"This is a war universe. War all the time. That is its nature. There may be other universes based on all sorts of other principles, but ours seems to be based on war and games."

William S. Burroughs

Chapter 5: War and Games

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A few days after the battle in Islamabad…

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Ghost was sitting in a makeshift hospital room. He was sitting beside Rainbow Dash, who was asleep in a makeshift bed. The wound in her leg had been getting better, but medics put her here for absolute confirmation that her wound would heal. Beside Rainbow Dash was "Band of Brothers" a book on WWII that she started reading.

While Dash was asleep, Ghost was slowly running his hand up and down her arm. After a couple of minutes, Dash woke up, the first thing she saw being Ghost.

"Oh, hey Ghost. How long have you been here?" She asked.

"For a while. I thought you could use the company," Ghost responded. Since they were in private, Dash thought this would be the best time to ask.

"Ghost, when we were fighting and I got hurt, was there another reason why you risked your own life to save mine?" She asked. Ghost paused for a moment, not sure if he should admit his feelings. Dash waited for an answer.

"Well, You'll probably find out sooner or later." Ghost finally said. " I ran out there because I personally didn't want you to die. Ever since we first met, I've had, well, let's just say "feelings"," Ghost said

"Really?" Dash asked.

"Yeah, and I also didn't want you to get scarred by that wound, like when.." Ghost stopped abruptly at his last word.

"Like when?" Dash asked.

"Like when I was scarred." Ghost quietly said. It was something Ghost never liked to talk about it.

"Scarred?" Dash asked.

"Yeah. It's why I wear this" Ghost said, pointing to his skull mask.

"What does it look like?" Dash asked. Ghost looked at her.

"You wouldn't want to see. The scar makes me look like a freak." Ghost responded.

"I don't think that something like that makes you look like a freak," Dash said. Ghost sighed. He eventually pulled his mask down and took off his shades to show her what he meant.

Dash honestly did not expect the length of the scar. It started under Ghost's left eye and went down to the edge of his under lip.

"See, Those bloody bastards did this to me." He said. "I can't ever show my face without being treated like an animal." Ghost said. Dash put a hand over his mouth.

"Don't say that. Just because you have a scar, does not make you a freak!" Dash exclaimed. "In fact, it makes you look tough," Dash said as she removed her hand. " I like that."

Ghost and Dash stared at each other, everything else seemingly going into a blur.

"How come you don't see me as a freak with this scar?" Ghost asked.

"Because, I learned that you shouldn't judge a book by its cover. That applies to ponies, and humans as well," Dash said, remembering that they were in human bodies in a human world.

"Well, I defiantly didn't judge a book by its cover when I saw you," Ghost said, motioning towards Dash's Rainbow colored hair. Dash chuckled a bit.

"You know, I've started to like how we've been treated by you and the others here." Dash said, moving her head closer to Ghost.

"Well, we're one in a million," Ghost said as he moved his head closer to Dash. Their lips then touched, and they embraced in the kiss. After a few seconds, they pulled away, staring into each others eyes.

"That was defiantly one in a million," Dash said with a smirk. " So when will I be able to get out of here?" She then asked.

"Well, I talked to the doctor. He said that they're going to check your leg one more time, and they should let you go after that." Ghost said. "Price is probably looking for me so I better move on before he kicks my bloody ass." Ghost then said. "I'll see you outside Dasher" Ghost said. He then kissed Dash again before putting his mask and shades back on.

"See you out there," Dash said, smiling.

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Later…

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"Where the bloody hell is he?" Price asked Soap.

"Trust me, Ghost isn't the kind to run off without a reason," Soap said, defending Ghost. They then saw Ghost running back towards them. Ghost saluted the two captains as he approached them.

"Ghost, give me one good reason why I shouldn't kick your bloody ass right now." Price ordered.

"Sir, I was checking on injured units in the medical center. I had an extended stay in Dasher's room." Ghost said.

"Alright. I'll let you off this time. But Don't let it happen again." Price said, patting Ghost on the shoulder. Ghost then walked off to where Scarecrow was motioning for him to help him with a piece of equipment.

""Extended stay"?" Price muttered to Soap.

"It's what he said. But in Rainbow Dash's room. You don't think he…" Soap trailed off and looked at Price.

"No! of course not. Ghost is a good man. No way he would do that to her." Price said. "Would he?"

"No, you're probably right." Soap responded. The two then jumped a little when Twilight tapped on their shoulder.

"Oh! Sorry to scare you, but do you know where Specter is? He wanted to talk to me for a few minutes about how to locate the elements of harmony." Twilight said.

"He's down at the basketball court with Jester. Just go that way." Soap said, pointing her in the right direction.

"Thank you very much Soap," Twilight said, walking off. As she walked to the court, Applejack joined her.

"Howdy Twilight, how's it goin?" Applejack asked.

"Oh, okay. I've gotten use to this human body. Looks interesting, actually. I just still wonder what these round this on our chests are, and why they are all different sizes. They seem fairly big, but different sizes." Twilight said.

"I asked Scarecrow and Jester about that, but they didn't want to talk about it. Do you think it's a sickness or a curse?" Applejack asked.

"Of course not! If it was and they knew it, they would let us know." Twilight exclaimed. "they probably don't have time since they are so busy."

"Yeah, guess you're right. But you know, I've noticed some guys eyeballin' us." Applejack said. Twilight looked and noticed two Army Rangers and one British soldier behind them. They were a certain distance behind, but Twilight could tell they were following her and Applejack.

"Let's move faster." Twilight said. Her and Applejack increased their walking speed, but then the soldiers following the moved faster. Eventually, the soldiers caught up to them.

"Well, hello ladies," One of the U.S. soldiers said as he stepped in front of the girls. The other two stayed right behind the girls.

"Um, well, hello." Twilight nervously said.

"Why were y'all followin us?" Applejack abruptly asked.

"Well, We haven't had a couple of fine looking ladies such as you in a while," The British man said.

"Wait, you don't mean you.." Twilight started before the three men moved. Applejack kicked one of the men in the chest, but was caught shortly after. The two girls screamed and flailed as they tried to get out of the pervert's grip. They dragged them into a shadow area, thinking they were home free.

But they didn't notice the figure in the shadow.

"What the?" One of the soldiers said as he bumped into a figure. They let go of the girls and turned around. The figure in the shadow didn't move.

"Oh, a wise guy try to ruin our fun, huh?" The British man said. He then Swung his fist at the figure, only for the figure to catch his fist. He then swung with his other fist, the same result.

Now, The British soldier was 5'9, and the figure was 6'4. He picked up the lightweight man with ease, and he stepped forward. The three men were filled with fear when they saw Scarecrow stepping out of the pitch black shadow. The British man gasped as he looked into Scarecrow's eyes. Scarecrow kneed the man, and dropped him.

Applejack and Twilight swiftly moved aside. One of the U.S. soldiers started to kick Scarecrow, but Scarecrow caught the soldiers leg and then kicked his other, knocking him to the ground. The third pulled out a tactical knife and lunged at Scarecrow. Applejack and Twilight gasped, expecting Scarecrow to get lethally wounded.

But Scarecrow proved them wrong with his training. He caught the arm that was holding the knife, and he twisted that arm, sending excruciating pain through the perverted soldier. He then tried to kick scarecrow like the last one tried. But once again, Scarecrow caught the kicking leg. As soon as he caught it, Scarecrow delivered a swift kick to the soldier's crotch.

The soldier yelled in pain as he fell to the ground. The three moaned in pain as Scarecrow angrily walked up to them. One of the U.S. soldiers got up.

"Aw, is little Scarecrow angry cause we tried to hurt his girlfriends?" The soldier mockingly said. Scarecrow continued to move towards him.

"Or is he just mad because is poor excuse of a soldier of a brother died." The soldier then said.

Applejack immediately knew that that was the wrong thing to say.

Scarecrow stopped, and the U.S. soldier smirked at this. But he then saw Scarecrow's expression through his mask. It was a man, who had no knowledge of mercy, and one of something that wasn't him.

Scarecrow charged at the U.S. soldier, pulling out his tactical knife. The Soldier suddenly chickened out of his mocking state and tried to move out of the way, but not fast enough.

Scarecrow pinned the soldier against the wall, who became extremely scared as Scarecrow put the knife to his neck.

"Don't say anything like that against my brother. He made the ultimate sacrifice that a piece of dirt like you wouldn't even have the dreams of being a hero like he was." Scarecrow intensively said. The soldier was now sorry that he said anything at all.

"Scarecrow, don't!" Applejack said. Scarecrow felt her hand on his shoulder.

"Why. He tried to rape and abuse you and Twilight, and he mocks a hero of our country. This pig doesn't deserve to live." Scarecrow said.

"Nick," Applejack said in a calm, mother like voice. "Nick, Would your brother want you to do this? Would this be something he would want?" Applejack asked.

Scarecrow sighed. He released the soldiers, but not before saying to the three, " If I see you near these two or any of the other girls again, you won't get a second chance."

The three immediately ran off. Scarecrow turned to Applejack. "Thank you for holding me back," he said.

"Even though Ah didn't know Mark, Ah know that he wouldn't have wanted that." Applejack said. The two embraced in a hug, all this happening while Twilight was watching.

"Now what were you two doing alone?" Scarecrow asked.

"Well, I was looking for Specter, and Applejack joined me before those three attacked us." Twilight said as she got up.

"Well, I guess I'll take ya to him." Scarecrow said as they walked towards where Specter was.

When they got there, They saw a crowd gathered around the makeshift basketball court. Various soldiers, some dressed in uniform and some simply in their combat pants and T-shirts, were gathered around the court, cheering and ranting. When Scarecrow, Applejack, and Twilight broke through the crowd, they saw Jester and specter playing one on one basketball.

"Danger" by Marco Polo & Torae was playing on a nearby radio. Jester was moving towards the basket with Specter guarding, each representing their respective areas (Specter representing the North, being from Chicago, Jester representing the West, being from Oklahoma.) Jester moved up towards Specter, when he moved the ball behind his back and moved that into between his legs, getting by specter and dunking it.

Reactions, good and bad, could be heard from the crowd. Specter got the ball and moved slowly towards Jester. Jester came up, waiting. Specter then started to act like he was going to charge, making Jester reach for a steal. But Specter took advantage and preformed a wrap around, finishing with a simple lay up.

The crowd had various chants and rants. Jester then noticed Scarecrow. "Yo, Scarecrow, wanna go a little two on two?" He asked. Scarecrow played a lot of street ball along with football, so he knew some moves. He took of his basic gear, wear he only had his combat pants, boots, and his T-shirt. Specter got Slammer, a 6'5 Shadow Company soldier from New York, as his teammate. Applejack cheered fro Scarecrow and Jester, but Twilight was cheering for Specter.

The 141 was starting to see the action, and so were the rest of the girls. "What the bloody hell are they doing?" Price asked.

"Eh, They're just hoppin around, kinda fun to watch em at times." Soap said as they watched the game.

The two teams lined up.

"Alright, Y'all gonna learn how we play Southside Street ball," Scarecrow said.

"Well, your southside's gonna get knocked up by the Northeast street," Slammer said. The game started off with Jester and Scarecrow getting the ball.

Jester did a leg cross coming up towards Specter, and as Jester crossed it between his legs one time, he let the ball go , which was a pass to Scarecrow. Scarecrow then shot from a makeshift three point line, getting nothing but net.

Specter and Slammer then got it, and Specter did a behind the back to a leg cross, getting Jester caught up as Specter went by him. Specter then shot, but the ball was blocked by Scarecrow. But as the bal started to fall, Slammer got it and Slammed it in.

"Yeah, you're gonna feel that slamma jamma today!" Slammer said.

With the next possession, Jester passed it to Scarecrow. Scarecrow then came up against Slammer. Specter started to move up some, and Scarecrow saw the opening. Jester ran up behind Specter and Scarecrow passed it to him, a backdoor pass to a lay up.

Next possession, Specter passed to Slammer, who tried to perform a lay up, but it was knocked down by Scarecrow.

"Alright, I'll give you that." Slammer said. The crowd was going nuts at the plays in the street game. On the last play, Jester and Scarecrow needed to score to win Jester had it, and rushed up, getting passed Specter, but the came up against Slammer. At 6'5, he was practically over towering the 6'0 Jester. Jester tried to find Scarecrow open, but he couldn't. He then had an Idea, and looked at Scarecrow.

Scarecrow knew what he was going to do, so he moved into action. Jester jumped, preparing to shot. Slammer did to, doing what looked like an "Air Jordan" move. But Jester faked the shot, went around, and threw the ball up towards Scarecrow. Scarecrow was wide open, so he showed off. As he jumped, he caught it and performed a backwards in-between the legs, and made a major slam dunk, a notorious tribute to Jason Richardson's dunk. The crowd of U.S. soldiers went crazy, and even the 141 units were impressed.

Notorious sayings like "White boy got some skills" and "That Shit was off the chain!" could be heard.

Slammer came up to scarecrow, and they fist bumped.

"Hey, good game man, and that dunk was the shit." he said, congratulating him.

"Thanks, you did great to." Scarecrow replied. As he walked up to Applejack, they wrapped in a hug.

"You were great! That's the most incredible thang Ah've ever seen in mah life!" She said as Scarecrow picked her up and spun her around some. The celebration stopped when a U.S. operative came up to the group of soldiers, quieting them down.

"Listen up gentlemen, the games are over. Another Element of Harmony has been located. Based on the information that Ms. Sparkle gave us, This one is the Element of Loyalty. It has been located in forested area in Japan. We need to get their before the Russians, and we have a head start n them. You have 2 days to get ready." He said.

The men moved to stations like they were in before the game, getting equipment ready. This combination of war and games is how the soldiers were always ready.