Mare of War

by zaponator

Rating: teen
Tags: Main 6, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Dark, Adventure, Shining Armor, Twilight Sparkle
Length: 39942

A tale of war, secret military groups, weapons of mass destruction, and tea.

After accidentally creating a weapon of mass destruction, Twilight is forced to confront a choice she made long ago in order to assist the war effort and a secret military order.

Published 2012-11-23 08:50:01 UTC
Last updated 2012-12-21 19:17:21 UTC

1 - The Big Bang Theory

Edited by Pilate. He's one swell zebra.

It was a beautiful and sunny day in Ponyville. Probably. Well, most likely. Honestly, Twilight had no idea if it was a beautiful day, or if it was even sunny. In any case, it was a day in Ponyville. The reason Twilight's lacked any information regarding the beauty and sun levels of the day was simply that she hadn't left her basement since late last night. Or early this morning, depending on your point of view.

She felt completely justified in this however, because the spell she was working on was going to be life-changing. Now there are a lot of rumors about Twilight's basement laboratory. Those rumors had only increased as she spent the last several days working on this new spell. Some ponies claimed that she was working out a way to turn base metals into gold. Others thought she was creating a clone of herself to double her productivity. Still others said she was performing genetic experiments, and was going to end up making some kind of monster. Frankly, those last ponies watched too many horror films.

Twilight found those rumors completely silly. For one thing, she had figured out the 'midas-hoof' spell years ago. She just had the foresight to realize how devastating it could be to an economy based on gold, so she never used it.

For another thing, why would she be doing genetic experimentation in her basement? There are perfectly good facilities in Canterlot for that sort of thing.

As a matter of fact, I haven't visited those facilities in almost a year. I wonder what kind of breakthroughs they've made since then. I wonder if they ever took care of that monster they created... Gah! Getting distracted again.

The experiment Twilight was working on was nothing like any of the rumors, but she treated it with full seriousness anyway.

Alright, apparatus set up? Check. Safety goggles? Check. Spike upstairs to stop any distractions from entering?

Twilight stepped away from her chemistry set and walked over to the bottom of the stairs. "Spike! Are you ready?" She shouted up.

"I'm good Twilight," Came the muffled response. "nopony's gonna bother you during your super important experiment."

Twilight could almost feel the sarcasm coming off those last three words. "It's important to me..." She grumbled as she made her way back to the testing ground of her new spell, mentally checking off the last item on her list.

This was it. Finally she was going to test the spell she had created that would change her life for the better. The instant water boiling spell. With this she could shave off five minutes from tea preparation time in the mornings, making her that much more efficient. The rumor ponies would be disappointed if they knew what Twilight was working on.

Twilight prepared her magic as she checked the thimble of water for the third time. Satisfied, she began taking mental notes.

First test, thimble of water, two milliliters. Zero-point-one percent of maximum spell power.

Really, the minuscule amount of energy required in this test hardly required such precautions. But Twilight was nothing if not thorough.

Beginning spell now.

A faint glow began to form around the thimble as she let a tiny amount of magic in. Then, with a deep breath, she activated the spell. Immediately she knew something was wrong. She reflexively threw up a shield spell in the milliseconds she had available to her. While her incredibly quick mind had time for one more thought.
Well then, this is gonna hurt.

--{MoW}--

"Spike! Are you ready?" Twilight's muffled call made it's way up from the basement.

"I'm good Twilight, nopony's gonna bother you during your super important experiment." Spike shouted back. Unable to keep the sarcasm out of his voice. How important could a spell for boiling tea-water be? It's not like it even had any applications outside food. Even at max power it would only boil two liters of water, if Twilight's calculations were correct.

Twilight's calculations are always correct. Spike thought with a touch of pride.

Still, it was early in the morning, and it's not like anypony was even up. Much less coming to the library. Twilight would be safe from any interruptions while Spike grabbed a quick breakfast. She had a tendency to forget things like meals when she was neck-deep in a project. Spike, on the other hoof, was a growing dragon and a growing dragon needs to eat.

So it was that Spike found himself in the kitchen, looking for his favorite brand of cereal. For some reason Twilight liked to buy about twenty different flavors of cereal, this annoyed Spike to no end, and resulted in a far larger than average cereal cupboard. Spike had just set up a stool, and was about to stand on it to reach the cupboard, when a tremendous explosion rocked the library. Followed by a loud creaking noise, and finally the sound of part of the library collapsing.

"Twilight!" Spike called out as he ran towards the door from the kitchen to the central room of the library, only to stop short before going through. The central room was gone. He could see the door to the basement across from him, but there was no way to reach it, it simply opened into the air where the main room once was. Well, the whole room wasn't gone, the walls were still standing, a quite lucky thing, as they supported most of the library. The front door had been knocked open, however; Spike turned his gaze downward. While the library lacked a floor, this meant the basement lacked a roof, turning it into a giant cylindrical hole. The collapsed floor appeared to have mostly fallen near the edges of the room, pushed out by the blast, pieces of broken wood were even embedded in the walls.

Spike stopped caring about any and all damage to the library when he saw her, Twilight lay crumpled near the wall opposite the basement stairs. Luckily nothing had collapsed on her. There appeared to be a fire in the center of the room. Twilight was clearly unconscious, hopefully nothing worse. Spike didn't even have to think twice before leaping down. The fall didn't harm him in any way, due to his draconic resilience. Unfortunately, that didn't make it hurt any less.

Pulling himself off the floor, and gritting his teeth to the pain, Spike immediately ran over to Twilight, dropping to a knee next to her. "Please be alive. Please be alive. Please be alive." Tears began to stream down his face as he checked her breathing. He heaved a sigh of relief when he saw she was, in fact, alive. And mostly unharmed, if not a little battered, and a little unconscious.

"C'mon Twilight, wake up! We gotta get out of here!" Seeing that Twilight was not going to obey him, Spike decided to just drag her. He wasn't sure where, but he had to move her somewhere distinctly not here. So he rolled her onto her back and began dragging her further away from the fire, and towards the useless stairs.

"Don't worry Twilight. I'll save you. I'll get us out of here." Spike gulped heavily, "Somehow."

--{MoW}--

Something rough was being dragged across Twilight's back. She slowly regained consciousness to this odd sensation, and didn't quite know what to make of it. She could also hear what sounded almost like a voice, muffled as if coming from a great distance. Finally, she decided that enough was enough, and the only way to enlighten herself to the situation was to open her eyes, she did so hesitantly, careful of any bright lights. She quickly pieced together that she was being dragged, on her back, across the floor. Apparently by someone who was trying to say something to her. Realizing she was hurt, training kicked in.

Damage assessment: Loss of consciousness, hearing damaged, pain across most of body. An explosion then? What in the hay exploded in a library? Unimportant. No broken bones. No major burns. Likely no major blood loss. Body in acceptable shape. Next, need to ascertain damage to library. First need to find out who's dragging me, and let them know I'm awake.

Twilight attempted to speak, but all that came out was a coughing fit. However it served her purposes, as the dragging, which wasn't getting her anywhere fast anyway, stopped completely. The next thing she knew, Spike was in her vision. She could see tears in his eyes, and his mouth moving, but his voice was only barely audible to her, and she was unable to make out any words. Her coughing had stopped though, so she was able to speak to him.

"Listen Spike." She must have been yelling, judging from his wince. She toned it down a bit. "I can't hear anything right now. But we need to get out of the library, help me up"

Spike appeared to be trying to tell her something that involved shaking his head. But he did help her up, and she didn't like what she saw when he did.

The whole basement had been destroyed. Lab equipment was flung haphazardly in every direction, crushed against the walls. That's all going to need replacement. Twilight thought wryly. The area where the thimble of water had been was a crater, a flaming crater. Fire in a library, also a tree, not good, need to leave now. It wasn't until she spotted what Spike had been trying to tell her that she became really worried. The floor above had collapsed Twilight was lucky she hadn't been crushed when the pieces fell into the basement. But that's not what worried her. What worried her was the fact that, without a floor, the stairs out of the basement led to nowhere.

Alright, easy solution, teleport.

Twilight's horn began to glow, before a sharp pain shot from the base, right through her whole head. she let out a gasp and stumbled forward, almost collapsing from the pain. Spike rushed to support her, and she smiled at him gratefully.

Of course, concussion. Should have known. No magic then. That leaves... dying in a fire? No, that's a terrible plan.

They were trapped, and the fire was spreading.

"Oh, this is not good."

--{MoW}--

On the road coming from Sweet Apple acres, two old friends were slowly making their way into town. Rainbow Dash and Applejack walked on in companionable silence. The sun had only been up a short while, and nopony else could be seen outside their homes. Applejack would have been up anyway, but Rainbow was only up because the new Daring Do came out today, and she wanted it as quickly as possible. Seeing as Applejack needed to visit Twilight about a book on growing a few new crops, they decided to go into town together. The only sound was the crunch of the dirt beneath their hooves, and the wind rustling through the leaves of the trees lining the road.

Applejack found it peaceful, calming, and though she'd never admit it to Dash, downright beautiful. Rainbow Dash found it boring. So she decided to strike up a conversation to break the monotony.

"Hey Applejack, how come you don't swear?" Rainbow asked casually, knowing full well the reaction it would get.

Applejack looked almost offended. "I do swear."

"Come on, admit it. It's true." Rainbow replied teasingly.

"No, I won't, because it's not. I use swear-words, like anypony else." Applejack continued to unwittingly entertain Rainbow.

Rainbow had actually never heard Applejack swear. Nopony had. It had become a regular point for their friendly arguments.

"Oh really? See, I've never heard you. So when is it that you do all this cussing? After I go to bed, or..."

"I swear... when it's appropriate." The cowpony replied as they came into town, both too engrossed to notice smoke coming out of the library.

"AJ, the whole point of swearing is that it's not appropriate."

Applejack was about to reply when both mares finally took notice of the library, and got a good look at it for the first time.

Both were struck speechless at the state of it. The front door had been blasted out from the inside, giving a clear view to the destruction within. Though they couldn't quite see down into the basement, they could see that there was no longer a floor. There was definitely a fire.

Applejack found her voice first.

"Son of a bitch."

2 - You Know What This Calls For?

Edited by Pilate. He's one swell zebra.

Twilight was reasonably sure she wasn't going to die. Sure the fire was spreading slowly but surely to consume the entire library, turning a masterwork of magical architecture into nothing but a memory. Sure in her concussed state she was likely to be inside the library when this happened, but she was pretty sure she would be fine, well she’d be alive at least.

What was it those stallions at The Academy liked to say? 'Until proven otherwise, I am immortal.' Yeah, that sounds good right about now.

In any case, she knew Spike would be fine, as a dragon, he was completely immune to fire. In fact, she once saw him completely submerge himself in molten lava. Yeah, he would be fine, he’d miss her a lot, but one of her friends would take him in. Twilight began to wonder if the town would build the new library in the same location, or if they would build a memorial there instead.

I guess they could do both. Twilight decided. The Twilight Sparkle Memorial Library. Kill two birds with one stone.

"Twilight! Spike! Are ya'll in there!"

Applejack? What is she doing here?

Realizing that was probably not the most important thing to be pondering right then, Twilight instead opted to return an answer.

"We're down here! In the basement!" She shouted as loud as she could, hoping it was enough. Spike joined in, his calls weak and raspy from his previous crying. However, it was enough for Applejack to hear them, her own booming reply easily audible.

"Alright. I got a rope ready. I'll toss it down to ya'll."

With that, a rope with a loop in the end came sailing over the edge of the ground above, through the front door. Twilight placed the loop just behind her forelegs and tightened it, telling Spike to climb on her back and hold on. When he had done so, she gave the rope two sharp tugs to signal they were ready. As they were being pulled up Twilight’s mind began to slow down, allowing for complete thoughts.

Well, I’m not going to die now. This is good, in fact this is the best news I’ve had all day. Also, this means I don't have to worry about new librarian being suitable, which is perfect, as I didn’t have time to leave them a note on the most efficient shelving methods.

Twilight smiled slightly, she could always count on her friends when she was in trouble. Just as they were pulled out of the remains of the basement, and she saw weather ponies approaching to put out the fire, she was struck by a thought. I'll need to start analyzing the blast zone as soon as possible. That spell had very interesting results. A small frown replaced her smile. I was really looking forward to instant tea though.

--{MoW}--

The pegasus ponies had just finished putting out the fire with their rainclouds, and Applejack was recounting how events had played out from her point of view. Twilight listened intently, still in the adrenaline rush of her near death minutes ago. "So I told Dash to go an' get a couple pegasi to put out the fire, and then collect up the rest of the girls." She was sitting on her haunches in front of Twilight on the grass in front of the damaged library. "Next I ran over as fast as I could to check if ya'll were all right." Her tone shifted to a concerned note, "Speaking of, is he gonna be alright sugarcube?" Applejack gestured to the shivering ball of scales still clinging tightly to Twilight's back.

Twilight blinked, then turned her head as if just realizing there was a baby dragon stuck to her. "Oh, Spike will be fine. He's just in shock. I'm not sure why though. Honestly I think he forgets sometimes that he's fireproof." Spike continued shaking and holding onto Twilight with his eyes screwed shut. When Twilight turned back around she saw the rest of her friends approaching, led by Rainbow Dash and looking very worried. Applejack, for some reason looking, dumbfounded at her.

"Twilight! I'm so glad you're okay. Me and the girls came as fas—" Rainbow was cut off by an exclamation by Applejack.

"What d'ya mean you don’t know why he's in shock!" Rainbow glared at the farmer for the interruption, but Applejack didn't notice. She just continued trying to puzzle out Twilight's odd attitude.

"You almost died sugarcube. I'm sure Spike knew plenty that he would be fine, but you are not fireproof!"

The other four ponies had by this point seen what was going on and, after seeing Spike's state, were all equally confused at Twilight's apparent nonchalant behavior. It was Rarity who spoke up first, "I must agree darling, you seem to be taking this rather well. Perhaps you are simply in an even greater state of shock." Rarity's eyes widened, "Should we fetch a doctor? I dare say we should have thought of that sooner."

The others gave various forms of quick agreement, and Rainbow was about to speed off to the hospital, when they were all stopped by Twilight speaking.

"Rainbow wait!" All her friends turned to look at her with yet more confusion etched on their faces. "Girls listen, I'm fine. I don't need a doctor. Right now I just want to examine the blast zone, okay?"

Rainbow flew over to land directly in front of Twilight, kicking up a small cloud of dust. "You are not fine. Nopony could be fine after going through that!"

A look of realization crossed Fluttershy's face, before she quietly spoke up. "Um, Twilight you can go, uh, examine the blast zone... if you want. I just want to talk to the girls about, um, something else." All five mares looked at Fluttershy, who was now apparently attempting to set a world record for fakest smile. Rainbow gave a faint noise of protest, but at a look from Fluttershy that only one who had known her since childhood could decode, she fell silent.

"Alright girls, I'll be over here, though you don't have to stay if you don't want to." Twilight knew they were planning something, but rather than try to pry it out of them, she simply walked around the corner of the library, out of sight, and cocked an ear to listen. She knew she shouldn't eavesdrop, but she didn't want her friends getting her a psychiatrist or something when she knew she was perfectly fine. She strained to hear Fluttershy's tiny voice, and could just barely make it out.

"Girls, I think I know what's wrong with Twilight." Fluttershy didn't even need to whisper to talk stealthily.

"Well then? Spit it out!" Rainbow Dash's idea of whispering would have been audible even without intentionally eavesdropping.

"Well, um, you see, sometimes I get animals who are in shock after surviving an attack by a predator or something like that." She sounded almost in pain at the idea of a little animal being hurt, but after taking a moment to compose herself, she continued, "Some of them are like Spike, they won't stop shaking, they don't listen to a word I say, and it can take hours of tender love and care for them to get back to normal."

"I hate to interrupt sugarcube, but I think we already established Twi ain't actin' like that at all."

"But that's just it though. Some other animals will come in after an attack, and they'll seem just fine. They'll be perfectly happy, they'll even act as if they were never attacked at all." Fluttershy grimaced at the thought of what came next, "But then at some random time, it all comes crashing down. It's like their poor little mind finally realizes what happened, and they become even worse off than the ones who were in shock from the beginning. Sometimes it can take all night for them to stop shaking and crying. Even if I cuddle them the whole time."

"Oh dear me, that sounds simply dreadful, but whatever are we supposed to do about it?" Rarity looked to each of the other four. None seemed to have any answer, though Pinkie, of all ponies, appeared to be deep in thought. The silence only lasted a couple seconds before it was broken by a shout that could only come from one pony.

"A party!"

All five ponies, even Twilight, were stunned to complete silence. Pinkie took that as her cue to go on. "A slumber party to be exact. You said that it could take all night to help those animals. What better way to be there all night than a slumber party?"

The girls were all surprised by Pinkie's plan, or rather, that it seemed like a good one. From Pinkie. Rarity spoke what was on everypony’s mind.

"How did you come up with such a good plan? No offense dear, but... you know." Rarity gestured vaguely at all of Pinkie.

Pinkie's response was quick. She stood on her hind legs and leaned an elbow on Rarity, "Well, the problem did involve cheering somepony up, in a way. It's kinda my thing." She nonchalantly polished a hoof on her chest in an expression of coolness that made Rainbow Dash jealous. "So you’re all on board with the plan?" Pinkie was met by a chorus of nods. "Great then! What do you think Twilight?" With that, Pinkie turned to face the corner behind which Twilight was currently hiding, still out of sight.

Well, I guess I shouldn't have expected to stay hidden with Pinkie Pie there. What about this idea of hers though? I know I'm fine, but they won't stop worrying about me unless I let them 'help' me. I do also need a place to stay tonight. Without my magic to teleport, I won't be able to cross the massive hole that was once my living room. I guess it couldn't hurt. Plus: Slumber party! Yay!

This entire thought process had only taken about two seconds for Twilight, so she revealed herself just after Pinkie's outburst. She chuckled awkwardly, "Hey girls. Sorry for listening in on you." She smiled sheepishly, but they didn't seem offended. They just looked like they were waiting for her to answer Pinkie's question. "So yeah, I'm good with this slumber party idea. I need somewhere to sleep tonight anyway."

Rainbow looked at Twilight's horn, then back at Twilight. "Why? The rest of the library is fine, it's just the giant hole you have to watch out for. Can't you just, y'know, teleport or levitate some new stairs or something?" Twilight sighed, "I would, but I seem to have a minor concussion. Based on past experience, I probably won't have access to my magic until tomorrow morning."

She noticed all five mares wince at this. They weren't used to seeing their friends hurt, well except Rainbow, but even Rainbow rarely received concussions. On top of that was the fact that Twilight was so casual about a fairly serious head injury, even if it was minor. Twilight assumed that they would attribute this to the shock, and think that it was as Fluttershy had said: her brain hadn't realized what had happened yet. She could correct them on it, but that would require a long explanation. I'll probably have to explain it to them tonight. At least then we'll be comfortable.

"So yeah, slumber party it is then." Twilight stated, causing Pinkie Pie to jump and cheer. "But for now I really do need to examine the blast zone." Twilight paused in turning around. "For real this time."

3 - History Lesson

Edited by Pilate. He's one swell zebra.

Spike still hadn't let go of Twilight as she paced around the ruined basement. She really couldn't blame him, they had only been pulled out by Applejack about half an hour ago. Twilight had gotten the farm pony to lower her back down into the basement so that she could start the investigation, she was glad her friends were there for her when her magic was not. Knowing that the librarian wanted an 'uncontaminated scene', her friends were waiting for her to finish up on the front lawn. She carefully scrutinized each and every little detail of the blast zone, from the size of the crater at the epicenter, to the scattering of debris in and around the walls.

Looks like the concussive wave from the spell detonation was immense. The explosion itself was apparently a decent size, though not nearly large enough to warrant this kind of damage.

Twilight looked at the scorch mark in the center of the circular room—large enough for a pony to stand in comfortably—to the glaring lack of a ceiling on the basement, giving her vision into the library above.

Even disregarding the disproportionate amount of damage caused, that explosion was far too big for the small amount of energy I put into it. A look of revelation crossed her face. I need to write Celestia about this! She glanced back to Spike, who appeared to be resting, possibly asleep, on her back. An almost motherly smile came to her lips. The report to Celestia can wait, I suppose. I could stand to gather more information anyway.

--{MoW}--

Hours later, Twilight was just finishing up her examination of the very last piece of debris as the day began to near its end. Spike, who had woken up long ago, was sitting nearby on a piece of rubble large enough to be used for a stool. He had a bored expression on his face, and was resting his chin in a claw. "Almost done there Twilight? I promised the girls I'd get you to the slumber party on time."

Twilight didn't even glance up from her work as she replied. "Yes yes Spike, this will only take a moment. This piece could hold important clues."

"Twilight, it's a rock. I'm not even sure it came from the blast." Spike sighed tiredly, "I'm pretty sure just being found near the library doesn't mean that it's debris."

The lavender mare blinked, seemingly just realizing that she had spent the last fifteen minutes staring at an ordinary rock. "Oh, uh... I hadn't thought of that." She could hear the slap of Spike's claw meeting his face. "You know what Spike? We shouldn't keep the girls waiting. Let's head over to the boutique."

Twilight chuckled sheepishly while Spike grumbled his way onto her back. Using the rope ladder Applejack had left them, they left the library, and headed down the street. Twilight was enraptured by the beauty of the night. The moon was just coming out, casting its own cold light on the little village preparing itself for bed. The stars added a level of awe-inspiring artistry. The tiny twinkling lights had always been a favorite of Twilight's, and they had only gotten better since Luna's return. Looking up at the stars always inspired a warm feeling in the studious pony's chest, and made her feel completely calm and relaxed.

No good thing lasts forever though, and Spike had a subject he felt needed to be broached before they got to the party.

"So Twilight..." He began, pausing, she assumed, to decide how to phrase whatever was on his mind. "You're gonna have to explain The Academy tonight aren't you?" His voice wavered slightly as he spoke his concerns.

"Yeah, I probably am." She sighed, but a smile soon took over her features. "Knowing my friends, they won't stop worrying about me unless I give them a good reason not to."

Spike shuddered at the thought of that phase in his pseudo-mother's life. "Can't you just, I dunno, pretend to be in shock or something?"

Twilight sighed. "Spike, I said I would never lie about my past to my friends." She gulped nervously. "I guess I just hoped they'd never ask, but I knew I would have to tell them eventually. Have you heard how the war has been going lately?" A scowl made itself known on her face as she thought about it. "Casualties on both sides are higher than they have been since 999! The fighting's only gotten worse recently. The general public is going to know about it soon enough, if this keeps up. And when they found out about the war, I'd have to tell them about The Academy."

"But Twilight—" His complaint was cut off by the unicorn under him.

"Ah ah! No buts. "Besides," She gestured ahead of them to the fanciful building they were approaching. "we're here."

--{MoW}--

"Twilight, dear. I'm ever so glad you could make it." Rarity hugged Twilight, before leading her upstairs to the living area of her shop, where the rest of the gang was waiting. "And how are you Spikey-wikey?" She addressed the young dragon as he hopped off Twilight's back. "Are you feeling better? I've prepared you a bowl of nice shiny gems." The fashionista retrieved a bowl from a nearby table with her magic, levitating it over to Spike, whose mouth was now watering.

Spike looked up to Twilight with a pleading look in his eyes. Twilight giggled lightly. "It's fine Spike, you've had a rough day. Go ahead and eat the whole bowl." She didn't need to tell him twice. He tore into the bowl of gems with all the gusto only a growing dragon could have.

Smiling at his enthusiasm, Twilight and Rarity walked over to where their friends were already sitting and joined them on the provided cushions. Applejack, caring as always, decided to start the conversation.

"So Twi', how ya feelin'?"

The other four mare's all looked to her with concern. Even Pinkie Pie was sitting still for once, though she somehow managed to look concerned while grinning.

"Look girls, I told you, I'm totally fine." Twilight looked to the faces of each of the ponies present, trying to alleviate their worry. Judging from their disbelieving looks, it didn't appear to be working. None of them seemed about to call her on it though.

Oh wait, Rainbow Dash.

"Horseapples!" The prismatic pegasus flared her wings briefly before folding them back against her sides, appearing to be trying to remain calm. "Listen Twilight, nopony is as cool and collected as you after a near death experience! Least of all, and egghead like you." She blinked. "Uh, no offense."

"None taken. I understand your concern Rainbow, but I must reiterate, I am fine. Don't worry."

Fluttershy spoke next, her voice quavering slightly at the thought of verbally disagreeing with her friend. "Uh, maybe you just, um, maybe you just think that you're alright." Her voice gained a little confidence as she was talking about something she knew a little of. "You could just be feeling like everything's fine, but then collapse at any minute. Don't worry though we'll be there to help you." The butter pegasus smiled kindly.

Before Twilight could make a third attempt at reassuring them, Pinkie Pie interjected.

"Yeah Twilight! We'll always be there for you." The pink party pony began to prance playfully around the room. "Even though you're all happy-face now, if you do go sad-face later, auntie Pinkie Pie will be there to make all your frowniness disappear." She finished her speech by patting Twilight on the head like one would a foal.

Well this is it. They're just gonna keep this up unless I explain myself. Oh well, I'm sure they won't think of me any differently.

But before she could begin her explanation, a loud burp emanated from across the room.

"I say! How very uncouth." Rarity exclaimed. "Do try to eat with more manners Spike."

Spike ran over to the group with a scroll in his claw. "Wasn't me! It was a letter for Twilight."

"Why would Princess Celestia send me a letter at this hour?"

"Not from Celestia." Spike handed her the scroll. "It's from your brother."

Six mares gasped as one. Twilight just stared at the letter.

No reason to worry. Sure, Shining has a record of being terrible with timing of letters, but I'm sure it's nothing. Twilight thought back to her brother telling her about his engagement via wedding invitation. What if it's not though? What if this is some big news that he's delayed telling me... again. What if I'm an aunt!? Get a hold of yourself Twilight. He only got married four months ago, and he's not that kind of stallion.

Twilight's train of thought was broken by a loud throat clearing by a certain sky-blue pegasus.

"Well? Ya gonna open it or what?" Rainbow looked like she was getting tired of waiting.

Twilight looked around, and noticed similar expressions on all her friends faces. She chuckled, before giving a sheepish smile. "Sorry about that. I guess after his last letter I'm expecting the worst."

"S'alright Twi'. Just, y'know..." Applejack made a vague gesture with her forehooves. "Get on with it."

Twilight nodded, opened the letter, and began to read aloud.

"Dear Twilight. How are things in Ponyville? Staying out of trouble I hope. I just wanted to let you know, my deployment in Zebranistan has been going well, and I've been staying safe. Hard to believe I've been here for... two... whole... months." Twilight trailed off at that, ignoring the rest of the letter.

"My brother deployed?" Twilight's left eye started twitching. Her friends backed away slightly. "My brother deployed... two months ago?" The letter began to smoke. The other mares and one dragon all shared a worried glance. "And he's just telling me about it now? As a casual mention in a letter?" Without warning the letter burst into bright flames, causing everyone to jump back. "WHY IS HE SO BAD AT THIS?!" The enraged unicorn's shout was heard by all the ponies on the block. The letter disintegrated into ash, and Twilight stood there breathing heavily after her outburst.

After a few moments she slumped her shoulders, and sat back down. The rest of the group, including Spike, decided not to worry that she had just done that without magic, and instead came over and sat down too.

Pinkie Pie spoke up first. "So, what did that letter even mean?" Everypony but Rainbow Dash shared her confused look. "I mean, I have no idea where 'Zebranistan' is, or even what he meant by 'deployed'. But it made you do that thing where you go 'whoosh' like when I had my doozy, well not quite the 'whoosh' thing, but I'm pretty sure your mane was starting to smoke. What could be so bad about it?"

Rainbow Dash beat Twilight to an explanation. Fastest pegasus and all that. "When somepony in the army says they got deployed it means they got sent off to war. But I've never heard of this Zebrani-whatsit place either. I didn't even think we were at war."

Rarity and Applejack shouted in unison. "We're at war?!"

Fluttershy began to whimper.

Okay, looks like I'll be giving a slightly different explanation then.

"Girls quiet down." At Twilight's order the other mares went silent and turned to look at her, questions written all over their faces. "I'll explain everything. Can we just... maybe find somewhere a little more comfortable." Rarity nodded and all six of them got up from their floor cushions.

"Oh, and bring something to drink. It's a long story."

--{MoW}--

Six mares and a dragon sat on the couches in Rarity's upstairs living room, not one of them even a little relaxed. There was a pitcher of lemonade on the coffee table between them, along with seven untouched glasses.

"Okay, we're all ready. Spit it out for cryin' out loud." Rainbow Dash was being as patient as ever.

"Though I certainly don't agree with her methods." Rarity shot a glare at the stunt mare, "I must agree with dear Rainbow Dash's sentiment. We would all very much like to hear about this war we seem to know nothing about."

Twilight managed to quiet the loud agreement that followed Rarity's statement with calming hoof gestures.

"Alright alright. Just settle down." As they followed her suggestion, the lavender scholar switched to lecturing mode. Her posture straightened, she held her head high, and she cleared her throat. She was ready to deliver a history lesson.

"It all started in 983." A collective groan issued forth from everypony but Fluttershy, who was just as bored by the prospect of a history lesson, but didn't want to hurt her friend's feelings.

"Hey if you girls want to know about the war, then you have to know why it started." Her friends grumbled assent. "Good? Good." Twilight cleared her throat again.

"It all started in 983. You see, there is a desert country to the north of us called Zebranistan—" She was cut off by a pink pony who had been sitting still for too long.

"And that's where Zecora comes from!" Pinkie began to bounce, happy with her deductive reasoning.

Twilight glared at the party mare. "No. Zecora comes from Zebrica."

Rainbow looked confused. “I thought she was from the Zebrahara.”

Twilight glared at the pegasus, who wilted slightly under the intense gaze. "The Zebrahara is in Zebrica, but Zecora still isn’t even from that region.”

Rainbow simply shrugged. “Meh, if you ask me, the zebras need to get a little more creative with their naming scheme.”

Pinkie Pie stared blankly at Rainbow Dash. “We live in a town called Ponyville.”

“Can I please get back to my story now!"

The other ponies, and dragon, looked guiltily at the wanna-be teacher, and quieted down.

"No more interruptions," Twilight paused to glare at each of them. "So where was I? Oh yes! There is a desert country to the north of us called Zebranistan. The Zebrans are a fierce and proud warrior race. However they are only as honorable as the zebra who leads them." A slight scowl made it's way onto Twilight's muzzle.

"Their current leader has a tendency to change quite often, and quite... violently." Fluttershy winced. "This was seen as a good thing by the other nations however, because this constant destabilization of the country meant that there was never any threat of them deciding to invade anyone."

"This all changed, as I said, in 983. A Zebran commander by the name of Kwaad rose to power. At first it seemed like any other coup, and nopony thought anything of it. Sure this 'Kwaad' was a brilliant tactician, defeating his predecessor quickly and efficiently, but many other Zebran leaders had been great generals, and it hadn't saved them."

A strange look came over Twilight's face. It was the look a detective might have when seeing the work of a particularly good serial killer. It was dangerously close to admiration.

"But Kwaad had something none of the others had, charisma. He gave rousing speeches, he won the love of the people, and for the first time in almost a thousand years, he united Zebranistan, proclaiming himself 'Grand General Kwaad'."

Twilight's look changed suddenly, and completely. Gone was the admiration, replaced with disgust, and rage.

"But his methods were brutal. He would burn entire villages, and the zebras who lived there, for even a perceived lack of loyalty. Executions were a daily affair, killing 'traitors to his glorious cause'. At least some of the Zebrans stood up to him. There was a civil war for two years. That was supposed to be it. Like all Zebran leaders before him, he would be overthrown, and the cycle would begin anew."

"But when the dust cleared in 985 Kwaad was still in power, and stronger than ever. The last of the dissidents had been rooted out by the war, and he was now unopposed standing at the head of a united Zebranistan."

"Over the next twelve years, the other world powers began to recognize General Kwaad as their equal. Zebranistan began trading with Gryphos and Zebrica." Twilight sighed lightly. "But Princess Celestia refused to acknowledge him as a world leader. Executions were still nearly daily, killing pretty much whoever the so-called Grand General wanted. At this point there was virtually no resistance left, so he was mostly doing it as a show of power. Because of his brutality, Celestia regarded him as nothing more than a murderer, with no place in the politics of the world."

"It wasn't until 997 that things took a terrible turn." Twilight paused in her lecture, blinking. "Well, it was sort of 998... wait no that happened in 997..." She trailed off looking thoughtful.

The assembled ponies stared at her in disbelief. She was finally getting to the start of the actual war, and she just stopped?

Pinkie Pie decided to help her get back on track. "Don't worry girls, I got this." With that mildly worrying statement she bounced over to the her stalled friend and leaned in close to her ear. "Hey Twilight." She whispered, not something one would expect the normally loud pony to do. "Twilight. Hey Twilight. Twilight, hey."

Twilight didn't appear to be listening, completely lost in thought, so Pinkie shrugged and stuck her tongue in the librarian's ear.

Needless to say, this got her attention.

"Gah! What the hay?!" Twilight looked around for the disgusting sensation, and finally spotted a pink mass of fur and giggles on the floor next to her.

Before Twilight could get mad at Pinkie, Applejack spoke up. "D'ya mind finishing your story now sugarcube?"

Twilight blinked, then smiled sheepishly. "Whoops, sorry. Okay, here we go."

"Things took a terrible turn in 997, near the end of the year. A lot of slander had been flying back and forth between Zebranistan and Equestria. Never by the General, or the Princess, themselves. With the clear animosity between the two leaders, their subjects sought to protect them while harming the other. Up until then, the harm had always been in the form of insults and tabloid journalism. Until a group of ponies took it too far."

At this point Twilight only looked sad, and even a little tired, as if she had heard this story before, and it just drained her to even think about.

"Some ten ponies crossed the border in the dead of night. They wanted to 'teach the zebras a lesson' or something stupid like that. They crept up on a sleeping farm village, and tried to destroy the crops. To that end, they set the crops on fire. Idiots. They were in a desert! The driest place on the planet! The fire spread faster than they thought it would, quickly consuming the crops before moving to the village itself."

Her friends all gasped at that. Most ponies did. Lawbreakers were not common in Equestria.

"The fire killed three zebras, and wounded six. Five of the ponies escaped back over the border. The other five were not so lucky. Even with blood already shed on both sides, Princess Celestia tried to prevent war. She finally offered to open up negotiations with General Kwaad, but he didn't care. In his eyes, the ponies had slighted him. When someone slighted him, he had them killed. When a nation slighted him, he declared war."

Twilight grimaced. "The official declaration of war came about a week after the incident, just after the new year of 998. The fighting was fierce and bloody for two whole years. My brother's first tour of duty was actually during that time. He was in Zebranistan from 998 to 1001. Though the fighting all but stopped when the Equestrian advance was halted almost a year before his tour ended. As I said those first two years were the worst, but there hasn't been a large-scale battle in years. There are still casualties of course," Grimaces all around, "but neither side is losing what they once were."

Twilight decided not to mention the turn the war had been taking lately. In all honesty though, she was scared for her brother. He had proven himself in the early years of the war, and even come home with a few medals, but those times were fraught with unbelievable worry about her brother's safety. She wasn't excited to experience that again.

Having finished her story, Twilight checked the expressions of her friends. They all looked horrified in one way or another. Pinkie Pie had a sad expression on her face, she never liked the idea of ponies fighting, Applejack was clearly trying to keep her face blank, but she wasn't doing a very good job, Rainbow Dash seemed like she wanted to attack something, Fluttershy looked about to cry, and Rarity seemed like she was going to faint at any moment.

Fluttershy put up her hoof, indicating she had a question. Twilight was surprised, but urged her to go on with a friendly gesture.

"So we've, um, we've been at war for the past four years? How come nopony knows about it?"

Twilight considered her answer carefully. "Celestia wanted to avoid a panic. It's not like she actively keeps it a secret, she just doesn't advertise it. Most ponies think our military is just for show. Those in military families know better, but we're told not to bother other ponies about it. I mean, this isn't even the first conflict that's been uncommon knowledge, both of my parents fought the griffons from '88 to '89."

Her friends gasped yet again. They were gonna have to stop doing that or they'd be at risk of passing out.

"I say, darling! Were your parents alright?"

Instead of pointing out that they had all met her parents at the wedding four months ago, Twilight decided to just answer the question.

"They're fine, Rarity." Twilight looked like she had just remembered something. "Actually, my dad was discharged due to a wound he received on mission in Gryphos. But he's fine now. My mom retired shortly after to be with him."

She had felt compelled to add that he was fine when she saw the worried looks on their faces.

Seriously, it was four months ago. I know I introduced them all, too.

Pinkie Pie raised her hoof next. Twilight was still unsure why they were doing that, but she motioned for Pinkie to ask anyway.

Pinkie was uncharacteristically quiet and serious when she asked her question. "So your brother just got sent off to fight the baddies? Is... is he gonna be okay?"

Her friends eyes were all pleading. Twilight decided to lie.

"Of course he will." Five mares let out a breath they hadn't known they were holding. "Don't worry about Shining. Why, he knows more combat... spells... than... SPIKE?!"

Pinkie Pie looked at the little drake, "When did you learn combat spells?"

Spike raised a claw, and was about to respond, but Twilight wasn't having any of it.

"Spike! We forgot to send the report to the princess!" Twilight's eyes were wide and frantic. "Take a letter! Quick!"

Spike knew better than to argue where tardiness was involved, and rushed to grab a parchment, quill, and ink.

"Wait just an apple-pickin' minute." Applejack glanced around at the other four recipients of Twilight's tale. "Does anypony else have any more questions?" They all shook their heads. "Oh. Alrighty then." Applejack settled back down into her seat.

"To be frank dear, I think I just need to relax a moment. This was... a lot to take in." Rarity slumped down, her perfect posture forgotten at the moment.

"Yeah, as much as I hate to agree with miss prissy pants here—"

"I take offense to that."

"—I really think we should just let the egghead do her report thing." Rainbow finished, with a glare at Rarity for interrupting her.

Twilight was pleased that her friends didn't mind her catching up on her work during the slumber party. She would have done it anyway, this stuff was important, but she was pleased that they didn't mind.

With that thought, she trotted to the other side of the room, where her assistant was ready and waiting, leaving her friends to discuss the bombshell of a story she had dropped on them.

"Ready Spike?" She asked once she reached him. Spike responded with a nod.

"Dear Princess Celestia." As Twilight spoke, the dragon wrote down everything she said to the parchment. "Earlier today, I was trying to create a spell to facilitate faster preparation of my morning tea. The intended effect of the spell was to be instantly boiled water. The results were quite different."

"Instead of a water-boiling spell, I seem to have created a combustion spell. I know that combustion spells have been used for years already, but this one has a few interesting properties. First of all, the shockwave created by the spell is far too large for the size of the explosion. It managed to destabilize the library enough to cause the collapse of the entire floor above the basement I was working in. As well as launch debris further, and with more velocity, that an explosion of that size has any right to. Do not worry, nopony was hurt.

"The second, and perhaps biggest thing is this: the energy I put into the spell was incredibly small, given the damage caused. If one was to put as much magic into this spell as your average combustion spell, I shudder to think the damage that could be caused. One last thing to note, looking over my spell diagram, it appears that it could be cast just fine without the water."

Twilight tried to think if she was forgetting anything, and deciding that the letter contained sufficient information, she ended the letter, and gave her usual sign-off. "I anticipate your response on the matter. Your faithful student, Twilight Sparkle."

"Do you have the spell diagram I made up earlier Spike?" He nodded again. "Right then, attach it and send the letter along. I think it's time we all got some sleep." The letter was consumed by green dragon-fire.

Twilight returned to the circle of friends, who seemed to have recovered quite well. The attitude of the room had been brought right back to party by a certain pink pony. Before Twilight knew it, she was smiling herself.

Pinkie Pie retrieved a plethora of board games from the hall closet, before they knew it all six mares were laughing loudly as they moved small plastic pieces around a square of cardboard. Even Fluttershy was enjoying herself, despite being the most affected by Twilight’s tale.

After a while, all six agreed that it was time for bed. Spike had fallen asleep an hour ago, curled up inside a punch bowl Pinkie had produced at some point. As the small group of good friends all climbed into their color-coded sleeping bags, each with their cutie mark emblazoned on it, Twilight sighed contentedly.

She was just glad her friends didn’t appear to be having trouble sleeping. How that was possible after having their whole world-view shattered was a mystery to her, just the thought of only finding out about the war now was enough to give Twilight trouble, that combined with almost dying in a fire, meant that there was really only one way she was going to fall asleep.

Ever since Twilight was a little filly, when she’d have trouble sleeping, she would sneak into her brother’s room and curl up into a ball at the foot of his bed, somehow this always calmed her down. Even to this day whenever she had trouble sleeping, she would simply curl up and close her eyes tight, and she could imagine her brother was there, keeping her safe.

It’s been a rough day, Twilight thought, as she assumed the old comforting position. As always, it worked it’s magic, banishing her thoughts of near-death experiences and wars, bringing her back to that old warm place, with her brother watching over her.

Twilight's even breaths joined those of the others.

--{MoW}--

Their sleep was interrupted by the delivery of a letter. Spike did not breathe any fire, one minute there was nothing in the air above Twilight, the next a scroll simply was, no flash, no popping sound, it's appearance was only marked by a chime loud enough to wake all seven sleepers. This method of letter transportation was only used by the Princesses in a few scenarios. Twilight had a sinking feeling she knew exactly why this letter was sent. But she'd have to check to be sure.

She really didn't want to.

Checking the window, she found that it was morning, barely. The others were starting to rouse from their makeshift beds. Spike was the first to notice the letter.

"A letter? How did I not notice that come through?" He rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Don't worry, I got it Twilight." He rushed to pick up the letter.

"Uh, Spike..."

Ignoring the warning tone in her voice, or perhaps not hearing it, Spike snatched up the letter and cut the sealing ribbon with a claw. Before Twilight could say 'time and place' he began to read aloud.

"Twilight Sparkle, you have been activated. Report to Canterlot in the next 24 hours. Destroy this message."

Five mares were shocked beyond speech. Even Pinkie Pie wasn't moving an inch. They all just stared at Twilight, who was looking at the floor, her mane drooping over her face. All her friends' mouths and eyes were opened wide.

Spike, however, had a different look, absolute terror.

4 - I Can Explain

Edited by Pilate. Meh, he's alright I guess.

Twilight stood stock still. Eyes locked on the carpet like she was attempting to tunnel to the floor below, using only the laser vision she didn't have.

I had really hoped I wouldn’t have to explain this. Oh well, I'll have to explain now. I may be in Canterlot for a bit, I'm sure it's just for talks with the Princess, but why would they activate me for talks? Surely they can't have an assignment for me.

The worrying librarian's internal ranting was cut short by Rainbow Dash, subtle as ever. "What the hay Twilight!? You said you weren't a spy!" She pointed an accusing hoof at the unicorn in question.

Rarity recovered next, looking concerned. "I must say dear, this letter is quite disturbing. Care to shed any light on it?"

Applejack shook her head clear of the confusion, and added her two bits. "Yeah, would ya mind explainin' this one?" Fluttershy and Pinkie got over their shock at the same time, but only nodded their heads, in agreement with the farm pony.

At this point, Twilight finally looked up. The expression on her face was one of resolution, her eyes hard, and her mouth set in a tight line. She had accepted her fate, and was ready to deal with it.

"I can explain everything, but what I am about to tell you cannot leave this room. Ever." Twilight looked at everypony present, completely serious. "I'm serious. I'm sure the princess doesn't mind you all knowing, or she would have waited until she knew I was alone, but this information is top secret. I'll need you all to Pinkie Promise."

Her friends went through the motions, and Twilight felt a weight come off her shoulders. It may have seemed silly to some, but she would trust her life to a Pinkie Promise.

"The minimum age for a pony to officially enter the military is—"

"17." Rainbow dash interrupted, looking just a tad smug.

"Uh... yes, what she said." Twilight glanced at the pegasus curiously, "Anyway, so when my brother was 17 he graduated from the Royal Equestrian Advanced Military Academy.”

Her lecture was interrupted yet again, by raised hoof from Rarity. “Twilight dear, we already knew your brother was in the army.” The other mares nodded their agreement.

Twilight blinked, then shook her head. “I know that, but for my part in this to make any sense, I'll need to explain some things about my brother's training program."

"My brother was entered into The Academy, as it's colloquially known, when he was 11 years old." She had to wave her hooves to quiet her friends shocked outbursts, before going on. "He was put in a special training program, with only 20 members. Did you not find it strange that he was able to cast a shield over all of Canterlot? Those 20 ponies were to be the perfect soldiers. That's not all, they were also to be the perfect leaders. They were trained in every aspect of war, right up until graduation into the military at 17. I don't know exactly what their training entailed, but even I can't shield all of Canterlot. With me so far?"

Her friends all gave consent, except Rainbow Dash.

"This doesn't add up Twi'." She looked suspicious that something was being held back. "I mean, even special forces training doesn't take 6 bucking years! What else was he training for?" She was hovering in the purple story teller's face by now.

Twilight backed away before answering. "You're absolutely right, Rainbow." The aforementioned pony looked surprised at the admission, and sat back down on the ground, nodding in a satisfied manner.

"There was another purpose to this training, these 20 ponies were training to be 'handlers'. Each one would be given command of a unit of 'operatives', on top of normal command duty. The handlers would use these operatives to execute missions that they couldn't take care of themselves. With the duties of being a commanding officer, this ends up being most missions."

While Twilight paused her friends processed the information. After a few moments, Applejack had a question.

"So your brother is some sorta' super-soldier commander fella." Twilight nodded slowly. "What about you Twi'?"

Twilight looked once more at each of her friends, listening intently to her. She could trust them with anything. Now she was about to trust them with everything.

"So here's what happened, when my brother graduated, I was 14—”

“Weren’t you already the Princesses Student at that point?”

Twilight blinked, and turned to regard the pink pony responsible for the question. “Well, yes I was, but in case you haven’t noticed, her assignments are pretty vague. I can pretty much do whatever I want with my life, as long as I’m available when she needs me.”

Twilight’s friends seemed surprised at first, but when they thought about it, they realized she was right. She wasn’t exactly following a strict curriculum in Ponyville. They all mulled it over for a brief moment, before nodding, and motioning for Twilight to continue.

“Alright, back on topic. As you know, I didn't have any friends back then," She looked sad for a moment, before going back into lecture mode. "Only Shining Armor, when he graduated I knew I would be completely alone. There was another option though. Both my parents are highly decorated members in the Equestrian Armed Forces. High enough to guarantee my brother's place at The Academy. High enough to guarantee my place."

Twilight, once again, had to quiet outbursts from her friends.

"Now don't worry, my training was far shorter than Shining Armor's," her friends sighed, "only three years."

"WHAT?!" Rainbow was now hovering near the roof. "How's that even possible? Basic training is like, nine-and-a-half weeks. What were you doing for three years?!"

"I was training to be an operative." This time her friends were too shocked to even make a noise. "I received training in combat spells, hoof-to-hoof, and marksmareship, as well as infiltration, survival tactics, and much more that I really don't need to get into."

Torture resistance, disposing of a body, getting information out of prisoners, how to hide a suicide pill...

Twilight, at the time, would do anything to get to stay with Shining. Even so, there were certain skills she had no intention of ever using.

"I'm technically in my brother's unit, but when the war started, I requested that I not have to go fight. Princess Celestia promised that I would never be activated unless it was absolutely vital."

Fluttershy raised her hoof in question. Twilight, still wondering why she would do that, urged her to ask.

"Well, um, is... is that why you weren't scared, when the accident happened that is, because of your training?"

All her friends gained looks of comprehension, as they thought that mystery was solved. Their lack of confusion only lasted a moment.

"Are you kidding me? I was terrified that whole time!" The lavender mare felt the need to clarify, "Fear can never be removed from a pony, especially fear of death." She sounded like she was quoting something, and probably was. "The only thing that we can train ponies to do is not to allow that fear to affect us. True bravery comes from being terrified, but doing what needs to be done, even in the face of that terror."

She smiled sheepishly, "Or, that's what the handbook says. From what I've seen, it seems to be right."

Now that her explanation was over her friends allowed the information to settle in. Slowly, but surely, a massive grin appeared on Rainbow Dash's face.

"Do you know what this means Twilight?" The weather-mare asked in a tone that Twilight didn't particularly like. "This means that you're an honest-to-Celestia action hero!" She began to circle the apparent 'action hero', examining her carefully, looking like a filly in a candy store.

"This is so cool! Are you gonna fight ninjas? How about spying? Are you gonna spy on anypony? Oh oh! Are yo—"

"Twilight..."

Everypony went silent at the sound of the small dragon's voice.

Spike ran over to Twilight, and hugged her, his eyes starting to tear up. "I don't want you to go Twilight! You s-said that you'd n-never have to fight."

"It's okay Spike" Twilight began to stroke his spines reassuringly. "I'm sure it's nothing dangerous. It's probably just a checkup. I'll run a few obstacle courses, and be back here before you know it."

The princess would never activate me for a checkup. This must be serious. Can't let anypony worry though. Especially not Spike.

"Sorry girls," she disentangled from the quietly sobbing dragon with her telekinesis, "looks like I'll be out of town for a few days. Fluttershy, can you take care of Spike while I'm gone?"

"Oh, I'd love to. Make sure you stay safe." Fluttershy replied, as quiet as ever.

"Thanks Fluttershy." Twilight smiled as much as she could at the moment. "Don't worry Spike. Fluttershy will take good care of you, and I'll be to Canterlot and back before you know it."

With a reassuring pat on the head for her number one assistant, the librarian bid Spike and her friends goodbye, and headed out the door into the early morning of Ponyville.

Nopony was up this early. This was good. Twilight didn't want a big deal to be made about her departure. If all went well, she could be back before most of the town even knew she was gone. Which was really a sad statement about how many visitors the library got. She noticed she was being followed almost immediately, when she saw the cloud above and behind her was moving on it's own. An instructor at the academy had once told her that paranoia was a good habit to get into while on assignment. To this end, Twilight acted like she didn't know, as she casually strolled toward the library.

Should I lose them? No, I want to know who's after me. Capture then. But where? I should do it at the library itself. It's empty at the moment. Have to remember to mind the gap though. Speaking of, I should send a letter as soon as I arrive in Canterlot, ordering a repairpony for the library.

As Twilight neared her home, she began to plan. She couldn't see a single hair of her stalker, but they were on a cloud, and that gave her all the information she needed.

Pegasus. Need to disable wings, prevent escape. Upstairs windows are locked. Good. Wait at top of stairs, behind door. Wait until stalker is standing just outside. Throw open door, striking opponent in face. While they're stunned teleport behind them. Slam opponent's head into right wall of hallway. Break left wing. Get into choke hold, before they can recover. Once they're unconscious, tie them up. Lock them in the bathroom, no windows.

Total injuries: Broken nose, light concussion, broken wing. Nothing lethal.

Justified.

--{MoW}--

It didn't take long for Twilight to get home. She stepped up to the door, seemingly without a care in the world. In reality, she was noting that the cloud was still there.

She was nearly ready, though. She teleported across the hole that was once a basement, and onto the foot of the stairs leading up. Walking up the stairs, she made sure not to be too quiet. She wanted her follower to know exactly where she was.

At the top of the stairs was a short hall, followed by a door that lead into the second story main room. Twilight went through the door, turned around, closed it, and waited.

She began to wonder if they would follow her inside. She assumed they would. Pushing a cloud around for cover like that was a novice mistake, and a novice would hopefully be foolish enough to follow her in, rather than just wait outside.

She didn't have to wait long. Within a couple of minutes, she heard the landing at the top of the stairs creak.

At least they were smart enough to fly up the stairs.

Twilight waited as the sounds of her soon-to-be prey came closer. They were all but inaudible to somepony untrained to listen for them. Once the sounds were just outside the door, and two shadows of forelegs could be seen through the crack at the bottom, Twilight sprang into action.

She pushed the door open hard, receiving a satisfying crack and yelp of pain. The next moment, she vanished in a pop of magic, reappearing on the other side, behind her assailant. Blind teleports were vehemently unadvised, unless you knew the area like the back of your hoof. Twilight did. Before the pegasus even realized somepony was behind them, Twilight's left hoof was brought to the side of their head, slamming it into the right wall hard enough for it to bounce back.

As her stalker collapsed to their knees, Twilight moved to finish the fight. She stepped closer, grabbing the left wing in her same-side hoof, and raised her right to break the hollow-boned appendage in one swift blow.

Only then did she take in the color of the feathers. With the post-teleport spots in her eyes, she had basically been fighting the outline of a generic pegasus, but in the couple of seconds it had taken her to get to this point her vision had cleared.

Sky blue feathers.

She let the wing drop to the ground. And opened her ears to the raspy moans of pain emanating from the pony before her. She looked down, and there it was. A mane, looking like it was crafted out of the finest rainbows.

Shit.

--{MoW}--

"I guess I shoulda known better than to sneak up on a spy."

Two ponies sat across from each other on couches in the upstairs living room of the Golden Oaks library. The pegasus was holding a bloody rag to her nose, and had an ice pack on her head. The unicorn just sat there looking at the floor guiltily, and occasionally stealing glances at the injured mare across from her.

"Look Twi', I said I accept your apology." Rainbow checked the rag. It seemed the bleeding had stopped, and she was lucky enough not to have a broken nose, so she put the rag down on the coffee table. "Will ya stop looking like you killed a puppy or something? You handled that situation exactly as a spy should've, I was just being stupid."

Twilight winced every time the weather mare said 'spy'. "Will you stop calling me a spy? That's something completely different. The organization I work for is just a branch of the army." Twilight struggled to find a positive way to word it. "They just tend to do... things that the Equestrian government would deny. Black operations, and the like, but we're still just soldiers! Not. Spies."

"So you're not a spy?" Twilight nodded to Rainbows question. Rainbow just grinned in response, "You're an action hero! Just like I originally said!"

The so-called 'action hero' sighed. "Look, I need to get a couple things. So if your nose has stopped bleeding, I'm gonna go get ready to go."

"Sure, I'll come with you while you get ready."

Twilight paused halfway to the door. "Why are you so intent on following me?"

"Are you kidding me?" The excitable pegasus waved her forehooves in the air, causing the ice pack off her head. "I followed you for, like, 15 minutes, and already I've gotten to see crazy kick-flank fighting from you." Twilight winced again, but Rainbow wasn't quite finished. "I just can't wait to see what happens next."

"That's fine, I guess, but I'm just packing some stuff, then I need to head to Canterlot. I've wasted enough time as it is."

With that statement, Twilight headed downstairs, a sky blue ball of childlike excitement and feathers following close behind.

At the bottom of the stairs, Twilight stopped at the edge, peered down for a moment, then jumped.

Rainbow yelped in surprise, and leapt to save her friend. She was just in time to see her fall the 10 feet, tuck into a roll, and come out perfectly fine, kicking up a small cloud of dust.

"Still got it." Twilight stated proudly, turning around to see her impromptu company fluttering to land beside her.

Rainbow let out a whoop as she landed. “That was totally awesome!” She then continued in a normal speaking voice, tinged with admiration for her so-called egghead friend. "And you asked why I wanted to follow you."

Twilight, for her part, simply chuckled and began to search along the floor, tapping with a forehoof as she went. Just as Rainbow was about to ask what she was looking for, the lavender mare shouted joyfully.

"Aha! Found it."

She then proceeded to grasp a floorboard in her magic, and tear it out, tossing it aside to join so much other rubble that had yet to be cleaned up.

Within this well hidden alcove was a black box, square, and about 2 feet in each dimension. Twilight lifted the box out with her magic while Rainbow watched, the jovial pegasi’s excitement still present. Seen in the light, the box appeared to be made of some sort of dark metal that completely lacked any shine or reflectiveness, the top was adorned with a flat lid, with the letters ‘REAMA’ engraved in it. Rainbow realized that those were the initials of The Academy.

Twilight took a deep breath. Rainbow moved to watch over her shoulder. The last time she had opened this box had been 2 years ago, and even that was only to check its contents when she moved it to the library. She had received it at her graduation 3 years ago, just like all operatives did, and she treasured what was inside. This box and what it contained were a symbol of her accomplishment, a sign that she was the best that Equestria had to offer, a reward after 3 of the most grueling years of her life.

She opened the box.

Inside was a beautifully crafted bracer. It was a completely black, but it was engraved with designs, and what as what appeared to be a phrase in Old Equestiran. It was fitted for a forehoof, and had a long flat part on top that extended back along the front of the forehoof when worn.

As Twilight put it on her right foreleg, Rainbow was about to ask what the long flat bit was all about. She got her answer when, with a surprising lack of sound, a blade extended from the bracer, it was 12 inches long, straight, and double-edged, Rainbow could tell just by looking at it that it was sharp enough to split hairs, and when Twilight finished examining it, it slid back inside the long flat part, which must have been the sheath.

Rainbow thought she got a brief sight of more fancy writing engraved on the steel of the weapon before it retracted, and decided to ask Twilight about it.

"What's all that crap written all over that thing?" Rainbow smirked when Twilight sighed at the intentional bluntness of her speech.

Twilight decided to answer anyway. "Well you see," she held up her foreleg and rotated it for Rainbow to see all the words, "this is Old Equestrian. It says 'sol iustitiae illustra nos' which means, 'Sun of Justice, shine upon us'. It's the motto of The Academy."

She then extended the blade, and showed Dash the flat of it. The pegasus could clearly see something engraved there now.

"This one is a little different. It's actually written in Ancient Equish, completely different from Old Equestrian, far older. It's the motto of the operative division itself." Twilight's look became serious, and her voice took on an ominous tone.

"Oûtis emoí g' ónoma. My name is Nobody."

5 - Interlude 1

Edited by Pilate. One swell zebra, he certainly is.

The five mares and one dragon stood at the train station, waving goodbye until the train carrying their unofficial leader to Canterlot was out of sight.

One by one they departed. Fluttershy had to get Spike set up at her cottage, Applejack was behind on farm chores, (after all the shenanigans of yesterday) Rarity had some dresses she had to get get back to, and even Pinkie Pie had to go get some baking work done for the Cakes. Eventually, Rainbow Dash was left alone at the train platform, alone, but for some deeply disturbing thoughts. Rainbow was the only one who had seen Twilight’s combat knife before she had stored it in a saddlebag, and she couldn't get the thing out of her mind. Even as she finally flew away from the platform, and toward her house, her thoughts were troubled.

Why did Twilight have a weapon? Weapons kill stuff, they don’t do anything else, is Twilight gonna kill stuff? Why did the motto on it have to be so creepy too? Twilight said something about black operations...

Rainbow knew a little about the Equestrian military. The Wonderbolts were, after all, technically a military organization. However, her knowledge of black operations was limited. She had read about them in a few books, but the kinds of books she read were usually more focused on the action than on stuff like that. All she knew was that, according to the government, anything done on a black op, as they were usually called, never happened.

I guess that sort of explains the motto.

She broke out of her train of thought for a moment to wave at Derpy Hooves as she passed. The grey mailmare waved back cheerfully, before zipping away with the rest of her deliveries. Derpy was one of the few ponies up at this hour. Looking around, she could see that she was still a couple minutes from her home. She was flying far slower than usual, but for some reason, felt no need to hurry.

As she lapsed back into her previous train of thought, she was struck by a far more disturbing idea.

She said the princess only wanted to have her run some obstacle course or something. Why did she need a combat knife?

She shuddered as she neared her home. Rainbow hoped her egghead friend would be okay, but all this worrying was going to give her an ulcer.

Looking down again, Pinkie Pie could be seen bouncing off somewhere random. How she remained so absolutely cheery after all that had been revealed last night, and this morning, was a mystery to her pegasus observer.

Some things never change I guess.

With a newfound smile on her face, Rainbow landed in her cloud-house. She had gotten up early that morning, but suddenly, she no longer felt like a nap. Instead, she settled for a quick shower, and a bite to eat, she wasn’t going to let this day go to waste, she had stunts to practice.

--{MoW}--

Rarity was unable to focus on the dress in front of her.

She had gone straight back to the boutique from the train station. Usually all she needed to calm down was a bit of work. Sure sometimes work, in itself, was stressful, but those occasions were the exception, not the rule. This time was an exception. The seamstress's thoughts simply wouldn't leave her alone. The dress she was currently staring past was nothing but a bit of fabric draped over a ponyqiun.

I cannot believe that Twilight's brother began training at eleven years old! He must never have even had a foalhood, being bred for war from the start. Why, that shouldn't even be legal.

Rarity's eyes widened as a terrible thought came to her.

Maybe it isn't! Oh, Twilight did say that we weren't allowed to tell anypony. Have I become nothing more than a pawn in some government conspiracy? What could my role be? I wonder if I'm a hero, or villain...

The fashionista snorted derisively, as she came back to her senses.

I really must stop reading those romantic spy novels. I'm sure there's no conspiracy, or any such nonsense.

Finally giving up on the dress, Rarity turned and walked into her kitchen, located in the back of the shop, but not before flipping the 'open' sign to 'closed' with her magic. After making sure Sweetie Belle wasn't snooping around anywhere, she retrieved a key from atop the fridge, and opened her favorite cabinet, the liquor cabinet.

From that heavenly place, she withdrew a bottle of expensive scotch. Next she got down a glass. Finally, she placed two ice-cubes in the glass from the freezer built in to the fridge. Retiring to her study upstairs, and lounging on a plush couch, the mentally exhausted mare poured herself a generous amount of her favorite drink, setting the bottle next to the couch. She hated the idea of drinking in the morning. However, she had a very different attitude regarding the act of drinking in the morning.

While sipping her drink, she gazed longingly out the window at Ponyville. It really was a beautiful morning. The sun was shining bright in the sky, with not a cloud to be seen, ponies were everywhere, going about some business, or just enjoying the day. She quickly spotted Pinkie Pie, bouncing through the mass of ponies toward the road out of town. That mare had a way of making herself easily noticeable, even in a crowd.

Seeing that Pinkie managed to stay happy brought a small smile to Rarity's face.

Not even revelations of war, and a dear friends involvement in a top secret military group, can keep her down.

Seeing that her glass was empty, Rarity decided against pouring another, as she had originally intended. Instead, with thoughts of a happy pink pony, she trotted back downstairs, and put the bottle away.

There were dresses to be made.

--{MoW}--

Applejack kicked her hind hooves again, savoring the satisfying sound and feel of her body striking the tree. Apples rained down from above, trading their homes among the branches for far more temporary ones in the baskets surrounding the tree. The farmer wiped the sweat off her brow, and began using her hat to fan herself, gaining at least a small amount of a reprieve from the hot sun. It was just about high noon, and she should have been done by now.

Unfortunately, she had gotten held up seeing Twilight off, and on top of that, her troubled mind wasn’t making things any easier. It was now high noon, and the day was getting very hot. Applejack decided to take a break, and laid down on the soft grass under an already harvested apple tree.

Unfortunately, the lack of something to occupy her mind brought her thoughts back to the news they had all received from Twilight, both last night, and this morning.

Now just what is that filly doing? Thinking she's some sort of soldier? Heck, that ain't the Twilight I know.

With a grunt, the orange mare slapped her hat back on her head, and stood up. That was enough of a break for now, that was enough of those thoughts for now.

Stepping up to the next tree in the row, she turned, and prepared for a mighty buck. Her back legs coiled, her whole body grew tense, she waited, took aim, and kicked as hard as she could. Less than half the apples fell.

"Dangnabbit!" Applejack shouted, stomping her hoof in frustration. It didn't last long however, instead, she was forced to confront the source of her distraction. Twilight had lied to them. Now, Applejack may not have known much about 'operatives', and secret military forces, but she could tell when a pony was hiding something. There was more to this than an obstacle course, and that thought scared the normally stoic mare to the point of ruining her apple bucking.

Applejack sat down tiredly, and hung her head low.

Why would Twilight lie to us? Is she gonna be in danger? Maybe I should let the other girls know, they might have some idea what to do.

She sighed heavily.

No, I'm sure Twilight had a perfectly good reason not to tell us everything. We're dealing with top secret stuff here after all. She'll let us know the whole story when she gets back.

Suddenly, her brow furrowed, though she didn't look up from the ground.

What if she doesn't come back? What if she goes on some dangerous mission for the Princesses, and gets killed? I don't know if I could handle that I don—

She was brought out of this troubling line of thought by a happy sound. Somepony was whistling, apparently on the path out of town that passed by Sweet Apple Acres. Applejack raised her head, and looked across the fence to see the road. There was Pinkie Pie, happy as ever, hopping down the path away from town, whistling the happiest song this cowpony had ever heard.

Applejack could do nothing but smile at the sight. Pinkie didn't let thoughts like these trouble her, she just went about her day, happy as ever, trusting that their friend would be back soon, with all the more stories to tell for it.

As Pinkie bounced out of sight around a bend, Applejack stood back up, smiling broadly. In a much better mood than before, she walked over to the next tree in line, going through the same process as before, giving it a strong buck.

Every apple on the tree fell.

--{MoW}--

Fluttershy was taking care of a poor badger who had lost it's home in a storm a week ago. His name was Woodsworth, and he was living with the shy caretaker until he could find a new home. She didn't really mind, in fact, she cherished every animal she took care of. Today, however, her heart just wasn't in it. Oh, she felt terrible about it, to be sure, but there was nothing for it. She still helped them, and she still enjoyed it, as much as anypony enjoys helping another living creature, but that special feeling that brought a smile to her face was missing.

All of her animal friends, even Angel Bunny, had tried in their own way to cheer her up, but nothing worked. Instead she was spending the afternoon laying on the couch, feeling down. She had gotten all of the necessary animal related chores done by noon, and had not moved from the spot for a few hours now. As she lay there her thoughts drifted to the recent events that were likely the reason for her melancholy.

I just can't believe there are ponies and zebras out there killing each other. She shuddered at the thought. Can't they see violence is never the answer?

Fluttershy sighed, ...and Shining Armor was even involved. Oh, I hope he didn't have to kill anypony, oh that would be just awful As the next thought crossed her mind, her eyes began to water ever so slightly. Now Twilight is going to war too. I just know that's what's going to happen. She's going to go to war, and she's going to have to kill zebras, and she'll never be the same, and she'll become a mean old war mare, and—

There was a knock at the door.

Fluttershy blinked. Who in Equestria could that be?

She had gotten better at actually answering her door, ever since she became friends with the rest of the girls. So, instead of pretending not to be home, as she would have done once, she got up, wiped her face, and walked over to the red double door across the room.

Opening the door revealed the super happy ball of pinkness that was Pinkie Pie, as super happy and pink as ever.

"Oh, hello Pinkie Pie." Fluttershy attempted, and failed, a warm smile. "What brings you around here?"

"Well, I thought you might need some cheering up. I was on my way over here around noon, but shortly after passing Sweet Apple Acres, I ran into a little trouble."

Fluttershy looked shocked. "Oh goodness. What kind of trouble?"

"Well, it went a little something like this..."

Fluttershy regretted asking as soon as she saw Pinkie Pie draw in an impossibly deep breath.

Pinkie Pie then proceeded to regale her with one of the strangest tales she had ever heard. Apparently Pinkie had been summoned by Starswirl the Bearded, along with four doppelgangers of herself from other points in time and space, to save the universe from... something.

There was a lot of bizarre time-travel logic, and it somehow all ended with Pinkie Pie teaching discord about practical jokes and then eating orange push-pops with him atop a skyscraper in some place called Maretropolis, before Discord sent her back.

When Pinkie had finished, Fluttershy simply stared, dumbstruck by the strange pile of words unceremoniously vomited upon her by the pink mare standing, smiling, in her front doorway. After a few moments, she blinked, and formed a response. "Oh, um, that's nice." Her response forming skills were still not where she wanted them.

Pinkie didn't seem to notice. "Yeah, I guess it is a little nice. So do ya mind if I come in?"

By now, Fluttershy barely had to fake her smile at all. "Not at all, I would actually love the company. Come in."

The pink party pony did just that, following Fluttershy to the kitchen, and taking a seat at the table. While Pinkie sat, the shy pegasus began to prepare some tea.

"Thanks for coming Pinkie, I admit I was feeling a little down after everything that happened."

"No problemo Flutters! I love cheering up friends. It's kinda my thing."

The kettle began to whistle, and Fluttershy expertly prepared two cups of tea, hers not too strong, with a smidgen of honey, Pinkie's as strong as she could make it, with several spoonfuls of sugar, and a bit of cream. She brought the tea over to the table, taking a seat across from her friend, and giving her the tea.

"Ooh, just the way I like it! Thanks Fluttershy, you're the best!" Pinkie immediately took a large gulp of tea, seemingly unaffected by it's almost dangerous temperature. "So how're the animals?"

"They're doing well, why just the other day, Puffington was..."

They talked for hours, Fluttershy had a lot to say about her animals, and Pinkie Pie just had a lot to say.

By the time they finished it was already evening, and the sun was just beginning to set. Creatures of the forest began to enter the cottage, requiring the attention of the caretaker of a pegasus.

"Thank you for coming over Pinkie."

"No problemo, it was a ton of fun." Pinkie Pie grinned as she headed to the door. "See ya later Fluttershy."

"Goodbye Pinkie. I hope to see you again soon."

And with that, Pinkie Pie left the cottage, and headed back towards Ponyville, whistling a happy tune.

Fluttershy began the nightly chores for her animal friends, enjoying it infinitely more than she had been that morning. She hummed while she worked. They hadn't even talked about the things that had been worrying her earlier, but somehow, Pinkie had made her feel as if everything was going to be okay.

With that thought she returned to work, a large, and completely genuine, smile on her face.

--{MoW}--

Pinkie Pie entered Sugarcube corner, backlit by the final rays of a setting sun.

Immediately, she let the smile drop from her face. She had managed to cheer up all her friends, that was a win. However, for all of her fun-loving, silly antics, Pinkie still fell prey to anxiety, and depression. It was simply that if the others ever saw how broken up she really was about this they would only end up feeling the same way. Pinkie would never allow that, even if it meant putting on a brave face so that there was nopony there to ease her mind of the thoughts that plagued it.

Twilight was away on some sort of assignment for the army, there was no guarantee that she would come back unhurt, or even at all. On top of all that, there were ponies and zebras out there right now, killing each other. Even if Twilight didn't have to kill anypony, her brother had. In fact, it was very likely all he did, all he had been trained to do. It was all so much, so much worry, so much pain, so much violence.

The party pony trotted in a funeral march through the storefront, making her way on heavy-hooves up the stairs towards her room. The day weighed on her mind as much as it did on her body. Pinkie barely managed to drag herself to her bed before collapsing into it. She laid there for a while, staring at the ceiling, her thoughts eating at her like some horrid parasite, before flopping over onto her side in a fruitless search for a comfortable position on the bed and a clear mind. Eventually—in a town full of friends—she cried herself to sleep, completely alone.

6 - Assignment

Edited by Pilate. By now you should all realize that he is, in fact, a swell zebra.

Twilight stepped off of the train platform, feeling a strange combination of excitement and sadness. She attributed the excitement to the simple fact that she was back in the city she grew up in—it was a natural reaction to have—the sadness however, she felt because she was away from her real home where all her friends were. Canterlot may have been where she grew up, but it hadn’t been her home for years, not since she had moved to Ponyville and discovered the magic of friendship. Ambivalence aside, as she walked down the familiar streets of the gilded city-center she became genuinely curious as to what the princess could want. She had already decided on the train ride that the princess was not going to deploy her, like her brother. There was no way the princess would even consider such a thing.

Right? What if the war is worse than I thought? What if she's deploying all operatives as a last resort?

Shaking her head free of those rogue thoughts, Twilight focused on her hoofsteps upon the perfectly smooth cobblestone. Still, more disturbing thoughts began to encroach upon her already buzzing mind. She had to focus on something, anything, to distract herself. To that end, she found herself examining the scenery on the walk to the castle. The buildings of Canterlot were tall, regal, affairs. White marble and expensive wood was visible everywhere, though in many places it had been painted bright colors instead, or even inlaid with gold. Twilight was sadly lacking in knowledge of architecture, so her observations were fairly limited, besides noticing the incredible opulence saturating every square inch of every building.

Finished with her observations on the buildings, the lavender mage turned her attention toward the ponies themselves. She disliked what she saw almost immediately, there was more than one reason she had never socialized before going to Ponyville. The ponies of Canterlot carried themselves with an arrogant smugness that practically screamed I'm better than you, and I know it. They turned their noses up at everything, literally. It made Twilight wonder if a chiropractor would do good business here, she was pretty sure they would with all the neck problems these snobs must have from spending all day with their noses in the air. Particularly of note was the fact that almost everypony in sight was a unicorn. There was no race discrimination in Equestria, technically, it just so happened that ponies who worked on farms or any other kind of manual labor somehow never ended up living in Canterlot. The result was that Twilight saw virtually no earth ponies, and an extremely small number of pegasi.

Realizing that these thoughts were only putting her in a bad mood, and that she was nearing her destination, Twilight focused on the task at hoof.

First stop, quartermaster. I'll need to report in, and receive my dog-tags and equipment.

Now with a plan in mind, Twilight approached the castle. After passing through the outer wall, she immediately turned off of the main path, instead opting to head straight towards a squat rectangular building with few windows, none of which were on the ground floor. This particular building lacked any of the opulence of the other Canterlot construction, it was built for utility, and defensiveness. With three stories of the strongest reinforced, spell-interlaced stone, the only building that could withstand more punishment was, perhaps, the central keep of the castle itself.

This was the headquarters of the Equestrian Armed Forces.

Most soldiers would be outfitted from the armories adjoined to the barracks, but all graduates from the operative division of The Academy were given the rank of lieutenant in the EAF, just as the handlers were given the rank of captain. Even though operatives generally moved outside traditional military circles, this meant that Twilight was technically an officer and was treated as such, including being granted the use of the armory at the HQ. She wasn't about to complain.

The guards at the door recognized her immediately, and snapped a textbook salute at her approach, "Lieutenant Sparkle, ma'am." Twilight was used to this, for the year between her graduation and moving to Ponyville, most guards at the castle had insisted on treating her as the superior officer she technically was. "At ease, and please call me Twilight."

The mare and stallion on guard duty went back to their previous stance at her first command, and then the mare promptly ignored her second. "Would you like us to direct you anywhere in particular ma'am?" She asked with the tone of somepony who had repeated a phrase innumerable times.

Twilight had expected this question. "It's fine, I know my way around, thanks anyway."

Both guardsponies nodded, but the stallion provided a verbal reply as the mare opened the door. "Our pleasure ma'am, permission to speak freely?"

Twilight sighed slightly, before nodding and speaking in a deadpan tone. "Permission granted." She didn't enjoy ordering ponies around.The stallion seemed undeterred by her tone, and started to grin. "You're a living legend ma'am, if you’re finally reporting in for a mission then I look forward to hearing what you can accomplish in the field."

"Thank you soldier." With that, Twilight entered the building. What the stallion had said stuck with her though, she had never really thought of how the rank-and-file of the Equestrian military viewed her. She was a dedicated mare where learning was involved, and she had seen her time at The Academy as just that, learning a new subject. As a result, training had become her life, and she quickly became number one in her whole class. She even held the school-wide record for win/loss ratio in hoof-to-hoof sparring.

Hoof-to-hoof was a fighting style in which the pony would stand on their hind-legs, allowing for attacks with the forelegs. It had replaced the instinctual method of 'bucking' with one's hind legs, which left the pony completely open after each kick with their back to their opponent. Twilight had focused heavily on mastering it during her training, because for all her magic, she knew just how unreliable it could be, the explosion at the library was a perfect example, she had lost her magic for nearly 24 hours with only a slight head injury. Crossbows were an option, but she had never done as well with them, she was good of course, as good as one would expect from a member of an elite military group, but it was nowhere near the level of her close quarters combat.

"Can I help you?" The gruff voice broke her out of her extremely tangential thoughts, and she realized that she had walked all the way to the entrance of the armory, two levels underground, and was now staring blankly at the quartermaster, who was sitting behind a desk next to a large metal door. He was an older stallion, but it was clear that he had aged in that way that only makes one even more tough, his dark green coat was stretched tight over an average sized body that, from what Twilight could tell, was made up entirely of muscle, his head was topped with a jet black mane streaked with grey.

Twilight shook her head clear. "Sorry about that, I was lost in thought. I'm lieutenant Twilight Sparkle, REAMA operative division. I'm here to be outfitted."

The stallion's face remained impassive as he nodded and stood up, retrieving a key ring from under his desk somewhere. "Right then, come with me." He walked over to the door and inserted a key without even glancing at the key ring. The lock clicked, and the heavy door opened with only a small noise on well-oiled hinges. "Seeing as you're an operative, I'm instructed to allow you access to pretty much everything in here."

Twilight entered the room, and immediately stopped, staring slack jawed at row upon row of weapon racks. The cavernous room was long, very long, though only about a quarter as wide. The weapon racks were lined along either wall all the way to the end, and there was another row running lengthwise through the center. Looking over them, Twilight could see every kind of weapon imaginable, she focused on the ranged ones however.

There were the saddle-mounted ballistas and light cannons favored by earth pony troops, colloquially known as 'heavy weapons'. There were hundreds of foreleg mounted crossbows, which tended to be used primarily by pegasi, as having one leg occupied by a crossbow made it fairly hard to get around unless you could fly. Yet another section contained something Twilight had never gotten enough experience with, Spell Matrices.

An average unicorn would tire out extremely quickly while casting combat spells, which were very mana-intensive. So to solve this, ponies developed the Portable Mana-Infused Spell Matrix, or just Spell Matrix for short. Each one could hold a single combat spell in an orb about an inch and a half in diameter. The spell could then be activated at any time with only a small magical pulse from a unicorn. Usually they were used to hold combustion spells, earning them the lesser used nickname of 'mana grenade' among the non-unicorn members of the EAF.

Twilight had received training on how to arm and detonate a Spell Matrix, she even knew the method of performing a timed, or impact, detonation. Creating and charging a Matrix however, was a mystery to her, it wasn't the kind of thing that was taught to the actual soldiers, as it required special facilities, and was really more of a factory worker level job anyway.

Seeing all of these killing implements in one place brought her mind to a clattering standstill, two gears caught moving in opposite directions as she stood disgusted and repulsed, but strangely attracted to each weapon as her training came rushing back to her. Twilight attempted to vocalize her conflicting thoughts, but failed horribly.

"Weapons..." She shook her head, and gathered her thoughts as best she could in order to speak something more insightful. "Lots of weapons..." Giving up, Twilight mentally sighed and resolved to just let it run its course. "Whoa..."

Luckily, she was rescued by the gruff voice of the quartermaster piping up from next to her, kicking her brain back into gear. "S'really something isn't it?" He looked on with pride, smirking slightly, not noticing the purple mare next to him snapping out of it. "I've worked here 20 years, and there ain't been one pony who didn't have the exact same reaction you just did. So go ahead, I'll stay here if you don't mind, but you can go look around, take what you want."

As the stallion leaned against the wall, prepared to wait, Twilight began the search for what she would need on her assignment. Of course there was one minor detail, she had no idea what the princess actually wanted her to do.

I guess I'd better just prepare for the worst then, Twilight thought with a grimace, before noticing an area of the armory that had escaped her initial assessment. Sequestered in the left corner of the room, on the side closer to the door, was a collection of items that performed pretty much the opposite task of the rest of the things in the room. This was the armor section.

Twilight spent a moment being disgusted at herself for noticing every weapon in the room and somehow missing the entire section devoted to stands of various life-saving armor. That done, she began to pick out a set that would suit her. She didn't want anything too heavy, she would probably need to do at least a little sneaking, but at the same time she didn't want to go without protection. In the end she settled on a set of semi-flexible black armor with dark green metal sewn onto the shoulders, and over most of the body, in end, most of her was covered by the thick material and metal plates, but for her head, and her hooves.

“Impressive, ain’t it?” Seeing Twilight marveling at the flexible armor, the stallion spoke up from his relaxed position by the door. “It’s similar to the leather armor the griffons use.” When Twilight looked like she was about to fling the armor off, he held his forehooves up in a placating gesture. “Now now, don’t worry, it’s completely plant-based, but it has all the same attributes as leather, but with far more flexibility. Should protect well enough, and those plates will stop anything but a straight-on hit, and even then they’ll slow it down.” The stallion looked almost proud as he told her this, making Twilight wonder how much he had to do with its design. “We offered the design to the griffons, but they refused, claiming that ‘the hunt’ was half the point.” He made a disgusted face at that, and returned to his silence.

Now that she was properly protected, Twilight walked over to a rack of crossbows. She had already equipped her Academy graduation knife, so she was all set for close quarters encounters. She might need something to fight at range though, the princess could ask her to do anything. It didn’t take long for the older stallion to break his silence when Twilight approached a rack of crossbows. “So what is it exactly you’re planning on doing? You don’t seem like most that come through here.”

Twilight paused in examining the presented weaponry to answer. “Well, frankly I’m not sure.” She smiled sheepishly. “This is the first time, I’ve been sent on assignment, so I guess I don’t really know what to expect.” When she turned to see if he had an answer, Twilight noticed him staring intently at her with an appraising look. Seeing that the conversation was apparently over, she returned to choosing a suitable ranged weapon.

Maybe she really does want me to run obstacle courses. That thought lasted all of one second, before Twilight shook her head and reached for a large crossbow. It was one of the models that wasn’t meant to be mounted on a foreleg, instead it was meant to be held in both forelegs and braced against the shoulder, usually while lying down, and came equipped with a high-zoom telescopic sight. This was long range killing at its finest. Unfortunately, in order to maintain maximum power, it didn't use the drum shaped 'bolt magazines' that smaller crossbows used, instead it would need to be reloaded after every shot.

Or, better idea, I could just not fire it at all. Yes, I like the sound of that, it involves 100% less killing.

Even as she thought it, Twilight realized how unlikely that was, but she pushed her fear down and focused on attaching the holster of the long-range crossbow to the back of her armor. When she glanced over to the quartermaster, she saw, for a brief moment, a strange look of concern on his face before quickly transitioning back to his standard blank expression. Checking one last time that her crossbow was secure over her shoulder, she walked over to where the Spell Matrices were stored. From there she filled a pack with 10 simple combustion Matrices, attaching it to the right flank of her armor. Finally, she stopped by the ammunition area, grabbing a full quiver of the slightly-larger-than-average bolts for her crossbow and attached it to her left flank.

Giving herself a once over and being satisfied with what she found, Twilight turned to leave. She was stopped at the doorway by a hoof on her shoulder, and a voice that had lost a bit of its gruffness, and was instead low and concerned.

"Listen filly, I've seen many a pony come through here, some of 'em have been fresh faced, looking almost eager to kill something, others have been older and smarter, resigned to the fact that they would have to kill, but taking no joy in it. They all had one thing in common though, they were all killers." The aging stallion looked her dead in the eye, the grip on her shoulder tightening reassuringly. "I can see clear as day that you're no killer, please don't let this damned war turn you into one."

Twilight couldn't say for sure what was going to happen to her, but realizing just how much death she had equipped herself with, and seeing the pleading look in the stallion's eyes, she suddenly became terrified at what she might become. She pushed that fear down with the rest before answering.

"I won't."

She only wished she believed it herself.

--{MoW}--

The friendly quartermaster's words echoed in her head as Twilight approached the inner portion of the castle, where the throne room was located. She was getting strange looks from the ponies she passed, who gasped at the amount of weapons she had when the guards rarely even had a spear, she didn't care about the looks though, she was just trying to hold herself together.

Am I really going to become a killer? I don't want to, but I may not have a choice. What if I have to assassinate some zebra commander? I guess I am kitted out for it. Should I have taken a grappling hook?

Twilight shook her head before she could get lost in thought again. As she did so, the doors to the castle loomed ahead, guarded by two ponies on each side, none had any distinguishing features of high rank. She approached one at random, a pegasus stallion. "Lieutenant Twilight Sparkle, here to see the princess." The guard simply nodded, apparently less talkative than the guards at the HQ, and after a glance at the dog tags around her neck—given to her by the quartermaster on her way out—he opened the door.

The four guards saluted, which Twilight returned before nodding in thanks and entering the castle. The entrance area of the castle was incredible, with gold inlay on everything, beautiful marble pillars everywhere, and a ceiling that even pegasi agreed was high. Twilight ignored all of it, she'd seen it all before and, besides that, her stress was continuing to mount as she got closer and closer to the throne room. Next she found herself trotting through the Grand Hall, below her hooves was the most luxurious red carpet she'd ever seen, and above her on both sides were pictures of her and her friends defeating Nightmare Moon and Discord with The Elements of Harmony. That brought a strange thought to mind, but before she could be bothered too much by it, she found herself before the looming door at the end of the Hall.

It was extremely large, half of it silver and engraved with the moon, the other half gold and engraved with the sun. There was not a single guard on the outside of the door, but Twilight knew that this was by far the hardest spot to get through in the entire castle. Enchanted by both princesses themselves, this door was not going to move unless they willed it, and there really wasn't anything anypony could change about that. Knowing this, Twilight knocked twice.

The beautiful piece of craftsponyship was enveloped in a golden aura before slowly opening inwards. Once the door was fully open Twilight saw that the princess was alone in the room, not even the honor guards were present, making this the first time Twilight had seen the throne room without them.

"Ah yes, my faithful student. I've been expecting you, please come in, we have much to discuss." Princess Celestia's voice was serene, and carried an almost motherly tone. It didn't put Twilight's mind at ease, but it helped a lot. Twilight strode forward then stood at attention before the princess, and performed a near perfect salute. "Lieutenant Sparkle, reporting for duty ma'am." It would have been a lot more impressive if not for the waver in her voice, and the fact that her hoof had begun to shake.

Celestia looked from the shaking hoof Twilight was still holding in a salute, to the scared look that was visible deep in her eyes, despite her best effort to hide it. Her heart went out to the filly, for that was all she was in this situation, a filly in the deep end, trying desperately to stay afloat, knowing that she was going down, and that she could do nothing to change it This thought only lasted a fraction of a second, but it was enough to make her feel bad for not dispelling her student's fears that much faster. "At ease Twilight, and stop worrying, I'm not sending you to do anything against your will."

That was it, at that statement Twilight finally broke. Throughout everything that had happened she had just pushed down all the stress and fear, just like her training taught her, but now it all erupted back up, culminating in Twilight collapsing on the floor in a sobbing heap. Seeing this, the princess rushed forward, laid next to her beloved pupil and draped a wing over her suddenly much smaller figure. After a couple of minutes of wordless crying, Twilight decided to attempt to speak with her mentor about it.

"Princess I'm s-sorry." Twilight took a deep breath. "I was just so worried that I'd have to go kill zebras, and the library burned down and the girls didn't know about the war, and I attacked Rainbow Dash, and I almost broke her wing!" Tears once again threatened to break through. "I w-was prepared t-to break a p-pony's wing! Even i-if it wasn't Dash, they c-could have never flown again!" Once again the princess simply laid there and listened to the purple mare sob loudly, doing her best to comfort her with a wing.

After a few more minutes of this, Twilight had finally vented everything that had been bothering her. She shakily stood up, smiling sheepishly at the princes, who also stood, albeit with far less trouble. "Um, princess? Sorry about that, I kind of lost control there."

Celestia smiled, and it warmed Twilight's heart just to see. "It's perfectly alright my student, to be honest I'm sure that was just what you needed."

Twilight smiled appreciatively, but then switched to a confused look. "Wait, if you don't have a mission for me, then why did you activate me?"

Celestia looked almost as sheepish as Twilight had a moment ago, it was one of the most bizarre sights the young unicorn had ever seen. "Well you see, I do have a... request to make of you, but it's perfectly within your rights to refuse, and in any case, will require a bit of an explanation before it is made. Shall we retire to a more comfortable location?"

A short walk to the princess' study later—during which Twilight was once again given a strange feeling as they passed the Great Hall—and Twilight was sitting across a small table from her mentor, both on plush sitting cushions. She had calmed down after her previous breakdown, and was now sitting up straight, prepared to hear just what the princess could require of her. For some reason, Princess Celestia requested that all guards leave the room, and even cast a sound-proofing spell to prevent outside eavesdropping. Before Twilight had a chance to question her on the extreme secrecy, Celestia spoke. "Twilight, this is about the spell you created."

The student paled, "Oh, did I mess something up on the diagram? In the notes? Please just tell me, I'll fix it!"

Her teacher held up a hoof to silence her. "There were no mistakes, at least, none that any of my top unicorns could find, actually this is about the significance such a spell could have. I'm not sure you have a full grasp of what you've created here my faithful student."

Twilight was just happy she hadn't messed anything up, then she processed what the princess had said. "Wait, what kind of significance?"

The princess gave her a level stare, before speaking in a low tone. "I am not even going to ask if your calculations on the spell's power are correct, I know you well enough to know that they are, and that is what scares me. Tell me Twilight, have you actually given some thought to what this spell could do if put in a fully charged spell matrix?"

She hadn't, other than the fact that it would be big. With a quizzical and somewhat worried tone, she spoke, "I expected that if you wanted to pursue that avenue of research, you had battle magic technicians for that sort of thing. I'm sorry, was I supposed to?"

"No, it's fine, and you're right, I do have technicians for that sort of thing, they had this to say." With a glowing horn, Princess Celestia pulled a scroll from her desk on the other side of the room and began to read aloud from it. "We have completed the analysis of the spell you sent us. From what we can determine, based on its potential power output, this spell would win us the war," Twilight gasped, but Celestia kept going. "Giving us the ability to destroy entire armies, bases, or even cities with a single timed Spell Matrix. However we do not recommend deployment without proper testing, as it would be too great a risk if it failed at higher powers than what your student has already tested at. Despite the spell's low power consumption, it is beyond the ability of any unicorn on staff to cast simply due to its complexity. For the same reason, creating a Spell Matrix of it would take months of work, even if we dedicated the whole team, and right now that is a risk we cannot take without proper testing."

Twilight just stared, mouth agape. One part of that letter had jumped out at her, so she decided to ask about it. "Princess, what did they mean when they said the spell was beyond the ability of any unicorn on staff to cast?"

"Just that," The princess' reply shocked the young mage to her core. "You don't give yourself enough credit Twilight Sparkle, you are the element of magic, is it really a surprise that you are capable of such a thing?"

Twilight mulled it over before speaking. "Okay, so I may have created the most powerful weapon ever to exist, but it's not worth pursuing unless we can know for sure, but we can't know for sure unless we test it, but I'm the only one capable of casting it..." She trailed off as her train of thought reached the logical conclusion. "You want me to test the spell, don't you?"

The princess nodded gravely. "However, as I said, I will not force you to do it." After years of mentoring, she could read Twilight like a book, so she was able to preempt the next question the second her student opened her mouth. "Before you ask, no I cannot cast the spell myself. This may come as a surprise to you, but my sister and I lack the fine control unicorns like you and your friend Rarity have over your magic. Certainly, there are none who match us for power, but in this case, power is not what is required, we require somepony capable of the most complex spells known to pony kind." The princess hated herself for what she said next, but it was for the good of Equestria. "We need you my faithful student."

As Celestia knew she would Twilight only took a moment to think about it. "Of course I will, princess. Where do I need to go?"

"You will be going to Zebranistan—we don't exactly have massive weapon testing sites in Equestria—but you needn't worry, you're going to a base within the Equestrian controlled part of the country, it will be perfectly safe. Besides I think you know the pony in command of this particular base, a certain Captain Armor."

Twilight, who had been looking forlorn at the thought of the trip, now looked extremely excited. "What? Why didn't you say so? I wouldn't have needed any further convincing." She was now smiling broadly.

This is now basically a short vacation, a short vacation where I get to see my brother. This is great! I guess I'll need to send Spike and the girls a letter, I hope they don't mind—

Her thoughts were cut short when the princess cleared her throat, a look of amusement on her face directed at the dumbly smiling unicorn in front of her. "Yes well, there are a couple regulations that must be fulfilled before you leave, this will be an official mission."

Twilight nodded, her excitement only increased at the idea of finally getting her first mission, her first chance to contribute to the war effort, and she wouldn't even have to kill anypony. Well, not directly anyway, becoming the destroyer of worlds via her new weapon was a problem for another time, she was going to see her brother!

Celestia stood, motioning for Twilight to do the same, they stayed in their previous positions facing each other, while the princess began to speak the words spoken before any operative left on a mission for the crown.

"Lieutenant Twilight Sparkle, you are volunteering for a mission of grave importance to Equestria. If you are caught or killed, all records of you will be destroyed, and Equestria will deny any involvement in your actions. If you are successful, you will not be celebrated, you will receive no thanks, and nopony will ever know just how much you have helped them. You are to be the unseen hoof in the shadows, your actions will never see the light of day, and you will take the knowledge of them to your grave. Do you understand and accept?"

"I do," Twilight did not hesitate.

"Then go, in the name of Equestria, in the name of the Sun and Moon, and in the name of all ponykind. Sol iustitiae illustra nos."

"Sol iustitiae illustra nos," The young mare saluted as she returned the phrase, her hoof steady as a rock.

Celestia allowed her posture to become a little more relaxed, her speech ended. "By the way, I recommend you keep the equipment you've chosen, my student. I am aware that you will not need it, but it's best to be safe. The sky chariot is outside waiting, seeing as it's still morning I thought you wouldn't mind leaving immediately rather than staying the day and night. Also, I will have the proper letters sent out to friends and family, as you might have noticed when I sent you your activation, I have given the other Elements all a bit of security clearance, I felt it only fair that they be kept in the loop."

Twilight nodded appreciatively, but at the mention of The Elements the thought that had bothered her in the Grand Hall came right back, she decided to voice her concern.

"I have a question." It was a statement, but Twilight was clearly asking for permission, at which Celestia nodded. "Well, seeing the stained glass portraits has gotten me wondering, why don't we just use The Elements of Harmony on the Zebrans?"

Celestia blinked, but then chuckled at her star pupil's naïveté. "Twilight my most faithful student, The Elements could never be used for such a purpose, as it is against their very nature." Twilight leaned forward, listening intently. This was new information to her, and new information was good information. "You see, The Elements can only be used to restore harmony, against forces of disharmony. In other words, they can only be used for the sake of 'good', against something which is 'evil'."

Twilight looked confused, "How does that mean that we can't use them?" Only after the question did she realize the answer, immediately looking to the princess for a sign that she was wrong.

Instead, Celestia sighed, before confirming Twilight's realization. "Because in this conflict, ponies are not 'good', nor are the zebras 'evil'. This war is different from fighting something like Nightmare Moon or Discord, they both wanted to destroy all semblance of harmony in the world, and The Elements reacted accordingly to restore peace and safeguard harmony, such are The Elements' definitions of good and evil." Celestia looked downtrodden at the next thought, and for the first time ever since Twilight had set eyes on her, the purple mage could fully see just how old the princess was. "In a war like this, I am not attempting to save the world from chaos, I am only trying to protect the lives of those residing in my portion of it, and in the end, General Kwaad is only doing the same. I wish there was another way to accomplish this, and I still hold on to the hope that the General will someday accept a peaceful end to the war, but I know that wont happen. We have the same goal, him and I, we both desire an end to this war, but an accomplishment of this goal on either side will not bring harmony, only destruction of one side, and harmony only for the other."

Twilight's mouth was hanging open now, she had never heard Princess Celestia talk like this before, but the princess wasn't done.

"This is why war is terrible, my faithful student, it lacks any of the clear definitions that ponies normally take solace in. There is no good, there is no evil, there are no heroes or villains, there is only chaos and death, and in the end, the ones in the right are simply the ones left standing."

7 - Border Outpost 3

Edited by Pilate. He kept me from writing a terrible Russian accent, and is also a swell zebra.

Twilight reviewed the scroll of mission notes the princess had given her one last time as a group of pegasi guards prepared the sky chariot for the trip. She was supposed to destroy the mission notes as soon as possible, but she wanted to make sure she had them memorized first.

Okay let's see, first stop is an EAF base on the border, once we arrive I'll meet up with the a platoon from the 5th Infantry, who are already being transferred to Shining's base to join up with the rest of their company, I'll travel with them to avoid suspicion. Once I arrive at the base I'm to report to Shining Armor, my handler. Next, he and I will take a smaller escort out to a safe location where I will cast the spell. I will then create a full report for the princess, make my way back to Equestria, and when all is said and done, be back home within five days.

Satisfied that she had it all down pat, and more than a little excited, she incinerated the scroll with flash of her horn. Apparently she was just in time because in the very next moment, one of the gold armored guards from the chariot approached her, giving a quick salute.

"We're ready to depart ma'am, just give the word."

"Alright then, I see no need to wait." Twilight entered the chariot, lacking much of the worry that had been bothering her earlier that same day. The princess had already sent letters away to Spike and the other Elements, letting them know that Twilight would be gone for a few days, a week at most, and that she would remain safe. With that comforting thought in mind, Twilight braced herself as the chariot took off. The chariot itself was comfortable enough, being from Canterlot, but no amount of pillows could negate the metal plates and leatherweave still covering her body. Resigning herself to a lack of comfort, Twilight just sat on her haunches. After a couple minutes of boredom, she slung the crossbow off her back and began to examine it, as she had been in a bit of a hurry when she equipped herself earlier.

It appeared to be in perfect condition, almost as if it had never been used, looking closer Twilight began to notice the small details. The slightly more rough texture on the grip, the lack of scratches where the firing lever met the wood, and the final piece of evidence, the scope was completely uncalibrated, still at factory settings. Her eyes widened as she came to a realization, this was a crossbow that had never been used, it would have been fired once after construction, but that was it. Smiling, she got to work.

First, she calibrated the sights. It would be impossible to know without test firing, but based on her weapon maintenance scores at The Academy, and barring any failure of the crossbow's range-increasing enchantments, it would now be accurate up to 400 meters. Next she worked the firing lever several times, along with applying a bit of oil from a tool bag in the chariot, to remove the bit of resistance it was providing. She removed the string before bending and releasing the firing arms to test that they could for sure withstand the pressure of repeated use. Satisfied that it would be suitable should she ever need it, she restrung it, and briefly entertained the idea of claiming the weapon for herself permanently by carving a name into it. This was a right she had as an operative, that is until she remembered that it was a bit of an unspoken rule that operatives would only 'name and claim' a weapon, as it was called, after they had carried said weapon through at least one battle. Something she never intended to do. Sighing at the prospect of somepony else ruining her hard work when she returned it, Twilight holstered the crossbow over her shoulder once again.

When she looked over the side of the chariot Twilight could see that they had flown out of sight of Canterlot. It was a strange feeling. She had spent her entire life in Canterlot and, more recently, Ponyville. This was by a large margin the furthest she had ever been from the Equestrian capital. Far below them she could see occasional villages pass by beneath the speeding chariot, but mostly it was just a vast forest of trees. The trees were different from the ones she had seen around home, she recognized them from her books as coniferous evergreens. Twilight had seen similar trees around Hearths-Warming each year, but those were nothing compared to what she was staring at now. The tops of the tree's extended hundreds of feet from the forest floor, seemingly attempting to touch the sky itself, and nearly looking like they would succeed. She couldn't see the trunks lower down on the trees, but she could make an educated guess as to their size, based on their height each one would have to be at least twice as thick as her library tree. The scale of the whole thing was mind boggling, and it occupied her thoughts for a good while.

After a couple of hours of admiring the trees, Twilight was suddenly staring at a grassy field, instead of a forest. She blinked, thinking she had missed something, but when she turned to look behind them she saw it, clear as day. A nearly-perfect straight wall of the massive trees extended to the left and right, all the way to either horizon. The forest had really just ended, there was no thinning out of trees or any gradual change to the landscape, they were just as tall and closely packed right up to the edge. Shaking her head, Twilight glanced forward to reorient herself with the continent. Before and below her was an emerald ocean, stretching as far as the eye could see in every direction, the forest was quickly being left behind, and replaced with yet more rolling plains. There wasn't a single patch of grass that was anything but a perfect green, swaying gently in a light breeze. The sight was far less awe-inspiring than the great forest, but far more relaxing. Twilight found herself enraptured by the endless green far below, almost wishing the chariot would land so that she could lay down in the softness of the field and forget all her troubles in a dreamless slumber.

--{MoW}--

Twilight woke without knowing she had slept. The sun was still up, though it was clearly afternoon now, seeing as it had still been morning when they left, and had been around noon when they encountered the grasslands, she felt she must have slept for a good couple of hours. She realized that she would likely be in a whole new environment by now, and she excitedly looked down below the chariot to see...

Nothing, a whole lot of it. This was different from the calming green nothingness of the grasslands, instead there was just the barest hint of green in the form of scraggly bushes and trees, assaulted on all sides by the brown of cracked dirt and dead grass. Twilight knew this meant they were nearing the desert, and a sense of apprehension began to build in her chest.

Twilight attempted to calm her troubled mind with thoughts of the amazing opportunity she had to try out a new spell, this failed to calm her at all, as it only reminded her of what the spell would eventually be used for. Imagining the trip as a sort of test was no better, only bringing on the further anxiety of possible failure. Finally, she thought of her brother, of not only getting to see him, but getting to talk with him for the first time since his wedding.

The last thought did a lot to calm her, even bringing a smile to her face. She soon realized that the land below held nothing for her to see, and laid back, closing her eyes, unable to sleep again so soon, but able to just relax. It was the voice of one of the pegasi pulling the chariot that caught her attention about an hour later.

"Ma'am, we're approaching the L-Z at Badlands Three, should be landing assured in five."

She sat up straight and popped her joints, stiff from spending all day sitting. She made a quick check of the rank insignia on his armor before speaking, "Thank you corporal."

The pegasi brought the chariot down for a landing in a cleared space at the edge of a large military compound.

Border Outpost Three was colloquially known as the Badlands Outpost—sometimes Badlands Three—due to the terrain. Which, of course, hadn't changed at all since Twilight woke up from her impromptu nap, aside from the fact that the desert was now visible in the distance. The base itself was fairly large, home to about 1,500 ponies full-time, but that was not it's primary purpose. As with the rest of the border outposts, it was used as a layover point for troops going in and out of Zebranistan and, to that end, could hold around 10,000 soldiers temporarily if the need arose. It was also designed as a defense point against Zebran invasion, but that hadn't been a threat in years as Equestrian control extended a fair bit over the border.

It was here that Twilight was to meet up with her escort, a platoon of 50 ponies belonging to the 5th Infantry. More than an escort, they were also her cover, one unicorn moving across the desert would be suspicious, but a platoon traveling to join the rest of their company would be nothing out of the ordinary.

As the chariot touched down, and a small group of soldiers began making their way over toward it, Twilight immediately noticed the differences between soldiers assigned to guard duty, and soldiers on an actual deployment. First and most noticeable was the armor. Where the guard's armor covered very little, and was made of a bright shining gold, field armor was similar to Twilight's, though most were lacking in the more expensive metal plates besides one in the chest, and instead of gold, the leatherweave and metal plate were a mottled camouflage of brown, grey, and tan. The helmets were also different, though to a lesser extent. The only real change was that the colorful plumes on top were removed completely, and they were colored the same as the armor.

Twilight's own armor had been chosen with hiding in the darkness in mind, and for that it would do a good job, even the green metal was dark enough to be nearly black, but now that she would be moving through a desert in the daytime, it would be horribly visible. She decided not to bother getting a new set however, she didn't plan on getting into any conflicts and, if she did, she'd rather have the higher quality armor afforded by her access to the HQ armory than a camouflaged set, any day.

As the group of soldiers approached the landing zone, Twilight saw that two of them were earth ponies, two were pegasi, and the last one was a unicorn, she was the only mare, and walked in the lead, her stride giving off an air of authority that the other four lacked. The chariot lifted off the moment Twilight hopped out, not wanting to attract any more attention. Twilight only had to wait a moment for the small group of ponies to arrive, after which the unicorn stepped up to Twilight. She had a coat of grey that was mostly concealed under the same desert armor the other four wore, her eyes were a deep green, and her tail jet black. Twilight could only assume her mane was the same color as it was hidden underneath a standard issue helmet. Her rank was signified by the insignia on her armor—something Twilight's purposefully lacked—but the mare announced it, anyway.

"I'm Major Imperia, I hold command of Border Outpost 3. I assume you're Lieutenant Sparkle?" The mare's tone was jovial, but it carried an unmistakable air of command with it that made Twilight wonder if that came with the job, or if that's what got her the job. Despite her tone, there was a friendly glint underneath her commanding gaze that looked completely genuine, and brought a small smile to Twilight's face.

Twilight saluted before speaking. "That's me ma'am, I assume you know why I'm here."

Imperia snorted in amusement, "I know as much as the shadowy figures in Canterlot want me to know, which means that I know to stay out of your way. And will you drop the ma'am stuff and the saluting, I know you operative types are technically Lieutenants, but trust me when I say that if I value my job, I'm not gonna be giving you orders."

Twilight looked sheepish as she lowered her hoof. "Heh, thanks," She cleared her throat before continuing. "So you have a platoon from the 5th Infantry here right?"

The grey mare blinked at that. "The 5th? You sure? Well, they’re here at the moment, but they’re shipping out tomorrow so you're a bit late if you needed them for something." The major looked a little apologetic, but mostly confused as to why Twilight would be sent to look for a group that was just leaving.

The purple mare shook her head. "No, that will actually be perfect. Can you just direct me to their commanding officer?"

Imperia shook her head with a light laugh, the sound seeming perfectly natural from her even in full combat armor. "Hey, I know better than to question the motives of an operative. Let me show you to his office, he should be in right now." She then turned around to the ponies that had followed her to the landing zone, and spoke in a harsher, commanding voice. "All of you, report back to your stations," Her tone changed slightly, and Twilight thought she detected a small bit of sarcasm under the still present command. "As far as you know, Lieutenant Sparkle was never here, you know the drill."

The soldiers of a border outpost had experience with things going in and out of Zebranistan that they had 'never seen' so they simply nodded, gave a quick salute, and returned to whatever it was they normally did, rolling their eyes slightly as they turned away.

Major Imperia chuckled a bit before noticing Twilight's confused look. "Oh I hope you don't mind, we see every kind of pony come through here, and after hearing 'you didn't see anything' a hundred times it starts to sound kind of silly." Her face suddenly became completely serious, as did her tone of voice. "My ponies and I may not act like it all the time, but we are trained for this sort of thing. Trust me when I say everypony here is as dependable as it gets."

"Oh I don't mind at all." Twilight was now smiling broadly. "It's refreshing in a way, and honestly I think I prefer it."

"That's good and all, but I wouldn't get used to it if your gonna be dealing with 'Lieutenant Hardflank' himself."

With that mysterious statement, the major switched back to a friendly smile and turned to leave, motioning for Twilight to follow her. As they walked through the base Twilight let her mind wander to idle observation of her surroundings. They passed a large mess hall, an armory, and several barracks, but the majority of the base was left to her imagination, as the guest officers' quarters were located on the side of the base nearest Equestria and the landing zone. She did manage to catch a glimpse of the headquarters, slightly similar to the Canterlot HQ in that it looked nearly indestructible. This one was four stories, however, and showed signs of combat wear and tear from before the war had moved deep into Zebranistan. None of the damage was anything more than cosmetic, or it would have been repaired.

Besides the buildings, ponies could be seen everywhere. The whole facility seemed to have a fairly relaxed feel, as far as military outposts go. This was not a training facility, and while ponies could still be seen keeping in top physical shape through drills or sparring, most were simply living their lives, relaxing with a book, playing cards, even napping. Despite all this, Twilight knew just how fast everypony could react if they were needed for something, or if they were ever attacked.

Finally, they arrived at a small building in a row of small buildings, each one was about the size of a very small cabin, and built to house one commanding officer, serving as their quarters, and their office. The major led Twilight to one that was indistinguishable from the rest, before nodding toward the door.

"Well, here you are. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm off to go forget you were ever here." She said with clear sarcasm, before smirking and walking away, clearly unphased at this point by black operations and the like. Twilight watched Major Imperia leave, chuckling at the nonchalance with which she carried herself. As somepony less polite than Twilight might say, the major simply didn't give a crap. Smiling slightly, Twilight turned back to the quarters in front of her, stepped up to the door, and knocked three times. The answer came swiftly in the form of a single word from a decidedly sharp male voice.

"Enter."

Twilight blinked, whoever this pony was, he was already presenting a stark contrast to the laid-back Imperia. Wiping the smile from her face in favor of professional neutrality, she opened the door and stepped inside. The room itself was organized to the last detail, everything was text-book arranged, from the completely straight grey curtains, to the completely clean grey carpeting. There was a door to the right, presumably leading to the living area of the quarters as this appeared to be an office. The room had a distinct lack of furniture, there was a pair of well-maintained potted plants sat in the rear corners, and a basic desk sitting with perfect symmetry directly across from the door. Paperwork covered most of the desk, but it was immediately clear that it was all organized and arranged perfectly, also notable was the lack of a second chair on Twilight’s side of the desk, forcing her to stand in front of it. Sitting in the one chair, and working on the paperwork, was a unicorn stallion who looked to be in his early forties. His coat was a dark red, and his close-cropped mane a bright white, his eyes remained a mystery as he had yet to so much as glance up from the apparently fascinating paper on the desk before him.

"Hello, it's nice to meet you I'll be—"

She was cut off by a deadpan voice, that carried enough of an edge to brook no argument.

"State your name, rank, and intention."

Twilight blinked, and stared at the stallion bemusedly for a second before realizing she hadn't answered. She decided to simply answer his questions directly, as that seemed like what he would want, but she couldn't help feeling a little mischievous after hanging around for Imperia even a few minutes.

"Twilight Sparkle, lieutenant," She smirked. "...Fun?"

That got his attention, finally tearing his gaze away from his work he looked up at Twilight, who was stifling a giggle. His eyes, as it turned out, were a piercing crimson, far brighter than his coat color, and the look in them was cold, calculating, and commanding, lacking any hint of the joy that the major's eyes contained.

"Ah yes, you're that operative that's making my platoon move out 3 days earlier than planned." His tone wasn't mocking or insulting, it was completely flat and professional, and yet it still managed to give Twilight the impression that he was judging her. "Not that I can complain about being ahead of schedule. Frankly I think the lazy cretins have been given more than enough of a rest as it is."

His lack of emotional inflection threw Twilight off for a moment before she shook her head and managed a reply. "Um, yes that's me... I guess. Sorry, I never got your name. I was only told to report to the commanding officer of the platoon."

"Yes, I suppose introductions are in order." He rose swiftly, standing perfectly straight and shaking hooves with Twilight. "I am Lieutenant Striker, 5th Infantry, pleased to make your acquaintance." He didn't sound pleased at all, in fact he sounded like he was reciting lines, his tone changed as he continued, but only enough to indicate that he was actually speaking, as opposed to parroting some protocol. "No need to introduce yourself, I don't need the headache of unnecessary cloak and dagger nonsense. Just talk to Sergeant Shield, I assigned his squad to take you in for the trip."

With that, Striker sat back down and continued to go over paperwork. Twilight blinked several times before grasping the situation. Finally realizing that she was apparently done here, she slowly backed out of the building, shaking her head after closing the door, before turning and walking away.

I guess it's time to find this 'Sergeant Shield'. It would help if I had any idea where to—

All of a sudden her eyes went wide as she came to a realization, causing her to stop in her tracks and laugh loudly.

"Hah! 'Lieutenant Hardflank', I just got that."

--{MoW}--

Twilight wandered around for 15 minutes before she finally gave up and decided to ask for help. She approached the nearest pony, a mare who was working on fixing the wheel of some kind of carriage. The carriage was of the type that she rode in to the Grand Galloping Gala in that it was enclosed, and land based. The similarities ended there however, this vehicle was covered in metal armor, and had what looked like half of a large upside-down metal tub attached to the front, the whole thing was painted in a desert camouflage. It had six wheels, four on the rear half, and two more on the metal shell-thing attached to the front. There was even a large auto-crossbow mounted to the top of the carriage, which a pony could stand on their hind-legs—sticking through a hole in the roof—to operate.

Twilight was so enamored by the war-carriage that she didn't realize she was staring until the mare cleared her throat loudly, causing Twilight to jump in surprise, and turn her head towards the source of the noise.

The mare had a teal coat, a short cropped blonde mane, and light blue eyes. She was a well muscled earth pony, and her coat and armor were splotched all over with grease and grime from repairing the strange vehicle, the lack of insignia on her armor indicated her as a private.

"Heh, sorry about that." Her pleasant, feminine voice was unexpected from her rough appearance. "I didn't expect anypony to be so enamored by an APC." She giggled, covering her mouth with a hoof. "My name's Elbow Grease, but you can call me Ellie, just don't call me 'Private Grease' that sounds gross for some reason." She introduced herself with a friendly tone, lacking any of the formality of Lieutenant Striker as she offered her hoof.

Twilight gladly shook her hoof before responding, "Nice to meet you. I'm Twilight Sparkle, just Twilight is fine. So what did you say this thing was called?" She finished with a gesture towards the metal monster next to them.

This elicited another giggle from Ellie, "You've never seen an APC? Damn, I thought everypony would have seen one by now." Seeing that Twilight was still completely confused, she decided to just explain it, switching to a lecturing tone. "The Armored Pony Carriage, or APC for short, is a solution to moving ponies long distances across land while keeping them in relative safety. The rear half is the transport portion, a regular carriage fitted with armor and, in most cases, a heavy weapon on the roof." She walked around to the front now, with Twilight close behind. "The front part, or 'cab', allows the ponies pulling the carriage to remain under cover, it has a harness for five ponies inside, two pairs with a single pony in front of them giving directions, and watching for obstacles through the windshield." Elbow Grease banged on said windshield with a forehoof several times, dropping her lecturing tone. "This baby is made of spell-reinforced glass, it's probably just as strong as the metal it's set in at this point."

Twilight was in awe, she had noticed the metal hatch for ponies to enter the cab, but now that she knew its purpose it made so much more sense. She did have a question however. "This is impressive and everything, but it looks awfully heavy, how in Equestria are 5 ponies supposed to pull this whole thing?"

Ellie looked at Twilight as if she had just asked her where foals came from, after staring for a second she replied in a single word, "Magic." Twilight gave her an incredulous look but just as she opened her mouth to object, the teal mare continued. "The whole thing's got enchantments all over it, you can put 5 ponies in the back of it, and fill all the storage compartments to the top, and still pull it all day with no more effort than pulling a regular carriage. Seriously though, how did you manage to not see one of these things yet? They've been around more than a year."

At this point Twilight remembered why she was there. "Oh, actually this is my first deployment. I guess I forgot to ask my question when I saw this... thing" She waved both forehooves at the APC. "Anyway, I'm looking for a Sergeant Shield, you wouldn't happen to know where he was would you?"

Ellie blinked in surprise at the name. "Well sure, I know exactly where he is. I can take you to him if you want, I'm basically done here anyway, I was just tweaking at this point."

Twilight smiled at the prospect of finally ending her search. "That would be great, thanks."

Ellie walked over to a tool bag that Twilight hadn't noticed before, placed all her tools inside it, and slung the strap over her back. This done, she nodded for Twilight to follow, and walked away. As Twilight pulled up beside her, Ellie glanced at the purple mare's crossbow and extravagant combat-knife, but made no comment. They walked in silence for a while, before seeing four stallions, all with the same short-cut manestyles, sitting at a table, playing cards.

Elbow Grease led Twilight over to the table, and addressed a brown earth pony stallion. "Hey sarge, got somepony who was looking for you. She's new here apparently, found her all the way over by the vehicle depot."

The stallion got up and turned to face them, his mane was burgundy, and his eyes were a brown so dark they were nearly black, his armor indicated him as a sergeant. "Why hello there," When he spoke, it was with just a slight twang, less than what Applejack had, but similar. "I'm Sergeant Shield, though I suspect y'knew that, seeing as you were lookin' for me and all. Just who exactly do I have the pleasure of addressing?"

"I'm Lieutenant Twilight Sparkle—"

Before she could get any further, she was cut off by the sounds of four ponies scrambling to a salute, the three still at the table almost falling over in the attempt. The only pony not tripping over their own hooves was Sergeant Shield himself, who simply shook his head in amusement at his squad's antics as he calmly, and with perfect form, saluted his superior.

"I'm so sorry for not saluting earlier, I had no idea." Elbow Grease blurted out, her ears folded back.

Twilight, for her part, was attempting to stifle a giggle at their reactions. "It's fine Ellie, at ease all of you." They did as she said, though none but Shield looked relaxed at all in the presence of an officer. "As I was saying, I'm Lieutenant Twilight Sparkle, and I've been temporarily assigned to your squad for the duration of the trip to join the rest of the 5th Infantry, after which I'll be departing for my own mission."

Sergeant Shield spoke up quickly. "Well Lieutenant Sparkle—"

"Call me Twilight, please."

"Well Twilight, this little band of miscreants, plus myself, make up 4th Squad. Though most just call us 'Bomb Squad' on account of having the best damn conventional explosives expert in the whole platoon. You've already met Ellie there, she operates the heavy weapons, and if if anything gets broke, she can fix it, simple as that. Now as for the rest of you, be polite for once and introduce yourselves."

The first one to speak was a yellow unicorn stallion with a black mane and orange eyes, he wasn't wearing any armor, giving Twilight a view of his cutie mark, a stylized explosion. "Very well, I am called Blast Radius." His deep voice had a fairly strong Stalliongrad accent, but he was still understandable. "I am the explosives expert, do not be too impressed with Sarge's words, being the best in platoon would be more impressive if platoon had more than one conventional explosives expert." He barked a hearty laugh. "Too many ponies are trusting these 'Spell Matrix'. Bah, give me composition B any day, then I will show you real explosion." Following that statement, he sat down at the table in huff crossing his forelegs across his chest.

Next was another unicorn, less muscular than the others Twilight had seen. He had a pair of round glasses on, his coat was white, and his mane and eyes were both blood red. His armor covered his cutie mark, but it had a red cross painted on the chest piece. "I guess I'm next then." When he spoke, it was with a refined sounding Trottingham accent. "My name is Pear Seed, funny that, grew up on a pear farm, actually hate pears, just call me Doc, or Doctor, Doc is shorter though, saves time." His ranting would probably give Pinkie a run for her money, and he wasn't done yet. "I virtually never use my name actually, I've even considered just introducing myself as a doctor and nothing more, could be confusing though, I can just imagine how that would go: 'Hello there I'm the doctor.' 'A doctor you say? Doctor wh—"

He was cut off by the voice of Sergeant Shield. "Yes, I think that's good enough for an introduction Doc. Why don't you go... sit down or something." Doc reluctantly returned to his seat at the table.

"Guess that just leaves me." The speaker was an earth pony stallion, his coat was jet black, rare enough in itself, more surprising was the fact that his mane and even his eyes matched perfectly, not like Shield's dark brown eyes, these eyes were completely black and never left the crossbow on Twilight's back. Despite that, what was most disconcerting was his voice: low, gravelly, and very dangerous. "Name's Clear Shot. Call me Shot, squad's designated sniper. Not sure about you, new blood’s always trouble. Like your 'bow though, look forward to seeing it in action." He returned to the table neglecting to mention a rank, but Twilight noted that his armor indicated him as a corporal.

Once introductions were done, Sergeant Shield and Ellie joined the rest at the table, and Twilight turned to Blast Radius with a question. "I'm sorry, but what was your rank anyway? For that matter, shouldn't you be wearing armor with your rank on it?"

Blast Radius laughed before answering. "I am a private, same as most of squad, but if I wore ‘the suit’ all the time, things would be very uncomfortable for everypony involved." Seeing Twilight's confused expression, he continued. "I get special suit of armor for dealing with any Zebran bombs we come across, it is very big, and very unpleasant for relaxing in, you will see it tomorrow when we depart, then you will understand."

"I think that's enough serious talk for now." Shield spoke up as he began to shuffle a deck of cards, an impressive feat for an earth pony. "Why don't ya join us for a game of cards?"

Everypony at the table looked at her expectantly, and she caved under the pressure. "Alright," She sat down next to Ellie, across from Shield. "I don't know how to play cards, but I'm up for learning anything." She began to smile, partially at the prospect of new knowledge, but mostly because she was beginning to enjoy the company of these ponies. They were extremely welcoming, and Twilight appreciated that to no end.

"Well then, let's start with something easy." Shield then went on to explain the rules of 'poker' to Twilight, or it may have been called 'hold em' she wasn't quite sure. It seemed simple enough, she had to use her cards in conjunction with the cards in the middle to form a combination worth enough points to ensure victory over the combinations formed by the other ponies. That wasn’t quite how Shield explained it, but it’s what she took away from it.

Finished in his explanation, Shield dealt them each 2 cards. "No betting for now guys, let's give the gal a chance to learn the ropes."

Twilight appreciated his concern, but she was confident that with a little mathematics and deductive reasoning, she’d be winning in no time. As everypony looked at their cards, she saw Blast Radius lift something to his mouth in his magic, before lighting it with a match.

"Wait, what?" Twilight's outburst was met with confused stares from everypony present, she decided to clarify her statement. "You smoke!?" Cigarettes were extremely uncommon in Equestria, to the point where this was the first time Twilight had seen one first hoof, that was not what caused her outburst however. "You, the one pony on the squad who spends the most time around highly volatile explosive compounds, also happen to be the one who smokes?" As Twilight's brain began to reboot in an attempt to garner some sense from the situation, Ellie spoke up.

"Actually, we all smoke, it's a habit you'll pick up if you're out here long enough, trust me. Though I must admit that Blast does it far more often than the rest of us." She gave him a scrutinizing glare.

Blast only laughed at Ellie's attempt at intimidation. "You silly ponies worry too much. If a pony is able to smoke around high-explosives,” He smirked, “it only means he knows what he is doing." He punctuated this statement by blowing a smoke ring straight up. "Besides, this tiny ember is nothing worth concern, I would have to touch the burning end of the cigarette directly to explosives to even be in danger."

Twilight calmed down slightly, but now another question came to mind. "Wait, why do you all smoke? You know how bad for you it is right?"

Doc was the first to answer. "Of course we know the risks, but besides the stress-reducing aspect that Blast already mentioned, there's one thing that makes it all worth it." He paused, presumably for dramatic effect, before cracking a grin. "Smoking breaks."

This was met by a chorus of agreement from the rest of the squad, and further clarification by Shield. "Ya see, nopony is gonna deny a smoker their smoke break, it’s like an unwritten rule of sorts, and everypony follows it." He then shifted into an exaggerated tone as he gave an example. "Need some help with moving that gear? Sorry, on a smoke break. Somepony needs to run a message across town? Better look elsewhere, I'm on a smoke break."

Twilight wrinkled her muzzle. "Well that seems awfully lazy"

Shield just gave her an amused grin. "Well, you're free to do all the heavy lifting you want. Don't be askin' me for help though, I'll just be over here," He popped a cigarette into his mouth and lit it, "on my smoke break."

--{MoW}--

They had all agreed not to start the actual betting until Twilight managed to win a hoof. This meant that an hour and a half later, they had yet to bet a single bit. Twilight was pretty sure that she had a good hoof this time. She stared at the cards in her hooves for a moment, tongue stuck out in concentration, before grinning broadly due to having no concept of a poker face. She slapped an ace and queen of hearts on the table.

"Royal flush!" She proclaimed proudly.

Everypony at the table stared at her in disbelief, looking back and forth from the cards in the middle of the table, to the two that she had just set down. Finally, just when Twilight was beginning to think she had done something wrong, Ellie broke the silence.

"Twilight, do you realize what this means?" Twilight looked crestfallen for a moment, thinking she had lost yet again, before Ellie continued. "Congratulations, you’ve just won your first hoof of poker."

That seemed to snap everypony out of it, a loud cheer erupted from the whole table from everypony but Clear Shot, who simply smiled and nodded.

Blast Radius even slapped Twilight on the back hard enough to nearly knock her out of her seat, before loudly proclaiming, "You did well."

"Fucking finally, now we can play for real" Ellie shouted, causing Twilight's ears to fold back against her head. The only time she had heard such language had been from, well it had been from some of the guards in Canterlot actually, but it still made her very uncomfortable.

Sergeant Shield immediately picked up on Twilight's discomfort, turning to Ellie with a scowl on his face. "Hey now, that's not very ladylike you know, just watch your fucking language." Finally he could hold the scowl no more, and burst out laughing as Twilight's face continued to become more and more red. Eventually his laughter quieted, and he smiled apologetically at Twilight. "Sorry 'bout that, It's not often we meet somepony as... sensitive as yourself, and I've been savin' that joke for far too long to let it go to waste."

Twilight smiled a little, but inside she was feeling down. She thought she was fitting in so well, but this was just an example of how different she really was. She wasn’t any good at poker, she didn't smoke, and she couldn't even handle foul language. Normally, she wouldn't want any of those things, but for some reason, she felt compelled to fit in with these ponies, like she needed to prove herself to them. Back in her Canterlot days, she would ignore such compulsions. Since moving to Ponyville, though, she knew just how good it felt to fit in, to have friends.

Twilight realized that while she had been thinking, Shield had reshuffled the deck, and was beginning to deal out cards while announcing the betting rules.

"Alright, the blinds are 10 pence and 20 pence, buy in of 20 bits, we don't have any actual chips so we'll just—"

"I want to try a cigarette!"

Shield didn't miss a beat, turning to face Twilight. "No you don't."

"I do, I've thought about it, and I've decided that since I'm here on a mission anyways, I might need a way to relieve stress." Twilight was banking on the fact that nopony knew that her mission was extremely short, and relatively stress-free.

It paid off when Shield shrugged and nodded to Blast Radius. "Alright then, be a gentlecolt and oblige the gal, would ya Blast?"

Blast nodded and floated one of the small white sticks over to Twilight in his orange magic, she took it in her own aura and floated it to her mouth. There were chuckles around the table, before Doc spoke up from behind a hoof.

"You've got it backwards, love."

Twilight blushed and flipped the cigarette around with her magic, before speaking around it. "So, now what?"

"You are sure you want to do this?" Blast asked as he lit a match. At Twilight's nod he levitated the match under the end of the cigarette in her mouth, speaking a single word command. "Inhale."

Twilight obeyed, and instantly began to regret her decision, as her lungs attempted to remove themselves from her body in protest. When she had finished her violent coughing fit, she heard the snickers around the table and blushed a little. The second time she inhaled, she coughed a little less. Feeling confident in her abilities, she sat up straight, struck a sophisticated pose, and inhaled once more, coughing only lightly.

"Gentlecolts."

Her success was met by a light applause, and a cheer from Ellie. Twilight smiled genuinely, she was becoming a real army pony now, she knew she could never keep this lifestyle up for long, but it felt good to fit in, and it was only for a few days, when she went home she could return to normal, and this would just become another experience in her increasingly interesting life. They returned to cards after that little distraction, Twilight eventually managed to smoke the whole cigarette but she was far less successful at the actual card game, managing to lose every hand, along with most of her coin purse, before they finished. She hadn't really needed the bits anyway, but everypony gave them back after the game, saying they felt bad keeping them on her first time. Even Clear Shot, who didn't strike Twilight as a considerate pony, gave back what he'd won from her.

"Your first time, losing expected. Not one to bet on a foregone conclusion." He smiled in a strangely friendly manner. "You're fun though. Look forward to next time, we'll play for keeps."

Looking at the position of the sun, they all realized that it was finally time for the evening meal. The squad began to move off towards a mess hall while Twilight stood dejectedly by the card table, kicking at the dirt with a forehoof.

Doc was the first one to notice she hadn't followed. "You will be joining us, won't you? I hope you realize that you're an honorary Bomb Squad member now, for which I do apologize."

At this Twilight beamed and galloped to join the rest of the group on the walk to the mess hall.

I'm so lucky to have found friends like these out here. Oh, I can't wait to tell the girls all about them.

They stopped by the barracks to drop off their weapons and armor, Twilight was given a bunk next to the rest of the squad, and she placed all of her gear in the locker next to it, even her graduation knife, leaving her completely bare, but for her dog tags, the relief she felt at leaving behind all that weight was second only to the relief of exposing her coat to the air once again after spending all day in armor.

After dropping everything off, they reached the mess hall in short order, stepping through the double doors, and into a large room crowded with ponies. Shield turned to Twilight, speaking a little louder to be heard over the din of ponies talking.

"Why don'cha go find us a table, we'll grab you somethin' to eat."

Twilight nodded, and left the group in search of a decent seating arrangement. She found the perfect spot, a secluded table in a quiet corner, not too crowded or loud. Hardly believing her good luck, Twilight went over to the table and stood next to it, not sitting down yet, as she wanted the rest of the squad to be able to spot her.

As she waited for her new found friends, she observed the ponies around the room. Most were out of their armor in this more relaxed environment, talking and laughing with their squad-mates. There were too many ponies here to be just from the platoon Twilight was traveling with, while platoons contained around 50 ponies each, there were more than 3 times that number eating here now. This mess hall was one specifically for visiting troops as well, bringing Twilight to wonder who was going into Zebranistan, and who was going home.

She spotted the squad in the line of ponies getting food, they were almost at the front now. Moments later, they were on their way over with trays of food, Doc levitated two trays in a red aura next to him. Twilight waved them over to the table and sat down, they arrived quickly, Doc setting one of his trays in front of Twilight. Everypony had a meal of hay fries and beans, except Doc who had just the hay fries.

"Where are your beans?" Twilight asked innocently.

The entire table went silent, everypony staring at Doc who in turn was glaring at Twilight.

Doc spoke in a dangerous tone that she had never heard from him before. "Beans are evil. Bad, bad beans."

After that, everypony let out a breath, and returned to their meals as if nothing had happened. Seeing this, Twilight shrugged it off and joined them. The food really wasn't bad, it was better than she could cook in any case. She had never considered herself good at cooking, but for some reason she expected army food to be terrible.

Twilight noticed that nopony was talking, so she decided to try to facilitate conversation. "So... anypony know any jokes?"

Everypony stopped eating to look around the table, Twilight silently hoped she wouldn't have to be the one to tell a joke, as her jokes tended to kill a party's mood faster than Rarity when she’d been drinking too much. Just when she was preparing to break out the one about the genie and the pianist, the last pony she expected to spoke up.

"I heard a joke once," The low gravelly voice could belong to only one pony, Clear Shot leaned forward in his seat as he spoke with no mirth in his voice whatsoever.

"Stallion goes to doctor. Says he's depressed. Says life is harsh and cruel. Says he feels all alone in a threatening world. Doctor says, 'Treatment is simple. The great clown Ponyacci is in town tonight. Go see him. That should pick you up.' Stallion bursts into tears. Says, 'But doctor... I am Ponyacci.'" He cracked a little half-smile, the most amusement Twilight had ever seen out of him, before leaning back in his seat and speaking in the same even tone. "Good joke."

"No offense mate, but that was dreadful," Doc said, staring at at Clear Shot.

The jet black pony grumbled, and folded his forelegs across his chest. "Don't see anypony else telling joke. What about you Sarge? You got one?"

Sergeant Shield looked up from his meal to find all eyes on him, he quickly swallowed his mouthful of food before shooting Clear Shot a dirty look. Twilight was under the impression that those two had known each other the longest, so judging by the smirk on Clear Shot's face, Shield did not, in fact, know any jokes.

"Uh, yeah I know jokes." The brown earth pony looked around the table, his tone full of false bravado. "Hey Shot, uh... knock knock."

Clear Shot's smirk only grew, knowing that the sergeant had nowhere to go with this, "Who's there?"

"Fuck you!"

Clear Shot blinked in surprise, that was not the punchline he had been expecting. The table was silent again, but only for a stunned second, before the silence was broken by the sound of a snicker, followed by a snort, and finally raucous laughter. Everypony stared at the source of the noise, a purple unicorn attempting to stay in her seat while clutching her sides in some sort of laughing fit. Before long, her mirth spread to the whole table, and everypony was laughing at Shield's terrible joke. Even Clear Shot let out a little chuckle at the absurdity of it all.

The conversation picked up from that point, mostly it involved Twilight telling of her life back in Ponyville. She talked of Pinkie Pie's parties, of Applejack's farm, of Rainbow's stunts and Rarity's dresses, and of Fluttershy's cottage with all her animal friends. It felt good to remember her friends, but it felt even better to be sharing her past experiences with new friends. Before anypony knew it, the sun was beginning to drop behind the horizon, and they occupied the only in-use table in the mess hall.

As Twilight finished her explanation of the Pinkie Promise, Shield spoke, "Well I must say, this Ponyville of yours sounds like a mighty interesting place. I think I may just have to pay ya a visit when my tour ends."

Twilight smiled brightly at him, "I'd like that a lot." She wasn't sure why, but the prospect of Shield coming to visit really did make her happy. She felt like she couldn't wait to introduce him to her friends, to show them how nice he was, how handsome he—

Whoa whoa whoa! Let's pull the emergency brakes on that train of thought. Where did that even come from? Well, I suppose he is handsome by traditional standards, but I've known him for a day, that's not nearly long enough to form a crush. Even if he has been nothing but nice, and caring, and funny, and strong.

She realized that she was still staring at the object of her thoughts while grinning like an idiot, while the conversation continued around them. She blushed and turned away quickly, as she did she could have sworn she saw Shield doing the same. After reprimanding her traitorous mind, Twilight was able to steer her thoughts in a more wholesome direction, but just as she was about to rejoin the conversation, Shield cleared his throat.

"So anyway, I think it's about time we all bunked down for the night, we've got an early start and a long day tomorrow."

Without a word, the whole squad got up in an orderly fashion, and filed out of the mess hall before Twilight could even get out of her seat. She sat alone at the table for a moment, impressed by their efficiency, before being startled by a voice from behind.

"You look like you could use somepony to walk ya’ home."

She turned around to see that the voice belonged to a smirking Sergeant Shield. Twilight quickly repressed any rogue thoughts that popped into her head at the sight of him.

"My my, what a gentlecolt," she responded in a joking tone.

Shield chuckled, and simply offered her a hoof, which she gladly used to help her stand from the table. Once she was standing, Shield turned around and opened the door for her. Switching to a comically exaggerated version of his own country accent.

"Come along now little lady, the sun's goin' down in these here parts, but ah'll get'cha home safely."

They both shared a laugh at his antics, before falling into companionable silence as they exited the building, emerging into the base, lit only by the last gasp of the evening's dying light. They walked in silence for a few minutes before Twilight decided to ask a question that had been bothering her since meeting the burgundy-maned pony next to her.

"You know I've been wondering, 'Shield' really sounds like a second name to me, is it really your full name?"

Shield sighed before turning to look at her, his face held a contemplative look for a minute, as if he was having a hard time coming to a decision, but finally he smiled warmly at her, before speaking.

"Yeah, the rest of the squad figured that out pretty quick too. Ever since then, they've been needling me for my first name, but I've never told a one of 'em." He winked at Twilight before continuing. "But I can never turn down a pretty mare." Twilight blushed at the compliment, and Shield sighed, "It's Jeffery."

Twilight stopped in her tracks, staring at the sergeant as he continued for another couple steps before stopping and turning around to face her. Before she even had a chance to process this, he spoke to her again.

"I know what you're thinkin' 'how in Equestria does a pony by the name of Shield get saddled with Jeffery as a first name?', well sit down and I'll tell ya."

Twilight managed to obey his command, after taking a moment to recover from the shock, she sat down on the dirt, Sergeant Shield sitting before her, facing her.

"Well ya see, I come from a whole family of guards, not just army ponies mind you, but Celestia's personal guards, the real throne room deal. My daddy was named Steadfast Shield, my granddaddy was named Adamant Shield, and even my great-granddaddy was Celestia's personal guard Bright Shield. Now when my momma found out she was pregnant, they had a name all ready for if it was a son." He made a grand gesture with his forehooves. "'Stalwart Shield', the next in a long and honorable line of great ponies. My parents hadn't counted on twins." His ears folded back against his head as he studied the ground by his forehooves.

"I was born 3 minutes after my brother, but that was three minutes too late for my parents. They already had their perfect son, and I was just 'the other one' they couldn't even be bothered to think up a decent name for." He sighed heavily, "At least they got what they wanted, Stalwart Shield is probably guarding the throne room right now, while I'm out here, about leave for an enemy country, and the last letter I received from my folks was two years ago, telling me that Stalwart had been accepted into the guard."

Shield's shoulders began to shake, just when Twilight was about to try to comfort him, the last sound she would have expected came from him. It started as a little chuckle, but in moments he was practically rolling on the ground laughing. Twilight was stunned, but soon joined him, as she had been holding back giggles ever since hearing his name.

The sun had gone down some time during his story, but they still sat there for a couple minutes, laughing in the middle of the road, as the stars twinkled overhead. Finally, Shield found the breath to speak.

"Heh, I have a fucking stupid name."

Twilight giggled once more. "Yes, but it's part of your charm." She blushed profusely upon realizing what she had just said, staring wide-eyed at Shield.

The earth pony cleared his throat to break the awkward silence, "Yes well, I think we should be getting to bed, we're probably leaving at sun-up tomorrow, and it's a full day’s trot at least."

Twilight simply nodded, intent on getting to bed and ending her session of stumbling from one blush-inducing moment to the next. The remainder of the walk was short, and it passed with only a little small talk. Once they arrived at the barracks that the squad had been assigned to, they both went completely silent so as not to wake the already sleeping ponies. Twilight slipped stealthily into her bunk; it was nowhere near as comfortable as her mattress at home, but it really wasn't all that bad.

As she lay there, she thought of the other ponies in the squad, she felt safe in their presence, they had been in danger before, and they were there to watch over her. She thought of Shield, refusing to think of his first name, for fear of laughing. She would have to make sure he wasn't joking about visiting her in Ponyville when he got off tour. She had never experienced romance before, but unless her books were failing her—something they never did—she was in a prime position to pursue a romantic relationship with another pony.

Despite how terrifying that prospect was to her, she couldn't help but feel excited. That night, sleep came easily to Twilight.

8 - Blood And Sand

Edited by the always-swell Pilate. He calms my heavy hand when I try to beat the readers over the head.

Twilight awoke amidst a cacophony of ponies moving about the barracks in time with the organized chaos that stemmed from being inside a unit. Shield approached her bunk, shooting her a glance and a smirk while ponies putting on armor or equipping weapons filled out the backdrop of the efficient but anxious scene. She noted that the burgundy-maned squad leader was already geared up—he was back in his armor—but now he also had a helmet on his head, a crossbow on his back, and sword with a foreleg-strap that hung off his side.

Twilight groaned as she rolled out of bed, even the dim light of the candles seemed oppressive and overly bright in her tired state. She managed not to fall over, which she considered to be a good start. She stood dazed, staring straight ahead for a moment before Shield chuckled and offered her a steaming mug.

"Yeah, I thought you might be like this, what with it being your first early march and all. I brought ya a cup of joe from the kitchens, I suspect you'd be incapable of walking the distance to get your own right about now."

Twilight grumbled in thanks and accepted his offering of caffeinated beverage. She looked at it in apprehension for a moment; Twilight had never heard a single good thing said about army coffee. However, quickly remembering that army beds and army food hadn’t been anywhere near as bad as the stories, she took a large swig of the stimulating drink. Her eyes widened, and it was at this point that she decided the army would be the death of her.

This is not coffee! This is a vile creation of Discord, another attempt to bring chaos into the world, this time in drinkable form. All stores of this horrid substance must be tracked down and disposed of immediately!

As she struggled to swallow the worst excuse for coffee she had ever experienced, she noticed Shield standing there with a big dumb smile on his face, barely containing laughter. She glared at him, as she finally coaxed her stomach to accept its fate, and swallowed the last of the coffee in her mouth.

"Army coffee ain't good, but it sure as Tartarus wakes you up, am I right?" Shield made no attempt at hiding his amused state.

Twilight shuddered as she set the still near-full mug down on a bedside table. Yesterday, when she’d had her first cigarette, it had been the worst thing the young scholar had ever tasted. It had been less than 24 hours since then, and that record had already been broken by Shield’s so-called drink. While she certainly would never be touching that terrible substance again, she couldn't help but agree that she was now wide awake.

Giving Shield one last dirty look for good measure, Twilight donned her armor, graduation knife, and heavy crossbow. She realized she had forgotten her dog tags, and simply slipped them on over her armor. She checked herself over, and found her preparations to be satisfactory. Smiling at her swiftness she began to move to the door, only to be stopped by a brown hoof.

"Now just where do ya thing you're going?" Shield was still smiling, but she could tell by his tone that he was being serious.

Twilight just gave him a confused look. In response he simply glanced from her face to the top of her head repeatedly. This only served to increase Twilight's confusion, until she just had to speak up.

"Are you checking out my horn?" Twilight asked jokingly.

Shield recoiled slightly, before noticing the purple mare laughing, joining in quickly to dispel the slightly awkward air. Once they had finished laughing, Shield shook his head and spoke. "Look, you need to wear a helmet, I really didn't think I'd have to outright say it, but I guess it is your first mission. Seriously, do they not teach you these things at whatever shadowy training facility you grew up in?"

His tone was playful, but it struck a chord with Twilight, bringing her to wonder just how she had made such a basic mistake. Her training had given her many skills, but it had never been real. A soldier never forgets their helmet because it’s often the thing that makes the difference between a close call and an early grave, they don't forget it because there is a real threat of death if they do. Twilight had forgotten her helmet, and that only served as a reminder that she had no experience with the real life of a soldier. The idea that at any moment, somepony could try to kill her was just something she couldn’t fathom. It was something nopony could ever comprehend without personal experience, and despite her love of knowledge, it was something she hoped she would never learn for herself.

The purple mare shook herself out of her introspection, smiled sheepishly at Shield, and rubbed the back of her neck with a forehoof embarrassedly. "Oh, heh, I guess I forgot to bring one..."

Shield only nodded. "I suspected as much, s'why I went and got this from the armory." He reached behind him and drew out a standard issue helmet. Unlike the desert camouflaged ones everypony else wore, this one was a deep unreflective black, the same as the leatherweave components of Twilight’s armor. "You have no idea how hard it was to find a helmet that matched your armor, but I figure it was worth it, seein’ as you'd look mighty silly wearing one of these," he tapped the mottled tan and brown helmet on his head, "with that suit of armor."

The small gesture of kindness warmed Twilight's heart as she gratefully accepted the helmet, placing it carefully on her head. She had no idea where he had managed to find a helmet that was not only black, but also fitted for a unicorn. In any case, she was extremely thankful, and quickly let him know.

He smiled kindly in response to her thanks, "You’re in my squad, Twilight.”

“Yeah, but you didn’t have to do this. You’ve been so nice to me, why? I’ve never done anything for you.” Twilight persisted.

Shield merely looked confused, repeating his reason slowly. “You’re in my squad... Why are we still talking about this?”

Twilight realized that he really might just care about his squad members that much. Regardless, she was about to press the issue further when Shield spoke up.

“Look Twilight, you’re a nice pony. Too nice for this place. I know we haven’t known each other long, but I’d like if I could consider you a friend.” He paused for affirmation, continuing with a smile at Twilight’s enthusiastic nod. “I’m just terribly sorry to say that you have no idea what you’re doing out here. Not that that’s a bad thing mind you,” he quickly clarified at the unicorn’s downtrodden expression. “You’re innocent Twilight, and me and mine were tasked with protecting you, so that’s just what I’m gonna do.” He smirked as a thought came to him. “Tell ya what, if you’re really set on returning the favor, my tour ends in about a month and a half. Come that day, I’ll be stuck out in a world of sunshine and rainbows I haven’t seen in years. I’ll be a much bigger fish out of water than you ever were here. How 'bout I make sure you survive active duty, then in a month and a half I’ll look you up in Ponytown, and you can make sure I survive the civilian life.”

“Ponyville.”

“Ponysburg, right." The earth pony winked mischievously.

Twilight giggled. "I'd like that."

Shield gestured for her to follow and led the way out of the barracks. They stepped out into the cool dryness of the desert, Twilight shivered slightly as a light wind blew over them. The unicorn would have called it night, were it not for the barely visible glow on the eastern horizon. Twilight groaned at this and turned to Shield who seemed as bright-eyed and bushy-tailed as if they had slept in.

"What time is it anyway?"

"It's almost 0500, which will be our departure time, not so bad really." Shield responded without turning to face her, still leading the way through the base in the near-darkness.

"If this is your idea of 'not so bad' remind me to never let you wake me up early."

They shared a little chuckle as their destination came into view, switching their expressions to complete professionalism when they spotted Lieutenant Striker. The lieutenant was standing on a slight rise in the ground at the head of an assembly of ponies. There were 50 ponies in the platoon, divided into 10 squads, and everypony there was either an earth pony or unicorn, with a small tilt towards the former.

Makes sense I suppose, this is an infantry platoon. Still, it couldn't hurt to have a pegasus scout or two.

Twilight decided to leave her thoughts on EAF platoon organization for another time, instead joining the roughly ordered crowd in front of the platoon's commanding officer. She noticed with a small amount of pride that she was not the last to arrive, there were another three ponies she didn't recognize just now joining the crowd. Lieutenant Striker looked over the assembly, apparently doing a head count. After a few moments of this he nodded to himself and spoke in a loud, clear voice devoid of any emotion, yet completely commanding.

"Today we are transferring from Border Outpost 3 to Forward Operating Base Platinum near Coltdahar. This means that we will be on the move all day, with minimum breaks. Once we arrive at the F.O.B. we are to join up with the rest of the 5th, and receive further orders from Captain Shining Armor." His hard gaze wandered over the crowd, ensuring that everypony was paying attention. "Alright then, let's not waste any more time. Everypony move out."

The lieutenant obviously hadn't considered the fact that Twilight had never been on a march before, or he had simply counted on somepony else informing her of the procedure. In any case, Twilight was left standing confused as ponies began to move out in a loosely organized column until she spotted Doc waving at her across the crowd. She made her way over to Doc's position to find the rest of the squad already there.

Most of them had the same armor on as yesterday, with the notable addition of standard issue desert camouflaged helmets. Blast Radius was the only one with different armor, in fact she barely recognized him underneath the monstrous mass of metal and leatherweave. His helmet covered his whole head, obscuring his face, and having nothing but a thin visor to see through. The plates on his armor were thicker and greater in number than any suit Twilight had ever seen, and his only weapon was a foreleg knife, just a simple retracting blade strapped to his hoof, far more basic than Twilight's elaborate weapon.

She noted that all of them were now carrying weapons of some sort. Shield had his sword and crossbow. Ellie had a heavy auto crossbow set up on her back, with an aiming and firing mechanism hanging unused in front of her mouth. Doc was carrying various saddlebags and pouches decorated with a red cross, leaving only enough room for a single-hoofed 'light crossbow' strapped to his right foreleg. Clear Shot had a sword like Shield's hung at his side, but what drew Twilight's eye was the crossbow holstered on his back. It was a deep black, sleeker and longer than the one Twilight had, and with an even higher quality scope on it. His weapon had obviously designed for one thing, to kill from a distance, and it had been designed well.

Shield did a quick check, nodding when he saw the whole squad was there. "You heard Lieutenant Striker, let's move."

With that order, they joined the rest of the column. The platoon moved in a mostly organized manner, squads sticking together in the long swarm of ponies moving toward the north exit of the base. When they reached the gate, Twilight saw two APCs there waiting. Four squads detached from the column, one squad entered the cab of each APC, with another squad riding in back; each APC had a pony in the gunner position. This left 30 ponies from the platoon still walking, plus one purple unicorn mare. One APC quickly pulled ahead of the group before matching the walking pace in front. The other waited until everypony exited the base, then took up a rear guard position. Twilight was impressed to see Lieutenant Striker hoofing it in the front of the group, when he could easily have reserved a seat in an APC.

Now their journey began in earnest. The sun was still mostly hidden by the horizon, and the stars were still visible overhead, but Twilight felt invigorated purely by her excitement. Layered on top of the nervous excitement of a new experience was the anticipation of seeing her brother, and completing another task for the princess. Twilight's parents had always supported her, but during her childhood she had spent a great deal more time with the princess. Over the years, Celestia's approval had come to mean the world to the purple scholar, and failure had ceased to be an option. Her mentor had given her a task, and she would complete it, that was simply a fact.

She walked along purposefully, determination shining like fire in her eyes as each step brought her closer to her mission’s ultimate completion. Unfortunately, this got boring is short order, mostly due to the environment she was trekking through. The scenery was nothing but endless sand dunes for miles in every direction she could see; a blank sheet of beige had practically burned into her eyes, slowly numbing her mind with sheer monotony. The sun had mostly risen, casting a blood-red light show over the land. Despite being still partially hidden, its rays were already becoming oppressive to Twilight, unused as she was to the desert environment.

What was that sailor’s adage about red skies in the morning?

She chuckled at the thought. Sailor ponies were notoriously superstitious, taking every little thing as some sort of omen. Twilight was a mare of science, and knew that a red sky in the morning was nothing supernatural, meaning only that pegasi to the west of her position were creating a storm bank. When the sun shone through the haze of water particles created by the storm, it created a striking shade of red. This would explain why it made sailor ponies nervous however, as a coming storm was not something one looked forward to on the high seas. Twilight knew that this storm would never reach them, the dry desert would make it all but impossible for even the best weather team to hold it together for very long.

Still, for whatever reason the purple mage couldn’t shake the feeling of foreboding that only increased the longer she looked up at the crimson sky.

Deciding she would rather not continue that line of thought, Twilight stepped slightly closer to the nearest pony, Blast Radius, to try to initiate conversation. He was not a large pony, about average size for a stallion, but in his armor he seemed huge. Twilight blinked as she had a strange thought.

How in Equestria is he walking through the desert in that thing?

At this point, Blast noticed Twilight walking next to him. With a flash of his horn, he unlocked and removed his helmet, floating it alongside them in an orange aura. "Hello Lieutenant Sparkle. Do you want something?" He asked with a friendly smile.

"How many times am I going to have to tell you? Call me Twilight."

The armored stallion chuckled before responding, "Always once more, Lieutenant Sparkle."

Twilight couldn't help but giggle a little bit at that, settling herself a moment later as she remembered her question. "Blast, how are you not overheating? I mean, I'm sure the others are just used to this climate, but no amount of acclimation could account for you wearing that armor in a desert." Suddenly she remembered Ellie's explanation of the APC and quickly added, "and you're not allowed to just say 'magic' like that explains everything."

Blast looked confused at the apparent non-sequitur, but shrugged it off quickly. "Well if you would like the full explanation of the suit, I can oblige." He cleared his throat, and spoke in a surprisingly good lecturing voice. "The Mark V Heavy Combat Suit is given only to ponies who have completed special training program to use it. It contains a magically powered air filtration and cooling system, as well as a water dispenser, and waste disposal." Twilight moved away slightly as he listed the last feature. "It is used for bomb disposal units, or when a pony is needed who can walk through enemy fire like nothing and get the job done." He rapped a forehoof against the chestplate, grinning proudly. "This suit will stop anything but a direct rocket hit, and even that probably wouldn’t kill me. Most soldiers do not like to say 'Mark V Heavy Combat Suit', too many words. Instead, most call it 'The Walking Bunker'." He let out a short laugh. "Hah, I am pleased with this name," his grin became a smirk, "but I just call mine 'Vera'."

Twilight looked thoughtful for a moment. "Vera... isn't that the Stalliongradi word for 'faith'?"

Blast blinked in surprise. "Yes it is. I am impressed, there are not many who speak my native language outside Stalliongrad. As for 'Vera', it is true that it is the word for 'faith', but it is also used as a name. I thought it fitting, I must have faith that Vera will keep me alive, because once I am sure of survival, I can do anything."

"That's surprisingly apt." The yellow stallion gave her a strange look. "Or... maybe I shouldn't be surprised. Heh sorry, I guess I just don't really know much about you." She glanced at the rest of Bomb Squad all walking close by. "Actually, I don't know much about any of you outside your names. I suppose I got so caught up telling you all about Ponyville and my friends yesterday that I never thought to ask about your lives."

"You know, that's a good point," Shield said from ahead of Twilight, not turning around. "We all know pretty much everything about you, and you don't know squat about us. Besides, this is gonna be a long and boring day unless we pass the time somehow. Blast, you're already warmed up, you start."

The demolitions expert nodded, turning to Twilight who was still walking next to him. "I was born and raised in Stalliongrad, you knew this I am sure." Twilight nodded, and he continued, "Before I joined the army I was a teacher there, high school chemistry." The yellow unicorn sighed wistfully as a nostalgic look crossed his face. "I had a family then, a loving wife and son." His face was consumed by a dark expression. "My wife is no longer for this world, and my son moved out of my life years ago. I decided there was nothing there for me anymore, so I enlisted. This was years ago, before Zebran war, though a lot of that time was spent in training for the suit, and in demolitions training. I have nothing to go back to in Stalliongrad, so I do not plan on going back. I will remain here for the foreseeable future." He smiled a little to try to alleviate Twilight's forlorn expression. "Do not feel down Lieutenant Sparkle. I am content here, and my past life has not bothered me for years."

Despite what Blast said, Twilight couldn't help but feel down at the idea of losing one's whole family, and having nopony at all to return home to. Shaking her head, she looked to her right, seeing Clear Shot there, she nodded at him to go next.

Shot looked at her for a moment, then began speaking in his gravelly, deadpan voice. "Grew up in Neigh Jersey. Never knew my father, suspect he was military—perhaps operative like you—from how my mother talked about him. As for me, worked for a dressmaker." Twilight blinked, that was probably the last thing she would have guessed for the dangerous stallion. "Job bearable, but unpleasant. Had to handle female clothing. Wanted to make suits, tuxedos. Heard what was happening in Zebranistan, decided to help. Also, wanted excuse to leave dress shop." A little half-smile played across the jet-black earth pony’s lips. "Have been saving paychecks. After tour of duty ends, plan to open my own shop."

This brought Twilight's smile back a little. Of all the ponies to have a dream of opening a tailor shop, it just had to be him. Shaking her head a little, she looked to see who would go next.

"So is it my turn now?" Twilight turned to the source of the voice, seeing Ellie grinning at her from a few steps behind, as cheerful as ever. "Well, I grew up on a farm like Doc, except that we grew strawberries, which are far better than pears if you ask me, or if you ask anypony for that matter. Actually, I dare you to find somepony who dislikes strawberries. It can’t be done.”

The teal mare blinked as she realized she had gotten off track. She cleared her throat and went back to her story. “Now I never was one for growing crops, or even harvesting, but whenever a machine broke down, I'd be there to fix it. Didn't take long for me to discover that it was my special talent, but I wasn't sure what to do with it, seeing as the machines around the farm were pretty basic. Until one day, an EAF airship flew over the farm, off to patrol the griffon border." A dreamy expression overtook her features as she thought back to that day. "I had never seen anything like it, and it was beautiful. So many parts and pieces, metal, wood, canvas, glass, and steam, all working together to do something amazing. Everything perfectly engineered to the tiniest detail, and all of it needing somepony to hold it together. Needless to say, I packed my things faster than two shakes, and before you know it I was on my way to the nearest recruitment center."

She blushed a little in embarrassment. "I, uh, I didn't exactly get into the Air Force Engineering Corps like I wanted. I found out the hard way that I have just a tiny, little, debilitating fear of heights. So I chose the next best thing, and joined the Infantry as a combat engineer. I still get to work on some pretty neat stuff, those APCs for example have a good bit of tech built into them. Still, one day I hope to figure out a way past my fear so I can do what I've always dreamed, run the engine room of an airship. So that's me, past, present, and future." Ellie smiled brightly as she finished her tale in a chipper tone.

By now Twilight was smiling fully once again, completely out of the stupor she had been put in by Blast's story. The environment hadn’t changed from plain sand dunes in the entire time they had been walking so far, but the sun had now emerged fully from its resting place beyond the horizon, and Twilight could finally see something standing out against the beige sea of the desert. In the distance there could be seen a patch of a different shade of tan. Squinting her eyes, she could just about make out the hard lines of equine-made structures. She was just about to inquire about it when Doc launched into his story.

“Right then, my turn, you already know I grew up on a pear farm so I’ll skip that bit.” The medic spoke cheerfully and speedily, Twilight was once again reminded of Pinkie Pie, though Pinkie was on another level entirely. “My parents named me Pear Seed hoping I’d grow up to work the farm with some sort of pear related cutie mark. That didn’t exactly pan out. Had some good times there though. I still remember when my father and I watched a meteor shower from the top of a grassy hilltop out in the west orchard.” He cleared his throat. “Yes, anyway, I’m actually the newest one here you see. This is my first tour, and I’ve only been out here a couple of months.”

Twilight looked askance at him, “it sounded like you enjoyed living on the farm though. Why did you leave?”

Doc sighed in memory. “I was restless. I wanted to see the world, to have adventures. The farm was giving me none of that, so I packed up and left. I wandered aimlessly for a couple years, and did get myself into a good few adventures. Eventually I decided that I wanted to do something that involved my talent.” He blinked. “I never told you my talent did I? Oh silly me, it’s medicine, my cutie mark is a red cross, same as on my armor. Not surprising, that one. You’d probably already guessed it by now. So anyway where was I? Ah yes! So I wanted to do something with my talent, but you can’t exactly become a doctor without ever going to medical school. That’s when I found out that the EAF offers a training program for combat medics. It’s a little basic compared to an actual degree, but it’s enough to get me an internship at a hospital.”

Twilight nodded. “So when your tour ends, you’ll go to work at a hospital then.

“Actually no,” Doc smirked, confusing Twilight. “I think I’ve had enough adventure. I know I said I hate pears, but a nice relaxed life of pear farming sounds like just what I’ll need when my tour is up.” He chuckled a little. “Funny that, seems I’ll end up right where I started after all. Sometimes you don’t know just how good you have it until you’ve spent two years wandering, followed by several months of military training, followed by a yearlong tour in the army.” He winked. “Know what I’m saying?”

Twilight could only shake her head and smile at the strange mannerisms of the self-proclaimed ‘Doctor’ before turning her attention back to the structures she had seen in the distance, thinking they might be more visible now. Sure enough, she could now confirm that there were buildings a good distance down the road. She turned to Shield to ask about them, but was cut off when he anticipated her question.

“That,” he started, gesturing towards the distant shapes, “is Khenatrot. It’s just a small village, the zebras there are friendly, most of ‘em don’t like Kwaad any more than we do. We actually pass through three such villages between here and F.O.B. Platinum.”

Twilight cocked her head. “So you’ve done this route before? It’s safe right?”

Shield chuckled a little at that. “Of course it’s safe.” Twilight looked confused at the surety of his statement, so he clarified, “Well ya see, Celestia is always looking to protect any Zebran citizens who oppose Kwaad, seeing as he’s taken a liking to mass executions and all.” Twilight winced slightly, but motioned for him to continue. “As a result of this, she puts a lot of effort into the defense of any Equestria-supporting villages. Now this has resulted in a bit of an unwritten rule, the more villages your route takes you through, the safer you’re gonna be. If we were travelling on a ‘zero’ I’d say to watch for attacks, but we’re on a ‘three’.” He grinned confidently. “With three villages between here and there, the only thing we have to worry about is dying from boredom if Shot decides to tell another exciting tale of his life as a fashion worker.” Shield snickered at the dark look Clear Shot was giving him.

Ellie started as she realized something. “Hey Sarge, you never told your story.”

“You know I don’t talk about my past,” He replied in a completely serious tone.

Ellie, like the rest of the squad, failed to notice the knowing look that passed between Twilight and Shield. “Dammit,” Ellie complained with a bit of amusement, “you’re never gonna tell us anything other than ‘I grew up in Canterlot’,” she said the last part in a deep imitation of a stallion’s voice, causing Twilight to snicker. “Well, why don’t you tell her what you plan on doing after the war? I’m sure she’d get a kick out of that.”

Twilight blinked and looked questioningly at Shield, who was for his part glaring at Ellie. “What does she mean?” Twilight asked. “Surely it can’t be as funny as running a clothing shop.” She clapped both hooves over her muzzle as soon as she realized what she’d said, removing them only to speak in a panicked and apologetic voice. “Not that there’s anything wrong with that! It’s just… y’know… for a deadly sniper… and then… suddenly a tailor… I’ll just shut up now.” She hung her head as she finished, too embarrassed to look at Shot. She was broken out of her shame-filled torpor by the aforementioned sniper’s gravelly voice.

“No problem. Actually agree, but in opposite direction. Don’t think it’s funny that a sniper is a tailor. Think it’s funny that a tailor is a sniper. Cutie mark is actually needle and thread.” Twilight was surprised by this at first, but it made sense, not every soldier could have a combat related talent. “Anyway, you’re right, Shield’s isn’t as good. Still, pretty funny.” The pitch-black earth pony explained in his strange speech pattern.

“It’s not funny,” Shield grumbled. “It’s endearing, if anything.” He paused for a moment, until Twilight gestured for him to go on. Sighing, he complied. “I’ve always… really wanted to open a restaurant, a nice little place, but not too fancy. I’d like to open it in somewhere quiet too, not like Canterlot. It’d be small enough that I could run it myself, with just one other pony to take orders. I wouldn’t want it to become famous or anythin’, it would always be a little, relaxed place, with a few loyal customers. Even though not many ponies would eat there, that’s just how I’d want it, and they’d always leave satisfied in a way that only a good meal and good company can.”

Twilight looked at the other members of the squad trying to stifle laughter—except Clear Shot who just smirked a little—and cocked her head in confusion. “I don’t get it. I mean, sure it’s a little quaint for a hardened war veteran, but it’s hardly hilarious.”

Shield glanced at Twilight. “You don’t know my cutie mark do you?”

Twilight shook her head. She had in fact made a ferocious effort not to look at his flank all of last night, and she was very proud of herself for succeeding.

“Yeah well, as for why they all find it so funny,” Shield gestured to the rest of the squad, “my mark’s two crossed swords over a shield, and let’s just say it hasn’t helped my cookin’ one bit.”

Ellie made a sympathetic face. “Aww don't feel bad Sarge, you’re getting better. Why, the last time you made us a meal it wasn’t half bad. Of course,” she covered her muzzle as she giggled a little, “it wasn’t half good either.”

This started a whole new round of laughter which Twilight, and even Shield, joined in on. When Twilight was able to quiet her laughter, she moved a little closer to Shield, speaking in a low voice, unheard by the still-laughing squad members, or even the silently smiling Clear Shot.

“I actually agree that it’s endearing,” she smiled at Shield, which he happily returned. “You know, if you really do plan on coming to Ponyville, we can always use more restaurants. Besides, my baby dragon Spike is quite the little chef, and I’m sure he would be happy to give you some pointers.”

“Well, I don’t know if there’s anything he can teach that this master chef doesn’t already know,” He thumped his chest with bravado, causing Twilight to giggle, before he spoke in a slightly more serious voice, “but I hear the company in that town is pretty swell, so I might just take you up on that offer,” his voice switched back to a playful tone, “despite your horribly insulting insinuation that I might need help with my cooking.”

They shared another laugh, before easily transitioning to a companionable silence. They walked without speaking for a while longer. Twilight turned her attention to the village in the distance, as it was the only thing in any direction besides endless sand. Twilight hated sand.

--{MoW}--

After another half hour of nothing but sand, they were nearing the village of Khenatrot. Shield was walking ahead of the rest of the squad, but he slowed his pace to walk next to Twilight as the buildings grew closer.

“Not to worry you without cause,” he started in a serious tone that did nothing but worry the purple mare, “but you should keep your guard up while we’re in town.” Twilight shot him a questioning look, so he clarified. “Normally it’s not very hard to spot an enemy y’know? Just look for the stripes. Now we’re about to wade into a whole mess of zebras, most of which are perfectly friendly.” Shield lowered his voice. “My point is exactly that. Most of them are friendly.”

Twilight gulped nervously as the town suddenly looked a little less inviting. “Alright, I’ll keep an eye out.” She felt a little silly saying that, seeing as she had no idea what to keep an eye out for, not having the slightest clue as to how she was supposed to differentiate the friendly zebras from the enemies.

The column of ponies, and two APCs, entered the town at a slow walk. Several zebras could be seen looking on from within their houses, and a few even came out to the street to watch the platoon pass. Twilight was confused, she wasn’t expecting ‘several’ zebras. She was under the impression that there would be more.

She turned to Shield, who was still walking beside her. “Hey, is this all there is? I don’t see how you would have much of a hard time identifying hostiles when you only have to check a couple zebras.”

Shield chuckled at her question. “Nah, this is nothing. It’s a market day.”

Twilight waited for the rest of that thought. After a moment, it became clear that Shield expected her to accept his meager explanation without any clarification. She was having none of that. “And just how does that explain anything? We have market days in Ponyville, but they aren’t all that different from a normal day.”

The brown earth pony responded with a smile and a wink. “Well, out here they surely are.” He gestured with a forehoof as the convoy rounded a corner, finally coming into sight of the central town.

Twilight nearly stumbled as she looked in the direction he had gestured. She was only able to coax a single syllable out as her response. “Oh…”

The column ground to a halt, presented with an unending sea of black and white stripes. Twilight was left speechless by the numbers and density of the zebras in the marketplace. She hadn’t even thought that the town’s population was this big, but there they were, covering every square foot of the bazaar that wasn’t taken up by the various stalls that sold everything from fruit, to clothes, to loaded crossbows. A near-deafening wave of noise constantly washed over her from the market, making it impossible to pick out what any one zebra was saying with all of them shouting at once.

Shield gestured for the squad to gather around him, speaking over the market sounds once they were assembled. “Okay, you all know the drill, but this is Lieutenant Sparkle’s first time so I’ll explain the basics.” His use of Twilight’s rank drove home just how serious he was. “Do not separate from the rest of the squad. If you are forced to separate, fall in with another squad as quickly as possible, and we’ll meet up on the other side. You don’t want to get lost alone in the crowd. If any of the villagers offer you something free, don’t take it. Stay polite about it though, they may just be really friendly. The populace knows not to bother us, so if they remain insistent, that’s a bad sign.” He winced at that, making Twilight suspect these rules came from experience. “Do not let your guard down for a second. When we start moving again, it could take awhile to push through the crowd, keep your head on a swivel the whole time, and call out any suspicious figures you see.” He glanced at each squad member. “Everypony got that?”

Various forms of agreement were given, and Shield nodded approvingly. At that moment, a loud air horn could be heard blaring from the front of the procession, causing the throng of zebras to part a little in the middle. Just like that, the convoy was on the move again.

They walked at an incredibly slow pace, having to follow the lead APC, which was moving at a crawl through the dense populace of the town. Twilight followed Shield’s advice, sweeping her gaze over the nearby zebras. It was far harder than she thought it would be to watch out for threats. She found herself surrounded by zebras, all far too close for her to feel comfortable. From what she could see, most of them sported friendly smiles, some of them nodded at her as she passed, and a few of them even waved cheerily.

After a couple of minutes of excruciatingly slow walking, Twilight spotted her first unfriendly face. Up on a balcony to her left, overlooking the plaza they were currently passing through, she spotted a frowning zebra stallion. He was wearing a black vest with several pouches on it, and had a large scar across his neck. His glare, it seemed to Twilight, was directed straight at her, and the pure hatred written on his face caused the librarian soldier to shiver involuntarily.

Twilight made sure to use proper terminology when calling out his position to Shield. “I see suspicious looking stallion, apartment building at 9 o’ clock, fourth floor balcony.”

The burgundy-maned earth pony nodded. “I see ‘em. Shot, be ready to introduce him to the pointy end. The rest of you, keep watching the crowd.”

Clear Shot nodded and loosened the long-range crossbow in its holster on his back, preparing to draw it in the blink of an eye if the zebra tried anything. The rest of the squad did as Shield said, but Twilight couldn’t help glancing at the creepy zebra on the balcony once more, noting with no little alarm that he was still there, still glaring in her direction. As her paranoia of the crowd around her grew, she became acutely aware of the combat knife on her right foreleg. Her expertly crafted Academy graduation knife could be out and combat ready in a fraction of a second if she needed it, and it would take less than a pound of pressure for her to pierce skin with the blade of the deadly implement. This knowledge did nothing to comfort her. She didn’t want to kill anypony, and the fact that she had the means to do it so easily only troubled her more.

Twilight shook her head, now was not the time for introspection. She did a quick check for the watcher on the balcony—he was still there—and turned her attention back to the crowd. They were about to pass a stall selling intricate little boxes, the kind used to store a valuable piece of jewelry, or a small keepsake. The platoon was brought to a halt with Twilight directly in front of the box-selling stall, the zebra mare operating the stall caught Twilight’s eye. To the scholar’s paranoid mind, the zebra mare’s smile looked devious as she picked up a small intricately decorated box and stepped a little towards the purple unicorn.

Twilight had never learned to speak Zebran, so she simply smiled politely and shook her head as the mare offered her the box. Inwardly, she was beginning to panic, praying to Celestia that whatever was blocking their path would be cleared up quickly. The salesmare looked around and noted that the column was not going anywhere, before moving a little closer to Twilight with a friendly smile on her face, offering the box and speaking a few words in Zebran. Twilight looked to the other squad members for support, but they were all keeping an eye on either the balcony zebra or the general crowd. She was pretty sure this mare was being insistent at this point, she thought of Shield’s warning for a moment, but inwardly scoffed as she examined the salesmare, who had moved closer again, still attempting to get her to take the box. The mare before her had to be three times Twilight’s age, wrapped in a shawl that had definitely seen better days, her hoof shook slightly as she held the beautifully crafted box out to Twilight, a possible sign of arthritis.

Twilight shook herself out of that tangential train of thought, and focused her attention on making the bothersome salesmare leave her alone. The aforementioned mare finally closed the gap between them, practically holding the box in Twilight’s face at this point. Shield finally seemed to notice Twilight’s proximity to the zebra, cursing under his breath.

“Twilight! Get away from—“

He was cut off by a loud blast from an air horn at the front of the convoy. Apparently whatever had been blocking their path was now clear.

Twilight had turned her head slightly at Shield’s shout, but the horn blast startled her, causing her to snap her gaze towards the front of the column. As she looked away from the salesmare, and in Shield’s direction, she noticed his eyes widen at something behind her and his mouth open to shout something to her.

Time slowed down as she spun around, catching the glint of steel in her vision and reflexively moving her head to the right. She felt a cold blade cut into her face below her left eye in agonizing slowness. She saw each individual droplet of her own blood sail through the air from the deep slash. She even had time, in her slowed down perception, to take note of the hate-filled sneer that had replaced the knife-wielding mare’s cheerful smile.

Time finally reverted to normal speed as Twilight recoiled a few steps away from the mare with a hiss of pain. She fell to her haunches and covered the wound with her left forehoof, quickly bringing her right hoof up and extending the blade of her combat knife towards her foe in preparation to defend herself. Looking through the one eye not covered in blood, Twilight was able to see clearly as a crossbow bolt sprouted between her assailant’s eyes a fraction of a second before the zebra mare was tackled to the ground by an enraged Shield.

“What the hell?!” Shield shouted as he rose from the corpse of the would-be assassin, pointing an accusatory hoof at Twilight. “I told you not to do that!”

It was at that moment that her brain finally processed the immense pain she was in. The lavender mare screamed in agony and collapsed to her belly in the dust. The pain was like nothing she had ever felt in her life. She had only ever received minor cuts and bruises in the past, but the gash across her face was long and deep. Blood poured onto the road mixing with tears as she whimpered weakly.

Shield immediately felt bad for his outburst. “Oh jeeze, that actually looks pretty bad.” He turned and shouted, “Doc! What the hell are you doing? Get over here!”

The white unicorn in question was already rushing toward Twilight, a concerned expression on his face. “Oh dear, this is not pretty.” He produced various medical supplies from his saddlebags while he inspected the wound. “Ah yes, this will require stitches. Hey um… you know what looks really cool? Facial scars, everypony loves them.” The red-maned medic laughed nervously. “And on a related note… This is definitely going to scar. Don’t worry though, as long as you can keep good care if it while it heals it should only be a little thing. Barely a couple inches.” Twilight whimpered slightly at this as Doc levitated a needle and thread designed for mending flesh rather than clothes. He cleaned out the cut carefully, disinfecting it and ensuring it was completely clear of sand before he began the surgical suture. Once he had it sealed up, he wiped down the other parts of her face that were coated in blood, cleaning her left eye of blood as well.

The other members of the squad gathered around as he worked, the process only taking a couple of minutes. Shield left briefly to inform Lieutenant Striker of the situation and explain the short delay. By the time the sergeant returned, Twilight was already rising to her hooves.

“I assume you learned your lesson about why we always listen to the sergeant.” Shield remarked as he joined the rest of the squad.

“Hey, go easy on her Sarge. Knife wounds fucking hurt.” Ellie retorted, causing the rest of the squad to glare towards their leader, and earning a small smile of thanks from Twilight.

“Yeah, sorry about that.” Shield apologized genuinely. “How’re ya holding up?”

“I feel like my face just got slashed open.” Twilight deadpanned.

The squad shared a small laugh at that, happy to lighten the mood.

Shield gave Twilight a considering look, not quite buying her nonchalance, before turning to Clear Shot. “By the way, that was some nice shooting and all, but I totally had it covered.”

Clear Shot glared at Shield. “Zebra was armed, you weren’t. I saved you.”

The two stallions glared at each other for a long moment, but just when Twilight was getting worried, Shield chuckled and hung his head. Clear Shot smirked at his apparent victory.

“Fine, you’re right,” the brown earth pony stated in defeat. He reached into a pocket of his armor and withdrew a pack of cigarettes, which he tossed to the jet black pony across from him. “But you may not want to use those. I’ll be expecting all of ‘em back next time I save your ass.”

As a couple of ponies began cleaning up the scene of the fight the squad began chatting idly. Without warning, Twilight pulled Shield behind some stalls so that they were out of sight and out of earshot of the rest of the squad.

“Whoa!” Shield chucked. “Well now Miss Twilight, aren’t you being a mite forward? At least buy me dinner first.”

His jovial attitude fell immediately when he saw Twilight’s face. She was looking at him with foalishly wide eyes, tears were beginning to form, and she was clearly shaking with barely repressed sobs.

“Hey now, it’s alright,” he spoke in a sympathetic tone. Throwing caution to the wind, he wrapped his forelegs around the suddenly fragile mare. There was nothing behind the hug, it was simply the comfort of a friend, but Twilight had never been so grateful for a friendly hug in her life. “It’s fine, you’re fine,” Shield said soothingly.

Twilight shook her head without looking up from Shield’s shoulder, careful not to let her wound be disturbed. “It’s not fine. I almost died back there, and it was completely my fault.” She mewled quietly before composing herself enough to speak. “What am I doing out here Shield? I’m not a soldier, I’m a fucking librarian.” Twilight virtually never swore—maybe once or twice when she’d been up for days, stuck on a hard bit of research—but she had read that it could be cathartic, and it did calm her a little. Though her voice was still shaky as she continued, partly because she was still feeling remnants of the worst pain of her life.

“Why did she attack me? She seemed so nice one minute, a-and I was trying to be p-polite, and I-I turned away for one second, and then w-when I turned back she just…” Twilight trailed off, realizing she was rambling. She worked up the courage to release herself from the hug and look Shield in the eyes, fully expecting to see disgust at her foalish behavior.

Instead, she saw in his eyes a look of understanding as he spoke in a low tone. “Twilight, I know exactly what you’re going through right now.” He paused, as if searching for the right words before continuing in a halting tone, like what he was about to say was hard to talk about. “Two years ago, back when we’d just gained a lot of territory in Zebranistan, I took part in the occupation of a decent sized town near the front lines, I was a corporal at the time, and our squad was tasked with evacuating part of the town in prep for the Zebran counter attack. A zebra stallion approached me, tried to offer me some free food. Now I may have been a little more inexperienced back then, but I wasn’t an idiot, and I wasn’t about to accept food from some random stallion."

"Eventually, the rest of the squad joined me in trying to get rid of the guy. We were all facing him, shoutin’ and waving for him to leave us alone.” He sighed heavily. “When the stallion with the food hit the dirt and covered his head, we all had about one second to realize our mistake. Nopony had seen the zebra set up an auto-crossbow in a window behind us.” Shield winced at the memory, and rubbed a spot on his armor that covered several small round scars. “All of us got hit pretty bad, only me an’ Clear Shot actually managed to hold on long enough for the medics to arrive.”

His tone became dark and angry. “And that stallion? The one who had distracted us? He smiled at me. He just stood there with a massive fucking grin on his face while my friends bled to death in the street,” the earth pony spat, before his voice became sad. “That’s when I made the rules for moving in crowds, but it didn’t matter by that point. That stallion had destroyed my trust, completely and utterly, and now I suspect the same happened to you.”

Twilight was dumbstruck for a moment, but managed a slow nod. He was right, she could never let her guard down again. Not after the nicest zebra she’d met had tried to kill her. Shield simply sat on his haunches, lost in sad thoughts of the past, before being snapped out of it by another hug. He blinked and glanced down at the purple mare that had attached herself to him. She had been so innocent, and it tore him up that he could no longer say that truthfully about her. She had seen what it was like out there, in the world most ponies didn’t know existed.

“So to answer your question, that mare attacked you because that’s the world we live in. It ain’t pretty, and you don’t have to like it. As a matter of fact, I might hold it against you if you did, but we have to be here. If somepony doesn’t stop this war, it only means more death.” He paused, making a sweeping gesture in the direction of the rest of platoon. “So here’s us, on the raggedy edge. Because somepony’s gotta be.”

The purple mare once again broke free from the hug, with a little less reluctance now that she had been calmed down some. “So that's it then?” Twilight asked despondently. “Wherever we go, we just can’t trust anypony ever again?” She shivered at the thought.

Shield smiled. “Trust your squad, Twilight. Trust me, Doc, Shot, Ellie, and Blast, trust all of us as your friends. Friendship is something you might find sorely lacking out here. Oh, and one more thing,” Shield’s tone became slightly more upbeat, “don’t expect me to be making with the sappiness around the rest of the squad. I’ve got my ‘tough-as-nails sergeant’ persona to maintain.”

Both ponies chuckled a little at the obvious sarcasm, glad to have lightened the mood before silently agreeing that they should head back now. Twilight was still a little jittery as she rose to her hooves, but Shield allowed her to lean on him until they returned to the convoy, at which point they broke apart, both knowing just how inappropriate the contact was between an officer and her subordinate. Twilight had only a brief moment to note that the strange, vest-wearing zebra on the balcony was gone before the air horn sounded for the final time, and the platoon made its way out of the village.

The rest of the time in the small town was nerve wracking for Twilight. Her entire perception had changed to the point that every zebra was seen as a potential threat. She was constantly casting her gaze about, silently thanking Celestia when no more zebras attempted to sell her anything. Finally, after what seemed like hours, but was really no more than 30 minutes, they passed through the gate and into the desert. When they finally stepped back into the familiar scenery of endless sand, Twilight allowed a sigh of relief escape her lips. Twilight loved sand.

--{MoW}--

As the town grew smaller in the distance, Twilight’s heart was still hammering in her and chest, and her mind was still racing at the thought of a possible attack. She couldn’t shake her jumpiness, and would be willing to try anything just to calm down. The purple mare blinked as the thought of something she could try occurred to her.

“I think I need a smoke after that.” Twilight declared.

Shield blinked, “I was under the impression that you hated the last one. You really shouldn't make it a habit, trust me.” He turned to the purple mare walking next to him, only to be confronted with the most potent pair of puppy dog eyes he had ever seen. It didn’t take long for him to cave in under Twilight’s adorableness. Sighing heavily he pulled a pack of cigarettes out of a pocket and held it out for Twilight to take one. “You’re a bad pony, and you should feel bad.”

Twilight smirked victoriously. “I blame the bad influence you ponies are having on me.” She chuckled a bit as she lit the cigarette. Her cool attitude went right out the window as she coughed violently after the first drag. She scrunched up her face in disgust. “Oh that’s horrible!”

Regardless of its awful taste, the unhealthy habit did help to calm her down. She idly continued to smoke the cigarette, coughing occasionally, as they left Khenatrot behind. She realized that she was lucky her wound was above her cheek, or smoking would have been extremely painful, as well as talking, or moving her face at all for that matter.

As she continued to introduce her lungs to the toxic fumes of the cigarette, she looked around her at the rest of the squad. Ellie was telling a joke to Doc, it was apparently quite funny, based on his reaction. Blast Radius had removed his concealing helmet again, and had an easy smile on his face as his hoofsteps in his heavy armor kicked up small clouds of dust. Clear Shot still had a blank expression on his face, but when he caught Twilight looking he shot her a little half-smile of encouragement. The purple mare thought back to Shield’s comforting words with a smile.

Friendship may be sorely lacking out here, but I’ve found more than enough.

Twilight tilted her head toward Shield as a question came to mind. “By the way, whatever happened to this route being perfectly safe? Something about not having to worry on a ‘three’?”

Shield chuckled before replying. “Something always goes wrong, Twilight. That's the rule. The good news is, this time it was only a flesh-wound, nopony died, and now that we’ve had our one thing, nothing can go wrong for the rest of the trip.” A large grin adorned his face by the end of his explanation.

Twilight, on the other hoof, was not satisfied by that logic at all. “What?!” Her cigarette fell right out of her mouth, saved at the last second by her magic. “That makes no sense! How in Equestria can you possibly believe that?”

“Remember that ‘Plinko Sense’ you told us about?”

“Pinkie Sense.”

“Ponko Sense, right.” Shield smirked. “Just think of this as something similar. It may not make a lick of sense, but I’ve experienced it enough to know it’s true. Trust me, it’ll be smooth sailing from here on out.”