A set of four hooves were trotting down a smooth sidewalk. Beside them, a set of two feet, doing the same thing.

“Been awhile since we came here, right Madame President?”

“Indeed, Princess.” she replied.

She unfurled her wings a bit, letting them adjust to the heat that was spreading through the air. “Though, it saddens me that it’s been five years since that fateful day.”

“Celestia, there’s no need to worry. He was a good man, and now I’ve taken his place as Commander in chief. End of story.”

“I see.” Celestia looked to her right, finding another path disconnected from where they were. “Um… Can we, go this way?”

She saw her hoof pointing in that direction, “Why not?”

And so they did, walking until they reached a statue in the middle of an intersection. Celestia looked woefully at the three silver soldiers that were firing their rifles. From what she gathered the first time she visited here, they all had a mixture of panic and bravery on their faces. She looked down at the commemorative plaque underneath. Which read in gold capitalized letters,

“The Premier swore his country didn’t do anything to Italy.” the President said solemnly.

She grounded her hooves against the pavement, the agents behind them quickly noticed.

“And I know what you’re thinking, does that mean I believe him?” she said, before letting out a soft sigh. “I don’t…, but… it’s not like our countries didn’t do the same thing.”

Celestia frowned.

“And we did it, to prevent all this.”

Following the President, Celestia looked out into the vast hills were nothing but countless stone crosses lining over each of them.

“But, we failed nonetheless. Don’t you agree?”

Celestia sat on her rump, letting the warm air flow through her white fur. “What’s your point then?”

“The point is that you shouldn’t assume. It’s obvious that you and the Soviets aren’t on good terms,” Her shoulders were tensing, saying briskly. “but we have more important matters on hand, and so do they.”

Hearing these words got Celestia to worry. “Is something bothering you, Madame president?”

“It’s classified, Princess.”

“I see.”

No one would say a word for a while. The agents themselves were becoming more unsettled with every second passing.

“Madame President?”

The President took in a breath of air. "My name's Ada, Celestia. Just call me that."

“Okay, Ada." she started. "Do you know about the great trot?”

“The tale about a couple of men and women who went on a pilgrimage to Equestria?”

“Right.”

Ada let a hand pass through her short dark hair. “What about it?”

“I think you recall me meeting with one of them before their last moments of life, right?”

“Indeed I do.”

Her horn glowed a yellow aura, casually tearing one of the flowers nearby from its stem. She levitated up to where she can see it, taking a gentle sniff of its scent. “It was too late for us to save him…, but the look in his eyes yearned to see me more.”

“Had all of his pals be hauled in a wagon…, A wagon they stole from a family in the Griffon Kingdom.” Ada filled in. “He did some terrible things along the way, his posse was no better.”

A tear began trickling down Celestia’s eye, as she gently picked apart every petal from the flower. Letting each of them fly off into the zephyr. “And they did it all for me.”

“Your ponies were to blame though.”

She was wiping her tears away. “I know.”

“So…, why bring this up?”

“The wagon they stole… How far were they willing to go to see me?”

She sighed. “I knew they meant no harm, especially in an occupied territory where their superiors treat them like…”

Celestia shot her a suspicious, but tepid of looks.

“Uh…” After a pause she reiterated, “I knew they meant no harm… but they had to survive, you know. What else can we as humans do? Grow wings and fly?”

Celestia looked back at the flower, where nothing but the nectar stuck to the stem. “But didn’t they have any compassion for them?”

“They probably did, Princess.” she knelt down and picked up a flower also. She held it in the air, where a bee would stop by. The moment it landed, she immediately snapped away. The bee quickly zipped towards it.

Celestia, just as concerned as the guards, stammered to warn her. “Uh… Madame President? Y-You shouldn’t be…”

Once it caught up, the flower zipped into another location. When it flew over there, the exact same thing happened. Again, and again, and again, and again.  Then at the next, the bee instead zipped towards the Ada’s neck.

“Madame President!” Celestia cried, her horn glowing again.

In contrast though, Ada immediately got a hold of the bee, placing it on the flower. “What?”

“That bee was going to…”

“Relax, I was just messing with it. Besides, it wanted its nectar.”

Celestia eyed the bee with sympathy, watching it do its job.

“After all, it’s what they do.” Ada joined also. “Sorry, by the way.”

“Don’t mention it.” Celestia forgave.

“Anyway, the bee will do whatever it takes to get what it wants. No doubt it’s the only thing it can do…, and it’s fine with that.”

“But doesn’t the bee die when it stings you?”

“Hmm?” the bee flew off. “Well at least it did something for that flower’s nectar.”

Ivan and Jacklyn watched the road as Ivan drove further and further through yet another forest. Jacklyn, specifically, was looking at the window in a daze.

The area outside city-hall was packed with militiamen. The music was blaring loudly through the speakers. The pile of Celestianist regalia was in flames. Too them, it was a marvelous sight to behold.

“Wonderful sight, isn’t it?” asked Leila, giving Jacklyn a firm pat on the back.

“Yep!” she replied happily. “Hopefully this won’t be the only thing going down in flames.”

“Alright!”  After that cheer, she looked around a bit. “Hey, where’s your friend?”

“At that fountain.” Then she lifted her finger in the fountain’s direction. There Ivan was, sitting over the concrete, rifle held inflexibly in his hands. Beside him, a bottle of beer.

Leila gave him a huge wave hello, but Ivan did nothing back. “Oh…, why is he like that?”

Swinging her foot against the floor, she looked towards Leila. “I guess he just wants to get going.”

“Hmm, did something happen to you two along the way?” Leila quickly used caution. “Um, aside from the whole…”

“Kind of…” she looked back at Ivan, who was starting to redden from this situation alone. “We just had some differences we needed to resolve.”

“Want to tell me what they are?”

She faced Leila again. “I’m sorry, but I can’t.”

“Oh, hmm.” Leila was forming a devilish grin on her face. “Something sensual?”

“Uh…” she quickly ducked her head. “No, no, no!”

She’d laugh.

Jacklyn blinked a couple times before looking back to Ivan in a near daze. Ivan quickly took note of this. “Uh… yeah?”

“Nothing!” she spurted before turning on the radio.

“At the top of this hour, Princess Celestia has arrived in Washington DC to meet with President Nicholson, arrived without delay.” The volume was increasing. “They are currently on a-”

Click!

More music was now playing.

“Sorry.” Jacklyn muttered.

“Don’t be.”

“Oh.” Another pause, “I’m sorry.”

“Uh… I just told you to…”

“About what happened back with the militia.”

Ivan rolled his eyes. “You weren’t at fault. He wanted to join Celestia’s Hoof, and he did. He didn’t know both of us would be crossing paths.”

“Why do they have to be that way though?”

“I dunno. They started a Battle Royale, and they got one.”

“No, I mean…, you know.” She pointed at the rising sun.

“Oh, oh, them.” Ivan groaned. “Just don’t listen to the whole, ‘they can predict the future’ garbage and you’ll be fine. Just because they have stained glass of world events from the moment we discovered them to today, doesn’t mean they know what’ll happen next.”

“So…, was it fate then?”

“Huh?”

“Do you think we’re meant to do something before heading to Washington?”

Ivan sighed. “I think that’s the case.”

She looked out the window. “Yeah…, who knows what we’ll come across.”

“Well, I hope nothing. The less people we confront, the more likely this’ll compare to waiting at the DMV.”

“Yeah, I guess… Hey, what’s the DMV?”

“I don’t know, heard it had to do with cars or something. Also heard people waited there a lot with nothing interesting to do.”

“Hmm, wow.”

BOOM!

“What the…?” They shot their eyes towards the trees, seeing smoke arise into the air.

“Aw shoot.” Ivan mumbled, then pressed the gas.

BOOM!

Both screamed as Ivan desperately steered around the smoke and debris. With that, Ivan had something else to shout, “Damn you, Militiamen!”

Will and Leila were in front of City-Hall. Finding countless men and women in green coats and Blue berets joining their comrades in the area.

“This can’t be good.” Leila whispered to Will.

“Of course not.”

They’d enter, noticing that the interior was all empty.

“You don’t say…” And reaching the second floor didn't make a difference.

“Don’t worry about it. Just hope that she’s okay.” Will comforted.

“Indeed.” she opened the door in front of her. Finding Roxanne…, and a woman sitting across from her. They only needed to see her brown overcoat and red scarf to lose more joy.

The lady turned around, giving the two a little smile and wave.

“What is she doing here?” asked Will, gripping his rifle.

“Anya’s just on a visit, you two.” Roxanne addressed. “Plus, since she has no guards, you just add two and two and you got your answer.”

They stood their ground.

“Please, you two.” Anya said in her regal accent. “I need to address something.”

“And what would that be?” Leila said.

She held onto her heaving chest, letting out the last of her tension. “You two were harboring them, weren’t you?”

Will gasped, pointing his rifle at her.

“Will, stand down!” Roxanne ordered, but easily composed herself upon the next order. “But keep your guard up.”

“I’m not going to arrest you, Roxanne.” she said clearly. “I just came here to ask of you for something. Well, a couple of things.”

They were all quiet, letting her ask without delay. “First off, what were they like?”

“Huh?”

“The fugitives, what were they like?”

They looked at each other a bit. Roxanne was the first to say something. “Anya, I’m not going to say. What with the commotion going on as of late, I doubt I’d want to release such sensitive information to you.”

“First off, Roxanne. I’ve been the head of this organization for nearly a decade now. I think you’ve forgotten what the head does… Not to mention… Not to mention that you were one of my best commanders.”

“Look Anya, I may’ve been one. But you knew full well that we couldn’t be on the-”

“I get it, I get it.”

“Then why ask this question to begin with?” Leila asked aggressively.

“Because… I need your help.”

Astonished, Roxanne and the others had to ask, “Why?”

“With them…, we might win this war.”

Ivan began unbuckling his seatbelt. “Ugh~.”

Then two hands began grabbing onto his chest like claws from a tiger. “Ivan, wake up!”

“Hey, hey!” Ivan reached towards her shoulder, pushing her away. “Calm down there. I’m not knocked out or anything.”

Jacklyn immediately let go of him, blushing. “Heh, sorry.”

“Don’t be. Anyway, let’s see if we…” He looked up, where the hood was blocking his line of sight. And white smoke could be seen. “Aw, damn it! We’ve sent another car to its freaking death!”

“Doesn’t matter, we need to get the hell out of here!”

“Ugh, obviously!” He hopped out of his seat and into the grass. “Where to?”

She pointed at the trees in front of them.

“Grrr, again?”

She nodded.

And so they did, running down a seemingly endless bulk of trees once again. Out in the distance, gunshots were rampant in every direction, accompanying the explosions.

“Can’t we just continue down the road?” Ivan asked.

“Ivan, remember what happened last time?”

“Touché.” He looked around a bit. “But since we’re here, do you have any idea where we’re going?”

“Uh… Kind of?”

“We’ve been in the woods since forever, don’t tell me we got lost while walking next to…”

BOOM!

Debris was falling over them at a rapid rate. Their hearing was nothing but a dog scurrying ring. Ivan felt his hand being squeezed by Jacklyn’s before being pulled like a noose. His feet uncontrollably moving on their own as another explosion was pounding against the muffled hearing.

Eventually, he could see Jacklyn slow down before using one of the trees as cover. He could see her mouths move, but couldn’t hear words.

“What?” Ivan shouted.

Then it seemed as if the ocean in his ears had disappeared. “Do you think they found us?”

“Grrr…” Ivan shook his head briefly. “I don’t think so!”

“Yeah, the artillery doesn’t seem to be aimed at us.” Jacklyn looked around some more. “So who do you think they’re targeting.”

“I think they’d like to answer that.”

Jacklyn found Ivan pointing at something behind them. When she looked in that direction…

“Uh… Who the hell are-”

“If you take a single step, you know what’ll happen.” said the man, looking through the iron sight of his Sub-Machine gun. “So you yobbos should kindly stand down!”

“Are you the one they’re targeting?” asked Ivan, glancing and glaring at his red uniform.

He nodded.

“I-Is there anyone else?” Jacklyn asked also, feeling the complete opposite.

He shook his head. “They’re using artillery to rat me out. I guess they assumed that I wasn’t the only one alive.”

Jacklyn was the first to say, “Wait, your entire squad’s…”

With a frown on his face, and a sudden look out into the woods, he nodded.

“Bummer.”

“Sniper.” Ivan went on to say.

“Was that an attempt to turn the tables mate?” the man asked, firmly grasping his SMG.

Ivan sighed. “It was to get you off my back.”

“Well it failed.”

Ivan scowled at his remark.

“If you haven’t noticed, there hasn’t been any artillery shelling in a while. Which only means one thing: they’ll be calling in Air support. That also means the more we bicker, the more we-”

“Sniper!”

“I told you mate, that’s not going to-!”

“Get down!” Jacklyn screamed.

“Whoa, what the…” the man retorted, before being knocked to the ground as a bullet whisked past the two.

Then she quickly planted the shield against the ground, letting it expand at the push of a button.

The moment Ivan ducked to their level, he muttered, “Jackie, why did you-”

She placed a finger on his lips. With the sorrow of voices, she whispered to him. “Please Ivan.”

He opened his mouth again, but no words came out. Instead, it was a sigh, and later a, “Fine.”

After giving him a little smile, she turned to look at the little window on his shield.

Ivan, chose to say something also. “It seems that they deployed the opposite, huh?”

“I guess so.” the man took out the rifle holstered on his back.

Surprised at this, Jacklyn had to ask. “Uh…, you’re a sniper?”

He nodded, pressing and holding onto the trigger. “Just let me take care of ‘em.”

She was left speechless, watching him lower his rifle and peek around the shield.

“I’m surprised you didn’t notice.” Ivan muttered to her.

She looked down in embarrassment. “Sorry.”

“Don’t be.”

“Hmm.” She looked back at the little window. There he was, in his blue uniform, looking through the scope of his rifle with a dedicated glare on his…

Kchrrrug!!

Jacklyn’s eyes were widened, feeling as if she was gasping for air. Slowly, she turned to the sniper, who was giving a celebratory smirk.

“Heh, bullseye.” he mumbled.

“What… the hell… was that?”

“Huh?” he was now facing the distraught Jacklyn. “But I thought…”

“I wanted him shot down, not blown to nothing but blood and guts!”

“Hey, calm down Jackie!” Ivan said, holding onto her shoulder.

“No, no! You do not just callously blow a person to bits and celebrate like it’s the freaking fourth of July.”

“But…”

“Is this your life or something, do you think that’s the proper way to-!”

“Jackie!”

“What?” she shouted at him.

He saw the tears culminating in her eyes. “Uh… we… we need to go.”

“What for?”

His voice was sterner for the next thing he had to say. “You know why.”

Kchrrrug!

“Man down!” a soldier cried in anguish. “A Freaking man’s down!”

Tw-Tw-Twang!

She jolted at the bullets, “Fine… c’mon sir! We’re leaving!”

“Alright.” He said with a little salute. “And please, call me Lance.”

“Okay, Lance.” Ivan answered indifferently. “We’re off. Follow me.”

The shield went back into its original form, while the three stood up and got going. During that moment, Ivan took a look at her. His heart felt like breaking then and there, so he looked back at what was in front of him.

“Get down!” Lance screamed, and without thinking, the three were on the dirt, bullets flying over them. They immediately crawled to nearby trees, choosing to return fire.

“What now?” shouted Ivan.

“I don’t know! I thought you were the one with the plan!” Lance screamed back.

“You were the one here before me! You should’ve thought of something while you were in here!”

“Guys, look out!” Jacklyn screamed.

They immediately found two soldiers behind them, jumping out of the trees to make their move.

Lance quickly took action, pounding around five shots into his target’s torso. Ivan however…,

”Frigidus!” With a thrust forward of the hand, a blast of nitrogen shot out. The soldier couldn’t even react to it, especially when it was engulfing him. And Lance…,

“Uh… uh… uh…” There was now a human sized glacier in front of Lance, and there were no words to express it. But finally, he settled on. “It can’t… It can’t be.”

“Huh?” He, as well as the others, could hear it too. It was nothing but the winds breezing by. Making him mutter. “Oh no.”

“I-It’s him! It’s really him!” one would cry.

“It’s one of the infiltrators!” cried another.

“Get ‘em!”

“Make sure he doesn’t escape!”

“Crap.” he added. He stuck his rifle out of cover.

Jacklyn in the meantime, stood there and watched him fire another round of bullets. ”Infiltrator?”

Rat-at-at-at-at-at-at-at-at!

Two soldiers dropped dead.

“Umph!” The object that hit him in the face was flipping violently before Ivan could catch it. In front of him was a dart the size of his hand. “Aw shoot, they’re smart… Jackie, cover us!”

She snapped out of it. “What for?”

“I got an idea!” He then focused his attention on Lance. “Yo, let’s go!”

He shook off the dizziness in his mind. “Uh… sure!”

He’d follow him through the woods.

“Cover us!” Ivan shouted to him.

“You got it!” And so he did, making sure the enemy wasn’t the dominant one in this fight.

A squad of five men were in front, firing relentlessly as they closed in on them. Ivan had to act quick, so he quickly thrust his hand out again.

D-r-r-r-r-r-r-r-r!

A soldier clutched to his chest as he collapsed from the pain. Then Lance felt something cold and circular bump the back of his head.

“Don’t move, asshole!”

He was stuck in place, wanting to shiver at the…. Swipe

“Ouch, what the-”

Rat-at-at!

He heard a scream of agony.

“Lloyd, what the hell are you-”

Rat-at-at!

“Heh, nice to see you’re a defector!” Lance shouted. “Watch my…”

Then he immediately bolted away from him. “Uh… huh?”

Then he saw Ivan was running back to him, seeming to ignore the reaction he had at the moment. He was suddenly pulled by the wrist, forcing to watch what little he could of what just happened. He turned around, seeing nothing but the back of Ivan’s head.

“I didn’t just…”

“You serious?” the three called out.

“I’m dead serious.” Anya sipped a small amount of soda from her can.

“That was… that was him the whole time?” said Leila.

“Indeed.”

“So why do you want our help then?” asked Roxanne. “We’re not hunting the guy down. It’s not the main focus.”

“Not hunt, Roxanne…” She took another sip before speaking. “Recruit.”

They were left befuddled.

“Wh-Why would you do that?”

“First off, how long do you think your little Militia group will last?”

“Until the red and blue coats are annihilated.” Roxanne said proudly.

“I doubt that.”

“Eh?”

“According to one of my spies, each of the three ministries have agreed to cut your salary entirely. They know full well that that’s your only dependency at the moment.” She adjusted her scarf. “Besides, if we can’t do anything to stop you, then the outside will.”

Anya looked around, noting that the two were unsettlingly silent. So, she had to address it. “I don’t care if the Militia or the Regular Army gets ahold of him. What matters is that we win this bloody war. Also…, let’s not forget that I was never against your cause to begin with.”

They said nothing.

“So, is it a deal?”

Roxanne would say, “Does that mean… this is some sort race?”

Anya sighed, reaching into her purse. “No… I’m helping you, am I not?”

Roxanne chuckled a bit. “Heh, touché.”

She smiled. “Good to hear.”

Five soldiers stood in their way. “Fire at will!”

Rat-at-at-at-at-at-at-at-at-at-at-at-at…!

Jacklyn took out his baton, charging towards the soldiers with a battle cry. “Get out of my… uh!”

She nearly fell onto the ground once she felt Ivan pull her from the shoulder.

With a thrust of the hand, a ball of fire exploded in the middle of their group. The three were dancing as the fire seared through their skin.

“Oh Celestia.” Jacklyn gasped.

“Just go!”

Lance passed by the collapsing men, watching them kick and squirm at the inescapable flames. “It’s him alright.”

“What the…?” Ivan noticed Jacklyn beginning to lose speed, stumbling with every step. “Aw geez.”

He slowed down, helping the heaving Jacklyn onto her back. Supporting her by using his arms, he began running down the forest. “Wish I were a wolf or something, then this would end faster.”

Though tired, she managed to see the fleeing Lance stay right beside him. The look on his face told her immediately to frown in pity, but mostly in fear.

Around two minutes later, they could see the sky in a much clearer light. After exiting the trees, and running up and down a hill, they were out of sight.

“Whoa.” Lance commented, watching the smoke from where he stood.

“Yeah, Impressive huh?”

“Uh…” he nodded.

“Neat…, ‘cause you won’t be seeing more any time soon.”

He turned around. “Whaddaya…”

The end of the rifle barrel was in front of him.

Lance put his hands in the air. He even heard Jacklyn gasp at this sudden move. “Y-You can’t be serious, mate!”

“I’m sorry man, but we’re on the run. And we can’t have people like you following us around.”

Lance let his frown say the rest, watching Ivan press the trigger.

But then something in his mind made him open his eyes and shout, “Wait!”

Rat-at-at!

Ivan looked up, the rifle pointing in another direction. “Uh…. Grrr, what is it?”

Lance sighed, losing all tension he held seconds ago. “Are you two leaving for the green zone?”

The two were in utter disbelief.

“Uh…” Jacklyn spoke. “How’d you…?”

“That’s the obvious choice for fugitives like you two.”

Ivan groaned. “Ugh, what do you suggest?”

He smirked. “A consulate down in Salt Lake.”

Ivan was still for a moment. However with time, he lowered the rifle, letting the man breathe. “You know us very well, so how are we going to get there?”

“Freeze, dirtbags!” a soldier shouted. He and his squad of soldiers pointed their guns at them from their jeep, ready to fire.

“Well, that was easy… Jackie, take cover!”

She immediately complied.

Rat-at-at-at-at-at-at-at-at-at-at-at…!

Marianne sat up on her bed. The bright blue sky was enough to make her shy away from the window. “Ugh, damn mornings.”

She exited out her room, wiping the muck from her eyes with her hand. Her coat was hanging from her shoulders, the sleeves blowing in the wind as she walked down the hall. She checked her revolver for ammo. When she noticed that there was, she let out a yawn as she walked down the stairs.

“One more thing…, um…, do you ever wonder how you’d make things right?”

After a little pause, she’d answer, “Sometimes.”

Marianne stopped halfway down the stairs. She rested her arm on the railing before placing her hand over her arm. She took a deep breath before she got moving. Down the hall, there was a little kitchen. In there, Big Mac and Maribelle sat peacefully next to a table.

“Ah, good afternoon!” Maribelle said with a wave.

She was baffled. “Afternoon?”

“Yeah, Trevor let you and Big Mac here sleep.” She used her knife to spread some jelly on her toast. “We were wondering why you’d stay up that late.”

“Oh, just needed some company. That’s all.”

“A conventional answer.”

“Yep.” she walked over to the counter, pouring herself a mug of coffee. “So where did Pierre and Trevor go?”

“He and Pierre are going for another supply run.”

“Oh, why didn’t you go?” She then took a sip of her warm coffee.

“Well, you know.”

She looked to where she was eyeing. There, Big Mac was already laying low with a hoof covering his face.

“Big Mac, you okay?” Marianne asked.

“Uh…” He lowered the hoof from his face. “Eeyup.”

“He’s just not in the mood now.” Maribelle took a huge chunk off of her jellied toast. “It seems the existential rollercoaster you two were on made him a bit nauseous.”

Marianne could see Big Mac’s gloom gaze at her for a moment. Then he was back to staring blankly. With that, she rolled her eyes and drank another sip of her coffee. Taking out the smartphone from her pants pocket.

“I won’t press on the matter though.” Maribelle said after drinking a small dose of milk from her cup. “In the end, it’s just cultural differences right?”

“Right.” Another sip of coffee passed through her tongue. After swallowing, “Uh… Hey Maribelle, when you went to Equestria… um…,”

Big Mac hid his gasp as best as he could.

“Went to Equestria…, and?”

“Well, you said that you went to Canterlot for a moment.”

“Yeah, what about it?”

“Did any of you pass by any embassies while you were there?”

“Well, we were just on the train. So no, why ask?”

She was quiet, but Maribelle was able to interpret her expression quickly. “I swear to god, that no one saw me there. I did as told like a good girl.”

“Whatever you say.” the remaining coffee was warm enough for her to swallow it all in a couple gulps.

“So why ask then?” Maribelle asked with a pseudo-death stare.

“First off tell me this: From when you first landed on Equestrian soil to when you arrived in Canterlot, how long did that take?”

“Two days and a half.”

She was inserting her arms into the sleeves. “Now, with that in place. How long did it take for you two to get caught?”

Maribelle looked onto Big Mac. He was trembling visibly.

She sighed. “In two weeks.”

“Did the train make a stop at Canterlot?”

“Obviously.” Her suspicion kept rising. “So…, can you get to the point?”

“Certainly…. This just happened.” She was halfway done with buttoning up her coat when she handed a smartphone over to Maribelle. On the screen, was a headliner, that read…,

“Mayor of Fort Xavier arrested for violating his terms of service.” she pouted, before looking at the less bolded text underneath. “US authorities to commend RED high command for exposing such conditions to the public.”

“Yep, they got ‘em.” Marianne reiterated. “Courtesy of the same people that got you two busted, got him busted also.”

Maribelle’s eyes narrowed. “Those rats!”

“And you know what that means?”

“Those prissy ass hats are gonna get it?”

“Close, but not what I was going for.” She finished buttoning her coat, getting ahold of her revolvers. “It means that we better get moving before the competition gets a step ahead of us.”

“I agree, right Big Mac…? Big Mac?”

He was still trembling, facing the table with such gloom.

Maribelle sighed. “C’mon buddy, you can’t be like this all the time.”

“Eeyup.”

“So you’re gonna get on your feet?”

After a pause, he’d say, “Not yet.”

“Big Mac,” Marianne intervened. “Let’s put what we talked about last night aside, alright? If you want that debt wiped clean off your slate, then we have to get it together.”

“Eeyup.”

She took out her walky-talky. “So, as Trevor’s third in command, I’m ordering all Legion personnel to evacuate!”

“Yeah!” Maribelle cheered.

Then Marianne was on the move to give out the order. This gave time for Maribelle to turn to Big Mac. “You’re not sad because of what Marianne told you, aren’t you?”

“Hmm, not anymore.” He answered.

Bothered, she asked, “It’s Ivan, right?”

“Eeyup.”

“I guess it isn’t easy for you, huh?”

He nodded.

“Well, I can’t help you with that.”

“What?”

“It all comes down to choice, I guess.” She hopped off her chair. “You either let it in or let it go. But it seems there’s no latter for you.”

“Eeyup.”

“At least cheer up, okay?”

He smiled a bit. “Okay.”

“That’s what I want to hear.” she giggled. “Anyway, let’s get going. Marianne probably told the entire outpost by now.”

“Eeyup.” He got on his four legs and trotted behind the eager Maribelle.

Maribelle however, felt this ominous feeling in her head. In that moment, she held tightly onto to hilt of her katana. “And Big Mac?”

“Mmm?”

She stopped to get a good look at him. “Please…, just try.”

Although a bit cagey at first, he’d say, “Eeyup…, hopefully.”

After a little smile of her own, she continued walking. Still wary of what Big Mac was saying,

“Ivan…,”

The three were driving down an empty but filthy road, music completing the scene.

The road ahead looked rather peaceful, Jacklyn would think. It was the least she could do after all. For each time she remembered that poor soldier…

She leaned her head against the window, ignoring the vibrations that were reverberating through her head. Or at least, she tried. She’d choose to plant her head against the seat… However, “Aargh, my neck.”

“You okay there, Jackie?” Ivan asked her.

“Yeah,” she replied. “It’s just been, the wildest of days.”

“Heh, you and me both.”

The two laughed a bit, before looking back out into the road. She was tapping her fingers against her lap. Deep down though, she couldn’t hold it in. “Hey…, Lance, was it?”

“Yeah?”

“Can I ask where you’re from?”

Ivan grumbled, looking straight out into the road.

“Australia.”

“East or West.”

“Who cares, they’re both the same.”

“C’mon, just tell me.”

He rolled his eyes, but gave a little smile. “Ugh, I’m from the east.”

“Which state?”

Ivan refrained himself from slapping his face.

“Are you planning on stalking me or something?”

“No, and even if you didn’t believe me, do you really think I’m in a position to leave the country?”

He thought of it for a moment, but then sighed. “I’m from Sydney.”

“Really?” she immediately beamed with excitement. “You must be living the good life-”

“If you believe in those damn legends…, then good for you.” he said bluntly. “Ever since the Soviets annexed the west, the allies have been… worse.”

Her excitement faded. “So you’re from the poorer section of the city?”

He’d nod.

Jacklyn sighed. “Oh… Sorry to hear that.”

“Heh, if you thought for a moment that Aussies like me were doing A-Okay…, then you’re dead wrong.” He watched the vast hills and trees pass by. “Say, where are you guys from?”

“That doesn’t matter, dude.” Ivan said. “We’re fugitives, so don’t think-”

“Ugh, we’re from Chicago.”

“Jackie!”

“Chicago? Heard they were the last stable city within the American red zone.”

“Well, you’re not wrong. It really does feel like it.”

“Food shortages?”

She nodded.

“Gunfights?”

She nodded.

“Civilians expendable?”

She nodded.

“Well then, you probably saw a lot when you lived there.”

She sighed, looking away to rest her neck. “I guess you can say that…, do you have a reason to become a mercenary?”

He held onto his SMG. “It’s… It’s something I want to keep to myself.”

“Oh come on.” Jacklyn groaned. “You’re just like this guy.”

When Ivan saw her finger pointing directly at him, he cringed.

“He doesn’t want to say anything about what he’s been doing!”

He loosened the grip. “Hmm.”

He picked through his pockets, taking out a little photo. Jacklyn would take it in her hand. “Are they your family?”

“Yeah, my wife and I have been holding on…, but, this was my last resort.”

“Huh…, they look cute, by the way.”

“Thanks.”

After being handed back the photo, he put it away. “The Authorities just love to crack down on people in the slums.”

“Well… I’m sorry to hear this, sir.”

“It’s alright. When you’re born into it, you’re easily used to it.”

“So, where was the photo taken?”

“On the way for rations, we stopped by the QVB…”

As they talked, Ivan could hear the music ending.

“… And that was ‘When the Moon goes down in the valley of time’ by the Jubalaries everybody. Thank you for listening to Sunset radio, Reliable Excavation Demolition’s only radio source!” the DJ proclaimed. “To all our fellow mercs on each and every front, here’s your one o’clock news!”

Nothing else to do, Ivan paid attention.

“Our Top story, the US Government is up in arms due to a sudden scandal rocking them today.” the DJ announced. “In Fort Xavier…”

“Huh?” Jacklyn immediately, turned around and leaning towards the radio.

“… was arrested early this morning by a joint operation conducted by US and RED forces. The reason, he admitted to sympathizing with a criminal organization for personal gains. Though what those personal gains are remains unknown, it seems that it no doubt proves that something ominous lurks within our governments.”

“You can’t be serious.” Jacklyn struggled to smile.

“I guess so.”

“This just comes on the same day that Princess Celestia of Equestria arrived on a diplomatic trip to the States. However, reports are suggesting that further events won’t be halted as a result. But with the Mayor gone, what will be of the fugitives?”

Their hearts were racing.

“Here’s Alice Wesley and General Jason Rudolph with the news.”

“With both fugitives on the run…”

Ivan’s felt as if it was going to explode.

“We believe that in the name of justice and order, the US government should continue pursuing such delinquents, even after this scandal.”

“I agree.” said the General. “They are in clear violation of our agreement, and must be brought to…”

Click!

Both of them were feeling their organs lose all sense of reason.

Jacklyn pulled away from the On/Off button. “What in Celestia was that?”

“Well whaddaya think?”

“It seems you two have a lot on your hands.”

Ivan and Jacklyn simply kept those feelings close. “Agree.”

“So don’t think for a minute that I’m cool with all this.”

“We know.” said Ivan.

“Good.”

Thomas held onto Alice’s hand, watching her sleep peacefully over his shoulder.

“You two seem to get along well.” said Walters.

“Well, we’ve been married for a year now-”

“No, no, not with her.” He was rubbing his forehead. “I mean, about what happened with you and Redmond.”

“What about that?”

“You mean you don’t know what this means?”

“Eh?”

“You’re telling me that with you here, this means-”

“Oh.” He sighed. “That.”

“Hmm…, I didn’t mean to rain on your parade, but, that’s a fact.”

“No doubt about it.”

“You’ve been doing your best since the day you joined… But I guess in the eyes of Redmond, it doesn’t seem enough.”

“I know.”

“Look, I don’t think he means it.” Walters would see Thomas look out the window for a brief moment. “He was just hoping for… more from a military officer like yourself.”

“Speaking of which, weren’t you one at some point?”

Walters smirked. “Heh, no doubt about it, friend.”

“Which front?’

“A ton of 'em.”

He kept staring at the plains.

“Look, it’s understandable for you to get this way, Thomas.”

He sighed. “I don’t care.”

“And I’m not surprised.”

“Huh?”

“Heard you were the Dictatress’s, Toy back there.” He laughed a bit. “Heard that was actually your only job.”

His cheeks were flaring red. “Please stop.”

Annoyed, he’d say, “Well, you should’ve been over it by now.”

“I know, I know… But, looking back still hurts.”

“Does it still hurt a lot?”

Thomas gently squeezed Alice’s hand. “Kind of does.”

“And that’s sad, really.”

“Hmph.” he grouched.

“The fact that you were nothing but a toy to a woman like her feels… off.”

Thomas said nothing.

“And now that you’re with her,” he said, briefly pointing at Alice. “I thought you’d put that behind you.”

“Yeah but…, there’s still more that needs to be done.”

Walters grew quiet also, nothing but the rotors were making sound. He took off his sunglasses, letting his eyes relax. “I get it, yet some more unfinished business with your lady, I assume.”

“Yeah... That… That sounds right.”

“Indeed, but you’re treading on a scary road, you know.”

“What do you mean?”

“Redmond’s been at war with his brother for nearly two centuries; who knows if it’ll ever let up.”

“It will.”  Thomas proclaimed. “Once Ivan is caught, we’ll be sure to-”

“But what if the opposing side gets to them first?”

They looked towards Olivia, who was wide awake.

“If you haven’t noticed, there’s one advantage that our enemy possesses, and it’s called attachment.”

Walters complied. “She’s right Thomas, these people know more about him than we do.”

He was quiet yet again.

“Tell me, Thomas.” Olivia started. “Don’t you think this is a little absurd?”

“You’re up against a man capable of mind-control, man.” Derek jumped in. “Isn’t that something you need to be a bit careful with?”

Thomas reached into one of Alice’s pockets.

“He’s a rather dangerous man.” Derek added. “And our competition is just as dangerous.”

In his hand now, was a locket in the shape of a heart. The three were silent at this. With the locket in front of him, he’d say, “Remember, both of us were assigned this role. Neither of us want to go back to the Danville incident… But, knowing Redmond, it seems that we either do this or end up in the streets.”

Olivia found one of Walters’s subordinates grip his rifle. His shaking visible to her eye.  She’s sigh. “Not to mention that this applies to most of us too.”

Walters’s eyes slanted, and he was quick to put his glasses back on. “Ugh, what do you want from us then?”

He stuffed the locket in his shirt pocket. “All I want is that all of you trust her.”

“That’s it?”

“You know you can always opt out, right?” Thomas said bothered, “I mean, you do have a loose alliance with RED, don’t you?”

He smiled, slackening the glare. “I’m sorry, I was just hoping for a better leader for this operation.”

“Tsk!” Thomas hissed. “Well too bad, you’re not getting one. Like the old saying goes, what you see is what you get.”

“Huh, even though I can quit, I doubt it’s likely.” Managing with the seat belt strapped on him, he leaned forward. “You know why? Because we all have our reasons to want him on a platter.”

He took a brief glance at every person in the chopper. “I see.”

“This is a scary road you’re treading on, might as well throw away my doubts and join you.”

Thomas smiled too. “Thanks.”

The others did the same, kind of.

Ivan let the jeep swerve to the right, before pushing the brakes, placing the lever on park, and shutting it off.

Jacklyn wasn’t pleased by this move. “Ivan, why’d you-”

Ivan was leaning his head against the steering wheel.

“Are you even…”

He reached his hand out into the road ahead. Straightaway, they could hear it.

“Oh no.”

“Yep.”

Jacklyn then asked, “So you’re suggesting that we actually head towards the front?”

“I’m not the one who suggested it.”

“Gah…!” She placed her hand over her chest, “Uh… uh…”

“Can’t we just find another route?” asked Lance in a somewhat similar state.

“If we did that, then we’ll be running into either side’s reinforcements.” Ivan sighed. “So Jackie, congrats. It’s a rather good idea, you know.”

“Um…” she quickly shot her gaze towards the glove compartment, resting a hand over her cheek. “Uh… yeah.”

“Ugh…. Honestly, it doesn’t sound like a bad idea.” Lance was taking out the magazine from his rifle, looking at the bullets within. “But here’s the problem.., we are in here.”

Jacklyn let her hand slide from her cheek. She then, slowly, faced Ivan; who in turn looked back at her.

“You know, Lance.” said Jacklyn, jogging along with the others. “This is the fourth vehicle we had to ditch. And this one we did in record time.”

Lance guffawed. “Really?”

“Mmm Hmm.”

“Heh, Impressive.” he commended. “If you’re not a merc, then you’ll notice quickly that cars are an oddity around here. Working cars mind you.”

“Heh, maybe you’re right.”

“Yep. So Ivan, how do you expect to enter Salt Lake?” Lance asked.

Ivan answered. “I don’t think that now is the time to discuss this.”

“Yeah, I guess you’re right.”

Ivan found a billboard to the right.

“Man,” Lance said with awe. “Billboard must’ve been clearer before the wars.”

“Follow me.” Ivan ordered.

“Uh… what was that?”

He bolted towards the billboard, causing the others to follow. They stood against the support beams.

“Lance, can you scout the area for us?”

“Uh…? Heh, glad you asked.” He stuck his rifle out before placing his eye into the scope. “Eh… most of the action is happening in the city.”

He pulled away. “Which means we’re in an extremely vulnerable state. If a flanking force comes in, we won’t be living for that much longer.”

“So shall we get moving?”

“Obviously.” he was standing on his feet.

‘Hold it!” Acquiring their attention, Jacklyn would say, “C-Can I… see your rifle?”

He was taken aback. “You want to take it away from me, don’t you?”

Modestly, she’d say. “Yes.”

“Jackie, just let it go.” Ivan said.

“I agree.” Lance said coldly. “We need to move quickly if we don’t want spark any attention.”

“But…”

“Jackie, that’s enough.” Ivan too stood up, and began walking. “Now let’s go.”

Lance would do the same. Without hesitating, Jacklyn too would follow. Her hand was gripping tightly onto the baton as she struggled to keep up with the group.

“Oh, and Jackie, was it?”

“What?” she asked with a virulent tone.

“I was assigned this weapon.”

The grip on her baton loosened. Her stare being reduced. “Oh…, I see.”

She picked up speed, and was now joining the two in the typical side by side manner.

“Yeah, my superiors told me that this was the weapon of choice for me.” He switched to his SMG. “I didn’t complain, I had a wife and kids back home obviously.”

“I understand.” Jacklyn held onto her arm.

“So, you were planning on taking drastic measures weren’t you?”

She shot up to him. “Uh…”

“You were, weren’t you?”

She was looking at the asphalt now.

Seeing this made Lance comment with, “Welcome to the red zone, pal. Well, not really. Consider this your first experience on the battlefield.”

“I already have.”

“I’m sorry?”

“I… I’ve already seen enough.”

He checked the magazine for ammo. “Well, alrighty then. Hope your stomach can handle more.”

Click!

“Of course.”

BOOM!

The streets were being filled with blasts of smoke and fire. Each one getting closer and closer.

“Over there!” Panicking, Ivan pointed at the first building they came across. They’d sprint to that location in an instant, with Ivan kicking the door open. “Scout the area, search for any hostiles and eliminate them.”

“Oi!” Lance nodded, charging into the building.

“And Jackie?” Ivan asked, getting ahold of Jacklyn.

“Yes?”

Aversely, he told her. “I hate it too.”

Jacklyn was still, a hand resting on her cheek as she watched him join Lance.

"Jackie, you coming or what?" Ivan called.

To which, Jacklyn quickly snapped out of it to join the others. Next Chapter: Chapter 9 Estimated time remaining: 5 Hours, 43 Minutes