Hell's Pariahby ConnorcooperChaptersPart 1Part 2Part 3Part 4Part 1 "Who's to say I was the one who betrayed them? Who's to say they were the ones who betrayed me?" (Crystal empire) How long since he has last stepped into the crystal halls of his palace... the same one he had countless slaves built for him so very long ago. He remembers how things were before he took his rightful place on that crystal throne, the empire was nothing more than a backwater village dying and easy prey to rival pony tribes. If it wasn't for him the crystal empire would never have existed! All this was rightfully his! He was the one who took up the magic to conquer the tribes and turn a frozen wasteland into his kingdom to rule! Then those princesses came demanding he surrender the fruits of his labor! Banishing him not once but two times after they send a damn child not seeing him as a true threat! They mocked him and what's more the crystal heart! His prize... With that power, he could reclaim his empire! And those two love-drunk ponies never saw him coming! (The throne room) Being thrown to the side with his helmet sliding across the crystal floor, Shining Armor lifted his bruised head up to see the king of shadows stand at the throne reaching for the crystal heart above it. "HAHAHAHAHA! FINALLY AFTER SO LONG IT'S MINE!" Sombra laughed his prize within reach. Shining turned to see his wife unconscious under the rumble of the throne room ceiling and his daughter was crying in one of Sombra's living shadow constructs. Bleeding from his head Shining armor picked up his sword before using it to help push himself up off the ground before turning to Sombra. "SOMBRA!" Shining charged forward his legs screaming with every step forward, raising his sword up the king turned his head to the captain of the guard. Fast as quicksilver Sombra knocked the sword out of Shining's hands before summoning another shadow to construct to grab Shining by the neck. Lifting him off the ground the captain looked down at the king who was smiling smugly, clearly assumed by the pony's pathetic attempts in stop him. "It's adorable you think you can stop me dear child... and besides the same trick will not work on me twice," Sombra clenched Shining's cheeks as if he was a kid. "After I'm done reclaiming my empire. Your sister and her little friends are next," Shining glared back at Sombra who smiled back but the captain's gaze for a brief moment turned to where the crystal heart floated but blinked in surprise. The dark king noticed Shining's change in expression before turning back and to his horror the very magical relic he sought was gone!!! "WHO DARES STEALS MY CRYSTAL HEART!" Turning from the throne Sombra looked around the throne room looking but the throne room was completely empty besides the still knocked-out Princess Cadance. That was until Sombra noticed something, it was not easy to see almost impossible to even notice it but Sombra saw it. A blur in the light. Roaring in anger Sombra threw out razor-sharp dark crystal fragments at the blur that moved to dodge the attack confirming sombra's suspension. A thief had his prize! "I KNOW YOUR IN HERE THIEF! COME OUT AND I WILL MAKE YOUR DEATH A PAINLESS ONE!" Little did the King know that the thief was right above his head in the crystal raft supports above, slowly the blur began to take a solid form. As the light stopped bending around the thief who held the crystal heart tugged under his right arm with his other resting on the rafting. Clad in red armor the thief looked down at Sombra who was looking around for him, Shining looked up at the thief no longer in Sombra's grip but in the hold of a shadow construct. This caused the thief to give a two-finger salute to shining armor before the light began to rebend around the red-clad thief and soon completely vanished leaving Shining with a very pissed-off Sombra. (Outside) Kicking out one of the crystal windows the spartan dropped down onto the roof of the crystal palace with the crystal heart in hand. Looking at the blue gem-shaped heart the spartan gave a light chuckle to himself before an image of a red/yellow holo-projection appeared on his shoulder. "I think that went pretty well," The spartan's AI joked while the spartan nodded. "Yep think your right... that went without a hitch all we need now is our ride," The spartan said while the AI's ball-like body bounced down his shoulder to his arm. "One Phantom on the way," The AI hummed while the spartan overlooked the crystal empire in complete and utter chaos as Sombra's shadow creatures were wreaking havoc on the crystal ponies below. The spartan put the crystal heart under his arm as he watched the carnage below, seeing a lot of 'non-child friendly' things happing below. 'Damn... they don't show this on the show,' Watching the shadow creatures round up the ponies the spartan gave a slight sigh of relief. 'At least they aren't killing them... makes using this entire thing as cover a whole lot better,' "Oh no," The AI flinched while the spartan gave a sigh. "Plan B?" Plan B," The yellow-purple hologram avatar of the AI disappeared while the red-clad spartan turned his head to the approaching cloud of black fog. "I FOUND YOU, THIEF!" Sombra appeared a cloak of living shadows surrounding him still holding Shining armor and the crying Flurry heart. "HAND OVER MY CRYSTAL THIEF AND I'LL END YOUR LIFE QUICKLY!" Giving a sigh the spartan reached behind his back to take the weapon off it before pointing it at Sombra, the dark king noticed the move and went to defend himself pulling up his two hostages as meat shields. "We'll that's not really 'king-ly' of you Sombra," Still holding up his modified M319 grenade launcher at the lord of shadows and his pony shields not even flinching the moment he moved them up. "Pawns are always meant to protect their king! Even giving their lives for their master when required," Sombra chuckled. "And you may be a simple thief but you are no killer aren't you?" This caused the spartan to tilt his head to the right slightly at the dark king's words. "What did you say?" This time Sombra found the spartan's words assuming before giving a dark chuckle before speaking. "Celestia sent you to retrieve the crystal heart and escape undetected to use it against me correct? Well... I doubt she would be happy if she learned you didn't kill her nephew-in-law but her own niece!" Sombra kept laughing under his breath. "I thought Celestia stopped hiring sell-swords into causes she never truly cares about... guess I was wrong," "First of all that was pretty cold to say in front of the kid... don't know how old she is but saying her aunt never cares about her? Cold. Second of all... Celestia hiring sell-swords to deal with stuff like this? Some loving princess huh?" The spartan's words assumed Sombra even more causing the dark king to laugh. "Ha-ha! Well, I must admit that is quite true! Celestia isn't what she puts out to be... egos ago she was a completely different pony but now she admits to hiding away her past," Sombra shook his head still smiling. "I like you, thief, perhaps I wouldn't kill you... I do require a new court jester," "I'll Pass," "I wasn't asking-" Before Sombra could finish his sentence the spartan pulled the trigger of his launcher firing a 40mm size shell at the Sombra who pulled up the two ponies. Instead of harming them, the round bounced off Shining's chest not harming him only knocking the air out of his lungs from the impact while the small dropped to Sombra's feet. King Sombra's brow raised up at the sight of the hissing metal shell. "Well... I'll be damned you are some sellsword to risk the lives of a prince and his filly of a daughter to stop me! Perhaps you would make a fine assassin instead of a jester," Looking up in the sky the spartan saw a flying object in the distance. "Hate to break it to you but that little thing isn't supposed to kill," Looking back down at the hissing metal thing at his feet, Sombra looked up while the spartan released the trigger. "It's supposed to hold you," Orange-red foam exploded out of the shell before quickly spreading over Sombra, Flurry Heart, Shining within seconds and hardening quickly while it was exposed to the air. Lifting the M319 launcher up the spartan blinked in surprise then turned to look at the three frozen equines trapped within the orange-red hardened foam. "Hey Tao," "Hmh?" The AI appeared at the spartan's shoulder. "They'll be alright? Well... you know I'm not questioning that the statis foam but-" "Don't worry they'll be fine it will dissolve in about an hour till then they'll be sleeping like a couple of baby grunts," 'Tao' looked at the spartan with a smile on her round face and her small tail wagging behind her. "Good to hear. Also another thing," Placing the launcher on his back the spartan pulled out his sidearm before shooting at Sombra's horn. "And that's for using the kid," Turning to the red-plated phantom that deployed it's side ramp, the spartan turned boarded the phantom which then took off into the air away from the burning crystal empire with most of it's building on fire. The shadow creatures of Sombra were all now but ash after the Spartan shot off his horn disconnecting his hold over the creatures. Looking at the empire one last time the spartan couldn't help but feel a sense of deja vu before turning away while the ramp closed and he entered the cockpit before placing the crystal heart in the co-pilot's seat. Sitting down in the pilot's chair the spartan watched while his AI remote piloted the air transport as it moved through the sky. "Where to next?" "Take us home," Author's Note Well... I always want to do a banished story on this site and now I have! Man, the plans I have for this story! I may not be able to ever post a certain story of mine because of the current world events but maybe... this wouldn't attack. Before people start complaining there are no such things as banished spartans because the banished don't take humans well... I hate to say it (Not really) but the banish take anyone from ANY race to join them. Humans are one of them. They aren't the covenant! Heck, in the official spartan 4 guidebook there is a part where it says that the banish have recruited humans AND spartans (Most likely spartan 3-4s) So yeah, hope you enjoy this and see you all in the next one! (Update: 10/21/2022: I wrote this originally to the time stamp and didn't post it since I forgot the original plot and it was left abandoned on my bookshelf luckily now thanks to my buddy death wolf I got a new plot line ready to go and new ideas ready to fire off!) Part 2(Crystal empire) "Shining? Shining wake up!" Slowly Shining began to open his eyes groaning at how stiff his body felt, looking up to see the familiar eyes of his own sister the captain smiled. "Hey, Twi... come to save my butt again?" Shining joked causing the princess of friendship to give a slight chuckle. "Well, that was originally the plan," "Originally?" Shining looked up seeing they were on the roof of the crystal palace with some of the solar guard putting a newly petrified King Sombra who was missing his horn. All it took was for a few brief moments before Shining snapped up. "Flurry!" Hissing in pain by his own action Twilight held him back down. "Easy she's fine Pinkie has her," "That doesn't make me feel that much better," Shining stated kinda worried that Pinkie might scare his child with her antics. "Pinkie has gotten better with fillies. She usually foalsits for the Cakes," "I... is Cadance okay?" Twilight gave a nod. "The royal healers are helping her now," Twilight explained before shining relaxed. "Shining?" The captain of the guard gave a grunt trying to relax so as not to strain himself. "What happened?" Shining looked at his sister before trying to recall the events of Sombra's attack. "Sombra attacked that part you knew. He breached the gates of the palace and brought part of the ceiling down on Cadance, I tried to attack him but Sombra knocked me around before taking Flurry hostage, and then-" Shining looked down for a moment. "And then..." "Shining?" Twilight watched as her brother's face held a more confused look before he turned to her. "Twilight? Where is the crystal heart?" "I was hoping you knew what happened to it," (Meanwhile...) (???) Typing at the console the spartan looked up at the shield containment field holding within it the pure energy of a small star that was powering the entire base. Looking back to the results on the screen he couldn't help but smile slightly for the results were better than he and his companion could have expected. For a while, they have tried their best to work with what they had... The broken remains of banished modified CAS-assault carriers gave them plenty to use in building their new home... Repurposing almost every part of that ship... From using the excavation beam to cut through the solid rock of the mountain to use the Nanolaminate hull for building the foundation of this place. Yet something remained as they were like the many different armaments were to be used if they ever need to defend their home while the Pinch fusion reactor still gave life to the machinery within this place. Even after they repaired the reactor it still wasn't enough for what they needed, only so much survived the crash and they didn't have enough to proceed with finishing this place. They had all the physical resources that they need, the one problem they faced was that the power core wasn't giving off the energy they needed. So after so debating with one another and finally coming to an agreement, the two decided to 'borrow' the magical item known as the crystal heart from the local kingdom to bring the reactor to it's full potential. Slowly the power levels began to rise as the power source began to accept the crystal heart into it while said magical item began to pulse like the organ it was shaped after. "Well I'll be damned," His smile grew while looking at the charts while a holographic image of the small AI appeared in between his hands on the consule. "See told you it would work," "I didn't say it wouldn't," The spartan stated while the AI bounced over to the display charts before turning back to him. "But you did say it was risky," "I did. Look it at this we put a 'magical heart crystal' into a reactor core expecting it to improve the energy output of a salvaged Pinch fusion reactor," Rolling his hand up to point at the pulling magical item before them. "This was a pretty big gamble, Tao," "Yet my calculations were correct... the core's energy accepted the crystal and now we'll have more than enough energy for all systems to work. No more blackouts, no more power gags, and now we can have everything working at full power," "True..." Lowering his hand back to the console the spartan then shrugged. "I do feel kinda bad about taking this thing though," The AI stuck out her tongue before giving a 'pfft' sound and looking up at him. "Those ponies have a baby that is so powerful it can shatter the crystal heart and then some! Besides were just borrowing it," Tao stated while the spartan gave a sigh. "Indefinitely," Upon his words the small tailed ball avatar of the AI gave off a cartoon-ish sweat drop emoji next to her forehead before nodding. "Yeah," "Though glad to finally keep the heater on this valley seems to colder and colder everyday," "Why are you complaing about the cold? Your Mjolnir is making your body tempture remains at a normal level," "It is... but my food freezes the moment after I cook it and some of the stuff we have doesn't work well in the cold," The spartan explained to which the AI nodded slightly. "Fair enough," "So... how long will it be before the crystal heart brings us to full power?" "Not long maybe in a hour or two," "Do we need anything else for this?" "Nope it's all good," Nodding the spartan moved his hands away from the consule as the AI's avatar disappeared before her voice spoke in his helmet. "Perimeter check?" "You know me..." (Stalliongard) "" "," "" "" Slamming her hands on the desk the pissed veteran stared down at the pony infront of her. "" The pony looked at the veteran who was snarling slightly in anger. "," The pony stated from behind the cage that divided the two. "," Looking at the pony the yellow eyes of the veteran just stared at her. "" Rolling his eyes the pony went back to looking at his papers. "," Moving his hand to 'shoo' her away the pony didn't see how the former Rushian soldier almost lost her temper at the pony's actions. "," Glaring at the pony the veteran then turned and stormed off while a griffin walked up to take her place in the front of the line. Pain roared though her heart as she walked out of the building, it took all her strength not to fall down and loss it right there with one word buzzing though her mind. 'Why?' Why is that the after all that bloodshed and death was she coming home to nothing? Why is she being treated like she did everything wrong? Why is the motherland, her very home had turned it's back on her? Why? Looking up at the bright red flags flowing in the wind above her, where once she would feel pride at seeing the symbol of the people all she felt was nothing. Staring blankly she then began to walk forward away from the building that she hoped to figure out why there was some family living in her apartment and why her bank accout had been completely drained of her life saving. Didn't matter now she had nothing... No home... No money... No family... Nothing... She was alone with only the worn clothes on her back and small worn rucksack over her shoulder. Lowering her head she began to walk forward not really careing about where she was going. Leaving all that she knew behind once again. Author's Note Man this story... hadn't touched it in sometime until now. Lost the original plot I had for it when I was writing it at first but now? Somehow I know this is going to be a lot different from what I originally had planned, I mean I had to heavily edit the first chapter (not just grammer). Completely Redo the description of the story and rework a few other things. Still man... this is going to be interesting because I'm finally doing 'Equestria at war' with a somewhat alternate timeline which I been wanting to do AND do a story involving a alternate timeline of halo. (hints the Alt. Universe tag) Along with a few other things... I mean my mind is weird... when I get: Halo wars 2/halo infinite with hearts of iron 4 then mix in a hint of army of two and black lagoon plus waifus Eh, hey if my mind wasn't the way it is than some of the stories you all like wouldn't be here. Anyways I do hope you all enjoyed this chapter. Part 3(Long ago) "What I tell you, brother? This area is perfect for fresh recruits!" The brute chuckled with his spiker in hand. "That is true but not all are... fit for the banished," The brute's 'brother' pointed his hammer to a shield cell of frenzied jackals trying to break through the shielding wanting to eat. "These are a liability rather than an asset to us," Moving down the prison one of the brutes stopped in front of a cell before grunting to his pack brothers. "What about this one?" Walking over to him the rest of the brutes looked inside. "Are you stupid? That's one of those weak little humans I'm surprised the covenant didn't use him as meat for the jackals," The brute chuckled giving a growl. "Besides we have no space for one of them in the banished," "Why not? There might be a good reason the covenant hasn't killed him perhaps we can use that against them," The brute countered. Turning to the cell looking at the human in the corner covered in signs that he had been tortured yet despite his wounds he still sitting upright. Staring at the ceil occupant for a moment the former major growled before waving his hand, at the younger brute that spotted the human. "Whatever bring him before Atriox... see what he makes of this runt," The younger brute looked at the human who was now staring back at the alien warrior. (Present day) Putting down the screwdriver he then removed the connection part before reaching up and pulling off an M46 Vulcan from the warthog the spartan lept down onto the hangar floor. Carrying the heavy weapon around like a toy he set it down on some supply crates before returning to the now-disarmed light-scouting vehicle. "I don't like these things... too lightly armored and the turret is only perfect against air targets," The holographic image of the AI popped up onto the top of the warthog's windshield. Going to the exposed engine the spartan looked down at the heart of the machine before speaking. "Well, they are versatile change out the M46 for a gauss cannon or missile platform... hell I heard about some warthogs with a flame thrower," The Spartan reached into the open guts of the stolen UNSC vehicle. "Huh... you would take a scorpion over a warthog right?" The AI questioned causing the spartan to look up at the avatar. "What kind of question is that? Yes, I would take a scorpion over a warthog if necessary but if the situation calls for it would take a warthog," Going back to the engine the spartan returned to working on it. Reappearing on his shoulder the AI began to hum a tune while the spartan worked. (Equestria) "Where is it Sombra? Where is the crystal heart?!" The bruised and beaten former overlord turned his head to the pony before giving a chuckle. "I thought Equestria didn't have torture chambers... guess whoever said that was wrong," Sombra then turned to Celestia who stood in the corner of the dark room. "Wait that was you wasn't it dear sweet-" Getting socked in the face by the fist caused the king to snap up smiling at the feeling of pain. "HA-AH! So your not above torture after all!" Sombra laughed before shifting on his chair. "Despite this whole show Celestia I simply told you what happened to it," "Do you think the princess would believe your lies, you mother-bucker!" Getting hit again the dark king spat out blood from the hard right hook he just took. "Don't let me get out my tools!" "Your tools? Don't make me laugh boy those tools you claim to belong to you haven't been used in centuries... unless you been saying that lie for years," Sombra smiled while looking at Celestia. "Well... hit me, cut me, drown me all you like I already told you what happened," Celestia looked up to Sombra whose grin widen upon making eye contact with her. "There was no thief," The torturer shouted to which Sombra laughed. "But of course, I covered myself in a magical gel and then I destroyed my horn while I was at it... ask Cadance and Shining they will confirm my Alibi," Sombra stated before the torturer began to unwrap his fits while looking at a tray of old instruments of pain before him. "You have been known for illusions they could be under the influence of one of your spells," Laughing again the former king leaned back in his chair. "Please... what do I gain from getting captured?" Sombra chuckled while the torture remained silent before looking at his princess who didn't break her gaze from the dark pony. "I have no love for that thief but he is quite the clever little pup I'll give him that," Walking from her spot Celestia looked down at the king chained before her. "So what if I were to believe your thief story how do I know you're not lying?" The princess asked making the king smile even more. "Bring in that orange pony... the farm hand with the element of honesty she can smell out a lie correct?" Sombra stated before leaning into the princess. "Best keep that one at arm's length that power she has can cut both ways," Narrowing her eyes at the king of darkness who was still smiling without a single care in the world. Turning around the princess left the two alone without speaking a word while Sombra laughed before the door to the chamber was slammed behind her. (Cantorlot castle) Celestia walked forward back into the halls of mountain castle arms still crossed while she began to think long a hard, she had known Sombra for a long time and the things he has done. Yes, he was known to lie and she knew he was telling the truth but what he had spoken made her question if she could tell if he was lying or not. After not breaking from his story Sombra still held firm to his own story even after hours of 'interrogation' he still said the same thing. It was soon clear he wasn't lying but she wasn't going to tell the torture that... not now at least. "I have no love for that thief but he is quite the clever little pup I'll give him that," For some reason, those words were playing on repeat in her head and she didn't at all know why. Giving a sigh she placed her hands on her temples before giving a low hiss, this entire series of events was weighing heavily on her with the sudden attack plus the disappearance of the crystal heart. Now with the heart gone the empire was currently facing endless snow and her student was trying to help her niece figure out how to hold back the storm at least till they find the crystal heart. 'I really need some cake,' (???) How far has she walked? She didn't know but she was far from the motherland that she could tell from her surroundings. Well... from what little she could see in front of her. A snowstorm had hit right in the path she was walking before she knew it. Even with her thick coat, she felt the unforgiving cold bite at her and for someone like her, this cold was too much for anyone to handle. It felt like her own blood would freeze in her very veins. Pain screaming though out her she pressed on not knowing where she was going not like could she tell in this storm. Trying to press through the thick layer of snow her legs felt numb which was never a good sign. 'Fuck I need to get out of this storm or I'll-' Looking up seeing nothing in sight she felt herself stop while lowering her head. 'What's the point? There's nothing out here,' Closing her eyes she felt the cold rush around her before looking up for what seemed to be the last time. Strange, she could swear she heard something... guess the cold was getting to her. This storm would be the end for her. Blinking the lost soldier felt her legs grow weaker with every passing second threatening to give out, everything was going soon her heart would follow and she'll be consumed by the snow like so many of her brothers and sisters she fought alongside in that war that brought her here in the first place. Her eyes felt foggy and her vision blurred causing her to almost fall over but then she saw something or rather someone. Smiling she took a step forward but her other leg didn't respond. "," Finally falling forward she felt her mind fade before her body hit the ground. It was like her very soul melted away from her body before she passed out. Yet her body didn't hit the snow, someone had caught her. Lifting her up in a bridal carry her carrier turned away and went deeper into the storm. Little did the Rushian know she had stumbled across a perimeter trigger hidden under the snow of the massive storm. This storm wasn't going to kill her but her savior was no guardian angel. Author's Note Another chapter but still short on my usual goal of getting to at least 2,000+ words. Though I think the next chapter where 'the spartan' and 'the veteran' meet will be interesting, don't you think? Plus when the spartan was recruited by the banished the group was still pretty new, just to let you guys know. As for the spartan... well like I said different timeline and it's something I actually find more logical for the covenant to do. I mean an asset like that would be a pretty useful source of classified information and such, sure they hate humans for that whole 'great journey' bull. Let me just say this real quick so I can be clear... THIS IS NOT AT ALL RELATED TO THAT DAMN ABOMINATION OF A HALO TV SHOW!!! (They have been removing episodes apparently ad saying that they ruined halo) Besides that, I think some of you know who the spartan is and since the banished and UNSC never met well... let's just say some people would do anything for payback. Like Satlzpyre recruiting another Skaven XD, I know this isn't a 40k/fantasy story but I couldn't help but that new Skaven mod. Well, I hope you guys are excited about things to come! It will be a blast. Part 4(Not so long ago) "," "" Lifting her head from the scope of the rifle the young-blooded soldier turned to the more grizzled soldier laying next to her. "," Placing his hand on her shoulder he pointed with his bandaged-covered hand to their prey below. "<Follow him. Finger off the trigger. Watch his movements," "," Looking through the scope the young soldier watches the target from afar with the barrel of the long rifle pointing down at the street below. The sun slowly rose behind the building they sat in the wounded sniper guided his proxy clearly while the old rifle pointed toward the enemy commander. "" "," "" "," "," "," "," *BANG!* Snapping awake from her dream the veteran gasped in shock before groaning from the sore pain that roared from her limbs. Pushing herself up from where she rested to sit upright on the place she laid before looking down at her hands to see they were covered in bandages. Something warm pressed against her gut she looked down to her waist seeing it had some kind of black thing strapped around her lower abdomen. Pulling the thing off her she watched as a water blatter fell loose onto her lap that was giving off some serious heat, confused at what happened she looked around her. She seemed to be in some cave with strange-looking metal support beams holding the ceiling up but while she inspected the cavern chamber she was in she froze at the site of a stranger sitting across from her sitting on a metal crate. "Glad to see your up," Stirring something in a metal pot that rested on top of what seemed to be a lantern that filled the small natural room with a warming aura. Pulling the ladle out of the pot he grabbed a bowl resting next to him and poured a yellowish liquid into the bowl before offering it to her. "Here... from the sounds your stomach was making while you slept I decided to cook a little something for you," Holding the bowl and a spoon to her the Rushian looked at the food causing her mouth to water before looking back to the stranger. "Take it there is plenty," Taking the bowl she inspected the strange soup in her hand before sniffing it. Potatoes... Cheese... Garlic... Spices... And what... Meat!? Almost right away she began to woof down the soup in her hand causing the stranger to chuckle but she didn't care not only was the soup delicious she hadn't had meat in years! "Want more?" Looking at him the veteran then almost threw the bowl at him for how fast she moved to have more food. "Take that as a yes," Smiling at the second helping she almost was almost chugging down the soup at how fast she was eating, after finishing she gave a loud belch. "Nice one..." Titling his head the stranger spoke. "How do you feel?" "I can still feel everything," Speaking in Equestrian with a heavy Rushian accent the veteran looked at her covered-up feet. "At least I think so," "Don't worry I didn't have to cut off anything," Pouring another bowl for her this time she didn't devour as quickly. "What happened?" "Well... you were in the middle of a nasty snowstorm where you passed and I carried you in here to treat you for hyperthermia," Noticing her clothes were gone the stranger picked up on her reaction. "Don't worry I didn't peak your underwear wasn't wet so I didn't take them off but everything else I had to before making sure you didn't have frostbite then bundled you up in that sleeping bag," "благодарю вас ," Looking at her he nodded. "не проблема ," Smiling at his response the veteran returned to her soup before the stranger poured himself a bowl. "So what were you doing all the way out here alone?" Her smile faded quickly before pulling on the blanket that rested on her shoulders. "Guess I was how you would say... lost," Before he removed his helmet her hoist looked at her. "Out here is a bad place to be lost," Nodding the veteran gave a sigh. "I know," ... "How long did you serve?" "What?" Looking at him he pointed toward her torn-up uniform jacket. "Oh..." Taking a deep breath she leaned forward. "Two long years in the northern nation war," She looked at him. "You a soldier as well?" He shook his head. "I was," "How long did you serve?" Shaking his head her hoist gave a sign. "I can't remember," "Where did you serve?" "You wouldn't know the places I found," Pulling off his helmet the air-tight seal broke giving off a deep hiss. "Try me," "Otraak. Kostroda... Reach," "Okay, I haven't heard of such places," "I figured as much," Pulling his helmet off the veteran moved slightly to get a better look at the face underneath the armor. "What do I call you?" The veteran asked before returning to eat her food. "Well... they used to call me Spartan B-312 of beta company," The look on her face said it all causing him to chuckle a little. "Just call me Six," "That's not really a name," "It's one the I kept," Eating some of his soup he looked towards her. "Since you know my name... what do I call you," "Dasha Medvedev," "Nice to meet you, Dasha," Holding out his hand to her for a handshake the veteran accepted the greeting. "Likewise," Sitting in the cave the two sat in silence while they ate. (Sometime later) "So you built all this?" Dasha asked while Six guided her through the tunnel system. "Yes," "Hey... Six?" Tao's whispered in his ear through his helmet. "I understand why you pulled out of that storm and everything but are you sure it's okay to give her a tutor of our hideout?" Lightly nodding he turned to Dasha who was currently looking around at the tunnel's supporting metal skeleton holding the weight of the mountain rock from collapsing in on the tunnel. "Alright. I just hope you know what you're doing," The AI's worried voice whispered while Six tapped the back of his helmet. "Something wrong?" Dasha asked to which Six shook his head. "No... just need to knock my helmet slightly for it to seal correctly," Six played off before hearing the AI chuckle slightly in his ear. Upon going to a metal door, Dasha took a step back while the door slide open by itself. "It's Motion sensored... it's similar to the system that informed me you crossed the perimeter," Waving for her to follow. "Come on I think that I left your bag in here when I brought you in," Walking into the massive hangar Six's guest dropped her jaw at the sight of this place seeing not only how large the hangar was but what rested in it. From strange armored vehicles that she hadn't before in her entire military career, Six chuckled before walking forward. 'Where did I... Ah right I remember now,' Walking over to the buffed-up warthog Six moved over next to it before finding Dasha's bag he left on the floorboard right in front of the passage seat. "Here it is," Grabbing the bag he turned to Dasha who was eyeing the converted scout vehicle. "What is this?" Placing her hand on the front of the warthog grill. "This is a modified M12 Force Application Light Reconnaissance Vehicle... also known as a Warthog," "Warthog?" Dasha looked at him confused by the nickname. "I didn't name it," The spartan stated as he shrugged his shoulders. "Why a Warthog?" "Dunno maybe because the front of the grill looks like a pair of tusks," "It looks more like a cat to me, if I'm being honest," "Really? Now that you say it like that... it kinda does look more cat-like than a warthog," Six stated not backing up. "Like a sabertooth?" Dasha shook her head. "Feels more like a puma to me," Moving from the 'Puma' the rushian was handed back her bag which she took. "Thank you for everything Six," "You sure you wanna leave? I have plenty of room to spare," Dasha gave a sigh. "I don't wish to be... um... what's the word," "What? A burden?" Nodding the spartan gave a sigh. "Dasha... look I know that we're different but I know what it's like being abandoned by your own people," Holding her bag she looked into the red visor of Six's helmet. "You were cast out?" "I was... until I was found by others who like me were outcasted and they took me in," Six explained. "Through that, I healed my wounds and grew stronger than I ever was before," Crossing his arms the spartan still clearly remembers when he was first brought before the Warmaster. "If it wasn't for the banished... I don't know where I would be," Six explained. "Guess without them taking you in I would have frozen to death in that storm," Dasha commented to which Six gave a nod. "Seems so," Standing before him she gave Six one more look before nodding. "If you have me. Then I'll stay," Six gave a sigh of relief but his chest plate was grabbed by the veteran before him who stared into his visor. "But if you try to cross me, sell me out, or anything of the sort... or I'll show you why you don't piss off Rushian women," Dasha promised to which Six raised his hands. "Yes, ma'am," Letting him go, Six stood back to his full height before Dasha hugged her duffle bag close and gave a hopeful look to the spartan. "Thank you Six," He nodded before veering his head. "Since your staying, I'll show you around some more to gather your bearings," Dasha gave an unamused look to him. "I didn't mean for that to be a pun," The ursine rolled her eyes. "Sure you did," "I... ugh... Come on... I'll show you to the common room," Smiling behind Six's back, Dasha gave a quiet chuckle before the two left the hangar. (Outside of ponyville) "As I suspected Sombra failed... the elements have yet again beaten him back into the realm of darkness," Grogar announced while the three before him looked up from their game of cards. "Awwww that sucks for Sombra but at least the crystal will be ours after we beat the elements and take all the magic for myse- I mean ourselves!" Cozy glow quickly corrected herself while Tirek raised his brow to her but turned to the ancient goat before him. "Well, I for one don't think it was the elements," Tirek stated. The changing queen's ears perked up at the old god's words. "How do you know?" Chrysalis hissed. "I can sense all magic for miles sure but I've been around so long it all has become white noise to me major magical disturbances cause a spike which I can feel even if it was on the other side of Equis," Tirek explained crossing his arm. "And I've sensed the element's magic before and I've yet to sense it since Cozy and I's release from Tartarus," Grogar groaned at the old god's comment. "I assure you that the elements have defeated our dark friend," Grogar held a crystal orb before him. "How do you know?" Cozy glow questioned. "Dear child I have been on this world long before Tirek was born I know what I speak of," "Okay... but that doesn't answer my question," Cozy glow asked to which Chrysalis for once agreed with the filly. "I hate to admit it the runt has a point. How do you know the elements defeated Sombra?" Grogar grew impatient with the three questioning his power before he held the orb before him. "Very well if you wish for me to prove to you that the elements have banished Sombra once again I'll show you," Grogar threw his hand across the top of the dark glass ball as the image of the crystal empire appeared within. "Now we shall witness why we must stand together before the elements less we be-" Grogar shifted back while looking at the series of events play out before him. "That's not twilight... or any of the elements I know about," Tirek pointed out as they watched Sombra confront a red-armored being who held the crystal heart away from the king of shadows. "Who is that?" Cozy Glow asked watching the king and the armored being speak. Unable to hear what they are saying the four watched the armored one use some weapon to freeze Sombra and the crystal royalty freeze in place from some kind of gel, much to Chrysalis's amusement. This caused 'Grogar' to flinch upon seeing this not really knowing what he was watching either making him start rethinking this plan of his. "Doesn't matter if it was the Elements or not who defeated him... this only proves my point we must unit if we don't then it might be us defeated by some rogue knight," Grogar pointed out. "How do you know it's a knight?" Cozy glow asked causing the old goat to sigh. "Sweet dear child... I am-" Slamming his hand on the table he snapped his face to the small filly's own face with a sharp tooth snarl. "THIS CLOSE! TO SHOW WHY I WAS CALLED THE FILLY BUTCHER!" Cozy glow grabbed Tirek's arm to hide behind the old god which caused 'Grogar' to smile in the back of his mind. 'Damn discord you still got it,' "Now how about it?" Grogar pushed his hand forward above the crystal ball before him. "Will you accept my offer for this alliance?" Author's Note Well, here you guys go! 2,000+ words finally! I'm also really excited to finally bring back one of my favorite furry waifus into my story listing. I have been wanting to use her in other stories but I didn't want people going down my neck because of her nationality and start threatening me or anything. I did give her the last name since there's not much lore on her in the first place or anything. Plus I think she would fit with the whole banished vibe with their powerful weaponry and equipment. My point: Also with a comment talk with one of my buddies he unknowingly inspired me for that 'dream' scene which I did base on one of my favorite games. Besides that... Yes, that is Spartan III B-312, again alternate timeline. Six were captured on Reach rather than killed... like I said it is kinda logical if you really think about it since he is an ONI agent that has been through a lot of classified information. The covenant was aware of the office of naval intelligence and has some data on ONI including agents like Spartan B-312. Think about it from this POV: Your fighting an enemy force and you find this one soldier who you only heard reports about being a highly valued enemy VIP. This VIP has been referenced in many different files you recovered of top-secret projects that were mostly blacked out by the enemy to hide what they are. Capturing him could make this war with your enemy go by a lot faster if you were to interrogate him for the information he knows. Hopefully, you can see what I'm getting at. Now hoped you all enjoyed this chapter and everything but before I leave you. Six isn't a wolf... nor is he a fox or any canine or feline. Heck, some of you might not even know what it is even if I told you but I'll leave it to you guys to figure it out.
Part 1 "Who's to say I was the one who betrayed them? Who's to say they were the ones who betrayed me?" (Crystal empire) How long since he has last stepped into the crystal halls of his palace... the same one he had countless slaves built for him so very long ago. He remembers how things were before he took his rightful place on that crystal throne, the empire was nothing more than a backwater village dying and easy prey to rival pony tribes. If it wasn't for him the crystal empire would never have existed! All this was rightfully his! He was the one who took up the magic to conquer the tribes and turn a frozen wasteland into his kingdom to rule! Then those princesses came demanding he surrender the fruits of his labor! Banishing him not once but two times after they send a damn child not seeing him as a true threat! They mocked him and what's more the crystal heart! His prize... With that power, he could reclaim his empire! And those two love-drunk ponies never saw him coming! (The throne room) Being thrown to the side with his helmet sliding across the crystal floor, Shining Armor lifted his bruised head up to see the king of shadows stand at the throne reaching for the crystal heart above it. "HAHAHAHAHA! FINALLY AFTER SO LONG IT'S MINE!" Sombra laughed his prize within reach. Shining turned to see his wife unconscious under the rumble of the throne room ceiling and his daughter was crying in one of Sombra's living shadow constructs. Bleeding from his head Shining armor picked up his sword before using it to help push himself up off the ground before turning to Sombra. "SOMBRA!" Shining charged forward his legs screaming with every step forward, raising his sword up the king turned his head to the captain of the guard. Fast as quicksilver Sombra knocked the sword out of Shining's hands before summoning another shadow to construct to grab Shining by the neck. Lifting him off the ground the captain looked down at the king who was smiling smugly, clearly assumed by the pony's pathetic attempts in stop him. "It's adorable you think you can stop me dear child... and besides the same trick will not work on me twice," Sombra clenched Shining's cheeks as if he was a kid. "After I'm done reclaiming my empire. Your sister and her little friends are next," Shining glared back at Sombra who smiled back but the captain's gaze for a brief moment turned to where the crystal heart floated but blinked in surprise. The dark king noticed Shining's change in expression before turning back and to his horror the very magical relic he sought was gone!!! "WHO DARES STEALS MY CRYSTAL HEART!" Turning from the throne Sombra looked around the throne room looking but the throne room was completely empty besides the still knocked-out Princess Cadance. That was until Sombra noticed something, it was not easy to see almost impossible to even notice it but Sombra saw it. A blur in the light. Roaring in anger Sombra threw out razor-sharp dark crystal fragments at the blur that moved to dodge the attack confirming sombra's suspension. A thief had his prize! "I KNOW YOUR IN HERE THIEF! COME OUT AND I WILL MAKE YOUR DEATH A PAINLESS ONE!" Little did the King know that the thief was right above his head in the crystal raft supports above, slowly the blur began to take a solid form. As the light stopped bending around the thief who held the crystal heart tugged under his right arm with his other resting on the rafting. Clad in red armor the thief looked down at Sombra who was looking around for him, Shining looked up at the thief no longer in Sombra's grip but in the hold of a shadow construct. This caused the thief to give a two-finger salute to shining armor before the light began to rebend around the red-clad thief and soon completely vanished leaving Shining with a very pissed-off Sombra. (Outside) Kicking out one of the crystal windows the spartan dropped down onto the roof of the crystal palace with the crystal heart in hand. Looking at the blue gem-shaped heart the spartan gave a light chuckle to himself before an image of a red/yellow holo-projection appeared on his shoulder. "I think that went pretty well," The spartan's AI joked while the spartan nodded. "Yep think your right... that went without a hitch all we need now is our ride," The spartan said while the AI's ball-like body bounced down his shoulder to his arm. "One Phantom on the way," The AI hummed while the spartan overlooked the crystal empire in complete and utter chaos as Sombra's shadow creatures were wreaking havoc on the crystal ponies below. The spartan put the crystal heart under his arm as he watched the carnage below, seeing a lot of 'non-child friendly' things happing below. 'Damn... they don't show this on the show,' Watching the shadow creatures round up the ponies the spartan gave a slight sigh of relief. 'At least they aren't killing them... makes using this entire thing as cover a whole lot better,' "Oh no," The AI flinched while the spartan gave a sigh. "Plan B?" Plan B," The yellow-purple hologram avatar of the AI disappeared while the red-clad spartan turned his head to the approaching cloud of black fog. "I FOUND YOU, THIEF!" Sombra appeared a cloak of living shadows surrounding him still holding Shining armor and the crying Flurry heart. "HAND OVER MY CRYSTAL THIEF AND I'LL END YOUR LIFE QUICKLY!" Giving a sigh the spartan reached behind his back to take the weapon off it before pointing it at Sombra, the dark king noticed the move and went to defend himself pulling up his two hostages as meat shields. "We'll that's not really 'king-ly' of you Sombra," Still holding up his modified M319 grenade launcher at the lord of shadows and his pony shields not even flinching the moment he moved them up. "Pawns are always meant to protect their king! Even giving their lives for their master when required," Sombra chuckled. "And you may be a simple thief but you are no killer aren't you?" This caused the spartan to tilt his head to the right slightly at the dark king's words. "What did you say?" This time Sombra found the spartan's words assuming before giving a dark chuckle before speaking. "Celestia sent you to retrieve the crystal heart and escape undetected to use it against me correct? Well... I doubt she would be happy if she learned you didn't kill her nephew-in-law but her own niece!" Sombra kept laughing under his breath. "I thought Celestia stopped hiring sell-swords into causes she never truly cares about... guess I was wrong," "First of all that was pretty cold to say in front of the kid... don't know how old she is but saying her aunt never cares about her? Cold. Second of all... Celestia hiring sell-swords to deal with stuff like this? Some loving princess huh?" The spartan's words assumed Sombra even more causing the dark king to laugh. "Ha-ha! Well, I must admit that is quite true! Celestia isn't what she puts out to be... egos ago she was a completely different pony but now she admits to hiding away her past," Sombra shook his head still smiling. "I like you, thief, perhaps I wouldn't kill you... I do require a new court jester," "I'll Pass," "I wasn't asking-" Before Sombra could finish his sentence the spartan pulled the trigger of his launcher firing a 40mm size shell at the Sombra who pulled up the two ponies. Instead of harming them, the round bounced off Shining's chest not harming him only knocking the air out of his lungs from the impact while the small dropped to Sombra's feet. King Sombra's brow raised up at the sight of the hissing metal shell. "Well... I'll be damned you are some sellsword to risk the lives of a prince and his filly of a daughter to stop me! Perhaps you would make a fine assassin instead of a jester," Looking up in the sky the spartan saw a flying object in the distance. "Hate to break it to you but that little thing isn't supposed to kill," Looking back down at the hissing metal thing at his feet, Sombra looked up while the spartan released the trigger. "It's supposed to hold you," Orange-red foam exploded out of the shell before quickly spreading over Sombra, Flurry Heart, Shining within seconds and hardening quickly while it was exposed to the air. Lifting the M319 launcher up the spartan blinked in surprise then turned to look at the three frozen equines trapped within the orange-red hardened foam. "Hey Tao," "Hmh?" The AI appeared at the spartan's shoulder. "They'll be alright? Well... you know I'm not questioning that the statis foam but-" "Don't worry they'll be fine it will dissolve in about an hour till then they'll be sleeping like a couple of baby grunts," 'Tao' looked at the spartan with a smile on her round face and her small tail wagging behind her. "Good to hear. Also another thing," Placing the launcher on his back the spartan pulled out his sidearm before shooting at Sombra's horn. "And that's for using the kid," Turning to the red-plated phantom that deployed it's side ramp, the spartan turned boarded the phantom which then took off into the air away from the burning crystal empire with most of it's building on fire. The shadow creatures of Sombra were all now but ash after the Spartan shot off his horn disconnecting his hold over the creatures. Looking at the empire one last time the spartan couldn't help but feel a sense of deja vu before turning away while the ramp closed and he entered the cockpit before placing the crystal heart in the co-pilot's seat. Sitting down in the pilot's chair the spartan watched while his AI remote piloted the air transport as it moved through the sky. "Where to next?" "Take us home," Author's Note Well... I always want to do a banished story on this site and now I have! Man, the plans I have for this story! I may not be able to ever post a certain story of mine because of the current world events but maybe... this wouldn't attack. Before people start complaining there are no such things as banished spartans because the banished don't take humans well... I hate to say it (Not really) but the banish take anyone from ANY race to join them. Humans are one of them. They aren't the covenant! Heck, in the official spartan 4 guidebook there is a part where it says that the banish have recruited humans AND spartans (Most likely spartan 3-4s) So yeah, hope you enjoy this and see you all in the next one! (Update: 10/21/2022: I wrote this originally to the time stamp and didn't post it since I forgot the original plot and it was left abandoned on my bookshelf luckily now thanks to my buddy death wolf I got a new plot line ready to go and new ideas ready to fire off!)
Part 2(Crystal empire) "Shining? Shining wake up!" Slowly Shining began to open his eyes groaning at how stiff his body felt, looking up to see the familiar eyes of his own sister the captain smiled. "Hey, Twi... come to save my butt again?" Shining joked causing the princess of friendship to give a slight chuckle. "Well, that was originally the plan," "Originally?" Shining looked up seeing they were on the roof of the crystal palace with some of the solar guard putting a newly petrified King Sombra who was missing his horn. All it took was for a few brief moments before Shining snapped up. "Flurry!" Hissing in pain by his own action Twilight held him back down. "Easy she's fine Pinkie has her," "That doesn't make me feel that much better," Shining stated kinda worried that Pinkie might scare his child with her antics. "Pinkie has gotten better with fillies. She usually foalsits for the Cakes," "I... is Cadance okay?" Twilight gave a nod. "The royal healers are helping her now," Twilight explained before shining relaxed. "Shining?" The captain of the guard gave a grunt trying to relax so as not to strain himself. "What happened?" Shining looked at his sister before trying to recall the events of Sombra's attack. "Sombra attacked that part you knew. He breached the gates of the palace and brought part of the ceiling down on Cadance, I tried to attack him but Sombra knocked me around before taking Flurry hostage, and then-" Shining looked down for a moment. "And then..." "Shining?" Twilight watched as her brother's face held a more confused look before he turned to her. "Twilight? Where is the crystal heart?" "I was hoping you knew what happened to it," (Meanwhile...) (???) Typing at the console the spartan looked up at the shield containment field holding within it the pure energy of a small star that was powering the entire base. Looking back to the results on the screen he couldn't help but smile slightly for the results were better than he and his companion could have expected. For a while, they have tried their best to work with what they had... The broken remains of banished modified CAS-assault carriers gave them plenty to use in building their new home... Repurposing almost every part of that ship... From using the excavation beam to cut through the solid rock of the mountain to use the Nanolaminate hull for building the foundation of this place. Yet something remained as they were like the many different armaments were to be used if they ever need to defend their home while the Pinch fusion reactor still gave life to the machinery within this place. Even after they repaired the reactor it still wasn't enough for what they needed, only so much survived the crash and they didn't have enough to proceed with finishing this place. They had all the physical resources that they need, the one problem they faced was that the power core wasn't giving off the energy they needed. So after so debating with one another and finally coming to an agreement, the two decided to 'borrow' the magical item known as the crystal heart from the local kingdom to bring the reactor to it's full potential. Slowly the power levels began to rise as the power source began to accept the crystal heart into it while said magical item began to pulse like the organ it was shaped after. "Well I'll be damned," His smile grew while looking at the charts while a holographic image of the small AI appeared in between his hands on the consule. "See told you it would work," "I didn't say it wouldn't," The spartan stated while the AI bounced over to the display charts before turning back to him. "But you did say it was risky," "I did. Look it at this we put a 'magical heart crystal' into a reactor core expecting it to improve the energy output of a salvaged Pinch fusion reactor," Rolling his hand up to point at the pulling magical item before them. "This was a pretty big gamble, Tao," "Yet my calculations were correct... the core's energy accepted the crystal and now we'll have more than enough energy for all systems to work. No more blackouts, no more power gags, and now we can have everything working at full power," "True..." Lowering his hand back to the console the spartan then shrugged. "I do feel kinda bad about taking this thing though," The AI stuck out her tongue before giving a 'pfft' sound and looking up at him. "Those ponies have a baby that is so powerful it can shatter the crystal heart and then some! Besides were just borrowing it," Tao stated while the spartan gave a sigh. "Indefinitely," Upon his words the small tailed ball avatar of the AI gave off a cartoon-ish sweat drop emoji next to her forehead before nodding. "Yeah," "Though glad to finally keep the heater on this valley seems to colder and colder everyday," "Why are you complaing about the cold? Your Mjolnir is making your body tempture remains at a normal level," "It is... but my food freezes the moment after I cook it and some of the stuff we have doesn't work well in the cold," The spartan explained to which the AI nodded slightly. "Fair enough," "So... how long will it be before the crystal heart brings us to full power?" "Not long maybe in a hour or two," "Do we need anything else for this?" "Nope it's all good," Nodding the spartan moved his hands away from the consule as the AI's avatar disappeared before her voice spoke in his helmet. "Perimeter check?" "You know me..." (Stalliongard) "" "," "" "" Slamming her hands on the desk the pissed veteran stared down at the pony infront of her. "" The pony looked at the veteran who was snarling slightly in anger. "," The pony stated from behind the cage that divided the two. "," Looking at the pony the yellow eyes of the veteran just stared at her. "" Rolling his eyes the pony went back to looking at his papers. "," Moving his hand to 'shoo' her away the pony didn't see how the former Rushian soldier almost lost her temper at the pony's actions. "," Glaring at the pony the veteran then turned and stormed off while a griffin walked up to take her place in the front of the line. Pain roared though her heart as she walked out of the building, it took all her strength not to fall down and loss it right there with one word buzzing though her mind. 'Why?' Why is that the after all that bloodshed and death was she coming home to nothing? Why is she being treated like she did everything wrong? Why is the motherland, her very home had turned it's back on her? Why? Looking up at the bright red flags flowing in the wind above her, where once she would feel pride at seeing the symbol of the people all she felt was nothing. Staring blankly she then began to walk forward away from the building that she hoped to figure out why there was some family living in her apartment and why her bank accout had been completely drained of her life saving. Didn't matter now she had nothing... No home... No money... No family... Nothing... She was alone with only the worn clothes on her back and small worn rucksack over her shoulder. Lowering her head she began to walk forward not really careing about where she was going. Leaving all that she knew behind once again. Author's Note Man this story... hadn't touched it in sometime until now. Lost the original plot I had for it when I was writing it at first but now? Somehow I know this is going to be a lot different from what I originally had planned, I mean I had to heavily edit the first chapter (not just grammer). Completely Redo the description of the story and rework a few other things. Still man... this is going to be interesting because I'm finally doing 'Equestria at war' with a somewhat alternate timeline which I been wanting to do AND do a story involving a alternate timeline of halo. (hints the Alt. Universe tag) Along with a few other things... I mean my mind is weird... when I get: Halo wars 2/halo infinite with hearts of iron 4 then mix in a hint of army of two and black lagoon plus waifus Eh, hey if my mind wasn't the way it is than some of the stories you all like wouldn't be here. Anyways I do hope you all enjoyed this chapter.
Part 3(Long ago) "What I tell you, brother? This area is perfect for fresh recruits!" The brute chuckled with his spiker in hand. "That is true but not all are... fit for the banished," The brute's 'brother' pointed his hammer to a shield cell of frenzied jackals trying to break through the shielding wanting to eat. "These are a liability rather than an asset to us," Moving down the prison one of the brutes stopped in front of a cell before grunting to his pack brothers. "What about this one?" Walking over to him the rest of the brutes looked inside. "Are you stupid? That's one of those weak little humans I'm surprised the covenant didn't use him as meat for the jackals," The brute chuckled giving a growl. "Besides we have no space for one of them in the banished," "Why not? There might be a good reason the covenant hasn't killed him perhaps we can use that against them," The brute countered. Turning to the cell looking at the human in the corner covered in signs that he had been tortured yet despite his wounds he still sitting upright. Staring at the ceil occupant for a moment the former major growled before waving his hand, at the younger brute that spotted the human. "Whatever bring him before Atriox... see what he makes of this runt," The younger brute looked at the human who was now staring back at the alien warrior. (Present day) Putting down the screwdriver he then removed the connection part before reaching up and pulling off an M46 Vulcan from the warthog the spartan lept down onto the hangar floor. Carrying the heavy weapon around like a toy he set it down on some supply crates before returning to the now-disarmed light-scouting vehicle. "I don't like these things... too lightly armored and the turret is only perfect against air targets," The holographic image of the AI popped up onto the top of the warthog's windshield. Going to the exposed engine the spartan looked down at the heart of the machine before speaking. "Well, they are versatile change out the M46 for a gauss cannon or missile platform... hell I heard about some warthogs with a flame thrower," The Spartan reached into the open guts of the stolen UNSC vehicle. "Huh... you would take a scorpion over a warthog right?" The AI questioned causing the spartan to look up at the avatar. "What kind of question is that? Yes, I would take a scorpion over a warthog if necessary but if the situation calls for it would take a warthog," Going back to the engine the spartan returned to working on it. Reappearing on his shoulder the AI began to hum a tune while the spartan worked. (Equestria) "Where is it Sombra? Where is the crystal heart?!" The bruised and beaten former overlord turned his head to the pony before giving a chuckle. "I thought Equestria didn't have torture chambers... guess whoever said that was wrong," Sombra then turned to Celestia who stood in the corner of the dark room. "Wait that was you wasn't it dear sweet-" Getting socked in the face by the fist caused the king to snap up smiling at the feeling of pain. "HA-AH! So your not above torture after all!" Sombra laughed before shifting on his chair. "Despite this whole show Celestia I simply told you what happened to it," "Do you think the princess would believe your lies, you mother-bucker!" Getting hit again the dark king spat out blood from the hard right hook he just took. "Don't let me get out my tools!" "Your tools? Don't make me laugh boy those tools you claim to belong to you haven't been used in centuries... unless you been saying that lie for years," Sombra smiled while looking at Celestia. "Well... hit me, cut me, drown me all you like I already told you what happened," Celestia looked up to Sombra whose grin widen upon making eye contact with her. "There was no thief," The torturer shouted to which Sombra laughed. "But of course, I covered myself in a magical gel and then I destroyed my horn while I was at it... ask Cadance and Shining they will confirm my Alibi," Sombra stated before the torturer began to unwrap his fits while looking at a tray of old instruments of pain before him. "You have been known for illusions they could be under the influence of one of your spells," Laughing again the former king leaned back in his chair. "Please... what do I gain from getting captured?" Sombra chuckled while the torture remained silent before looking at his princess who didn't break her gaze from the dark pony. "I have no love for that thief but he is quite the clever little pup I'll give him that," Walking from her spot Celestia looked down at the king chained before her. "So what if I were to believe your thief story how do I know you're not lying?" The princess asked making the king smile even more. "Bring in that orange pony... the farm hand with the element of honesty she can smell out a lie correct?" Sombra stated before leaning into the princess. "Best keep that one at arm's length that power she has can cut both ways," Narrowing her eyes at the king of darkness who was still smiling without a single care in the world. Turning around the princess left the two alone without speaking a word while Sombra laughed before the door to the chamber was slammed behind her. (Cantorlot castle) Celestia walked forward back into the halls of mountain castle arms still crossed while she began to think long a hard, she had known Sombra for a long time and the things he has done. Yes, he was known to lie and she knew he was telling the truth but what he had spoken made her question if she could tell if he was lying or not. After not breaking from his story Sombra still held firm to his own story even after hours of 'interrogation' he still said the same thing. It was soon clear he wasn't lying but she wasn't going to tell the torture that... not now at least. "I have no love for that thief but he is quite the clever little pup I'll give him that," For some reason, those words were playing on repeat in her head and she didn't at all know why. Giving a sigh she placed her hands on her temples before giving a low hiss, this entire series of events was weighing heavily on her with the sudden attack plus the disappearance of the crystal heart. Now with the heart gone the empire was currently facing endless snow and her student was trying to help her niece figure out how to hold back the storm at least till they find the crystal heart. 'I really need some cake,' (???) How far has she walked? She didn't know but she was far from the motherland that she could tell from her surroundings. Well... from what little she could see in front of her. A snowstorm had hit right in the path she was walking before she knew it. Even with her thick coat, she felt the unforgiving cold bite at her and for someone like her, this cold was too much for anyone to handle. It felt like her own blood would freeze in her very veins. Pain screaming though out her she pressed on not knowing where she was going not like could she tell in this storm. Trying to press through the thick layer of snow her legs felt numb which was never a good sign. 'Fuck I need to get out of this storm or I'll-' Looking up seeing nothing in sight she felt herself stop while lowering her head. 'What's the point? There's nothing out here,' Closing her eyes she felt the cold rush around her before looking up for what seemed to be the last time. Strange, she could swear she heard something... guess the cold was getting to her. This storm would be the end for her. Blinking the lost soldier felt her legs grow weaker with every passing second threatening to give out, everything was going soon her heart would follow and she'll be consumed by the snow like so many of her brothers and sisters she fought alongside in that war that brought her here in the first place. Her eyes felt foggy and her vision blurred causing her to almost fall over but then she saw something or rather someone. Smiling she took a step forward but her other leg didn't respond. "," Finally falling forward she felt her mind fade before her body hit the ground. It was like her very soul melted away from her body before she passed out. Yet her body didn't hit the snow, someone had caught her. Lifting her up in a bridal carry her carrier turned away and went deeper into the storm. Little did the Rushian know she had stumbled across a perimeter trigger hidden under the snow of the massive storm. This storm wasn't going to kill her but her savior was no guardian angel. Author's Note Another chapter but still short on my usual goal of getting to at least 2,000+ words. Though I think the next chapter where 'the spartan' and 'the veteran' meet will be interesting, don't you think? Plus when the spartan was recruited by the banished the group was still pretty new, just to let you guys know. As for the spartan... well like I said different timeline and it's something I actually find more logical for the covenant to do. I mean an asset like that would be a pretty useful source of classified information and such, sure they hate humans for that whole 'great journey' bull. Let me just say this real quick so I can be clear... THIS IS NOT AT ALL RELATED TO THAT DAMN ABOMINATION OF A HALO TV SHOW!!! (They have been removing episodes apparently ad saying that they ruined halo) Besides that, I think some of you know who the spartan is and since the banished and UNSC never met well... let's just say some people would do anything for payback. Like Satlzpyre recruiting another Skaven XD, I know this isn't a 40k/fantasy story but I couldn't help but that new Skaven mod. Well, I hope you guys are excited about things to come! It will be a blast.
Part 4(Not so long ago) "," "" Lifting her head from the scope of the rifle the young-blooded soldier turned to the more grizzled soldier laying next to her. "," Placing his hand on her shoulder he pointed with his bandaged-covered hand to their prey below. "<Follow him. Finger off the trigger. Watch his movements," "," Looking through the scope the young soldier watches the target from afar with the barrel of the long rifle pointing down at the street below. The sun slowly rose behind the building they sat in the wounded sniper guided his proxy clearly while the old rifle pointed toward the enemy commander. "" "," "" "," "," "," "," *BANG!* Snapping awake from her dream the veteran gasped in shock before groaning from the sore pain that roared from her limbs. Pushing herself up from where she rested to sit upright on the place she laid before looking down at her hands to see they were covered in bandages. Something warm pressed against her gut she looked down to her waist seeing it had some kind of black thing strapped around her lower abdomen. Pulling the thing off her she watched as a water blatter fell loose onto her lap that was giving off some serious heat, confused at what happened she looked around her. She seemed to be in some cave with strange-looking metal support beams holding the ceiling up but while she inspected the cavern chamber she was in she froze at the site of a stranger sitting across from her sitting on a metal crate. "Glad to see your up," Stirring something in a metal pot that rested on top of what seemed to be a lantern that filled the small natural room with a warming aura. Pulling the ladle out of the pot he grabbed a bowl resting next to him and poured a yellowish liquid into the bowl before offering it to her. "Here... from the sounds your stomach was making while you slept I decided to cook a little something for you," Holding the bowl and a spoon to her the Rushian looked at the food causing her mouth to water before looking back to the stranger. "Take it there is plenty," Taking the bowl she inspected the strange soup in her hand before sniffing it. Potatoes... Cheese... Garlic... Spices... And what... Meat!? Almost right away she began to woof down the soup in her hand causing the stranger to chuckle but she didn't care not only was the soup delicious she hadn't had meat in years! "Want more?" Looking at him the veteran then almost threw the bowl at him for how fast she moved to have more food. "Take that as a yes," Smiling at the second helping she almost was almost chugging down the soup at how fast she was eating, after finishing she gave a loud belch. "Nice one..." Titling his head the stranger spoke. "How do you feel?" "I can still feel everything," Speaking in Equestrian with a heavy Rushian accent the veteran looked at her covered-up feet. "At least I think so," "Don't worry I didn't have to cut off anything," Pouring another bowl for her this time she didn't devour as quickly. "What happened?" "Well... you were in the middle of a nasty snowstorm where you passed and I carried you in here to treat you for hyperthermia," Noticing her clothes were gone the stranger picked up on her reaction. "Don't worry I didn't peak your underwear wasn't wet so I didn't take them off but everything else I had to before making sure you didn't have frostbite then bundled you up in that sleeping bag," "благодарю вас ," Looking at her he nodded. "не проблема ," Smiling at his response the veteran returned to her soup before the stranger poured himself a bowl. "So what were you doing all the way out here alone?" Her smile faded quickly before pulling on the blanket that rested on her shoulders. "Guess I was how you would say... lost," Before he removed his helmet her hoist looked at her. "Out here is a bad place to be lost," Nodding the veteran gave a sigh. "I know," ... "How long did you serve?" "What?" Looking at him he pointed toward her torn-up uniform jacket. "Oh..." Taking a deep breath she leaned forward. "Two long years in the northern nation war," She looked at him. "You a soldier as well?" He shook his head. "I was," "How long did you serve?" Shaking his head her hoist gave a sign. "I can't remember," "Where did you serve?" "You wouldn't know the places I found," Pulling off his helmet the air-tight seal broke giving off a deep hiss. "Try me," "Otraak. Kostroda... Reach," "Okay, I haven't heard of such places," "I figured as much," Pulling his helmet off the veteran moved slightly to get a better look at the face underneath the armor. "What do I call you?" The veteran asked before returning to eat her food. "Well... they used to call me Spartan B-312 of beta company," The look on her face said it all causing him to chuckle a little. "Just call me Six," "That's not really a name," "It's one the I kept," Eating some of his soup he looked towards her. "Since you know my name... what do I call you," "Dasha Medvedev," "Nice to meet you, Dasha," Holding out his hand to her for a handshake the veteran accepted the greeting. "Likewise," Sitting in the cave the two sat in silence while they ate. (Sometime later) "So you built all this?" Dasha asked while Six guided her through the tunnel system. "Yes," "Hey... Six?" Tao's whispered in his ear through his helmet. "I understand why you pulled out of that storm and everything but are you sure it's okay to give her a tutor of our hideout?" Lightly nodding he turned to Dasha who was currently looking around at the tunnel's supporting metal skeleton holding the weight of the mountain rock from collapsing in on the tunnel. "Alright. I just hope you know what you're doing," The AI's worried voice whispered while Six tapped the back of his helmet. "Something wrong?" Dasha asked to which Six shook his head. "No... just need to knock my helmet slightly for it to seal correctly," Six played off before hearing the AI chuckle slightly in his ear. Upon going to a metal door, Dasha took a step back while the door slide open by itself. "It's Motion sensored... it's similar to the system that informed me you crossed the perimeter," Waving for her to follow. "Come on I think that I left your bag in here when I brought you in," Walking into the massive hangar Six's guest dropped her jaw at the sight of this place seeing not only how large the hangar was but what rested in it. From strange armored vehicles that she hadn't before in her entire military career, Six chuckled before walking forward. 'Where did I... Ah right I remember now,' Walking over to the buffed-up warthog Six moved over next to it before finding Dasha's bag he left on the floorboard right in front of the passage seat. "Here it is," Grabbing the bag he turned to Dasha who was eyeing the converted scout vehicle. "What is this?" Placing her hand on the front of the warthog grill. "This is a modified M12 Force Application Light Reconnaissance Vehicle... also known as a Warthog," "Warthog?" Dasha looked at him confused by the nickname. "I didn't name it," The spartan stated as he shrugged his shoulders. "Why a Warthog?" "Dunno maybe because the front of the grill looks like a pair of tusks," "It looks more like a cat to me, if I'm being honest," "Really? Now that you say it like that... it kinda does look more cat-like than a warthog," Six stated not backing up. "Like a sabertooth?" Dasha shook her head. "Feels more like a puma to me," Moving from the 'Puma' the rushian was handed back her bag which she took. "Thank you for everything Six," "You sure you wanna leave? I have plenty of room to spare," Dasha gave a sigh. "I don't wish to be... um... what's the word," "What? A burden?" Nodding the spartan gave a sigh. "Dasha... look I know that we're different but I know what it's like being abandoned by your own people," Holding her bag she looked into the red visor of Six's helmet. "You were cast out?" "I was... until I was found by others who like me were outcasted and they took me in," Six explained. "Through that, I healed my wounds and grew stronger than I ever was before," Crossing his arms the spartan still clearly remembers when he was first brought before the Warmaster. "If it wasn't for the banished... I don't know where I would be," Six explained. "Guess without them taking you in I would have frozen to death in that storm," Dasha commented to which Six gave a nod. "Seems so," Standing before him she gave Six one more look before nodding. "If you have me. Then I'll stay," Six gave a sigh of relief but his chest plate was grabbed by the veteran before him who stared into his visor. "But if you try to cross me, sell me out, or anything of the sort... or I'll show you why you don't piss off Rushian women," Dasha promised to which Six raised his hands. "Yes, ma'am," Letting him go, Six stood back to his full height before Dasha hugged her duffle bag close and gave a hopeful look to the spartan. "Thank you Six," He nodded before veering his head. "Since your staying, I'll show you around some more to gather your bearings," Dasha gave an unamused look to him. "I didn't mean for that to be a pun," The ursine rolled her eyes. "Sure you did," "I... ugh... Come on... I'll show you to the common room," Smiling behind Six's back, Dasha gave a quiet chuckle before the two left the hangar. (Outside of ponyville) "As I suspected Sombra failed... the elements have yet again beaten him back into the realm of darkness," Grogar announced while the three before him looked up from their game of cards. "Awwww that sucks for Sombra but at least the crystal will be ours after we beat the elements and take all the magic for myse- I mean ourselves!" Cozy glow quickly corrected herself while Tirek raised his brow to her but turned to the ancient goat before him. "Well, I for one don't think it was the elements," Tirek stated. The changing queen's ears perked up at the old god's words. "How do you know?" Chrysalis hissed. "I can sense all magic for miles sure but I've been around so long it all has become white noise to me major magical disturbances cause a spike which I can feel even if it was on the other side of Equis," Tirek explained crossing his arm. "And I've sensed the element's magic before and I've yet to sense it since Cozy and I's release from Tartarus," Grogar groaned at the old god's comment. "I assure you that the elements have defeated our dark friend," Grogar held a crystal orb before him. "How do you know?" Cozy glow questioned. "Dear child I have been on this world long before Tirek was born I know what I speak of," "Okay... but that doesn't answer my question," Cozy glow asked to which Chrysalis for once agreed with the filly. "I hate to admit it the runt has a point. How do you know the elements defeated Sombra?" Grogar grew impatient with the three questioning his power before he held the orb before him. "Very well if you wish for me to prove to you that the elements have banished Sombra once again I'll show you," Grogar threw his hand across the top of the dark glass ball as the image of the crystal empire appeared within. "Now we shall witness why we must stand together before the elements less we be-" Grogar shifted back while looking at the series of events play out before him. "That's not twilight... or any of the elements I know about," Tirek pointed out as they watched Sombra confront a red-armored being who held the crystal heart away from the king of shadows. "Who is that?" Cozy Glow asked watching the king and the armored being speak. Unable to hear what they are saying the four watched the armored one use some weapon to freeze Sombra and the crystal royalty freeze in place from some kind of gel, much to Chrysalis's amusement. This caused 'Grogar' to flinch upon seeing this not really knowing what he was watching either making him start rethinking this plan of his. "Doesn't matter if it was the Elements or not who defeated him... this only proves my point we must unit if we don't then it might be us defeated by some rogue knight," Grogar pointed out. "How do you know it's a knight?" Cozy glow asked causing the old goat to sigh. "Sweet dear child... I am-" Slamming his hand on the table he snapped his face to the small filly's own face with a sharp tooth snarl. "THIS CLOSE! TO SHOW WHY I WAS CALLED THE FILLY BUTCHER!" Cozy glow grabbed Tirek's arm to hide behind the old god which caused 'Grogar' to smile in the back of his mind. 'Damn discord you still got it,' "Now how about it?" Grogar pushed his hand forward above the crystal ball before him. "Will you accept my offer for this alliance?" Author's Note Well, here you guys go! 2,000+ words finally! I'm also really excited to finally bring back one of my favorite furry waifus into my story listing. I have been wanting to use her in other stories but I didn't want people going down my neck because of her nationality and start threatening me or anything. I did give her the last name since there's not much lore on her in the first place or anything. Plus I think she would fit with the whole banished vibe with their powerful weaponry and equipment. My point: Also with a comment talk with one of my buddies he unknowingly inspired me for that 'dream' scene which I did base on one of my favorite games. Besides that... Yes, that is Spartan III B-312, again alternate timeline. Six were captured on Reach rather than killed... like I said it is kinda logical if you really think about it since he is an ONI agent that has been through a lot of classified information. The covenant was aware of the office of naval intelligence and has some data on ONI including agents like Spartan B-312. Think about it from this POV: Your fighting an enemy force and you find this one soldier who you only heard reports about being a highly valued enemy VIP. This VIP has been referenced in many different files you recovered of top-secret projects that were mostly blacked out by the enemy to hide what they are. Capturing him could make this war with your enemy go by a lot faster if you were to interrogate him for the information he knows. Hopefully, you can see what I'm getting at. Now hoped you all enjoyed this chapter and everything but before I leave you. Six isn't a wolf... nor is he a fox or any canine or feline. Heck, some of you might not even know what it is even if I told you but I'll leave it to you guys to figure it out.
