Chapter 19: The Devil Deals the Hand

"So we're going to have to go back into the city soon?" Jester asked. He, Specter, and Soap were sitting in the mess hall, eating some leftover pizza.

"Apparently that's what the boys up top said. The way the report said, they want us to go in during the night and take down some mobile SAMs that are taking down our fighter jets. They said if we can take those SAMs down, we'll have air superiority and we can airdrop more troops in. The KSK soldiers that have come in will set up distractions on the ground with the Marines while Shadow Company and the 141 take the fight to the rooftops." Soap explained, leaning back on his chair.

"What about that Pavel guy Scarecrow brought in? should we use him as leverage?" Jester then asked.

"You really expect the Russians to make a deal for one soldier?" Specter scoffed, drinking more of his water.

"He's right. For now, he'll just have to stay a prisoner of war. I assured Scarecrow nothing bad will happen to him, he'll be treated fairly if he answers any questions he's asked." Soap added. He took another bite of pizza, some of the cheese getting on his chin.

"They feed us the best food when they know it's a one way trip. ." Soap muttered, looking at his slice.

"That's what they said about our last mission to." Specter noted, looking at his own slice.

---

Scarecrow was looking his weapons, making sure everything was in check. He wasn't to happy when he heard that they were going back in. He had died and come back to life after all. Now they were being sent back simply for the fact they had no one better. In the report, they said even the KSK couldn't take this target, but they would assist with ground fighting. He was loading the clips for his M39 EMR when Rainbow Dash walked in.

"How's it going?" Dash asked, getting beside Scarecrow. He looked at her, giving a slight smile.

"Well, I'm alive for one thing." Scarecrow replied, Dash chuckling slightly.

"Well, I think Applejack was the most thankful for that." Dash chuckled.

"Guess that secret's out." Scarecrow muttered, continuing to load the M39 clips. Dash started handing him the rounds, helping him.

"Guess so, but I don't think it's anything bad." Dash said, the thought of her and Ghost in the back of her mind.

"Well, she obviously doesn't think so either." Scarecrow replied, glad that at least the tale of what they did behind closed doors hadn't come out.

"So you ready?" Scarecrow asked, filling the last clip he would need for tonight's mission up. Dash looked back down at the table, sighing.

"How can we ever be ready with things like this?" she muttered. Scarecrow looked at her, putting a hand on her shoulder.

"Hey, don't worry. We're going to do everything we can to keep you and the other girls safe. I swear it." Scarecrow said. Dash smiled, feeling a little re-assured. She started to walk out, but was stopped by Scarecrow.

"Oh, and if you can," Scarecrow started, scratching the back of his neck, "can you give this to A.J. for me?" he asked, handing her a small blue box. Rainbow dash looked it over, the turquoise blue box tied with a small red ribbon. It didn't look like much, but it was a gift nonetheless.

"I'll be sure to do so." Dash replied, putting the box in her pocket. She then walked out, heading to the girl's bunker.

---

A.J., thanks to the teaching from Scarecrow, was working on one of the jeeps that the ground forces would need for tonight's mission. Twilight was sitting in the drivers seat, a tool bag in her lap.

"So I guess your little "secret" with Scarecrow is out now…" Twilight said, looking at the radio, just checking the small details.

"Eyup, I guess so…" Applejack muttered. "You got that 5/8 wrench?" She then asked. Twilight looked through the bag until she found a wrench with a small "5/8" engraved on it. She got it out and gave it to Applejack, who slid out from under the jeep to grab it, sliding back in as soon as she got her grip on it. Twilight relaxed against the seat. Given it wasn't the most comfortable in the world, especially considering they were cleaning the blood of a fallen soldier mere hours ago. The images she saw that night shook her to the core, and they wouldn't leave her for a while.

"You think you can head back out there? I mean, after all that had happened that first day?" Applejack asked, snapping Twilight out of her daydream, which was more like a nightmare.

"I… don't know… I don't know how the guys can do it…" Twilight admitted. Applejack stopped, sliding back out, sitting up.

"I know how ya feel. For some reason, the first time I fired a sniper rifle, It just didn't feel right." she said, looking at the ground. "Still don't." Twilight sighed, then got out of the jeep and sat beside A.J.

"It's tough for all of us, but we have to keep strong, not let it get to our heads." Twilight said, putting a hand on Applejack's shoulder. A.J's eyes met Twilight's.

"You say that like the guys have." Applejack sighed. Twilight took in a breath of air.

"I didn't say that. I've seen the look in their eyes. They may be use to it, yes, but I can tell they would opt out if they could. They put their own lives at risk to protect those that don't even know them. We should do the same for our friends…. And for each other." Twilight gave a small but reassuring smile, hugging Applejack. A.J. returned it, the two embracing tightly.

"You're right. For our friends and each other." Applejack said. Smiling warmly. They let go of each other, A.J. slipping back under the jeep one last time. "Everything looks in order, she's good to go." She said, sliding back out. Twilight helped her get up, A.J. wiping some grease off her cheek.

"I need to find rarity, she said she was fixing our uniforms for tonight, care to join?" Twilight asked.

"I'd be glad to." Applejack replied with a chuckle, the two friends walking off together to find Rarity.

---

Time till Deployment: 10 minutes

---

"So while the KSK and the Marines are fighting the spetsnaz on the ground, our target is here." A quick whip of a ruler, and Soap was pointing out a picture of what looked like a tall office building.

"Midwest International Banking and Accounting. It's a 42 story building, and we're going to have to climb our way up top." Soap said, looking out to the SC and 141 men who were paying close attention to the briefing.

"Our mission is to take out these 6 guns they've got set up on the roof. They're all mobile SAM turrets." Soap then said. One soldier raised his hand, Soap nodding, allowing him to speak.

"Sir, are we all going up there at once or will there be separate teams?" he asked.

"There will be three teams: Recon, Breaching, and Demolition. Recon is a sniper team, They've already been sent out, and hopefully are getting into position as we speak. They'll call out enemy locations within and on top of the building. Demolition and Breaching will enter the target building and make it's way to the roof. Breaching will stay on the top floor and make sure no Russian get's past. Demolition team will take out the mobile SAMs and any opposing forces if need be." Soap answered. Specter then stepped forward.

"You will be assigned to one of the teams as we see fit. Good luck and God be with us. You have 7 minutes to suit up. Dismissed." Specter's command sent everyone heading to get all their needed equipment. Specter stood by Soap, watching the dark clouds loom over the city.

"Looks like we're going to get our feet wet mate." Soap commented. Specter mumbled a little before speaking

"Guess the devil really does deal the hand." He said.

"Heh, all this time and now you see it?" Soap joked, getting a cold shoulder from Specter in return.

"Are the girls ready?" Specter then asked.

"They're about as ready as the boys we'll be having to lead are." Soap muttered. "It's going to be a blood bath." Specter sighed.

"Let's just hope it's mostly Russian blood," he said, walking off to get his equipment.

---

Time after deployment: 4 minutes

---

No one had really said anything. The girls quietly talked to each other, Jester and Price looking over a map, pointing out certain areas, Soap and Specter checking each other's gear. The radio was one of the most heard sounds. The voices of soldiers, those American, English, Australian, and German cutting in and out.

"Copy, reset coordinates for Liberty 2-1 to sector Bravo 4-4, How Copy over?"

"Solid Copy Overlord, resetting coordinates for Liberty 2-1. Get a translator to tell Jäger 3-1 that they'll be regrouping with Stalker 4-4 for distraction zone Romeo, over."

"Copy that, translation in progress."

"Hunter 3-1, sind Sie mit Stalker 4-4 gruppieren und zu bewegen, um Ablenkung Zone Romeo, wie Kopie?"

"Ja, wir kopieren. Umgruppierung mit Stalker 4-4 jetzt."

Rainbow Dash was actually asleep, she hadn't been able to get any for most of the time they were getting ready. The whir of the convoy of vehicles and the constant tapping of rain on the jeeps metal helped her to it. Her head was on Pinkie's shoulder, Pinkie playing with her rainbow color hair. After a few more minutes the jeeps then started to slow down, coming to a complete stop shortly afterward. Pinkei woke Dash up, and they looked to the others.

"Alright, we'll have to continue on foot. We keep low for the next 5 klicks, and we'll be at the building. We'll have to go loud In there, but while the KSK and marines are distracting the main forces, lets keep this quiet." Price said, giving the hand signal for his men to move, Specter doing the same. After all the soldiers had gotten out, the convoy backed up and started to go towards the heart of the city, where one of the main diversions would be set up. The rain had become more constant, but it wasn't a downpour. Thunder softly boomed as the men and girls quietly walked down the alleyways of Los Angeles.

"Ghost, is the recon team in position?" Price asked into his communicator.

"Yeah, me and Scarecrow is set up. Time to see how good a yank can shoot." Ghost reported.

"I hope you know that's what we call the northerners, We prefer the term, "Hunters"." Scarecrow replied. "We're positioned on the roof of a building overlooking a street you need to get across, That'll be a shortcut to get you close to the building. We'll provide sniper support until you get across that street, then we'll be moving to the next designated set up." he then reported.

"Right, thanks for the info. Echo 3-1 out." Specter said, finishing for Price. They continued along, hugging the walls tightly. The rain continued to pour down, and small streams were running their course along the cement. All the girls had a lightweight helmet on except for Applejack, who was still wearing her regular trusty hat. She didn't mind the rain anyway, she had worked out in Sweet Apple Acres during scheduled rain many times. It took a while for the girls to get use to the weather changing on it's own, that only happened in the Everfree forest back on their world.

Thunder clapped once more as the group stopped at the end of the alleyway they were traveling along, and empty street, with the exception of burning or abandoned vehicles, was all that they saw now. Price spoke into his communicator.

"Scarecrow, This is Price. Is this the highway you were telling us about? The one that has" he asked.

"Uh, I can't tell where you are. I have thermal vision active but I need a IR strobe for confirmation, how copy?" Scarecrow responded.

"Solid Copy, lighting IR." Price told him. "Fluttershy, Activate the IR strobe." he then ordered.

"Oh, um, ok.." Fluttershy meekly complied. After a couple of seconds figuring it out, she got it working.

"Alright, I have confirmed view on the IR strobe." Scarecrow said.

"Where's Ghost?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"He's already relocating to the second position, scouting it out. He's not firing until we get the Breach and Demolition team in position." Scarecrow replied. The rain continued to poor in the dark and cold night, making the cold air worse.

"Is it clear?" Specter asked.

"Affirmative, it's cle- no, wait, enemy vehicles are turning onto the road. Hold tight." Scarecrow warned.

"You heard him, stay low." Specter repeated. Everyone crouched down or went prone, watching quietly as the roaring jeeps passed by. Price inwardly cursed as one jeep pulled over and stopped.

"Scarecrow, a jeep just stopped and two soldiers have gotten out, they're blocking our path." Price muttered, his grip on his MP5 tightening.

"Yeah, I see them. It's just those two, I'm not letting one see the other fall." Scarecrow said. The radio then got quiet for a moment, and the group saw the silhouettes of the two soldiers falling to the ground simultaneously.

"Tagged and bagged." Scarecrow's voice said, breaking the silence.

"This thunder and rain is really helping you out." Jester commented as everyone got up and started to move across the street.

"Well, everything has it's advantages and disadvantages." Scarecrow replied. His voice then came over the radio again. "Alright, the street's clear. I'm relocating to Ghost's position, you're going to be without sniper support for about three minutes."

"Copy that, we're on the move." Specter acknowledged. They all ran for the alleyway, but slowed and quieted their pace when they all got into the alley. They continued along until they had to come to a stop again.

"Fuck, guard in that building on the left, 2nd story. What's left of it anyway." Specter noted. Sure enough, a Spetsnaz soldier was keeping watch, sitting on a folding chair, sitting in part of what was left of a second story bedroom.

"I have a shot, permission to fire." one SC soldier asked.

"Drop him." Specter replied. Immediately there was a suppressed shot, and the soldier slumped over.

"Good kill." Soap commented. The group then continued to move, sticking to the shadows like how a spider sticks to a wall. They stopped at another opening, once again coming to a street. This one was more guarded, headlights from abandoned cars or the flames of burning ones being the only light source allowing the group to see their enemy.

"Echo 3-1, this is Scarecrow. The entry way to the second location has been cut off by spetsnaz, I'm having to head straight for the third one. Ghost is still in the second location, he'll guide you." Scarecrow suddenly came in.

"Copy that. Ghost, you got our location?" Soap replied.

"Yeah, I got your IR mate. I'm gonna need some help with this one. I count six of these wankas on this street, but I can't hit them all without alerting them." Ghost reported.

"Right, give us the list and we'll get it done." Price said.

"Alright. I need two people to get an eyes on from that star bucks shop. One guy is hanging around in there, so one can take them out while the other sets up a firing position. Then I'll take out the two by the red SUV while the other two take out the three sitting around that fire." Ghost ordered.

"Alright. So, who's feeling lucky?" Soap asked. The men looked around, waiting and hoping someone else would volunteer, until two unlikely hands shot up.

"We'll do it." Rainbow Dash said.

"Yeah, we're gonna get payback for all these townsfolk." Applejack added. Price gave a questionable look to Soap.

"Are you sure about this? Soap asked.

"Positive." Dash and Applejack said simultaneously.

"Alright, but be careful. Damn well careful." Soap warned. "Be sure to use you're suppressors or knife. Don't go loud unless you absolutely have to."

"Right. Let's go." Applejack said.

"Wait for my clear." Ghost said, his voice echoing into A.J. and RD's communicators. "Steady….go!"

Dash and Applejack sprinted for their target, an old Starbucks shop. They hugged the wall, unnoticed by the Spetsnaz outside.

"Alright, Ghost said their was one inside this Starbucks, let's take him out quietly." Rainbow quietly told Applejack. They both nodded, going through a hole where a window once was. They quietly got it, taking cover behind a table that had been flipped on it's side. Applejack peeked over and saw the Russian man helping himself to making a quick cup of joe.

"He's making himself a drink." she said as she dropped back down.

"Right, I'll take care of it." Rainbow Dash said, reaching into one of a holster on her vest, pulling out a tactical knife. She then slowly left their piece of cover, keeping crouched, sneaking up towards her target.

"You can do it, you can do it…" Those four words kept repeating in her head as she crept up to her target. Just as she was about to strike, the worst possible thing happened.

*crack*

The Russian was quick to turn around, his brown eyes meeting Dash's violet ones. HE started to swing his fist towards her, but she was quick to dodge it, swiping his feet out from under him. He quickly reached for his pistol, but Dash kicked it away, quickly putting all her strength in her right arm to push the knife into the man. But he caught her arm, and they were both struggling to prevail. And Dash was losing.

She tried to think of what to do, but the idea then hit her. It was dirty, yes, but it was either her life or his. She quickly reached her left arm out and grabbed the cup of coffee he was making, quickly turning the cup over him, the hot liquid pouring onto his face. He quickly covered his face, trying to yell from the burning drink, but Dash was quick to put the knife into his throat to keep the scream from being heard.

Her eyes went wide for a moment at realizing what she had just done.

She had killed another living being. With her own hands. And she had not thought twice about it.

This world has without a doubt changed their process of thinking, they were all taking violent action first. But in a world where it seemed like almost everyone and everything was trying to kill you, You didn't think about making peace.

You thought of how to survive.

"He's….he's down." Rainbow Dash said, puling the knife out, the once stainless blade now covered in blood. She then looked at the man, his eyes still wide open in terror, the coffee running down his face. Dash tore a small piece of her sleeve off, wiping the soldier's face with the cloth. She then closed his eyes, and put the cloth over his face. IT was the least she could do for a man she had no choice but to murder. She pushed the thought away, regrouping with Applejack.

"Ghost, we're in position." Applejack reported, setting up her Mk 11 Mod 0. She looked through the 8x zoom rifle scope, taking aim at the head of one of the three soldiers sitting around a barrel fire. The rain was still pouring, but the fires were not letting up. RD did the same thing with her M416, looking through the ACOG scope she had put on it.

"Right, I'll take the shot on my two targets when you two fire on yours." Ghost said.

"Copy, thank goodness our weapons are suppressed." Dash replied. On the count of three, Applejack and Dash fired at their targets, taking them out before they knew what had happened. At the same time, they saw the two soldiers standing by the Red SUV get taken out by Ghost. After a couple of seconds of silence, the only sound being the rain and thunder, Ghost spoke.

"Alright, no one heard us. You blokes are cleared to move. I'm regrouping with Scarecrow. Ghost out." Ghost said. Rainbow Dash and Applejack rejoined the others as they went down the street.

"Good job back there." Jester complimented.

"Thanks sugarcube." Applejack replied.

"It was no problem," Dash said.

"I'm just glad you two are alright." Luna said, staying close to the group. Soap looked back at them.

"Don't throw a party just yet, We're still playing the game, and the dealer is starting round two."