Author's Note

More of a Resident Evil 4 feel to both versions of this chapter. You're already seeing the power discrepancies take shape. They'll be way more prepared in the alternate timeline.

Burning Man (Canon)

Shining returned with four civilians in tow: Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Soarin, and Spitfire. Twilight was too exhausted to welcome them with the others, opting to stay in and update her journal.

"May 28th, 2042. Shining's men rescued more civilians. It's a good thing we have enough funding to expand the base. At this rate, we could run out of room. Fluttershy was wounded before their arrival. Treatment's being applied. Lucky we understand how bites work now. I'm just so tired...How much longer will this battle continue...?"

Spike and Twilight trained together for the next few days, with the latter's attempts being more half-hearted than her brother hoped. The strain of their lives had clearly taken its toll, but they managed well enough to get by. On the date of the 30th, they were assigned their next task.

"Your next mission's a bit further out," Shining explained, "We detected numerous lifeforms hiding underground in Edenia Gardens. Given how far it is, we've been granted clearance by the air force to procure one of their jets. You should arrive around four to five hours from now."

"Been a while since we last flew," Spike stated, "Least it's not as bad as cars."

"Stock up on whatever supplies you need. The city's infested with lain activity. It'll be a miracle if anyone makes it back."

"We don't plan on dyin' yet. We've got a job to finish."

"I trust you'll see it through."

Twilight examined the craft with the skill of a seasoned veteran. She'd flown before, but her experience was limited. Air travel was usually reserved for long-distance operations. The current situation constituted one of those times.

"You nervous?" Spike asked, hoping to offer some form of consolation.

"A little."

"Just gotta keep moving. The quicker we get in, the quicker we can get out."

"Stay on guard. If they're alerted, they'll swarm us all at once."

"Copy that. Come on. Let's move."

Spike jumped in, taking the seat in the back. Twilight preferred a more refined approach, stepping up to the cockpit in a calm, relaxed manner. Inside, she lowed the air shield, engaging her oxygen mask for safety. She ignited the thrusters, lifting the carrier off the ground. Turning in the direction of Edenia, she pushed forward, accelerating toward their designated coordinates.

The pair arrived outside Edenia at the expected time. Leaping to the ground, they retrieved their weapons. Spike still had the shotgun from Applejack's farm. He'd purchased extra ammo before the trip.

"The subjects are located in a shelter at the center of town," Twilight informed him, "Hopefully they're still alive..."

"With how fast we got here, odds are pretty good. Reinforcements'll be here by the time we come back."

"Good. We won't be alone too long, then. Slow and steady oughta do it."

"Which formation? The shotgun's more powerful, but it doesn't have molecular disassembly."

"You take the lead. It'll be safer if I stay out of the line of fire."

Spike shrugged.

"Your call."

Spike inched forward, gawking ahead for enemy activity while Twilight guarded his flank. She kept an eye on the environment for any signs of an ambush.

"All clear ahead."

"A little faster. Just keep looking."

"Roger."

"I can't afford to be as reckless as I was at Applejack's. Until we reach our targets, we can't let our guard down."

"Fair enough."

"Well," an unfamiliar voice called out, "What do we have here?"

Twilight honed her sense, quickly changing positions to find its source. She could by the sinister tone whoever it was meant trouble.

"Who are you!? Show yourself!"

The voice laughed, mocking her lack of awareness. Of course it did. That's always what villains did when they were overconfident.

"So this is the best the almighty somber-lain chamber has to offer? It's almost too easy!"

The taunt was enough to track its source. Twilight discovered two men atop a postal building. They were considerably older, between their thirties and forties. One was lean and agile with white hair and yellow eyes. The other was muscular, dressed in dark suit with long, flowing hair. Twilight instantly knew which was the ringleader.

"You're disrupting an investigation! State your name and business!"

"Poor naïve Twilight. You really have no idea, do you?"

"How did you-"

"We know more than you could possibly imagine. Until we meet again, I leave you a parting gift. Please, do not disappoint me."

The man in black snapped his fingers, sending down a veil of smoke. It began to form into numerous shapes and sizes, each resembling a spectrum of the lain.

"You!"

"Twilight," Spike shouted, "We've gotta run!"

The men disappeared, vanishing to the other side. Twilight glared, cursing them to the heavens. She followed Spike to a nearby structure, casting a spell to keep the lain at bay.

"Hurry," Spike instructed, "We need to find a way underground!"

"Let me check."

Twilight closed her eyes, activating her third eye.

"There's a manhole opener in the employee office. Guess they had it on-hand in case something ended up in the sewers. There's a cover on the backside of the building. We can get in that way."

"Come on!"

Out back, Spike opened the cover. It was heavier than expected, but thanks to their training, the load was manageable.

"Ladies first."

"Such a gentleman. With that attitude, I'm sure you'll find a date."

"Ow! My pride!"

Twilight climbed down, careful to avoid injury. Spike followed close behind.

"You got a light?"

"One sec."

Twilight lifted her finger, forming a small fire to guide their way.

"Hold on to me. If we're separated, it's over."

"Right."

Spike gripped his sister's hand. They began their descent into the corridors of destiny...