laughed softly.

Jet Set shook his head. "No - but Kexa's values, and the values of Kasa itself, essentially represent what is at stake here."

"Does the stake involve the freedom and liberty of others - under the guidance and protection of harmony?" The zebra poetess simply asked.

"More than ever, ma'am." Jet Set insisted.

Kexa smiled - and that was all she needed.

The President nodded. "I...gathered you all here today to discuss the elephant in the room that none of us seemed to be willing to discuss during the conferences - myself included. The big elephant that's sitting on the other side of the ocean right now."

"Daybreaker." Talonuel smiled. "Good ol' Celly - now in a form that would make Nightmare Moon's knees buckle and send her with her hooves above her head. I was wondering when I'd see some guts from somecreature with this problem. You did not disappoint, President."

"Wait - the Solar Empire? I thought it wasn't our concern." Genevieve leaned in. "Daybreaker just wanted her ponies and that's it - an isolationist Equestria that already got what it wanted. They're even willing to do some trade, so far. How is it our problem?"

"You think megalomaniac monarchs sit in one place thinking their empire is big enough?" Kemerskai Jr. commented.

Gabriela sighed. "Seeing just how much plotting and scheming I had to go through as regent, this is a silly question. Of course, history shall repeat itself as it always did."

"Even then however...She'd do it even an ocean apart?" Kemerskai Jr. asked softly looking at Jet Set.

"Especially if it's an ocean apart." Francis stated. "Prepare your coasts and defenses well enough - then launching a successful attack on another nation from overseas becomes a "when" as opposed to an "if".

"You had time to pick up on naval theory, Francis?" Vérany asked.

"My war may not have included extensive naval combat; but that doesn't excuse slacking on learning military theory." He simply declared.

"So...Daybreaker." Kemerskai Jr. coughed. "You really think she's a threat, President Jet Set?"

Jet Set had simply reached into the same file he had given to his SIB members, and gave the same explanation he did to Colton's team, while distributing its copies to the others.

The sound of furling pages filled the room.

Silence occupied the room for ten minutes.

Abba spoke first.

"Lucky were we to have secured our revolution before even prototypes of these kinds of weapons were reality." He sardonically laughed.

"Or that no major war took place in the last few years that could have involved it." Gabriela stated. She could've commented how it could've helped the Herzland, but opted to keep her beak shut.

"...Eugh, this kind of blast..." Genevieve frowned. "It would take only a talonful to..." She stopped herself - not daring to even think about the sentence she had almost spurted out.

"Vividvale..." Talonuel commented as he looked at the caption of the picture. "Never heard of this before..."

"A direct confrontation is out of the question. I...can see this much." Kexa sighed sadly - anger bottling up at the prospect that there could have potentially been living souls at the ground zero of the explosion. It reminded her how much Goldmane was preaching about spells, and she could only squeeze the paper of the file as she considered using such weapons, even in the forms of spells, wasn't above her.

However, the atmosphere in the room had slightly changed as a sigh came from Genevieve.

"Jet Set." She stated. "Your plan...Is to do what exactly?"

The President was ready and spoke almost immediately. "We apply the strengths of our clandestine forces and attempt to maximize the strength of all rebel cells in the Solar Empire, while preparing our own air and coastal defenses. Then we will--"

"So basically, sooner or later, Daybreaker WILL become aware of what we're set to do - way before we can actually remove her." Genevieve said inquisitively.

"Yes, but--"

"Stop, Jet Set. Please." Genevieve sighed, making Jet Set freeze like a deer in headlights. "Look - I hate to say this, but this is a bad call. I respect you as a rational and skilled leader - but whether your plan is solid or not, I cannot risk my citizens' lives. You are aware that Skyfall is likely to be a priority target once the sun comes down upon us, right? Not to be a bragging bird or to try and talk big, but we are the center of Western Griffonia's economy - if not more than that. Why would she not target us first - especially with that...weapon...?"

"I agree but disagree." Garibald sighed. "Wingbardy's first. Easier for her to invade if she tries to land on Western Griffonia. Probably might rouse up some of late Beakolini's supporters in advance to soften us up. And since Sicameon and the rest our Eastern neighbors are not getting involved, that can help Daybreaker to stick to one front. Taking us out also means taking out a major military power during the first phase of the war." He dipped the last of his cigar into the ashtray. "Not to mention - I did not reclaim my throne with the promises of more war for Wingbardy."

"...Or she might target the Griffon Republic." Kemerskai said. "I'm not going to sugarcoat it. I'm not my dad. I don't know all the tricks in his book that would allow him to defend against someone like her, I'm not a strategist as brilliant as him. Barring the fact she might help Queen Sköldsvärd's insurgency...Were Daybreaker to take Nova Griffonia, she'd have an easier time transporting troops across the ocean. And like Wingbardy, we may not rely on a lot of help from the East. She can open one front and go through the north all the way south."

Vérany softly smiled. "You're not as bad at strategical thinking as you claim yourself to be, kid." The old griffon smiled - and softly, Kemerskai Jr. smiled back.

Kexa sighed. "I am not sure how Kasa can help a war on the other side of the continent, President Jet Set. Up north of us, those we once considered peaceful and harmonious nations have shattered into insane warmongers. You saw the talks today - their verbal fight does not compare to the blood that will shower upon Eastern Griffonia. If I leave it unattended, if I do not stand up to the violence - Kasa might entirely lose its neighbors. Hundreds of thousands will die - more will flee. And this time, with the size of it all - we may not be able to work with another refugee crisis of such a grander scale than last time."

"And I'm not sure how I'm even helpful here!" Gabriela yelped. "Stating the unpleasant obvious, I'm sort of a decoration here, to speak with the self deprecation I do not deserve! My generals have already been partly castrated - in no short merit of these two handsome gentlebirds by my side." She coughed. "Am I really going to muster up anygriffon and yet maintain the treaty agreements?"

"...Francis?" Abba Povner finally spoke. "You've experience with uphill battles nobody expected you to win. You arguably have the most useful opinion."

"..." Martlewing took time to think of a right answer, and looked at the others. "President Jet Set has a plan that was interrupted before he could finish the rest of it. Before he does so - let's assume it's a bad plan. My question to you lot is - do any of you even have a plan in the first place, against the threat we hadn't discussed because we were too afraid of doing so?"

"I don't see a reason to plan against a hypothetical threat and an impossible challenge." Talonuel stated - not as a fact, but rather as a rhetorical statement that he used to coax more thoughts from Francis.

And so did Francis continue. "The way I see it - all of us here had to go through great hurdles to get our nations to reach better circumstances; better living conditions and greater security. We've seen friends and family die, citizens cry for help, we've seen our own cities burn and we've seen our own flags get trampled. Some of us have seen our own buildings in ruins, and some of us have had to watch children bawling as their parents had disappeared. All of us have had to watch with our very own eyes how our people suffer - one way or another, because for some damn reason, none of us had neither the brain, guts, or heart to stop the world from spiraling into the festering and repetitive hole of suffering. That is why..."

Francis took short moments to look everyone in the eyes.

"That is why my question is - would you rather fight - or would you rather surrender to a regime which will ensure everything in her power that your nation's citizens suffer harshly either way, forced to watch it happen for the rest of your lives?"

Of all the open beaks and mouths - the only big grin came from Kexa and Talonuel.

"Nice one, kid." Garibald softly whispered to himself.

Kexa gave Francis a most pleasant, warm smile. "My, my - Francis Martlewing, the ninth...You mean to tell me that was an improvised speech?"

"..." Francis was unable to help but to blush softly - the compliment coming from Kexa in particular rather flattering to him. "I was just speaking what was on my mind."

"Or rather, what was in your heart - I suspect." Kexa grinned. "Your skill in speechcraft is commendable."

"Try telling him that about twenty years ago." Talonuel scoffed with a sly grin. "I still aim to launch an investigation to see if maybe a changeling replaced him along the way."

"Well unlike you, ya old fart, some creatures can change." Théodore commented.

"Old fart?" Garibald laughed heartily. "You're a wrinkled raising trying to accuse another raisin of being wrinkled. Those ten years you're younger than me aren't as much of a trump card as you think they are."

"Sure - that's ten years I get to see you in a wheelchair with a plaid blanket on your knees, though." Théodore grinned deviously...And caught a nasty look from Kexa. "...No offense."

"You're getting sidetracked." Abba said. "Now - I want everyone to confirm where they stand after Francis's words. We have a force of evil sitting across the ocean; so if you're actually going to stand up to her, we need decisiveness and resolve. Pay lip service - and you will have wasted everycreature's time."

"..." Genevieve sighed. "I suppose being foolish by the virtue of non-action isn't the right call. I expect a lot of good guns and good soldiers protecting the damn bay - you griffons hear?"

"We'll get you guns so big that even Garibald's mother would cross her legs in fear." Théodore smirked, flicking another cigar on fire. "Aquileia won't stand by idly and watch as the horizon beyond the sea burns."

"And we'll get you so many men even Théodore's mother - and father - would say they haven't a big enough bed." Garibald laughed, lighting his second cigar. "My citizens deserve peace - but more importantly, they deserve freedom from oppression."

Francis nodded at Genevieve. "We will - in secret - send you experts from my military, as well."

"Yes - please, actually." Jet Set coughed. "Whatever you do - and as much as this may slow down efforts - I implore you all to do things silently. Quietly, and in secret to make sure Daybreaker does not notice our efforts as hostile escalations or any manner of arms race. Kemerskai - you however might have a bigger responsibility...If you agree to help."

The junior tried his best to show nor fear no doubt, and he succeeded - standing straight and at attention. "I do not wish to see Daybreaker on the throne much longer - especially knowing what she does to her citizens. What must be done, President Jet Set?"

"Daybreaker is likely to utilize the help of Queen Sköldsvärd's insurgency against you. We need to use the resources of your republic to not only deal with that - but also do our best to protect Nova Griffonia. This will ensure that at-least the north may seem like a potentially difficult approach for her."

"I will need help, President." Kemerskai admitted as shameful as he felt it - but Jet Set smiled slightly.

"You'll get our help, Kemerskai. Gabriela, you may have doubts, but I do need your help too."

"Go on...?" The pink griffon tilted her head.

"Gabriela - you're going to try and get the rest of the Herzland to do what they can to help. Yale and Feathisia may help us get an edge, and as will the rest of the Herzland. Whoever you can get on-board, it counts."

"Oh president." Gabriela put her talons on her temples. "You do not believe that pink humble little me can sway the entirety of the Herzland to be on the same page as its neighbors, and rub shoulders without second thoughts. Do you?"

"If it was any griffon else, no. But I know you're the griffon for the job." Jet Set smiled.

Gabriela smirked. She knew he meant that she was good at what she did - even if he was to put it into direct words, it would not be flattering; maybe with words of calling her a manipulator or any other adjective that indicated she could pull the strings to make a good puppet show.

And if she made a good enough puppet show, she might have a shot and making things right for the Herzland.

She only opted to make her smirk into a smile. "You'll get results."

"Kexa." Jet Set said. "I need--"

"Whatever you need, you will get it." Altu said.

"Perfect! Then--"

"After we resolve the Riverlands conflict." The Zebra insisted. "I cannot ignore it, and I cannot resolve two conflicts at once. I would be willing to help - but afterwards."

"B-But..." Jet Set sighed. "We may not have enough time - we--"

"President, you have my support. Daybreaker is a menace I do not wish to oppress the ponies of Equestria any longer." The poetess stated. "But the sands of time pour in order."

Jet Set could only rub his eyes briefly. He didn't expect things to go perfectly either way, he supposed. Something was better than nothing.

"Mr. President." Abba said. "Western and Eastern Griffonia; you seem to be sandwiching my country."

Jet Set smiled. "I can't forget - but I wanted to save it for last considering the leader isn't here."

"I cannot make the choice for her - but what is your aim then? I want to see Daybreaker dead - but the rest of our government has no real inclination to get involved. Certainly not by rubbing shoulders with the Herzland."

"That bridge gets crossed once reached. But we could really use your help." The President softly insisted.

"You really deem Vartai to be strong enough?" Abba blinked without emotion.

"Well." Vérany spoke up, making the President turn his head towards him. "In-between you annexing parts of the eastern Herzland, and then Deponya and a portion of Lake City, and then not to forget your annexation of Hellquill, and of course considering how you were able to take over most of Lushi and even northern Blackrock...I think it's safe to say that Vartai isn't a small spot on the map any longer."

Abba closed his eyes. "You're a strategist. You should know that being a buffer between a treacherous Herzland and the unstable River Federation - with bandits running amock south...One cannot sit peacefully and wait. In that case, Mr. President, I suppose your plan has merit. To unite most of Griffonia to face off against a continent-sized Empire. Besides..."

Abba Povner looked at the map, sighing. "The Longsword Revolution was a stand against oppression. Just because of our race - we were considered to be trash, treated worse than that. I've heard what Daybreaker is doing against the Thestrals of Equus. This I will not stand; so I assure you - I will show Starry the importance of this deed. I will have Daybreaker's head for their persecution."

A few moments of silence ensued due to Abba's extreme sentiment, but the conversation went on. "But it does raise questions. Hot or Cold War, every war has a goal." Talonuel spoke up.

"Yes - we're on the same page." Francis said. "This cannot just be a war to "teach the enemy a lesson". You must be able to replace Daybreaker. I don't suppose your plan involves conquest?"

"No, never." The President shook his head. "This is a war of defense and liberation. What we will do instead is install a government in the stead."

Alexander frowned. He had an idea of where this was going - taking into consideration that Equestria would doubtfully accept anything other than the status quo.

"Oh? You already have a government in-mind?" Talonuel grinned. "Surely President Jet Set doesn't have our "monarchistic" tendencies of installing his own little puppet government, does he?"

Jet Set smiled. "I do not. And I actually have the right candidate. Fillies and gentlecolts - fledlings and gentlegriffons; I would like to introduce you to somepony."

With that, he had unlocked the door - a hooded figure entered. Théodore felt his talons gently scratch the grip of his pistol - but when the hood came off...His beak had dropped.

"Hello everycreature...My name is Princess Twilight Sparkle." The alicorn who had taken the hood off softly said, revealing the burn scar on her cheek. She was then followed by her friends, and an SIB agent who had made sure none had tailed them.

"...Well, Théodore - that's a member of royalty you don't seem to be willing to shoot at, eh?" Garibald softly chuckled at the other griffon.

Gabriela blinked. An unexpected factor in the equation. She smiled. "Princess, I am glad to see you're safe." She said, carefully thinking of the response.

Genevieve squeaked in surprise - unable to say anything.

Kemerskai Jr. kept quiet too - not too thrilled, then again, he had to consider there were worse faces to see.

The poetess smiled wide in exhilaration. "The seas gifted us with your safe arrival. It is an honor to finally meet you all, Elements of Harmony." Kexa smiled softly.

Abba Povner also smiled while none saw him - understanding what those peculiar reports South Equus were about.

Jet Set coughed to attract attention. "The Elements of Harmony were brought here because this allows us to have a chance at unifying Equestria." The President said. "The Elements of Harmony are important. Equestria sees them as heroes - and Daybreaker still hasn't demonized them with her propaganda because she still thinks she can get them on her side to solidify her grip over the continent. I don't think Equestria will trust Griffonia to liberate it - not even New Mareland. But if we can empower the Princess and her friends..."

"...Hmph. You did your homework, Jet Set." Talonuel smiled.

"On behalf of Equestria..." Twilight said. "We will be grateful if you can help us. We can't allow Daybreaker to oppress neither Equus, nor invade Griffonia. This isn't a plea of a political nature - I want to be able to protect our world from tyranny and suffering. I do not want any more pointless violence, oppression, and fear. Please - help us. The fate of millions depends on all of us..."

Vérany smiled. "...She's gonna have to make up for the nasty blot on my political portfolio of helping royalty gain power." He said softly so that few could hear.

"How do you think I feel exactly? This stings me worse..." Kemerskai Jr. whispered under his breath.

"You're still helping remove a monarch - technically." Genevieve muttered.

"But..." Kexa frowned. "Your Majesty - Celestia, even if imprisoned within Daybreaker...She is your mentor. Can we truly...Act against her?"

Twilight frowned deeply. "...I made a promise to Celestia. If I do not act as I promised...I will have failed her."

There was a somber silence in the room, broken only after some minutes by Garibald who grinned. "Well, Princess Twilight Sparkle. You certainly give this griffon more interesting experience for his...heh, "twilight" years." He snorted.

Applejack rose a brow. "Puns, Your Majesty?"

"That's what being a dad does." He could simply say with a smirk.

"...Well." Jet Set smiled. "In the interests of building up great diplomatic relations with the Princess and her friends, shall we mingle somewhat? There's some two hours before recess ends." He suggested.

"...Oh, 'bout fucking time." Theodore grinned. "In one of these cabinets...I should have a bottle of Le meilleur de l'aigle, 975."

"Your dog water isn't going to cut it I'm afraid." Garibald said. "I'm bringing out the Il meglio del falco 970 for this."

"You're already trying to poison our esteemed guests!?" Theodore groaned at Talonuel, and the two began to bicker, going down the rabbit hole of arguments about the superiority of Aquileian and Wingbardian wines, too busy doing so to even procure the bottles they bragged so much about.

Kexa sighed, looking at the elements while the two debated. "Shall we just opt for some ice cold cider?"

"Now we're talking!" Rainbow Dash grinned.

Abba only watched - observing and reducing his own presence to the point...none remembered how he had left.

Chapter 8 - Purpose

Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.

Chapter 9 - Catalyst

The lobby was bustling - and yet politeness allowed it to be rather quiet. Dozens of griffons were waiting. Young, old - male, female; the Weter Central Hospital was open to all - as health issues did not discriminate. It was Nova Griffonia's largest hospital, with two helicopter landing pads, and a department for every sort of medical problem. The average number of patients easily reached hundreds even on a less busy day.

A young griffon girl exited with her mother, between sobbing and happiness as the shot she had been given was a fairly scary experience to her - but the lollipop she received in exchange had been worth it. She would leave out into the cold streets of Weter holding her mother's talon, passing by a pony who had stepped through the doors.

An old griffon made his way to the reception desk, assisted by a cane. He inquired about his wife - who had been recovering from cancer; and would have run if it was possible with the state of his hip. He limped as fast as he could - to see the love of his life, who had promised to stick around longer with him.

A young teenaged griffon scowled - his broken leg a reminder of his foolishness. But as he would curse softly towards his own mother, he would deep in his heart know that she loved him, as had just barely managed to leave work early to pick him up from school as he called with the broken leg.

A veteran would come for his bi-yearly treatments, his medals softly rattling as he used the crutches to make his way through the hospital. He hadn't responded to the many griffons who thanked him for his service - as the artillery shell from years ago totally removed his hearing. But he would smile softly down at a small young griffon that saluted him.

A pony would take a seat in the lobby - not sure where to sit. He had opted for a corner, where the griffons were adults, neither children nor the elderly.

Happily, a female griffon would nearly burn the rubber on the wheels of her wheelchair, quickly wheeling herself out of the hospital after being bed-ridden for almost half the year, chased by a nervous nurse who tried to warn her not to over-exert herself.

The pony was approached by a smiling, female griffon nurse - holding a clipboard. "Hello sir, are you here for an appointment?"

"..." The pony made panicked eye contact with her...He was only able to muster up the ability to stand up and walk past her. Surprised to see him simply walk away, the nurse took a step back and blinked.

"S-Sir? Sir...!?" She called out. She would watch him leave and was unsure of what to make of the whole scene. "...Huh. What an odd fellow..."

She would look back to notice a saddlebag that was left on the seat. She blinked for a moment, and then turned back to the pony that had already left past the doors. "Oh! Sir? Sir! You forgot--"

A soft click came from the saddlebag.

Death was a force of an unpredictable nature - it could cause great suffering, yet death was in of itself an alleviation of suffering. On that day, many suffered - and many found the end to their suffering.

The explosion had tore apart the entire lobby. Those near the entrance had been blasted away, left with broken bones and burns. Others had been left comatose, and many had their limbs blown off. The floors above had been unfortunate - torn asunder from below as it had caused chain explosions with the gas and heating systems, as well as explosions from volatile chemicals. The windows were blown apart, glass scattering across Weter, like dust - or crystalized tears. The only relatively safe part of the hospital was the children's wing, while perhaps ironically or intentionally, the hospice section had left no survivors.

Investigators came perhaps almost earlier than firefighters. The explosion was obviously a terror attack - and all reports had already indicated to a pony. Intense searches had resulted in arrests of several pony suspects, intense inquiries...All of them ended with a simple phone call. A phone call to those in charge of the investigation to report that on the site of the explosion, there was evidence that the perpetrator was a pony from the Solar Empire.

Though evidence had appeared in the evidence lockers, and though information had been gathered to confirm the involvement of the Solar Empire...None were able to answer the question - who had called them, and who had given them this information.

The one who made the call cleaned their sunglasses - guilt an alien feeling they were no longer sure they felt or not.

Intermission - Split

Author's Note

This chapter has just a bit more graphic violence than usual - viewer discretion advised!

Intermission - Split

Cipher walked at a steady pace to the Handler's office. In his saddlebag was something that made him walk with determination, locked on target with the door. He ignored everything around him - for a gnawing question overwhelmed him. He opened the door to the office...

And blinked in surprise as he saw a thin, petite pink mare - who upon seeing him shrieked in terror and fell under the desk.

The Earth pony blinked some more. He knew this mare, so took steps forwards. "Paperweight?" He softly asked. "...Don't tell me the Handler's out."

The little mare shook a little as she regained her composure, sitting back behind the desk. "H-Hi, C-C-C-Cipher..." She gulped. "I'm...so sorry. The Handler asked me to cover for him for the next three days...C-Can I do something for you?"

Cipher took a moment to observe her. She was everything the Handler wasn't - nervous, easy to frighten, and horribly anxious. What she had going for her was her intelligence, and very shrewd skills as a secretary - but this intelligence was overshadowed by terrible meekness and her crippling anxiety.

"Well, yes and no." Cipher sighed. "We're going to Nova Griffonia for our next assignment, but there was something in the intel we were given I don't like." He said.

Paperweight frowned somewhat. "Oh...Sorry, Cipher - neither of us had an idea you'd come up with a last minute concern. B-But maybe I can help?"

Cipher nodded, taking a file out of his saddlebags and putting them on the desk. "Remember Clover Island?"

Paperweight, comfortable around a familiar face and one that had similar passions when it came to the job, was actually able to take a deep breath in the middle of his actions and smile. "Yes, of course. Unnamed Operation #84. Unnamed on the basis of secrecy - rather than the usual clause of the mundane. Involved Agent Gomer, Colton, Umfuni, and Typhoon Team. Casualties consisted of Typhoon 3, as well as injuries for Agent Umfuni. A facility operated by unknown personnel, destroyed in napalm. Reported to have been visited by General Aurora of the Imperial Solar Army. Agent Colton had recovered random intelligence due to the time constraints. We reviewed it and determined that a Solar Empire spy network is present in Nova Griffonia and may intend to act in some way. Your team is being sent to investigate it."

Cipher smiled - what most would consider annoying to recall the facts that he already read, he found her thoroughness comforting, and her ability to checklist vital information to be soothing. "Right." He said. "We're being deployed close to the border of both Virgilia and the Solar Empire. Mountain town known as Jagged Hope. I'm more-so concerned why intel regarding Solar spy connections ended up in the middle of the ocean..."

Paperweight put a hoof to her chin. "It's a good point; but we noted that the intel seems to pertain to agents operating in Griffonia. Perhaps Clover Island acted as a way to connect their reports better to Equus?"

"Maybe, but I'm not sure why it's leading us to Jagged Hope. The town's close to the border, but offers no strategic value. Maybe the closest thing is that it was one of the few towns close to the epicenter of the Mad Tremble outbreak."

"Mad Tremble? Sorry - I didn't have time to go over that bit..." Paperweight admitted in mild shame.

Cipher chuckled. "No issue, I know north Equus wasn't in your field of interest up until now. The Mad Tremble was basically a cannibalism-transferred virus. Caused an effect that could be described as rabies - but more sophisticated and unfortunately for the victims not as lethal. Caused aggression, cravings for raw flesh - but allowed for a level of mental stability high enough to not hamper the victims' knowledge of weapons. This infection came from Virgillia and spread into Nova Griffonia, Stalliongrad, and Equestria; the latter two in light numbers, but Nova Griffonia had a somewhat larger number to deal with."

"Sounds like the Dread League, just..." Paperweight chuckled. "Less necromancy, more biology."

"Essentially." Cipher continued. "You had bands of cannibals just embarking on massive raids across Virgillia and Nova Griffonia; their desire to eat flesh and kill overwhelming them. No desire for looting, rape, or anything other than just...murdering and consuming those that weren't from their own band - though granted that's if they didn't get hungry enough. Jagged Hope made advantage of its geography, tricking these bands into their peril down the mountains and utilizing clever strategies to outsmart of the foe and cull the herds."

Paperweight shivered. "Just...terrible..."

Cipher nodded. "Sorry about getting sidetracked. Anyways, Jagged Hope offers no strategic value, and I doubt it would connect a spy ring. We ought to look at major cities. I mean, that explosion in Weter - doesn't present any flags for us?"

Paperweight tapped her chin a little. "I see your point...Still, I think the Handler would've paid attention to this too. You were going to get a lot of intel once you're in Nova Griffonia, so maybe there's still some relevance to being in Jagged Hope?"

"I would..." Cipher sighed as he'd need to surrender to the pun. "I would hope so. We're departing at sunrise. I really hope Handler knows what he's doing..."

"I'm sure he does." Paperweight gave a cutesy smile. "And even if he wasn't, he chose you because he knows you're the ones who can adapt to any situation and take care of it."

"...Very reassuring, Paperweight." Cipher rose a brow.

***

At a crossroad in Vartai, a group of soldiers had gathered as commotion began to stir up. Two trucks were on the opposite ends of the crossroad, facing each other with their backs. Attached to their tow hooks were chains - and they all led to the center of the crossroads...

Where a griffon wearing all black screamed for his life, as the chains were attacked to shackles around his paws.

A soldier looked into the distance and saw something...blinking before yelling out and raising his assault rifle - causing others to take note. The griffon looked up - and maniacally smiled at the ray of hope...and the ray of hope faded as the commander of the troops ordered them to lower their weapons.

Approaching in the distance was the Handler - whose presence was anticipated. Among the crowd of Vartai soldiers was Abba Povner, who took an active role in setting up the meet. The pony turned to the sounds of commotion, and approached to meet the changeling.

The Handler stepped aside with Abba, standing in the grass as he lit a cigarette, the pony refusing to participate. "Morning, Abba. I see timing isn't the word of the day, is it?" He said as the two now stood just a few meters away from the crying and screeching griffon.

"You requested to see me at the earliest possible opportunity." The pony simply said. "I delivered as best as I could."

The changeling smiled, showing off his fangs slightly. "No factor. I'm glad, and thankful you've found the time for me on your timetable."

"Of course." Was Abba's cold, swift response.

"So, who's this?" The Handler asked Abba. The pony took a few steps to the side to better present the victim.

"Someone who doesn't deserve a swift death." Abba said. "Reformisten. Escaped to Hellquill after the revolution. When Hellquill and our revolutionary Longsword went to war, he had been able to secure himself the position of a commander in Hellquill's army"

"Being Reformisten alone wouldn't coax this much hate from you." Handler noted.

Abba nodded. "We were able to destroy a strategic object during that time; a tunnel. It was claimed by Hellquill to have been used only for civilians, but in reality was one of the most important assets for Hellquill's army at the time. Transported equipment by the hour to the front lines. We were able to sabotage it and cause a cave-in. Getting wind of this, this trash ordered missiles on Longsword cities. Specifically, he ordered them to strike residential areas, to maximize civilian casualties. Claimed each of those territories were military targets, too." He explained.

The changeling smiled at the griffon as he begged for his life; neither of the two paid much attention to it. "A rotten apple, it seems. At-least to those who have a sense of morality or justice."

"You have neither?" Abba asked.

The Handler shook his head. "No. Not in my line of work, Abba. At the least however, once I do questionable things, I merely opt not to comment. On the other hand, committing acts of slaughter while trying to present yourself as the force of "good" just means you're in denial. It's like every other shitbag - entering another country on the pretense of conducting some sort of special military operation to then practice genocide - and then try your best to use subversion and propaganda to gaslight the world into believing you're right."

"So you do have a sense of justice?" Abba tilted his head.

The changeling shrugged. "In a way. I'd trust a wicked bastard who gloats about being a wicked bastard - over a wicked bastard who tries to claim he's the hero."

"Hm." Abba smiled, watching the griffon punch the ground, cracking his own talons.

"About business." Handler coughed.

"Yes." Abba nodded. "I heard Jet Set is to meet Starry. If our governmental cooperation is ensured, it's a boon. But if not - no issue. Either way, I've made arrangements."

"I am surprised you're so eager to agree." The Handler noted.

The pony turned his head to the changeling. "Daybreaker is a carbon copy of the Reformisten. I do not care what race is being oppressed - discrimination of any kind is a blight upon our world. That's why I very well remember the day when Starry Night recognized that Posniaks deserve rights. I knew I made the right choice in following her, because as much as I do not hold much love towards them, I respect Starry's maturity, respect, and benevolence."

"What don't you like so much about them, if I may ask?" The Handler rose a brow.

"It's not pleasant to have your back turned to you." Abba simply said. "Besides this - I have reasons to believe that the Solarists are taking an active role in destabilizing this region. They're fanning the flames to the Prywhen-Stalliongrad problem, that much I can tell." Abba turned back to the griffon. "So, therefore - I can guarantee the cooperation of our clandestine forces, at the very least. I'm getting the personnel on board, they're finishing up their duties down south."

"The S.I.B. and the VSS? Wouldn't have believed it years ago." The Handler laughed.

"The Vartai State Security isn't getting involved." Abba coldly answered.

"Eh?"

"You'll see." Abba smiled. "Let's think of it as a surprise."

"Right." The Handler coughed. "You know how to contact me. I suppose I'll take my leave. Have fun with the, er...rotisserie chicken."

"That we will. Take care, Handler." Abba said, giving him a slight wave, and turning back to the prisoner, before giving a whistle.

As the Handler walked off to his motorcycle, he could very well hear the sounds of blood-curling screaming, meat and bones tearing, and the obnoxious sound of struggling truck engines; before after more screams and gurgles...a snap; and a smell of iron in the air.

***

The mare nervously stared at the phone. She took a long time calculating risks. Calculating the odds and the risks - the payoff and the dangers.

She knew the number - she had privacy. The question was - to call, or not.

She nervously took off her glasses with a shaky hoof, and kept staring at the phone.

On one hand - safety, and a potential to live life with a comfortable, albeit demanding job, yet forced to see the world burn away...

Or a chance to do her part to save the world - yet play with the concept of death itself...

Yet at the potential of seeing her employer once more, to see the mare that she admired and followed for years - just one more time...

She took a deep breath...And started to dial the number.

Chapter 10 - Corvus

Colton stared with empty eyes as he saw the memorial that was now gathered in the town square. Candles, flowers, pictures - little signs and cards expressing the wishes for the dead to rest in peace.

The largest sign that Colton stared so much at read...

To the victims of the Weter Central Hospital bombing - rest well. We will never forget you.

Colton sighed, and allowed himself to look around.

Jagged Hope; a town that was a curious place. Built on perhaps a lucky streak of geographical features, that there was a relatively stable plot of land among the cliffs and mountains to allow a settlement to be built. The small town began thriving, with a nearby ridge overviewing the entire mountain range of Southern-Western Nova Griffonia. It now housed a couple thousand creatures. Colorful houses and stone-based architecture, the style was a personal spin of Nova Griffonia on the Herzland architecture.

With these geographical features, it was no wonder that it was so easy to protect against the cannibal tribes of the Mad Tremble. Colton's cold heart had allowed him not to feel just how eerie it was, to be able to look close enough at the snow in the valleys and the bottoms of mountains, and see clear outlines of hundreds of corpses.

"S'cuse me sir!" A young squeaky voice of a griffon girl called out as she tugged Colton on the sleeve of his heavy waterproof coat. He looked down at her, and saw the bird giving him a wide smile and holding out a newspaper.

"Newspapers, huh? How...old fashioned." He quietly said to himself, but was able to produce a small smile. "Aight, I'll take one. Thanks." He said, hoofing the child a coin, who excitedly ran away with it. Looking at the newspaper, Colton wondered what the first headline would be.

Ah, yes. Of course - how could he be so blind to the recent news? Daybreaker ascends over Equestria. Princess Luna disappears. Queen Chrysalis signs treaty.

He laughed softly. Either the kid tried to resell old newspapers, or the news didn't travel fast here. It may have been a near-border town, but it was relatively remote. Or maybe it was really just to sell paper itself for warmth. It was endearing enough - and paper was always good, especially as he suspected in a town that probably didn't have water pipes. However; it was time for him to stop wasting time. He looked at the building he was to enter, and pushed the door open.

The outside was cold, and the frost nipped at his fur like a rabid Pekingese.

But here - in this inn-cafe...He felt as if he was embraced by a mare from behind. And another one from the front. The warmth made him release a sigh of relief. A barmaid approached him and smiled. "Hello, sir. What can I do you for?" The griffon asked.

"Pardon - I'm just here to meet my friends." He smiled back at her.

"Ah - the rather diverse group that's reserved a room for themselves?" She giggled. "You'll find them in room two."

"Thanks, miss." Colton smiled - and made his way to the door...not entering just yet. He could hear voices on the other side...

And on the other side, there was the familiar chaos of his team.

"So hold on, hold on, hold on!" Gomer grunted as he assertively bumped his tankard of mead against the table. "Umi, there's no way you wouldn't wanna fuck Queen Chrysalis!"

"Well considering what she actually is and what she does with her...victims." The Zebra said with a chuckle, trying to contain his laughter as he sipped hot chocolate.

"Let's ignore that bit - she can turn into anything." Gomer reminded him. "Whatever you want - and as we discussed, she can be a male too, so what's the big deal?"

"Hey!" Chari grunted as she set her cup of spearmint tea on the table. "Why do you talk about Queen Chrysalis when you can just discuss changelings as a whole? I mean, shit - I'm in this room!"

"Because..." Plymouth said, waving around his cup of Lake City-style rice wine using his levitation. "If your partner wants an alicorn, you'd need to be able to keep it up."

Cipher sighed as he took a sip of his coffee. "I honestly think you four need to consider religion."

Colton smiled softly, and slid the door open as he stepped into the room. "I think you five need to consider finding more productive things to chat over."

"Yo!" Cipher grinned, and the rest had welcomed Colton, letting him take a seat. The barmaid came, and Colton requested a cup of black coffee.

"Colton - you gotta help testify." Gomer exclaimed. "Umi claims he wouldn't put his Umi Jr. anywhere near Queen Chrysalis. What about you? You gotta be a sane one, right? You're looking at a shapeshifter who can basically satisfy you anyway you want - no strings attached. Well?"

"Assuming she won't slurp me dry and put me in a cocoon..." Colton hummed a thoughtful tune. "Nah."

"Huh!?" Gomer rose a brow. "Why not!?"

"'Cause you just don't stick your dick in crazy, Gomer. That's why." Colton stated, deadpan.

***

As time was spent, as the atmosphere in the room became relaxed...it was time to discuss work. When silence set in and it was clear that all in the room were ready to get on with it, Colton produced a file, which he put on the table.

"The mission." He said. "According to the intel we recovered, one of the Solarist spies has a safehouse here in Jagged Hope - codename "Snare". This Snare-fellow may be aware it's compromised, maybe not. Either way, we figured out he operated somewhere in Eastern Griffonia, so he couldn't have gotten back here so soon. We're going to see what we can do with him and his safehouse."

Cipher looked at his empty cup. "So we're already making a move on Daybreaker's spies..."

"Gloves off." Colton looked at Cipher. "We've already stirred some shit up. The Empire knows someone's trying to make moves, so we're going to see some escalation. Our best bet right now is just to keep as anonymous as possible." He said. "So, no point beating around the bush; let's start nipping our problems at the buds."

Chari put a hoof to her mouth in thought. "Still, why bother grabbing one spy who probably won't talk, or checking his safehouse?"

The pegasus turned to her. "At this stage, our goal is to gain as much knowledge as we can. We need to clear up the fog, get enough insight on what moves Daybreaker's making, and what moves she anticipates us to make. This is going to at-least help us start."

Gomer finished his ale. "Where do we start lookin'?"

"I got a bit of a hunch." Colton said. "It's a small town and we might perhaps figure out which of the residential buildings haven't been lived in for a time. And in a town this small I don't think we'll need long."

"We'll, let's get to work--" Gomer said as he was beginning to stand up, but was interrupted as the barmaid entered the room.

"Hello, excuse me!" The barmaid softly said. "Uhm, I'm not sure how to put this, but someone called us and is requesting to talk to a group of foreigners that has a griffon, a changeling, a pony with a metal hoof, two other ponies, and a zebra? I assume that's you...She's been trying to reach us for the last week or so..."

"...Hm." Colton looked at her, and at his team. "May we be able to have this call in privacy?"

"Well, the cord can extend to the staff room?" The barmaid suggested.

"That'll work. Let's go." He said, standing up - and letting the others follow.

...

As they walked across the inn, they approached the counter. The phone was placed on the edge, but as the barmaid promised, the cord was long enough to allow the six creatures to enter the staff room where the voices would be muffled. Plymouth nodded, and fired up a spell - that would produce the invisible bubble that completely isolated all noise.

Looking at the phone...Colton put it to his ear. The rest of the team was huddled up to hear it as well.

"...Yes?" Colton spoke into it.

He was met with a hushed, female voice - partially distorted through the speaker of the phone.

"Finally." The voice sighed in relief. "I need you to stay on this line and listen very carefully."

Colton rose a brow. "I don't like being told what to do over the pho-"

"You're being led into a trap." The voice interrupted him, her tone full of anxiety and some fear. "Clover Island was bait. It's a part of General Aurora's plans to lure foreign agents and capture or kill them. The information held there - it was all fabricated, and designed to lead you here into Jagged Hope, because this town is close enough to the border to quickly transport you in the case of a capture." She said.

"W-Wait, who are you!?" Colton said, furrowing his eyebrows as confusion overtook him.

The female voice stammered somewhat - almost as if trying to think of what to say quickly. "You--...Y-You can call me Corvus. But that doesn't matter - listen; you need to act carefully. You cannot act in any way that will compromise me. You are going to need me to provide you with vital information. I cannot tell you what I do - but I need you to trust me."

"Why should we do that?"

"Because..." She sighed over the phone. "I am in close proximity to Daybreaker and her court. I know what's happening and what's being planned here - at-least to an extent. I listen in on what I can."

Colton stared forward, her words making him anxious. "How'd you find us? I don't like the implication they may know we're here right now."

"I'm afraid so." She said. "But I guessed that you were here myself. I read reports from the island, and from Yucoltan, so I figured it's only logical that it's you - the group with a zebra, griffon, a pony with a metal hoof, and a changeling. I know that this inn is the only place in Jagged Hope where you could be, but I had no idea when you'd arrive. I've been calling this inn twice a day for the last week, trying to ask the barmaid if any such foreigners appeared here."

"Resourceful." Gomer hummed.

Colton nodded at that. "I see. So if Jagged Hope is a trap, what do we do - "Corvus"?"

"There are three who were assigned to this town, and I assume they already identified you. Elite spies who have experience from the war. I do not know their identities, but I'm sure you can draw them out. You need let them tail you for longer - and you need to find the safehouse; a white building with a green wooden fence in the north part of the town, next to a ruined barn. Lead them to the objective, and take them out. You need to play the fool so that as they report their operation by long-range radio, the headquarters won't figure out you were tipped off about the safehouse."

"...Right." Colton sighed.

"I need to tell you something important." Corvus said to get his attention. "These spies should be aware of classified information, so I can tell you this without anyone figuring out you were tipped off by me. There is a high-level security prison in the mountains, in the Crystal Empire, known as Fort Cherish. It was an ancient castle that fell and was repurposed. You need to go there and seek a prisoner. This prisoner has no name or number - but they are held in the deepest, most secure level. All I know is that it's a female, and that she is known by her designation - "Mirage"."

"Why is she relevant to us?" Colton asked.

"I do not know who she is - but as I understood, Mirage is someone that Daybreaker does not wish to be released. From what I can tell, Daybreaker despises her - but General Aurora expressed fear that if Mirage is to be seen in public, then it would cause destabilization. It must be important. Getting into the prison will not be easy - but in the Crystal City there is a certain...network. Search for a fixer named Gardenia. She'll help you make contact with the "Floral Heart"."

"...Right." He Colton sighed.

"I'll find a way to contact you again later. The more Daybreaker learns of you and your team - the more efficient I will be at making contact with you...Silver lining, I suppose."

"You think she will find out about us sooner than later?" Colton asked.

"I'm afraid so. Daybreaker's spy network has integrated the VOPS, and learned all their secrets."

Chari looked at Colton, and gestured to the phone. Nodding, the pegasus passed it to her. She spoke. "...You wouldn't have heard of a certain changeling spymaster by the name of "Geist", have you?"

"I have." Corvus admitted. "Daybreaker has been searching for him, but he disappeared. Why?"

"I'm looking for him as well..." She softly said.

"I'll do my best to share any information - but it's been a near impossible chase with how well he went off the grid." Corvus said. "...I-It's time for me to go. Listen, I do not know your names - but if you aim to do what's best, go to the Crystal Empire to make contact with the Floral Heart. Understand? I will attempt to make contact with you again later."

"...And why should we not think all of this is a trap?" Cipher softly said into the phone.

"Because every second I spend on this phone, I tempt fate." She simply said. "Go - and...good luck." The voice said - and finally, the connection was terminated as the phone was hung up.

In the silence, the team looked at each other.

"So what do you make of this?" Colton asked his team.

"...Well." Cipher sighed. "The instinct of working in this career says not to trust her. Yet if she's telling the truth..."

"It's an asset which we may regret passing up on." Umfuni said. "If it isn't a ruse."

Chari finished thinking over it and perked up as she sat. "Right - okay, she said there's three agents tailing us, right? And she mentioned that the safe house where they intend to trap us is up north, correct?"

"Sure." Colton watched her.

"Let's us how true that is - and from there on out we'll be able to make judgements." She said.

Cipher took a moment to slightly lean back to look out the staff room. The inn was full of other clients right now... "How're we going to go about it without alerting them about the tip off?" He asked.

"We act normal - if we're this close to capture, then I doubt that they want to kill us." Cipher concluded.

***

Night began to fall as the sun allowed a show of mercy - receding, either because its owner knew the land could not survive under its permanent scorch, or perhaps because she believed that depriving her subjects of it could make them appreciate it - to understand how dearly they felt the hole in their souls without their precious sun, so that they would grow dependent on her.

At that point, Gomer could only wonder how an entire race of ponies believed that the sun and moon were controlled by magic.

The six approached the building they were looking for - and watching them from a secluded area were three stallions. One held the microphone to a long-range radio. Dropping its volume to quiet, he spoke into it.

"They found it." He said. "Entering. Orders?"

"Plan A. We may have use for them yet. Incapacitate them." The voice from the radio responded.

The three stallions all nodded in mutual agreement - and turned off the radio. They entered the house.

And if one would listen in, they'd hear the muffled sound of gunshots and fighting.

***

The white stallion sat there with his hooves bound. He stared blankly forward - missing his tooth that contained the suicide pill as per Plymouth's expertise. Another suicide pill was found concealed under a graft on his hoof - and promptly destroyed. His comrades perished - quickly via headshots.

He was not tortured, not beaten; everything was done very cleanly.

Because everyone knew that this stallion was going to die. They would be unable to let him go, for he would report the fact someone had tipped them off. Colton understood it, and so did the captive.

The white stallion didn't sigh nor groan, just blankly looking ahead.

"Look." Colton sighed, sitting in-front of him. "You do not need to take Daybreaker into the grave with you. If you are going to die, then you don't need to stay loyal to her. If you've been in this work for so many years, you've served Celestia. Tell us something - anything; we'll return Equestria to the way it was."

"Loyalty's not the right word in this line of work." The white stallion said. "I don't care about that. I care about what happens if word gets out that I talked..."

Umfuni frowned, leaning in. "...Your family is in danger?"

"Everypony who works this job has the risk of their family being hurt once they slip." The white stallion simply said.

Umfuni kept looking at him. Colton knew that the zebra may have been attempting the diplomatic approach - or maybe...was asking out of genuine curiosity.

"So..." The zebra said. "What's your family like, then?"

The white stallion smiled. "Wife - son, daughter - also a nephew. Sister died in the Vanhoover bombings, so I've been taking care of him."

Umfuni smiled. "How long have you been married? How old are your children?"

"You sure are nosy." The white stallion remarked, but didn't refuse to answer. "We celebrated our 8 year anniversary recently. As for the kids - son's seven, daughter's eight - nephew is ten."

"..."

"..."

There was a long silence in the room.

"...We can't let you go." Colton simply said. "But if you cooperate, we'll help your family."

The stallion rose a brow at him, giving a sarcastic, and displeased smile. "Uhuh. I'm sure you will."

Cipher stepped in. "Our word doesn't mean much - but if you want to be pragmatic, it's the same principle why New Mareland gave immunity to all those Changeling scientists and officers." He said. "We could've just used them and disposed of them - but if we did that, word would spread. If we keep this promise, then we can ensure that we'll be trusted once again in the future."

The captive looked down at the ground. "As if I'll be alive to tell others of it."

"Your wife will be able to get the word out." Colton said. "Word will get out one way or another. Just give us something to go on."

"...And when we bring your family back..." Chari softly spoke. "We'll return them to Equestria, not the Solar Empire."

"..."

The white stallion sighed. "We have received less and less transparency from Daybreaker and higher-ups as time went on. We no longer have as much as information as we used to on the situation, hence we've effectively been kept in the dark, so that if we're captured we won't be able to reveal much." He said. "But - there's one thing I can tell you of."

"Go on." Colton said.

"General Aurora. She's been taking authority whenever and however she can; so much so that she has a big influence on our intelligence and counter-intelligence operations. Maybe she plans to undermine Daybreaker. Maybe she's got ambitions of her own. Maybe it's such fierce loyalty and she only trusts herself to be the only one able to give Daybreaker what she wants." The stallion said - enjoying the fact that as he was to face death, he had the chance to speak more, and speak his heart out, for it was the last thing he'd be able to do.

"That much we can piece together..." Colton commented.

"Yes - that was just me saying my thoughts out-loud." The white stallion chuckled. "But the point of me saying this is that General Aurora has a long, detailed plan. I do not know even a percent of its details. What we have been told however is that she already has a suspect."

"...Shit." Colton sighed.

The white stallion smiled. "So she was right, huh? New Mareland made the most sense, to us and to her. The Elements of Harmony would flee there, or Hippogriffia. But your recent actions in Clover Island, Yucoltan, and now the fact that someone seemed to have taken the bait here; well, I think Aurora has enough to go on. Not to mention - Hippogriffian intelligence would be stupid not to include a hippogriff in the team."

"She knows where to look." Gomer sighed.

The captive nodded. "A dead pony's advice isn't worth much, circumstances what they are. Aurora and Daybreaker know New Mareland's going to seek cooperation from the other Griffonian nations and intelligence agencies. So before you kill me, heed my warning."

"..." The team listened, and the stallion looked at them all in the eyes, one by one, to make sure they listened well. His eyes ended on Plymouth. "Aurora is cunning, and Daybreaker's cruel. Together, they're dangerous - because they know the worst, most efficient way to break you inside, and out. How to kill you - inside, and out. How to make you a husk, whether as a charred corpse in the dirt, or as a soulless being." He said, each word decreasing the temperature in the room.

And so he continued.

"They will destroy you - by endangering the very essence of your soul, dreams, and hope. They will take everything from you - but your life is last. And they will make this well known across the world, so that all will bend to their will in fear of being subject to the same fate."

"..."

Plymouth looked at the ground, Cipher's gaze became blank, Chari gulped, Gomer sighed, Umfuni took a reflexive step back...

And Colton kept looking into his eyes.

"There is one more." The stallion said suddenly.

"What?"

The white stallion sighed. "Shortly after Daybreaker attacked the Sombrists in the Crystal Empire, she realized she needed experts. Someone more professional - for the purpose of deep-penetration counterintellgience. She found a unicorn who was banned from several magic institutions - because he knew limited spells..."

"He was banned for being bad at spells?" Umfuni asked.

"No." He chuckled. "He was banned because the few spells that he knew all derived from dark magic. None of his spells can help or heal. They can only maim and kill."

"What's his name?"

"Not sure if it's his real name, but...He's known as Gonelove. Lieutenant Major Inquisitor Gonelove."

"An inquisitor?" Umfuni tilted his head.

"Just a fancy word to describe someone whose job it is to weed out whatever Daybreaker wants removed." He explained. "Last I heard, they sent him up north. Not sure when."

"..." As silence settled into the room, Colton sighed and spoke first.

"...What's your name?" He asked.

"..." The white stallion smiled. "My name is Clement. Clement Spring. Thank you for asking. And...do me a favor."

"Of course."

"Don't shoot me in the head, please." Clement asked. "I want to make sure my face is still recognizable. I...don't want my wife to wonder if maybe I'm still alive."

"..."

"You sure?" Gomer asked. "Anything but a headshot with a powerful-enough caliber...it's gonna make the last moments of your life suffering."

"I'm sure." Clement firmly said. "...Besides, I'd rather die slowly. Let life flash in my eyes and all that - no reason for things to happen...too fast."

"...I'll do it." Plymouth said. "Lake City special forces guerilla tactics; I'll strangle him. Death isn't instant - but putting pressure on the right places will make it relatively more painless."

Colton sighed. "Are you sure you can do this, Plymouth?"

The unicorn could only give a soulless smile. "Boss - after all these years, now you're asking?"

Colton's eyes cast down to the floor. "...SIB's motto. No deed too impossible. No mile too far. No cause too noble."

Clement was able to laugh - a gift before his death he appreciated. "Long and corny. Can't believe you lot did us in."

And with that, Clement released a sigh. "...Yeah. I'm ready." He closed his eyes. "Don't count down. Just do it once you're ready."

"...Okay." Plymouth whispered.

Clement then spoke too silently, heard only by Cipher - and Plymouth, due to his close proximity. "...Goodbye, all. Sorry I didn't keep my promise, hun."

Plymouth closed his eyes.

His hooves wrapped around Clement's neck, and began to apply intense pressure, while using his magic to keep his limbs still. Clement had tried not to struggle as best he could - all of it involuntary. His legs began to kick and violently thrash, knocking over things in the room...

Before the kicking stopped; and a final additional bit of pressure from Plymouth snapped his neck, once he knew that his victim could no longer feel a thing.

***

The sound of static, and the smoke of cigarettes filled the room. A dozen griffons, all with headphones and radios, microphones and other machinery that fed them information. Their work had intensified due to recent events; especially here in the capital.

For Weter had enough time to shed tears. Now, it was time to shed the blood of those responsible.

"...Is this really a good idea?" Asked a griffon with yellow feathers. "I want the heads of the bastards who bombed the hospital, but...We might be provoking the big bitch down south."

The griffon to his left, with a long beak and glasses, shrugged. "It's not really provocation. We're just removing her spy network from our country. Things that happen in the shadows, stay in the shadows. Besides, if Daybreaker attacks, she risks involving Griffonia in this."

"Implying Griffonia would be interested in helping." Chuckled the griffon behind him.

"They have to." Said the griffon sitting in the corner. "The recent GC Summit - there's been rumors that the Griffon Republic seeks to cooperate with us. Probably backed by Aquileia. Officially - it's the rumors of Vedina rebels trying to start shit here in Nova Griffonia. Unofficially, I think Western Griffonia is shitting itself at the prospect of Nova Griffonia being used as a trampoline into their continent."

"How generous." Scoffed the long-beaked griffon. "So, what progress have we made this mornin'?"

The griffon in the back passed him a sheet of paper. "Detained about eight. One incidentally turned out to be one of Serov's. The rest were confirmed to have been with the Solarists. Two swallowed cyanide pills in the arrests."

"Neat." The long-beaked griffon said.

"'Neat'?" Laughed the griffon in the back. "Since when do ya say "neat"?"

The sole pony in the room, a unicorn whose magic was necessary for fine-tuning the instruments, patted the yellow-feathered griffon on the back. "Yo. Maintenance crew came in today, right?"

"Six AM sharp, yes." The yellow-feathered griffon replied.

"My instruments are buggin' out." The unicorn said.

"Ah?" The yellow griffon fully turned to him. "How so?"

"I'm receiving looping information." He said. "Real-time radars seem to be repeating the past thirty seconds, same as all the other reports..."

"The fuck?" The griffon in the corner stood up and walked over. "Lemme see. Scoot over."

"She's all yours." The unicorn said as he wheeled away on his wheeled chair.

"Strange..." The griffon that took his place said. "H-Hey, who's got long-range comms with radar stations 1 through 4? I need you to contact them ASAP and report what they see."

"On it!" Said the griffon in the back, and began to dial the radios.

"I-Is it interference?" Asked the yellow griffon.

The long-beaked griffon shook his head. "Could be, but we're using old radars. And with the mountains added to the equation, are we surprised we're having issues?"

"But now...?" The unicorn shook slightly. "Of all times?"

"One isn't coming into contact." The back griffon said.

The griffon who commandeered the unicorn's place nodded. "Radar one's radio always had problems and I guess they've been neglecting it. Tune to two."

"On it."

"..." There was gradual silence entering the room. Something felt off.

The long-beaked griffon sighed. "Not like there's any reason to panic. It's probably just faulty sensors. Seasons are changing and the weather patterns and clouds and all that are interfering with the instruments."

"...Two is quiet as well!" The radio griffon exclaimed.

"What...? T-Three!" The griffon at the unicorn's instruments called out.

"Tuning!"

The sound of whining radio waves and static filled the room.

"Radar station three - do you read!?"

"..."

"T-Tuning to four!" He exclaimed, frantically shifting to it.

"..."

"No - no no no..." The griffon swallowed. "No response - we aren't even establishing any connection!"

"C-Contact the auxiliary mobile radar unit immediately!" The griffon at the instruments shouted.

The long-beaked griffon sighed. "Right - I forgot we had a mobile radar in the area." He softly spoke to himself.

"According to the schedule..." The yellow griffon looked at a graph. "Today - 4:00 to 4:40 AM...S-Should be at point Hotel! That's going to be good reception!"

The radio griffon nodded and immediately set the long range radio. "Come on...Come on...!"

The static was obnoxious - but gradually...it began to clear, and the faint speech of a griffon was heard. "M-Mobile radar!? This is Control - Western Station 6! Respond! Do you read!?"

A voice attempted to answer - panicked words coming through, yet incoherent.

"S-Say again! Mobile radar!" The griffon yelled. "Repeat your last--"

"<<--Everywhere!>>" Screamed the voice on the radio.

All heads turned to the radio, watching carefully as the griffon gulped. "What!? What...What are you saying!?"

"<>" The voice yelled. "<>"

"Holy shit..." The griffon on the radio gulped.

The leading griffon grunted. "Shit. We need to warn the others. Make contact with the Weter Central Command and--"

Gunshots rang through the room. The unicorn and griffons could barely react - too slow in their ability to turn around as one by one they received pistol shots right into their heads. The last to be shot was the leading griffon, who was shot in the neck.

The perpetrator was the long-beaked griffon, who stood with a semi automatic pistol in his talon.

The leader tried to say something - anything; but he was robbed of speech. He could not speak; all he could do was try to reach for a weapon; but he was far too weak.

The traitor smiled softly. "Apologies." He said - and delivered an executing shot. With a flash of green - the griffon disappeared; and a changeling took his place. He approached the radio...and tuned into a frequency.

"This is Eight. Western Station 6 is subdued, Lieutenant Major Inquisitor."

"<>" Replied a calm, male voice. "<>"

Letting go of the phone of the radio, a stallion who wore a suit calmly walked towards a highly ornate building - one that was surrounded by guards who stood with weapons loaded. The Weter's Ministry of Internal Affairs. The stallion smiled at the sight, and a spark produced from his horn.

The resulting explosion tore a massive hole in the building, that shred it open with a flurry of fire, debris...and blood.

"This is Gonelove." He spoke into the radio with a soft smile after very slowly picking it up. "Initiate phase Sunrise."

***

"Fuuuuck..." Gomer whispered softly as he stood by the ridge that gave a massive overview of the horizon. He saw them. Hundreds of dots on the sky - all heading towards the direction behind them.

"I can't believe it..." Chari whispered. "They're...They're actually invading?"

"...Daybreaker's got balls." Sighed Plymouth.

Colton was already setting up his long-range radio with Cipher's help, the latter adjusting all the instruments to ensure a swift and reliable connection.

"Ready." Cipher nodded, and the pegasus leaned in to speak into the microphone.

"All-Father." Colton spoke. "This is Alpha - comm clearance Oscar-9, Sierra-3, Bravo-2. Copy?"

"<>" Said the older stallion's voice through the radio. "<>"

Colton took a look at the horizon, before turning back to the microphone. "We're seeing bogies approaching; transport and bomb planes. The Solar Empire is invading Nova Griffonia - and based on the trajectory, I assume Virgillia too. Over."

"<<...Affirmative. We may be able to secure you an exfil - Frenzy 1 is on station, over.>>

"Send Frenzy 1 - but not for exfil. We'll need her." Colton replied.

"<<...Say again?>>"

Colton looked at his team...They looked at him, but the gazes were of determination, and trust. They weren't backing out.

"We need Raz." Colton spoke into the microphone. "Send her. We've been tipped off by an informant, possible insider or defector. There's a VIP in a prison located in the Crystal Empire known as Fort Cherish. We may also be able to establish contact with the resistance cells in the area, as per our general directive."

"<<...Alpha, be advised - we cannot guarantee exfiltration if you stay in enemy territory in an active military situation. How copy, over?>>"

"Loud and clear." He smiled. "We'll be okay, All-Father."

"<<...Copy. Frenzy 1 is en route. Stay safe, stay careful. All-Father out.>>"

There was an awkward silence as the team sat on the rocks, watching the bee-like swarms of airplanes buzzing above them. They knew they were safe; for Jagged Hope was of no interest to either army; for better scouting and sentry areas were present anyhow. Colton frowned as he looked towards the town, and saw the griffons that gathered...watching in horror, shock, and fear as they saw the planes. The small griffon girl with the newspapers could only clutch them, shaking as she tried to mouth a plea for help.

Gomer sighed. "So, we're letting ourselves come closer to Daybreaker's freaky hooves. Colton, Colton, Colton...What'dya rope us into this time?"

Colton's answer was deadpan as he looked off at the sunrise. "A wasteland with constant sub-zero temperatures, within the borders of a hostile, megalomaniac empire that's entering an active state of war."

"...You could've said something more pleasant." Umfuni coughed. "Roped us into doing the right thing, for an example."

"You won't have time to think about right or wrong when you're knee-deep in snow and mud. Besides - right thing or not..." Colton smiled, looking off in the distance to see a helicopter approach them from their north. "This isn't the worst you've been in."

Plymouth scratched his muzzle. "True - nothing is gonna beat Prywhen in terms of shittiness."

Chari shuddered. "No - I'd say after all the things I've seen from the Fascists, North Wingbardy was worse."

Umi smiled. "Barrad - albeit that was before we met. The stuff of nightmares."

Gomer smirked. "And I'm still taking Blackrock as the top spot. Cipher? I assume Zebrica?"

Cipher laughed. "Zebrica was a cakewalk compared to, well...You know."

Not intending to have reopened the wounds, Gomer frowned - but he saw that with Cipher's resolve, it was fine.

Cipher's radio buzzed - he flicked it on to receive Raz's signal.

"<>" The batpony's voice asked, the sound of an approaching helicopter in the distance came closer.

"You know him." Cipher smiled, giving his leader a cheeky grin, who looked back with a challenging smirk. "Colton loves his drama. Say, Raz...Which country was your worst experience in your work?"

"<>" She flatly said.

"Eh?" All turned their heads to the radio.

"<>" She groaned - and a sigh of relief and understanding came from the group.

Chapter 11 - Every Rose has its Thorn

The quaint, cute yet classy coffee house was bustling with activity. It was a most comforting building, all wooden inside with a cozy atmosphere one could describe as a "constant Hearth's Warming" - without the repetitive songs and intrusive advertising. Crystal Ponies were all around, reading newspapers and drinking coffee, tea, water - no alcohol in sight. The establishment also included a bakery, and even a little booth for newspaper; which Colton was glad to see was up to date, in comparison with Jagged Hope.

"This sucks." Gomer sighed, folding his talons as a sleepy Plymouth rested his head on his shoulder. "I've never had to meet a fixer in a place that wasn't a bar, pub, brothel, or whatever. Hell, I've met fixers in pachinko parlors, sewers, and even on an airship once. And this is where we're meeting them?"

Umfuni frowned at Gomer. "You don't know anything about the Crystal Empire, do you?"

"Never had to. 'Specially not when the Solar flag's over it." Gomer shrugged.

The zebra sighed. "The Crystal Empire has a vastly different culture from Equestria for many reasons. One of them is the fact that alcohol isn't really in fashion to be drunk in public. Not prohibited - but it's just not considered to be a cultured thing to do. Instead, the crystal ponies have developed what is known as a coffee house culture. Instead of bars and such, they gather here."

"Drinking coffee is their definition of a good time?" The griffon asked, as Chari returned after giving their orders to the staff.

"It's not just about the coffee." Umfuni smiled. "Coffee can also be...a ticket. You can just buy a cheap espresso, and spend the time here. And to spend time here means a lot of things. For one, this is a place to get a newspaper, and also discuss it with others. This place is also popular among intellectuals, so one may expect to find philosophers, scientists, and artists here." The zebra explained - as happy to speak as a musician to freely play a fiddle. "And it's also been reported to be the place for many of the world's finest, or at-least most interesting. The elements of harmony certainly must've been here. Well-known communists might've come here too. I even asked the staff earlier; rumor has it they even saw not-then Président Vérany sitting a table away from not-then dictator Beakolini. Some believed that even Posada was having a conversation here with Serov, and it ended with Posada calling him a "jingoistic false revolutionary", storming out and leaving the stallion to pay the bill. Heard somepony call it the "red versus blue" incident."

"Eesh, small world." Gomer commented.

Umfuni giggled, understanding that Gomer was slightly getting into it. "You see, it's a hub for ideas, discussion, debates - but all of it not muddled by the distortion of being drunk. Sober, intellectual thinking - warmed by a cup of coffee as the outside colds rage on. For what gives more development and health to a mind than a conversation in which you understand - you do not yet know the world inside out?"

Cipher's eyes drifted from a newspaper up at Umfuni. "...Yeah, now I know you're from Kasa. And now I can definitely guess that you were around Kexa's time." Cipher blinked as he looked up from the newspaper, having partially immersed himself in an article about a failed expedition into the Everfree Forest.

"Speech is a good skill to practice, in this line of work too." Umfuni smiled at him.

The sound of rushing hoofsteps was heard as a disheveled mare ran up to the table, in her mouth a newspaper that was crumpled up heavily. She spat it out on the table. Plymouth was just a little surprised, waking up from Gomer's shoulder to see he received a mare's saliva-added newspaper, instead of his coffee.

"Sorry I'm late!" The mare said in a cutesy way. "I was in a bit of a tight spot. Had a bit of a tail I needed to shake off."

"...You were followed?" Colton rose a brow, mild tension building up in his shoulders.

"For a lil' bit." She giggled. "But now they're in a dumpster a few blocks down though, so s'all good!"

Plymouth levitated the newspaper up a little and grimaced as he saw the saliva drops drip onto the table. "Are you Garde--?"

"Yup! Nice to meet you!" The mare snatched the newspaper with a hoof and took a seat. "Crystal City's best fixer! At your service. What can I do for ya? Forgery? Cleanup? Getting you someplace you're not supposed to be? Just a disclaimer; creature trafficking is out of the question. Both due to my ethics, and the fact that prostitution's legal here anyway - the puppet government fought hard to keep it that way. You'd be selling wool to a llama."

"We need to make contact with the Floral Heart." Colton stated.

"Eeeesh. Okay, so this is gonna be one of those calls." Gardenia sighed and put away the newspaper into her saddlebag, only to then take out another newspaper. Cipher squinted his eyes, and smiled. It was clever, what he saw; the newspaper contained all the relevant information that this fixer used on a daily basis. All she had to do was decipher it in real time, but at that point she probably had it all memorized.

As she scanned the paper, Plymouth leaned in. "Are you sure there aren't any spies here?" He asked.

Umfuni blinked. It was a fair point - he remembered that spies loved these establishments. Yet Gardenia waved a dismissive hoof.

"Nah." She said. "Not right now anyway. It's all regulars today. And the recent news that the spies could eavesdrop on? A discovery of a new species of bird, the news of an archeological trip that ended up to be a logistical disaster, and a new fresh season of opera which the Crystal City will be able to enjoy starting next week. Nothing that spies are gonna feel like diggin' around in. Unless the color of Anna Neightrebko's panties is a matter of national security for our favorite spicy version of sunbutt."

Gomer rose a brow - this one was certainly an eccentric. "What about the invasion of Nova Griffonia?" The griffon crossed his talons.

Gardenia licked her hooftip before flicking a page. "The invasion of Nova Griffonia, huh? Heh. You really think there's any discussion needed - when all the discourse can really be summarized in, let's say...Six words?"

"What six words would those be?"

"Daybreaker is a batshit crazy bitch." She smirked.

This prompted all to smirk somewhat...Umi then leaned in with a question.

"You really have faith that we aren't Daybreaker's spies, ma'am?" The zebra asked, earning a half-condescending, yet half-warm smile. It was cute - to her - that he was concerned about the fact.

"Daybreaker utilizes less diverse groups. Maybe changelings make sense post-VOPS integration, and I can imagine maybe a Zebra - maybe. But a griffon - that's iffy. Besides, I know that your group has a batpony, and that she's currently in the apartment you've booked." Gardenia casually said. "Daybreaker wouldn't risk a thestral to get so close."

"...How do you know about her?" Colton said, tensing up somewhat.

"There's eyes and ears everywhere." She giggled. "And I contact them before meeting outsiders, so they can help estimate how trustworthy they are. It's a nice collateral if my client tries to screw me over, too."

"Charming..." Plymouth muttered, thanking a waitress as she brought them a tray of coffee cups. Plymouth and Chari opted for Café au lait, Cipher was given a Stalliongrad-style Raf coffee, Colton went for (according to the others) an eye-rolling Americano, Umfuni asked for a very sweet vanilla coffee that was practically a milkshake, and Gomer innocently ordered a coffee with whipped cream...

"Gardenia, my little mouse!" The waitress gasped. "I didn't see you come in!" She said, leaning in as the two mares exchanged cheek-kisses.

"Hey gorgeous! Glad to see I caught you on your shift." Gardenia responded. "Can I get the usual, hun?"

The waitress beamed with a smile. "I'll get it to you as fresh and potent as I can, whatever it takes me!"

"Ain't gonna be able to make it fresher than your smile!" Gardenia exclaimed, prompting the waitress to run off giggling.

With a sigh of relief, Gomer deviously grinned once the waitress turned away, before reaching into his jacket to produce a flask of whiskey, which he poured right in - making himself an Irish coffee.

"Poor Raz..." Chari sighed. "I can't imagine how she feels alone in that apartment, knowing that going outside poses danger to her if she's seen by Solarists."

"She's probably sleeping. Besides, girl has experience living under the nose of regimes that want her gone." Cipher noted. Yet, he considered his own words. Indeed, the thestral had a relatively limited amount of life experience under regimes that didn't either want her gone, or tried to radicalize her. He wondered what she'd be like if she wasn't smuggled out of Chiropterra...He did not want to imagine a Raz neither without her Wingbardian accent, nor dropping bombs on Equestrians.

"Heeeere we are." Gardenia smiled as she tapped the paper. "Floral Heart - loyalist organization few even hear of. Gets the name from the florist shop where they connect new members. A front, basically." She said.

"How do we get in?" Colton asked.

"With a password." She giggled. "Duh. First you need to say the phrase--, ah fuck it, Imma just write it down." She produced a pen and used her mouth to write a sentence on a torn off, blank newspaper piece, before sliding it over to Colton. He looked at it, before starting to read it outloud.

"I'm looking for a bouquet that's magnificent enough to mend a broken heart - so radiant it can outshine the sun...?" He looked at it, before looking at her.

"Yes - though you can change the pronoun to "we" - otherwise it has to be word for word." Gardenia said. "That's step one. Outta two."

"Alright, what's the second?" He asked.

"They ask who's heart. That's...when things get trickier." She said, before taking out another newspaper and ripping out a page, before sliding it over to Colton. The first side of the page contained a crossword, a caricature of Queen Chrysalis, and phone numbers for advertised businesses - and the second contained a lifestyle article, an interview from Princess Cadence, and the debate on whether or not milk should be added to tea.

Colton caught on fast - and slid the paper over to Cipher.

"It's a code." Cipher flatly observed.

Gardenia nodded. "This is a daily paper, and each edition features a new password. The Floral Heart has their own little conventions for decoding it. I never learned it. Had a guy here who tried, though."

"What'd come of that attempt?" Colton asked.

"Had to go to the hospital; he slammed the table out of frustration so hard it knocked over his piping hot latte all over his thighs and flank. Hope it missed his in-betweens, guy was a good fu--..."

"Cipher - can you do it?" Colton interrupted.

"Already seeing the patterns." Cipher smiled. "I can see some potential links between the interview and lifestyle article. Crossword might have a hint too, though it'd be too easy. Could be a fake out. Maybe the caricature has something."

"What about that milk-tea debate?" Chari leaned in.

"A red herring supposed to frustrate you." Cipher simply said. "Or just a leftover article for free space."

Umi blinked. "You can really tell all this having read it for such a short time?"

"It could be worse." Cipher chuckled. "I'm looking for a single password. I remember when I had to decipher a five-hundred world letter in Wingbardy - the letter in question was disguised in a cookbook. And I got a head start because Plymouth was able to beat a quarter of the needed information out of a fascist ."

"World's best can opener - if mouths were cans." The unicorn smirked as he drank.

"What do we owe you, Gardenia?" Colton asked.

The fixer used the pen once more on another torn out blank paper - scribbling on it before sliding the price over to Colton...Who blinked at it for a long five seconds.

"Well...You're certainly eating well tonight." Colton sighed as he went for his wallet.

"And so are my kids." The mare smiled. "I keep putting off my promise of taking them to that new Kirin restaurant. Might as well make it tonight since I'm finishing work early. Heard they got killer dumplings."

"I will make a partial deduction because you didn't give us the second half of the password, however." Colton firmly said.

"Fine by me. Dock 5%." The mare shrugged. "I'll skip dessert."

"20%." Colton said.

"Aw, you can't make me skip the appetizer either." Gardenia frowned. "10% and I'll hook you up with a discount for the local gun dealer? Dude owes me anyhow."

"15%." Colton said.

"...10%, gun dealer discount, I pay your bill...And a kiss on the cheek? I mean I could offer something else but y'know, I'm a bit of a prize for 10%, heh."

"...That's not necessary. The earlier offer will do. Minus the kiss." Colton said, and slid her the money. The mare smiled, and gave a salute, before walking off to catch up with the waitress, sneaking up on her to spank her on the flank, as uncouth the deed was in such an establishment.

Cipher nodded as his eyes scanned the newspaper like a machine, going left and right at an almost uniform pace. "...I think I'll have it done before tomorrow afternoon. Let's go back to the apartment after we're done here."

Chari smiled in agreement - and sniffed...Looking at Gomer and then at his cup. She frowned as she smelled the whiskey beneath the whipped cream. "...Alcoholic."

"Prude." The griffon scoffed.

"Calling me a prude, of all things." She scoffed back.

***

The bell gently rang as the door bumped it. The aroma of fresh flowers instantly settled into the noses of the team as they entered, with Gomer's eyes watering as he now discovered that he was allergic to some flower - and he wasn't sure which one. It was hard to spot the culprit plant, as the flowers were so plentiful that it was hard to see the floor, walls, and ceiling in some parts of the room.

The bell ringing prompted a young stallion to pop up from under the counter. He was smiling warmly at the visitors. Colton stepped forward along with Cipher, while the rest lagged behind; Umfuni taking an interest in some colorful flora he had never seen before in Griffonia, while Chari eagerly admired tulips or roses. Gomer opted to step outside after the fifth sneeze.

Plymouth did not have any interest in flowers whatsoever; knowing that he couldn't bring any of these to Mochi anyways - not before they wilted.

"Good afternoon." Smiled the shopkeeper, a young and cute stallion with a cute, wide grin; a smile forged by years of professional training. "Welcome to the Floral Heart. What may I help with?"

Cipher and Colton both leaned into the counter. "We're looking for a bouquet that's magnificent enough to mend a broken heart - so radiant it can outshine the sun." Colton said, standing on his hind-legs and putting his front hooves on the counter.

"Is that so?" The shopkeeper's smile did not waver - but one of his hooves slinked under the counter. In response, Cipher placed a hoof a bit closer to his inner pocket in his jacket, very slowly and gently. "And who's heart does it happen to be?"

"...An owner of a lonely heart."

"..." The stallion kept smiling and looking at Colton...Then at Cipher...

He then put his hoof back on the counter, and dropped the smile. He nodded with a somber look. He approached the front door, and beckoned Gomer inside. Once the griffon entered, the shopkeeper locked the door.

"Follow." This florist said, and started to walk into the back area.

As the group walked past, Ciper saw the sawn-off that was underneath the counter, already loaded and positioned for a quick-draw straight to the forehead of any potential customer. He whistled softly. "Is that a hoe?"

"No, it isn't." Chari tried not to laugh.

***

A powerful, white light - cast by the lamp, was able to pierce the darkness of the damp and empty passage; not even the rats dared live here. The wind howled, like ghostly apparitions. For all the group knew - this place may as well have been haunted.

"So who are you?" The florist asked as they walked through the tunnel - an intricate system which was built in tandem with the Crystal Empire metro system. Colton knew what had happened here; for the metro was flooded by Daybreaker once she discovered that Sombra's remnants had used it to establish their headquarters when she retook the Empire. Their short resistance was both figuratively and literally washed away with the tide.

Perhaps it really was haunted.

"SIB." Colton simply said. "New Mareland."

The florist shrugged. "Never heard of it. Never really cared for Griffonia either. I heard you New Mareland types haven't done much though - neither during the war, nor after."

This irked Cipher somewhat, who slightly accelerated to walk beside Colton. He wanted to say something - but Colton extended a wing to block him, shaking his head. They wanted trust - not to win a petty argument.

"So, who are you?" Umfuni asked instead. "I've never heard of a "Floral Heart"."

"We're what's left of the real Crystal Empire." The florist said. "News of Sombra's death in Canterlot, and the defeat of his offensive army - thanks to Daybreaker's Ascension - came quickly here. The Sombrists here were occupational garrisons, and armed a little worse than a defense force. Overnight they became a flimsy resistance in an occupied land."

Colton nodded to himself; this much he knew, that Canterlot was a death trap for the four armies that attempted to march into it. Communists, Lunarists, Changelings, Sombrists; all of the best sent to siege it were wiped out in a day.

The florist continued. "Our own army's remnants gathered to fight the remnant Sombirsts, but then Daybreaker came and destroyed them all in three hours. We thought we could celebrate until we realized what Daybreaker was."

"She did some shit to you after the fact, I'm assuming." Plymouth spoke up.

The florist could only nod. "She wasn't hostile to Cadence herself - she needed to retain old leaders under her hoof. Even had a creepy, motherly fucking attitude to her from what we saw. But, she wasn't pleased with the idea that there were Crystal - not Solar Empire loyalists. Daybreaker came here to sort out who could be loyal to her, and who's too loyal to the "old" Crystal Empire. Many of them were killed when they attempted to resist, or sent to Fort Cherish."

"Fort Cherish!?" Chari exclaimed. "You...You know about it?"

The florist sighed. "That's why you're here, huh? Yeah. It's a horrid place - a labor camp that's housing anyone Daybreaker doesn't fancy from this region, and POWs from the war. You've got Sombrists, Changelings, a few communists, and old Crystal Empire loyalists - sharing cells, horrid labor, and what little scraps of food they can get. It's so bad that you can actually trust your own cellmates; nobody has the strength for prison rape or shanking."

"..." Umfuni frowned deeply at such words, looking down at the puddles that disappeared into the darkness once the light no longer illuminated them.

"We're here." The florist nodded, and approached a metal door. He banged on the door with a certain rhythm. He then heard a knock in return. Then, he knocked some more.

After the impromptu drumming session, the door slid open with an obnoxious sound of iron dragging against old cement. They were greeted by a pony - who wore the traditional Crystal Empire Royal Guard armor.

"Who's this?" The guard asked.

"SIB." The florist stated. "New Marelanders."

The guard looked over the group - and gave a short nod, stepping aside for them to enter. The florist however remained, and turned back to go to his shop.

The group went through the damp basement - up the stairs and into finer rooms. At first the area looked like the same run-down and dark tunnels. Yet the more they went on, the cleaner and more proper the area became, looking more like a fine cellar.

"...What is this place?" Gomer asked the guard.

The guard smirked. "Where do you think? I thought my uniform was a dead giveaway. And this ain't a themed strip club."

"...Wait." Umfuni blinked. "Are we in the Crystal City's castle!?" He asked, immediately double-checking his surroundings to confirm the theory.

"..." The guard smiled wider. "Come. Let's introduce you to the boss. And his missus."

***

Shining Armor and Cadence sighed at the same time as they sat in the makeshift planning area in the musty part of the cellar. Shining sat at a table, while Cadence leaned against the wall reading over some files.

"Any news from our envoys to the other groups, honey?" Cadence asked, shuffling the files to the next one - which contained information on recent reports on one of the Solarist generals - one she was judging whether or not could he be persuaded to defect. After reading the short paragraph describing how he bribed a journalist to hide the fact he was seen with prostitutes who cosplayed Daybreaker, she decided it was a lost cause to have him join. She used a spark of magic to burn the paper in an instant.

"Nothing good." Shining sighed. "Most cells are spooked after hearing about the Nova Griffonia invasion. They think if Daybreaker is going to start cracking down, it's going to be now. The envoy to south Equus reported that he wasn't able to make contact with the thestrals, and the envoy we sent to the East Coast has gone quiet. Best case - decided to stay with them; I know the guy always wanted to fight directly rather than do it our way. Worst case..."

Cadence frowned, and threw the files aside. "I don't understand why Daybreaker launched this invasion. What triggered it? War? Now - of all times, knowing she's still fighting what's left of Equestria?"

Shining turned to look at her. "Well - from what I gather, it's the Weter Central Hospital bombing." He said. "Nova Griffonia pinned the blame on the Solar Empire and began to crack down on its spy network; and the Solar Empire believed this to be a false flag - that they themselves bombed it and are trying to justify war against Daybreaker."

"A false flag - even though the whole world knows Nova Griffonia is too weak to face the Solar Empire?" Cadence sighed.

Shining shrugged. "They took advantage of Nova Griffonia's situation. They used rumors that Virgillia has been gaining influence in Nova Griffonia politics, and they were able to spin the idea that country was full of jingoists and anti-pony purists. Spun rumors that the Mad Tremble exists in a less potent form and has infected the cabinet. The sad thing is, considering Nova's internal political situation...They had enough material to work with, to make it all somewhat convincing."

"Ugh..." The alicorn sighed. She was unable to resist. She needed her beloved. She approached him - before crawling onto his lap and hugging him while he sat on the chair.

He smiled, wrapping her hooves around her and burying his face in her neck, and her mane.

"The world sure got scary all of the sudden in the last decades, huh?" She whispered softly.

His hoof gently stroked her mane. "Maybe. But I have reasons not to be scared so much." He whispered back.

The mare chuckled, rocking a little bit as she nuzzled him softly. "Oh yeah?"

"Yeah." Shining smiled. "You. Being with you lets me fight my fear. And Flurry - to do everything for her sake."

Cadence let out a soft giggle, and sighed - both in sadness and peace. She pulled back a little - and gazed into his eyes. Yes; it was all terrifying. She couldn't imagine Equestria and the Crystal Empire would come to this...But perhaps the old answer to many of her problems and fears in life remained the same, and it remained standing strong. Love triumphed. Love; a warm insulated cabin in the middle of a raging blizzard.

She pulled her husband into a deep, passionate kiss of nothing else other than pure adoration. Love. Connection. The feeling of having the entire world - right here, right in-front of you, and--

"Damn, I've never seen a resistance leadership this cute." Gomer casually commented.

The alicorn and the stallion she was kissing yelped - both falling off the chair as they scrambled to face who appeared. Seeing the guard that escorted them, they identified that this was a controlled visit. Still - such a rude interruption did not leave them smiling.

"W-Who's this!?" Cadence barked at the guard.

"Your royal highness." Colton stepped forward, as the rest of the group waited by the door. "Agent Colton; SIB. New Mareland. We--"

"New Mareland!?" Both Shining Armor and Cadence exclaimed in unison.

"Twilight!" Shining cried out.

"Is she o--" Cadence started.

"Arrived safely in New Mareland, ma'am." Colton shut them up with a warm smile. "She's safe and with her friends; currently with the President in order to establish some private diplomatic connections."

The couple sighed in relief - smiles came to their faces. Now, they had a reason to be happy to see the intruders. Muscles released tension, and shoulders dropped, jaws unclenched. Now, the air wasn't as heavy and oppressive.

"Thank you so much. Truly." Cadence whispered, leaning into her husband.

Shining nodded, standing strong to support her. "Yes - for protecting my sister...Well, I understand that there's always a political motive with these things, but...Thank you for shouldering the risk, and the burden that comes with Daybreaker's attention..."

Plymouth listened to the words and zoned out for a time, looking at nothingness.

"So..." Cadence stepped forward. "What can we do for the SIB, Mr. Colton? I assume we're friends?"

"Daybreaker endangers Western Griffonia, if not all of it." He answered. "Yes. We're friends, ma'am. We need your help - both in general, and on a certain manner."

The alicorn nodded, and beckoned the team over.

***

"How'd you find out about the Floral Heart?" Shining asked - as everycreatue now stood at a square table, around a map of the Crystal Empire; with orange marker used to specify Solar military installations.

"Phone call from a certain..."Corvus"." Colton said. "Heard of her?"

"Corvus?" Shining Armor asked. "Yes - we do actually know her. Partially."

"You do?" Cipher leaned in.

Cadence nodded. "Mm. She sent us envelopes with crucial information that allowed our movement to thrive. If not for her, we'd probably be found out by now..."

"...So she's trustworthy." Umfuni noted.

"That sure is a relief..." Chari sighed.

"...We need Fort Cherish." Colton said. "According to Corvus, a VIP is located in a secure level of that prison. Codename Mirage. Do you know anything?"

Shining frowned...And Cadence frowned at the sight of him. She put a hoof on him to comfort him, but he shook his head - opting to look Colton in the eyes as he spoke with full honesty.

"It can be anyone." He said. "Some of my best are imprisoned there." He softly spoke as he stared at the map on the table...Fort Cherish was already marked, with many annotations. "...And some of Sombra's and Chrysalis' best."

"Sir." Cipher looked up. "Tell me about Fort Cherish. It was a castle refurbished into a prison?"

"Yes." The unicorn nodded. "It's an old one, too. Built in the 700s. When Sombra came, we used it as a supply storage, and when he took it he already set to make it a prison. Daybreaker saw his work and finished it - only she seems to have modified it to be a labor camp more-so than just a dungeon."

"How difficult is it to enter?" Gomer asked.

"Easy." Shining laughed. "Go outside and say exactly what everypony thinks of her. You'll even get free transport there."

Gomer wasn't able to suppress a smirk, laughing out briefly and with heart. "Okay wisecolt, I got it. Then, how easy is it to break into?"

Shining's smile dropped the instant. "Tough. The amount of guards is basically that of a company - two hundred-fifty or so. They were tested for their devotion. They have no connection to us, the Sombrists, or the changelings. So, they don't feel so bad about oppressing all their prisoners, ponies or not. My hunch is that she's gathered such racists that they don't even consider Crystal Ponies to be one of theirs. Nasty right-wingers who have connections to some nasty groups. They also answer directly to Daybreaker."

"...We need to get in." Cipher said.

"I see..." Shining Armor sighed. "We've had a plan that we've been putting off due to the concern of capable hooves. Maybe you're the spark that can help us get a catalyst in for the plan."

"What kind of plan?" Colton leaned in.

"We'll break the prisoners out with force." Shining simply said.

The room - except for Cadence, looked in silence with widened eyes; unsure just how he could so calmly suggest such a vague idea.

"I mean, that's what we'd ideally like to do." Plymouth scratched his face. "But y'know, simple's not equal to easy."

Shining had already shook his head, affirming his confidence. "I'm in contact with the prisoners. On my signal, they are going to revolt. However, without external help, it's suicide." Shining explained. "The guards have military-grade - not riot - equipment, and will use the revolt as an excuse to execute the prisoners, as they probably already wanted to. But if we can support the revolt - destroy their infrastructure, guard towers, MG nests, and their armory - in a coordinated strike...we have a chance."

"And how do we do that?" Cipher asked.

"We'll send in our loyalists." Shining said.

"You're going to blow your secrecy." Plymouth said. "If they find out it's you, then...Daybreaker's gonna have your head. If not the Princess's too..."

"Which is why we intend to completely cut off Fort Cherish from any communication and leave no witnesses." Shining pointed at the map. "We will use coordinated sabotage and air tactics, before infiltrating via helicopter. To leave no evidence, we need to completely destroy the place. For that, we have a solution. We learned that a high-yield bomb is placed under the foundation of the fort; which will detonate in the event of enemy capture or successful prisoner revolt."

"How are you ensuring it won't detonate prematurely?" Umfuni frowned, at the idea that the prisoners were forced into such hopelessness.

"The bomb will only be on a timer." Shining said. "The guards then have twenty minutes to board transports to escape, but the bomb's activation will produce an alarm. We cannot defuse the bomb - but we can launch the attack by destroying their transport. It should buy us time. Once that alarm rings, we're going to wrap up as fast as we can. However, we really need to buy ourselves at-least half an hour to secure a transport for all prisoners."

"All prisoners?" Chari asked.

Shining nodded. "Changelings and Sombrists too."

"...Are you sure that's wise?" Plymouth asked.

"It's the right thing to do." Shining said. "They're helping us escape, and have even agreed to resume their status as POWs under the legitimate Crystal or Equestrian government...Anything to get out of Fort Cherish."

Gomer scratched his chin. "...So how do we prevent them from using their radios, contacting outside help? Prisons of this profile can have QRFs that are going to arrive to help."

"That's..." Cadence sighed sadly. "Where I come in."

"Ah?" Gomer turned his head to her.

"..." She sighed deeply. "I am going to commit that which I can only call a sin. Something that no princess should have ever considered - something that is going to make me sick to the stomach to look myself in the mirror. But it must be done." She said. "I am...I'm going to engulf the Crystal Empire in a blizzard."

"...Wait." Umfuni leaned in. "Ma'am - are you talking about the Crystal Heart?"

"..." The Princess nodded. "I am going to order a fake terrorist attack that allegedly destroys the Heart. And I will come there to mend it. The blizzard comes slowly to the city - but is faster and stronger outside, so it'll reach the prison faster than it reaches the city. However, I cannot have it rage for long. If I do...it may kill thousands if I do so, if not more. The blizzard will begin once you are in position - and you will have half an hour of blizzard to start the combined revolt and attack."

"There's no other way, huh..." Cipher sighed.

Cadence closed her eyes. "One single transmission out of that prison can end the future of the Crystal Empire...And your mission, should this "Mirage" creature be there as you were told by Corvus."

"Wait, but the blizzard is going to mess with us - especially if we're going in by air." Colton noted. "It'll screw up the planes and helos, won't it?"

"Not quite." Cadence smiled softly. "I have a certain pony, Sunburst. He's going to lead a group of unicorns who have their horns enhanced by my magic. He'll instruct them to make a protective bubble to block the prison from the blizzard, activating it once all of ours are in range. Sadly, the bubble alone won't stop any radio, and the bubble is just there to fend off the blizzard, not act as a force field. It should be big enough to also allow the aircraft to comfortably circle around the castle. Either way however - you're right; timing is everything, and you must arrive to the radius at the exact time."

"I understand..." Umfuni whispered in thought. "But, can we do anything to mitigate the damages of the blizzard to settlements outside the city?"

"...Not without arousing suspicion." Said Plymouth, who said exactly what Cadence did not want to admit.

"We..." Cadence sighed. "We will perform all necessary reparations, at any cost."

"..."

Colton sighed. "Then let's do it. My team's at your disposal, Captain. Princess."

Shining Armor smiled. "Thank you. It will be an honor to work with you to return the real Crystal Empire, and Equestria."

...

"...Ma'am?" Cipher suddenly spoke up.

"Yes?" Cadence turned to him.

"...Where is...Princess Flurry Heart?" He asked.

At these words, Cadence's heart became heavy. She sighed deeply, and walked over to a chair. Shining looked at Cipher. Not with anger at bringing up the topic - but apologetically and with understanding; the white stallion felt guilt that he hadn't been able to warn him prior.

"...In the court of Daybreaker." Cadence whimpered, shaking. "It's...It's her way of keeping me in check. I...I get to see her once a month..." She said, shaking her head. "...So, I'll get to see her after tomorrow...For just..." She sniffled. "For just one tiny, little...insignificant hour."

"I-I'm so sorry to bring it up, ma'am." Cipher frowned.

"...No, it's not your fault." She sighed. "...Of all the awful things that have happened due to Celestia being replaced by that...thing...That is the one thing I can't understand - can't comprehend. That one thing that kills me inside...If this is how she keeps me in line, I fear to imagine what else she does to others...Especially those with families."

Remembering Clement, Plymouth softly bit his lip. Remembering, furthermore, Mochi...He whispered - "Fuck.", and moved away from the table.

Umfuni too frowned deeply - the idea of being robbed of a child making him shudder.

Cipher's attentive ears picked up on Plymouth's cursing, and his attentive eyes picked up on the sparkle of Cadence's tears. His sixth sense allowed him to feel the dread in Shining's silence. "...Can we do anything to save her?"

"..." Cadence sighed. "The moment I find out what to do?" She softly said, looking into his eyes. "I...I won't merely ask you to save her. I will force you to. I'm sorry."

"..." Cipher looked at her, and then at Colton. The two stallions exchanged a look, and in the end, both nodded to each other. "We understand, ma'am."

After the painful silence, Shining looked at his wife for a time, and then sighed before turning to Colton. "Come. I'll acquaint you with the leaders of our teams. We're going to execute the plan whenever you're ready, and once we can get everypony on board. With luck, we can execute the plan tomorrow."

"Captain." Cipher spoke up. "You said the job has an air element...We got a capable omnipilot. Think you can get her a job?"

Shining smiled. "A real omnipilot? We've just the thing. How does she feel about F-4 Phantoms?"

Gomer sighed, rubbing his face with a talon. "Fuuuuuck, we better tell her as late as possible, or she's gonna be soaking wet over it and not shut the fuck up about it until the op."

Chari giggled. "Maybe, but keep in mind that it's a two-seater. You know how Raz gets when she's assigned co-pilots."

"Right." Cipher chuckled. "Captain, you better make sure whoever is gonna be the gunner has a very, very strong stomach."

Chapter 12, Part One - Love; the Greatest Mirage

Tick...Tock.

Tick...Tock.

Tick...Tock.

Tick...Tock.

Tick...

The obnoxious roar rung through the labor camp. It was a mechanical sound made by a makeshift system, designed to cruelly blow a large klaxon to inflict maximum volume upon anyone it is directed upon. And cruelly, it was designed in such a way that most of the sound would be blown into the cells of the sleeping prisoners, and not at all into the guard's barracks. The acoustics of the castle's dungeon made the sound potent and ferocious.

Many prisoners learned to sleep in a way which allowed the pillows to block their ears without restricting breathing. Of course, if you turned in your sleep too much and the pillow stopped blocking your ears, you'd wake up to a sound that vibrated through your bones...And eroded your ear drums, little by little until you couldn't hear your own whispers.

Three got up from their bunk beds. The fourth was deceased a week ago; a changeling whose body was ignored completely by the guards. One of the three, also a changeling, came up to the corpse and gently put a hoof on its chest. He softly whimpered; and the other two did not say anything, letting him say his farewells to the childhood friend he entered the army together with.

"So long we've been planning..." The changeling whispered. "We're getting out of here. Just as I promised you...I'm...I'm so sorry. we'll meet again...Maybe later, maybe today."

The other two were crystal ponies. One sat on the bunk bed clutching the dog tags of his unit in the Crystal Empire's armed forces, while the other rubbed the Sombrist insignia tattoo on his neck. Before, both stallions would've had nothing but utmost hatred for one another. Now, they nodded to each other. Getting up, they each put a hoof on the changeling's shoulder - and so did he nod in turn. It was time. They packed what they could; their thin prisoner clothing neither protecting them from cold, nor providing much concealment for their things, forcing them to be more meticulous in how they hid what they took.

Five minutes from the horrid klaxon's sound, the cells opened. They had ten seconds to leave the cell. If they didn't, it would close; meaning they wouldn't see any food or water for at-least fifteen hours, and what little heating the cell block offered would be turned off. Neither the lazy nor lame wanted to try skipping work.

They stepped out of their cells, and were now in the middle of the cell block. They all had to walk north to the courtyard, to get their jobs from the warden's assistants. Should they fail to do so, a machine gun sat at the end of the hallway; its gunner eager to fire if he saw something he didn't like. And with the gun being chambered in .30-06, what did he have to care for when it came to collateral damage?

All the prisoners were forced out into the cold, cold courtyard - outside. The castle was massive; and sprawling. Within the center of the castle's perimeter was a very wide and open area that made it almost cynically comical how it looked as if it was already great for a prison. What history the castle had was tainted by industrial construction and machinery, and military installations. The additional buildings and guard towers had removed any sense of historical awe, and instead, instilled dread.

The prisoners formed lines; depending on what part of the block they were from, they would form a line to one of the kiosks in which the warden's assistants sat, distributing their instructions for what labor they were to perform for the day. The warden observed it all, from the command building in the Eastern section. He stood sipping his coffee, alongside two other officers - a stallion and a mare. "What's on the agenda today, junior officers?" The warden asked.

"Sir." The mare spoke. "Her Majesty's cabinet has made a request for metal components, so a larger portions of prisoners are on metalwork duty."

"Heh. Guess we'll be smelling seared fur and charred hooves all afternoon." The warden commented - enjoying the little ant farm he had going on.

The changeling and the two crystal ponies would get in the line, subtly moving their hooves. Items were passed along. Some items to prisoners about to leave to do their job, others for those getting in line. They practiced on mundane things before like passing on makeshift cigarettes and shivs. Shivs were largely ignored by guards; because what could a little piece of metal do against their armor or face masks? The guards preferred that the prisoners had the sharp weapons because they knew this would let them stab away at each other.

Of course, the prisoners had no desire to stab each other after the time they've endured here - but to avoid suspicion, they faked shankings. They could do so without needing to really cut into one another, because it's not like the security would spare any medical staff for any of the prisoners to check those injuries.

The three were assigned their work. Perfect. Their timing was right; for their job was to be at the forge and metal workshop. It sounded like the perfect place to make weapons for a riot; if not for the fact the prisoners had little in the way of protective equipment other than tattered mitts that would easily ignite - burning hooves quickly if they as much as held onto a hot iron for more than a dozen seconds. Many a prisoner was left with burn marks caused by the fabric of the mitts welding into the fur.

They were herded into the workshop along a few other prisoners. It was a decently-sized room, with a large forge and several tools. They would approach a long, long table, on which were many pieces of metal, some shaped and some put together. They all had a job, and they had to do it. They approached the table, and began to put together the components, taking wrenches and screwdrivers. They had a quota and a time-limit, as the guards checked how frequently they completed parts.

The changeling whispered to the Sombrist as the two began to move a cart of ingots across the workshop's floor. "At the signal, number 241 will pass by and slip the powder under you. Pick it up immediately, number 312 will drop the pipes to distract the guard while you do. Be fast, he won't have much time."

The Sombrist nodded. Then looked at the Loyalist, who was at the other side of the table. They were instructed to make basic metal works, things that one could make without machinery, but with much difficulty and required strength. The Loyalist would take a rubbet mallet and slam it against the bits he was to put together. But he did so in a specific rhythm. One loud strike, two quick ones, and two more loud ones.

At this noise, number 241 began to move to retrieve the materials he needed in order to continue his work...

The Sombrist blocked out all noise...He waited, waited...And heard the sound of an object softly falling under him; and then right after, loud clang of metal pipes dropping on the other side of the room.

"HEY!" Yelled a guard, while the other three guards in the room turned their attention to the sound. "The fuck are you doing throwing around the fucking materials!? You want me to fucking glue them to your hooves, dumbass!?"

"Kiss my ass, bastard!" 312 yelled defiantly, spitting whatever rotten mucus he could muster up.

"Ohoho!" The guard spun the shotgun that was slung on him so that it was on his back. "Get your ass over here right now, mutt!" He yelled, before charging 312 right into the iron wall of the room. Standing on his hind hooves, the guard took out his baton - one that was illegally reinforced with iron, and started to beat down on 312.

The Sombrist would not let this go on for long. He began to pour the powder into a cylinder, and the cylinder he would connect to another pipe.

"You can't hurt him!" The Changeling cried out, standing two meters to the Sombrist's right. "He did nothing wrong, you oppressive sons of bitches!"

"...Lively today." One of the other guards chuckled. "Thought the cold and hunger woulda made you a bit more complacent."

"If they're acting like this..." Laughed the guard beating 312. "That means they're probably dying! You've seen them before they don't get up from their beds the next morn', haha! Take this, you worthless sack of shit!" He yelled before kicking 312.

"Don't I know it." The other guard smirked, approaching the Changeling and using his horn to levitate his baton, tauntingly spinning it...

The Changeling whispered to the Sombrist. "Good luck, brother. May this be our last day in hell."

"Stay safe, brother." The Sombrist whispered back, smiling.

As the guard walked past the Sombrist, he felt something poke against the back of his head - and a soft click rang. At the sound, the Changeling instantly dropped down to the floor to dodge.

Three months ago, the prisoners made a groundbreaking discovery; a 6-gauge shotgun shell, misplaced by one of the guards. It exchanged hooves, making its way through almost each part of the castle as the prisoners swapped it to ensure it got into the right hooves. Today, the shotgun shell found its final destination.

The Sombrist slammed the two pipes together, and the zip gun exploded; completely flying apart. But by then, the shell was fired, and buckshot had ripped through the guard's head, leaving shredded skull and brains as the gore soup splattered across the workshop materials.

In tandem, the Loyalist spun around to the guard who had been beating 312, and grabbed the shotgun slung across his back - doing so roughly to choke him. He pulled the gun, pointed it, and fired into one of the other guards. Meanwhile, the last guard had no time to react as a pan containing molten metal was spilled all over him by the inmate at the forge, burning his face as he screamed in agony.

312 stood up with a rage in his tone, and slammed his hoof into the guard that beat him as the Loyalist choked him with the shotgun sling. The loyalist quickly undid the sling from the shotgun, getting away from 312 as the prisoner straddled the guard before proceeding to brutalize him; in a more deadly manner than his victim could've hurt him. His hooves turned his face into paste, and yet, none stopped him. This was justified.

The Sombrist, Loyalist, and Changeling ran to the different guard's corpses. They would take the shotguns for themselves, while throwing pistols over to the other prisoners, with one final shotgun now in 312's hands after he had finished brutalizing his tormentor.

The Loyalist was the first to take action, jumping onto the table to address the other twelve prisoners in the room.

"Alright, technical part first!" The Loyalist exclaimed. "Those of you who aren't armed, stay behind us and loot their corpses! If you see a spare weapon, pass it to a brother or sister! By now, the riot in North and West should be starting! The moment you hear explosions and aircraft, that means Captain Shining Armor's attack has begun, in which case we can begin to engage the enemy! I want absolutely nocreature left behind; I don't care who they are or if you had problems with them while locked up in this hole. We've set out to leave Fort Cherish this morning, alive - or dead - and together!"

The prisoners chanted - "Death to Fort Cherish! Death to Fort Cherish!"

The Loyalist smiled. "Now since we have a few minutes, the poetic part. Years ago, we would have pointed our guns at each other in some snowy trench. I do not want to think how many perished in these lands because of the war. We were soldiers who knew what we signed up for; but Fort Cherish is a crime against creaturekind. A travesty. Nobody should have to endure this kind of torment, and I certainly would not wish it upon my enemies either. And still, after all we've been through, I would never forgive myself were I to still call you "enemies". We've survived all these awful days and nights, thinking when we'd be worked to death, frozen, or starved. We survived all this because we have friends to return to. Families. Lovers."

The Loyalist looked down upon his brothers and sisters...And decided this was not the position to be in. He smiled, and jumped down onto the floor. He would be at eye-level, before continuing.

"Today, we will return to them. But if we do not, then so be it. We will die as soldiers, as those who spit in the face of oppression!"

The Loyalist looked at them with tears in his eyes, and wiped them...Before coming close to the prisoners. They all held onto each other, hooves on each others' shoulders, blinking with tears of joy.

The Loyalist spoke, trying not to choke on his own happiness. "We will not let ourselves die with a whimper, without dignity! Today, we either reap our freedom, or face our final hour with pride and courage! We will live or die..."

He raised his shotgun high. "As free spirits!"

The prisoners began to chant, hugging one another as they screamed with nothing but joy and ecstasy. Whether with courage, with a thirst for violence, "Hoorah! Hoorah! Hoorah! Hoor--"

And with that, a chain of explosions rocked the entire ground, with glass blasting across the workshop. Looking out of the small slits that replaced windows, the Loyalist nodded.

"It's been too long - mother freedom! Let us embrace her! Kill these bastards!"

***

The F-4 Phantom screeched through the sky, releasing multiple missiles that locked onto different targets. The truck depot, several guard towers and gun installations, a fuel tank, and a bridge used by guards to get a position above the courtyard. The jet flew past the prison, too fast for the anti-air weapons to even lock onto it, madly spinning as it did and drawing ribbons with its trails.

"Not bad, Frenzy 1-2!" Raz laughed in the cockpit, the thestral adoring every second she flew in the aircraft, even looking past the fact she had a copilot. The pony in the back, a crystal pony, had been working the radar, and identified targets for her, and to her surprise, was able to keep up with her antics.

"<>" Gomer yelled over at the radio - who at the time was in the helicopter that was fast on approach, along with his team and other loyalists.

"<>" She responded back on the radio. More explosions rang.

Raz was able to pick up on enemy transmissions as she was working on bringing the bird in for another run.

"<>" Yelled the warden over the radio.

"<>" Shouted a pony in the HQ.

Another pony spoke on the radio. "<>"

The warden was heard yelling. "<>"

The next approach of Raz's Phantom had fired unguided rockets straight into a juicy depot that was built as a connected section to the castle's exterior, meaning she had not to worry about collateral damage. The smaller rockets broke through, and detonated the fuel and vehicles inside; shaking the castle and partially tearing off a section of wall where guards slipped and fell into their icy death below.

"<>

"<<...Y-Yes, okay! Don't arm that damn bomb yet, get whoever you can to find us some transport, right the hell now!"

The approaching helicopter flew low, and over the wall - the helicopter's gun turning the AA installations into Swiss cheese. The loyalist team leader inside the helicopter, who was attached to Colton's group, listened to his own radio, and patted Colton on the shoulder - the latter turned to to him. "Captain Shining Armor has reported that the blizzard is in full effect! Sunburst's group's magic is blocking it off. QRFs should be in the dark!"

"Good!" Colton exclaimed past the noise. "How are the strikes?"

"Your pilot's a damn demon, that we're sure of! Most targets were taken out in that first run! The rest can be taken out by the helicopters and saboteurs!"

"Okay!" Colton turned to his team. "Here's the plan! We're going to make our way to Mirage, but take out key targets to help the prisoners! First we're going open the armory for the prisoners! Then we're clearing out the headquarters! That building should be connected to an entrance to the lower levels. Once that bomb alarm rings, we have twenty minutes to leave! Stick together, and help anyone in a prisoner's uniform, no matter who they are!"

Chari sighed, adjusting her .45 ACP SMG. "I suppose no changeling down there is loyal to Chrysalis anymore. I hope. Right, you got it then, Colton!"

The pilot waved his hoof to signal them. "We're about to insert! ETA one mike! Get ready 'cause we can't stay up there long!"

"Get ready to jump!" Colton exclaimed. As the helicopter hovered above the courtyard, a green light came on. Chari nodded to Umfuni and Cipher, who held onto her shoulder each. Plymouth nodded to Gomer, and held onto him. The team would jump out of the ramp together.

Gomer's wings were strong enough to let him unfurl them so that they allowed him to partially glide and descend slower with Plymouth, acting as a parachute to let the two land safely. Chari in the meantime used her magic to a similar effect, her wings quickly growing into large dragon ones, before flapping just before hitting the ground to give Umfuni and Cipher safety, before they landed. Colton easily flew down, pegasus wings scattering snow as they flapped before hitting the ground.

In the courtyard, prisoners swarmed guard installations. Some of them were mowed down by machine gun fire, but others were able to use their looted weapons to fight back. They used the metal carts for cover as they pushed them to block out the bullets, and used all the tools and items they could find in the prison. While some were pinned down in the courtyard and in the blocks, some were able to break through into the buildings. A makeshift bomb was thrown into the slit of a bunker, detonating the inside and turning all occupants into mush.

Colton's team ran for cover, immediately firing upon positions where they saw the enemy. The guards were in panic and disarray, but could still discern friend from foe. While prisoners were attempting to swarm and break through the different blocks and outside sections, they were gunned down by the guards who were armed with bullpup assault rifles. Both Gomer and Umfuni took controlled shots at them, to give the prisoners safety.

Turning the corner, Colton was just barely able to jump back the way he came, before machine gun fire rained bullets at his general direction. He yelled into his radio. "Raz! Guard tower marked "N3"! I need you to take it out!"

"<>"

With a terrible sound of ripping, canon fire erupted from the F4 Phantom that swooped past the tower. The strafe was short, but the precision of the firing had erupted the top of the tower in a storm of blood, completely ripping apart its occupants.

Gomer cheered, taking the opportunity to run through the area to get a better angle at the enemy. "Fucking hell Raz, you're a meat grinder!"

"<>" She bellowed, going up high into the sky to then spin and dive in for another run - missile ready to destroy a tank that attempted to roll out of a garage to attempt to crush the resistance; blissfully unaware that Raz was smirking. A bad sign for any of her targets.

The team would gun down any other guard that they spotted. Plymouth was surprised to see a Changeling prisoner jump by his side with a shotgun - joined by two crystal ponies; the Sombrist and Loyalist.

"You're the New Marelanders!?" The Sombrist shouted past the gunfire.

"Well I myself am from Lake City!" Plymouth grunted. "But yeah! Who tipped ya off?"

"I'm in contact with Shining Armor!" The Loyalist exclaimed. "Heard you're looking for something here!"

Cipher slid into the same cover as they did, reloading as he spoke to the three, having overheard them. "Need to get to the lower levels! First though we get the armory and headquarters!"

The Changeling nodded. "Okay! We need the armory as well. We'll need to move fast, before the guards can grab more serious hardware!"

"Then let's go now!" Cipher shouted. "Colton, can I take Umi and rush the armory with these three!?"

Colton needed a few mere seconds to understand the tactical risks and implications. He patted Umi and nodded; and so the Zebra nodded back. Vaulting over a barrier, Umfuni slid right next to Cipher. He peeked out to point his grenade launcher, and was able to aim it straight at a window that housed a machine gun. With one projectile, the launcher was able to slip through the crack, and completely eliminate its user.

As they approached the red gate of the armory, Umfuni had blasted in two more grenades through its windows. Flashbangs. Illegal ones that had a more permanent effect; causing a louder-than usual sound that completely raptured ear drums, and burned out the retina to a terrible extent.

Umi then approached the door and reached into his backpack, producing a sheet of plastic explosives about the diameter of an A4 paper, and pressed it against the red doors with his hooves. He and Cipher, alongside the three prisoners, had stacked up behind it. With a click of the detonator, an explosion tore the doors apart, and completely crushed several guards on the other side, who suffered from deafness and blindness. Umfuni's brutal breaching techniques had made quick work of the place; swiftly ending twelve guards, while Cipher could only get to five.

Prisoners started to pour into the armory; each practically jumping onto their weapons. Many chose what they were comfortable with during the war. Many of the changelings quickly sought out one another to form the same teams they were in before the war, and many of them frowned as they noticed the were missing someone. The loyalists were quick to organize themselves based on the chain of command, quickly adjusting and understanding who was at what rank, and who could order who. At a disadvantage were the Sombirsts who already consisted of lesser trained garrison forces. And yet, they were clever; not allowing pride to overtake them as they instead opted to fill in missing roles among the other two factions.

"And that's the South taken care of, it's ours!" The Loyalist cried out.

"Finally! I felt so naked without one of these!" The Sombrist prisoner triumphantly yelled, kissing an assault rifle as he began to load it.

The Loyalist from the trio took command of a smaller team. The changeling waved, and parted ways, as he was tasked to helping the prisoners in the West; who were reported to be on approach with a group of flamethrower-wielding guards.

The Sombrist took part of a mixed Loyalist-Sombrist team and began to charge north, where the guards had attempted to get whatever transport they were able to gather.

"The warden is next!" The loyalist exclaimed, rallying the prisoners as well as waving over to Colton's team. They now had the momentum - the loss of the armory for the guards meant they were now facing prisoners who had the means to fight them. Serious means. They would only need to sprint for five minutes to cross the courtyard and approach the command center; the most obvious building as it contained a great vantage point over the entire prison. The small team of loyalist prisoners, and Colton's, stacked up against the door. Umfuni took the lead to breach again.

The explosive tore the door open, blowing apart the guard that was on the other side. Umfuni led the breach once more, but didn't allow his deadly skill to hinder their work. He took fast and controlled shots, firing at anyone who wasn't wearing a more officer-like uniform. With that, they had left three ponies in the room. One held his pistol extended at the team, but Umfuni rushed him and shoved him into the wall, causing him to drop his piece. Umi then held him against the wall by his neck and restrained him.

"Gentlecolts, gentlecolts!" The warden laughed, sitting in his chair. "Let's not get hasty." He softly said, raising his hooves along the other officer. He was an old stallion who was decorated, both with medals and wounds on his face. Colton was unable to hold back disgust; to see a veteran treating soldiers like this.

"After all..." The warden smiled. "I know who you are. You have rules. Wouldn't want to cause an incident and violate the conventions, right? I think we may negotiate, like civilized--"

Colton shoved his pistol right into the warden's eye, which wouldn't have been an issue were it not for the monolith silencer that made quick work of the eyeball. The warden screamed in terror, the other eye shot wide open as he began to lose bowel control, legs buckling as he dropped from the sheer shock, pain, and terror.

"Mirage." Colton quickly said.

"M-MERCIFUL DAYBREAKER!" The warden screamed bloody murder, attempting to get the gun out of his face, but unable to do so - as anytime he reached for it, Colton pushed it in deeper; the stallion involuntarily twitching as he felt his brain getting poked.

"Y-You can't do this! Monsters!" Screamed the disarmed younger officer as he was restrained by the zebra. "You have rules, you fucking animals!"

"Rules?" Umfuni growled...And showed a side he wouldn't dare show in any other normal circumstance. He grabbed the guard by the head and smashed him against the wall, immediately splattering it with blood. He did so to reduce him to near unconsciousness, but he knew he was still heard. "What you do in this death camp voids all rules, you scum..."

"...You were right." Gomer whispered to Chari. "Kasans get pissed at shit like this."

"Where. Is. Mirage?" Colton repeated and started to push the pistol deeper in.

"BELOW!" The warden screamed. "D-Door...i-is connected to the concrete building! C6! S-She's there! She's--"

Colton roughly pulled the suppressor out, leaving the warden squirming on the floor as he held onto his socket.

"P-Please don't kill us!" Exclaimed one of the other younger officers, a mare who raised her hooves which were still callused from beating down a prisoner from the same day's morning.

"We won't." Colton waved his team to regroup. They would walk out of the door, one by one...

And the officer screamed in fear.

For Colton's team swapped places with a mob of angry prisoners, who furiously swarmed the chamber, yelling words of murder and hatred.

***

Colton understood why it was building C6 - for he already considered to be suspicious. It looked more like a concrete block with an iron door; which was quickly dealt with by Plymouth who used his magic to pick at its internal mechanical locks. The door obnoxiously screeched, muffling out the sounds of chaos and fighting in the background.

And all the saw was a long, long flight of iron stairs down into a dark abyss.

"...This must be some kind of phobia." Plymouth muttered to himself.

"Bathmophobia." Chari flatly said.

"...Fuck you." Plymouth rolled his eyes. "Who knows that kinda shit off the top of their head?"

"Cut the chatter." Colton cut in. "Let's go."

Umfuni nodded and took point, flashlight and gun trained forward as he stepped into the darkness.

***

The deeper down the stairwell they went, the more distant the sound of fighting was. They stopped hearing sounds of gunfire and explosives, not even the roars of Raz's plane. For now, they were descending into a void. At some point, they reached the end of the Castle's basement; and were now looking at a new stairwell. This one was made of metal and modern construction; meaning this was going much deeper than the castle's own dungeon.

It had been so deep that Cipher whimpered in discomfort, ears slightly popping from the pressure. Plymouth had felt the same, pinching his nose close and blowing to try and set it right. From all the explosions, Gomer's ears hadn't really noticed the difference.

They would finally reach the lowest levels; now in complete darkness, aided only by flashing red alarm lights...It was a much more modern interior, akin to a secret facility with the expected white walls and a more sterile design. Colton was under the impression that this was a secure location, that no fighting could've reached here. And yet...something felt off.

They slowly waded through the hallway, guns pointed forward. They noticed stains of splashed blood all over the walls and floor - not too old. But no prisoner could've reached here. What was stranger is the lack of other rooms; except for one close to the entrance, all the hallway led to was a chamber at the end; with a large vault door.

Colton nodded to Chari, who nodded back. She stepped forward; and on the way, had transformed her body - taking the shape of a mighty minotaur. Her hands gripped onto the wheel of the vault door, and her muscular arms had given the pressure needed to start spinning it to open it. With a pressurized hiss, it then began to move, and contained more darkness.

They would then slowly walk into the large, open chamber. It would've been nearly pitch black, but the emergency red lights gave some insight. Specifically, they'd be able to see a large glass box in the middle of the room, a small door-frame sized opening allowing entrance inside.

"Holy shit..." Chari whispered.

"..." Colton would look to see that inside the box was a big pile of corpses; all of them seemingly dragged here, while some others had already perished here. Blood and viscera lined the walls of the glass box...

And in the middle, sat a single silhouette.

Umfuni was about to approach, but Colton put a hoof on his shoulder...and took the lead instead, quietly walking closer as the team trained their weapons at the silhouette; who's details were hard to see in the darkness.

Cautiously, Colton extended a hoof.

A row of teeth rushed him and dug straight into his hoof. He was barely able to scream, yelling out just barely in pain. The thing threw all its weight on him and started to attempt to mangle him, trying to bite his face, neck, and hooves. He was barely able to wrestle it, avoiding the teeth as they snapped at it. They would put a shark to shame with how razor-sharp they appeared, the teeth were like sharpened pikes. One final snap of the jaw however made it past his guard, and went for his jugular.

However, a large arm intervened. Chari, forgetting to transform back, took advantage of her minotaur form, and punched the silhouette right in the face, knocking out one of the fangs and causing the silhouette to be launched to the side. With that, the changeling transformed into her normal form.

Panting for air, Colton needed a moment, he was helped up by Plymouth and Cipher, who both sighed in relief as they saw his hand wasn't in critical shape.

"Who the fuck's that!?" Gomer shouted, coming closer to observe who the this prisoner just was...

And so did the group approach the silhouette. It was unconscious, so Colton leaned in to turn it to its side to look who it was.

As they identified the target, there was complete and total silence - shock, and confusion.

...

Chari was the first to speak, whispering with a shaky, unstable voice. "...C-Colton, order someone to restrain me. I-I can't do this...Please..."

"Chari--" Umfuni tried to gently approach her, but instead, Chari drew her pistol, and pointed it at the silhouette. Umi and Plymouth both ran at her and held her back, Plymouth using levitation to wrestle her pistol away.

"Why..." Chari softly whispered as she tried to resist the two; and then released her emotions into a shout. "WHY IS SHE HERE!? WHY IS SHE ALIVE!? WHY AREN'T WE KILLING HER NOW!?"

They all looked...

Looked at Queen Chrysalis, who was unconsciously laying on the concrete. She was thin, as if starved for all these months. Bruises, scars, all adorned her body. There was blood all over her; and none of it her own. Mostly, the blood was all over her muzzle.

"Wait, wait..." Gomer rubbed his eyes in confusion. "This shit doesn't make sense. Queen Chrysalis is here? What the fuck - the who's on the throne right now? Who's the one on television trying to keep the changelings calm after they screwed up so badly? Who the fuck is THAT, if THIS is the real one?"

Colton sighed as he crouched by the sleeping Queen. "...Well, another changeling obviously. Either a queen, or, I dunno. Whoever it is, they're cooperating with Daybreaker. Now I understand why this "Mirage" was kept so secret. Remember what Corvus said? Daybreaker detests her. And Aurora's worried what would happen were she to be seen in public..."

"If she's seen in public..." Cipher whispered. "The changelings are going to go mental. And the VOPS integrated into the Solar Empire is going to defect..."

Wasting no time, Plymouth levitated the unconscious queen over his shoulders. "Either way, we can't stay here long. Let's get her out--"

"WARNING!" Exclaimed an automated voice. "Contingency plan armed. T-minus, twenty minutes."

"...Who the fuck did that!?" Gomer shouted. "Fuck, come on - we should have enough time! Leg it, for fuck's sake!"

***

The helicopters would take as many prisoners as they could. The braver ones volunteered to board land vehicles that were already leaving, no longer in danger of being caught in the blizzard as it dissipated. A CH-47 Chinook however patiently waited while its blades were still spun up.

The loyalist team leader stood by the door and anxiously waited by building C6, and sighed in relief as he saw the team emerge...and tensed up as they saw just what, or who they were carrying. They ran inside and dropped her body like dead meat on the floor of the helicopter, and sat on the seats; panting for air as they just had to run up what was, more or less, 30 flights of stairs.

"Had to set it to arm now, of all times!?" Colton groaned.

The captain gulped, eyes unable to leave Chrysalis. "W-Well, t-the blizzard is gone and potential QRFs may be incoming..." He said, and gave the pilot a signal. The ramp would close, and the double-rotary helicopter would fly up into the air, leaving behind Fort Cherish, and about three hundred corpses, all scattered around.

"<>" Came Raz's voice from Colton's radio. "<>"

"...Nobody Cadence will be happy to see." Colton spoke back.

Amidst the corpses in fort Cherish, there was movement.

The Changeling smiled softly. He laid underneath a pile of bodies mowed down by machine gun fire - too weak and hurt to even beg for help. At-least, he got to see his queen. One more time. And finally, he'd reunite with his closest friend. A promise was kept.

The final peace granted to him, before the atoms from his body were ripped apart and torn asunder; completely.

***

"You...You brought Queen Chrysalis into the castle!?" Shining cried out in anger and fear as he saw the queen that was laid out on a table in the cellar.

"Blame Corvus." Colton flatly said. His team was here, minus Umfuni and Chari, the former trying to calm down the latter, as she was itching to enter the room and kill the queen herself. "All we knew was the designation. What or who Mirage was, wasn't clear up until now."

"Shoulda been obvious..." Plymouth commented. "Name's a bit on the nose, huh?"

"This is a breach of security!" Shining exclaimed. "Do you not remember what happened last time Chrysalis got close to me or Cadence!?"

"I remember." Flatly said the voice of Princess Cadence, who had just entered the room. She looked without much emotion at the unconscious changeling queen. Shining whimpered, he didn't want her to find out - didn't want her to stress herself.

"Cadence, dear..." He whispered. "We're going to get rid of her, I-I promise, just stay away from--"

"Shining." She coldly said and came close to the unconscious queen, now standing directly above her. Gomer didn't like this one bit, and drew his weapon slowly. This earned the attention from the other guards in the room; who first quickly drew their weapons at him...But noticed he was pointing the gun at the changeling queen. And so, the guards followed along with his idea, and pointed their own weapons at her as well.

"..."

"I know you are conscious." Cadence whispered, holding back the disgust in her tone.

"..."

"...You know..." Queen Chrysalis sighed, eyes still closed. "I was going to keep pretending and playing along. Hoping I'd hear something useful from one of you. But I certainly can't keep it up with your annoying voice in this room. When I impersonated you, it was...quite hard not to vomit with each syllable."

"...I would hurt you. Very badly right now. Without fear of any consequence." Cadence said with spite.

"In-vain." Chrysalis scoffed.

"But I need you to speak. And I need you to speak right now, Chrysalis. What's going on?" The alicorn said, her own voice staying strong despite the fact she almost felt as if she was literally forced to swallow her pride.

The changeling queen sighed and sat up, looking around herself...The guns were raised up somewhat higher. She smiled. "Give me a moment, and I will." She told Cadence, and looked at Shining.

"Love, it's been too long." Chrysalis grinned, mocking Shining by replicating Cadence's voice. Shining stared daggers at her, horn involuntarily charging. She sighed and discarded him, looking at Colton and his group. "Hm...Fresh meat? You're lucky you found me after I had my feast. You would've had to be my meal if the place was empty."

"You do look famished." Colton smirked. "Karma's a bitch, huh?"

"Little pony." Chrysalis laughed. "You smile, yet forget in who's presence you are. I am the beacon of the future of the changelings. Do you really think that I will not seek you once I get rid of that witch sitting on the throne of the Solar Empire? I am going to enjoy slitting your throat while you watch the sunset over your land, as my changelings--"

"Punch you out?" Colton interrupted. "That tooth you're missing? You can thank the changeling who really, really hates you - and is on the other side of that door, while our poor CQC specialist can barely keep her out. Do you really want to know what's gonna happen if she comes in?"

"One of my own changelings?!" Chrysalis laughed loudly. "Don't try to make me laugh! Must be one of those Greneclyf weaklings, right? What could she possibly--"

"UMI, LET ME THE FUCK IN!" Chari's voice run out from behind the door, muffled - just barely. "SHE'S AWAKE RIGHT NOW! I CAN HEAR IT!"

"You can come in, darling!" Chrysalis smirked. "I'm more than curious to see just what--"

The door was busted open as a yak ran through it - at such speeds that Chrysalis was still mid-smirk by the time the yak's massive formed rushed right through her, knocking aside everyone else in the room like bowling pins. Felled to the floor, Chrysalis hissed and transformed into a tiger, planning on using agility and speed against the foe; yet her eyes widened to see that in the few seconds, her foe transformed. Chari had turned into a gorilla and grabbed the cat by the throat, before slamming it right into the wall.

Chrysalis was only barely able to break out, turning into a mosquito and taking the chance to book it into the nearest vent system; but this was certainly not enough, and not the wisest choice as Chari transformed into a frog and leapt at her, using her tongue to catch Chrysalis and pull her in. Chrysalis grinned, knowing Chari took the bait as she then transformed into a ferocious viper, attempting to use the momentum of being pulled in...Yet cancelled the transformation, and turned into her regular self; knowing that otherwise, she wouldn't survive the minotaur fist that was positioned to meet her.

Now, the female minotaur straddled Chrysalis and began to pummel her, using her massive arms to punch her right across the face, knocking out even more teeth and bruising her; and only stopped once a powerful blast from Cadence was shot right into her spine; paralyzing the minotaur as she turned back into a changeling, and fell to her side. Quickly, Umfuni ran up, and dragged her away.

Chrysalis laid there coughing and gasping, unable to comprehend what had happened. Cadence used her magic to levitate her up, and back onto the table.

"Who...Who was that!?" Chrysalis shrieked. "Kill her...I'm...I'm going to kill her! How dare she defy me!? How dare she raise her hoof against her own QUEEN!? This is as if raising a hoof against your own MOTHER! How--"

"Highly advise you to be careful from here on out." Cipher coughed. "Chari lost a lot of things because of your regime. A lot of friends, too. If anybody here wants you dead, it's her. And trust me, I saw her tussle against Daybreaker's special forces. She's scarier when she's more concentrated."

"Chari..." Chrysalis coughed. "I...I will remember--"

"You won't remember shit, bitch." Plymouth yelled at her. "Now, spit the fuck out whatever you were going to tell us! Why were you there, and who is on your throne!?"

"How should I know!?" Chrysalis shrieked at the unicorn. "I was sent to that damn box after Daybreaker wiped the floor with Sombra and Nightmare Moon! I thought to escape, and yet she cornered me! Then I was kept there, interrogated and tortured because that was her will!"

"..." Colton sighed. "Princess? You're the only authority other than Twilight Sparkle able to comment or make choices. What do we do with her?"

"..." Cadence glared at Chrysalis, and looked at Colton. "...You will get your order in one day." She simply said. "For now, wait. Enjoy the castle. Enjoy the city. Do not let Chrysalis free."

Chrysalis chuckled. "Oh really? You know that's a tall order for your--"

"If you cooperate..." Cadence said. "I am going to put you into a position that will allow you to do significant damage to Daybreaker and her regime."

"..."

"...You're serious?" Chrysalis laughed. "I don't believe you, girl - but fine. I'm curious. If you want me to stay put because you have an idea on how to beat that skank, then, by all means." She said. "Now, throw me into a damn cell or something. I need my alone time - being surrounded by organic filth such as this...is maddening."

"Take her away." Cadence said to the guards, waving her hoof dismissively. "Maximum surveillance. Have Starburst and his mages ready to react if she tries something."

The sound of shuffling hooves washed through the room - and the queen was carried off. Leaving Colton and his team alone.

"..."

"Why are we waiting for one day?" Colton asked.

"Things..." Cadence began. "...Need to fall into place. Just wait, please. It's all I will ask."

"..." Colton nodded, and gestured to his team. They left the room, and with that, the only ones left were Cadence and Shining.

All they could do was look at one another...and hug.

Chapter 12, Part Two - We're always with you, forever

Author's Note

The idea of involving Flurry was inspired by Eltirions! Check him out.

I made myself somewhat sad making this chapter but I do hope it's not overdramatic. Some regrets came up with the direction I'm taking this story so some revisions are in order. A few choices were done that I may regret initiating, but I want to commit to them as a learning experience - at-least. As pretentious as it sounds, I hate myself for putting an innocent and lovable character such as Flurry into this kind of situation.

Chapter 12, Part Two - We're always with you, forever

The quiet cellar was interrupted by commotion.

"If you do not do as I demand, then you can consider my cooperation over. And I assure you..." Princess Cadence hissed with fury as she held the knife to her own throat with levitation. "You do not want my blood over your hooves...Colton."

Cipher sweated bullets as he tried to disarm Cadence, taking cautious steps towards her. "Ma'am, please, put that--"

"Not until Colton swears that he's going to follow my plan." Cadence simply said, pressing the tip close to her own jugular.

"Princess, I need you to listen!" Colton shouted. "We have no guarantee this is a safe idea! Flurry will be out of our reach for the foreseeable future! Chrysalis may be compromised; and whatever goes wrong is putting you and the entire Crystal Empire in its crosshairs! You need to reconsider!"

"I think you forgot my terms. I'm sure only one of you remembered them." Cadence turned to Cipher - who was the only one to express he understood her words from two days ago. "Go on. Recite them."

Cipher looked at her in the eyes, taking a moment to ensure he had it all down to a T. "...The moment I find out what to do - I won't merely ask you to save her. I will force you to."

Colton cursed under his breath and looked around the room...making eye contact with Queen Chrysalis, who was allowed to freely walk around the room - as long as the higher ranked members of Sunburst's mage company were observing her with horns always prepared to act. At the moment, Chrysalis sat on the table, and rose a brow as Colton looked at her.

"Don't look at me, rat." Chrysalis scoffed. "I don't care. This plan satisfies my wants and needs perfectly."

Colton turned back to Cadence, and sighed. "Fine; but we need you to help us with our mission. We have questions to answer, and intel we need as soon as possible."

Cadence put the dagger away, and nodded. "You'll have what you need. I'll gather a meeting of those who have the necessary info to help you. Just help me with this, first."

"...Where's Shining Armor? We may need hm." Plymouth observed.

"He'll return this evening." Cadence sighed sadly. "He has to show up to investigate Fort Cherish and try to throw off the trail so that it doesn't come back to us."

"But..." Chari whimpered softly. She ignored Chrysalis, especially after learning of the plan. "Shining...He...Won't be able to say goodbye to--"

"I...I know." Cadence closed her eyes, putting a hoof over them as they began to water. "...I feel so ashamed it all led to this - that he won't be able to...to see her one more time."

There was a pregnant silence in the room - until Cadence simply walked off to prepare, ushering her guards to help her pack Flurry's things. Sunburst stood there too, sadly looking to the side - in thought and in disbelief at what was going to happen. Cadence walked past, and they could only exchange sad smiles.

***

It was time. Sharp at noon - the transport was never late; Daybreaker's method was cold, but not cruel. It worked as agreed upon; Cadence would have the full 60 minutes. No more, but certainly no less.

The gate to the room opened.

A pink teenaged alicorn was allowed inside, escorted by a pair of Daybreaker's personal guards. Yet, they allowed them the privacy as they stood outside, while the girl went in. The dreadful sound of a timer being set was heard, before the doors closed.

Cadence stood in the center of the room - taking every second to admire the teenager her daughter had grown up into. She cherished every second - every second she was with her.

"Mom..." Flurry weakly smiled. She was fed, hydrated, and well-slept. On a physical level, she was healthy and fine, no signs of malnutrition or any abuse.

But mentally, she was drained - and her eyes would've been fully lifeless. Yet, upon seeing her mother, a sparkle returned to them. One that would last them an hour.

"...Flurry..." Cadence whispered, and stepped forward.

The two hugged, embracing each other tight - Cadence using magic to prevent tears from flowing down her face.

***

Cadence allocated half an hour to their chat. They discussed things but avoided the elephant in the room, avoiding any conversation about what was happening in Canterlot. It went more or less as always, they discussed recent news and events; Cadence struggled each month to do her best in order to make these talks educational for her child. But the half-hour was used up, and so she sighed. So that was it - the last conversation she would have with Flurry in a long time.

"...Flurry, dear." Cadence whispered, eyes glued to the clock for a moment. "...We need to talk."

"W-We're already doing so, mom." Flurry joked with a weak smile.

Cadence had smiled slightly - but for a fraction of a moment. She nodded to a crystal guard in the room, and he disappeared behind the door - only to reemerge with six creatures she hadn't quite recognized.

Colton immediately bowed; as did the others, albeit Gomer's and Plymouth's execution of it was flimsy. Yet, in the back, there was another, tall - dark figure...That didn't bow at all. The figure of one of the Crystal Empire's worst enemies.

Flurry's eyes opened wide with shock. "Mom!" She screamed. "Watch out! T-That's--"

Cadence was very glad the room was long sound-isolated in secret thanks to Sunburst's magic. She put an assuring hoof on Flurry's shoulder, and the teenager blinked up at her mother...then at Chrysalis. Why did they tolerate the presence of the changeling queen - right in the heart of the Crystal Empire?

"...Mom, what's...What's going on?"

Colton stepped forward. "Princess Flurry Heart - your highness." He did one more bow. "My name is Colton. Me and my team represent New Mareland. Your mother, my team, and queen Chrysalis have organized a plan to help you escape the Solar Empire."

Flurry looked in silence - and the reality dawned upon her. She gasped; life had returned to her eyes as she turned to her mother and held onto her, shaking her with excitement. "Mom!? W-We're getting out of here!? Yes! Okay! Where are we going? New Mareland? Aquileia? M-Maybe Revolutionary North Zebrica? You did say Posada offered asylum to anypony from Equus, right? Or we're going somewhere really far away? Y-You've mentioned Equestria and the Crystal Empire had good diplomatic ties with Kasa, a-and the Llamas! Right?" She said, eyes swelling with tears of joy and excitement, a smile beaming on her face.

And yet - seeing her mother look ever more sad...Something wasn't right. Her smile inched deeper into a frown. "Colton, please leave us. Your team too. Chrysalis stays."

Colton sighed - understanding that Cadence insisted on taking things into her own hooves. All tried to leave quickly and quietly - only Chari lingered to make eye contact with Flurry...the changeling's eyes full of sadness. Flurry hadn't yet understood why. The door closed, leaving the two alicorns and one changeling queen.

"It's...It's not so simple, Flurry." Cadence sighed. "First of all, you are going to the Meridiennes. This is the best choice at the moment, and I have contacts there who will protect you. It's the best option all circumstances considered."

Flurry regained her smile briefly. She heard of the island chain. Ex-Aquileian colony that, after Verany's revolution, was able to secure its own independence. A tropical paradise - where Aquileian music and fashion was paired with a tropical paradise and an easy, simple way of life. "Okay! That's good! I always wanted to go there! And--" Then, she stopped herself. "...Wait, heh, you mean...we, right? We are going to the Meridiennes?"

"..."

Flurry blinked. "M-Mom? We're going together, right? We're leaving the Solar Empire - you, me, and dad! Right?"

"Flurry..." Cadence sniffled. "You...You'll be sent alone. Chrysalis, she's...going to disguise as you and take your position in Daybreaker's court. Sunburst is ready to go with you - he'll protect you."

"...W-..." Flurry looked at her mother - frozen like a deer in headlights. Every single cell of her body was desperately hoping that she would process what she heard - and in the process, would be able to determine that she misheard her mother's words.

Yet, Cadence's words were too well-articulated.

"...W-What?" Flurry whispered, vision wetting.

"I..." Cadence sniffled once more. "It's the only way. I cannot leave the Crystal Empire, neither can Shining. But the best we can do...Is to make sure you're safe. To make sure you're far from Daybreaker - so that she can't hurt you...It's...It's the best way, it's...It's the only w--"

"Mom! Wait, wait...w-wait!" Flurry cried out, tears uncontrollably dripping down her cheeks. She tried to hard to wipe her eyes - for if this really was going to be goodbye, she could never forgive herself but being unable to clearly see her own mother. "W-W...W-wait, please! Not like this! A-any other way! Anything! I-...I can't do this! I can't live without you, and without dad! I-...I don't want to be alone...mom!"

Cadence shook terribly...She choked, and couldn't show that she was doing so. She was shuddering and whimpering, unable to hold strong. What could give her strength? How could she return hope to her daughter? Or at the very least, convince her? Was she really going to tell her daughter that she was going to be alone?

Chrysalis sighed. "I wish I didn't have to butt in, but fine." She stopped leaning against the wall and stepped forward. "Let me give you some perspective, you snotty brat. Your mother and I..." Spoke the toxic voice of the queen of hate. "We're polar opposites. And that's good - I can't, and won't imagine having anything in common with her, or anything to do with her. She's filth incarnate..."

Cadence was just about to scream at her, just about to express how much anger she felt for this being said now - and stopped. Something in Chrysalis's eyes...They were serious. Focused. It wasn't her usual wickedness. Something here was...real.

The queen continued. "There is one thing we do have in common, however. We both understand what it is to be a mother." She said. "Maybe...Maybe there's differences in the methods, in the contexts. Yet, there is one thing I can tell you right now. What your mother is doing - it's because she is doing her duty as a mother. You have no right to say no. Or rather; maybe you do..." Chrysalis narrowed her eyes at Flurry. "But if you screw this up now, if you do not let this plan happen, you are going ruin your mother. She is hardwired to worry for you. She will spend nights without sleep, maybe harming herself while Shining isn't aware. Maybe she'll decide to stroll up to Daybreaker and challenge her, only to get burnt to a crisp - like Sombra was."

Flurry twitched. She wanted to say something - to protest and express that her mother was much stronger than that...Yet, she knew what state her own mother was in. What state she herself was in.

Chrysalis chuckled. "Truth is, to me you're just a brat, and the product of the two ponies I hate so much, that I've developed an obsession over ruining their lives - before Daybreaker's arrival. Yet, no mother should have to suffer the sight of their own child in torment. I wouldn't even wish it upon the likes of Cadence. If you don't go, you'll ruin her life. If you go, you'll give her the peace of mind. And maybe you'll give me a chance to kill Daybreaker. Think, Flurry."

Cadence was unable but to gasp very quietly at the end of the monologue. She had nothing but utter disbelief at what Chrysalis just said; even worse was when she saw the reaction of Flurry.

Flurry was processing what she heard, and all she could do was gaze at her mother, knees buckling and threatening to collapse.

Cadence quickly stepped in, and allowed Flurry to fall into her hooves one last time.

It was their one last moment. Flurry held onto her mother hard, and sobbed. What pain it was; to not even have the chance to say a proper goodbye to her father. What was going to happen to her now? Where would she end up? Sure, all of this was temporary; yet it didn't sting any less.

Cadence smiled, stroking her daughter's mane. "Dear, this is for some time. When all of this is over...You're returning. I promise."

"Don't make promises, m-mom...p-...please..." Flurry sniffled, and closed her eyes.

"No." Cadence sternly yet softly said, running a hoof over Flurry's mane as she nuzzled her. "I promise. You're returning, sweetie."

Opening them to see her favorite childhood toy, Whammy the snail plush, levitated in-front of her. Cadence smiled warmly at her, past her own tears. She had an answer; not the best one - but one that would do for now. How to give hope to her daughter.

"He'll be there for you. And as long as he is, he'll be our eyes and ears. Keep him close, and let him remind you that you're never alone, Flurry Heart." She whispered.

Flurry allowed her own levitation to take the toy, and embrace it...She looked up at her mother, and gave a shaky, unsure nod...She was unable to contain her sorrow, her sobbing broken up by coughing and sniffling...The tears - damn them, why did they distort her mother's face so much? She kept wiping her eyes, again and again.

"Flurry..." Cadence did her best to smile. "Please, smile. It's how I want to remember you until we meet again..."

Flurry listened to her mother's request and felt her throat dry up. She tried to move her lips into a smile, and felt immense pain in her attempt to do so.

In the end, she was able to try her best. A big, and very ugly, unstable smile; which she was only able to create out of the feeling of immense pain. Her eyes were shut and coated in tears, and her pained grin was wavy and shaky...Yet, she was able to give the final gift to her mother.

And Cadence shed a tear of relief - leaning in for one final embrace. The two alicorns held each other - every second an eternity.

...

The sound of the clock's bell - the sound of dread and sorrow - washed through the castle.

Flurry hadn't realized that she was now standing next to another copy of herself - and as her mother pulled away, saw herself...Or rather, the changeling queen that was replacing her.

"Your mother won't say it, so I must." 'Flurry Heart' said as she adjusted her own appearance in the mirror. "Go."

Flurry looked at herself, and then at the suit-wearing member of the Floral Heart, who gave a nod to the little princess as he levitated her luggage and possessions. She looked up once more at her mother, and swallowed...

"It's okay, Flurry." Cadence smiled, putting a hoof on Flurry's heart, then on Whammy. "We're always with you. Forever. Please, never forget. Let him remind you. Go, sweetie. We'll see each other soon, I promise."

"..." Flurry sniffled - and mustered the only bravery she was able to at that moment. She gazed up at her mother...and nodded. "...I-I love you so much, mom..."

"I love you too, sweetie. So, so much. Your father loves you too. Goodbye, and please...Be safe."

"...G-Goodbye." Flurry whispered...and ran as she held onto Whammy...She ran, because she knew that the sound of her loud bawling would cause problems. At-least, she'd be able to cry as loud as she'd like down in the deep tunnels...And as the sound of her loud crying faded away, silence remained in the room.

Flurry Heart finished adjusting her looks, and smiled up at Cadence. "So, mom. I sure enjoyed our meet. Same time next month?" She said, smiling at her cutely as Solar guards began to open the gate to the chamber.

"...Be very careful with what you do while in that form; or else I will make you wish I had let you to die in Cherish. You are on thin ice as is." She whispered very quietly - and in an instant, her expression snapped to a warm, warm smile. "Same time next month, my precious Flurry."

Flurry Heart shivered from what she just heard and saw - but was able to give a small nod. "L-Love you, mom!" She nervously blurted out, before allowing the guards to guide her out of the room.

Cadence stood there with the words ringing through her ears...As the gate closed and she was left completely alone, she sat down on the floor, and curled up into a fetal position...Before shutting her eyes.

Her river had frozen. Her sun had set. The wings of her soul - torn asunder.

Princess Cadence was still alive, physically.

But in all other ways, the one that mattered; Princess Mi Amore Cadenza had died on that very day.

***

The armored cars and trucks surrounded the ruins. Barely any walls stood, but those that did had barely outlined the center; a massive crater, blown from all the way underground. There was barely anything left.

Shining Armor sighed as he looked at his pocket watch. He noted that it was time. Flurry must have already left. He wished he anticipated this - but he didn't account for the fact he could have been called upon to help investigate the breakout on the very day his daughter was to leave the country. He sighed softly...and looked up.

To be met face-to-face with a kindly smiling stallion. Shining froze, unsure how Lieutenant Major Inquisitor Gonelove had been able to sneak up right in-front of him.

"Shining." Gonelove spoke. "It's good to see you."

"L-Lieutenant Ma--"

"No need for ranks." The inquisitor smiled softly, and then frowned...He leaned in - uncomfortably close. Shining gulped softly, especially once Gonelove leaned in...and put a hoof on the unicorn's shoulder. "Hey, listen...it's Flurry's visit day today, isn't it...?"

"Y-Yes sir..." Shining sighed.

Gonelove frowned and sighed softly, patting him on the shoulder. "I'm sorry you had to be called in at this time. It's awful to be separate from your family. I hope that in the future, you will be able to be closer with them."

Shining could only nod nervously. "Thank you, sir...A-And, what about you - weren't you leading the invasion on Nova Griffonia...?"

Gonelove chuckled, shaking his hoof dismissively. "I completed my objectives and was in transit back to Canterlot. An emergency order had redirected my flight to investigate Fort Cherish's destruction. Either way, our troops will have that backwater wrapped up within the week. Their leadership's been severed - and who can expect the Griffons to put up a proper fight?"

"I see..." Shining softly said, thinking just what sorts of objectives could have been completed up north by someone like the inquisitor.

Gonelove moved away to look at the destroyed wall they were close to - then over at the destruction beyond it through a breach. He had to admit - the bomb truly did its job. It left behind almost nothing. Almost. The castle's walls and towers were ruined, but still stood in parts. Metallic and stone debris could still be found lying around - but otherwise, the smoldering heap of things was a soup of ash and devastation.

Gonelove however was very familiar with explosives. He looked at Shining. "There's more than one crater. The debris, the destruction...It doesn't make sense to come from just one explosion from the center." He said. "Revolts tend to be less destructive."

"What do you think, sir...?" Shining asked, pretending as best he could to appear that he too sought clues.

"The bomb..." Gonelove said. "It was to be primed in the situation that the prison was overrun. From the outside, or from the inside. Yet, no guards escaped. The prisoners must've blown it up to cover their tracks. Plus, I highly doubt the prisoners could have left without help. Not to mention, a VIP was taken from the prison. A VIP the prisoners would not have been aware of without outside intel."

"A...VIP?" Shining asked - attempting to look unaware to keep up appearances.

Gonelove smiled. "I am going to share classified information with you. Promise to take it with you to the grave."

Shining gulped - he only nodded, and Gonelove smiled at the sight of that.

"The VIP was Queen Chrysalis." Gonelove casually said.

Shining felt time freeze. He understood what this was; Gonelove was testing him. Testing him to see if he didn't seem naturally surprised or confused. It helped that Shining was able to play it off as genuine confusion, thanks to this train of thought.

"Queen...Chrysalis?" The captain asked. "But...What do you mean she was here? I-I mean, I thought Chrysalis was, well, in the Hives and--"

"A replacement." Gonelove laughed. "You don't think her majesty would let Chrysalis rule her hives - puppet or not? It's all smoke and mirrors to keep her changelings - and the ex-VOPS happy."

"W-Well." Shining coughed. "Who's replacing her?"

"I'd tell you..." Gonelove started.

"...But then you'd...have to kill me?"

"..." Gonelove grinned. "Love the wit. I see why Cadence married you. Heh. But, no. I'd tell you - but then...that would be no fun. I'm sure you'll figure it out sooner or later. Now...Here's the question. Who wanted to bring back Queen Chrysalis the most?"

Shining pondered over it - understanding that he was still being tested, one way or another. "Well, logically I'd assume it would be the changelings...But where would they get the external help? Or the intel?"

Gonelove paused, and nodded as he looked over one of the ruined walls, seeing the damages caused by shrapnel. "Exactly what I'm thinking. That's a good observation, Captain. However, it's not like the Sombrists had anything to muster up either..."

Shining gulped under his breath and froze - realizing he got a little too well into his role of being complacent. Gonelove stood up and turned to him, looking at Shining in the eyes.

"The old regime's Loyalists...Do you think they could've done this?"

"..."

Gonelove looked at Shining who was unable to answer, and shook his head. "No. Since the attackers utilized the cover of the blizzard caused by the destruction of the Crystal Heart, I'm sure it couldn't have been your old guard. After all, it would take for a real scumbag to do something like that." He smiled, and returned his attention to the debris once more.

Shining frowned. He hated that he couldn't say anything. Not because he had to keep his cover, but because he knew that Gonelove was right.

Gonelove stood up and stopped observing the debris. "I'll have to launch a bit of an investigation on your turf, I hope you don't mind?"

"N-No, not at all."

"Good." Gonelove smiled. "Nothing intrusive, of course. Just going to get a few facts straight, maybe see if any trace of activity can be spotted here and there. By the way..." Gonelove approached his armored car while he spoke to Shining. "I wanted to thank you for sacrificing your family life for our country."

Shining tensed up...He read books, watched movies - this was the exact kind of phrase that indicated something bad was about to happen. He watched Gonelove's horn. Was it going to activate? Was he going to pull out a pistol? No, it was worse...Gonelove smiled.

"I want to make it up to you, though. I know it's not going to bring back the time you lost with your daughter, but let's take our minds off of it. Shall we meet up on one of this week's evenings? We could visit a nice pub, or go out for some higher-class food. I'm buying. What do you say?"

Shining blinked, and unsurely nodded. "S-Sure, that sounds good."

"Great." Gonelove beamed, a big smile on his face. "See you around, Captain. Best of luck now." He said, and stepped inside of the armored car. The driver had driven off...

As Shining stood in the snow and ash, he looked at the destruction. He wondered if he'd ever see his own daughter again - would he survive that long?

He thought about his meeting with Gonelove. Was Gonelove inviting him out of a friendly courtesy? Was he maybe flirting? Or, perhaps more likely...Was he intent on interrogating him once more?

As Shining thought about the last hour, he realized that Gonelove had barely collected any evidence. Perhaps he came here to just interrogate Shining and gauge how honest he was.

Shining shivered - and he had been wearing very warm furs.

***

It had been a day - Shining Armor was able to return to the castle, and Cadence had calmed down. They were able to hold their end of the deal - and gathered the best they could. Those who had strategic and tactical insight were invited, officers and generals who pretended to be loyal to Daybreaker; but deep inside had pulled strings to further the loyalist cause.

They stood in the cellar, and Colton's team stood, listening to them present what they were able to.

"Take a look here." Said a loyalist officer, pointing at a map that was on the wall. "The east coast is home to another resistance movement. They've taken the liberty of calling themselves the Equestrian Liberation Front. We aren't well-connected enough to know how strong they are, but they've been able to do a fair bit of harm to the Solarists."

"You don't sound convinced on their claim to that name." Gomer noted.

"There's debates. Another resistance, known as The Free Equestrian Army, was spawned in central Equestria. It was formed by the four or so divisions that were posted in the region. They joined forces with the local Lunarist forces that were occupying the area - to fight a common foe. We're looking at an approximate ten-division-strong force."

"Ten divisions?" Plymouth whistled. "That's not a resistance, that's a small army."

"Yes, so it was."

"...Was?" Cipher squeaked.

"They were able to achieve good results and had nearly liberated a large portion of south-central Equestria, not far from the Thestrals' territory. However, at some point, we heard nothing from them. All we know is that their last notable operation involved someplace known as Vividvale."

"...Hey!" Cipher leaned in. "What did you say?"

"Vividvale...?"

"That's the caption on the picture of the explosion!" Cipher told Colton, who sat on the chair and continuously nodded his head.

Colton leaned in. "So it's somewhat connected. What do you know about Vividvale?"

"Nothing myself." The guard admitted in shame. "But what I can tell you is that the ELF has several FEA members who moved in to join them. I'm sure they might have the information you need."

"Then that's where we're going." Colton concluded. "Where can we make contact with them?"

"Divine. Close to Fillydelphia." Shining entered the conversation. "We sent an envoy there who never returned - maybe you can figure out what had happened...and hope for the best. We'll give you his info."

"Okay - then we got a direction..." Cipher sighed - tense at the fact they were close to some answers.

Shining sighed. "You're off to the ELF, then? It's a long ways, but we can help. We have a train network that goes from here and through Fillydelphia. We can get you fake documents done within the day, and fake tickets. We have the resources to make them as perfect as can get, and it'll be enough for you to make it."

"That would be good, thanks." Colton smiled. "...What will you do?"

Cadence, who distanced herself somewhat, stepped forward and sighed. "Depending how long this whole nightmare will continue, Chrysalis will feed us monthly information - maybe with the help of Corvus. We'll use it and, well...continue our work here as we have been since Daybreaker ascended."

"...Will you be okay?" Colton frowned as he listened to her.

"We have no choice but to go forward." The alicorn smiled. "Thank you for giving me a window to free Flurry. I assure you that the Floral Heart will do everything to help New Mareland's, and the SIB's operation."

With that, Colton's team was dismissed as they went to wait for the forgery of their documents and tickets. But before the team had left entirely, Chari stayed back.

"Yes?" Cadence looked at the changeling, tilting her head slightly.

"..." Chari looked her in the eyes, and sighed. "Stay strong, ma'am."

Cadence smiled softly. Chari took another moment, and left the room. Time would pass - and as preparations were ready, Colton's team would say goodbye to the Princess and the Captain; leaders of the Crystal Empire, and the masterminds of the Floral Heart's conspiracy.

At-least that's what Gonelove considered calling them if his suspicions were to align with the facts.

***

Watching the setting sun, Flurry sunk her wet eyes into Whammy...She stood at the port side, and watched as the land behind her disappeared.

The guard behind her frowned, gulping. Seeing this sight had torn at him too - for this was the daughter of their beloved monarch, the symbol and hope of their nation. Its heir. He was unsure what to say - and only stood to ensure that she was safe. The ship was a freight ship, with all the necessary methods to conceal Flurry in case of any inspections.

The guard heart footsteps behind him - the light-orange unicorn had stepped forward. Sunburst looked at the guard, and gave him a soft nod. The guard respectfully bowed, and walked aside. Flurry's ears perked up - she had an idea of what happened.

Sunburst stood by her side at the railing.

"...Sunburst?" Flurry whispered. "...When all of this is over, will I..."

"...Yes, Flurry?"

"Will I really be the same? Can I stay normal...?"

"..." Sunburst smiled, adjusting his glasses. "Nopony stays the same, Flurry. We change. For better or worse, that's the only thing we may influence."

Flurry looked at Whammy, and then at the disappearing land. She held onto him tighter. "What is life like where we're going...?" She asked.

"Warm." Sunburst spoke, having read about the islands intensively for the last days since Cadence shared the plan with him. "Tropical and pleasant. Warm and friendly creatures. I think there's nothing bad anyone can say about the Meridiennes."

"Just the one bad thing is that I won't be without mom and dad..." She sighed. "I'm...glad you're here though, Sunburst..."

The unicorn smiled warmly. "I was your Crystallier once. It's a lifetime duty - and I intend to take it seriously." He said, and frowned. "You...miss them now a lot, don't you?"

"So, so much..." She whispered. "It was bad in Canterlot - now it's worse..."

Sunburst looked at the horizon and sighed, leaning against the railing. "I miss someone too. A lot."

"...Who?"

Sunburst smiled. "A mare I caused a lot of pain once and made her go a little crazy. She's okay now. The last time I heard from her, she wrote letters how she was organizing a movement against Daybreaker with her marefriend. The Equestria Liberation Front, they called it."

"Have you..." Flurry paused. "...Had the chance to say goodbye?"

"...No, not at all." Sunburst sighed. "But that's because I'm just like you, Flurry. I fully intend to meet her again." He said, looking at the water and then, at the alicorn. "Let's go inside? Cadence asked to bring some of your old servants and tutors on board. They'd really like to see you."

"...Is my math tutor among them?" She nervously smiled.

"She couldn't make it on time. I'll take that role." He chuckled. "And, we'll make sure that whatever happens, we'll keep your spirits up. Just tell us what you'd like to do."

"You'll magically conjure up a five scoop sundae for me now?" The alicorn asked with a challenging twang to her tone.

"Perhaps not. I'm not sure how we'd make ice cream on a ship in the first place."

"Okay! Then I want a makeover party. You're the model."

"...So what scoops should they be?" Sunburst sighed, as they stepped through the door...As now, the Crystal Empire had become a distant, distant memory.

***

The whistle of the train had indicated that it was time to depart. It was an impressive machine designed to break through any obstacle formed by the cold wasteland. The team was not waved goodbye by neither Cadence nor Shining - but they were able to say their goodbyes in the castle. Now, it was all up to the Floral Heart from here on.

Inside the departing train, Chari sadly looked at the city in the distance. At the castle, looking so majestic and yet, with the context of it all, seeping with sadness. Cipher, who sat opposite of her, looked at her in wonder, noticing her thoughtful gaze. "...Chari?"

"Cadence..." She whispered. "Do you think she'll...be okay?"

"..." Cipher shook his head. "Not even an alicorn could live normally with grief like hers."

Chari turned to Cipher, looking him into the eyes. The train nudged and shook a little, momentum gently pushing Chari back to the wall, slightly. "After I lost contact with my father...It stung so much. Do you think it stings more for him than for me...? The parent suffers from separation more than the child?"

"...I do." Cipher sadly admitted. "But I can't explain why. It's easier to process when you were not familiar with your parents, nor who they were. Never knew mine, so I can't comment much."

"Oh...I'm...Sorry for your loss." Chari frowned - noticing that there was no sadness or hesitation in Cipher's words, thinking that perhaps he had been so emotionally disconnected and ruined.

"They're not dead." Cipher swiftly rectified however - with a rather monotone execution.

"A-Ah?"

Cipher sighed. "My parents were unable to support the family. They sold me off to the first pony - in this case - batpony who offered to pay. At the very least, it made sure my younger brother had something to eat."

"..." Chari quieted down. "What then?"

"Buyer was a Disciple." Cipher began. "Baltimare was pretty full of urban legends of cultist thestrals foalnapping foals, and they were true. They needed sacrifices."

"Sacrifices...?" Chari's eyes gently widened, and her muscles tensed.

"For Nightmare Moon, they sought those who had "life force that could connect to the stars" - something like that. It took them about half a year to determine if I was worth sacrificing, if I had any connection. If they hadn't found it, they'd kill me unceremoniously. But, they found a link, and attempted it. Put me on the altar and prepared to snuff me on it."

"Wait, how did you escape?"

"..." Cipher quieted down. "No. Idea." He flatly said. "I saw them plunge the dagger right into my throat, but...Everything went dark afterwards. Then I woke up to see that I was still on the altar, but...all those cultists, about a dozen or so - were reduced to bloody mush on the floor. I still don't know what happened, or how. I ran, and ended up being picked up by Aztlan mercs who were looking for lackeys. Bit of work here and there and, as you know, I immigrated to New Mareland. Military service, accolades, yatta yatta - SIB."

"...I'm sorry for bringing it up - all those things that happened..." Chari hid her gaze in shame - but Cipher leaned in.

"You can apologize by indulging me a bit. What about your dad? Is he really your...biological dad?"

"Geist is..." Chari chuckled. "Someone who doesn't act like a biological father. I don't think biological fathers are going to teach you advanced espionage and infiltration techniques..."

"Cool ones would." Cipher admitted.

"I think that's true. And he was-...is a cool dad. Either way..." Chari looked out the window as the wasteland now moved, only snow and ice in sight. "I believe he tried to prepare me to fight and face the world. But he would never admit I am his biological daughter, because if I did, then...Then I'd get attached. And he always lectured me how attachment can lead to disaster. I suppose when you're a high-ranking spymaster of the VOPS, you learn your loved ones are primary targets."

"He's wrong." Cipher bluntly said. "Attachment is the reason why you love. Attachment is what you strive for. Think of how Flurry and Cadence feel right now."

"I'd assume more horribly than we can imagine." Chari guessed.

"Yep." Cipher nodded. "But do you think this means they shouldn't have been attached to one another? Attachment implies tears of grief and sorrow - but at the root of these tears are the ones we love and cherish. It's painful - but do you really think creatures die without thinking of their loved ones? Once you die - it's the final important thing. To be surrounded by those you are attached to, and remembering the ones who were with you in the past."

...

"...C-Cipher..." Chari blinked at him, eyes wetting somewhat.

A knock came from the adjacent compartment, and shortly after, Gomer entered. "Hey!" He grunted. "I know we're gonna be in separate rooms to avoid the attention, but you don't gotta make me depressed on our way south! These walls are paper-damn-thin."

"Philosophy is a...cruel mistress?" Cipher blinked at Gomer. The griffon rolled his eyes, and gave a quick whistle. Plymouth, and then Umi, had entered the compartment. Raz had come in later, removing the plastic ear molds and eye contacts that disguised her as a regular pegasus rather than a thestral. She sat and immediately propped up her metallic legs on Cipher, who looked at her with a 'really?' glare. It was fortunate that the legs she was fitted were lightweight - designed for maximum sustainability and maintenance potential, at the cost of not having any extra features.

"Colton's where, exactly?" Chari rose a brow.

"Asleep. He's out cold and tired." Gomer giggled like a goblin. "Which meaaans, we can afford a little R&R." He said, producing several bottles of alcohol from under his jacket.

"Here goes Gomer..." Plymouth sighed, sitting between Umi and Chari. "I thought we were professionals. And I thought professionals had standards."

Gomer chuckled. "Be polite, be efficient...And have a plan to drink everything you see." He said, and began to pour the drinks into the cups that were on the table. "Whiskey, wine, sambuca, and reposado. Who's drinking what?"

Chari raised a hoof for wine, Cipher raised for sambuca. Plymouth had already levitated the reposado over, and Raz nudged Chari to pour her some wine too. Umfuni opted to share the sambuca with Cipher. Gomer was more than happy that he had monopoly on the whiskey.

"Where'd you get this anyway?" Raz asked, licking her lips at the delicious grape alcohol poured into her cup.

"High-class train service don't fuck around." Gomer grinned. "Now come on..." He wrapped a talon around Cipher. "I know sentimental convo is a vice - but tough shit. Life's shit, life's depressing - but we seven mother-fatherfuckers are surviving and spitting in the face of the world's greatest and more vile tyrant to ever exist. Let's drink to that?"

"Pft, sure." Cipher laughed, and quietly - the cups clinked as they toasted.

***

Cipher's night had been a blur. There was little memory of what had taken place, what games were played and what embarrassing facts were revealed. Cipher could barely remember Chari trying not to laugh at one of Gomer's stories to avoid waking the other compartments. Plymouth taking a shot through his nose and bleeding from it. Cipher also remembered the moment Raz drunkenly attempting to seduce one of the passengers, and Plymouth desperately trying to pull her away as he tried not to laugh at her pathetic drunken attempts at flirtation.

His memories ended as, in a separate compartment, he had embraced both Chari and Umi on a bunk bed; and all faded to black.

Intermission - Horo De Venĝo

Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.

Chapter 13 - Libereco

Blink...Blink...Blink...

Sip...

The caffeine hit Cipher - and gave life to his tired, hungover body. The coffee had allowed him to finally understand what the old griffon was saying to him.

"Fucking sweet Boreas, Cipher." Gomer laughed. "Term "don't shit where you eat" don't seem to apply to you at all! Twice, it seems. Should I even start asking questions like uh...Was Umi, or you on top? Guessing him from the sounds. Oh, did Chari transform into anyone? Who's got the bigger--"

"You're right. You shouldn't start asking." Cipher yawned, having returned to his original compartment, where Gomer, Plymouth, and Raz crashed in. "You've got yourself to blame for getting us drunk."

"Well you didn't see me bending Plymouth over, did you?" Gomer scoffed. "Lightweights."

"You don't fuck my tailhole cause you already fuck my brain." Plymouth groaned as he used Raz's flank as a pillow while the batpony slept soundly. His head was split open with pain. "That wasn't tequila you brought - that was a fucking massacre. I thought Crystal ponies weren't so into drinks - why did that thing send me closer to death than Yucoltan did?"

"You ought to be lucky I'm not in the mood to discipline you." Colton scoffed - who had been standing at the entrance to the compartment while none had anticipated. Plymouth yelped - raising his head too fast and bumping it against the underside of the compartment's wall-mounted table.

"How would you discipline members of a secret unit not supposed to exist on paper anyway?" Gomer scoffed, folding his talons with a challenging tilt of the head.

"In a way which isn't going to be written up on paperwork." Colton scoffed, taking a seat on Raz's bunk bed. "Not your standard latrine washing."

"Listening post duty." Gomer deducted.

"Sitting in-front of a radio all day isn't that bad." Cipher thought outloud. "I think one time Colton actually punished me for the time I stole one of his hayburgers by sending me to covertly bodyguard a diplomat. Thing about covert bodyguarding is that I had to pretend to be a diplomat too."

"What's bad about that?" Plymouth asked in-between rubbing his forehead.

"I hate social activities. And pretending to be formal. Walking around in a tuxedo and having to use fancy-shmancy language with Wingbardian officials...Ugh. Colton knows that. Don't you?" Cipher rose a brow at him and folded his organic and metallic hooves.

"Don't know what you're talking about, just thought you were the best fit. And I guess maybe not having my food clouded my judgement." Colton whistled a little bit, innocently.

"How'd you punish me if I fucked up?" Plymouth asked.

"Send you to help peacekeepers in a region that has absolutely no signs of an intensifying conflict."

"...Sick fuck." Plymouth faked a gag reflex.

They would hear the soft voice of a passing by attendant. "We arrive in an hour! Please be ready! I say again, we arrive in an hour!" The mare's voice was heard as she passed by the door.

***

With a screech - the train had finally come to a halt. It would take some fifteen minutes for the passengers to leave the wagons - and Colton's group had exited, each of them wearing some mild manner of disguise. For Chari it had been easy - transforming herself into a random design she had thought of. For Raz however, her fake wax additions were important to be able to keep up her appearance as a pegasus, rather than a batpony.

"Sooo, where do we start?" Plymouth sighed as he stretched his body out.

Colton sighed, reaching into a saddlebag. "The Princess gave me a bit to go on before we departed. She gave me some intel on where we can find the envoy they sent, and the envoy knows where to go. And, according to Cadence - the envoy was given a particular place of residence to work with, here in Filly. He was sent to stay with the family of one of Cadence's maids, to pose as a relative who came to stay over."

The group began to walk to the address they were given, taking in the sights. The city was in good shape - the buildings stood and were freshly renovated following the war; but the presence of Solarist symbols soured the taste. Not to mention, the garrisons of Solarists that moved around in vehicles - seemingly something had been going on.

"...So this is Fillydelphia." Cipher sighed as he looked at a fifteen-floor business center, with its gargoyles replaced with statues of Daybreaker. "It's as ugly as I imagined."

Colton scoffed a little with a smug smirk. "Not a fan of east coast architecture? What do you like, then?"

"If I told you that my favorite architecture was in Karthin, you'd laugh." Cipher simply answered.

"Can't blame you." Raz giggled. "Ol' Beakolini loved Karthin so much they hung him upside down with the best view of the city square. As a courtesy."

"Everyone knows that Lake City architecture fucks." Plymouth muttered.

"Fucks with the notion of beauty." Gomer coughed under his breath.

"What'd you say?" The unicorn scowled at the bird.

Gomer smirked. "Never knew urban taste and hearing are connected..."

***

"So, you were sent by the princess...Makes sense how you found me through my, uh...'host family'." The stallion said as he sliced onions and added them to a pan, the sizzling making Umi yelp slightly as hot oil sparks fell on him. "How is she?"

"Not good." Colton said. "Stressed."

"Mm." The envoy sighed as he kept on cooking. They were in the back of a small, dingy takeout store. The smells of fried food were heavy, forcing Raz outside - and Gomer joining to guard her.

"...Weird place for someone with your job." Plymouth muttered.

"It's good for my purpose. I'm here to mediate between the Crystal Heart and the ELF, though recently we've had to lay low following Nova's invasion. This job keeps me connected and under the nose of authorities." He said, chopping up tomatoes. "Those authorities get too busy with the food anyway to ask me anything. So, you wanted to contact the ELF?"

"Would be nice." Colton said. "You can trust us - you're aware that we're here on Cadence's order, right?"

"I do trust you. Juuust..." He sighed, adding herbs. "The best way to go about connecting you would be through Hermes, I think. Most reliable way anyhow."

"Hermes?" Cipher rose. "That's a...mythological reference, right? Messenger deity?"

"Yes. She's known as a highly-skilled messenger who gets the job right. Ah, well - 95% of the time..." He paused, before flipping a hayburger patty. "95% of...60% of the time. Anyways..." He put another patty on the pan. "Matter of fact, she's meant to meet me today to relay info."

"Is she?"

The sound of crashing tables was heard loud and clear. With a look of surprise, Cipher peered around the corner of the kitchen to see that the dining area had been treated as a bowling alley - the tables and customers being the pins, and the bowling ball being a clumsy, cross-eyed, grey pegasus - who could only sit there and awkwardly grin at the judging scowls.

"...Yep. Right on cue." The envoy sighed, not taking his eyes off the food. "Make sure you repeat your info to her three times. Write it down too. On four separate pieces of paper. Oh, and write instructions to burn each paper, too...Also in four examples."

***

Sunset Shimmer propped her hooves up on the lid of the turret. Her tank rolled across friendly roads, those that the Solarists would never dare drive upon. Certainly not after recent events.

She hummed a soft tune together with the radio, a song that she would have loved to sing back then - with her friends from the other side. But at-least her tank crew didn't mind it.

"I get up, I get down, all my world turns around Who is right? Who was wrong? I don't know..." She softly sang, eyes gazing up at the tree canopy that rolled past her, the rays of sun beaming upon her face.

"I've got pain in my heart, got a love in my soul. Easy come, but I think - easy go..." She softly smiled. Nostalgia had settled in, memories of better, more magical times. All of it now like a child, waking up from a dream they had once taken for granted. A death to innocence.

"I need you so..." She closed her eyes.

"All the times...I move so slow." She breathed out.

The gunner, loader, and driver looked at each other and smiled - preparing to cheer her up by singing along, unexpectedly for Sunset.

"Cheri cheri mare, goin' through a--" They had begun, but suddenly as the driver turned his attention to the road once again, he hit the breaks, and ended up slamming face-first into the dashboard. Sunset had nearly fallen through the hole of the turret, but was able to brace herself with her hooves. The radio nonchalantly continued, while the driver and Sunset peeked their head out of the tank's holes to look what was happening on the road.

"...Who the--" Sunset blinked and saw a grey pegasus...

A pegasus with eyes that did not exactly face the same direction, but she had a big smile nonetheless.

Sunset sighed softly. She knew exactly who this was. "Rubeno."

"..." The pegasus blinked with a smile.

The unicorn rose a brow. She didn't raise the alarm, because she knew what her deal was. "...The countersign."

"...Oh!" The pegasus giggled. "Uhm, the countersign is...Nognas!"

That wasn't the countersign, but Sunset was able to make heads and tails of the fact that she basically just read it the other way around. She sighed in relief, knowing that this wasn't a changeling. That would suffice for her. In general, she knew that when dealing with the cross-eyed pegasus, she had to be patient. But why even allow her into the ELF then?

Because this grey pegasus had a most terrifyingly efficient talent. She was the best messenger the ELF could ever ask for. And if you understood how she worked, you could get her to reach her potential. That is to say, if you want her to deliver something to the right place, make sure she could quadruple-check the details.

"Alright, Hermes." Sunset called the pegasus by her tacname. The grey pegasus had taken a liking to it, especially when her real name was a subject to debate and argument. "What've you got?"

"Uhm, there is a group known as the SIF..."

"S-SIF?" Sunset tensed up, and then realized that she was probably confused. So she squinted her eyes. "You're...sure?"

The pegasus blinked, and checked her third piece of paper. "...OH! Sorry, no." She laughed. "Eheheh, it was the SIB. From New Mareland!"

Sunset tilted her head and listened. This was interesting. "Hm, go on."

Hermes continued with her lovely, wide smile and multi-directional gaze. "They wanted to meet some higher ranking members to talk about working together! They're staying at this address here. Heheh, I didn't bother trying to memorize that one." The pegasus flew over, and reached into her jacket's pocket to pull out the fourth piece of paper that had, upon it, written coordinates.

Sunset looked at the paper. "Just in the north of our territory. I see. Thanks, Hermes. Wanna come with us, rest your wings? You could sit on the tank."

"No, no..." Hermes giggled. "I got more letters! I need to deliver some updates to Starxie...I-I mean, Trixlight...Or, which one was it...Oh! It was both, heheh..."

Sunset smiled at the pegasus. She was a clutz - but innocent, and adorable in how she seemed to never be slowed down by anything she faced. Hermes never got anywhere close to being found or caught. "Got it. Take care of yourself, Hermes. Be safe out there."

The grey pegasus saluted, and giggled. "Neither snow, nor rain, nor heat, nor gloom of night stays me from the swift completion of my appointed rounds." She said, so eloquently Sunset was left a bit stunned - before the grey pegasus zipped off at a speed that could, to a decent extent, rivalled the legendary speeds of Rainbow Dash.

Sunset reached for her radio. "Mage - come in. Hear me?"

"<<...Yes, Demon. What's up?>>"

"Hermes came in with interesting news. The SIB is looking to meet up. What do?"

"<>"

"That was your plan before Operation Leap, yeah..." Sunset sighed, reminded of what was to happen in a mere few days.

"<>"

"You really trust them?" Sunset asked.

"<>

"...Got it. Demon out."

Sunset sighed, and looked at the road as they changed their course.

"SIB, ma'am?" The gunner turned around to look at Sunset. "Whassat?"

"Sunset Intelligence Bureau." She said. "Kind of NM's clandestine ops."

"Think we can trust 'em boss?" The driver asked as he put pedal to the metal.

"..." Sunset thought for a moment. "Not my call to make anyway, Tortoise. But if you really want my two bits...I'd say New Mareland is scared of Daybreaker the most."

"Why so? I'd be shitting myself as Kemerskai Junior, what with him now having a fuckin' sea border with the bitch." The loader commented.

"New Mareland is scared cause they're the ones who got their independence." Sunset dryly said. "Say you go somewhere with your mom, as a kid. You throw a fuss - throw things around, proclaim to the adults around you that you're not a child anymore. Maybe throw a few f-bombs at your mom if you're a nasty-enough kid. At that moment you feel pretty brave and tough, right?"

"Right?"

"Well, at some point..." Sunset chuckled softly. "You realize that once you're home, you're gonna be one-on-one with her. And that's getting you an ass-whoopin'. And I think New Mareland realized...Mom's driving home."

***

Deep in the enchanting woods of East Equestria, in the valleys and hills that were covered in trees, was a collection of military entrenchments. Yet, they were expertly hidden, covered in camouflage and basically invisible to a naked eye; and even thermal imaging. It was the expert work of the illusionist unicorn, who had the tricks up her sleeve to make a base that barely existed. Underneath, was a more extensive tunnel network - made according to the planning of a broken-horned unicorn who knew of these tactics.

Two days had passed since the SIB arrived to Fillydelphia.

Colton's team had been brought in - and like in Yucoltan, those who were to transport them didn't bother with blindfolds. They went deep into the woods and hills, to the point where navigation was hard. Close to evening, they had entered a clearing, and began to walk. Only once they looked closer had they identified that they were in-fact looking at the outer perimeter of a camoflaged base.

Jumping down from the turret of the M41 Walker Bulldog, Sunset identified who these strangers were supposed to be. The unicorn smiled softly.

"Welcome to FOB Drosera, New Marelanders." The unicorn said. "It's a little dingy, but this is the best we can build under the nose of Fillydelphia. It's only a few hours' drive from here to there, so, try to lay low."

"Thanks for the welcome." Colton smiled softly. "Glad to meet the ELF."

"Glad to meet fresh faces. Especially from overseas. Not being alone in this fight is a good-enough omen to brighten up my day." She smiled softly. "I'm General Sunset Shimmer. I'm the commander of light tank Hellcourt, and the ELF's armored group. I wish I could call it anything else, but we don't have too many tanks to work with. I can't say I have a brigade, or a division."

The New Marelanders introduced themselves briefly.

"This is impressive camouflaging ma'am." Plymouth whistled. "Even I don't know some of these tricks."

"That would be the work of Trixie Lulamoon; one of our two marshals." Sunset chuckled. "She knows the tricks to illusion and trickery like this. Now, shall we get you inside? The base is...bigger on the inside." She chuckled.

***

The FOB was perhaps small on the outside - containing its perimeter within a relatively small radius. Yet, through a hatch, there was a series of deep, expansive tunnels; large enough to remove the need for crawling. One could calmly walk down the hall-way-sized tunnels, and they had the construction to support it at all.

Deeper in, there was a larger room, that was reserved for commanders.

"Anxious?" Trixie softly asked Starlight. The blue unicorn toyed with a small toy tank and a collection of paints and brushes. She was trying new camouflage patterns, and used a magical "bonsai garden" that was able to rapidly shift its environment. She would compare the tank to the different environment, and made notes for how plausible the design was.

"Who wouldn't be?" Starlight sighed, staring into the map of a city. "I wish I could express why I feel so anxious, because there's so many little reasons. They trust me to liberate this land. But some may die following my orders. It's...such a sickening feeling, to know that trust in me will lead to...to..."

"Starlight." Trixie put down the tank. "I'm sorry, but, that shouldn't make you anxious. The possibility of failure, sure. The amount of casualties, yes. But they trust us - trust you because we're the only ones who can promise freedom. They understand what they're signing up for. We should never treat them as expendable, but we must lead them."

The purple unicorn sighed. "There's families who will be ruined because of what we're to do tomorrow."

"And if we do nothing..." Trixie said. "We run the risk of ruining all families on the continent. We must do this."

Starlight smiled up at Trixie - weakly. "...You really are different in private, y'know that?"

"You already know I'm the Great and Powerful, cutie." Trixie chuckled. "No need to remind you."

A knock came on the wall around the corner - Sunset's voice came. "Hey, you two available? Guests are here."

"...SIB?" Starlight stood up, and indeed, Colton's group had entered.

"The ones and only ma'am." Gomer chuckled as they stepped in. "Well, I'm sure we're not too well known in these parts, but..."

The purple unicorn smiled. "I am Starlight Glimmer, and this is Trixie Lulamoon. We will soon be joined by our fourth. We're very glad to see you, New Marelanders."

"We're glad to be among friends." Colton responded.

"...A bit early to claim friendship...No?" Asked a more quiet, reserved voice that stood by the entrance into the room. All turned around, and Tempest Shadow was leaning against the entrance frame.

"Enemy of my enemy is my friend...?" Chari cutely squeaked.

"So I'd need to hug it out with the changelings?" She scoffed.

"Tempest..." Starlight sighed. "Come on."

"Yes, Tempest, dear..." Trixie rolled her eyes. "Your grand entrance can wait. We'd rather start discussing the details of our cooperation."

"...Fine." Tempest sighed. "I'm here. Go ahead."

Cipher stepped forward to Starlight. "Ma'am, we're willing to help you however we can. Whatever you need, we're looking to do whatever we can to ensure Daybreaker won't sit a second longer on the throne."

The blue unicorn smirked. "Well, well. The Great and Powerful Trixie is happy to know the east isn't full of idle bums." The unicorn chuckled.

"And I'm glad Equestrians aren't all bending themselves over for a tyrannical monarch." Gomer said under his breath.

"Now..." Starlight sighed, turning to Colton. "I know that you're not just here for a charitable extension of the hoof. What can we do for you? Does New Mareland have assets they need protected here?"

"If by asset you mean the whole west coast of Griffonia..." Chari coughed. Starlight rose a brow at her remark, and Colton had only nodded to affirm that there was truth to that statement.

"We're in it because Daybreaker poses a danger to us too. All of Griffonia wants her gone. However, we have a particular thing to research, because we think Daybreaker has an ace up her sleeve."

"Dangerous magic isn't a bad enough ace?" Tempest chuckled. "Surprise me."

"We know just bits and pieces, but...Do you know anything about Vividvale?" Colton asked.

Starlight sighed. "Partly. Not as much as I would like, though."

"Don't you have members of the Free Equestria Army in your ranks?" Cipher asked. "It's been said that they should have some insight on it."

Starlight shook her head. "There's the funny catch. The ELF has maybe half - if not less than half a company of ex FEA troops. Issue is, they have spoken of Vividvale - but that's because from what I gather, they were the ones too far away from whatever it was to have been victims. Nobody who knows of it has survived. They barely made it out."

"...Damn." Colton sighed.

"Though..." Starlight put a hoof to her chin. "I heard rumors that they were able to recover some of their elites. However, by the time that news came to me, we already set them for operations out of my communications reach. At-least, for the time being. Matter of fact - we might even see them soon." Starlight said, regaining a smile. "They're operating a bit deeper in Solarist territory east of here, but they're going to join us in an operation soon. If you can tag along with us for the op, we can get you a face-to-face meeting."

"I don't mind at all." The pegasus nodded. "What's the OP?"

"Why don't you wait two hours?" Starlight chuckled. "Trixie's been finishing up the final map markings."

***

In a different room in the tunnels, a row of chairs was prepared. About fifty were able to comfortably sit on folding chairs, while a map was posted on the wall, displaying eastern Equus.

"This is it." Starlight firmly said as she used her magic to levitate the pointer to the map. "As of 0500, in a little less than sixteen hours, we are commencing Operation Leap." She paused, looking around to scan for confused and unaware faces. Colton and team's was the most obvious, and she noticed that some ELF newbies were just as confused. So she folded the pointer for a moment.

"Operation Leap..." Starlight began. "Is our first real phase to freeing Equestria."

A pegasus in a wonderbolt's uniform sighed. "The first real phase...?" Misty Fly sighed, rubbing her neck slightly. "What've we been doing the whole time, then?"

A tracksuit wearing earth pony humphed. "Agree with wonderbolt. We fight for long time now. You imply we have been doing it all for no reason?" Mr Stripes frowned.

"We've been harassing the enemy." Tempest Shadow firmly replied. "We've been a pain for her, but not a real force to be reckoned with. This is about to change. We will transition from a guerilla to a proper army."

The skeptics had quieted down, and Starlight was able to smile. "Tempest is saying it how it is. We logistically...bothered her, but all this work has been done to give us the opportunity. An opportunity to finally begin reclaiming land other than wildlife. And all of this begins..." She pointed at Fillydelphia. "Here. We're taking the city back."

"...Yo! For real?" A cyan pegasus, Lighting Dust - leader of Washout Squadron, leaned in. "Hey now...S-So we're doin' it!?"

"Finally!" Cheered a rustic-red dragon with pink hair, Mina. "I so hope my comic store is intact..."

"I'll be your first customer if it is." A teenaged earth pony, Babs Seed, gave a big and warm smile to the dragon.

Starlight smiled softly. "It's not going to be easy, but we have a plan. More than that, we have a bit of a last moment boon. The creatures sitting on the chairs to the next of me...They're members of the SIB - New Mareland intelligence." She said. "They're going to help smooth out the sailing as we enter the city."

"Is this the part where the audience cheers?" Dryly joked Ms. Harshwinny as she leaned in.

"Just giving you a heads up." Starlight explained. "I'll assign some of you to help them. Oh, and their pilot will be joining you, Wonderbolts. You in particular, Hurricane Squadron."

Raz giggled, and raised a hoof. "Batponies are on the diversity quota, I hope?"

"Our diversity quota includes good pilots." Wind Walker folded his hooves with a challenging tilt of the head. "Think you can fit that bill?"

"Just gimme a plane that isn't a rickety piece of shit and can handle high G's." Raz smirked. "Provide that, and we can make some serious bets. If you're not chicken. Bkawk bkawk~." She laughed. It earned a challenging scowl and eye-roll from some of the Wonderbolts. Another one was about to make a joke, but eeped as he saw a purple unicorn with a broken horn glare at him.

"Banter's off the briefings." Tempest Shadow firmly said. "Now, we are going to have a four-pronged attack. Four groups will muster up leading up to the invasion, group up, and attack. Starlight's group, Wizard, is leading the western attack. Sunset's armored group, Sin, is leading the southern attack to break through the enemy's positions and take over the roads. I am going to be in charge of the Wrath group going in from the north - that's going to be a combined arms effort focused on aircraft, taking out key targets and helping Sin as we pass through the south. You're under my command. Finally, Trixie is leading the inner-city tactics via the Mirror group. All in all, this effort is going to include a little less than 2,000 souls. I want as many back as possible."

"Inner-city tactics?" Cipher asked.

Trixie grinned. "That means, by the way, you're under The Great and Powerful's jurisdiction, SIB. We're going to infiltrate the city before the operation commences, and prepare to take out some key assets they enemy will struggle without. We have several teams, and yours will join the one I'll directly supervise. We'll be taking out a few high value targets and some command infrastructure. As per your request, we will also give you the chance to meet with our ex-FEA friendos."

"We'll get the job done, ma'am." Umfuni smiled. "You can count on it."

"..." Gomer leaned in towards Starlight. "Old griff comin' at you with a question. Any particular reason your invasion's now, of all times?"

"As a matter of fact, there is." Starlight smiled. "Solarist soldiers are being partially relieved from the city as they've bit the bait on our efforts to make them believe our forces are concentrated where they aren't."

"Makes sense why we saw all that commotion with the Solarists..." Cipher muttered.

Starlight continued."If we take the city, we can fortify it against counter-attacks. Soon, the city should hold an estimated OPFOR of 4000. But the element of surprise is on our side, and if Mirror and Wrath execute their objectives, we will have firepower too."

"I guess we can handle that." Squeaked Vapor Trail, who sat in the back. "I hope..."

Rolling Thunder chuckled, leaning in and wrapping an arm around her. "We can. You've got the Washouts taking point."

Starlight stepped forward to address the ponies. "Fillies, gentlecolts, everycreature...This is where it happens - the beginning of the end. With Fillydelphia, we not only ensure we have solid territory on which we will stand our ground, but we can ensure potential assistance from the east coast. Get some rest, and prepare. We depart at 0300. Dismissed!"

***

The FOB did their best to celebrate - without noise, without alcohol, and without bright lights. Yet, what they were able to do was to softly hum songs, sharing among each other their rations and favorite soft drinks, and admired each other's company...For some pushed back the idea that maybe this was the last time.

The tunnels were bustling with activity - but some minor partying took place on the surface, as the ponies talked, laughed, and ate the better rations.

Gomer smiled. He was to depart with Trixie's group to head to the city for their pre-operational insertion, but while things were being organized, he gazed with warm longing at what he saw, just at the entrance to the FOB.

"Hey, Go'." Cipher approached him. "...You can probably join them, y'know? I'm not into socializing but you could get a kick outta it."

"Hmm..." Gomer blinked at the silent party, and shook his head. "Nah. Who'd I even approach, and how? Outsider, and all that."

Cipher tilted his head and rose a brow at him. "Think anyone really cares where you're from? Not like anyone expects it to matter."

"..." Gomer chuckled. "If I told you I forgot how to party, would you be surprised?"

"I would! After yesterday and all that." Cipher muttered.

"...Don't count." Gomer simply said. "I spent time with my squad. That, to me, is all I know." He softly said. "I outlived my family. My friends are mostly stuck in the muddy hills in Blackrock. As it stands, I think I barely remember how to do basic shit like...how to play guitar. Used to be able to do that. I knew how to talk with civilians. Now I scare them away just 'cause I forget what civilian talk is all like."

Cipher frowned. "Hey now, I'm sure it's not like that..."

Gomer turned his head to the earth pony, and grinned. "It is. But I'm old anyway, Cipher." He chuckled. "You don't have to worry about it. I'm not gonna live for that long, so if I try to reintegrate, well - what time am I gonna have left to enjoy the calm life?"

"Heeeeeeey, where's all this coming from?" Cipher coughed. "Just cause I had my emotional monologue last night doesn't mean you can just dish yours out on me outta the blue!" He said in an attempt to cheer him up. He made Gomer smile. But he didn't cheer him up.

"Look at them." He nodded towards the ELF fighters. Mina, Babs, Harshwhinny, Coco Pommel, Vapor Trail - just a few of the faces that neither of the two knew by name. But by observing them, they saw so much life, so much passion and so much drive. Gomer chuckled, seeing them talk, sing, and goof around.

"..." Cipher leaned against a tree, enchanted by the sight as Gomer was.

"...What makes us so different..." Gomer began. "Them, and us. You see it, right?"

"...I do. But how'd you put it into your words?" Cipher asked.

"They're not soldiers." Gomer dryly said. "They're not strong fighters. They're not killers, and they're not warriors. And despite this whole situation...?" The griffon leaned fully against the wall with his back, slowly lighting a cigarette, before he finished his thought. "...Despite this whole situation, the fact that Equestria needs strong fighters...this...this is good. It's good that they're not born fighters."

"Mm." Cipher sighed. He wasn't a smoker, so all he had to do was breathe - calm and controlled. "They're not soldiers - this whole nightmare ends, they return to their families. To their lives. Their passions. That dragon's there said it herself - she has a comic shop. Pretty sure these teens over there don't want to see another gun for the rest of their lives after this. And that one - orange mare with blonde hair..." He pointed at Harshwinny.

"Yeah, MILF supreme over there." Gomer coughed.

"Yeah." Cipher rolled his eyes. "Point with her, she still looks like she's fresh out of some office, maybe still expecting to do paperwork on inspecting some business deals or events...Not having to do paperwork on military gear."

"...So when this war is over...Where are we going?" Gomer asked - himself, and Cipher.

"...I think the sad truth is that the answer is obvious." Cipher sighed. "Anywhere. We're going anywhere in this world. But we're still gonna be there with a gun, with an objective."

"That's not true for you, Cipher." Gomer smiled, turning to him. "You're not even thirty yet. You know what you should do after we croak Daybreaker?"

"What?"

"Retire. Change your identity, just in-case. Then? Go to the place where you would like to be the most as you die of old age - next to the person you want to be with the most. Maybe take Chari, or Umi. Or both, if you're that kinky. Get yourself a nice vineyard. Maybe a chalet. Something."

"...Oh, but it's not so simple." Cipher said - not his own words, but the words he presumed Gomer had predicted he'd hear.

"Never was." Gomer dryly responded. "War is disgusting, and so are creatures. Wanna know why? 'Cause war would never happen if everyone on this stupid-ass planet understood how awful it really was. That it doesn't justify anything, no matter how noble it's paraded. We get children excited to become soldiers. We make stories that glorify war. I bet you, someone will make books and novels based on our experience, but in the end -they'll make it read like some flashy spy novel. And the author would never write my monologue like this. He'd do something stupid, like make me say a phrase like..."We have a job to do, get our talons dirty to keep the world clean", typical shit like that."

"Not sure where this comes from..." Cipher chuckled. "But, go on, I'm following."

"Point is..." Gomer said. "I want you to realize that no matter how alluring war is - the adrenaline, the action - it's never worth it in the end. That's why as I look at these creatures, I see that they haven't accepted this lifestyle. And that's why I am happy for them. I wish I could be like them, but a griffon like me...Knows only war. 'Cause he let war, no matter how disgusting it is, be all within the edges of the world..."

"...You're wrong." The earth pony softly sighed. "There's always an end to war. And it's never too late to find your exit into a better life. It doesn't need to be among the larger civilian populace. Just to be there for someone, and for someone to be there for you, that's all that you need in the end." Cipher said, and looked at a group of ponies gathering by transports. Gomer nodded at him. "Let's go."

The griffon had taken one final look at the FOB - knowing there were other bases that were anticipating the events tomorrow. How many would die? The operation would involve 'a little less than 2000 souls', as Tempest said.

Gomer frowned, and turned away - the more he thought of it all, the more he just wanted to beg everyone not to go.

Alas, he had a job to do - he had to get his talons dirty to keep the world clean.

Or, something like that.

Intermission - Business Date

Shining's second theory for Gonelove's invitation was ever-so-slightly intensifying in its belief. At first, he wondered why the meeting was agreed upon to happen in the evening, and in public. But what really got him anxious was the fact that of all places, it ended up being one of Crystal City's most expensive and well-regarded restaurants. The kind that left Zesty Gourmand's career's integrity under question when she gave a four and half star review, for it was considered too harsh.

The dress code had forced Shining into one of his nicer black suits - albeit he put on a slightly more strict and no-nonsense style. He was in a minor shock to see that Gonelove instead adopted a still-formal, but much more relaxed and leisure-styled white suit. The stallion met Shining by the door, and stepped in with him...

Filling Shining with more worry was the fact most tables were for two, and currently seated couples with candlelit dinners.

Gonelove was a stallion of self-awareness, giggling in a soft, feminine manner as he opened the menu. "Love and hunger are one in the same, aren't they?" He mused outloud. "If you're infatuated with somepony, might as well go to the place with the best food - no?"

"No--" Shining stopped himself. "I-I mean, yes - sorry - just, didn't get the...idea, well - in what you said...at first."

This coaxed another giggle out of the other unicorn. "Cute." He whispered. "So, I think we can go for their famed onion soup, first. Then there's the lovely south Wingbardian Pasta you simply must try. To end, I think we can end on a sweet note with crème brule. Oh, and let's enjoy some red wine. I see a nice little bottle of semi-dry that's quite well known in Aquileia."

Shining was left blinking as he felt like he was treated a bit like a mare in an older and more conservative time period, barely having the option to choose for himself. Then again, Gonelove was the one who insisted heavily on paying for everything, so all Shining could do was go with the flow.

"How's the, uhm...investigation?" Shining asked. He hoped that reminding Gonelove that this was a business meeting - not a date - would shake off the other stallion's...disposition.

What Shining wasn't aware of is how much Gonelove loved his job, and that business and pleasure were one in the same for him. Why couldn't this be a business date, after all?

"Good, good. Jigsaw pieces aligning and making shapes." The inquisitor smiled warmly. "With the help of Aurora's Counterintelligence, she determined that the attack may have been done with the help of foreign clandestine elements. Makes sense based on the route they travelled - they most likely came from Jagged Hope, where they killed some Solarist black ops. They're believed to potentially have been involved in the recent crisis in Fillydelphia too. For now, we're determining what they were seeking, who gave them Chrysalis' location, and who they came in contact with."

"Oh...?" Shining faked fear as interest, as the expensive wine was poured into their glasses. "And...Any idea what country they're from...?"

"Could be Griffon Republic." Gonelove shrugged. "...Could be Vartai - we heard Starry Night has been leading some spooky, spooky clandestine force we can't get a bead on...However..." Gonelove smiled as the waiter poured wine for him. "Aurora's been a dear, and helped provide substantial evidence that it is none other than our little disobedient ugly duckling. New Mareland - and its main black ops; the SIB."

Shining did not like this one bit. He had to relay this info to Cadence. "I...see..."

A bit of time passed - and the food arrived. Shining kept up small talk regarding the investigation - nothing was as worrying as the previous statement, but he knew for a fact that Gonelove could've been on their tail.

"How is life with Cadence these days?" Gonelove smiled.

"E-Excuse me?" Shining coughed as he nearly choked on the food.

"Busy and stressful, I'd assume." Gonelove sighed. "Being married to the princess of love has its benefits. I can imagine the affection she gives you, the attention...bed-breaking sex." He chuckled. "But that must've been in times when her status isn't that of a vassal to somepony like Daybreaker. I've paid a visit to the Crystal Heart - to check if its temporary destruction which served to cause the blizzard could lead to any clues. And I noticed...it's not as...lively as I remembered, when I first came to this city." He chuckled - very emptily.

"..." Shining wasn't sure what to say - anger brewing somewhere deep within, but anger he had to contain at all costs.

"...The princess of love is losing her groove. Her "mojo", as the kids say." Gonelove sighed. "Now all she can think of is how to manage her new life - to cope with her daughter being away, to somehow meet Daybreaker's demands. I assume the stress and pressure changed her, quite a bit. I'm right - aren't I?"

"Sir, I--"

"No, just Gonelove."

"...Gonelove, I..." Shining sighed. "I love her, no matter what...I--"

Gonelove shot him a look straight into the eyes - and silenced him. Shining sat like a deer in headlights.

"Shining Armor..." Gonelove started. "You're a gorgeous stallion. One of the best I've laid my eyes upon. But I clearly see that in your eyes and mannerisms there is confusion, desperation...fear. I wonder what it's related to..." He said, toying with his food using his fork as he softly - but repeatedly stabbed it.

"..."

Gonelove's eyes trailed back up to Shining, and smiled. "I wonder if maybe you know you're in danger. Maybe that something might happen to put you in hot water. But it doesn't need to happen, no matter how much you think it will..." Gonelove said, hoof going to place itself on Shining's. "...Be with me. And I promise that no matter what happens, I will not let harm come to you. Even if that harm should come from me. You understand what I mean? After all..."

There was a sickening pause that made Shining's head spin.

Gonelove giggled. "An organization such as the Floral Heart could only be run by such a small, small number of ponies in this country."

Shining blinked. His fear - he tried his best to mask it as confusion. A lack of understanding. "I...I don't get it. B-Be...w-with you?"

"Cadence can't be a partner as good as she could've been if she knew how to handle her stress." He said. "I have wealth and power too - if that's why you married her. I'll take care of you. Protect you. Cherish you and shower you with attention..." He softly cooed. "You'll be mine, and mine alone. Sure, there will be moments I may get a bit...rough - I don't hide my anger issues. But I'll always make it up for you..." He softly said. "Come with me. It will be the best for the both of us. Please."

"I-I..." Shining gulped, almost choking. "I, uhm...d-don't play for the other tea--"

"I know you're bisexual, so don't play that card." Gonelove chuckled as his hoof slowly, gently wrapped around Shining's. "Crystal City's worst kept secret, as it may be. Be honest. Please, Shining Armor."

...

...

"...No." Shining firmly said. "...I'm sorry, Inquisitor - but what you're saying isn't appropriate. What you're saying is really, really wrong. I love my wife more than anything, and you're making me feel really uncomfortable. So, I'm sorry - but no."

...

...

Gonelove stared at Shining Armor - and Shining nervously gulped. It was an uncomfortable gaze. Was this really going to be his end?

And then, Gonelove gave a warm, patient smile, before chuckling.

"O-Oh my, Shining...I'm...so sorry." Gonelove laughed awkwardly. "You're right, I...Really acted disgustingly. I apologize for acting like a pig, I...Truly don't know what's gotten into me. I suppose it's been hard to think rationally with all this recent exhaustion...Apologies again, Captain." The unicorn frowned awkwardly.

Shining was a bit more surprised by the sudden turn in attitude, making him stammer. "I-It's, u-uh...okay? Let's just, uh...forget about it an enjoy the food, yeah...?"

In return, Gonelove only offered a soft, cute smile.

Thoughts raced in Shining's head as he continued to eat...That smile looked...too kind.

Chapter 14 - I'm So Sorry

The sound of revving engines filled the highway. Early in the morning, trucks had converged on the wide, open road; technicals with mounted 50 cals. had locked it down and prevented anyone from approaching. The jets were carefully and immediately placed on the track from the heavy duty vehicles. The pilots had quickly scrambled to get into the cockpits, running out of a truck that parked in the middle, and then swerved to the side of the road.

"Using a highway as a runway...classy." Raz chuckled as she got into the plane she was provided - an F-105 Thunderchief. "Classy plane, too. Where'd you get one of these? Bit too good for a guerilla." She told Wind Walker, who stood underneath and made sure that all pilots got into the planes alright.

"Managed to snag it when we defected." He said. "Trust me, it wasn't easy. Now, take off quickly. We need to get these birds in the air before anyone gets an idea of what we're doing."

"Aye aye." Raz chuckled. One by one, the planes would begin to drive along the highway - and would reach the speeds needed to lift off. Fifteen planes had done so, four squadrons that went east towards Fillydelphia. As they'd fly, Raz would relax into the cockpit. Over the horizon, she'd see the orange hue of the dawn sun.

She stared it down.

"...You're going down today." Raz smirked, cracking her neck.

***

The unicorn sighed. The radio that sat in-front of her was terrifying, for each of her whispers could lead to the path of either life, or death. Yet she knew that Trixie was right. If she did this, there was half a chance of painful death, half a chance of glory. If she kept quiet - that was an eternity of slow, slow death.

She took a deep breath. Starlight put her lips to the microphone...

"Proud fighters of the ELF..." She closed her eyes, and took a deeper breath. A moment passed, and the memory of the stakes had returned. She furrowed her brows, for she remembered why she was here. What she was doing. She raised her voice.

And that voice came to every major radio of the ELF that was approaching the city.

"<>"

The attack was signaled by a myriad of flares that rose from Fillydelphia.

The four groups had converged upon the city. The silent morning streets were disrupted by explosions and the popping of gunfire.

Explosions erupted through the city, tearing though strategic and tactical objectives. The barracks had been among the first targets, and soon came the warehouses and depots - anything that could have contained Solarists was targeted.

In a cafe known as Smokey's, several ELF officers sat enjoying their breakfast. The place was supposed to open later, but the officers knew they'd have the authority to force the sleep-depraved owner and staff to work early. They sipped their coffee and tea, but the sound of disturbances came apparent.

"Hm...?" One of them tilted his head as he looked out the window. "You guys hear--"

A pegasus swooped in with a parcel, that landed just at the window they were sitting at. Luckily, most of the staff was either in their staff room or the kitchen, and the explosion had evaporated the officers on the spot, throwing tables and chairs all around.

Several rebels had gathered from within inside the city - some had only joined the ELF days prior as they were able to be recruited by Trixie's efforts. They had linked up with the teams that were sent out by the blue unicorn to begin the sabotage, storming into strategic areas, and exchanging fire with the garrisons. Police warned - and they were given the choice of joining, dropping their arms, or death.

A portion of Starlight's group had converged on the power supply in the outskirts - and the fighting that took place rendered it in their hands. Swiftly, the electricity was disabled; and much needed power was unavailable for the Solarists who scrambled to barely respond to the disturbance. What was to be a proper garrison had become nothing more than a troupe of headless chickens.

From the south, the light tanks had rolled in - led by Hellcourt, Sunset's tank. She grinned at the commander's spot, using her binoculars as her tank, and the tanks beside hers rolled down the highway. They fired upon targets, roadblocks and defensive APCs and vehicles.

"Break a leg everypony! Or, shall I say, have your turret blown off!" Sunset yelled into the radio that transmitted to her group. "We're breaking through and locking down the roads! Go, go, go!"

"High school theater in your world has that saying too, huh?" Scoffed the loader.

"<>" A Stalliongrad-made T34's commander exclaimed. "<>"

"<>" Yawned the commander of an M24 Chaffee. "<>"

"<>" Gulped the commander of a Bob Semple tank that lagged behind the group. "<>"

Alongside this group, another section of armor would enter the outskirts of the city. Some tanks were working on encircling the city and taking control of the woods and highways surrounding Fillydelphia. They had the advantage, for any enemy APC or tank that tried to exit the city was now like fish in a barrel.

In the city, Sunset's tanks had rolled in and continued firing upon any place where they saw the enemy - hurling machine gun fire and cannon shots at whatever threat they saw. Though the numbers seemed to be not in their favor at all, they knew to stay calm...As the sound of roaring jet engines echoed through the city.

Tempest's group was incoming from the north. The jets were swooping in.

The Wonderbolts - plus Washouts - only watched in horror as the batpony outsider, Raz, swooped in on her F105 Thunderchief. Its single engine produced enough thrust to cause minor turbulence for the others as it zipped by. The supersonic jet had fired off its missiles - hitting anti-air machinery and tanks that were southbound. Despite the speed of the craft, she had made several quick maneuvers around the tall buildings, and started to climb sharply into the air; then turning backwards to dive in to use her guns on ground targets, vaporizing enemy positions on the open roads.

"<>" Gulped Vapor Trail.

"<>"

"<>" Lighting Dust coughed.

From the west, the infantry had been moving in. Key positions were taken over - as ELF troops burst into police stations, administrative buildings; whatever they had to take, they were able to do so with almost little resistance. What was a boon however is that they had little trouble with the civilians - who looked shocked. Positively. Ponies gasped as they watched through the windows, for they saw the banner of the ELF.

Hope was returning to Fillydelphia - and as streets were liberated by the resistance, the citizens stepped outside to cheer on. Some went to assertively ask for guns - and some had their requested granted.

For the SIB, their job had a bit of a different angle. A little mouse had crawled through a ventilation system, and swiftly transformed into a venomous viper. The garrison commander had no time to act as he felt necrosis take over his neck, and his attempts to call for support were a waste of his final moments. By the time garrison soldiers had burst into the office, they hadn't notice the mouse who skittered back to safety.

Gomer quietly sat on the construction crane that gave him the best view of the target. He gently caressed the trigger of his Boys anti-tank rifle, the caliber of which would allow him to do the job. He was able to track the officer that was making a run for his armored vehicle. He wouldn't have an angle, at-least not directly. He saw however, that the officer was rushed into the armored car. The door was closed, and Gomer estimated where his target could be within that armored vehicle. The shot was fired, and he held his breath. He sighed in relief as he saw the officer's bodyguards rush out, and attempt to administer first-aid to a target that lost its head. He looked at the gun, and frowned sadly - he had to leave it before it weighed him down. He flew off, and none could find the sniper.

Umfuni had been one of the first to enter a direct firefight with the other rebels, leading a group that would attack one of the garrison's main depots. His KS-23, a souvenir, shred Solarists apart, and allowed Plymouth to enter that building in the cover of combat to block off the exit for a fleeing Major - slicing his throat the moment he turned the corner, and - perhaps accidentally - lopping his head off.

Cipher and Colton ran through the streets as they helped flank enemies that attempted to run in as reinforcements against Sunset's group, picked off by the two. They shot at running AT specialists, and were able to stave off an entire company, which was under the impression there were more than two attackers. A mistake that left them too scared to exit the streets, unaware that the two had already bailed and ran off.

***

The siege was on-going for about an hour and half. What QRFs attempted to assist were disabled halfway across the highway that entered the city. Not just the city, but the city's outskirts were under the ELF's lock.

Colton and Cipher took shelter in an abandoned apartment, the owner of which already grabbed a gun and ran to join the others. They waited, for they knew that for the sake of their objective, they'd need to wait in this part of the city.

As Colton's radio was hailed, he sighed in relief. This wasn't a dud after all.

"Colton. Who is this?"

"<>" Trixie coughed. <<"Finally have news for you, New Marelanders. The FEA's ponies are holed up in the destroyed restaurant - Smokey's - on Liliac Street.>>" Trixie's words came from the radio. "<>"

"Thanks, Jester." Colton smiled, and turned to Cipher. "Let's go, fast."

Colton and Cipher would run down the street, and into the destroyed restaurant. The place was littered with the corpses of Solarist officers. Running through, they made sure to secure their corners - and eased up when they saw four wave over to them. They looked like partisans. They were in the process of a little R&R, picking at the food they had commandeered. Why let it spoil, after all?

The four partisans smiled as they saw the two SIB operatives enter, and its leader, an older stallion with a beard, gently used his levitation to push a plate of tapas towards them. "Well well, what do you know? I didn't think we'd finally see New Marelanders on Equus soil since the war started." He chuckled.

"Agent Colton, pleased to meet you. Sorry to be direct but, we had some questions."

A mare partisan scoffed. "Questions. We were sent for discovering the answer to some questions too." She dryly chuckled, chomping on a shrimp. "Look how that ended up for our movement."

"Well, we'll answer. To the best of our ability." The old partisan chuckled. "Don't expect us to give you any miracles."

Colton nodded to Cipher, who he trusted more to conduct the interview.

"Cipher - SIB." He gently bowed, as he took out a notepad and used a minor mechanism in his metallic hoof that allowed him for short-term levitation.

The old stallion looked at the paper, and then his eyes trailed back to Cipher. "You can call me Foam. That's the best way to identify me, as of the present moment."

Cipher had taken it into account, and knew better than to ask questions. "So, what is Vividvale? We found a picture of a powerful explosion, and that name - or word - as its caption."

The unicorn looked at him for a long time...and sighed. "Good, our intel was able to make it into New Mareland's hands..." He smiled. "But since you're asking, I guess not all of it made it." He then slowly frowned. "Vividvale...It's not the site of the detonation, as you may speculate. Vividvale is instead the name of Daybreaker's little pet project."

"A superweapon...?" Cipher asked.

"She wiped out so, so many...It was an explosion. It all happened in just a blink." The unicorn said as he blankly stared at the wall.

"That explosion which is on the picture?" Cipher frowned.

A nod. "Mm. Blinded me. I thought I had lost my sight forever - but it took a few days for the full recovery. FEA was going to discover more about it, so we went in. My squad was sent for auxiliary targets, to take out the QRFs and artillery before they could be alarmed. We were on the outskirts, but not quite. But all the others...they were sent in deep."

Cipher wrote it down - delaying as he imagined how big of a blast it must have been to cause such prolonged blindness.

The unicorn continued. "We never learned what Vividvale was, but we learned one thing. A name. We learned that Daybreaker wanted to get her hooves on a scientist who escaped Equestria after her ascension. But that scientist was able to get over the sea. Name Paradise Gem ring any bells?"

"Yes, actually..." Cipher's eyes briefly widened, before he nodded. "Developed city-wide countermeasures. Star of Steel. That was her, if I'm right. Not to mention she developed some kind of safety mechanism for aircraft."

"Huh. Glad I don't have to explain it, then." He smiled. "We don't know where she could've went, but from the source who told us about her, we learned that the only pony who might know where she is, is one of her old colleagues. Professor Fluttershy."

"Why would Fluttershy know...?" Cipher asked.

The partisan shrugged. "Allegedly, there was correspondence between the two. According to what we gathered, there was some reason that Fluttershy was concerned about Paradise's safety. The two organized a safehouse for her in Griffonia. That's all we could piece at that time, though..."

Cipher sighed. They were able to complete their secondary objectives somewhat - knowing that they now had support from various elements inside of Equus. But their primary objective had sent them back to the continent on which they had begun.

"One more thing." The partisan leaned in. "There's one thing that we found strange. Based on some other intel we uncovered, Vividvale had many connections to Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns, and other establishments. Here." He leaned in, and handed him a folder. "I wanted to pass this on to someone who could take it and analyze it. Please, do it."

"...You have my word." Cipher nodded.

The partisan grinned. "Wonderful. Now..." He turned to Colton. "We goin' together, right? Town Hall won't take itself."

Colton sighed. He knew that they had to repay the FEA for the intel, after all.

***
The hour that passed had seen increased gunfire and explosions. In a central street, the large town hall was on fire, bombarded as its occupants were being smoked out. Raz's plane had made quick work of the tanks that were regrouped to the front, and this allowed Sunset's tanks to roll in to soften the front.

Starlight's infantry had been able to lock down all buildings surrounding the town hall, preventing any flanks or surprises from the enemy, as hostile snipers were simply thrown out the windows if they resisted. Trixie's insiders had already done everything they could to make the town hall an unpleasant target to hold, for hours earlier, her ponies - disguised as visitors - had planted booby traps. An officer who attempted to call for help using the emergency radio system would be in quite the shock as the device exploded in his face the moment he attempted to use a military frequency, taking his life with the electronics.

The Solarists had now been pushed to the top of the building. Umfuni had popped smoke grenades over the roof, providing a smoke screen that allowed Plymouth to enter it, and emerge from the other side with his horn able to point a shotgun point-blank at a Solarist. Chari herself had used her abilities to transform into a bird - flying around to appear behind a Solarist sniper, before turning into a venomous spider and injecting her poison into him, leaving him on the floor and foaming at the mouth.

Cipher and Colton had both pushed together with their weapons raining fury at the enemy, while their attention-seeking tactics allowed Gomer to identify the higher-value targets, before picking them off with a scoped lever-action rifle from a construction crane. When his sniping had become obsolete as the targets were now behind a more cover-rich environment, he flew off, and joined the team in close-quarters combat.

Now, the Solarists in the town hall were reduced to less than fifty, all trapped in a section of rooftop that was becoming hotter and hotter.

Finally, a white cloth had been hung over the edge of the roof.

"<>"

"<>"

"<>" Starlight exclaimed. "<>"

Umfuni turned the corner to see a Solarist standing with his hind legs, weapon dropped and hooves raised. He would push him into his stomach and restrain him, using a lace to secure his hooves. The zebra sighed in relief. "Good. More bloodshed, and this would've been not worth its weight in lives..."

"I was just starting to have fun." Plymouth chuckled.

"And I didn't beat my record yet. Blackrock really is the only place I can get triple-digit kills in one day." Gomer pouted as he helped restrain an officer.

***

Ten minutes passed since the surrender. Different companies reported their situation - and the last of the enemy garrisons had given up.

Now, the battle was over.

"<>" Exclaimed Trixie's voice over the radio.

Over her radio, the thundering sounds of cheering were heard. The sounds of joy and excitement. The celebration was drawing civilians out onto the streets, who saw that the flags of Daybreaker were gone, replaced by the flag of not just the ELF - but Equestria.

Starlight's voice rang across the streets. "Equestria! Hear the love of your children! Hear the hopes and dreams of your ponies - of your creatures! This is our tune! We do not sing the tune of tyranny and fear! We sing the tune of harmony, and freedom! Citizens of Fillydelphia, today is a historic day! A day of hope! Today, we stand here together; side by side, daring to look up in the face of evil! Today is a day we stop this nightmare! Daybreaker - if you can hear us now - if you can hear the thousands who cry out against your reign, then I wonder - how do you feel knowing that all these souls here spit in the face of your wicked regime!?"

"Saddened."

The world froze for the moment.

All of Fillydelphia felt it. It was impossible to identify what it was, but they felt it. They felt that something was wrong. Something wasn't right.

Cipher shook a little...This feeling...

He felt it before.

He felt it on that day in Canterlot.

"We have unidentified contact!" Exclaimed a radio operator to an open radio channel, picked up by all group leaders, including Colton's team, and Raz. "From the north!"

"Huh...?" Raz looked at the radar in her cockpit as she slowly flew above Fillydelphia. "Colton, he's not joking..." She directly hailed his radio unit. "My radar's picking something up, but there's...no IFF? It's just...signatures."

"The hell..." Colton sat up, trying to peer over the edge of the rooftop to see what was happening. "Do you see anything?"

Raz yelped in panic. "U-Uh, I...I-I can't see jack shit, I--"

"To all of my ascended..."

"Ready, your holiness."

"Solstice."

"We live for you, we kill for you, and we die for you. Commencing."

The sun had disappeared for a mere second. Although - it became apparent it had gone nowhere. Instead, it shifted, and changed.

The sky had previously been clear, and blue.

Now, orange redness had washed it all over.

And fire had swallowed the forest surrounding Fillydelphia - massive blasts that blew glass out of the windows of the buildings. Blinding lights - that set their surroundings ablaze. The explosions left mushroom clouds - but none erupted in the city itself. Rather, they had made a convenient ring around Fillydelphia - leaving the city itself intact.

Cipher felt himself and Colton be nearly swept off the roof by the force of the blast; only Cipher's metal hoof was able to wrap itself around a pole, and with the other catch onto Colton. They fell onto their stomachs with a soft "oomph", and looked up to see what was happening.

They saw little dots in the skies...

Ponies. Flying ponies. Ponies with wings and horns...made of fire.

And after a pregnant silence - none were able to shield their ears from the myriad of explosions...and the screams.

The first attacks came as blasts of fire washed over parts of the city. Large explosions that Cipher, in horror, understood were the critical targets that the ELF had worked so hard to capture. He saw however that the planes were the next victims - several catching on fire and being blasted out of the sky. It was hard to see who was hit, and who was ejected.

"Shit...Raz, respond!" Cipher yelled into the radio.

The sound of her groaning over the radio was heard. "<>" She was barely able to pull the stick, applying intense G-forces to avoid a blast of magic that would have shred her plane apart. "<>" She cried out.

"Raz, shit!" Cipher yelled in panic, unable to see her plane in the clouds. She dived into the clouds - followed by the two ponies; and disappeared, along with her radio transmission.

"<>" Starlight yelled into the radio. "<>"

"<>" Her sentence was cut off, as static overtook her transmission.

"<>" Tempest screamed into the radio. "<>"

"<>" Trixie yelped. "<>"

In the sky, a single pony flew up - before releasing a continuous beam of fire that completely washed over the nearby hill that overlooked the city; before the beam moved into the city to immolate more targets.

"<>"

"<>"

"<>"

"<>"

"<>" Sunset said in-between wounded gasps. "<>"

"<>" Tempest whispered. "<>"

"<>"

"<<...>>" Starlight had no idea what to say - defeated as she sat slumped, face to face with the microphone.

***

Fillydelphia was intact on the outside. None of the buildings fell. None of the infrastructure took lasting damage. The civilian population was largely unharmed, its casualties limited to a humble hundred...Compared to the several hundreds of the ELF.

The city's soul was dead. Burnt carrion, destroyed vehicles - all scattered around, smoking and leaving the scent of death and suffering to waft through the streets of a once peaceful city.

The Solarist APC slowly moved along the road. The slowness was not prompted by anything else...other than the reluctance of the crew to see any more of this horrid terror. The commander hadn't protested.

A sole ELF soldier walked down the road towards the APC. His horn levitated a pistol, and magic was used to partially hold him as he no longer had a left leg and hoof. He saw the APC, and took shots - hoping that his aim would be true to get a .45 ACP bullet through one of the slits. He shot, and shot - each shot pathetically plinked off. He ran out of the bullets, and blood.

The APC let the fellow pony die in dignity, going around his corpse once he passed away from blood loss.

The M41 Walker Bulldog sat there, having stopped smoking mere minutes ago as the turret was detached from it, taking a blast of fire that would have destroyed the vehicle almost instantly.

"<>"

"<<...>>""

"<>

Intermission - Dear Sister

The white, dark-maned unicorn gulped as she shuffled the papers before her. A cold sweat ran down her forehead. She couldn't stop walking down the hallways - not for a second. She had to get to her destination, for being late wasn't acceptable. But it was hard to walk on weak, shaky hooves...

The hallways were once gorgeous - shining in brilliance and grace. Now, they were like a dark corridor illuminated by sunset's sunlight - dark, with the only light source being the insidious orange.

Raven Inkwell put a hoof to her mouth. All the reports, all the statistics...They were adding up into a number she did not want to fathom. How was this possible? There was no way these reports weren't falsified...And yet, they were vetted through all the right ponies. This information was real, and actual...

She put the paper aside for a moment, and looked at the door. The ornate, red door - with inscriptions of the sun, and a pair of guards standing by at the ready.

The unicorn was glad that this wasn't the throne room. No - at this time, she would come here. Daybreaker's personal room. Not her sleeping chambers, precisely - but a room where Daybreaker enjoyed some off time. Somewhy, she noticed that Daybreaker spent more time in this room than she did as Celestia.

Was evil lazy? No. It's just that once you removed democracy, free will, and bureaucracy out of the equation, you suddenly found yourself with much, much more free time.

"... Princess Cel--..." Raven was happy that her low voice had produced almost little to no sound with her meekness. Her inability to speak firmly was her saving grace, and she had the opening to correct herself swiftly. "Your Majesty." She said, able to put on her analytical, precise voice. "We...Collected the report of the Ascended's operation in Fillydelphia."

For a figure that represented fire and the sun, Daybreaker's form was coated in a shawl of shadow. The tall alicorn had been standing beside a painting, gazing at it...A painting of a purple alicorn. Twilight Sparkle's visage - Raven knew that Daybreaker could spend maybe up to an hour gazing at it. It was a wonder how Daybreaker hadn't burnt down all of Canterlot hearing the news Twilight made it overseas.

After all, even if Daybreaker considered all ponies to be her children - this feeling was a hundred times more intense with her faithful student.

"...Thank you, Raven." Daybreaker sighed. "Go ahead, please."

"It was a success...The...ELF was encircled, and the fire surrounding Fillydelphia was put out immediately after the ELF's forces were considered no-factor. Their vehicles were destroyed or captured - some planes however fell and landed on civilians. C-Civilian casualties are about 106 and counting, m-most of it caused by the garrison that was stationed there. The garrison itself suffered about 600 in casualties..."

"Please send an order to execute all officers of the Fillydelphia garrison. Do specify it's due to civilian casualties - and of their subordinates - the surrender itself isn't what bothers me." She simply said. "...And the ELF? What of their casualties?"

Daybreaker's ear twitched. She heard...A soft gagging noise.

"They...The ELF...lost approximately one thousand..." She took a moment. "Eight hundred and sixty four..."

"...Raven." She softly spoke. "Am I sensing that you feel...unsettled by these numbers?"

Raven felt herself freeze. What could she say in this case? She blinked with a stopped heart at Daybreaker, mind in freefall attempting to think of the best response that could save her skin.

And yet, Daybreaker believed silence to be an answer. She turned to her - looking down at the unicorn with her tall, imposing stature...And softly smiled down at her. "Raven..." She said with a less stern, softer voice. "I'm sorry for this. After the Great War, I really should have stopped assigning you to work with this sort of information. I can't imagine how you felt this whole time to be surrounded with numbers of destruction and death..."

Raven was able to recover, invisibly using magic to wipe cold sweat off her forehead. "N-...No, ma'am. It's...I'm fine. Just...it's a little...well..."

Daybreaker took steps towards the small unicorn - each hoofstep feeling as if its sound was on a different plane of existence; an ethereal noise that delivered the sound straight to Raven's eardrums.

"It's okay for you to feel saddened, and shocked at death." Daybreaker stated. "What happened in Fillydelphia was utterly horrible. A horrible loss of life. Albeit this is all because some ponies are misguided, it does not make their lives less worthy. This was a tragedy. A tragedy which is neither their fault, nor ours. All we can do is hope to educate our subjects, and pray they learn from their mistakes. To help them understand what a better world should be."

Raven wanted to say something. To blame Daybreaker for sending in the Ascended. For knowingly opening Fillydelphia to be bait for the ELF despite the potential casualties. She wanted to even spit at this...monster.

However, Raven wasn't Daybreaker's secretary for no reason. There was a lot of brain behind those reading glasses. The unicorn could only pretend to sigh in sad understanding.

"Next on the agenda..." Daybreaker shifted the topic. "We're going to discuss a little...maneuver. I'm going to meet with Aurora to discuss it, but I need you to take a few things into account, send out the appropriate inquiries and check on some preparations. Ready your quill, please."

The white unicorn did as instructed - but her eyes were curiously trained on Daybreaker the whole time. "W-What is it, your highness?"

The alicorn smirked as she looked at the window that faced East. "Aurora's counterintelligence efforts have been fruitful. Analysis on the Clover Island bait, Yucoltan's abduction of Rarity, and the killing of our agents in Jagged Hope has presented us with a good lead on who's taking the most active role in sabotaging us." She smiled. "I sent some of our best to take a look...And after a short while, they were able to persuade one of its members to spill a decent amount of information." She grinned, as she pulled up a folder.

Raven's blood froze. How did she get to this point so quickly, to discover this much?

"A-And what did you find out, m-ma'am--I mean, your highness?"

"Odds and ends." Daybreaker mused. "But we made some discoveries that will...delay our enemy. I want you to speak with the VOPS leadership and ask about a trip to a certain hospital in New Mareland; its neurodegenerative department, to be precise."

Raven wasn't sure what this information meant - but she would begin to write it down. Everything Daybreaker said was recorded with a spell that was designed to make a quill automatically transcribe the said words.

"And, in regards to the recent developments with Vividvale..." She then began to speak...And the words she said had become white noise to Raven - because of how much horror - sheer horror she felt hearing all that she talked about.

She wished she could cut her ears off at that moment. To become deaf. To become deaf to the wicked, disgusting things she was hearing.

Raven whimpered softly - thoughts running through her head as she had no choice but to listen all the facts presented to her. It was for the sake of the world. She wrote it all down - words written at the same rate as Daybreaker spoke them - the quill become warm from the friction as it ran across the paper...And thankfully, after ten minutes, Daybreaker finished.

"That will be all." Daybreaker simply said. Raven felt these words take off several tonnes off of her shoulders - and with weak hooves, the unicorn limped over to the door, glad that Daybreaker had currently been making eye contact with the portrait instead.

"...Oh, Raven?"

Squeak.

"Yes...your highness?"

"Take a day off tomorrow. You've earned the rest."

"Thank you, your highness..." Raven softly sighed in relief, and stepped out.

The door finally closed. Daybreaker gazed into the portrait longer - the portrait which she ever so subtly modified to make it appear as a Twilight who accepted the reign of the Solar Empire.

When Daybreaker's eyes went for the large mirror in the room, she saw another figure. Another alicorn.

...

A dark blue alicorn who stood there with a wicked, wicked - taunting smile.

"What a pathetic little thing. I mean you, not Twilight Sparkle. That one at-least shows competence. And look at you. Poor Daybreaker - so lost without her little pet project. So lost without her little toy - sulking as she stares at her image like some strange pervert. Tut - tut..."

"Disappear. Whore."

"You kiss that portrait with that mouth, sister?"

"Do not...ever...call yourself my sister, Nigthmare Moon. That title does not go to you, of all beings."

"Mhm. Because Princess Luna is your real sister, is what you're getting at? That's rich - cute. Grand, even. Except, you seem to forget that Princess Luna is the sister of Princess Celestia - not Daybreaker."

"..."

"Not to mention, you're an awful example of a sister. How long've you been trying to find Luna to steal her body, hm? It's so cute. You really thought consuming me alone would give you my power? No, stupid little filly. You need the vessel. Without the vessel, I am just a soul in your head - free to keep mocking you and reminding you of your pathetic state. Hmhmhm~..."

"..."

"Such a stupid mutt you are. You really think you can harness the power of the sun and moon both? Ambitious. And lacking brains entirely. Can't even find Luna for starters. Hahah~..."

"..."

"You almost had it all. Had me begging for mercy. Yet, Twilight Sparkle ejected her out of me to save her. Your trump card - poof. Gone. And Twilight Sparkle herself? Even when you tried to kill her out of reflex you failed. Your magic even failed to kill the very mortal stallion that came to help her. How pathetic is that? All you did was burn his hooves and her face. Your power's no better than some dumb gas stove accident."

"..."

"Oh, and your little idea isn't bringing your faithful student back. She'll just hate you more. But that's fine - Twilight Sparkle, as much as I hate her, doesn't deserve having to follow such a failure of a mentor-"

The mirror was smashed with a blast of magic - shattering into not merely pieces, but dust that scattered like broken diamonds all over the floor.

"DIE, DAMN YOU. BE DEAD. BE GONE. YOU DON'T COMPARE TO ME. YOU'RE BENEATH ME. YOU'RE A FAILURE - AND YOU HAVE NOTHING OF VALUE. YOU'RE...YOU'RE MUD. SHUT UP - AND KEEP QUIET, YOU PIECE OF SHIT. DIE!"

A torrent of magic had thrown almost everything in the room over to its side - a flurry of fire-addled levitation that rearranged almost every molecule - leaving Daybreaker standing in a heap of debris, shards - and fire.

...

...

...

...

"This is just rich~. Priiiiime entertainment. Bravo~."

Chapter 15 - My Comic Store

Howling winds haunted the streets of Fillydelphia - winds that one could no longer differentiate from distant screams. Whether these were the screams of the few living left, or the ghosts of the hundreds of dead...nobody could figure.

The distant claps of gunfire rang through. Defiant rebels who popped out of cover to engage the foe, Solarists who blindly fired in fear at what they suspected to be a threat - and the occasional poor soul who opted to point the barrel at themselves instead.

Deep in Dragon Town, which was largely unharmed, stood a comic book store. It was previously abandoned, but the signs of somecreature taking shelter inside...were clear. And it did not go unnoticed by a duo of Solarist troops tasked with clearing the buildings.

Inside the store, the corporal sighed as he stood by his sergeant. "Sir, they're just teenagers."

"..." The sergeant sighed as he looked down at the brown, teenaged earth pony, and the pink-haired dragon beside her. The soldier had a job, but the job had its limits before it took a toll on his mental health. "What's your names?"

"B-Babs Seed..." The teenaged mare replied.

"Mina..." The young dragon softly spoke - lucky that she still passed for a teen.

The sergeant kept looking at the two, and the building he was in. He took a moment to stare at a comic book rack, temporarily mesmerized by a few editions of his favorite childhood series. He snapped out of it and sighed, before turning to the two. "Look, either stay here, or have your local Fillydelphia documents on you before you head out. In six hours, they're going to deploy a large garrison with strict martial law and curfew. I can see you're rebels - but frankly I don't want two kids dying or being jailed. You have any weapons in here - throw them out. Got it?"

"Y-Yes, sir..." Babs gulped nervously.

"..." Mina tilted her head a little. "H-How'd you know?"

"Bruise around your armpit." He told them. "Recoil does that with most solid or skeletal stocks. Get some concealer on it. Don't make a sound. If you need food, head to the takeout store. It's not open, but the owner - he's in there. Might be stocked enough to get you something. Otherwise - don't make a peep."

The two girls could only shake...and nod.

The sergeant looked at her, and nodded. "Corporal, next building." He said, and the two soldiers left.

"..."

"...Okay, six hours." Babs repeated.

Mina clicked her tongue, and a small flame emerged at the tip, which allowed her to light a lamp. The two went behind the counter, and pulled a handle of a hatch, entering the basement of the comic store.

In the basement, a little more than a dozen ponies sat. Colton and his team, the crew of Sunset Shimmer's tank, Trixie, and a few other ELF members that were present at the briefing, such as Vapor Trail. To pass the time, they would either eat MRE's, treat their wounds - and those who didn't feel like sleeping enjoying the variety of literature they had borrowed from above. Mina didn't mind - she missed having creatures reading her comics.

"Six hours for us to get the hell out." Plymouth muttered, having heard everything through the floorboard as he put away the Lake City shounen manga.

"How?" Cipher groaned, rubbing his face in the middle of the future sci-fi he was reading. "They're going to have patrols everywhere. And...Damn it, Raz..."

Colton leaned in to get Cipher's attention. "Raz will be fine. She has a knack for surviving these things. For all we know she might've evaded them entirely and returned to the landing strip."

A sigh came from the earth pony as he went back to the comic.

...

"...How is she?" Vapor Trail softly whispered as she looked at the changeling in the room.

Chari blinked with tension in her gaze. She sat beside a blanketed figure, along with three other ponies. Using her changeling abilities, she was more or less able to treat the injured mare. The question remained - what to do with her missing hoof...The hoof that - either way - disappeared in the debris of her tank.

Sunset Shimmer was in a grave state. Stabilized, but weak. With a missing eye to boot along the missing limb, it was hard to tell what part of this injury was "minor" - as she claimed on the radio. A spell had been fired at her tank during the onslaught, and the blast & shrapnel maimed her body so. Yet, Sunset was able to keep calm, and keep very healthy - because the moment she discovered that her crew were alive and mostly unharmed, she stopped having any panicked movements, and rested.

"Holding up." Was all the changeling said. "Damn it all, what was that? They were fast enough to catch up to a supersonic jet, deadly enough to wipe out companies in seconds...Who were they?"

"I don't know." Colton admitted in defeat. "Was that Vividvale...?"

"We can speculate corelation, but..." Cipher shook his head. "It may not be it. For all we know Daybreaker has more tricks up her sleeves."

...

"We need to send the FEA information back to headquarters. Or at-least to Twilight Sparkle." Colton declared. "But I doubt there's any contemporary method that won't get intercepted - not all the way from here...We need to use magic."

"Magic?" Trixie blinked. "To send a letter all the way across the ocean? That's ridiculous...May as well have made some kind of artifact that's able to send live messages between two different dimensions."

"What do you propose?" Umfuni frowned as he helped treat the gunshot wounds of an unconscious mare. "Technology can be intercepted. No radio is a safe conduit for such sensitive information. Anything else could be too slow."

All quieted as they heard pained, quiet laughter.

"So lucky...I got just the thing..." Groaned the wounded Sunset Shimmer as she sat up with the help of Hellcourt's crew, albeit they had protested her doing so. All turned to her, and she met them with a weak, yet cheeky grin...As with her last good hoof, she pulled out a book that had the symbol of her cutie mark on it - though one side was colored purple rather than orange. "I..." She took a deep breath from pain. "I didn't...write to her for...some time. I didn't want to worry...her. This book - everything you write...Is delivered to a copy that Twilight Sparkle has with her. It even notifies her. Use it...And...Don't tell her what happened. Please..." She asked, as her last hoof extended over to the closest pony apart from her crew - Chari.

The changeling sighed, and passed it on to Cipher.

The earth pony frowned deeply, and extended his organic hoof to take it. He knew what Sunset felt like - and he relived the sorrow of losing a limb. He would take the book into his hoof, and looked at Colton.

Colton nodded. Cipher knew what to relay.

***

It took only a minute for the string of text to be written in Fillydelphia, and appear in New Mareland.

Princess Twilight Sparkle's eyes scanned over the text that was freshly written. That hoofwriting wasn't Sunset's - and alarm took over. Cipher's words however explained much - yet left out the details that prevented Twilight from feeling even more sick with worry than she already was.

The princess would run down the hall, and knocked on the door to Fluttershy's room.

***

"...Professor Paradise Gem..." Fluttershy sighed as she sipped her tea. The pegasus no longer fit her name - for the events that took place left her jaded, more straightforward and much more blunt. A coping mechanism that wiped out a good portion of her shyness. "Remember when the Tomorrow went on their rampage in Equestria?"

"How could I forget...?" Twilight stared down at her tea as she slowly stirred it. "Our little project to protect the world from nuclear annihilation...gone awry because we made too good of a case."

Fluttershy nodded. "I...feared they suspected Paradise Gem may have had information on nuclear weaponry." She softly sighed. "She wasn't part of my science team, but I contacted to help develop potential countermeasures against destructive nuclear weapons - such as bombs and missiles. And, well, as a result she learned a great deal about the mechanisms of such potential weapons."

"And you provided her with a safehouse in Griffonia, right?"

"Mhm." Fluttershy sipped her tea. "And she refused. When the Tomorrow attacked the lab, she locked herself in a supply closet with a revolver. She wasn't on the list of personnel, so she was never searched for. Still, if she wanted to flee Equestria, she'd go that place."

"And where is the safehouse...?"

Fluttershy chuckled. "You'd be surprised."

"Try me." Twilight chuckled.

"The safehouse is in Vartai. Right next door to Starry Night's administration. As safe and secure as it gets."

"...You did surprise me." Twilight stopped blinking at the spoon, and instead blinked at the pegasus. "...Vartai? But...Why?"

"Paradise Gem claimed that Western and Eastern Griffonia had enough scientists. If she were to leave Equestria, she wanted to help contribute to a country willing to fund her so that she could develop the local science base and pursue some projects. Starry Night offered to give her good conditions and resources in the event she moved - arguably even better than what she had here in Equestria."

"Are you in touch with her?"

"Yes, actually." Fluttershy smiled. "She's been doing quite well, from what I've read in our letters. We last wrote to each other two weeks ago. According to her, they've been doing a lot of research in airliner and cargo plane safety. And she's mentioned that she has a little side project in sight-restoration."

"Quite a challenge for a mere side project..." Twilight mused.

"Paradise has always been like that..." Fluttershy chuckled. "Strips away pieces of her own health and sanity to make things that improve the lives of others."

"...We'll be going to Vartai in a few days ourselves - with Jet Set." Twilight mused. "Maybe we could ask Gem to come with us?"

Fluttershy slightly nodded, and sipped more tea. In the meantime, Twilight opened the journal, and began to use her quill to write back to Cipher.

...

"Twilight?"

"Y-Yes?"

"Why do you think the world crashed down into...this? Things were so wonderful and peaceful when we met...weren't they?" The pegasus sadly smiled at her friend.

"Must be the wings. Everything went bad since I got my wings, right?" Twilight joked with a snort-laugh.

Fluttershy kept smiling at her - warmly, patiently, and curiously.

This prompted the alicorn to give a soft sigh as the smile melted off. "...I had a theory." She stated. "There must be many worlds. Worlds where guns were never invented, for example. Worlds where either Chrysalis or Nightmare Moon reign over Equus. Worlds where maybe things are a little bit better, a little bit worse..." She thought out-loud. "We drew a shorter straw. Not the shortest, but, short. Otherwise we wouldn't have had any hope. And, well...We're dealing with the force of fate; the fact that of all the different worlds, this is ours. Our fight. Our sins to face. Our struggle."

"A world where guns were never invented..." Fluttershy laughed. "Good riddance - I can see it. Us six, and Spike, going on adventures..."friendship quests", not having to worry about a single war or politics..."

"You'd have a sanctuary for sure. Feel like you could find a partner too - someone chaotic and unpredictable. You seem to like those types." Twilight chuckled.

"Harr." Fluttershy stuck her tongue out. "And alicorn biology considered, I expect you to be tall enough to tell the weather." The pegasus teased, and thought for a bit. "...Oh! Pinkie would have a kid with a stallion that's basically a copy of her." Fluttershy giggled.

"...I feel like Rainbow and AJ would start dating." Twilight remarked as she took another sip of her tea.

"We call that a singularity in your alternate worlds theory." Fluttershy scoffed...And thought, for a long, long time - before blushing.

"Hm? Something about Rarity?" Twilight tilted her head.

"One word." Fluttershy sipped her tea briefly with a soft, cute lip smack. "MILF."

"..." Twilight looked at Fluttershy.

"..." Fluttershy looked at Twilight.

"T-That's four words!" Twilight blurted out.

"Oh come on!" Fluttershy bumped her teacup on the table in frustration.

***

Paradise Gem is in Vartai. - Was written on the page of Sunset's book. What's the plan?

We're stuck in Equus. Looking for a way out. We need Paradise Gem to make contact with the SIB and share what she knows on Vividvale. Can you help?

Yes, I understand. I'll do what I can. What happened, is everything okay, Cipher? Where's Sunset?

Minor injury. - It was slowly, slowly written. She's okay. Alive, stable, breathing. And how are things on your end? - Cipher wrote trying to change the topic.

Speaking of the devil, we will be going to Vartai to talk with Starry. Beyond that...lots of secret discussions and shadow diplomacy. It's...honestly making me sick and tired.

Us nerds can't fathom prolonged social interaction. - Cipher laughed softly as he wrote.

Ain't it the truth...Please be safe. Do you need the SIB to help?

Gonna be hard to coordinate with the SIB to launch a rescue op so deep in Solarist territory. At-least in Yucoltan we had enough of a mess to escape. Here, we're not far from some of their badest. Don't worry about us. Look, I'm also going to write some other information. Somepony was able to discover information linked to Vividvale. I'll start writing it on the back pages, okay?

Okay. Go ahead. I'm going to go for now. Please stay safe.

You got it ma'am.

As Cipher opened the back of the book, he would see what appeared to be a collage of pictures and drawings...They were odd shapes. They looked like half centaurs, with hands and fingers, and bipedal body structures. They looked a great deal like the Elements of Harmony...Curious - but polite, Cipher didn't want to intrude on Sunset's personal life. He instead opted to write the information just a few pages back. Twilight would understand.

...

"...So, what now?" Gomer sighed, getting away from the wall he was leaning against. "We ought to get a move on - one way or another. But what's our objective?"

There was a short five second silence - a long time to think by Colton's standards. "...We need to find Raz." He stood up. "Then, we're returning to headquarters."

There was a sudden shuffle of movement from the other side of the basement.

"Wait!" Trixie sprung up. "Listen, I beg you, before you leave, help me. I need to make sure Starlight is okay." She said. "S-She hasn't been responding. I...I need to get to her. She's still in Drosera, s-so it's not far! Please, I--"

"Lady..." Plymouth interrupted her, and sighed with a shake of his head. "We can't help you much. We need to return home and continue our mission."

"Please, I...I'm begging you!" Trixie cried out. "She's...all I have left! You need to understand--"

"Lady, damn it." Plymouth scowled at her. "We're not getting your marefriend back. We're dealing with the fact Daybreaker might know how to wipe continents off this planet, and we need to act fast. Starlight's not our priority. Besides, if leading failed invasions is her thing, then maybe she's not worth the--"

Trixie was never good at magic.

But something at those words was enough to trigger the skills of like she never had before - and soon enough, Plymouth found himself blasted with concussive magic that threw him against the wall, dust settling onto his mane.

A furious scream came from the blue unicorn as her horn began to charge. "IF YOU SAY THAT AGAIN, I'LL KILL YOU! I'LL REALLY KILL YOU!" Trixie shouted.

"B-Bitch! I'm gonna fucking--" Plymouth yelled - stumbling and charging up his horn. The blue unicorn was being restrained by Vapor Trail and Chari, while Plymouth had to be held back by Umfuni and Sunset's gunner.

"Everypony step the fuck down!" Colton shouted. "You really wanna make noise with Solarist patrols outside!? Fuck!"

Cipher, despite the tension, did not let himself get distracted - a mechanism of his metallic hoof allowed him to write very quickly - he needed this information delivered. Gomer joined Colton - being in the middle to get the two to back off.

"Listen!" Gomer shouted as much as he could in a hushed tone. "The least we can do is reach a point we can separate once we reached our goal! You can get to Starlight, and we get Raz and fuck off. We need to get out of the city one way or another, so why don't you dumbasses take a moment to think about that!?"

By now, the tension in Trixie's and Plymouth's bodies reduced, allowing those who restrained them to calm down and allow peace to return to the basement.

"Well..." Cipher sighed as he finished transcribing all the information onto the magical journal, before giving it to Sunset - who mustered up the consciousness to safely put it somewhere safe and sound on her person. He then turned back to the group. "The most important step is for us to slip out of Fillydelphia with all those patrols outside. I doubt we'll have an easy time blending in with civilians - not to mention we need our guns and gear. How do we do it?"

...

Lots of head scratching and thoughtful humming ensued.

...

The dragon girl blinked forward - first in thought...then, as she looked at Cipher - in determination. Mina stepped forward. "Dragon Town." She stated. This got a curious look from the other ponies and creatures in the room, and understanding all eyes were on her, the dragon gave a quick sigh. "I can guide you through Dragon Town. I know these streets like the back of my claws. There's a way to get into the metro tunnels, and then to the railway station. It's a hidden way that Dragons used to keep movements out of authority eyes, during a curfew that took place years ago. You can use it to get a train out!"

Looks were exchanged in the room. This was not a bad idea at all.

"Okay - but we'll go ourselves." Gomer insisted. "You stay here in your shop with the others. It's safer for you to just wait it out here."

"You won't find your way through!" Mina exclaimed. "I'll get you through the tracks, and then I'll quickly slip past back here. It's gonna be easy, I've done it before!"

"..." Gomer sighed. "I'm not going to let you lead us through it all, especially if you plan to return to your store.'

"Why not!?" The dragon angrily exclaimed.

"Well, damn it all..." The griffon groaned as he shot her a look. "I am not letting a kid die. Okay!?"

"I'm not a kid!" Mina yelled. "I'm doing my part to fight for Equestria! To fight for freedom! You can't deprive me of--

"Okay, not a kid - civilian! Whatever!" Gomer yelled back. "You're not soldiers!" He yelled - not just at Mina, but at Babs. At Vapor Trail. At Trixie. At all the other rebels that were in this room. "Stop risking your lives pointlessly! Glory and freedom!? You really care about that when you have families? Loved ones!? Hopes and ambitions!?" He exclaimed.

"What do you think we're doing!?" Babs stepped up beside Mina to yell back. "We're fighting Daybreaker to avoid dying a slow death under her regime!"

Gomer grunted in frustration, looking aside. "Listen, you imbeciles. Back in '08, Blackrock launched an extensive raid campaign into East Griffonstone. Marauders and rapists were going in by the hundreds, and worst is that someone was even helping them. Somehow, the spade-faced bitch got tanks, automatic weapons, even some planes. Our defenses were penetrated, and we had to scramble to fight them back."

Now, all was quiet. He had their attention, and continued.

"I was stranded behind the enemy advance. My unit was wiped out - but a sniper helped me. He explained that as painful as it was not to fight, we had to play it smart. While at day they kept killing our troops, they slept at night. We would strike then, when we knew it was most effective to do so. We saw a tank rolling west to our border. Did we shoot it? No. We played it smart - put traps on the road to disable it, then killed the crew once they popped out."

"Hah." Laughed Hellcourt's gunner. "So you were watching your own countrymen get killed to get the glory - that's what you're saying?"

"Fuck you." Gomer snapped at him. "You can't keep your commander safe. How did this whole thing end for you? You're a humiliated, pathetic mess." The griffon said with spite. "I spent six years in Blackrock, doing everything I could to make the war more difficult for those bandit cunts. Guess what? It worked. Every night I tried to sabotage them how I knew. Put landmines, blew up their equipment, killed officers - and I did that when I knew I had an opening. What I'm trying to fucking say is that you fight only when you know you can fight - be effective and make a difference."

...

The rebels kept looking at him - even his own team was a bit caught by his words.

"...If you die now..." Gomer sighed, understanding that he had been too rough on these youngsters. "Your corpse is gonna be put on a dictionary as the example for the word "futility". I don't want you risking your life for nothing."

...

Mina looked at him, and furrowed her brows. "Mister, I respect you for what you did. I think what you did is badass - it sounds crazier than all the action comics I have in this store. Crazier than all that Lake City-imported manga I used to sell here, too." She told him. "But I don't agree with you. At all."

Gomer sighed - he folded his card, knowing there was no way to convince her...But the girl continued with her case.

"I'm doing this because I don't want to risk the lives of others." She said, pointing at Sunset. "We need to get her to safety fast. We need to get Trixie to Starlight - fast. We need to get you out of Equus and stop Daybreaker - even faster." She explained. "Life is precious. And you're right - it shouldn't be thrown away. And you're right that you must only act when you know you can be effective. And this is exactly it. Now, I am effective." Mina said. "I don't care what happens to me. I want to help others. I have a chance to save lives - even if at the risk of my own. I'm not doing this for glory, mister. I'm doing this because...I want to help them."

...

Gomer looked her in the eyes - and was unable to withstand long without giving her a proud smile.

Colton sighed. "I'm tired of these poetry contests. Let's get a move on. I'll take command. Any objections?"

Trixie shook her head. "I do not think the art of sneaking out of a locked down city is my expertise, compared to black ops. Helms' all yours - the Great and Powerful Trixie will take the backseat."

"Help Sunset." Colton commanded. "We need to carry her out of here but make sure her injury's contained. Mina - you're navigating, but we're taking point."

"Aye aye." The dragon giggled.

"We're moving as such..." Colton began. "Half of my team is going up front - half is behind. All rebels, especially the wounded, are in-between. You'll have opportunities to run if we're compromised."

"A-And...if we find any other rebels?" Vapor Trail asked.

"We're gonna help them too - but if the group gets too big, we'll need to figure out how to split. We can't have our movements noticed nor tracked."

The sounds of shuffling came - the most coming form Sunset, as unicorns did their best to levitate her, but all worked on ensuring they had the most mobile, yet stable way of doing so - to make her body feel as if she was still laid down and comfortable.

"Everyone ready?" Colton finally asked.

Nods came - no disagreement.

...

"...Let's do it." Mina nodded - and the hatch to the basement was opened.

***

...

She was fast asleep. Her body was so, so heavy. It felt as if she was at-least twelve, if not thirteen - fourteen times heavier than she really was. She could barely breathe - oxygen low and the pressure making it hard to open her eyes...

Raz gasped - shock waking her up. Her eyes shot open, and her hooves immediately grabbed the stick once again - saving the F105 as it was descending towards the ground, and saving herself from a blast of magic that was flying towards her. It was a curving maneuver that straightened the plane out - just above the ground. She would need to fly without the ability to lower her altitude.

She cursed. She could count the amount of times she passed out from G-force in single digits. She took this personally. Nothing could have made her pass out - not her most extreme maneuvers. But now, she was avoiding two enemies. She was still being tailed - by the two ponies that were somehow able to follow her speed.

Raz was able to take a closer look. They really appeared like alicorns - their wings and horns somewhat transparent, but clearly made of fire. And all their colors - white with fiery manes. Like Daybreaker.

Raz cursed. This game of cat and mouse - in the clouds at high altitudes - has been ongoing for how long, now? How much fuel did she have left? She tried to shake them off. Was it an hour? Several hours? She had no idea how she managed this long. How the damage she took was minimal. Somehow, no damage was taken to the fuel tanks - and that was fortunate considering that they were not self-sealing.

She had to do something. She tried yo-yo maneuvers, speed reductive maneuvers, anything. About half an hour ago she was able to get several 20mm rounds into these ponies. How were they still alive? How the hell were they still alive?

...

Fuck it.

Raz understood what was wrong. She was predictable. They expected to fight a pilot - they expected her to do what she did. They were prepared for her maneuvers. They knew that this - for her - was a war of attrition. But they could take their time, they could play.

"If you wanna play..." She grinned. "Let's play, motherfuckers."

A speed reductive maneuver - raising her nose up. Then, came the flick of a button.

She had two fuel tanks which were detachable. She needed to eject one. A button was flicked - and the large cylinder jumped out from underneath her wing. One of the hostile ponies saw an opportunity - flying underneath to try and get in-front of the plane. It was a pincer attack.

But Raz did not continue to reduce speed. Instead - she pointed her nose forwards again...And pointed her 20mm canon at the fuel tank that had just a bit more speed and momentum than the plane.

She licked her lips, and pulled the trigger.

The fuel tank had erupted - and evaporated the back of the pony that was trying to pincer her from the front. The blast however had tore a hole in the canopy, and now Raz had to deal with air rushing in to meet her. The other pony had been stunned by the action and had to break off from their tailing...

The pony who was caught in the blast would now glide towards the ground - magic barely able to keep them afloat. It was a sitting duck - as the F105 swooped in with a strafe of her gun, and reduced the target to mush. She would now keep flying past, and accelerated as fast as possible.

Only for a massive beam of magic to zip past her, as minor turbulence saved her life as it made the jet unsteady. She cursed, and accelerated further into the clouds - chased by an angered, angered pony who just lost their sibling. She was unaware that she was heading west - deeper into Solarist land.

She had to take steep, steep high-G turns to climb this quickly...Pressure built in her body.

Wouldn't it be nice to close her eyes again?

Chapter 16 - Love's Gone

Author's Note

Finally another chapter!

So sorry for this, anyone who's still reading. Work has gotten so much more overwhelming, alongside commissions. I've been writing this fic in pieces, as well as some things I've written and planned out forwards. Thanks for your patience and sorry to those that lost interest due to the hiatus!

Chapter 16 - Love's Gone

The eyes scanned the hastily scribbled words on the crumpled pieces of paper.

Sergeant Knit Chase. Responsible for recruitment. Arrested.

Officer Blue Breeze. Responsible for weapon's procurement. Killed while resisting arrest.

Officer Tulip. Responsible for delivering Solarist intelligence. Arrested.

Messenger Tranquil. Responsible for recruitment, operating in the Crystal City coffee houses. Suicide before arrest.

Messenger Floral Keeper. Responsible for recruitment, operating in the flower store. Killed while resisting arrest. Note: Secret passage was not revealed, agent was able to detonate explosives for cave-in.

The list went on.

Shining Armor's blood ran cold. He extensively looked at the list. It was hastily provided by the fixer Gardenia, who promptly left the Crystal Empire with her family afterwards.

Key members of the Floral Heart were disappearing. They were being cracked down upon, heavily - despite his best efforts.

He knew that the Inquisitor was onto them. Their meeting made that much clear. He had to act, yet without raising too much alarm and without causing too much noise within the underground movement. He had to be subtle. He warned them all, quietly. Yet, it was not enough. Resigning outright was suspicious, as those that did so out of fear were immediately arrested.

It was all tumbling down before him, on the written lines on the messy paper.

He sighed softly, placing his head in his hooves. What could he do? What should he do?

He gazed down upon his desk. There was a picture, one that gave him hope. One that made him remove the pistol in his drawer and the single bullet within it long, long ago.

He heard the knocking on the door. It was an unfamiliar knock. And it was soft. In his line of work - a soft knock was much worse. His subordinates knew that he preferred loud knocks that were easy to hear at first. This was a stranger.

"...Come in." Softly sighed the white unicorn. There was no fighting it.

The unfortunate face was here. The face of the inquisitor. Gonelove's visage was a toxic smile - not toxic because of its wicked appearance, for he was able to look genuinely warm and even pleasant. No - it was toxic because...who smiled in this kind of situation? To make matters worse, Gonelove sported a pair of hoofcuffs, ever-so non-chalantly tied to a belt on his waist.

"Shiny." Gonelove quietly spoke as he began to make steps towards the desk. "How are you doing this afternoon? I hope this isn't a bad time?"

"...Well." Shining Armor gazed upon his desk once more. "That's a great question, Grand Inquisitor. If I said yes, would you turn around through that door and leave...?"

"...I suppose I don't have that right. Hence the phrasing - I hope it's not a bad time." Gonelove dryly laughed. By now, he was in-front of Shining Armor's desk, standing right ahead. By the time he approached him, a deep frown was painted upon his face. Gonelove gazed blankly at the white unicorn, and sighed - a sigh that released so much. His shoulders slumped, and his head was hung low. He lost his smile. "...You know why I'm here."

"..." Shining turned his head to the side, gazing out the window, to reveal the twilight. The sun was setting over the Crystal City. "Stop hunting after the others. All you need is me. Everyone else won't be able to operate the Floral Heart."

"I'm sorry, Shining Armor." Whispered the other unicorn, his head lowered further. Shining hated his voice. It wasn't fake. It wasn't fake at all - it wasn't mocking him and it wasn't teasing him. He meant it all. "But Her Holiness has given me her orders. I cannot contest them."

"Then..." Shining grit his teeth, sharply turning to Gonelove. He stood up, and brought his face close, to directly yell at him. "Cadence! Leave Cadence! She has nothing to do with this! I...I-I coerced her into joining me! Whatever involvement she has in the Floral Heart was a result of me threatening her! I...T-tell them I threatened to...That I...T-That I threatened to forbid her from seeing Flurry Heart!"

"..." Gonelove frowned, shaking his head. "The court has already ruled her voluntary involvement. However, I have done what I could to convince a house arrest. This is the likely verdict. I doubt Daybreaker would want to send the Princess of Love to a labor camp."

"Then..." Shining quietly stared forward, and sat himself back down. "...It's all gone...h-huh...?"

The inquisitor sighed softly, and pulled out a small envelope. "Apologies, but I am obligated to do this. Okay...?"

The white unicorn blankly nodded...Staring forward and through the stallion.

Gonelove coughed - adjusting the tone of his voice to make it harsher, and less empathetic.

"Captain Shining Armor of the Royal Crystal Empire Guard..." The inquisitor sternly said - his voice full of judgement, yet held back ire. A voice that adjusted itself to be as professionally firm as it had to be to get his point across, and nothing else but that. "On behalf of the Inquisitor's Bureau, you are under arrest for treason. Effective immediately, you are to be escorted and remain under the protection of the Solar Guard, and await trial. Please..." He put the letter away. "Come along...."

"...Okay." Shining softly said. His eyes, for a moment, gazed upon the framed photograph of himself, his wife, and their child. "I...just need a moment."

"...Of course. Shining." The inquisitor softly smiled. "I understand. It's not going to be an easy day for either of us, having to face Daybreaker. Take as much time as you need..." He said, and turned around to face him with his back. He leaned against the desk, gazing up at the ceiling, and out of the windows...How pretty the dust-filled godrays of the setting sun seemed to him.

Shining found himself glancing at the light. Then, once more at the photograph. He then gazed at the papers on the table. The framed medal he had beside them. At Gonelove's back. At his neck...At the letter opener on the corner of the desk. At Gonelove's neck...At the letter opener...

...At the photograph.

His horn, quietly, began glowing.

"..." Gonelove smiled softly, closing his eyes. "I do wish things turned out differently."

Shining let out a scream, and went for the kill. The letter opener was aimed right for Gonelove's artery.

What Shining hadn't considered was that at this time, Gonelove's horn was also glowing. Glowing black.

The white unicorn wasn't sure why - he wasn't sure what happened. But his magic listened to him, only it did so inversely. He lifted up the blade, but as he put all his effort into swiping the weapon across his target's neck, he found himself instead on the receiving end.

He took his final gasp. The letter opener swiped in the totally opposite direction, and cleanly sliced across Shining's own throat.

...

The inquisitor turned around with his sad smile. Shining's eyes were wide with shock, but his body language was stiff, and still. A hoof climbed to his neck to feel the iron-scented wetness that gathered around his neck, and leaked down to his chest.

"...I really do." Gonelove whispered. "It's so very unfair. I must choose between you, and what I worked so hard for in my life."

Shining couldn't say anything. Weakness overtook his body, and gravity felt heavier. He attempted to walk, as much as his heavy hooves could take him. He wanted to head for the exit. Not to escape, but to hope that perchance, Cadence was just outside. Not to seek help, but to see her once more.

And yet, only taking a few steps past Gonelove, the white unicorn collapsed. Immediately, Gonelove caught him, and gently guided him down onto the floor.

"Shining..." Gonelove softly frowned, stroking the stallion's bloodied mane. "I promise you...I promise you with every fiber of my being - with my horn and with my own life. I will not let your death be brushed under the shadows. Although those who follow you are sick traitors, I shall not let neither them, nor the crystal ponies; nor our glorious empire think of you as anything other than a hero. This much - for taking you away from your daughter and wife...This is my responsibility."

"And then maybe..." Laughed the inquisitor. "Once I'm done hating this world, we might meet again."

Shining wanted to say so much. Mostly to tell Gonelove to fornicate with himself, even if those words were genuine. But blood was running out, his throat unable to make the sound. He could only extend a hoof for Gonelove's horn, hoping somewhere, somehow, he had the strength snap it right off.

Gonelove instead wrapped his hoof around Shining's, and continued holding him - feeling the stallion's body become more still, and heavier. Heavier...And as heavy and limp as it could get.

The only sounds were of the birds, as their songs could be heard from the window of the castle.

"..." Gonelove sighed, and positioned Shining Armor's body in a straight position on the floor. He wanted him to look graceful.

The tranquil peace that came with the passing however was interrupted by a shrill scream of a mare.

Gonelove turned around, and smiled at the doorway. Indeed, he saw the alicorn - recoiling and shaking terribly at the sight...The sight she never wanted to imagine ever seeing. Not in this lifetime, not in any other.

"...Princess." Gonelove softly bowed. "On behalf of the Inquisitor's Bureau, I must sadly inform you that you and your late husband have been charged with treason. In accordance with royal laws however, we will not strip you of your rank, only limit you to house arrest. However, I'm afraid Captain Shining Armor has resisted arrest with the intent to kill the body responsible for detaining him. Please, comply." He said, and stood up from the bow. "We don't want the Crystal Ponies to lose all their hope. Do we?"

"You...S-Shining..."

"..."

"...SHINING!" She screamed as hard as her vocal cords could let her.

Cadence sprinted at Gonelove. However, he knew very well what to expect. He only needed to make a simple, vacant step to the side. As expected, the Princess ignored the Inquisitor, and instead crouched by Shining Armor's side. "Shining!" She cried out. Her horn began to sparkle. She attempted to use whatever healing magic she could, but there was no way to regenerate the body in time. Not even for an alicorn.

She sobbed throughout, her hooves shaking him in desperation. Could she wake him? Could she find that little spark of life left within him needed to bring him back? Could she, a demi-goddess, do anything to save the life she cherished more than her own?

She saw his eyes flicker. There was a sparkle. There was still life in them.

Gonelove bowed his head. "...I do not understand healing magic. But I know a thing or two to have kept him alive just for this. I don't think he'd want me to be the last pony he saw before the end."

She gasped. Shining...Shining was looking at her. Tears streamed down her face. She put a hoof to his face, and caressed it. She wasn't able to bring herself to hug him - she couldn't bear breaking eye contact with him as...

As the sparkle in his eyes was finally gone.

It was all gone.

...

In the end, Cadence was able to hug the body. The embers of what she held dearest, now devoid of warmth.

Gonelove frowned. "I cannot apologize for this, as much as I want to. Now, Cadence...It's time. Please, do not linger."

"I..." Cadence sniffled softly. "I won't...I...I won't..."

"...Princess." Gonelove sighed. "Be a dear, and let's--"

"I WON'T LET YOU GET AWAY WITH THIS!"

"Huh...?"

Gonelove had little time to exclaim or shout. A flash of violet had struck his eyes, and he felt himself for a moment become weightless.

A blast sent him flying to the other side of the room, right into a bookshelf. The books rained upon his body, the concussive force had made his vision blur. He cursed softly, the head trauma made it difficult to properly power up his horn. He was only able to muster up movement in his neck to turn his gaze upwards and look at what had just happened.

His eyes gradually widened. He rarely felt terror. He had lost that ability since the terrible things he had experienced learning magic.

But now, he once again felt like the little colt - on the receiving end of the cat o' nine tails held by a mentor who expected too much, and too soon.

What he saw was not the Princess of Love. What he saw was a being of malice. An alicorn, malformed and twisted into an ugly being of sheer hatred and sorrow. She was taller, larger - and she emitted with a form of sickly velvet aura, one that seeped out of her mane. Her teeth were razors that could put sharks to shame, her eyes had formed into snake-like pupils, and her fur now appeared dark and ethereal.

Was this...a similar effect to Daybreaker?

He had to remind himself that he had to whip himself for associating Daybreaker's godly visage as something "malformed, twisted, and ugly" when this was all over. As he looked up at her, pain struck him. Pain in his chest. Was the fall just a lot more painful than he had anticipated?

"...I will make you suffer so...so much..." Whispered the wicked beast before him, slowly stepping towards him. Her hoofshoes had transformed into one of a dark silver, their metallic clicking thunderous and ominous as she came closer. "I will kill...all of you...You will remember me. You will beg me, and scream my name - Arrhythmia! " Shouted the mare, her voice digging right into his head.

Gonelove cried out in pain. Something was seriously wrong. It hurt so much. Did he break a rib? Was his spine injured? No...It was a pain right in his chest. "Shit...So this is the same power that draws out Her Holiness and Nightmare Moon..." He whispered softly. "This isn't good--"

His instincts kicked in. He wasn't sure why...But he made it a point. Don't let her touch you.

He weaved his head underneath her hoof, and mustered his pained body to roll past her. With his agility, he was able to slip out from underneath her, and use his legs to propel himself away from her. Oddly enough, putting more distance between himself and her relieved some of his pain, allowing him to at-least make it past her and slowly stand on all fours.

That was definitely the right move, but not one that guaranteed his safety. With a scream, her elongated horn began to sparkle. It sparkled too much. Usually, the sparkle of a horn was majestic. This felt like some sickly, multi-colored static that spun around her. With a scream of anger, she turned her head at him, and fired off a blast of magic. The sound was terrifying, as if it ripped through the fabric of reality itself...soundless, and yet extremely deafening all at once. When it happened, the world had become completely grey for several seconds, all color sapped from the world before it returned.

Gonelove never learned to make shields - but he did learn how to deflect spells. That branch of magic, after all, is what led him down this path. However, the speed of her magic resulted in the reflection to come too late. The trajectory of the powerful blast was instead sent directly downwards, right into the stone floor. The stones immediately cracked and shattered, and collapsed underneath him, sending Gonelove falling into the darkness below.

***

Squawk! Squawk! Squawk!

...The sound of the obnoxious seagulls did little to comfort the little alicorn as she sat on the deck. She sat there by herself, clutching the toy snail that sat beside her. She gazed up at the sky...How many days had passed with her out in sea?

The maid, so duty-bound she wore her outfit even if on a ship, pointed at the filly in concern. The orange unicorn pensively sighed, nodding a 'thanks' to the maid before he approached her.

"...Flurry?" Sunburst quietly whispered as he came from the side, putting a hoof on hers. "Are you okay?"

"...I don't feel really well." The pink alicorn softly whispered. "...Have you ever felt a headache that feels like it's caused by something other than, well...the stuff that makes headaches happen?"

"Barometric pressure, maybe." Said Sunburst. "You should relax inside, Flurry. It's much cooler thanks to air conditioning systems...For a pony who spent almost all her life in the Crystal Empire to now appear in warm tropics isn't always comfortable."

This did not solve the alicorn's concern. "...It's something else, Sunburst. I can feel it...I..."

All of the sudden, she sprung up. "...I want to see mom! I...I need to see mom and dad right now! Something is wrong, I...I can sense it, I--"

"F-Flurry!" Gasped the stallion as he stood up. "Please calm down, it's--"

"No!" Exclaimed Flurry. "Tell the captain to turn the ship back!" She shouted. "We're going back right now! I...I-I DEMAND that we go back to the Crystal City! We--"

"Flurry!" Sunburst shouted, trying to be both disarming and assertive. "We cannot!" He cried out. "We...We can't."

If there was anything the alicorn hated, it was to tell others she was a princess.

"I am the princess of the Crystal Empire!" She shouted, hooves attempting to grab onto his collar. She was successfully able to do so, both of them rising to their hind legs. "I-If I tell you to turn back, you must listen to my command! You're my crystaller! You must obey what I say!"

"I can obey what you say, Flurry..." Hissed the stallion with annoyance at the sheer insolence of the teenager. "...So we return to Solar docks. Do you know that almost everyone on this boat is now wanted? We had to scrape up the few servants, guards, and staff who either had family abroad or none at all. They have waived their lives off to protect you because if they come back, they will be tortured and executed on the spot."

"...!" Flurry's eyes shot open, ears twitching with each word he said...Her eyes were becoming more reflective.

"...It's your choice, Flurry." Sunburst frowned, looking aside. "But all those who boarded this boat want only one thing - to get you to safety, and escape it all. You have the authority. If you're going to make such a choice...Then do it yourself - as Princess of the Crystal Empire."

"..."

Flurry's grip on his collar softened as instead, she merely held her hooves pressed to his chest. She slid down onto the floor, sobbing profusely as she found herself a meager child once more. In a fetal position, she could only sob and murmur. "...I don't want anything bad to happen to mom and dad..." She said - clutching the toy that was nearby...

Sunburst frowned, and lowered himself to her. Using his magic to levitate her, he avoided separating her from the toy, but was able to get the two into a hug. She was only happy to have two of the beings that protected her in her embrace.

"...It will be okay, Flurry." Whispered the stallion, making his voice soft and warm. "I promise."

He spoke with an assuring tone - giving it the same tremble as a voice that was kindly smiling. But while she hadn't been looking, he was deeply frowning. He knew why Flurry was feeling this headache.

He, after all - felt aching in his heart.

***

As he waded through the shaking castle, Gonelove found his health stabilized. Something had happened that gave him relief. He could finally take deeper breaths and not worry about the strange pain that he had felt in his chest. Why was it there in the first place? What could have hurt him so? Physical damage can't just disappear, not always with adrenaline either.

The castle indeed shook as if under slight tremors - and he knew why. The Crystal Heart must have been in limbo. One owner alive, the other dead - and that one owner was both powering up, yet corrupt. How would the city "feel" in this situation?

His hooves silently took him through the shadowy underground - rows of pillars dotted it...A lot of cover, and yet many corners which could be used to ambush him.

In the darkness, he caught a glimpse of a silhouette. Immediately, he let out an ugly gasp. A cry of pain, recoiling from a feeling that rocked him through his core. He felt weight. Heavy weight - right on his chest. It was such a weight that his body winced and his muscles began to involuntarily flex. He wanted to fall over. But why? Why was he feeling this way?

He rolled behind a column, gasping and ventilating over the crushing sensation. He felt it right in his heart - the feeling of irregular heartbeat that, even despite taking heavy breaths, never went away. A feeling of fragility and pain, that every heart beat could have been his last.

But now, he felt a sense of ease. The feeling was letting go. But what was it? Why did it happen? Why did he feel something so sudden, strange, and crushing?

Was this a stroke? Was it...cardiac arrest?

He heard the steps of hoofshoe-adorned legs stepping...coming towards him.

Click...Clack...Click...Clack...Click...Clack...Click...Clack.

He grit his teeth. What was he to do? He needed to study his opponent. But could he? Did she know he was here? Was this just a coincidence? Would he be a dead stallion for sitting in place, or a dead stallion for giving his position away?

He believed it was time to pray for a swift death...until he heard the sound of hoofsteps running from behind those already approaching him.

"Stop!" Cried out a crystal guard. "Who--...N-Nghh...Who are you...!? By the order of the P-Princess...cease and submit!" He said - his voice at first energetic, and now faltering - as if something he looked at was hurting him.

Gonelove turned his head. He had assumed these barks were directed at him, but it was much to his surprise that the guard in question held his halberd towards Arrhythmia. Why wouldn't he? She appeared like the more significant threat, and she looked nothing like the Princess he served.

The demonic creature only gazed at the guard, and began to take steps towards him. The stallion gulped, it forced him to take one step back. But even as chest-pains and terror overtook him, he couldn't let down the Princess of Love. With a shout, he charged forward.

"Out...of my WAY!"

It all happened within a blink. It took her a fluid, simple motion to completely deflect the halberd with a mere flick of her hoof. With too much momentum, the guard could not stop himself from running into her.

All he did was bump into her.

Then, he felt everything stop. He dropped to the floor before her.

Momentarily, the stallion began gasping. He began convulsing. His breathing became panicked, and there was no rhythm in it. Gonelove watched the scene from around the corner, only able to see the guard as it all unfolded. He looked with shocked eyes - in realization that the guard was suffering from a heart attack. And the sensation...He quickly caught onto the fact he only felt it when he was looking at her. It explained why this feeling was returning to him once more, despite the fact it abated earlier.

And the fact this stallion was now dying a second after he bumped into her...

How could he fight an enemy that was untouchable...?

Fight or flight?

The inquisitor was a flier. Want to serve Her Holiness? Live another day.

...But could anyone in this world outrun an angered being whose spouse they had just murdered?

Touché.

His horn pressed against the pillar. It was now glowing black, beginning to vibrate; a sensation which mixed with the already on-going tremors. Then, he reared his legs, and bucked the column right at Arrhythmia. He had packed this slab of stone with kinetic energy, and rendered it weightless for the mere moment needed to send it flying, before quickly returning its weight.

The monstrous alicorn could turn her head - and do only that as the large cylinder of marble smashed into her. The attack would have killed anyone. In-fact, it served as a collateral mercy kill against the slowly-dying stallion as a chunk of stone fell on his head and crushed it quickly. Furthermore, the dust had an unintentional side effect - it effectively shielded his eyes from this cardiac-inducing sight.

But from the dust, the silhouette emerged unharmed - now storming towards Gonelove, who watched in horror as he turned and started running.

"DIE! DIE, DIE! I'M BEGGING YOU, DIE! CEASE TO EXIST! BE UNDONE! DISAPPEAR AND BE AS IF YOU WERE NEVER BORN!" She screamed - her horn produced shimmering blasts of magic which tore through the stone and debris the inquisitor attempted to hide behind. Pillars were torn into bits, metal doors were melted straight through, and the walls quickly found themselves with gaping doors that allowed the alicorn to keep walking towards him. "KILL YOURSELF! I DON'T WANT TO SPEND ANOTHER SECOND IN THE SAME WORLD AS YOU! KILL YOURSELF NOW SO THAT I CAN DO THE SAME AND BE WITH MY BELOVED!"

Gonelove gasped as he cowered in the shadows. He heard her words...He wondered if reminding her of Flurry would be of any help, but he understood alicorns very well. If brought to this state, there were aspects of themselves that they lost. Gonelove would have called it "madness", but his duty involved detaining those who'd suggested Daybreaker to be mad in any shape or form.

...He sighed as quietly as he could. Even in life or death, he'd think about his work. He knew no other way to de-stress.

What did he know so far as he made his way through the castle - which was becoming more destroyed by the second? He was running out of space and time. Can't look. Can't touch. If he did - he'd die of cardiac arrest. He had to keep running. But nothing would stop her. Not the barred doors - which she gave him plenty of time to block, before she simply blew them open with her power.

But all things came to an end. As did the hallways and doors...

He hid in the shadows. The last line of defense - he believed he could make it past her and run. That he could find that way through - that way out...

He felt the pounding in his chest. As if his heart was being used as a punching bag. The pain was intense, fast. But all he needed was the right moment. All he needed was to hold on, and focus...just to focus...

"I fooound yooooou..."

He gasped like a frightened child, his body barely able to propel himself out of harm's way as the creature pounced onto his position. He was truly cornered, faced with a creature he could not look at, but nor could he escape. He closed his eyes shut, relying on echolocation and sense alone to help him. He was in a death trap, where every inch could be fatal. A single bit of contact meant cardiac arrest.

And this beast knew this. The pink, dark alicorn towered above him, her wings unfurled...and her horn vibrating and producing heat as it prepared its spell. A pink - as sickly as a sugar overdose, were the sugar expired and poisonous. A sickly hue that was not love - but a perversion of it.

The color in the room had disappeared.

"BEGONE!"

Gonelove shut his eyes. He had to think...

He had to think...

He had to remember.

That's what those on the brink of death do, after all.

Think about what led you here.

***

"It's your own fault." Sternly said the middle aged unicorn, hitting the young colt over his hooves with a cane. "Magic has chosen to leave you. You bear the responsibility for this. If your horn spews that corruption, it means that you do not follow the true teachings of magic. You have turned your back to Celestia. To all of Equestria." He said, gritting his teeth as he smacked his hooves again.

"I--..." The young colt did not know what to do. Or say...

"I'm sorry, I won't...I won't do--"

"Hollow words." The adult said, and continued smacking his hooves, even as blood began to stain the cane. "You are a doomed spawn, child. No apology can take it back. Not after your disgusting being claimed the life of your own mother. And now, you've driven your father - my brother - to suicide. It's your fault."

"It's...It's n...not..."

Adoration Gonelove did not understand how anything was his fault. How would a colt understand what a miscarriage was? What suicide was? As far as he knew, his mother and father were just located somewhere else. Why did this stallion - his supposed uncle, feel like anything but family?

Family members, normal ones, aren't supposed to punch children. And yet, Gonelove was sent reeling over the room as his uncle stood with his hoof curled to punch harder.

"Little shit..." He whispered. "My brother's will says I have to tutor you in the ways of magic. But how can I teach a parasite to contribute to society? How may I teach a virus to heal? How may I teach a fire to soothe? You either shape up and be a good little pony, Adoration - or the brain damage will--"

"..." Gonelove wasn't sure why he was doing this. Was it fear? Was it hatred? He shakily stood up and glared up at his uncle with wet eyes.

His uncle stared blankly. To him, this wasn't reality. A stupid dream he could dream as such. "...Really? Adoration - this isn't how this is going to happen..." Said the uncle. It was a rather calm response to the sight of the colt's horn glowing black...A color physically considered impossible among normal ponies. "You're not going to do anything to me. You've claimed two lives already. Tartarus awaits you. Don't make your punishment wor--"

Gonelove's memory made it appear as if the moment he blinked, there it was. The decomposing corpse of his own uncle. He ignored the corpse for days - so disgusted by his own uncle that the scent of rotting flesh hadn't bothered him as much as having to touch him. Not because it was a dead body, but because it was a stallion he detested.

He detested the world. For cursing him with a horn that only maims, for cursing him with a society that ostracized him for that which he couldn't control, for living in this stupid country ruled by the mare he hated the most - Princess Celestia.

Gonelove hated this world.

And the mistake of Arrhythmia was making him relive that day. The spark that reignited the searing, molten flames of sheer hatred and fury.

***

"Checkmate." Whispered the inquisitor.

The wave of energy that blasted from her horn would pour right at the stallion - but it wouldn't ever touch him. His horn, glowing blacker and blacker, would harness it. It swam around his head, like a school of fish...And only then did the corrupt avatar of Cadence realize what had happened.

Every second hurt him. Every second he kept this spell, his heart would not beat any further. But surely a pony could live a few seconds without a heart? He's been doing so for his whole life, after all.

A scream of fury was followed by that aura of magic rushing right back at her.

She screamed - the force struck her right in the chest. Her form had already been somewhat fluid - like a cell with a pierced membrane. But now, this shape malformed - like a liquid that violently shook and rippled.

"AAUUGHHH! K-KILL YOU! I'LL KILL YOU!" She screamed, falling onto the floor and convulsing. This beast was a symbol of hearts, as was Cadence. What was it like to experience a hundred cardiac arrests at once? If not a thousand? Arrhythmia struggled - wanting to both breathe and scream, but unable to do both.

"I'LL...KILL...YOU...I'LL..."

"I'll..."

"...I'll...I'll be there soon...S-Shining."

"I'm...sorry...Flurry...Heart."

Thud!

In the end, even a malformed demigodess would fall like a ragdoll on the floor upon death. She fell onto her side, gracefully and without a sigh nor groan. The body of Arrhythmia would remain on the ground, with particles separating from her and flying up into the sky, like purple ashen flakes.

He couldn't believe his own deed - truly believing he was done for in that moment. But sitting against the wall, he gazed at her. He conveyed no emotion - too tired and shaken to even display his love for life and the appreciation for being left alive.

But seeing the little particles of pink lift up from the alicorn, Gonelove hung his head low.

"I'm sorry. But you made one mistake, Princess..." Whispered the stallion. "You believed this whole time that love trumps over all hate in evil. But in truth?"

He chuckled, looking at his hooves.

"My hate for this world far outweighs the love you've had for your family."

As the corpse of the alicorn began to disintegrate, Gonelove gasped as he saw another replace it. The strange form of Arrhythmia was now making way for the Princess of Love that Equus knew and loved. Underneath the layer of corruption and malice was the same alicorn the Crystal Empire loved...

...He sighed in relief. He at-least knew that they could be buried together.

But as the old body disappeared, a bright-pink light floated now, right ahead of him. It floated above the corpse of Cadence, lamenting over her head...Like a dog, awaiting its dead owner to arrive. It wanted to connect so badly to her, it wanted to be a part of her...But it could not.

This is what he searched for.

The inquisitor smiled, and reached for it. There it was. One of his objectives.

The root of Princess Cadence's magic.

It absorbed into his hoof...and dormant strength began to fill him. He was certain this was it. Cadence's own magic. Her power. Her potency...And the strength of this element would allow him to harness it on his own. If he wanted to claim the power for himself, he could...

What to do with the thing that could give him near godlike powers...?

***

Daybreaker gazed at the glow face-to-face. The object had no real shape; it was merely that - a brilliant but elusive glow, one that could be held but not touched.

"Cadence is dead." Said Daybreaker. "...How will you take responsibility for this, Gonelove?"

"However you command me to, your Holiness." He whispered. "I am ready to fight, or use diplomacy and subterfuge to keep the Crystal ponies contained. If you wish me to be punished, then I am ready."

Daybreaker looked down at him, and smirked. "No. I won't punish someone who followed my orders, even with unexpected methods. For our goal - the sacred goal for protecting Equestria and its future, no cost is too great...But tell me this, Grand Inquisitor...You stored it within you to ensure it would be delivered here. But at that point, you wielded the power of an alicorn. Why obey me when you knew you had this much power?" She leaned in, her sharp eyes studying him head to hooftip. ""You could have contested me. Could have tried to catch me off-guard. Why didn't you?"

"Traitors are the scum of the world, your Holiness." Gonelove smiled. "I live and die for you, and for your - our cause."

Daybreaker looked down upon him with that sharp look...But a smile came upon her.

"...You and Aurora." She sighed. "I do wish you two had gotten along. And I wish Twilight was here...With you three, and the other elements, some of Equestria's other finest heroes...We would need not worry about resorting to trickery and experimentation."

"I'm afraid Aurora and I are oil and water." He awkwardly chuckled, waving his hooves to the sides. "A general that believes in the process, and a zealot who believes in the result."

Curiously studying him, Daybreaker closed his eyes and stood up from her throne. But as she did...The gates opened for but a brief moment.

The teenaged alicorn stepped in. Flurry Heart walked cautiously, careful and doing her best not to offend the monarch sitting on the imposing throne before her. "...Your Maje--"

"Ma'am is fine, dear..." The fiery alicorn smiled softly, hiding the pink glow with her own fiery essence, completely swallowing mere seconds before Flurry fully stepped in. "We're both royalty, after all."

"Yes, ma'am..." Flurry hung her head somewhat. "I...Just wanted to ask you a question, if...I may?"

"Of course." Daybreaker patiently gazed at her, gently ushering Gonelove to step aside so that she could take a look at her. "I'll do my best to answer. What seems to bother you, young one?"

"...Is...Everything okay with mom and dad?"

"..." Daybreaker stared blankly for a moment at the teenager. It took her moments before she came up with an answer. "They're on vacation, young one. They're on leave in the Meridiennes for the time being. You know how stressful work is for them, don't you?""

"...Ah...Of course..."

"Why do you ask, if I may...?"

"I just...Felt something was off." She lied.

But the answer was enough. Daybreaker gently nodded. "Do hurry along dear. I believe you had magic classes to attend at this hour, did you not?"

"A-Ah, yes...Thank you for having me, ma'am..." Flurry ever-so-gently bowed, and turned around. As she left the throne room, Daybreaker's eyes darted to Gonelove.

"...I changed my mind." She said. "Lash yourself fifty times for orphaning the little one."

In response to the rather unfair change of mind, to the fact that Gonelove was told to hurt himself for something he practically had no control over...He bowed gently. He was content with the verdict. "I shall depart to the torture chamber now, ma'am."

"Good." She sighed, sitting back down on the throne as she stared at the stained glass...The one that was shattered when Canterlot was sieged by the joint forces of the enemy.

"...We will be ready soon. Soon, the whole world shall be under my range. Equestria shall never be unsafe again. All evil, all danger - it will be purged before it can fester...The wicked necromancers, the cowering changelings, the scheming griffons, the insolent river ponies, the insane hippogriff communists, the vile yetis...those traitors in New Mareland...They will have the easiest choice of their lives. Very, very soon..."

"...I only wonder..."

"Where is Luna?"

Chapter 17 - Moonlight Sonata

Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.

Chapter 18, Part One - Ring of Fire

Swing...Swing...Swing...Swing.

...Wasn't it supposed to break her neck?

...Oh, right. It's hard to break your neck when the only falling distance you have to work with is a lamp in a bunker. A shoddy lamp at that. Hopefully, all the weight loss she'd experienced over the months would keep her light enough from snapping the thin cable.

Perhaps this wasn't the right thing to do. They always say - think of your loved ones.

What if all your loved ones disappeared in a flash?

That's why she was content - the numbness in her soul far stronger than that tightness around her neck. Of course the ELF could never get decent rope. Was her little rebellion even in the possession of the tiniest speck of hope when the ponies picked up the rifles?

...No matter. Her eyes were closed. Her body was limp. No movement. Why move when the darkness would take you on its own? All her memories instead were of that one pony who made it worth fighting for.

And her voice - she could hear it calling her from the light.

"Starlight~!"

"...Staaaarlight~!" Giggled Trixie, as she held her arms out. Of course she was already there.

"Staaaaaarliiiiiiight~!" Laughed Trixie as she galloped over to her.

"Starliiiiight!" Trixie cried out.

"Starlight!" Trixie cried.

"STARLIGHT!" Trixie screamed.

"STARLIGHT!" She sobbed.

The blue unicorn was the first to rush into the bunker. Seeing what had happened, she immediately positioned herself underneath the hanging unicorn, and lifted her up.

"Fuck, cut it!" Yelled Colton who ran in after her. Immediately, Plymouth's levitation swiped his knife right at the rope, immediately severing the cord. Trixie caught Starlight just as her body collapsed, and Umfuni immediately rushed in to help. They laid the limp body of the lavender unicorn onto the floor, with Chari joining them as she placed her vest underneath the back of her head.

"I'll give CPR!" Umfuni shouted. Immediately he got to work, performing the chest compressions with a timely manner as his striped hooves began to press against her chest.

"C-Can you do it correctly!?" Whimpered Trixie in total disbelief in shock, her hooves shaking too much to be of any use as she hopelessly stroked Starlight's mane, sitting right behind her and attempting to use her own lap as a makeshift pillow.

Umfuni let out the most sardonic chuckle he could, a nervous reflex. "Been perfecting it since my brother did the same thing. Not letting myself screw up this time." He muttered. Again, the hooves pressed into her chest, pumping it to help her heart.

"Shit..." Gomer nervously bit his lip. He heard the sound of movement behind him, and immediately stepped to the door, blocking the view of the rebels that tried to see what was happening. He didn't want the young ones to see. "Hey! Stay outta here! Get back, now!" He shouted at Babs and Mina, who yelped as they took steps away from the door.

Cipher anxiously stood at the ready if he was needed, but with too many cooks working on resuscitating the motionless pony, all he could do was swatch.

"One, one thousand...two, one thousand..." Umfuni muttered, rhythmically pushing her chest, then performing mouth-to-mouth in-between. "Come on, please...Please, damn it..."

Trixie sobbed as her hooves ran over the unicorn's cheek, hoping that her warmth would wake her. "S-Starlight...No, no, no...Not like this." She whimpered. Noticing that Umfuni had been panting from the lack of air, she took over the mouth-to-mouth, grabbing Starlight's head in the right position. Umfuni nodded at her, and as he continued the compressions, he intensified his movements. Chari constantly checked for pulse, only intending to speak when she'd felt something.

"Go!" Umfuni exclaimed to Trixie.

"Starlight...Please wake up." The blue unicorn whimpered.

Trixie's lips touched Starlight's. Air rushed into her mouth, and into her lungs.

"..." Chari's eyes lit up. "Pulse!"

After a moment of crushing silence, Starlight Glimmer weakly opened her eyes. Immediately, it locked onto the blue unicorn's. Her pupils widened.

"...My angel." Whispered the near-dead mare.

Carefully, yet hastily, Trixie moved herself to sit by her side and brought the revived mare to her body, clutching her tight. "Why!?" Bawled the blue unicorn as she pressed her face to Starlight's, the recently woken unicorn closing one eye as the tears streamed upon her. Their warmth, their...life. They kept her here. She kept her here, alive. "Why did you do this? To me!? Starlight...Please, don't...ever again. Please..."

"You're so beautiful..." Was all Starlight could whisper, before the ability to speak was hijacked by Trixie's lips.

***

They moved to the infirmary, where Starlight was laid on a bed. The room was occupied by the SIB, who carefully monitored Starlight and by extension, Trixie. Apart from them, Sunset Shimmer slept in the corner, needing to recover after the grave injuries.

"A-Agh...!" Starlight gasped as she sat up, immediately clutching her chest. Umfuni gently wrapped his hooves around her, keeping her steady and helping her lay back down.

"Careful!" The zebra softly exclaimed. "Good CPR has a cost - one or some of your ribs may be fractured, maybe broken. I think it's a decent price to pay to restart your heart though, no?"

"...I owe you my life." Starlight softly whispered, clutching her chest which seemed to bruise by the minute. "But...Damn it all. I've screwed up so badly...So many dead because of me, I--"

"No. You did the absolute best anyone could have. The plan's execution was flawless." Said Cipher as he stood by her side. "Starlight, nopony had any intel on what those things were. We've been tracking some kind of Solarist superweapon, and this could be it. And if it's not, then it's one of several at this point. Nopony could've predicted what would happen. Please, don't blame yourself for this."

Trixie held Starlight's hoof, sitting by her side. "He's right, Starlight. As far as sieges go, yours was more successful than anypony could've pulled off with what we had to work with...I think the ELF could never have imagined attempting to take Fillydelphia without your leadership."

Starlight tried to find something in the situation to return the sparkle in her eye. But sadly, the pony sat surrounded by the creatures, and the bunker's walls. Optimism was a dry well. She sighed. "...But what now? The ELF...What do we have left? We..."

Chari took Starlight's other hoof, moving to stand by the other side. "The ELF will come back. Maybe stronger than ever. If Daybreaker had the audacity to do what she did with Fillydelphia, think - do you think this action will go unnoticed? Unpunished? You'll reunite with those who fled, and you'll keep trying, because no matter whether or not you bring back Equestria, what matters the most is that you fight to return her. If it takes months, years, decades, your whole life - I know you can do it, miss Starlight."

Plymouth chuckled, sheathing the blade that had cut Starlight's rope. "And, miss - take a look at things from another light. Fillydelphia just got bombed to kingdom come. Whether or not the buildings stayed intact, I think the fact that the whole forest surrounding it got burned to a crisp is gonna shake things up a little. A lotta ponies support Daybreaker out of genuine belief she's holy, and that she's their mommy. Now, some of them are gonna see the illusion's breakin' a lil'. I highly doubt she was able to pull that act off without harming stray civvies either."

"Okay, okay..." Starlight laughed gently, then grit her teeth as pain struck her side. She took a deep breath, and leaned against Trixie, but also did so to have a proper line of sight with the SIB agents. She didn't like to be pitied, not when there was work to do. It no longer mattered how badly she screwed up - for the ponies beside her were right. "I'm going to disappoint those who've followed me to their death if I don't continue. We're going to make things right..."

"Where should we start?" Trixie asked. "We'll rebuild it all. Just let me know what we can do."

The purple unicorn, with Trixie's and Chari's help, was able to sit up on the bed. "...We still have cells that were farther from Drosera. We've got some gear hidden away. Some supplies...Troops who we've stationed around the East Coast. We can regroup everyone and change bases. Then we focus on smaller targets, like when we started. No big scale operations until we know we're ready for all threats, including those things."

The blue unicorn nuzzled her, grateful beyond words that her beloved was here, and alive. "That's fine. That's fine...Just please, don't...don't...do that again."

"I promise." Starlight smiled. She kissed Trixie on the forehead...Both unicorns oblivious to the fact that they were completely alone as the SIB operators quietly left the infirmary.

***

The scattered groups of rebels returned and gathered together. After the hour had passed, short bursts of anxiety came as armed strangers appeared through the treeline. Elation came as it was revealed to be friendlies - fighters who were able to escape the terrible bloodbath. They sat around Drosera, setting bags and building smokeless campfires, both preparing to defend and leave.

It was time to prepare to move, and many were gathering what belongings, weapons, and supplies they had. Gomer looked at them, and found a patch of rebels that were somewhat familiar to him. The griffon humphed, folding his talons as he studied them, especially the younger ones - those were the ones whose answers he was most curious about.

"So..." Gomer muttered as he stood before the rebels. "What are you gonna be up to? What about your comic store?" He asked Mina. "...You've got a daughter." He pointed at Mr. Stripes. "And you've got to get back with your cousin and the rest of your family." He pointed at Babs.

"Hoh." Mr. Stripes scoffed as he scratched his flank through his tracksuit, then adjusted his armored vest to make room for his gold chains. "Big mister secret agent bird is telling me what I should do with life? Daughter is fine - is with relatives in Mareland. I stay and fight, not of wanting shitty Solarist flag be over Manehattan. You worry about yourself, parrot - yes?"

Gomer couldn't be angry at a bit of banter, certainly not from an older stallion who knew what he was doing. Yet, that made him focus on the younger rebels, his eyes trained on them.

"...I won't stay." Mina hung her head. "I might see if I can slip back in, Dragon Town will make it easy. Then I'm getting my comics, and I'm opening a new store. I don't think I wanna live in a city where so many creatures died...I'll miss home, but...it's not like a lot of dragons chose to stay in Filly anyway. I'd be clinging to nostalgia if I stayed."

"I'll..." Babs scratched her mane. "...Yeah. I'll probably try to find mom, dad, then I'll probably try to meet the rest of the apples..."

"About that." Colton said as he approached Gomer from the side, having heard the conversation. "If you can make it, SIB's arranged for Applejack's side of the family to get evacced to New Mareland. Get yourself there. You'll be fine - an Apple visiting another Apple is pretty, well...y'know...Sure as the sun will rise, and all."

"Thank you for the heads up." Babs softly smiled. "I...I don't know how much I can fight for now. Not after what I saw. I really want to see mom, dad...anyone from my family, really. I hope...Applebloom and the other crusaders are okay..."

Colton nodded at her, then turned to Gomer. "And you, stop harassing the guerilla with your questions, eh?"

"I just..." Gomer nearly let his true feelings slip past his beak. He caught himself, and smirked softly. "Right...I guess we gotta start doing some packing of our-"

CRASH!

All immediately turned their heads to see what was wrong - Gomer reflexively cocking his pistol and keeping it at the ready. The sound came from the entrance to the bunker - a figure attempted to limp through, supporting itself on the walls. The figure had knocked over several bottles and boxes, barely able to stay on her damaged legs.

"Damn you..." Whispered the figure. With the voice revealing itself, Chari immediately gasped, running up to the pony trying to leave the darkness of the bunker. She helped the stranger limp out into the fresh air - and under light, it was revealed that the voice was none other than Sunset Shimmer, having crawled out of the infirmary.

"Commander Shimmer!?" Colton tried to help her from the other side. "W-What are you doing out of bed? You need to rest and--"

Wrestling herself out of Chari's hold, Sunset Shimmer used her remaining front hoof to punt Colton in the chest. It wasn't an attack - rather an attempt for her to give something. He caught her, but was now aware of the paper that was pressing up against him. He looked down at it, before looking at her - seeing desperation in her missing eye.

"Damn you and your blindness..." Sunset hissed. "How did none of you notice!? He left this on his bed, and you didn't notice!?"

"What...What is it?" Colton was able to look at the paper now that Chari started to support Sunset again. He looked at the writing, scanning the words...and feeling his blood freeze.

Gomer was the first to show intense interest, ignoring the injured unicorn to focus on the note. "Hey! What's it say!? Who's "he"!? Lemme..."

...

"Oh shit..." Gomer whispered.

If I don't come back, don't wait up. I can feel those things. One is coming here, and I think I know why. Either I take care of it, or I don't. I'd rather take my chances than risk your lives. Find Raz and get out of here.

-Cipher.

"What the fuck!?" Gomer barked, immediately looking around. He had assumed Cipher was resting on the bed assigned to him - but when did he sneak out? When did he leave Drosera!? "Cipher! Cipher! Shit - hey, has anyone seen him!?"

"What's going on!?" Umfuni cried out, having sprinted out of the bunker having heard the commotion, followed by Plymouth who still had shaving cream on his cheeks.

The green unicorn immediately looked at the note and placed a hoof on his forehead, hissing. "Fuck...Shit, Colton', it's my damn fault. I was the last one who saw him - he said he was gonna take a nap, so, fuck, I decided to go for a shave..."

Yet, the words struck a sense of hope for the changeling. "Wait, that means...If you're shaving just shortly after seeing him, he must not have gone far! We can still get to him..." Chari spoke, voice hoarse from fear and panic.

"But what the hell does the note mean!?" Gomer rubbed the back of his head with a talon. "Is he talking about one of the things that fucked us up in Filly!? What does he mean he can sense them?"

"...I saw it." Colton spoke, eyes never leaving the note's words. "Before it happened, I think he said he even felt like Daybreaker was nearby..." He finally broke eye contact from the paper to look at the others. "Team, gear up in five and head out. Chari, I need you to transform into a Bloodhound, take point with Gomer looking for tracks."

"G-Got it!" Chari said, and ran off, her body shifting into the sharp-nosed canine to detect any immediate tracks.

With that, Sunset Shimmer sighed and sat down against a crate. The Marelanders ran off to get their weapons and gear, leaving her alone with the rebels who had been watching the whole time, stunned and confused. The rebel first to approach was Ms. Harswhinny. "You shouldn't strain yourself like that, ma'am...I've seen what happens to athletes who think they can walk a torn hamstring off. It's very unprofessional. Let alone escaping an exploded tank..." She said. "I'll help you back to the infirmary?"

The fiery-maned mare smiled softly. "Yeah, I'd appreciate it, ma'am."

As the sports game inspector-turned-ELF guerilla helped Sunset drape a hoof over her neck, she struck up conversation as they limped back into the bunker. "How'd you find the note? Were you looking for this stallion?"

"...Yeah." Sunset admitted. "I wanted to ask him to help write to Twilight for me, with my journal. He's met Twilight personally - so I'd trust him."

"That's good." Harshwhinny sighed. "I was just thinking you...nevermind."

"..." Sunset Shimmer scoffed softly while looking at her assistant in a humored way. "C'mon, I doubt that guy would wanna share a bed with a bloodied mare who just lost a hoof."

The older mare awkwardly chuckled. "W-Well, he'd certainly be a hypocrite if that were the reason he'd deny you. Not to mention, we did run out of most hygiene products. It would be unprof-...unsanitary."

***

The robin curiously looked at the pony who stood in the center of a clearing. It was used to the creatures - knowing that they loved to feed it and other birds like it. Though, ever since that terrible rain of fire that surrounded the strange concrete forest that was full of these ponies, it stayed away and remained in its wooded home. It wondered if this strange pony would want to feed it - but no. The pony was merely staring blankly forward - breathing heavily, yet steadily.

The clearing would do, a little uphill from the highway. Cipher feared that the foliage was flammable, but a raging forest fire was the least of his worries. Things were going to be bad, but at-least nobody else would get caught in the crossfire.

He could sense it. He even had an idea how far away it was.

At the same time, it knew where he was.

He figured it was connected to that day Nightmare Moon saved his life from her own devotees. Ever since he woke up at the altar, surrounded by corpses...He felt that shadow loom behind his shoulder. Unheard, and disappearing if he ever took a closer look. In the darkness, it stood. Not preying on him, but standing behind him. Urging him to turn around, and leaving him with nothing if he did.

Every shadow had a light source. In a moment however, all shadows receded when the clearing became the landing zone for the fiery alicornoid. One of the dozen or so that had demolished Fillydelphia with a flurry of fire and explosions.

Cipher eyed the Daybreaker-esque pony as its hot hooves touched the fallen leaves, burning them away. It was the same height as him. In-fact, it may have even appeared to be a normal pony, at a first glance.

But that was far from the truth. The alicorn that stood before him appeared feral. It may have attempted to replicate the godly image of Daybreaker, but something in its eyes, something about its stance...It appeared unnatural. Sharp teeth and animalistic, feline eyes...

It stopped walking towards him. Then it pointed a hoof right at Cipher. It didn't intend to kill him now, it could have done so from the air. At any second it so desired. Evidently, it sought to capture him. To take him and face the music of whatever being taken prisoner by the Solarists entailed.

It had no idea that Cipher would not be taken alive. After Zebrica, he was sure death was sometimes the better choice. This would be infinitely worse.

"I don't know what you are." Cipher stood with his metal hoof placed forward, prepared to use it in both offense and defense. "But I can sense her on you...So if hurting you hurts her..."

Cipher's hooves planted deeper into the soil, prepared to pounce.

"...I'll kill you slowly."

The Ascended did not enjoy the blasphemy, the remark forcing it to begin a march right towards its target. Cipher was going to fight it, though a direct approach meant death. For this reason, Cipher was going to fight this alicornoid the same way the rebels fought Daybreaker all this time.

Smarts, treachery, and a plan. At-least, as much as he could prepare in the minutes he had been given.

The bundle of impact grenades collapsed right on top of the monster, the moment Cipher lifted his leg that held them on the string. The explosion had torn branches and vaporized leaves as the orbs rained upon the monster. Unforeseen was the snuffing of its flame, the fires that it was engulfed in were dimmed immediately, and it stumbled, falling onto its side as it scattered to stand back up.

Of course, Cipher's ingenuity had limits. Frankly, no being was supposed to survive this, yet this thing was instead taking a moment to catch its breath.

At-least the beast was caught off-guard. In situations like this, there was always plan B.

Cipher rushed in. Truthfully, he wasn't sure how he was going to fight this thing, but experimentation was part of the due process. If he died, then at-least that was the end of that. It'd leave his friends alone.

He rushed in to leap forward, and deliver a punch with his metallic hoof. It connected right with its face, the metal striking it with the impact of a thrown dumbbell. The monster slid backwards - not feeling any pain, but certainly unable to resist the laws of physics. Cipher did not relent, leaping in to continue throwing punches with his hooves. He was still cautious, even as he punched his target he made sure to be ready to dodge or weave if needed once this thing recovered from the stunned post-explosion state.

Cipher knew it was all a death sentence...But maybe all he needed was to find a weakness. Something. No way this thing could get destroyed with mere hoof-to-hoof, but if the grenades seemed to stun it, then this thing was a little less than invincible.

It was greatly unfortunate, however, that the Ascended merely waited a few seconds to see if regret would settle in the mortal pony. Maybe it expected Cipher would give up after seeing those grenades and near-lethal punches had no effect. It felt surprised at the fact that his target didn't stop, but all it meant was that the last train to do things the easy way had departed.

The monster's hoof lifted slowly while resisting the punches, and in a flash the beast delivered a painful jab right into Cipher's side. The speed at which it moved was phenomenal, enough to make the air around it whip and crack. Cipher felt his left lung give up the wind within it. Then, without much time to react, the same attack was repeated for his other side - intending to knock out the oxygen in his lungs entirely and incapacitate him.

But Cipher did not fall, still standing despite stumbling back for several meters from the recoil and pain. When the Ascended threw its hoof right at his face, it lunged forward to deliver the attack with more momentum and strength. This was its mistake - Cipher weaved his head at the last moment before pushing his metallic hoof into it, clothes-lining the creature right into its collarbone, damaging both the throat and chest.

The Ascended grimaced as it rolled over to its side, not only affected by the pushing force, but also blunt trauma. There were audible cracks coming from its ribcage. It released bloodied coughs as it started to vomit up black, tar-like viscera, like soot.

It stared daggers at Cipher as it limped into a patch of dusk's sunlight...And the sound of bones cracking tingled Cipher's ears. Its posture corrected, the damaged body realigning back into the wicked perfection.

The pony's hard work was undone.

"...Healing in a fight?" Cipher kissed his teeth. On one hand, it was heartbreaking to see his beautiful attacks made obsolete. On the other hand, at-least he knew that this thing could be hurt, even though it seemingly didn't feel pain and always had the opportunity to recover. If it needed to heal, it had a threshold before its destruction. "Guess you can afford to be a sore loser when you've got Daybreaker as the referee--"

The remark had to be cut short as the being dashed at him. However, it was slower...Or at-least, more predictable. Maybe the wounds were healed physically, but there may have been hesitation now that the one-hooved earth pony seemed more formidable . Cipher opted for a riskier approach, instead grappling the pony-like beast and throwing it over to his side.

...He picked it up?

Why was he able to do that? He was certain if this thing was near-godlike, there must have been a reason he was managing so well. He expected to have been dead minutes ago. He only chose to meet it like this in hopes that, were it to kill him, it'd leave the others. How was he hurting it? Why was he able to damage it when an army of rebels couldn't take out even one?

And yet there he was - performing a judo-throw and landing the Ascended right on a sharp rock. A nice bonus - one that had temporarily paralyzed the beast as the stone tore right into the spine.

It was now or never. The earth pony straddled the beast and raised his hooves into the air, before bringing them down one by one across the face of the emotionless alicorn - who made direct eye contact the whole time, staring at him unwavering and deep into his soul.

As the stallion continued beating his opponent down, Cipher noticed something...His punches were working. His metallic hoof slamming into its face, his organic hoof assisting it from the other side - the repeated punches right into the face of this creature had a result. Chunks of meat and bone were flying off, the visage was becoming ugly and disfigured. It may have had godlike powers, and it was hard to kill - but he saw that each hit made it stunned, move more sluggishly. If he wasn't killing it, he was giving it brain damage.

The hoof-to-hoof combat ended however, once the Ascended caught Cipher's hoof. Instead of counter-attacking, it merely wrapped its hooves around the metallic limb, and held it very close, refusing to let go. Cipher cried out, trying to kick and punch his assailant. He tried to get away from the mostly-paralyzed enemy...But to no avail. Cipher had no idea why his opponent was just holding him in place, thinking it merely wanted a time out.

Then, his hoof started to become warmer.

...Cipher's eyes widened. In shock, he started to try and kick it away like mad. It was getting warmer, then hotter...He was starting to sweat. It wasn't long before Cipher gasped and screamed in pain as his metal hoof began to burn from inside out. His prosthesis was starting to heat up - and this caused the nerves connected to it to sear, directly heated by the hot metal stuck to him. It was as if he was holding onto a hot iron, and could not let go of it.

Cipher tried Colton's trick when things were hopeless. One of his hooves went for one of the foe's eyes, ramming itself right into the socket...But to no avail. Even with an eye now gouged out with a deadly eye poke, the Ascended kept at it. No blood came from the missing eye, despite the fact that its eye was crushed, the socket continued glowing with its hot, eerie yellow. Cursing, Cipher went for the other one...And now, even with both eyeballs destroyed, the thing continued to operate, and continued its attempt to boil him from inside out. Cipher screamed, the skin around his hoof charring, blistering, and burning. Smoke came from his hoof and soon, with the sound of hissing metal and hydraulics failing...Gasses popping, electronics frying...

In a flurry of sparks and metal, the explosion blinded him. Cipher let out a scream as he was finally able to get away from the monster - for there was nothing that held him tethered to it. Or rather, there was nothing to hold onto with. The stallion rolled along the dirt as he lost several artificial kilograms of weight, becoming much lighter. Not a worthy trade in his eyes.

He was now without a hoof once more.

"GGGRAAAGH! Fuck! HGGH...F-Fuck!" Cipher tried to nurse the burned meat near the socket, but touching it was too hot, and nursing it between his thighs would not work. He could only pound the ground with his legs and hoof, eyes full of pained tears as fire tortured him.

The pain and injury made him helpless. Defenseless. And yet, the beast walked towards him, here to destroy him and reduce him to nothing.

The burning in his hooves...

It all felt like that same day, all over again.

Chapter 18, Part Two - For a Stranger's Sake

***

She gasped and cried as she ran down the hallways. This wasn't real. It couldn't have been real. She pinched herself repeatedly, tried to poke her hoof to see if it would go through, and constantly she tried to blink hard and open her eyes. Yet, none of her lucid dream-checking techniques worked - nothing made her realize this was a dream.

Her mentor, and the mare she owed so much to, was now a monster - a monster that was cleaving and burning through legions of Sombrists, changelings, communists, and Lunarists. Her laughs echoed through the halls, striking Twilight right in the spine.

Her friends were safe and teleported away against their will, but she couldn't leave. She wanted to find a solution. There must have been one. Her hooves clipped-clopped across the marble and granite floors, in a mad dash for her goal. She felt like she was in a nightmare, chased by something she felt was omnipotent - but slow...

Snapping her to reality was the hoof that wrapped around her mouth, and dragged her into a separate, small room.

The restraining and subduing attack made the alicorn's body aflame in terror and panic. Twilight screamed into the hoof that was silencing her - so terrified that she forgot all her offensive and defensive spells, unable to repel the figure that overwhelmed her. Muffled through the hoof that made her quiet, she kept trying to scream. "Nooo! P-Please, a-agh, no! Get away from me! Help! Somepony hel--"

"Princess Twilight Sparkle!" The voice exclaimed in a hushed tone - soft. A male, and an earth pony. "Please, r-relax! I'm not with the enemy! I'm from New Mareland! New Mareland!"

Twilight's frantic panic cooled as she winced, but opened one eye to see the shape of a young stallion. She looked into his teal eyes - her heartbeat softening and slowing. She felt safe, at-least for the fact that he didn't have that wild or menacing look the soldiers storming the castle had.

"New Mareland...?" Twilight softly said now that the hoof relented from her mouth, her hyperventilation slowing. "I can't believe it...Who...Who are you?"

"I'm agent Cipher, Sunset Intelligence Bureau." The stallion whispered, pulling back from Twilight and no longer pinning her. "Sorry about the scare, I had to get you concealed fast...Are you hurt, ma'am?"

Just the conversation alone helped Twilight return the sense of normal conversation that had gone asunder since the siege started. "No, Mister Cipher. And...Wow. Sorry for saying "I can't believe it", just..."

"A-Ahah...I know." Cipher awkwardly rubbed the back of his neck. "New Mareland hasn't been the most active in the war since it went independent...Jetset wanted to get more involved, but there's too much backlash on the streets and up high since nobody wants a naval invasion from Lunarists when we're surrounded by beaches..."

"Well...I'm thankful all the same." Twilight nodded. "But, what is your mission, exactly?"

Cipher, while speaking to her, approached a window to look out of it. Canterlot was in utter carnage, the ornate buildings on fire and in rubble. Leaving would be difficult, so Cipher showed her the climbing picks on his backpack. "We've been sent to evacuate the two Princesses, the elements of harmony, and any companions - as well as many government personnel we can, and help get you over the sea. S-Speaking of which, where are they now...?"

Twilight nodded her head. "I already teleported them. I-I mean, to a safe place, many miles from here. Well, I teleported all, except..."

"...So that's really Celestia?" Cipher asked, the accurate estimation forcing Twilight to blink, stumped.

"How'd you figure?"

"...Just a hunch." Cipher said. "I mean, all the fire and heat kinda helped me put two and two together."

"Yeah..." Twilight found the strength to chuckle nervously. But then, she could no longer take it. The chuckling turned into sobbing. The alicorn hit the wall as she slumped against it and sat down, curling on the floor.

Cipher frowned deeply, crouching - but his rifle trained at the corner to make sure that they weren't too vulnerable. He saw her cry, saw her shaking and muttering strange words he did not understand...Though he knew it wasn't his place to.

"...Princess." Cipher said. "We must leave. I understand things aren't going well, but your safety takes priority. If Nightmare Moon was once reverted to Princess Luna, then the same is true for...whatever Celestia turned into. But that's why we need you to be safe, and--"

"No, Cipher..." Twilight shakily rose to her hooves - his words inspired her, but not how he'd hoped. "You're right - and if I leave now, I cannot guarantee that the library and its secret section won't be burned down. I can't teleport there, Daybreaker nearly found me when I evacuated my friends, she can trace magic...but if you can just help me descend two floors, then--"

Cipher grunted. Here came the complications. He placed his hooves on her shoulders and leaned in with a serious gaze. "Princess, there's nothing we can do in this chaos. If you're harmed now, then--"

Twilight immediately broke his hooves away from her body, turning her head away. "If we don't stop her now, then there's no telling what will happen to Equestria. How many will die tomorrow!? Next week? This year!? Millions of deaths may be on my shoulders, and--"

"There will be billions if you don't return safely!" Cipher exclaimed, saying the first thing that came to his mind. "You're the only one who knows alicorn magic so deeply - nopony in Zebrica nor Griffonia has the personal knowledge and expertise you do. New Mareland - the world needs you, because without you there's not a chance in Tartarus we can stop this."

"Then let me try here and now, please!" Twilight exclaimed, leaning in as she tried to hold Cipher's hooves, squeezing them. Despite the soot they were coated in, they were both so healthy and in good shape, to the point Twilight rubbed them a little for her own comfort. "I just need one shot to check the library, take everything I can, and I'll teleport the both of us out of here. Please..."

"...I..." Cipher looked at the purple hooves that were wrapped around his. This kind of begging, this kind of earnestness and urging...She was a princess, he was a nobody - as his job needed him to be. Yet here she was, confiding in him as if he was a close friend. Perhaps he was weak, maybe he was naive. He had a mission...

But even a small chance of running into a skeleton key - the possibility that their silver bullet was under their noses...Looking at a lottery ticket, unable to knock out the thought that if he didn't scratch it, he'd hate himself forever if it turned out it was the winning one.

"...Damn it." The stallion sighed. "Let's go. Quickly."

***

The hallways left them surprisingly unscathed. There was no encounter with straggling soldiers of the would-be-occupants, there was no encounter with Daybreaker herself. The sounds of hooves echoed through the oddly quiet corridors.

Twilight was about to step into the library - but Cipher immediately placed a hoof horizontally in-front of her to stop her. Although she looked at him with furrowed and annoyed brows, her expression softened when he held a pistol close to his chest as he started to quietly push the door open, immediately looking left and right, before allowing Twilight to enter the library with him.

"...Cipher." Twilight whispered as they waded through the darkness. The explosions and shaking were comforting, for they meant that Daybreaker was focused on other things. "...Where are you from, if I may ask?"

"You'd be surprised." The pony chuckled. "I'm from Equus - southern. Baltimare...-ish. Somewhere like that."

"And...How did you join the organization?"

"Ma'am, I'd like to humor you, but talking might give away our posi--"

"Please talk to me?" The alicorn softly asked. "I'll...I'll go crazy if I have to endure silence when I can hear her laughing all the way from over here..."

"...Okay." The earth pony nodded, and softly smiled. "I never started with any formal army. I found work with some, uh..." His smile turned into a guilty one. "Uh...independent...non-government armed organizations?"

"Oh. So a mercenary."

"Y-Your words, not mine." He blushed. "A-Anyhow, that was just how I got into the whole military business. New Mareland then gave an offer to me and some other guys to join the regular army and get citizenship. I was into the idea - though I did well enough that New Mareland reconnaissance noticed my aptitude for, y'know, egghead stuff. Deciphering communications, reading between the lines of enemy activity, knowing who said what, what they will do - and the occasional psyop, both causing and preventing it."

"Psyops?" Twilight chuckled. "That's a worrying one, isn't it...?"

"Yeah, for real." Cipher sighed, shaking his head as they approached the door to the forbidden section, which he started to lockpick. "Wingbardian fascists tried to start up a party in Sunset hoping we'd either elect a right-wing president or just have a "March on Sunset" and completely turn our politics upside down, to start helping Beakolini as he was being beaten outside and inside."

"How'd they try that one?" Twilight asked. "I'm afraid I never kept an eye out on Griffonia with all that's happened here..."

"It was funny." He giggled. "He tried to exploit the political tensions we were already full of. Installed griffons and even ponies who were trying to rile up our citizens against democracy, monarchism, communism, and whatever else other than fascism. Tried to blame non-fascism as the reason our economy sucked in the late 00's. We uh...did a few undemocratic things to some key figures of our short-lived fascist party."

"Oh..." Twilight frowned.

"...Yeah..." Cipher softly sighed, having unlocked the door and stepping in. "Playing fair wasn't going to work. Anyway, Beakolini could've actually had a chance to hold the country together." Cipher said. "But then Martlewing decided to attack him, sending forces from literally the only border he had ignored - and Francistrians just flooded through that gap and scattered the fascist soldiers badly enough to disorganize them."

The conversation was cut short. The lock was finally opened. Silently, Cipher nodded towards the door, while holding their rear position gunpoint for defense.

The unicorn frantically dug through the books and papers. She was mad in her search, but years of being Equestria's top bookworm was monumental training, enough for her to understand the worth of each book...ironically, even by the cover. "Where could it be? Celestia had her librarians working for decades to collect all the information connected to reverting Nightmare Moon into Princess Luna, t-there must be something to revert...that thing!"

"That's a bad idea." Suddenly said Cipher. "Nightmare Moon and Daybreaker do not work on the same principle."

"Oh, please..." Twilight said under her breath. "They obviously do. You're telling me that two alicorns turning into maniacal monsters is somehow not the same thing?"

"Maybe at the root of it all..." Cipher peeked at the books without much interest - he was a bookworm all the same, but it was hard to find interest in books that he wouldn't have a chance to read anyhow. "But the result is not the same. The reason, the logic - there's no one-to-one correlation."

The alicorn felt soft annoyance - unsure just how this pony deemed himself to be an expert. "...So, what is it then?" Twilight asked with the same tone as an adult hoping a child would finish their story faster.

Cipher did not regard the tone - only the fact she needed to hear what he had to say. "Nightmare Moon appeared out of jealousy - but also the idea that she had to change the world, that neither the status quo nor the accepted way of life worked. She wanted change - radical change to flip Equestria upside down. Yes, she may have deemed to do it all for the Thestrals and for a "fair" Equus, but the core of it is jealousy. Who is Daybreaker jealous of...?"

"I'm...Unsure." Twilight whispered - oddly intrigued in the stallion's thought. "Maybe she merely wanted to be better?"

"Yes. You're right." Cipher smiled - in a harmless "gotcha" way. "Becoming better. Better than Celestia. Stronger, and more ready to protect Equestria. Daybreaker's motivated by her strict vision - of an Equestria she's been dreaming of. You've seen Celestia over these years - she knew that she had this power within her, but Celestia was the safety. The mechanism is off, and now that alicorn's roaming the castle cleansing it of every enemy because death is no longer out of the question. She's not jealous - she's afraid, an overprotective mother...No longer content that her daughter's wearing a skirt and spending time with strangers...Shit, Daybreaker's not just a strict mom, she's the whole damn father."

The more he spoke...The more she began to slow down with her search. His words had contained a wealth of information she was unsure she'd ever found in a single book regarding Nightmare Moon's nor Celestia's hypothetical counterpart. "Cipher...How do you...How do you know all of this?"

The stallion felt that cold tinge in his heart. He only softly sighed, stopping himself from drifting into thought. "When I was a kid, I was kidnapped by Nightmare Moon's cultists. For a sacrifice of some sort, I guess. Some things happened that linked me to her - some things that made me...understand her - though not sympathize."

"...That's horrible." She ever-softly gasped under her breath. "How did you...get out?"

"You wouldn't believe me if I told you." Cipher softly scoffed, giving up on the search as he sighed, letting go of finding anything in the dusty tomes.

"Try me...?"

"...Nightmare Moon herself saved me." Was all he said. The silence struck the room like thunder, Twilight left blinking at the stallion with utter surprise. She didn't dare challenge his words. However, there was something that bothered the alicorn.

"...Cipher, how did she do it?"

"...Well." Cipher recounted. "I just woke up - room was full of exploded corp--...Well, everyone was gone. She just removed them, I guess."

The words made Twilight feel more tense. She stood up and turned to him, taking steps towards him. "Cipher, how...H-How did you feel after it all? Anything unusual that stuck with you? Like...something within you changed?"

"I..." Cipher looked to the side, the thoughts spinning like yarn. "I can't say exactly, but yes. It's like something since then hadn't left me. Like it never--"

Before Cipher could finish, the wall before him exploded - the bricks and supports flying and scattering in a fiery flurry. The stallion was thrown back and forced to roll backwards, colliding with falling debris and books, before finally coming to a halt as he hit the wall. His vision blurred immediately and his ears rang, a mild concussion striking him. He mustered up what he could to check his hooves and make sure he hadn't lost any limbs - which he was lucky to keep despite the terrible blast.

"That explains so much..." Daybreaker softly said - her monstrous voice now surprisingly soft and even motherly - in a terrible way. "I listened in, wondering why I could still feel that disgusting sensation of Nightmare Moon...I'm glad this is merely just some mortal worm who has been corrupted by her filth."

"D-Daybreaker...!" Twilight Sparkle cried out - shakily standing up onto her hooves. "...W-Where is Nightmare Moon!? Where is Princess Luna?"

"You're safe now. We're safe. Nightmare Moon is no more." Spoke Daybreaker. "Luna seemed to have disconnected from her, but I'll find my sister. We'll find her together, Twilight. You, and I. The mentor, and her little faithful student. So please, my Twilight...My Sparkle...Stop running. It's time to accept these changes. If I want to protect our home, I must be stronger. I cannot let peace make our ponies vulnerable."

In terror, the little alicorn began to slink back into the shadow. Twilight wanted to run, but all she could do was back up against the dusty books.

"Come now, my student..." Daybreaker softly cooed, the tremor and evil in her voice receding. She sounded just like she should have now. Like Celestia. "Come with me, Twilight Sparkle. We'll do so much for Equestria, so much for Harmony, so much for Friendship..." She spoke, walking past Cipher who was still stunned and dazed.

The imitation of the past however, angered the purple alicorn. Twilight took a deep breath. Like a torrent - a tsunami of sound waves, the thundering words struck the ears of Daybreaker.

"NO!"

The fiery goddess heard the words like a gunshot - a vibrating sensation of dread she could not undo out of her ears and brain, an earworm that sat too deep in her. It made her recoil, forcing her to stumble back towards the entrance of the forbidden section.

"...T-Twilight..." Daybreaker whispered with a broken smile. A smile that was contorted out of disbelief, delusion, fear, and an anger she tried to hold back. "M-My...My little Twilight...Please, you...You can calm down. It's me! It's....It's always been me! This has always been me! Daybreaker - Princess Celestia...It's really me, my faithful student! I-It's still me, and it will always be--"

"You're NOWHERE near her! Princess Celestia was-...Is a beacon of peace, wisdom, and harmony! Of friendship! She's graceful, kind, caring, and would never do the terrible things you have. She'd spent thousands of years, never slaying a single soul - yet you've killed so many in this first hour of your appearance! You're not Princess Celestia! You're not my mentor!...You're..."

The hot, boiling tears began to slide down her cheeks. "No, p-please, don't...don't say it...don't--"

"You're...You're a monster!" Twilight stomped her hooves, the frustration the likes of which she could never express or vent before found its way in the vibrating pounding of her hooves.

Whether the heart of Daybreaker was real or fake - it shattered all the same.

She closed her eyes. When a monster laughed, it was frightening. When a monster cried and sobbed - it was terrifying. The monster shut her eyes, breathing raggedly and shaking. Her teeth clattered, her voice trying not to crack into the sob.

Shock was first. Denial second.

The third step of grief, for some, would always linger the longest. And for many, it was the hardest one. Not because of its sheer sensation and intensity, but the lack of self-control. The inability to act rationally. Lashing out. Hurting.

The third step of grief - now boiled the blood of the goddess of fire.

"...So filth has already seeped into your heart." Daybreaker hissed, her eyes targeting the girl she had considered a daughter. Her own child. "Who set you against your own mother? ME!? Who has poured POISON into your mind!? WHO!?" She shrieked as fallen embers and ash began to reignite, the paper in the books starting to heat up and smoke.

"Nobody did!" Twilight swung her hoof to the side. "You...You are not the mare I've looked up to my whole life! You're not--"

"SILENCE!" Daybreaker shrieked, hard enough to shake the foundation of the castle. "This is so unbecoming of you...But no matter...No matter at all..." The fires around Daybreaker were scorching hot, almost white-hot in their hue. "Every child, when they misbehave...Must be struck. Slap an insolent child once - and that is enough. If you really do not deem me to be your mentor - if all the lessons I've given you were in-vain...Then here is MY first lesson. The first - and very last lesson I shall bestow upon a brilliant child such as you - corrupted and threatening to become nothing more than a brat..."

Daybreaker's horn glowed...Anything made of metal nearby began to slowly drip and melt.

"Never...Ever...Not in your lifetime, not in the next - not until the last atom of the universe has decayed..."

The fires raged on, collecting and focusing around her horn. She tilted her head, to point the horn right at the terrified, gasping Twilight sparkle.

"...GO AGAINST ME!"

"Hey, bitch!"

Daybreaker was delayed for a mere second - but it was enough. Her eyes darted to see Cipher, who rose to his hooves as he started to run to Twilight Sparkle while unloading his pistol's magazine - though the bullets melted before they could strike Daybreaker. It bought him time, however, being able to stand right in-front of Twilight to shield her. The fire around Daybreaker's horn was temporarily dimmed, but was regaining light.

"You..." Daybreaker whispered - yet the whisper sounded like a scream, much like the stories of specters who sounded louder the farther away they were, and vice versa. "New Mareland proves their uselessness once more, doesn't it? Get out of my way - if you keep me away from my faithful student, I'll send your charred remains to Jetset."

"Jetset's received agents in worse shape..." Cipher chuckled, voice shaking and sweat dripping down for more reasons than just heat. "Besides, behind me is Celestia's faithful student." Cipher grit his teeth, anxious and slightly shaking. "That would be the Princess of Friendship, not of fucking arson..."

"...Oh how I tire of the insolence..." Daybreaker raised her head high and proud. "Yet, you've learned well, Twilight Sparkle..." She grinned - a wicked grin of sick enjoyment. Her eyes were wide to let her soak in all that appetizing pleasure, the carnal enjoyment of now having another pony's life in her hooves. "This is a good lesson learned indeed. Remember this - if you want to live...If you want to survive death itself...Then make sure you have a good shield standing before you and the enemy!"

The fires and shimmering air began to once more swirl around Daybreaker's horn. The stallion took a step back, knowing exactly what was going to happen. He had only a second to turn his head back to Twilight.

"GO!" Cipher screamed out. He had no idea what to do - but at-least as per Daybreaker's words, his body would serve as a sturdy enough shield to save Twilight. Foolishly, he held his hooves to his face. He had no idea why - if she could even melt bullets flying at him, then how could this even help? It was the reflex of seeing that which intended to kill you. No matter how useless, one would flinch, wince, and shield themselves, for that was all the body knew.

He let out the second loudest scream of his life, blood curling and in utter pain.

Blasting from Daybreaker's horn, the storm of fire washed over him immediately. Every fiber of his being hurt. Every neuron suffered. Everything was electrified, chewed on, and pulled. The pain strained his body completely. Unsurprisingly, his eyes were full of pained tears - those that vaporized and poured steam into his own face.

The second worst pain of his life washed over his body. He felt the fire cling to every fiber and nerve of his fur, then his skin. He kept his hooves crossed, shielding himself and the princess to the best of his ability - until his body would evaporate entirely.

The scream was drowned out by the sound of the rushing fire. His hooves had taken the brunt of the flames, coated in a thick coat of napalm-like fury. Yet, his body stood still, amazingly despite the terrifying and scorching heat his body was swallowed by - as if being stuck in a brazen bull would be less painful.

He should have either been burned away or died here - but his body refused to listen to the nerves. His heart was in charge through this excruciating rain of fire. His hooves were the shield that somehow, against all odds and belief, were working.

Daybreaker ceased when she saw that through sheer miracle, this one stood. The flames paused, retreating to her horn. She noticed that despite the flames in the room, there was coldness coming right from the stallion.

"Just HOW are you still alive!? You should be a charred pile of ash!" Daybreaker shouted. "...No...She could not have implanted so much of her corrupt seed into you! How dare she mock nature!? Who does she think to play god with mortals like you!? No! You should be dead! Die! Die, die, die, die, die! DIE!"

His vision blurred while he sobbed and screamed, he held his hooves up once more. Cipher let out an agonizing cry - his legs buckled and he was now kneeling - the stream of fire hosed him, yet he kept blocking the fire away from him with his hooves. He had to hold on, enough to let Twilight leave.

Shaking and holding back tears, Twilight could not afford taking any chances. There was no way she could stop Daybreaker - no spell was possible, no trump card was present. She hoped maybe in these moments she faced the monster she'd have a chance, but she realized she was leading to an innocent stallion being hurt beyond any humane limit. As such, with a blink, she had teleported him away - and only then herself.

However, Twilight's pseudo-sacrificial move had one cost. As the flash of purple swallowed her, she could see the blinding flame as it splashed right against her cheek...

Daybreaker's parting peck on the cheek - she'd come to call it.

Unbeknownst to Twilight however, the teleportation spell would help her evade another danger entirely.

One that Daybreaker narrowly escaped herself...

But the many other souls would not.

"...My faithful student...I'm so sorry."

***

The elements of Harmony, along with Spike, tensely observed the chaos of Canterlot, on a mountain top some thousand kilometers away. There was a long silence, they sat in disbelief on the rocks, with Fluttershy holding Spike, Pinkie Pie shaking with her eyes shut, and Rainbow Dash observing each and every occurrence.

Then, she gasped. A flash of fire suddenly erupted from Canterlot. She scrambled for her binoculars to look, and immediately dropped them. Only after some seconds did the loud crash of the explosion and its shockwave startle the others, who scrambled to stand up.

"The castle..." Rainbow Dash screamed, trying to pick up the binoculars once more. "...Holy...G-Girls? Half of the castle just blew up!"

"Twilight!" Rarity screamed in desperation. Yet, her prayers were answered quickly.

The elements of harmony, plus Spike and several other ponies all stood up and recoiled, gasping and exclaiming as the two figures landed on the grass. They saw Twilight, who was prone as she held onto her face. She screamed, a red burn mark formed across her cheek, though her horn was glowing and containing the burn. Yet there it was, a mark of burned and seared fur and flesh, narrowly missing her right eye. One that would not leave her for the rest of her life.

Worse off was the second figure that appeared - whose hooves filled the air with the scent of burnt, smoked meat. The pony rolled across the grass, shaking and twitching, seizing from the pain that made his voice hoarse.

"HAAAGH! UGH! AGH! HNNNNGH...AAAAAARGHHHHH!" Cipher looked in terror at the bubbling and bleeding on his hooves, the charring and searing that his limbs were suffering through. They shook terribly - his muscles ached from damage. He couldn't put them on the ground, any single bit of contact against the dying and burning flesh paining him.

Writhing on the floor, Cipher contorted and contracted different parts of his body, trying to relieve and vent the pain however he could. He had to fight his own body, reaching for his own pistol, contemplating whether or not suicide was worth ceasing this awful pain.

"No!" Rarity cried out, seeing how one of the burned, darkened and smoking hooves tried to reach for the gun. Yet, nothing came of it. Twilight was able to mend herself with her magic enough to numb both the pain and prevent further damage. Seeing her savior's suicide attempt, she immediately lunged forward at him with her horn charging.

The safe but potent frequency struck Cipher's head, and he immediately felt himself fall asleep - the body not waking up in the wake of the horrible damages. A spell that quickly zapped his brain to an induced coma.

"Twilight, be careful!" The yellow pegasus ran up to the stallion before he roughly had his head fall against the ground. She gently set him down. "Oh sweet Celestia, this is...this is bad..." Fluttershy whimpered, constantly rubbing her eyes as she crouched by Cipher's side. She reached into the first aid pouch on his chest and started to apply the disinfectant, medicine, and bandages - glad that his unconscious state allowed her to not worry about his pain.

"Who's that!?" Applejack asked, anxiously holstering her rifle which she'd been using to scan the horizon. Her first concern was Twilight. She approached her, trying to help nurse her face injury. Yet, the alicorn rejected it - instead stepping closer to the unconscious pony.

"...A friend. One I should have listened to." Twilight sighed, holding her hoof against the burn mark on her face. "He was sent to evacuate us out of here. I...squandered the chance he gave me. And he paid a price to salvage it..." She gazed once more at Canterlot. It was engulfed in fire, burning and exploding. She knew Daybreaker was still alive, for somewhere, she felt that Celestia was still there. Over the horizon.

But what weighed upon Twilight's heart was the sheer amount of death. Not merely from Daybreaker, but also...

"That explosion..." Fluttershy softly spoke. "Twilight, what happened?"

Twilight did not want to blame anypony. She did not know. She could have blamed the demon of fire that wandered those halls, but she knew that the castle was full of ponies. Those who took shelter. Those in the deeper levels meant to be defended. Perhaps hundreds died, if not more - all in the blink of an eye. "Daybreaker, when she attacked...She...Cipher..."

Yet, Twilight knew that whatever happened, whatever power protected the pony that saved her, reacted. It reacted with the power of the sun's fire. It wasn't his fault - she believed. Yet, she knew that fate had cruelly placed him right where the result would be the worst. It wasn't his fault. Wasn't his fault.

To not linger, the rainbow-maned pegasus approached the alicorn. "...What do we do?" Rainbow Dash softly asked.

Twilight sighed deeply, looking regretfully at Cipher. "...We need to help him." She said. "We'll treat him, help him recover. Then we'll send him back to Griffonia."

"But..." Rarity gulped. "Will we...will we not leave?"

This caught the ear-perk of the orange earth pony, who turned to Rarity with eyes of disbelief. "And leave Equestria!? Our families!?"

"We're staying..." Twilight whispered. "But we'll only do so until I can make contact with a few ponies and gather whatever we'll need to have a chance."

"That'd mean he'd fail the mission he came here for." Rainbow Dash muttered. "Think that's gonna be okay with him? Or the guys who sent him?"

"He'll have to accept it." The alicorn said. "For now, we need to return to Ponyville."

They turned south, helping Cipher. As Twilight helped Spike lay down on her back, she gazed once more at the burning city she'd once called home.

She shed so many tears today that it seemed there were no more.

And yet, she'd never cry as much as she did on this forsaken day.

"...I'm so sorry, my faithful teacher."

Chapter 19 - A Gem in Paradise

Vienybė was a positively imposing city. The decade of Starry Night's rule was more than good for its development. Although other cities and towns were not ignored, Vienybė's growth had seen a burst of new buildings, with architects, designers, and artists allowed to combat the greyness. Even if many of the murals and buildings were designed with the aesthetic of the socialist ideology in mind, they were works of art rather than blatant propaganda. Offices and factories were fully staffed and operational, the theaters and cafes full of visitors, and parks filled with peacefully frolicking griffons and ponies.

Twilight, her friends, and Jet Set could not appear publicly, but the one-sided tint of the armored cars gave them a good understanding of the city's prosperity. Soon however, they were in a much more sternly constructed neighborhood. Military installations, guard towers, and patrolling soldiers. The administrative district - the heart of Vartai's government. They approached a mighty building - towering with many floors, the walls designed to withstand nuclear annihilation.

The car entered the underground garage, driving deep until it reached the elevator, parking close to minimize walking distance. The delegation's guard quickly met the guard of the building, with a Vartai envoy doing the talking. They entered the lift, and went up what seemed to be more than a dozen floors.

Reaching their destination, they were met by a suited mare - her appearance a fine strike between beauty and professional. She extended a hoof to each of the ponies. "Welcome to Vienybė, and its Central Administration. My name is Bell Chime. I'll be overlooking and assisting your stay here."

"Like a spy or concierge?" Rainbow Dash joked - but instead of being offensive like Twilight feared, Bell Chime giggled.

"If I spy on you ma'am, then only to discover any problems and inconveniences." She said. "Your meeting with Ms. Night is in three hours - until then, I'd be happy to show you to your rooms, and then we can take you to our dining hall. We've prepared a lunch. I assume you must be famished after the flight."

"You wouldn't imagine." Applejack said with a dreamy hum.

The mare smiled cutely. "Then please, let me help you to your rooms and I'll get you to the dining hall immediately."

***

Spike was surprised to find a bowl of gems in-front of him, but Bell Chime eagerly explained that they had taken every request forwarded to them. There were several apple-based foods as per Applejack's request, and high-protein foods as per Rainbow Dash's.

After a hearty meal of finely made warm soups, potato dumplings, and baked savory foods, Twilight's eyes sparkled when dessert came - a tall spit cake.

"Still got the sweet tooth." Spike commented with a soft laugh, but didn't mind grabbing himself a piece for taste.

Rarity eagerly grabbed a plate of it, but only to eagerly give it to the silent Pinkie Pie. Although voiceless, the pink mare smiled weakly at Rarity. She nodded, and began to eat. Rarity hoped the deflated mane would puff up once more, but it seems it wasn't the time yet. Still, Pinkie enjoyed this curiously-shaped cake.

Fluttershy ate slowly, deep in thought. She'd meet her colleague, back in a time where she'd suddenly made seemingly sudden discoveries of a science she'd never tried before. Nuclear science. What a rabbit hole.

"Not gonna lie..." Rainbow Dash whispered to Applejack. "I had no idea communists had this much food."

She yelped when the response came not from the cowgirl, but from Bell Chime, who'd been pouring wine for the ponies. "You'd be surprised what can be achieved with the right management." The mare said, going around the table, pouring a glass for the Handler, and Jet Set. "Not to mention, we started out with agrarian communism. Our politicians are well-versed in agriculture." She said, pouring some for the President.

"Even wine?" Jet Set asked. "No offense, I'm just surprised how...exquisite this lunch has been."

"Of course." Bell Chime giggled. "Sadly, Stalliongrad has left a bad taste for our way of life for the whole world. Their infighting, lack of proper management, it was a failed state. Success is dwarfed by failure, sadly."

When Handler's cup was poured, he took a sniff, and let go of tension once there was no scent of poison, not even the subtle ones. "Well, I hope the world looks up to you when the next revolution comes."

"It just might." Bell Chime cutely said. "Stalliongrad was never meant to last. A terrible state run by the stupid, and the stupidity that trickled down to their followers."

"I hate to sound provocative..." Jet Set murmured. "But, you do sound a little...personal about it all. Is there a reason you sound rather...hateful?"

"Oh, that's simple." Bell Chime grinned wide. "I'm from Stalliongrad."

***

It was time for the meeting.

They were led into a surprisingly lavish conference room - a massive table in the middle with warm decor that seemed to strike a balance of luxurious and humble, enough to give comfort and conversation starters, but not to seem as if funds were overspent.

They took seats - they were the only ones in the room, giving them time to get comfortable and have the small talk they needed. Paperweight knew no rest however - she was busy preparing the material they intended to show to Starry Night and the scientist, Paradise Gem. She sat down and shuffled, ordering the papers and triple-checking to make sure nothing was missing.

Yet, her famished form had not gone unnoticed, so nearly anorexic that her ribs were outlined through her torso. It caught the attention of a mare who was taught to never let a guest, friend, or family member starve.

"Miss, I ain't seen you eat on the plane, neither at the lunch." Applejack asked, gently putting a hoof on Paperweight. She recoiled when the thin mare jerked in surprise, finding the resolve to calm down a moment later.

"It's okay ma'am, don't worry about me, ma'am. I-I'm a stress faster, ma'am." She awkwardly giggled. "Couldn't put a morsel of food in me if things are muddy...Ma'am."

"Just call me AJ." The earth pony sighed. "Still - you'd be killin' yourself with this job at this rate, then. It ain't healthy."

Paperweight began to neatly arrange the prepared folders, hiding her hyperventilation. "I eat...! Just, not much. I can get a lot out of a cup of coffee and a cigarette in the morning."

Rainbow Dash smirked, looking at the miniature models of aircraft and tanks. "Aquileian style, huh?"

Noticing the anxious exchange, the changeling sighed. Handler kept himself in the background, but he supposed he had to step in. It was his direct subordinate, after all. He calmly walked over to Paperweight, putting a hoof on Applejack to politely request to have a chance to talk to her. Applejack stepped aside. He leaned in. "Paperweight, you can wait outside if you'd like."

"N-No sir, I'm okay!" Paperweight said, breath still and heart skipping beats. Comments such as this held a strange grip of fear over her. "I appreciate the chance to get out of the office, sir..." Paperweight shakily told Handler. Yet, her anxiety was clearly shown by the tapping of her hooves against the floor.

"...Alright." Handler said. His ears perked to the sound of approaching hoofsteps. He turned to Jetset, then Twilight. "Mister President? Princess?"

On that cue, everyone currently present in the room sans the guards took a seat at the long table. The guards stiffened, standing tall and proud - unflinching and unmoving as they held their rifles to their hearts. The doors finally swung open.

Two entered - a mare and a stallion. Starry Night had a peculiar look - tired but ready, old but active, analytical but trusting. She walked with purpose and firmness, but with such a swing to her hooves that she felt very much at home.

Abba Povner only walked as much as he needed to - not from laziness, but because he didn't want any more attention that needed.

Abba and Handler caught each other's eyes. Both slightly nodded to each other, while others didn't notice.

Although it would have appeared to them that Starry would just sit down, they were wrong. She instead approached those at the table, forcing them to once again stand up. Her firm gaze softened into a smile.

"Princess, President - elements and staff. It's an honor to meet you." Starry eagerly shook hooves with everyone, and finally the princess. Upon reaching Twilight's hoof, her smile widened. "Welcome to Vienybė."

"Thank you, Ms. Starry. It's an honor." Twilight said, observing the leader, but finding the first impression to be rather pleasant and peaceful.

Starry smiled a little wider - then walked to the front of the table. Before sitting down, she looked at everyone. "Is everything to your liking? The transport, the food, security, accommodations...?"

"Perfect." Twilight said, the bright spark of the Princess of Friendship returning to her. "Speaking of the food, I loved the reception lunch. I've always wanted to try the spit cake in your country, and the taste just went above my expectations!"

"Our catering staff gets frequent training from the country's best chefs." Starry said, able to muster a low chuckle, which by her standards was an energetic giggle. "And yes, the šakotis. It's a popular snack among the personnel here. A burst of mild sugar and carbohydrates helps a slow work day."

"And the accommodations." Jet Set cleared his throat. "Very splendid. We're grateful for your hospitality."

Starry nodded proudly. "It may not be a castle or palace, but I would not be able to look in the mirror if I hadn't provided comfort after hearing all the terrible things that have happened. I hope it brings peace of mind amidst all the circumstances. Now, let us settle in."

Starry Night sat down, and so did the others. "Paradise Gem will be here in a moment." Starry said, reclining a little on her seat. "Apologies, Princess. Don't take her lateness for rudeness. She never leaves her workspace without checking all locks and equipment. Makes sure she didn't leave a burner on, or kept an important cabinet unlocked."

Twilight nodded in understanding. "It's a solid protocol, I can respect it."

"Not protocol." Starry chuckled. "It's her own way of doing things." She said. Twilight fondly smiled - the thoroughness reminding her of herself. In the meantime, Starry levitated a pack of cigarettes to each in the room, having it fly in a circle around the table. Rainbow Dash, Applejack, and Fluttershy took one, while the others politely shook their heads. Starry, out of courtesy, then lit her zip lighter and levitated it to each pony who agreed, lighting the cigarettes for them, before finally lighting her own.

Taking a drag, Starry leaned forward to speak. "I'm sorry for everything that's happened. I hope you understand that our lack of direct support or communication during the past century does not imply a lack of empathy."

"It's okay." Twilight softly nodded once. "It was far out of Vartai's range, everything that's happened. And, to be honest, I never expected Griffonia to be involved in it all."

"All struggles are one, in the end." Starry chuckled. "Isn't that right, Abba?"

"Yes ma'am." Povner nodded. "Things have stabilized around this region, but only recently. Prywhen has had a vendetta against us for not believing that communism needs to be a violent wildfire. Our lack of open support for them and assisting the Severnyan government-in-exile seemed to have marked us as their nemesis, ideology or not."

"I'm sorry to hear." Jetset said. "I can't imagine this has been an easy conflict."

"It has, actually." Starry smiled. "Their mistake was allowing Serov and his cronies to sojourn within Prywhen. That tension has been its own can of worms. I expect we'll have an opening to...pacify them. At-least, once we've taken care of this concerning situation over the ocean. I'm not one to open a war on two fronts, even though I've had to face our ex-neighbors doing that to us."

Twilight frowned a little. Starry's sharp eyes noticed the movement of her throat, the tense swallowing. She took a drag of her cigarette, and softly shook her head. "Do not fret, Princess. I am not a warmonger. Conquest was never the intention for Longsword's revolution. However, it's safer for all of us that invaders get annexed for good. I don't think the River nations care much for Deponya after they broke off and attacked us full-force, for example. You have my word that Vartai's shape will not change until it's touched by those who want to change it."

"I...appreciate the reassurance." Twilight said, finding the slight resolve to smile. Something about Starry reeked with honesty - starting with the fact she did not shy away to smoke in the room with them, or recline on her seat. They both studied one another, and they both found the other to be interesting books.

"...President. Princess..." Starry took a drag. "...Daybreaker. What is she like?"

Jetset would not answer - he was not qualified. He looked at Twilight to speak for his behalf. The Princess did not give her answer immediately, staring at the rays of sun pouring into the window. "Princess Celestia was...is patient. Compassionate. Understanding. Civil. Refined...Caring. Motherly. Peaceful...And the best teacher I've ever had." She muttered, eyes slowly returning to look at Starry. "So, Daybreaker, she's...Either the opposite of the qualities I've mentioned, or a twisted version of them. Corrupt and just...so, so awful."

"Worse than Nightmare Moon?" Starry found the gall to ask. Yet, Twilight was undeterred to answer.

"...I think so." Twilight said. "As vicious as Nightmare Moon was, she knew that she was that. Evil. Or, at-least a necessary one. She didn't see violence as some odd way of ensuring peace and protection. She viewed violence as a tool for change in a world that she deemed unfit. She understood what she was doing brought suffering, perhaps because she viewed suffering as the only thing to get ponies to wake up. But...Daybreaker? After the things she's done, she would never, ever admit her violence brought nothing but suffering."

Starry silently looked at the table, halfway finished with the cigarette. "...Was a time I investigated an orphanage." She said. "You can claim it's below me, but I pay attention to what happens in Vartai. I put my ear to the ground. This was in the territories of ex-Hellquill. When we took it over, we removed any form of racial segregation, but...We learned that this pony, someone who once fought for our revolution, was abusing the griffon children. When all evidence was gathered, I went there. Since he was a revolutionary, I had to take the matters into my own hooves."

Unsure where she was going with this, the others quietly listened. Starry took a drag, almost finished with the cigarette. "Maybe I did something bad - as a leader. He fought for our freedom, after all. Yet, I saw the pictures. Bruises, scars, chipped beaks...The investigator I assigned even revealed that when news of my arrival came to the orphanage, the bastard had hidden a few griffons in the basement. Those that would either immediately tell on him, or those who were shaking from the fear and abuse. Mute ones, erratic ones...maimed ones. I had him arrested and put on trial."

Starry shook her head. She wanted to take a drag, but waited, allowing the paper to slowly burn. "During the trial, I was there personally. I asked him why he did it. He responded that what he was doing was necessary. Made excuses that this would shape them into obedient citizens that would never dare raise their talon against a pony. Believed he was doing something for the cause. For Vartai's dream...Then admitted it was all for vengeance, for how the griffons once treated us."

The ash kept falling into the ashtray, the cigarette clinging onto the last bits of life it had left. She shook her head. "Vartai's dream is far from what he did. It was a perverted, wanton, corrupt act. We wanted equality between everyone. Griffon, pony, Posniak...In Vartai, there is no superiority of races nor culture. That's what I told the stallion before I gave him the verdict. Death sentence was ruled, and we didn't put him on death row. Instead, that night, I personally went to the execution site to shoot him myself. No firing squad - I put him down with my own pistol. The children - we transferred them to a better place in the capital. They're doing better now, one of them even works in this building."

She took that final drag, and rubbed the cigarette butt into the ashtray, finally snuffing it. "I'm saying all of this because real evil begins when you lose sight of who you once were. I'm afraid it's much harder for immortal beings. It's much like sleep deprivation. The longer the brain is awake, the more it degenerates. I plan to retire once I am too old to lead this nation. Daybreaker seems to have fallen down this pitfall. I see within you much responsibility, Twilight Sparkle. Please do not take this the wrong way, but you do understand that there is a great chance that after all this, no matter what happens of Daybreaker or Celestia...That the ponies of the West shall look up to you, yes?"

The words were provocative, eyes scrambling amongst one another. Handler studied Starry closely, but most importantly, he studied Twilight.

The Alicorn should have been offended being told her mentor could perish, but her logical mind clung onto the words. It was a reality she still did not wish to believe in. Yet, wishes were not always set in reality. She did not want to accept a future without her teacher, but it was time she visualized that awful letter. "B". Plan B.

Twilight put her hoof to her face, touching the burn scar on her cheek. "...I understand." She quietly spoke. "I can't exactly say "thank you" for what you said. I don't like a single word of it. Yet, I need to hear every perspective if I want to be ready."

"I apologize, Princess." Starry gently hung her head. "I just wish that I knew in advance that one of my closest friends would die in jail. Not because of the fact he did, but because of the fact it was my hoof that would sign the order, lest I cannot imagine the scale of the war and death that would come of it if he had his way. If I knew it could come to it, I wouldn't have hated myself so much for it. Now..." Another sound of approaching hoofsteps came closer to the door. "Let's get to business."

The door opened. Through it came a mare in a labcoat, teal with a green mane. She walked on her hind hooves without difficulty, carrying with her several stacks of folders. The guards were supposed to close the door behind her, but instead she hip-bumped the door back into a closing position, walking past the surprised soldier.

"Sorry I'm late!" She said. She did not seem phased by the fact she was in a room with such powerful ponies, instead making her way over to the empty chair beside Paperweight and Starry Night, dropping the things she came with. "One of the scientists working under me botched up a calculation - I took the time to explain what was wrong to him. Bright guy, but I'm afraid he might have un-diagnosed dyslexia." She said. "Aaand...Oh! Fluttershy!"

Despite how professional things should have been, Paradise Gem happily jogged over to the yellow pegasus. Fluttershy did not shy away from standing up, and the two mares hugged. "Great scott, Fluttershy. It's been too long. Good to see you, girl."

"You too, Gem." Fluttershy giggled, returning the hug. However, she whispered into her ear. "...Are you sure it's okay to, y'know..."

Paradise Gem couldn't help but laugh, pulling away from the hug and regarding the ponies at the table. "Sorry if I'm a bit curt, Princess, Mr. President. I don't mean anything by it, but I don't think you've come to see me treating our discussion as some kind of formal conference. Save that for the diplomats, right?" She chuckled. Jetset didn't seem phased, and Twilight found it slightly endearing, even. She finally sat down at the seat beside Starry.

It appeared that the scientist and the leader of Vartai were on familiar and friendly terms - for Paradise did not need permission to reach in and grab a cigarette from Starry's pack. All the same, Starry leaned in to light it for Paradise, to which she thankfully nodded. "Thanks boss." She said.

All eyes were on Paradise - who took her time as she took a few drags, poured herself a cup of water, and placed her hooves on the table.

"Okay, let's get to business." Paradise rubbed her hooves eagerly. "I heard you had something for me to review."

"My secretary will provide you with the details." Handler softly said. "Paperweight?"

The near-anorexic mare squeaked at the spotlight. Scattering, she collected the relevant documentation and gave it to Paradise Gem. "Y-Yes, t-the uh...The files here, they're color coded, with footnotes a-and--"

"Huh." The teal mare eagerly took the files. "Nice organizational skills, sweetie. Where were you when I opened my workshop? I hope you appreciate her." She cheekily said while glancing at Handler. Paperweight's nose would have bled if it hadn't already for the third time this day.

Nervously, Paperweight would begin to give Paradise Gem the gist while she was allowed to go over the papers. Paradise read over the documents with surprising speed, outpacing Paperweight's words. "Big explosion - if that's the altitude the picture was taken from. First of a kind, I'd assume."

"Paradise Gem, do you think she's planning to make...nuclear weapons?" Fluttershy asked immediately. "If Daybreaker's been looking for you, then she must know the project we've been involved with, and..."

"No. It's not a nuclear weapon." Paradise shook her head. "I don't like to use the "I" word - but it's impossible."

"But..." Fluttershy leaned in. "Doesn't it have all the signs of a nuclear explosion? I mean, it's not like magic can yield something like that..."

"It could in theory, but that's mere myth." Paradise said.

"So, how do you know?" Twilight butted in.

"Simple. If an explosion of this size took place and it happened to be radioactive, it would reflect in our atmosphere." She said. "I'm in touch with several monitoring stations across the world that would be able to give me radiation readings, and I still do it once in a while. Nobody's reported any changes. This explosion is radiation-free. And look, the photograph quality is pristine. No static, distortions, coloring issues?"

"Our agents reported that Daybreaker was looking for you. Do you know what she wanted from you?" Handler asked.

"Ah." Paradise smiled. "She did reach out. I mean, she's smart. Didn't resort to violence first. She, however, was asking about my magicore research. I didn't tell or give her anything - and when she tried to send someone to kidnap me here, our favorite...trash collectors took care of them." She said, winking at Abba.

"She wanted...magic-based information from a nuclear scientist? Er, what kind?" Jet Set asked.

"I'm not a nuclear scientist, just one that's learned a bit from my friend." She smiled at Fluttershy. "But uh, can't see the correlation..." Paradise sighed, leaning in the seat and smoking. "The project was related to restoring magic to unicorns that've lost their magic. It made sense that I get in on it since, heh..." She moved her mane aside and tapped her forehead, showing the scar of where her horn once was.

"Oh. I'm so sorry. That's awful..." Twilight frowned.

Yet, Paradise shook her head. "I saved some comrades from a mortar shell. My magic for a few lives - I didn't care back then. Now? Well, you be the judge. I digress. We've deduced that the horn itself is not the source of magic. It's like those fairy tales about magic wands and whatnot. Your unicorn magic can be "brought out" with it - but...The real magic's..."

She paused. She tapped her head, her heart, motioned her hoof around her own body. "Mind, heart, soul - yeah, I'll be honest, it seems abstract. Y'know why Friendship is Magic, right?"

"I should." Twilight chuckled softly. "...Never could put it into words."

"Not exact ones." Paradise Gem smiled. "Your spirit's the source. You saw unicorns drained of magic by freaky centaur magic and such, right? The horn's still there, so where'd the magic come out from? Nah. Magic's not in that cone of keratin. It's deep in your soul. Something we theorized as the "magicore". It's essentially the spirit, or...a part of it."

She smoked again, looking at the ceiling. They should've felt off-put by how casual she seemed, yet she was genuine and honest. What she relayed to them was not easy, nor simple to understand. Treating this as a simple conversation had the effect of allowing the others to settle into these facts.

"You know..." She said. "I thought that when I did lose my horn, I lost my magic. And, we did check that loss of magic causes nasty effects. Depression. A lack of the will to live. Memory loss. You're a husk by that point. I did feel that way - but if I really lost my magic back then, I wouldn't have been able to find a way out, wouldn't have realized I can still do some good with the brain in my skull. Removing the magicore is, in a way...death. Worse than death. But..." She leaned in and put out her cigarette. "I got no idea how this can tie-in with this Vividvale, this...explosion. This could be just confusion. An intel mixup? False impressions? Maybe the enemy's just throwing you off your trail?"

"We've considered it." Handler muttered. "But...I'm not sure. There's got to be something to all this. It's a weapon. Some kind of high-yield explosive."

"Shit - er, pardon the Aquileian." Paradise Gem rubbed her head, elbows resting on the table as the cigarette hung onto her lip. "It could be a lot of things. There's been "MOABs" and "FOABs" and "GFOABS" in theoretical development by so many nations wanting to wipe the other out. Gasses, the vacuum, liquids, powders...Basic chemistry and physics can do the trick without touching the radioactive."

"Then it wouldn't be worth the level of secrecy." Handler said. "No. It's not...It doesn't add up. Paperweight!"

The frail and thin mare yelped, nearly having a heart attack on the spot. "Y-Yes, sir?"

"Does anything based on the information we've received about Fillydelphia match Vividvale's profile?"

"No sir..." Paperweight admitted. "Damages were not explosive - considering that the city still stands..."

"...Damn, something happened in Filly?" Paradise Gem frowned. "...Have some friends who live there..."

There was a moment of silence. Nobody was sure where to go from here, what leads to discuss or point out - the marathon that had finished at the starting line.

Then, during the awkward silence in the room, a spark came to Sparkle. A memory of something important, nearly lost in how overwhelming and tiring the weeks have been.

"There's something I wanted to give to you." Twilight said. "I'm sorry I didn't do so earlier, I just got so caught up and overwhelmed..."

"Not to worry Princess. I go through the same thing unless I take some meds." Paradise Gem patiently smiled, taking the papers that Twilight levitated over to her. "Can you give a rundown as to what this is?"

Twilight mentioned. "It's related to what Cipher learned from one of the rebel groups - a defunct one, the FEA. They've learned that when Daybreaker sought you, they saw that Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns appeared many times in the reports and intelligence that they've gathered..."

"No kidding?" Paradise tilted her head. "I remember that school like yesterday...Your exam was hatching the dragon egg, right? I had to transfigure a whole block of steel into something...Amazed it worked out so well." She laughed, a little in remembrance. "...Yeah. Hm. I assume this weapon might need magic to operate? Guidance, maybe? Or something in the construction? I remember once the wartime got intense, unicorns who had anything to do with it or any other prestigious schools got poached to join the army. How do you think I ended up losing my horn, eh? Having experienced unicorns get assigned to work with special projects wouldn't be unusual...If we only knew how, though..."

Paradise would read the papers, but did not seem particularly surprised by anything. "Hmm...I don't know, I can't figure out what this would have to do with an explosion of destructive magnitudes. Seems to be like catalogues of students. No doubt Daybreaker's just seeking to groom them into soldiers of some kind."

"I suppose then we're out of leads, for now." Twilight sighed, rubbing her eyes.

"I'm sorry if the visit caused any disturbance, ma'am." Jet Set stood up.

"Well, the visit is not unwelcome by any means." Starry smiled. "It's sad that public appearances are out of the question. It'd be nice to take you on a tour around the city. Once things stabilize, I will be more than happy to open an embassy, after all this time, to Equestria and New Mareland both." She said and stood up. The others stood up as well, beginning to shake hooves.

And yet, just as the meeting was just about to be declared over...

Paradise Gem cross-referenced things...And saw the negative space between the lines. All of them.

And the negative shape she saw was an epitome of terror that pulled a gasp from her lips.

"...Oh sweet Celestia."

The cigarette fell out of her mouth, just barely onto the ashtray.

"Hm? Paradise?" Starry Night raised a brow. "What's the matt--"

"Look..." Paradise Gem hastily said, slamming her hooves onto the table. "Some of this information...And some of the things the Princess said...I can't say that I've pinpointed exactly what's going on b-but...Shit, when I was researching this whole magicore crap, we were crunching numbers and..." She began to quickly gather all the papers on the table. "Look, I need to get to my lab right now and I gotta make some calls to some scientists I know. I need to confirm everything to the last minute damn detail. Starry, I'm gonna need to either be ready to travel or invite them here. This might involve Posada's science team, some Yale guys I know, a few Riverpony science groups, and I might involve Wittenland or Barrad's unicorn magic specialists, even if they're freaky. Can I have that?"

"..." Starry was still stunned over her unusual lack of calm, but she nodded in the end. "Whatever you need. I trust your judgement, Paradise. But - consult with me on this issue."

"Now hang on!" Handler barked, immediately standing up. What's going on!? You can't leave us in the dar--"

"I don't know what's going on, but it better not be what I think it is..." Paradise exhaled, breath shaky. "I-I'm off. Shit, shit, shit..." She scrambled - now looking a lot more anxious, even moreso than Paperweight.

Of all the ponies in the room, the most terrified was Fluttershy.

Because in all the days that she discussed the destructive potential of nuclear weaponry - the forbidden knowledge implanted into her by a god of chaos in an odd way to protect her...Her colleague, Paradise Gem, had never broken a single bead of sweat. Until now.

Prologue 1 - When the Sky Fell

The silence was deafening.

Minutes before there was thunder. The trumpets of terror, hellfire, and death. But now, the sound was of silence. Of course - the enemy had no more need to bomb the city, for they were at the doors to the throne room.

Eight were in the throne room at the time. Five ponies, one dragon, and two alicorns - one of them the size of the other normal ponies, and the other tall and large; yet devoid of majesty. They tried to gather - to prepare, to plan. To perhaps devise a spell, a gambit, something.

But the marching came. It came closer, steadily.

The throne room was exposed as the roof had been torn asunder, the breeze tainted with the iron-smell of blood as it circulated between the various openings made by explosions and shrapnel.

There was no doubt about it. The nightmare that plagued the ponies of Equestria was becoming reality.

Canterlot had fallen.

The last years had been terrible. Soul-shattering. The civil war that failed to end collided with a Changeling invasion - and the chaos that ensued had allowed for not only King Sombra to return and take the Crystal Empire, but it also allowed for the ambitious forces of Stalliongrad to launch their own invasion. They were stuck between the ferocious Nightmare Moon, the vengeful Queen Chrysalis, the vicious King Sombra, and the zealous Sinister Serov, with the South lost to an endless and almost aimless civil war of even more shattered factions.

By now, Canterlot had been surrounded. The first to enter the region - through the west - was Chrysalis, but Nightmare Moon had been able to get her forces through the city walls from the south first. Reports indicated Sombra's forces obtaining positions in the north, and Stalliongrad was gaining foothold in the east. Yet at this point, did it matter who the invaders were?

Princess Celestia was unable to speak. Unable to think. She sat on the throne - head hung as the other mares, and the young dragon, simply...sat in a circle, and hugged. They whispered to each other, and shed tears - of loss, but also resolve and love towards one another.

"...T-This is it, huh girls?" Applejack softly whispered.

"Applejack..." Rarity sniffled. "Don't...Say such things. We...We will reclaim everything."

"Yeah! We're gonna kick their butts again, even if from the shadows!" Rainbow Dash grinned, ruffling Rarity's perfect mane, which the unicorn didn't mind at all.

"And we'll bring back hope and kindness to Equestria." Fluttershy sniffled.

"...And help ponies find joy once more." Pinkie said, after being silent for days.

"...No matter what..." Princess Twilight Sparkle draped her wings over all of them, enveloping them in her warmth. "We will always be together. Our friendship cannot be broken. I will always be by your side. We will be together, and stand side by side. I promise."

The mares cried, sobbed, and softly laughed. They hadn't given mind to the door being knocked down. The heavy gates had been torn off their hinges, and a heavy slam came, dust blown towards all directions.

The sound of eight hooves echoed through the entrance. "Well, isn't this so adorable?" Asked the toxic voice of Queen Chrysalis, stepping over the gate she had knocked down. ""The "Elements of Harmony", cowering like little rodents."

"I had my reservations about joining you in entering the throne room..." Hissed the spiteful voice of Nightmare Moon as the alicorn stood beside the queen. "But I got what I came for. I have my eyes on my "big sister", who's sitting like a pathetic wreck...Not even possessing the guts to look me in the eyes."

"...Perhaps I too would like to bear witness the "heroes" fall from grace." Spoke the enigmatic voice of King Sombra as he manifested through the shadows, and stepped in the middle of the two villains.

The three most dangerous forces in all of Equestria now stood - facing the only heroes Equestria could ever put their faith in. Where was Discord? Where were the Elements? Where was...help?

Twilight looked up past her wings. Her eyes were full of fury. Not hatred - but fury that screamed to protect her friends. To protect those she loved. She stepped in-front of the other mares and unfurled her wings, blocking them from sight. "I want to ask all of you...Why? Why have you done this?"

"What?" Chrysalis scoffed. "Shown you how pathetic you are? Shown how utterly foolish you--"

"Shut up!" Twilight barked, shocking even Sombra as his shadows pulled him back somewhat. "I-I...I don't want to hear any more of this! I don't want to hear all this...All this garbage! I don't want to hear you make fun of my friends, or my country, or the ponies that fought you!" She sobbed. "I'm asking...Why did you do all this!? Why did you have to cause so much suffering!? Upon the entire continent - not just Equestria! Why...Why did you have to fight such a terrible war-- w...why even fight a war in the first place!? All this death, suffering...F-For what!?"

She pointed at Chrysalis. "For revenge!?"

Her hoof moved to Nightmare Moon. "Because of hurt!?"

It moved to Sombra. "Because you deem violence the best way to rule the world!?"

Her hoof planted itself back in the ground. "You...You didn't have to do this. None of you did. If the changelings wanted love, we could've found a way to compromise! We were close to resolving the conflict regarding the thestrals! And Sombra, I don't even know why you had to start this! I...I don't understand!" Twilight cried out. "Did none of you stop to think for a minute that this violence was pointless!? That it was...It was..."

The three quietly looked at her - gazes no longer displaying wanton evil, but instead complete attention to her words.

"...It was indeed pointless." Suddenly spoke Nightmare Moon.

"H-Huh?" Twilight had a ray of hope...That was snuffed out, as Nightmare Moon grinned and showed her sharp teeth.

"My..."sister", is a coward. Unable to take the decisions for the betterment of Equestria." Nightmare Moon hissed. "Lacking any potency, and of great stock in foolishness. She has reigned for so long, she'd rather save her own hide in this throne room, rather than fight in the war she had begun on her own accord. She's a tyrant to her little ponies."

Celestia shook a little...

"I tried to be like a mother to them, I'm not a tyrant..." She whispered - too quiet to be heard.

Chrysalis laughed, joining Nightmare Moon in the bullying. "And even having gotten her country into a war - four even - she was far too weak. Such a great and large country; full of resources, able bodies, and strategic value - yet such little ability to fight, to utilize assets and resist occupation. Does Equestria - assuming it's allowed to exist - deserve such a weak and powerless leader?"

Celestia shook more.

"I'm not weak...I...I have power." She whispered - a little louder, but still unheard.

Sombra laughed too, bellowing in the agony he perceived. "Truly. A being thousands of years old, and yet, unable to even rule with an iron hoof to be respected. If you're the goddess you claim to be, then I assure you, you are not worthy of being one. You're not worth anything whatsoever - especially not respect from your "subjects"."

Celestia shook violently, slamming her hoof into the throne - enough to make it crack. There was silence in the room.

"...I will have respect. I am a goddess."

Chrysalis and Sombra quietly gazed with surprised looks - but Nightmare Moon had the gall to take a step forward with a grin.

"What was that, "Sister"? Speak up. Your pathetic appearance drowns out your voice."

Celestia unfurled her wings...Their size...Strange. Too large. Larger than normal - enough to eclipse the light that came from the broken wall behind her. Twilight noticed the shadow cast, and froze in place.

Time froze for Twilight.

Literally.

She gazed at her surroundings. No embers falling from the top. Not a gust of wind making her feathers sway. It was dead silent. Only then did Twilight hear...A voice. Celestia's voice.

"Twilight. Seek shelter. Run away from me. As far as your hooves can take you. Over the seas. If you hear my voice, it means I cannot contain her. I feared this. So, so much. I'm sorry. Twilight...when...when she comes, you must resist. Do not listen to her promises. Do not listen to her lies. Please, my little Twilight...Be safe. You've done so much good. No matter the cost, resist her. I may never see you again Twilight...so...

Goodbye, my faithful student."

Twilight felt hooves wrap around her. Long hooves...But it was all a hallucination. Perhaps? She only snapped out...As time resumed.

Celestia's voice had progressively intensified...Booming more and more. The ash scattered across the throne room - coldly mixing as it sprawled over the floor.

"I tried to be like a mother to them. I am not weak. I will have respect. I am a goddess."

And yet the ashes were getting warmer.

"...P-Princess!" Twilight Sparkle called out, eyes shot wide with panic, mouth wide open in an attempt to call out. Seeing her panic - it had raised nervousness for the three villains.

And finally - the ashes would become alight with the embers that had made them.

"...I..."

"No! Celestia!"

And the embers burned - once again and forevermore.

...

"I am..."

...

...

"I am...Daybreaker."

Twilight's memory of the moment had become shattered. She saw Sombra leap at Celestia - before a flash of yellow washed over the throne room, and he had disappeared. She saw destruction, cataclysm - running away with her friends from it all...It was a haze she could piece together very slowly. She doesn't remember what happened since Celestia disappeared.

The memories would return to her eventually - but in those memories, she saw one pony. A pony who had attempted to save her from the power of the sun - the power of destruction and annihilation. He stood in-front of her, and held up his hooves to protect himself as he shielded her; Spike desperately calling out her name.

And a painful flash that blinded her for the weeks that followed - the burning pain a stark reminder for the years to come.

Prologue 2, Part Two - The SIB, or, Cipher Clocks In

"You've got ten seconds to explain this to me, or I'll paint this entire room red with my damn talons!" Gomer yelled - barely restrained by Umfuni and Chari.

The unknown stallion who stood by the window - facing him with his back, shook his head. "You know I cannot do that - at-least not in that short frame of time. Any agent captured for any amount of time must be tested. To confirm that he hasn't compromised vital information, to ensure he hasn't been brainwashed, and to ensure that he is still capable."

Gomer was able to free his right talon, but Umfuni was able to take it as well, holding Gomer from behind. "That kid's a hero! His efforts alone confirmed where and how Stalliongrad's been involved in Zebrica! We've managed to uncover so much shit, that we've got the advantage! And after he's wasted away in some hole where they've maimed him, you treat him like this!?"

"...Gomer." Colton softly spoke as he stood at the entrance to the room. "Stand down."

"Colton, you're not serious! I know you're not! All that bullshit - you being worried sick about Cipher - what, it's actually bullshit!? You're gonna let that freak mess with his brain now, after all he's gone through!?"

"By freak you refer to Mr. Tull?" The mysterious stallion asked.

Gomer growled. "Yes, or whatever fake name that bastard goes by! You've seen what he does - the freakish things he does, and asks..."

The mysterious stallion humphed. "I heard due to his interrogation techniques, you had almost failed the interrogation resistance course, Mr. Gomer. Do you harbor a dislike toward him due to this reason?"

"Why you--...If anything happens to Cipher, it's your ass on the line, "Mister Handler"!" Gomer yelled, holding back himself at this point. His talons were not clenched - quite the opposite, prepared to swipe and cut.

"..." The Handler smiled. "You think I'm here to antagonize you, right? To make your life more difficult? To hurt your friend?" He asked.

Chari whimpered - she wanted to say something, but she couldn't.

"..." The Handler saw this, and sighed. He turned around. His glowing blue eye made it clear - he was a changeling, one wearing a black suit that made him look rather featureless otherwise, save for an eyepatch. "No. You're wrong, Gomer. I am not here to endorse the torture of a pony that has been dragged through hell as it is. But, there is a reason for everything."

"What reason could doing this to Cipher have!?" Gomer shouted - to which Colton stepped forward.

"Gomer..." The Colton said. "Why do you think Cipher was taken from us half a year ago when we were investigating communist assets in New Mareland?"

"Well, because--...You mean, why...specifically him?"

The Handler chuckled softly at these words. "It is as I said, Gomer. There's a reason for everything."

***

The banging had occurred fifty times. In a row. The metallic baton bashing against the iron bars produced a most awful sound - but its uniform frequency had ironically made it less distressing. Cipher always looked into numbers and meanings - whether he wanted it or not. It was a hobby he had no idea he loved or not. Patterns and context - his favorite factors behind anything. Perhaps this was his autism - or perhaps he just got used to it working with numbers so much.

What Tull intended to be a means to force Cipher into distress - was instead a form of relaxation for Cipher, who was amused by the fact Tull somehow struck the baton in perfect intervals each time, 50 times each.

"Cipher." Tull softly spoke - a thin pony with a rather fiendish, impish look. "I know you slipped some facts. You throw the wolf a bone so that you delay the moment it eats you. Zebrica does not have the same POW treatment as they have it in Equus or West Griffonia. Why would anyone care about keeping you alive - if not for the fact you were a piggy bank of secrets? A plump little piggy bank who could give a secret away just to live longer...?"

Cipher smiled softly. "They did ask me a few things I had to answer, you're right."

"Like what, Cipher? What sort of information did you surrender to our enemy?" Tull asked, using the baton to guide it along Cipher's remaining hooves - making sure to pause at the points where striking could hurt the most.

Cipher giggled. "I did tell them that I am allergic to sweet food. They tried to shove a cake so big into me, that even Celestia couldn't have finished it. It was torture of the worst kind. I also told them that our interrogation resistance training is reallyyyy poor, so I asked them to be gentle. Uh, also I told them about that one plan we had to put a whoopie cushion under Sinister Serov's chair during an important meeting! Oh, right - I told them that my favourite color was green. I think that might've been too much..."

Tull smiled. "So in short...You're still messing with me."

Cipher innocently frowned at his interrogator. "Tull, come on. Why would I ever do something as awful as lying? That would go against the Element of Honesty itself! And what am I, if not an embodiment of the Elements of Harmony? Well, maybe I lack the "Magic" part being an Earth Pony, but hey, what's a little--"

Cipher's jokes were finished once the baton struck his already-hurt hoof, hitting it right in the stump. It was just recently bandaged and filled to prevent bleeding and infection - but the pain was something that made Cipher scream. Losing it was different - the Zebras had failed to keep him awake when it happened. But now - he could feel just how much having a severed nerve hurt.

"Cipher - having you die here can be written off as your body failing to adapt, that you were claimed by shock and weakness. Tell me what you have told them - I will allow you to take a break. That much I can guarantee."

Cipher looked past the tears of pain - looking down at his severed leg...He sniffled softly, and shivered as the pain let go of him...He supposed that there was a point to Tull's words. He had to say something. Anything at all.

"..."

"Go on." Tull's baton was resting against Cipher's head now.

"...Other than the names of our Prywhen agents...I told them about Operation Starbreaker."

"...Operation Starbreaker, huh?" Tull humphed. "Why was the information of this operation relevant to your interrogation?"

Colton sighed softly, trying to look away in shame. "They needed to relay this information back to Serov and his government-in-exile. The Stalliongrad agent who was there - he probably had his suspicions, and he knew that I would have a level of information on this plan."

"I see. Are you aware who else has clearance for the details in regards to this operation? How did they find out about it?"

"No idea. Obviously the list is small. My team, the Handler, the President - a select few others, including you. Why such a question?"

"I'm the one asking the questions here." Tull growled. "But this is strange. We would be aware if the operation's intelligence had leaked, if they kept you there for six months asking about it. Otherwise, we would be aware one way or another that our assets were compromised."

"Maybe those who received the information are hesitant to allow it to spread..." Cipher sighed. "Think about it - someone tells you about the biggest plot ever against Stalliongrad's communist movement, a plan so big that it might put a nail in their coffin. To break their "red star", and doing it in such a way that nocreature could even anticipate. If you were Serov himself, who would you want to notify, and how safely could you do it? They could be aware - but they might be withholding a reaction to catch us by surprise, even if it means keeping their own operatives in the dark."

"...A fair point." Tull softly said. "Okay - what have you detailed in the plan exactly? Go over what you told them as if I was one of the Zebras - or that foreign agent."

Cipher quietly looked at the floor as he spoke. "Establishing a formal alliance with Aquileia and Wingbardy, and then seeking partnership with Vartai - convincing Starry Night that the Stalliongrad model of communism is too expansionist and bloodthirsty under Serov. Then, we arm Bandit Tribes in the region to begin an incursion on Prywhen - and prompt Vartai to begin their second war against Blackrock - supporting Vartai with the military strength, while closing the air space around Prywhen."

"...Go on."

"Of course, naturally - all able SIB teams will infiltrate Prywhen to assassinate Serov and install a more Harmonist-leaning, Socialist government, based on the Aquileian model of Democratic Socialism."

"..." Tull was quiet for a moment. "That is indeed a lot of information. You seem to have spoiled most of our operation's plans, and we may not be able to carry it out in the end. Cipher - you have given away very, very vital intel.."

Cipher quietly stared forward.

"...On behalf of the SIB - I cannot let this breach of information go unpunished." Tull said, standing up. "You know that I work for this organization because I believe in New Mareland. I believe in the leadership of our president, and I believe in a better future for my country." The stallion said, raising his baton. "...So, I must make sure you understand the gravity of your mistake." He grinned - prepared to split Cipher's head open.

"...Just, one silly thing of note." Cipher smiled up at Tull.

"...What?"

"You know everything about Starbreaker, right?"

"Of course. I have clearance."

"...Operation Starbreaker - and everything I just told you..." Cipher could barely suppress his chortle. "...It's not real."

Tull froze in place. "What...?" He hissed. "...I see. So you're here to rub it into my face that you've confirmed all your suspicions about me, huh? Can't let yourself die without the clarity. I respect that, almost, but I cannot let the goals of Stalliongrad be ruined by a nosy little pony. And here, I thought that separating you from your team and letting the Zebras take you would fix my problems. Maybe I thought getting you back here would be a bonus of its own - you had me excited at all this information. I thought maybe Serov would appreciate my efforts. Now though..."

Tull prepared his hoof - to strike even harder than he had anticipated. "Now - my bonus is to do it myself!"

And yet - the baton never came down. A noise made Tull drop it - from shock and terror.

The noise came from the door opening. The Handler's voice was like melting ice - a strange description for the strange voice he spoke with. "It was as I told you, Colton. Reading in-between the lines as to why Cipher disappeared, you already know what's wrong. Then a quick chat with Cipher filled in all the blanks. After that, all you need is a confession."

Gomer was flabbergasted, looking with his beak wide open. Chari whimpered - she knew the whole time, but couldn't let her mouth run. Umfuni quietly watched it all unfold, the newbie who had been given a tour of the headquarters only recently.

Tull grit his teeth. "...So this was all...All-"

The Handler flicked his sunglasses back onto his face. "This wasn't Cipher's interrogation. This was yours, Tull."

Colton stepped forward. "You took my team member because he was unto you. I noticed this as soon as he was the only one to be taken, when the enemy might've had the chance to take us too. But you needed our team to operate so that you could reap more information. Cipher had no evidence to prove your betrayal - but I guess everycreature here knows that Cipher has a talent for seeing things others don't. That's what irritated you - and scared you."

Tull tried to reach for his pistol - and he had even squeezed the trigger. And yet - nocreature felt the bullets.

Cipher grinned wide at his teammates. "You're right! Loading blanks instead of just having his mag emptied was kinda funny."

Tull fearfully shook...He knew what had to be done. Closing his mouth - the sound of something clicking was heard. And yet - before he could swallow, a blast of magic hit him in the back - sending him sliding towards the Handler, and spitting out the suicide pill in his mouth.

Plymouth laughed, dropping from the airvent with an audio recording device strapped onto his backpack. "What a pussy, too. You're not getting out of this the coward's way." He said, kicking the suicide pill away for Umfuni to take it in as evidence.

"You..." Tull grunted. "You'll pay...You'll pay for--"

"But we're gonna need you alive for a bit longer." The Handler said, leaning down right above him. "After all, somepony like you has information that we could use."

"And even if he keeps quiet..." Colton smirked. "We can just keep roughing him up as revenge."

Tull nervously swallowed. Two guards had entered the room and promptly cuffed him, before dragging him away. Approaching Cipher, the Handler lowered his sunglasses.

"I'm sorry to have made it so difficult. But I thank you for taking the initiative to expose him." The Handler said.

"Another minute of him being in the SIB could've spelled disaster." Cipher smiled. He attempted to reach in for a hoofshake, but ended up falling forward. The Handler had caught him, and helped him stand once again on his three hooves.

"...Seems like the Zebras took a trophy." The Handler frowned looking at the hoof, but then smiled. "Don't worry. R&D has some promising prosthetics to work with. The question is..." The Handler quieted down, paused...and tried again. "The question is...The civilian model, or the military model?"

Cipher was given minutes to think...The suffering he went through was immense over that half-year, he had anticipated death and pain beyond his worst nightmares...The SIB could spell his death. Any time spent working for it could destroy him more, and result in further damage that he may never recover from.

Yet, it was nothing compared to the resolve that still burned deep inside him.

He smiled at the Handler. And the Handler understood what the smile meant.

"Take some time off." The changeling said. "We'll get you the luxury you need while we get the leg ready. Cipher..." The Handler took a step back, and put his glasses back on. "It's good to have you on-board again."

Cipher grinned softly. "Clocking in, boss."

He attempted to salute with his organic, scarred hoof, and fell onto his side.

Chapter 18, Part Three - Equestria's Worst Airline

Standing above Cipher, the Ascended stallion rose his hooves with sheer anger and rage, prepared to tear him asunder into a fiery flurry. To ash, to cinders...Cipher felt the anxiety just by his proximity. Why did he feel that power? Why did he feel her? His burnt hoof was in agony, but there was an additional layer of pain - brought by a Pavlovian reflex of being next to a being that reeked of her spiteful scent.

That day replayed in his head, but one sound brought him to reality.

"Cipher!" He heard the muffled sound of shouting beyond the wall of flame - the sound of his friends rushing to help him. He heard Gomer's voice, Chari's, Umfuni's, Colton's, Plymouth's...And the other rebels that tried to get to him to support him. They couldn't clearly see what was happening, the ring of fire was a wall that kept them out.

The voices struck his ears harder than the pain. Apart from the fact that Cipher wanted to see the faces of his friends once again, he had the rational thought that the longer this monster was alive, the more likely was the possibility of it harming them, or reporting their location.

The pain didn't matter not one bit when he thought of them. The only family he's ever had.

He had a score to settle with that bitch, Daybreaker. He had comrades to get back to. He had a future to sort out, and a dream to see Equestria in a normal state once more. Most importantly...he had a job. He wasn't going to clock out before his shift was over.

He was not going to die here.

The last time he was missing one of his limbs, he resorted to a rather ungentlecoltly tactic...

Why not again?

On his three last hooves, he pounced.

CHOMP!

The ponies who were trying to douse the flames were met with an ear-piercing howl of suffering, pain, and frustration. They did not understand what happened beyond the fire, only the glimpses and silhouettes of struggle.

With no other option, Cipher had jumped teeth-first to bite the creature right in the face. Tilting his head horizontally, his jaw was able to get purchase on the beast's muzzle - from one cheek to another. In normal circumstances, there should have not been any way this was a good idea. His teeth would have cracked or broke. The being wrapped its hooves around his throat, to choke him even break his neck...But the more it tried to subdue him, the harder his jaw clamped on the Ascended's face.

Something gave Cipher's jaw strength. Something gave Cipher strength as a whole. Something was giving him the power needed to start standing on his hooves while the monster tried to push back. Somehow, with his teeth sinking deeper and deeper into the face of his assailant, he was able to stand right onto his hind legs, miraculously resisting the pressure of a demigod...

And then he shut his jaw, both rows of teeth touched.

The monster made in Daybreaker's image let go of him. It let out a scream of pain, immediately recoiling and writhing. Blood rushed from its bisected face - and when it spilled, it immediately vaporized. There was no real gore to speak of - whatever flesh it had was a fiery amalgamation of tar, dripping off onto the grass and evaporating.

Now, he had momentum. And he had the socket of his broken hoof - conveniently jagged and sharp. He'd bear the pain. Life with pain was better than no life without it, no?

He shrieked and lunged forward. Then, he swiped the broken hoof right across the neck of the monster. It slid in like a knife through butter, the heat of the metal allowing for additional damage.

Cleaved clean off, the head rolled through the flames...and screamed. It had no lungs, no mouth - and yet, the scream could freeze blood, as if the trumpets of heaven had played in Minor. The body fell to the side, burning and melting, while the half-broken head rolled away. It kept screaming.

Then...

FWOOOSH!

The fire had washed the entire forest. Cipher feared immediately that it would ignite his comrades, and yet...Fire turned into harmless cinders, and cool embers. The fires were doused, and all that surrounded them was greyness. The fire had extinguished color and light. By now, Cipher had realized the fight had taken them back down the highway where they initially took off the planes. A little clearing of concrete that gave the rebels a rally point as they ran up to Cipher.

The screaming of the beast stopped. To Cipher, this meant the target was neutralized, so he finally allowed himself to fall to the side. At-least now, with his hoof being artificial, there was no blood from it to bleed.

A silhouette appeared above Cipher. Normally, angels would have welcomed him, spoken kind words of admiration and respect, of love and sheltering as they raised him to the heavens.

This angel was cussing him out.

"Fucking asshole...Prick...You fucking prick..." Gomer tried not to show tears as he carefully raised Cipher. "Pull that cowboy shit again, then Boreas help me I'll fucking pull your other hoof off myself."

"Is he okay!?" Cried Chari's voice.

"Looks like it!" Plymouth said, having run up from the other side to help support Cipher, immediately checking him for injuries. The rebels immediately swarmed the one-hooved stallion to help and observe the situation. One of them quickly ran up to the body of the beheaded monster and dumped a submachine gun's entire magazine into it. Babs Seed quickly ran over to the head, not even thinking, and stomped it, crushing it into ash and fat-like goop.

Cipher was helped up by Chari. He looked at the others, weakly smiling.

"Maybe it doesn't bleed, but...we can still kill it." Cipher smirked.

Immediately, a holed-hoof slapped him across the muzzle. Chari's eyes were full of tears.

"NEVER..." She hissed, holding back tears. "NEVER...Do...do that again."

Cipher couldn't help but smile. "...Don't be that upset you didn't get a chance to-..." He cut himself off, seeing the fury and desperation in Chari's eyes. He frowned, and lightly nodded. "...Y-Yeah. Okay..."

The changeling sighed and began to treat his broken hoof. In her first aid kit was ointment, which had nearly run out from the amount of burn injuries she had to deal with since Fillydelphia.

"I thought they were immortal..." Tempest Shadow whispered in sheer disbelief, approaching with Trixie beside her, having left Starlight and Sunset Shimmer at the infirmary back at the base.

"...So did I." Said Colton, who stood above Cipher while looking at the quickly decaying body and head, which vaporized immediately. "Granted, I think none of us even got a shot at one of those things. Hard to hit flying targets that fire the sun's power at you. Yet, Cipher...You don't want to tell me you just...Used basic CQC on it, did you? Or like when we got you in Zebrica..."

"...Well, y'know..." Cipher blushed. "Might call my dentist my weapon's dealer..."

Chari took the hint, grunting with annoyance and opening his mouth to check his teeth, which much to her suspicion were cracked and bleeding. "What is it with you and biting the enemy?"

"...Our rations suck. Have to live off the earth." Cipher chuckled.

Plymouth was the only one who smiled, but not at the joke. "It's true that a near-death experience gives you a sense of humor, huh?"

Cipher spoke, in-between hisses of pain as Chari injected morphine into him. "Fuck you. My sense of humor was great before, too."

Colton was deep in thought however. The fact that Cipher was able to single-hoofedly do all of this shocked him, confused him. "I still don't understand how you pulled it off. Is there something you wanna tell us?"

"..." Cipher was not one to lie. "Not in-front of the rebels." He whispered.

Colton was one to keep secrets.

The short reprieve and rest was broken, however, once a shrill scream came from one of the rebels, who immediately dropped their gun and began to run with tears in her eyes. The others looked at her, then at each other in confusion. Then, at the sky.

Deafening silence came when they looked up. There was a silhouette.

A winged silhouette. An avatar of fire.

"Oh FUCK me! More of these cunts!?" Gomer hissed, pulling out his gun and training at it, hoping that one well-placed shot would take it out. Yet, it flew faster than any plane.

In silent disbelief, all watched as another Ascended pony descended upon the road, landing several meters away. This newcomer was already injured, and the wings were barely operable - as if they had just spent hours flying at high speeds. It was partially injured, but the high-caliber bullet holes seemed to already have healed on their own.

"Shit, you got any more of that teeth-fu you?" Plymouth quietly whispered to Cipher, while he walked forward to shield the injured pony.

They all stood, undecided between fight or flight. They learned they could be killed, but the glimpses of its atrocities in Fillydelphia flashed in their heads. A rebel immediately took action, and attempted to fire at it with his rifle. The monster took a brief look at him before its horn fired a concentrated beam of sunlight, burning a massive hole through his body that killed him instantly, the body bisected.

Another rebel tried to run - and another pinpoint beam had taken his head clean off, leaving a headless corpse behind, almost as if to symbolize it was here to avenge its sibling. It was not going to let them run, nor fight. It was going to have them stay just where it wanted.

Its horn began to glow. Gathering fire. Cipher understood what this was - exactly how Daybreaker wanted to get rid of him. With a cry, he pushed past Plymouth and tried to limp at it.

"Cipher, no!" Colton cried out, trying to restrain Cipher. The three-hooved stallion pushed his commander aside. Past the pain and the morphine which was numbing his body, he could not let this monster do any more harm. Besides, if the blessing of Nightmare Moon had protected him now and then, surely the third time was the charm, wasn't it?

He just had to run up to it. He had to cover a twenty second's sprint. Even as the glow became more potent. It began to screech. Again, the sound of Heaven's trumpets playing in Minor. It bared its fangs, eyes set on immolating its targets in one swath of fire.

But as the horrible trumpets of Daybreaker's power pierced the skies, it became clear that it was another sound that shook the air along with it. A solo that was turned into a duet.

There was a muffled sound from the clouds...

The sound of a nose-diving jet.

And somehow, despite the deafening sound from above and the distance above them...It was possible to barely hear a high-pitched, female scream.

"VAAAFAAAANCULLLOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"

Raz shrieked at the top of her lungs as the F-105 - pointed nose down - kept descending with an obnoxious howl, the jet engine whining with rage and pain. It let out a cry of death - but not before Raz had pulled the ejection.

The parachute burst out from the seat's back compartment, leaving the batpony to watch as her jet plunged right into the highway right in-front of Cipher and the others.

The F-105 made contact nose-first with the standing Ascended. The beast screamed, unable to stop its planned attack, and unable to react on time. Thirteen tons immediately fell upon it and smashed into it from above - bringing with it whatever explosive material the jet had. The jet crumpled immediately, crashing into the ground, gliding across the highway as it rendered the monster into mush that it now smeared all over the road.

With a roar of the engine, the F-105's remains rolled through the forest, carrying the body of the Ascended through the woods and scattering its body. The explosion of fire was minimal for the jet had little to no fuel, but the terrible crashing sound and falling trees made it clear that the landing had likely reduced the once-proud jet into absolute nothing, along with its target whose remains now began evaporating.

Completely in disbelief, the rebels began to scream and cheer - many of them not understanding where this Deus Ex Machina appeared from.

In the sky, the parachute jerked Raz upwards before it began to descend - its fabric, however, was faulty. As it started to come down, the descent would accelerate. The prolonged dogfight with two of these beasts damaged her only lifeline, and the bat let out frustrated cries. She tried to hold onto the cords of the parachute, to purchase whatever drag she could to soften the landing.

And then, there was the sound of impact.

POMF!

Cipher looked in horror. He saw how quickly the ejected seat fell to the ground. The sound appeared soft and harsh at the same time. He saw where it landed, into the nearby layer of treeline beside the highway.

"Shit, Raz!"

Cipher panted for air as he limped and ran, not stopping for a second. "Raz! Raz!" He screamed, stumbling without his metallic hoof. It wouldn't stop him, neither would his team or the rebels trying to catch up - he wanted to save his friend. He approached the tangled belts of the ejection seat, and the body of the batpony ensnared within them. Cipher had no knife...But he thought fast. He used the charred and jagged edge of his destroyed hoof to start cutting the ropes. Without the third hoof however, Cipher had no way to catch the body as it fell right atop of him.

"Oof!" Raz coughed as she fell on top of the stallion, the two rolling through the grass, as they were slightly uphill. Intertwined with one another, they would roll until finally reaching the concrete of the highway.

And then, they were laying beside one another. Both gasping and panting for air.

The batpony chuckled as she wiped the blood off her face and muzzle. She turned his head to look at him. "H-Hey Cipher." Raz giggled, interrupted by coughing. "Fancy meeting you here, amico..."

Despite the fear of nearly losing his friend, Cipher couldn't help but laugh. He rolled a little to her side and hugged her tight with one hoof, holding close to her. "Fuck, you're okay...I was so damn worried..."

The batpony blushed and rolled her eyes. "Whatcha been worried about? C'mon, I was just uh...taking that thing for a joyride."

They laughed softly. They ignored how they were being berated by their team, past Chari's typical chastising and Gomer threatening to kill them himself if they kept putting their lives into danger. The rebels immediately brought stretchers, loading them on them.

As they were carried away, Raz had the chance to look at a portion of the destroyed plane. "...You think this is gonna...tank the stock value of Raz Airlines?" She asked Cipher.

Cipher grunted as a rebel put too much pressure on his hoof while putting him on the stretcher. "I uh, think the name tanked it from the get-go..Shit, how did you...How'd you do that? I mean, I got no idea how you even found me, let alone all this..."

Raz's eyes were proud - grin shit-eating, but she knew whatever she'd say was hard to believe. "The big ring of fire was a dead giveaway, man. Plus, I followed one of them. I knew it was too good to be true when he turned tail after being a ball's hair from crashing me." She coughed. "I killed the other one, though."

"Bullshit." Cipher's eyes widened.

Yet, her grin ate more shit. "Fuck yeah I did. Ejected a fuel tank on his ass and shot it."

"...God damn, you're actually serious, aren't you? You're not the type to make shit up..."

The bat snorted. "Bet if I had a dick I'd have three mares on it by now, huh?"

"Most hygiene products on Drosera ran out a few days before we arrived. Don't think with your hypothetical dick, Raz."

***

In the infirmary, Chari rested her head on Cipher's chest, while Umfuni lay beside him. The earth stallion had made an effort to pretend to fall asleep, allowing his two companions to rest. He could pretend to be as still as possible, he could pretend to shut his eyes as long as possible - but sleep never came to him.

He kept gazing at the socket of his detached cybernetic limb. The ointment ceased the physical pain, but the phantom pains were stronger now that he was without a hoof once more. At-least having the metal fake stimulated other muscles, keeping pressure on his pectorals and triceps - but now he was three-legged and vulnerable.

Death glared him in the eyes today. The fact he was alive - it seemed to be a miracle. It seemed to be a dream that he hadn't woken up from yet. He softly sighed, wrapping his remaining hoof around Chari.

He wondered what he was doing, wordlessly getting into this unofficial, unspoken polycule. In this line of work, anyone could die. Tomorrow, their entire squad could get ambushed and shot down. Was the fear of death so strong that this strange three-way relationship was rational? If one of them died, they'd still have the other.

Intrusive thoughts like these - he hated so much. He hated his brain for producing that image - of any of his comrades in some ditch and lifeless. But was he truly irrational when it could happen any day, at any time? It could happen any time. Tomorrow, in a week or two - in a year...Death was a shawl that threatened to fall upon them all - to tangle and ensnare them all.

Yet, despite the terrible thoughts, he found the resolve to fall asleep.

Almost as if something - or someone had helped him rest.

...

***

The abyss had no up nor down. There was only a comparable sensation - to float in the middle of the ocean with no moonlight. Utter clouded darkness, only able to lie in the maw of complete omniscience.

Cipher however caught a sensation. A chill - yet one that ended on a hint of warmth. Slowly, his hooves found purchase on a sort of ground. He was no longer floating - there was something tangible now...

He was in a dream, this he knew. But there was a shape in the darkness - taller than him, with a horn and wings...Approaching slowly, so as not to startle him. Cipher found himself unable to produce a proper reaction - unsure whether to bow, go forward, or even go backward.

"...Princ...Nightm...I..."

The alicorn formed before him. Yet, there were no monstrous fangs. No dreadful cold presence or feline eyes. Just the graceful face of a tired, vigilant mare.

"...It's...This is really you, isn't it, Princess?"

The alicorn nodded, gently. "Hello. Cipher. We have...much to discuss.""

"Wait, but what about Nightmare Moon?" Cipher immediately tensed. "If I'm...If she's planted a part of her magic in me, then won't she appear? What if--"

"No, she is not here." Luna spoke. "Nightmare Moon is living in the consciousness of Daybreaker - her attempt to harness my...or perhaps our power led to the separation. I am both free of her parasitic presence, and lacking the deeper powers her existence grants me."

"...I don't know what to even say." Cipher softly said. "I...Never really thought I'd get to meet you - not with how things are going...I'm definitely a bit lost right now..."

The Princess wanted to get right to it, to the purpose of her chat. Yet, she could not bring herself to be cold. She softly smiled, and her horn flickered for a moment. The deep-blue abyss of stars shifted, those very stars spinning and rotating as lights appeared, shapes formed...Momentarily, Cipher and Luna found themselves standing on soil. Around them were tropical hills, and a cool mist that draped over the rolling trees. South-Eastern Equus.

"I understand there may have not been many places you'd call home, but I assume this is the closest."

Hearing those words, Cipher immediately scanned the horizon. She thought it may have been some kind of misunderstanding, for this region was the source of his nightmare...Then, he saw that little cabin. The couple of old thestrals who sat together at the porch of a house, happily knitting and sipping coffee. They saw Cipher and both smiled. They waved.

Cipher's body felt a little weakened. His anxiety disappeared, and he was no longer tense. He knew that in the context of all this, they were just illusions. Yet, here they were.

"...They brought me in after I ran away from the cultists." Cipher told her.

"I had assumed they possessed a parental association, to you." Luna softly said, standing beside him, two heads taller. She placed a hoof on his shoulder, looking fondly at the old couple. "...Why didn't you stay?"

Cipher wished he knew. Or, at-least he wished he was certain he knew. "I did for a bit, 'till I looked old enough to pass for a milk-drinking eighteen-year old. I thought that...maybe I could repay them. Told them I found a job at a plantation, while in reality I'd signed up with mercenaries to send them money back each month. Helped them cover health costs, fixed their radio, fixed up their utilities...Got them a truck to replace that jalopy that started after prayers and promises to sacrifice your first-born to it, hah..."

Luna's gaze was soft, both humored and endeared. "And did they believe this whole time that you worked at the plantation, as you promised?"

"Yes and no." Cipher said. "They started suspecting something was up with the cash being this good, so I confessed. Except, I confessed that I was working at a sugar plantation instead of a maize one. Then the old stallion figured I was actually making and selling rum. That little scapegoating tactic worked. Better to be pegged as a guy who gets people drunk instead of shooting at them..."

Luna softly laughed, though the obvious question began to burn. "...And when did you stop? Sending them money, I mean?"

Cipher looked at the couple in the distance once more, fondly looking at the projection of his memory. Them talking, laughing, knitting ponchos, drinking coffee, reminiscing of the old times. He turned back to Luna. "They both passed away while I was protecting a ship on a two week trip. By the time I came back they must've been de-...gone for a few days. They were together in bed. Natural causes - I...never really asked the coroner to estimate who went first. I only assume the other just, went because of heartbreak. Unwillingness to keep living alone?"

He kept looking at them. He couldn't stop. He gently shook, even in the dream world he felt that cold sense of guilt. Luna understood, her hoof stroking his shoulder.

"Regret is dangerous. It's a leftover bile that will poison you the more you return to it. Do not blame yourself, not for trying your best, not for the impulses that may have influenced you due to youthful misconceptions or lack of knowledge."

"...Thanks Princess." Cipher sighed, but found the resolve to smile once more.

"..." The alicorn gently guided him towards a path. "Walk with me, please."

He nodded. They walked, their hooves planting and disturbing the tropical soil. Even if this was all "fake", it was made from the abstract, yet strong sensations of his childhood and teenage memories. He felt the breeze, the singing of tropical birds, fragrant and crisp air that filled his lungs and surrounded his fur. They walked alongside one another, both gazing around the tropical path.

"Cipher..." The Princess spoke. "There is a reason I have entered your dream. Before you leave Equestria, there is something I need you to do. A place I need you to investigate. I understand the situation is dire, but you are one of the few who I am able to communicate with directly."

Cipher's ears perked. "Do you know where we are right now, ma'am? I mean, in the real world?"

"Approximately." Luna said. "It's not exact, but I do have someone who also shared your approximate location. A friend on the inside of Daybreaker's court."

"...What is the importance of that place?"

Luna sighed, tense and heavy. "I am deeply sorry, but I don't know. I can only feel one thing at the core of it all."

The alicorn shook, the memories too intense. She found the resolve to recall, and continue.

"...Nightmares." She whispered with a shake to her tone. "Nightmares so difficult and impossible to navigate that...That I have...I am ashamed to admit, but I have been unable to help. These nightmares are impossible to navigate without the presence of Nightmare Moon in my soul. She was an anchor. A beacon. A lighthouse that would ensure I would neither drown nor be lost. It's a thick miasma of misery and suffering, one that I may only observe."

"...Princess..." Cipher whispered.

They stopped. The alicorn turned to him, facing him as she looked down at him. "Cipher, I would not dare do this under normal circumstances - this...calling someone to do something, perhaps against their will, knowing that you may be running into danger...But please, you need to understand - what I felt...It...It was not natural. It was not normal. I heard...So much screaming, so much torment...I will hate myself for a thousand years more, but I need you to investigate this. Please. I understand your team may have already suffered injuries, if not casualties, but..."

Cipher stood strong. "We'll do it, Princess. I promise. I'll tell my commander and we will investigate it. "

Weakly, the Princess smiled. "Thank you, Cipher. It means a lot to me. I feel so useless, so far away and in hiding, but..."

"Please never say that, Princess." Cipher said immediately, calming himself before he appeared too intense. "Just, tell us where we can find it."

"It was once a summer camp." She explained. "The Sun Lake's Smile, it was called. Abandoned since the war...It should be perhaps a day's worth of travel by car, following the roads."

"Understood." Cipher said. "We'll do it, Princess."

"Thank you." She sighed, her shoulders losing tension. "I've been so...sleepless, as irony would have it. May we spend some more time here? It's so calm...I've almost forgotten what all of this is like. A real dream, a pony's happy place..."

"Of course. I'd...I'd love nothing more than that." Smiled Cipher, as they walked along the beach - with the brilliant orange skies above them, and the sun setting to their west beyond the trees.

***

The life of an operator within a high-level intelligence agency was wild. From life-and-death situations, to the breakfast you'd eat every morning. One day you may be able to eat in a five-star restaurant while you're on protection duty, others you may need to eat snakes and tree frogs, no matter your dietary preferences. In a makeshift base full of guerillas, the team had to make do with rations. They sat at the table, eating the dried and processed food. Each time, Gomer and Plymouth were like drug dealers having an intense argument, poaching from each other's rations and trying to find a fair amount of their preferred foods to exchange. Umfuni happily ate the dried fruits that Chari was too picky to eat, instead taking some of his peanut butter rations, to which he was allergic to.

"So..." Colton rubbed his face. He did not like mornings, and Cipher's revelation was making it even harder. "...Luna came to you in a dream and gave you that intel."

"Yes." Cipher responded. "...You don't think that I'm--"

"I believe you." Colton murmured. "Though there's things I'm antsy about. Could've been an actual dream rather than Luna appearing. Y'know. A "dud". Who's to say your brain can't conjure her up on its own?"

There was a moment of thoughtful silence, interrupted seconds later by a pained grunt. Surprising all was the movement - the injured fiery-maned from the nearby table, supported by the others. "I'm sorry for butting into the convo, however..." Sunset Shimmer sat up, leaning against Tempest Shadow who sat beside her. "Princess Luna cannot appear in a dream in any other way, other than her visiting you. It's impossible. If he saw the Princess, then it really was her."

Colton looked quiet - convinced. Then, skepticism returned once he turned to Cipher. "...Could've been Daybreaker using her magic to fuck with you. What exactly did she tell you?"

Cipher sipped his coffee once to clear his throat. "She said that place is swarming with nightmares, so many and so intense she can't even "navigate" them. That and...She said there was screaming, a lot of pain...torment...That's how she put it."

The rest of the team looked antsy to listen in, the pleasant breakfast slowly becoming a tense briefing. "I don't think we should fuck around." Gomer rubbed his face with his talons. "We've been on Equus since our insertion into Nova Griffonia. Long enough that they've basically capitulated just earlier this week. We've gone through so much shit, gotten injured a bunch, jumping from first aid to first aid..."

Gomer continued as he recounted the events, tapping the table with his talon. "Shit, I mean...Daybreaker's hit squad in Jagged Hope, our assault on Fort Cherish, the siege on Fillydelphia and your run in with the Ascended...We can't carry on. Plus, your hoof, is fucked. Again."

Chari sat up, too eager to let this go. "But Princess Luna herself just up and told Cipher how important all this is!"

"IF that was Luna. Cipher's right. If this is a trap, we're fucked." Plymouth shook his head, dismissively waving a hoof. "Chari, be reasonable. The last fights we've had were close calls. We lose our edge at a bad time, and it's game over. Our combat potential is watering down. We should come back later."

"And if the objective is time sensitive?" Umfuni proposed. "If there is suffering, there may be targets we must save from suffering."

Plymouth threw his hooves up. "I'm gonna be selfish, pal. I don't wanna die 'till my sister is either cured, or I can tell her a proper goodbye. I've already signed like five death warrants on this continent, let's not do a sixth. Hey, we won't do New Mareland a service returning in body bags."

Being the voice of surprising reason, Raz folded her hooves. "Well, Colton is the one who calls the shot on this. Boss, what's it gonna be?"

"..." Colton looked at the table nearby, where the ELF commanders sat. He locked eyes with Starlight, who poked a fork into her oatmeal.

"My opinion, huh?" Starlight muttered. "Last time I gave an order, a lotta ponies got killed. I said I was over it - but I'm not sure I'm the one you ought to ask."

"Then allow me." Suddenly said Tempest Shadow, placing a hoof on Starlight Glimmer's shoulder. The broken-horned unicorn looked at Colton and his team. "Luna appeared to me once. In a dream. I was...in a bad place." She chuckled, pointing at her hoof. "I'm embarrassed over my meltdown on the radio, y'know...Mainly 'cause I remember that cave again. We were playing with a ball, as kids - and...Was it Spring Rain? Or...no. Glitter Drops. She rolled the ball into an Ursa Minor's cave."

The team listened - Chari in particular shuddered. Having transformed into one on multiple occasions, she had an idea of what the destructive potential of such a beast implied.

"...Yeah." Tempest Shadow sighed. "I was stuck for a while. Lost my horn, and that whole day is a blank in my head these days. Still, I remembered how freaked out I was. I was scared. Really damn scared. When I crawled out of the cave, I made my way home. So tired that...I didn't even realize how bad things were. Seeing my horn in the mirror - I freaked out. Cried myself to exhaustion. I remember before I fell asleep I really couldn't cope. Don't know if I thought of committing suicide, but...I thought of something bad. Luna noticed."

"...And what did she tell you?" Cipher quietly asked.

"...Told me stories of unicorns who'd lost their horns and their powers. Abilities." Tempest fondly remembered. "Told me that...No matter what, a unicorn's magic was more than just her horn. That there's more to magic than...that keratin spiral that kept poking holes in my t-shirts and bumping chandeliers. I think if not for the things Luna told me back then, I'd be somewhere worse. Probably worse than I ended up and, trust me...I didn't end up anywhere good. I still hate myself for that stupid choice I've made with my life. Doesn't matter. Listen..."

Tempest Shadow leaned in to the team. "...Listen to what Luna told you. It's often said that those who don't take her advice, heed her warning, listen to what she has to say...That you'll regret it each time you ever fall asleep. If she's willing to contact you at such a moment, knowing that her powers may be strained and the risk of being detected by Daybreaker...I'd go for it. That's just my two bits."

Starlight nodded along, putting her fork down. "...She's right, Colton. It's not like we're in good shape to fight her now, truth be told. If it turns out whatever you find there can help, then we may be looking at a chance to turn things around. Besides - zero percent is worse than a fraction of a percent, right?"

"...Then we'll do it." Colton stood up. "Difficult as things might be, if this information came from Princess Luna then it's beyond important. I know I'm asking a lot from you all..." He looked each team member in the eyes. "But we're not some army recon unit, or some grunts hooked on drugs, given expensive gear. We're the SIB. We're not out until the job is done, because we're here knowing that we've given our lives for our home. We'll drain Daybreaker for all her secrets, and compromise everything she's built...And I trust each and any one of you to carry on, with or without me."

The words prompted a period of silence, each stuck on whatever thing they were looking at. Cipher at his missing limb, Umfuni and Chari at Cipher, Gomer at the young guerillas in the distance, Raz at the sky, and Plymouth at the picture of his sister which he'd been levitating under the table.

With an exhale, Gomer gently bumped his talons on the table. "On your six, commander."

"Shit." Plymouth sighed. "Your-...our funeral. Let's go then. See how much more chaos we can cause till we gotta bail."

"I'm not afraid of anything, knowing what's at stake either." Umfuni confirmed.

"Never was either." Chari smiled. "Would've picked a different way of life, obviously - right?"

Raz and Cipher were both quiet - but their smiles acquiesced.

Having finished their meal, they stood up.

"...Thank you for everything, commanders." Colton told the table of ELF's leaders. "It's good to have spent time with friends."

Starlight smiled fondly at him. "We wouldn't be here without you."

Trixie smiled fondly at Umfuni and Chari, nodding. Ever grateful for what they'd done to keep her love safe.

Tempest tried hard not to shed a tear, coughing and wiping her face. "Y-Yeah. Ditto..."

Sunset Shimmer, however, stood up - once again despite the protests and her better judgment. She approached Colton, limping with her maimed body. She looked him in the eyes, the proud smile on her face growing. "I wish things hadn't turned out as they did. Our world could've been peaceful, and without war, or without batshit insane ideologies. But..."

She leaned into Colton, forcing him to catch her. It was necessary for her to extend her hoof, offering to shake it.

Sunset Shimmer, despite her injuries, did not shake - or gasp in pain. "...But I'm not hopeless. Not afraid. Not when we've still got people like you. Fight for our world, Colton. It's what we all owe to those we've lost along the way."

Colton reciprocated the proud smile. They both shook hooves - and a similar exchange followed each of the ELF commanders, and the SIB team.

***

That night, the base would be empty. Nothing remained. Not a single object or trace of evidence. Drosera was hollowed out - but not to be a husk of what once was. It was merely a part of transition. A struggle that seemed impossible, despite tragedies and setbacks.

But no good fight was without them. Those fighting for a better world faced unimaginable struggles. They woke up fearing for their lives - but knowing that courage was pointless without fear. Knowing that surrendering to evil was real terror. Knowing that complacency and compromise had no value when their loved ones were threatened. And all of them knew, deep in their hearts...

That no good fight was without loss.