Chapter 4 The Job.

Personal: Stones. Location: Unknown.

The sound of growling and barking fills the air around me. My eyes jerked around trying to find its source in the dark forest. Tall pines surrounded me stretching up to the heavens. The air was thick with fog making visibility even more difficult. I searched the area looking for anything. Knowing that whatever was out there was a threat. Though in my quick search there was nothing I could use to defend myself with, not even a rock on the ground.

"Fucking show yourself, I don't have all goddamn night!" I yelled out into the fog. The growling and barking moved faster as it circled around me. Still hard to pick out one sound from the others. That is when a very distinct growl sounded off behind me. I whipped around with my fist up and froze.

Standing partially hidden behind a tree trunk was a pure white wolf. The creature was massive. Standing 6ft to the shoulder with fur white as fresh snow. Arctic blue eyes were locked with mine as it stepped farther out from behind the tree. That is when I saw what was resting along its torso. A pair of wings folded along the sides of the beast. The feathers matched the wolf's fur but had a slight shine to them.

Taking a few steps back holding in my uneasiness of such a large creature in front of me. Once the wolf was fully in view it threw its head back and howled. The sound vibrates the air with such volume I slammed my hands over my ears. The call was easily heard for miles. The howl lasted for almost half a minute before the canine lowered their head looking back at me.

"Wake up." The voice bounced around my skull. It took me a second before I realized it was mine. Then the wolf charged. Snarling and jumping at me. The world goes white just as its massive paws slammed into my chest.

Eyes shoot open as I jerk up and out of bed. The 1911 pistol in my hands swinging left and right looking for the snarling beast. Once I couldn't find it my mind soon caught up with my body. Looking around I found myself in my bedroom. Everything just like it normally is. The only difference was the alarm clock. Instead of the proper time it showed a flashing 12:00. Clicking the safety back on I walked back over to the bed. Then my brain really caught up. Memories flashing through my brain. The call, getting into the armor, the alarm, and then the flash of white light. Looking down I saw that I was still dressed.

Switching the safety back off I raised the pistol. Pulling back the slide to make sure there was a round in the chamber I turned and moved to the door. Stepping quickly but as quietly as I could, slowly opening a crack checking the long hallway. Spotting nothing I pulled it open and whipped the gun down the other direction. Again seeing nothing. Giving another glance back I moved toward the front of the house. The pistol was held close to my body so no one around a corner could slap it out of my grasp.

Before I reached the corner that had the mountain lion behind it, I heard someone moving in the living room. Freezing before I crouched down, pistol raised and ready. The steps moved farther away. Moving at a snail's pace I stepped up to the corner and peaked out. In the middle of the living room was a figure. There was sunlight shining through the cracks in the curtains giving me enough light to see the tactical gear. My first instinct was to shoot them but without knowing if there was anyone else in the building I decided against it. Though it was this pause that helped me notice a few things about this individual.The body shape and size gave me the impression of a female form. Though I also noticed a few weird things. One was the helmet or rather what was sticking out of it. There was the long dark blue hair with a slightly lighter shade on the tips hanging out from the back of the helmet down to the person's mid back. That itself wasn't too strange. What was weird was the two triangles of bright blue fur that were poking out of the top of the helmet. They could be decorative except they move. Much like an animal's would. Flicking around at any noise. The other weird thing was sticking out behind the individual right above the belt around their waist. A tail reaching down to their knees that matched the hair sticking out from under the helmet.

The rest of the uniform looked like a member of a swat unit. Everything was black and I could faintly see a rifle strap on her shoulder and a pistol holstered at her right hip. There was no marking to show who she was with from the back. Giving a quick glance behind me to check the hallway again, I moved forward once I saw the ears face away from me.

Moving as quietly as I can, I got in close and grabbed her. Left arm looping around, covering her mouth and yanking her against my chest. The pistol in my other hand pressed to the side of her head under her helmet. Leaning into her ear I whispered.

"You move and I have no problem with blowing your brains out." Not fully knowing if she understood me. Though after she struggled for a few seconds then stopped and nodded. "How many of you are in the building?" I asked, lifting my hand from her mouth. But keeping it close just in case.

"Just me." Her answer proved she knew english. The voice was soft. No hint of an edge or lying in her tone. I still tighten my arm around her throat. Making her tense and giving a hard swallow.

"Don't bullshit me there is no way you knocked us out on your own, now how many of you are here, where is the rest of your team?" I asked looking over her shoulder to try and find a radio. Though I couldn't see anything like that. There wasn't even anything in her ear to listen from. Though looking up I now could also see what looked like a spiral horn sticking out the tip of her helmet. Holding back any questions or suprise of this situation I looked back behind me, checking it was still clear.

"Look I don't know what you are thinking but I am on my own. You are the ones that outnumber me okay." She says quickly but quietly. "I am not here to hurt you or your team. I am here to help you." Growling I dug the barrel deeper into the side of her head. I heard something behind me. Turning around to look I was suddenly hit with a hard object in the side of my head. Causing my head to spin and let her go. My guess it was the butt of her rifle as I feel blood starting to flow down my face from a small cut to my cheek. The strike dazed me but it didn't last long. Though it was enough for her to turn and raise her own weapon as I raised mine. A m4 rifle leveled with my head. With her now facing me I could get a better look at her.

She was about 5'10” with a toned body. The vest she was wearing had 3 ammo pounces on the front with two magazines for each one. She also had a patch on her right shoulder. Something I couldn't fully make out but had the letters E.M.S.F. underneath what looked like some kind of swirl. Looking up to get a better look at the female face before me, I could see massive eyes. They took up most of her face with purple color iris that I swear had flashes of white racing through them. Compared to her eyes she had a small muzzle poking out of her face. She seemed to be covered in the same thin fur that matched her ears.

“Stand down!” A deep rough voice roared at me. The voice made me pause as it was the same one I heard before earlier this morning. I didn't have to look behind me to know it was the man I just yelled at through a computer screen. Admiral Martin stood behind me. How he was here was just another question I needed answered.

“But sir?” My eyes were still locked on the girl before me.

“I said stand down, both of you!” I look over at the strange new figure then slowly lower my weapon. She followed my motions till both of the firearms were aimed at the ground. Though I do not put it on safe or take my eyes off of her. A small hint of respect gave the briefest flash though my mind when I saw she didn't do the same. Though I still don't trust her.

“What's going on sir, I thought you were on a roadtrip across the country?” I asked. Using a code phrase from one of our missions. Testing to see if it truly was the admiral.

“Of course not you know I get car sick.” He answers. I try not to show my relief to the woman before me but I waited for the last bit. “I was taking the rail system.”

Clicking the safety on when I didn't hear his distress word I turned and saluted the man. I could see a slightly confused look on the woman's face out of the corner of my eye. Though I did hear her safety click as well.

“It's good to see you again sir. What is the situation?” The Admiral gives a small quick salute back before looking towards the women.

“Is it done, did you do as you promised?” I couldn't help but tilt my head in confusion but how she answered only confused me more.

“Yes they should all be here and everything should be covered up.”

After the admiral nodded in thought. He looked back at me. One of his rare smiles filled his face. When I first met the man, that smile would fill me with dread during training. This one however filled his eyes as his shoulders relaxed. Then he stepped forward and did something I have never seen him do. He hugged me.

“It's good to see you again, boy.” His voice was soft but had an underlying tone that made me think something had happened. Stepping back he waves a hand towards the strange woman.

“Let me introduce you two. Stones, this is Jane Blue. Jane, this is Stones. The team's squad leader and he is also in charge of the team's R&D.” I gave the women another nod before looking back at him

“It's good to see you as well sir but what is going on? Last we spoke you were telling us that sec dev was shutting us down. Now you are here and with what I assume is an E.T.?” jerking a thumb towards the female. Who in turn looked at me in shock and tried to speak.

“He is fucking with you Jane, relax. As for you boy, be nice. She is a new team member and one that has already saved your ass.” I tilted my head at this statement.

“Parden?”

“If it wasn't for her, you and this house would be nothing but a crater claimed to be caused by a gas leak to cover up the missile strike.” I glanced over at the woman who is called Jane. Seeing the cockiness on her face I gave a small snort.

“So when she said covered up, I'm guessing there is rubble and evidence to show that we didn't make it out of that crater? Also if the house is supposed to be a smoldering pile of wood and death then how are we here now?” I asked, looking towards her.

“Well that was just for this house and everyone inside. Trust me, teleporting something this size and everything in it was not easy. That along with everything else I had to do for the others.” That last bit confused me.

“Others what others?” It was at this time I heard the sound of fingers snapping from the hallway I came from just minutes ago. Turning I saw what could be best described as the equivalent of a mountain and a brick wall having a baby.

I could hear the women gasping and taking a step back. But I was too distracted by the pure white haired giant before me.

“Mouse?” The name slipped past my lips before I could think to stop it but with it being almost two years since the last time I saw another member of my team. I was allowed to slip up the full military bearing slightly. Walking past the admiral I stepped up to the bastard holding up a hand. He grabbed it and pulled me into a hug. Patting his back as he did the same to me. “It's good to see you brother.” I say softly before taking a few steps back. The man lifted his hands and started to sign at me in ASL.

-It's good to see you as well my brother. Though I have a few questions. First off, who is this woman with the admiral? I hope it's his new girlfriend. God knows he needs one.- A deep rumbling chuckle from the man as I heard a growl behind me. -Also where the hell are we? Last thing I remember doing before waking up here was climbing the side of a mountain up in Alaska when a bright flash of light hit me.-

Looking over I saw the confused look on Jane's face along with a glare on the admirals. Chuckling, I nodded as I put a hand on his shoulder.

“Something similar happened to me and Tyrock as well. According to the admiral, she is the cause of it.” I said pointing to the girl. Who continued to look confused.

“I don't understand, he didn't say anything and what is with all the weird hand movement? Plus did you just call him Mouse.” Jane asks, slipping the rifle behind her and letting it hang from the strap. Chuckling, I gave a few pats on Mouse's back.

-She doesn't seem very bright. Also what is with that hair and her weird face. She looks like someone mixed a Barbie doll with an animal's head and stole a G.I. Joe's gear.- Mouse signed as he gave a small smirk. The smile I had grew as I shook my head.

“You two knock it off.” The Admiral again growled. Showing a bit of the attitude we all knew very well. “Jane, the reason they call him Mouse is he can't speak. That scar on his throat was from a knife that damaged his vocal cords. What he is doing is called american sign language or ASL. Everyone on the team can do it.”

“Why am I not surprised to find Mouse and Stones picking on someone.” A new voice coming from behind us, one with a heavy southern accent. Excitement filling my chest as I turn to find another member of the team standing behind us.

This female was the same height as I was. With long curly brown hair pulled into a high ponytail. Her most striking feature was her eyes. The iris was yellow, almost like that of a dog's.

“Wrench!” I said running over and pulling the women into a deep hug. She returned it while giving a small chuckle.

“It's good to see you, Stones.” I held her for a little longer before breaking the hug. Looking her over I give a smile.

“Been staying out of trouble sister?” I ask as I look back at Mouse. At the same time I notice Jane looking at the three of us in confusion.

“Wait wait wait. You are all siblings?” She looks baffled at us. We look at each other and laugh loudly. Mouse signing at us.

-Okay this girl is really stupid. I think she would give Breacher a run for his money.-

“Look as much as I would love to continue this reunion. We do have a job and we are in an unknown area right now.” The Admiral cut in before I could answer.

“Good point sir. You and Jane, come with me. We’ll go to the command room and where you two can brief me on the job. Wrench, Mouse, start going though and waking people up and sending them there. I'll give them a task when they arrive.” I ordered before heading downstairs. “When you finished, Wrench, I need you to go through and check all the vehicles and make sure they made the trip alright. Mouse, grab Phantom and start working on a perimeter. Get Tyrock to arm you.”

After getting confirmation from the two I lead the others down stairs to the bottom subfloor and to the control hub for the house. Pulling open the heavy iron door to a concrete room with screens covering the side walls. In the center of the room was a large holographic table with 20 chairs surrounding it. On the back wall were a few weapon cabinets and the main console for Sarah. I could see the lights were on but she was in standby mode.

“I take it you shut Sarah down when you teleported us?” Looking towards the so-called newest member of our team. Getting a confused look I headed over to bring the A.I. back on. After a quick boot up sequence one of the screens turned on showing Sarah's avatar. “Sarah status report.”

The female on screen gave a few looks around as data scrolled across her body. More screens started to turn on showing the same data as more of her systems came on. Though quite a few normal ones were showing errors

“All communications have been disconnected. Batteries have been disconnected from the main grid and are slowly depleting. All external sensors besides the ones attached to the building are offline. To be a little dramatic here sir this is my version of the stone age.” The avatar looked at us irritated then seemed to notice the other two people in the home. “Oh hello sir and random… thing.” She stated before looking towards me in confusion.

“Sarah, Jane. Jane, Sarah. She is the one that has disconnected you from the world as we are now in a new one. What can you tell me about the local area?” Heading over to the large table I knocked on the surface causing it to turn on. Pressing a few keys a projection of the house rose from the center. Small dots started to appear showing where everyone was. A few more seconds and the projection expanded. Showing about 50 meters from the outer walls. It showed a dense forest. One with crooked trees and wicked looking underbrush. Color was soon added showing the almost black color of the trees and the dark area around it. “Geeze where did you drop us Jane, the dark forest of Mount Doom? This place looks like the first place traveled by any fairy tail.”

“Well you are not fully wrong this area is called the Everfree forest. It's an unruly area with many dangerous creatures and uncontrollable weather. This is one of the most dangerous areas in the world. It's also the least traveled and least explored.” She explained leaning over the table. “I figured it was the best area to hide the house and our activities. I can show more of the local area and the location of our charge, if you want.”

Giving a wave to the table letting her do her thing. Closing her eyes, the horn sticking out of her helmet started to glow. A thin layer of white surrounded it and a ball formed on the tip. After a second or two it floated down to the table and spread out to cover the surface. Creating a 3d map in quite impressive detail. Even showing the house entirely and a nearby town that seems to be a few miles away. A compass in the corner showed that the front of the house was facing north towards the town.

Leaning in to see if anything was moving or if I could spot anyone, curious if it was a live feed of the area but it didn't seem to be the case on both accounts. I did however notice some kind of dome over the house. Stretching to be around 200 meters in diameter and a hundred meters up. Pointing to it I turned to Jane.

“What's this over the house?” I asked before snapping my fingers and waving at the map. Telling Sarah to copy it and save it to her database.

“Oh that is a protection spell I put on the house. It hides everything inside of it with an illusion of how the forest looked before I made this clearing. It also has a second spell built into it. So anything that looks in the direction of the house will not be able to keep their eyes on it or just not find it interesting enough to want to come closer, that includes the monsters that live in the forest.” After that long winded explanation I shake my head before continuing to look over the map.

“Wait what kind of monsters?” I asked, looking over at the admiral.

“Well the most common is the Timberwolves, then there are the Manticores, a few Hydras out in froggy bottom bog, and there is a pair of Ursa majors in the caves with their cub.” Jane said making an image of each creature appear on the table along with a to scale model of herself.

To say I was surprised would be an understatement. The wolves were just as the name said. Wolves made of timber that stood about my height at the shoulder, my mind flashing to my dream for a second before coming back. That in itself was bizarre. Then there was two creatures from fucking Greek mythology. Seeing that was a massive shock. Then I saw the fucking monster of a bear that even made the admiral let out a small gasp seeing the difference in size. The damn thing was bigger then the fucking house. Reaching over to grab a hand held radio off a shelf behind me, I clicked the call button.

“Wrench, Mouse, Phantom do you copy?” After a few seconds three clicks came through. “No one is to go outside without an anti material weapon and in only in teams of 4. The local area is classified as a level 8 hostile zone. I want everyone to secure a 500 meter radius around the house and start setting up automated anti vehicle turrets 150 meters out with fire pits. Also activating Ghost protocol. The less chance of anything finding the HQ the better.” I said into the radio. Once I was done I looked at the admiral. “Sir what the hell kind of fucked up world did you bring us to?

“Okay first off son drop the sir. There isn't a government we report to and we have known each other long enough. Just call me Bobby.” He folds his arms looking at the images. “Second I only got us here because this is the only chance we had.”

“Only chance we had? With due respect bobby.” I started with some tone on his name. “It was like twenty minutes after we talked before we were sent here. You didn't give us a chance.”

“It was that long for you boy. You and your whole team have been dead for over a month for me. Your team didn't deserve that after all you have done for the world. So sorry if our only chance to live was an alien world full of mystical beings and monsters.” Giving out a small growl he walked closer to the images of the monsters. “Third, from what Jane has told me, these monsters are not a level 8 threat. The Timberwolves can be killed with head shots from just a nine millimeter. The hydra if shot through the heart would drop dead. The manticore has a thick hide but a 45 caliber will drop it pretty easily. The bear would be a level 8 if anyone pissed it off but if we avoid its cave and cub we won't have to deal with it. It's not a bad idea to keep the ghost protocol active though.”

“Okay if they are not that big of a threat then why keep ghost protocol on?” My question was unanswered for a little bit as Bobby and Jane looked between each other. “And before you even think of some bullshit answer. May I remind you that you said there is no government to report to. Therefore there is no such thing as classified or redacted information. I want everything so I can properly prepare my team. I'm not losing anymore of my family because of withheld intel.” The two nodded then Bobby waved a hand at Jane.

“The reason for the Ghost protocol is that humans are seen as monsters here. The only ones that the rather peaceful ponies of this country will actively try to kill.” She said before her horn glowed once more.

7 more images appear on the table. 6 of them looked like male and female versions of Jane. Though there were some differences. One set seemed to be missing the horn but seemed more physically built. The last set had a pair of wings on their back with sleek bodies. The last image seems to be a larger blend of all three but was only female. Strong but toned body with larger wings and horn.

“These are the inhabitants you will mostly be looking out for.” She says before pointing to the stronger looking pair. “These are earth ponies. They are the most resilient, more attuned to the world and plant magic.” Pointing to the winged ones. “Pegasi, they are capable of manipulating the weather, as all weather is controlled in Equestria besides what is over this forest.” Now pointing to the ones like her. “These are unicorns. They are more attuned to the magic of this world and therefore have the most variety of spells at their disposal. Everything on the planet of Equest can use some magic but the only ones that can use magic off-world are the Alicorns.” She says pointing to the last image. “These are a mixture of all three races and are the rulers of the country. There are three of them in total.”

As she says this the images vanished and were soon replaced with three individuals. These images had more detail. Each was a different height with only a few inches shorter down the line. Each had a fancy outfit that seemed to match their looks. Pointing to the tallest figure.

“This is princess Celestia. The eldest sister. Goddess and raiser of the sun.” She said as the image rotated. The female humanoid figure with pure white fur stood about 7 feet tall compared to the scale model of Jane standing next to her, that's not including her horn. Her wings were massive but not the size they would have to be scientifically to lift her body. She had extremely long hair that was a rainbow of colors that if it wasn't floating would reach the top of her hips.

Normally I would have let her continue. Leaving all questions for the end but out of all the crazy she just spoke the last part made me have to ask.

“When you say the raiser of the sun, is that figuratively or literally?”

“Quite literal. Unlike earth, the sun and moon are almost the same size here and the sun is much closer. The planet is actually the largest and is in the center.” Blinking, I nod for her to continue. “Due to the balance and the lack of rotation the sun and moon don't move on their own. The princesses move them giving us the day and night.”

“That brings us to the co-ruler Princess Luna. Goddess of the moon and protector of dreams. Younger sister of Celestia.” This figure had dark blue fur with hair like the night sky, everything was a little smaller compared to her sister. Giving a glance at the admiral and I before she continued.

“The last one is Princess Cadence. She is the princess of love. She doesn't have a kingdom to rule and is the adopted niece of Celestia and Luna.” This female had pink fur with multi colored hair but it acted normal compared to her aunts.

“These are the ones you have to avoid at all costs. The older two are over 2000 years old and are the ones that have beef with humans. I don't know the story but I suggest we don't try anything with them.”

I sat down and leaned back in the chair. Digesting all the information I was given and working on believing it as best I could. There was some talk of magic users in our world but nothing fully proven. Plus it seems our understanding of most things were almost useless here. Pushing these thoughts aside for a later time to analyze in my workshop. I leaned forward, interlocking my fingers as I looked at Jane.

“So with all this information you just dumped on us. Why are we here?” My eyes locked onto hers searching for any lie or falsehoods.

“Your mission is to protect those that protect this world. The Elements of Harmony. Six very powerful artifacts and their welders. Even though this country has the princesses and the royal guard they have been at peace for a thousand years. Sadly in the last two years things have gotten more and more dangerous. The ponies of this world do not have the instinct to fight, most don't even have the thought process to cause harm. The other countries of the world are getting restless and I fear the princess will lose what peace they foolishly try to hold. The other rulers see this country as weak and ready to be taken. The princesses do not see this problem growing. It's only by the Elements that this peace continues.”

Looking over at the man that has pretty much raised me for most of my life. I could see the same thought process in his eyes.

“Pretty much like the cold war, the threat of a powerful weapon kept the fragile peace.” Looking at Jane. “So you called on us to keep these artifacts and their users safe. I understand the artifacts but why the 6 individuals.”

“They are the only ones that can use them. Along with the fact that not much is known about these artifacts besides what they have done in the past. The other countries are getting nervous and with the latest use even more so.” She said, sitting down across the table from Bobby and I.

“What did they use them on?” My question caused a new image to appear on the table. This one looked like a freak of nature. He looked like a Picasso painting of multiple animals but smoother. They all kind of blended. Then there was his clothing. A suit like fucking Willy Wonker would wear but of different colors and patterns. There was no rhyme or reason to the outfit or the man.

“They turned him back into stone after he broke out and almost destroyed Equestria. He is Discord, the God of chaos. He is also the reason I was created. To find a team to protect the elements and the six girls that weld them.” Her eyes looked back and forth between us. As she did the hologram of him could be seen being hit with some kind of energy beam like a rainbow, slowly forming him into some kind of stone statue. “I'm not asking you guys to fight a God or anything else of that magnitude. I brought you here to protect them when they are not needed.”

“If they are so powerful, why didn't the elements just destroy him? Why seal him in stone instead of removing the problem completely.” I asked, looking the creature over.

“This world needs to be balanced. It has to have good and evil. Harmony and disharmony. I don’t know how the elements work but the ones who weld them, they don't have the capability to kill.”

“Speaking of the ones who weld them, Jane. Mind if you show us who we are to be protecting?” Bobby asked, changing the conversation while waving a hand to try and move the images out of the way. Forgetting they were not being projected from the holographic table. They vanished before being replaced by six new ones. All lined up and slowly rotating. Roughly all the same height and seem to be two of each race. Yet they all looked like they were from very different ways of life. At the same time they appeared, different marks appeared on the map of the area.

The first one showed was a 6 foot tall unicorn woman of light purple fur. She had a navy blue-colored mane and tail, stylized with rim cuts, and also had two lighter-purple and pink stripes running down both. The image has her dressed in a dark purple knee length skirt and a white button up blouse. Very student-like but she looked to be in her early to mid 20s if she was human. Above a large tree on the western end of town a six pointed star lit up. There also seems to be some kind of crown with a six pointed star in it.

“This is Twilight Sparkle. She is the personal student of Celestia and is the leader of the elements. She represents the element of magic. Current home is at the Golden Oaks Library. The only other occupant is her assistant Spike.”

The one next to her was an earth pony. Her hair and tails were a golden yellow color pulled into ponytails. While her body had orange fur. She also had what looked like a stetson on her head and was pretty much dressed up like a cowgirl. A red plaid shirt tied just below her breast with blue jeans and boots. In the image she had a kind of hard worker look to her. An apple marker flashed above a field to the south outside of town. There was also a necklace with a apple in the center

“This is Applejack. She is the element of Honesty. She helps run her family farm of Sweet Apple Acres along with her older brother, younger sister, and grandma.”

The next in line was a pegasus of yellow fur and pink hair. Dressed in jeans and a large light green sweater that had a few holes in it. In the image she seems to be trying to hide behind her long hair. The butterfly mark flashed near the edge of the forest. Her necklace had a butterfly as its gem

“Fluttershy, element of kindness. She is the local caretaker of most of the animals. Which is why she is mostly out of town. The only other occupants in the residence are her animals.”

We now came to a white fur unicorn. Her blue hair curled at the end. This one looked like someone that cares about her looks at all times. She was dressed in a very stylish white and blue dress though it seemed like it was still functional. A diamond marker flashing on the edge of town to the north of Applejack's marker. A matching diamond gem was set in her necklace

“Rarity, she is the local fashion designer. She lives and works out of the Carousel Boutique. Another resident in the home is her younger sister.”

Now we come upon another earth pony. This one was of very curly pink hair with a lighter pink body. She had to have the biggest smile I have ever seen. Her outfit was a very colorful skirt and leggings with a decorative shirt and apron. A balloon marker flashed near the southern end. This necklace held a balloon shaped gem.

“Pinkie Pie. The element of laughter. Works and lives at a bakery called Sugarcube Corner. It's owned by a Mr. And Mrs. Cake. Pinkie is renting one of their rooms.”

The final figure was a female pegasus with light blue fur and a rainbow mane. Dressed in workout gear with some kind of design on the front and the words Wonderbolts under it. She had a strong but lean figure showing the clothing wasn't for show. She also had a cocky smirk on her face. The marker of a lightning bolt was seen above a strange cloud formation on the eastern side a little way out of town that matched the necklace

“Rainbow Dash. She is the element of loyalty. Her residence is her cloud home located here. She works for the weather team. No other occupants in the home.”

Looking over the images and the markings I started to form a plan. The one thing we had going for us so far is pretty much all the targets lived on the southeastern end of town. That is when I remembered the artifacts.

“You said we were to protect the elements slash artifacts as well. Where are they located?”

“Sadly even after Discord stole them from the vault they put them back in there. The vault is in Canterlot before you ask.” Jane answered. As the map shifted showing a massive city built on the side of a mountain. The image zoomed in on a castle and to a room inside. Inside the room there was a large chest on a pedestal.

“We will have to make sure that room is more secure. I would like to get a hold of them and keep them here but that would give us up." I said leaning in to look at the room. “I'll talk with tech and tumbler, see what they can do. I don’t like how obvious this room is to have something of value in it.”

“I think we should focus on setting up home base first. Then we can work on how we are going to keep an eye on the girls and the elements.” Bobby stated as I looked over at him. The way he said it made me think of some of our more hated jobs.

“So this is just a large-scale babysitting job?” I asked to sum it up. “Keep an eye on them while they live their lives but only do it from a far? That part at least sounds simple enough.” Looking over at the man next to me. “Ya not going to happen.” I growled as I leaned back in my chair folding my arms over my chest.

“What! Why?” Jane exclaimed, slapping her hands onto the table, causing the images to vanish.

“Cause one, I don’t trust you. All we have is your word on who and what you are, for all I know you put some kind of mind control on Bobby here and somehow convinced him we were killed and that you will save us by bringing all of us here to do some kind of bullshit babysitting job. Two the last babysitting job we did was for a fucked up dictator that wanted to take over the world, I almost lost people protecting that asshole only to have him try to wipe out another country.” I growled at her, setting the pistol I was still carrying on the table. “Why shouldn't I just shoot you right now? Then my team doesn’t have to be under your rule and bullshit.”

“Stones, look at me.” Bobby growled at me. I turned and saw his hard glare. Like a disappointed father with his child. Normally it would make me drop my gaze but not today. I wouldn't throw my team, my family into hell just cause some random women asked us to. glaring at me a little longer he sighed. “What is it going to take?”

“She needs to complete a trial of our choosing.” Jane started to speak but I grabbed the pistol and aimed it at her. “I don't trust her. If I don't, neither will the team. We don't follow someone we don't trust. Don't get me wrong sir. We trust you but this is too much bullshit to blindly follow. If she completes the trial we will let her lead. If not I will blow her brains out and we will take our chances and make our own little world.” I stated as I looked towards the girl. Hearing a sigh from the old man a minute later.

“Deal.” I had to blink a few times cause I wasn’t actually expecting to hear him agree to this. Jane how ever looked like she was about to explode.

“Deal! What the buck are you talking about a trial? We,” She yelled aa she pointed between them glaring at him. “Had a deal!”

“Look as much as I want this to just work, this is the only way. As much as you want it, you don't have any control over them, it was only because of our history that he even listened to this idea.”

I blinked as I looked at the man. Seems we really are off the reservation. I give a sadistic grin to Jane. Picking up the radio I clicked a button to broadcast through the whole house. “Attention everyone. In three hours your ass is required in the training room. Fresh meat is on the menu.” Even in this concrete room the cheers were clearly heard.

Author's Note

Sorry everyone for taking so long. Bit off way more then I could chew. Though letting you know I am not giving up on this story. It probably will be the one thing constantly running though my head. Hope you enjoy this new chapter and enjoy the new direction I'm taking it.