Author's Notes:

Here's part two. Sorry about the wait, folks, but I've been busy with another crossover, if you haven't noticed. Anyway, there's one more after this one.

As always, thanks for reading.

FIGHT LIKE HELL, FIGHT LIKE DOOM MARINES!

Ch.21: The Complexity of Love. Part 2.

(Vincent/Doom Marine, Canterlot Castle…)

Heh, what a day it must be for Bryan and Kevin. One I’m fairly certain they'll be able to figure out by themselves. That, or asking help from somewhere else! Either way, maybe this might change the pace for a while…

“SIR!” Looking behind me, I saw a Royal Guard running up to me. “We have a contact trying to fly into Canterlot!”

“Wait, what? Where!?” I asked him.

“This way!” He said as he lead me towards one of the Castle walls. The Royal Guard were shooting arrows at...something? I really can't tell if that’s a new kind of Dragon or not, but it has a barrier protecting it, so I just held up an arm and they stopped.

“Alright, when did this happen?” I asked.

“A few minutes ago, sir. We saw that thing speeding towards our way, so we thought it might be hostile, even one of Cocoon’s new weapons.” The one who led me up here answered.

Before I said anything, I heard movement from behind and saw some of the Night Sentinels running up towards me.

“My Lord, what is happening?” A Sergeant asked.

“Don't know, yet. But let's wait for it to land and see where this goes.” I answered him.

“Are you sure?” He asked with concern.

“I’m sure.” I said with a nod, as this beast came in fast and landed inside the courtyard. We had to duck down for that.

“Any particular reason why my lord?” the sergeant asked.

“Because, that.” I said as I pointed at Kevin, who hopped down from it. “And I can only guess who this might be…”

“I am the goddess of balance, wisdom and craftsmanship, Palutena.” The beast answered as she shifted form into an anthro alicorn mare.

“Well good for you, jackass. So who summoned you?” I asked her.

“Berserker, he was having mare problems, and we sorted that out pretty much, so I came looking for other issues people were having before I left, you ponies seem very jumpy you never seen a dragoness before?” Palutena replied.

“Oh, I don't know. Maybe because they thought you were a mutant freak? Just saying, having six wings gives the impression of impending doom.” I shrugged.

“Wasn't entirely my choice really, used to be humanish, still you have mutants out here? Need help cleaning them up?” She asked rubbing her hands together in glee.

I thought this over and shook my head. “None that I can think of, no. Wanna see anyone while you're here?” I asked her.

“Well there are only two ponies I’d like to see, my sister Luna or my fiancé Celestia well alternate versions of my sister and fiancé anyway.” She said with a shrug.

“Hmm… Alright, Tia’s training with Berserker’s Girlfriend. C’mon.” I said as I led her through the castle.

“Wow, he's building quite the herd isn't he?” Palutena commented before asking me. “Quick question how will Tia react to me carrying my Tia's foals?” I stopped when she said that.

Turning to face her, I said. “Okay, let's get one thing straight, keep that shit to yourself. Never speak of anything about your Equestria, or what has happened, to her. I know you tend to troll, but you don't use it stomp on someone's heart.” I told her. “This way, it won't cause a scene.”

“Fair enough, though let me correct you I don't always do it for malicious reasons plus I care about 'Tia, so let me just remove my ring then,” she said as she pulled off her engagement ring.

“That's good and all, but like I said, keep that to yourself. Especially your feelings, because this isn't your Equestria, and we don’t want a scene.” I said as we continued on.

“Yeah, yeah geez I know, I’ll introduce myself ask if she has any need of help or have a spot of tea with her then leave, barring extraneous circumstances.” She replied.

“It's just some policies we made and agreed to. I’m sure you understand. Also, Berserker isn't trying to start a harem, but do you think it might be...unavoidable?” I explained to her before asking her.

“Well seeing as Twilight, Chrysalis, Luna and Cadance are crushing on him and he seemed to be warming up to the idea, though still had some reservations about not being around a lot and all the fighting, whether or not it's avoidable is doubtful, at least not without a lot of hurt feelings,” she responded, “still, in the end it might be a good thing for him, for all of you if you find somebody to love and care for outside all the fighting, a place you can relax and forget your problems if only temporarily.” She added with a smile.

“He may be warming up, but he's too cautious to even do it. He might just stay with only one. I know him, but I’m sure I can get him to agree with the idea. But my dream girl ain't here, in our Equestria. No one here will ever love a madman like me.” I told her.

Palutena sighed, “I won't bore you with platitudes, you might find someone you might not, you won't know till you actually try, but I atleast wish you luck,”

“Trust me when I say I know my girl ain't here. But thanks anyway.”

“Your welcome,” she responded.

After a while of walking and talking, we reached the room where Tia and Visi were training in. Opening the door, we saw the two sparring with each other. Visi was out of her armour, as they both wore some sportswear, and were sweating up a storm.

The scene in front of Palutena, caused her wings to flare and her nose to bleed, she flusteredly conjured tissues in order to stop the bleeding. This made me laugh out loud, which caused the two sparring partners to stop and look our way.

“What's going on, and what happened to her?” Visilia asked me.

“Oh, don't worry, she's a lesbian.” I answered her.

“Oh, that's cool. Like the show?” Damn, Visi! You thinking about giving Berserker a show!?

“Visilia, no! That's inappropriate!” Spoilsport, Tia. Don't be such a cock block!

Palutena giggled at visillia, “while I did enjoy the “show” as you put it, I came for a different reason…. “ She paused and thought how that could taken, “innuendo unintended!” She quickly adds blushing slightly.

“Allow me to introduce myself, I am Palutena, goddess of balance, wisdom and craftsmanship. A pleasure to make your acquaintance,” Palutena said as she performed a flourishing half bow. Ignoring the snickering off to her side.

Visilia looks between her and me before asking. “Is she for real?”

I sighed and answered. “Yes, she is. She's dressed as a anime character from a game series from back home. Although, technically speaking, she was stoned.”

“Stoned? As in high?” As soon as Visi said that, I laughed so hard at that, while Pally just stared at her like she was crazy.

Palutena sighed, “No I am not stoned, I was petrified for a thousand years because I shielded a child, that would have been hit instead. And yes I'm a real goddess, though I would like to point out my omnipotence is limited. now I know how God feels with all those atheists,”

“Yeah, sorry to say this, but I meant that as a joke. I knew what he meant when he said stoned. Also, I’m not an Atheist, but I really don't care much about your Godhood. I also think you need a break from that stuff.” Visilia explained, which shocked Pally, until she facepalmed herself and groaned.

“How do you mean?” Palutena asked.

“Because you're pregnant.” Visilia bluntly stated. “And that isn't very helpful now is it? So let's sit down, have some tea, and talk.” She suggested.

“Yeah I could use a vacation, six foals is a lot,” she replied sheepishly, until she blinked. “Wait a minute, you’re human?” Wow, took her long enough.

“Yes, and no. I’m the Princess of Tartarus, a Demon turned human, thanks to the Doom Marines.” Visilia told Pally, the latter leaving her jaw hanging there. “We’ll get things set up. C’mon Tia.” When she and Tia left, Pally grabbed me by the shoulders.

“THAT’S Berserker’s Girlfriend!?” She screamed at me.

“Yeah.” I simply answered her, not really bothered by her reaction.

“Then that means all those Templar soldiers are Demons of Tartarus as well!?”

“Yeah.”

“So why are they following you!?”

“Because they were dying.” When I said that, she flinched.

“Wha--?? Dying? What could possibly kill demons besides a few notable exceptions and other demons?” she asked,

“You do know both Hell and Tartarus are two separate dimensions, right? How else do you think Hellspawns were getting into this Equestria?” I asked her.

“well, usually through a portal or an anchor like gore nests, or through the gates although that way is guarded by Cerberus,” she answered.

“Gore Nests are actually their checkpoints. It isn't powerful enough to ship that many troops into reality. Tartarus, at least here, used to be a shitshow, until Visilia’s father declared civil war against his father and won the war. After rebuilding and rearranging things, it was going great for some time, until Hell came breaking down the door and started killing them. There were even a few traitors before then, and they helped them.” I explained to her.

“So how did they become human?” She asked.

“Because of us. They had Demons that they called Splicers, which can splice any form of genetic material. But we called them Scinoxs, which they adopted and everyone started calling them that now. Anyway, since we were already infused with Hell Energy, they only needed one sample from each of us, from there they cloned it, and the many warriors and volunteers were altered and augmented with it. The results were actually better than they had previously thought, and there were only four old Scinoxs left.” I told her.

Just as I had finished with the history lesson, Celestia and visilia had returned, and set everything up.

“So who's the sire, anypony we might know,” Vasilia, joked.

I think Palutena was screaming internally judging by her expression, before saying, “ I am sorry, but I am currently honour bound to withhold that Information, I will say however that she is a beautiful, kind, intelligent and generous mare,” she answered wistfully looking down in her tea cup.

“Yeah, Visilia, I told her not to say anything about her Equestria, in case it causes a scene.” I said to her.

“Right, Displaced. So, did she grow the dick, or did you have a hand in it?” She asked so blatantly.

Pally gave her a deadpan look, “i am the pregnant one so there's a hint, but no magic was involved, she is a hermaphrodite,”

“Who’s to say she didn't want to get pregnant herself?” She said, which Pally just stares at her.

“Oh she’s pregnant too… Wait a minute, how did you guess that!?” Oh, so she was onto something.

“It was a lucky guess, and the fact that maybe one of you started to want more, and have a bigger family. Really, it wasn't that hard.” Visilia said as she sipped her tea.

Palutena seemed to accept the explanation, and I shrugged at this. Although Tia has yet to say anything, so when I was about to ask her, she was just staring into her tea, lost in thought.

“Celestia, are you alright? You haven't touched your tea,” Palutena asked, concern laced in her voice.

That seemed enough to snap her back to reality. “Wha--? Oh, sorry about that, I was just thinking about something. Nothing to worry about.” She quickly said before sipping her tea.

Me, Visilia and Pally looked at each other, but we didn't push the issue. Thinking she could sort it out herself.

Pally then asked Visi, “So, you and Berserker, huh? That's quite the twist, seeing as how he tends to just fight, more than love. Which is sad, now that I think about it.” She sounded depressed by that.

“Yes, we are together. And while it is sad he chooses to fight over love, he can be a bit of a block head at times. But I’m sure I can make it work, he has been trying, though a bit too hard. He’s always so stiff about it, it's hard for him to relax.” Visilia stated, which I agree, he can be stiff about it.

“I get that, duty and all that faff, but he shouldn't drop other avenues, battle puts a heavy toll on the mind,” Palutena replied as she took a sip of her drink.

“If you ask me, it did, although differently. He is The Bloody-Handed Berserker after all. Fighting is what he relishes in, because he's within his habitat; on the battlefield.” I said to her.

“Has he not tried arena combat?” Palutena asked.

“Yes, but even that was about killing, too.” I answered.

Palutena sighed and looked up as if looking at something, “War… war never changes.”

“... Rip-off artist.” I snarked at her. Playfully so, I didn't mean it in a harsh way.

“It’s a quote, words of wisdom passed down through history.” Palutena responded waving off the plagiarism accusation. “Still though, fuck you, ya little shit.” She playfully huffed and turned away from me, which I chuckled at.

Just as she was taking a sip, I asked her. “So, wanna be our sister?” Just as I said that, she did a spit-take in Visilia’s face, which I laughed at.

Palutena’s head twisted around fast enough that it would give a normal human whiplash, to look at me incredulously, “what brought this on?” She asked the incredulity seeping into her voice.

“What? Can’t I ask for that?” I asked with a shrug.

“I suppose you can, it just Kinda came out of left field,” she responded cautiously.

“Well, I suppose you could say, it’ll do us some good. Berserker especially, since he never got along with his family at times, including his older, yet short sister. They tend to have a fallout, and he both loved and hated her. Although she does get a bit bitchy at times, for no absolute reason, and blames him for it.” I explained as I remembered what happened when I first met her. Sheesh, she sounded like a banshee.

“Well after the death of my parents the only family i had left before my displacement and ascension was my sister, which was a thousand years ago, My mother, Theia died during my birth and my father died saving a family from a burning building,” Palutena sighed

Visilia gasped in shock, but when Palutena turned to look she had covered her mouth. Oh shit, no wonder she never talks about her mother, she died the same way Pally’s mother did. “Oh my… I lost my mother giving birth to me, too.”

“Huh small multiverse,” Palutena remarked.

“I guess so.” Visilia agreed.

“Let's keep this on the down low. If Berserker finds out, he's gonna flip.” I warned them.

“At which part will he flip, you asking me to be your sister or that both mine and Visillia's mother died during childbirth?” Palutena asked before shrugging, “and as for the sister thing I suppose it couldn't hurt.” Although, as soon as she said that, a look of panic was on her face. “Please Murphy don't punish me!”

“Who's Murphy? And why would he punish you? Aren't you a goddess?” Celestia asked.

“Have you ever heard of a phrase saying; What comes around, goes around. That's how Murphy’s Law works, kind of like Karma.” I stated.

“For example a squad of veteran soldiers prep for an easy and straightforward mission, and a newbie tags along. That newbie proceeds to say, something along the lines of “this mission is going to be easy.” the whole squad runs into problems in the mission or abnormal events happen, making the mission unusually difficult. Or when a cop says aloud he has how many days before retirement and is then gunned down that same day. That is Murphy's law everything that can go wrong will go wrong especially if you dare the universe like saying “this day couldn't get any worse.” The universe will prove to you that it can.” Pally explained to her.

“It's all about you unwittingly tempting fate.” I added.

“Which I just did, while I’ll be safe if inconvenienced anyone less sturdy who is around me is likely to suffer or cause problems.” Palutena shuddered, “oh btw can hunter read lips?”

“He’s a mute. Not Deaf.” I answered her.

“He doesn't have to be deaf to read lips, it’s a useful skill for long range surveillance. And I asked because I saw a reflection glinting outside,” Palutena replied.

“Hmm… Not sure.”

Just then a sniper round impacts Palutena’s head. Splattering everyone with blood.

“Oh… That’s what you meant. Wait a minute, who the fuck shot that!?” I shouted as I got up. “Pally, get up! Time to kill some bitches!”

Blood flowed back towards Palutena's missing head as her head regenerates, “do you know how annoying it is to regenerate a head!?”

“I don't know, but you don't see Alucard whining about it, he just laughs it off!” I said as I got out my Heavy Assault Rifle, with the Tactical Scope mod on.

“Yes, well unlike me, he doesn't feel pain,” Palutena snarked

“Whatever.” I got on the Comms. “Hunter, get over here! We got a sniper and some dumbasses to murder!” After I said that, we heard a lot of footsteps moving about from outside.

Palutena rose up from her seat and created a DMR with a scope. She opened the window and looked through the scope for the sniper, she spots a sniper running across the roots of Canterlot, “Tango spotted, three clicks east heading towards city edge.” She called out, and started shooting.

“What does he look like!? Changeling!?” I asked her.

“Can't tell tango is wearing a full cloak with hood,” she replied taking marked shots, “shit tango out of range, what's hunter’s status?”

“Target escaped. He used teleportation.” Hunter texted.

“Fuck, he’s gone!” I told her.

“Dammit!” She growled, tossing her DMR on the ground and causing it to shatter into fragments of light.

“I found the bullet shell, and you’re not gonna like this…” Hunter texted.

“He’s got the shell, but it sounds bad. You won't like it.” I replied to Pally.

“I’m sure I won't, but tell me anyway,” Palutena responded wearily as she sat back down to a frozen Celestia and a calm, yet wary Visilia, who had her Pistol out.

“He’s on his way back.” I told her, picking up my seat and sitting down.

With a groan, and a click of her fingers, the room repaired itself and a fresh tea set with tea, appeared. Palutena poured herself a cup and conjured a flask and poured it in her cup.

“What's in that?” I asked, to which she just grunted as she took her spiked tea and tossed the flask to me, I looked at it shrugged and lifted my helmet and took a swig, my throat burning as liquid flowed down it, “Whew that firewater has a right kick to it!” I praised and drunk another swig. “Oh yeah, that's the stuff!”

“Celestia, you there?” Palutena asked as she waved her right hand in front of the mare's face. Slowly Celestia came around.

“What the fuck!? I saw your head explode!?” Celestia screeched, and wow, first time she has ever sworn.

“About that, I am totally immortal, barring very specific requirements, nothing can kill me. Doesn't stop hurting like a bitch though, probably why Alucard is a sado masochist,” Palutena explained before taking another sip of her tea. Celestia's eye twitched and she then took the flask of whisky from me and started chugging it, without seeming to stop, “Celestia, that's a flask of infinite whiskey you’re never going to finish it, so stop before you get alcohol poisoning,” Palutena deadpanned.

“Aw, now you tell me!” I whined.

Palutena snorted and laughed, before conjuring another flask for me.

Visilia stole my new flask before I could drink it and I glared at her until Palutena rolled her eyes and made another for me, just as Hunter came in through the door.

“Oh, hey bro. So, what was it?” I asked as he walks over. Just before I took a sip, he throws the shell on the table and we stared at it. Putting the cork back on, I picked it up and looked it over. “Holy shit, you got hit by a 50 cal.”

“An anti-material rifle? I'm so honoured,” she drawled sarcasm dripping from her voice, “So any company name or army registration numbers?” she asked.

“No, dumbass, I mean this shouldn't exist beyond these fucking walls!” I shouted at her, to which she got the message.

“Oh, fuck me sideways. How did this even happen?” She asked.

“We don't know, and this wasn't manufactured by normal means. This is used for assassinating certain targets, and they’re being very careful about it. Fuck!”

“So either this is an inside job or you got a spy in your midst,” Palutena said as she drunk the rest of her tea. “Still not sure why they’d want to kill me?”

“No, not you. Tia was the target. They mistook you to be her.” I said to her. “It's a message, stating they don't want her or Luna to rule anymore. They want them out of the picture.”

“excuse me for a moment gentlemen,” Palutena excused herself and left the room. A few moments later the room shook from the sound of a furious roar, rattling cutlery and window panes. After a couple of moments Palutena calmly returned and sat down, ignoring the stares.

“You done?” I asked her, to which she replied with her middle finger.

“yes, thank you,” she replied.

“Okay then, no, no one is a spy, nor is there a inside job. Nobody, besides our Night Sentinels, are allowed inside our Home Base. This happened beyond Equestria.” I stated to her.

“then the alternative is someone reverse engineered them from casings left around the country and bullets from corpses,” she replied.

“No. The bullets and shotgun shells practically disappear afterwards. It's gotta be something else.”

“So the only other explanation is this is a natural progression,” she responded

“Possibly, but the only weapons they have developed is Revolvers, Winchesters, and Gatling guns. Nothing too seriously advanced. Not like this piece.” I said as I stared at the damn thing.

“well in our world around this kind of age they had rudimentary gattling guns. But that was a single bullet that was shot at us,” she shrugged

“From a Sniper Rifle, too. Meaning this is bigger, and a pain in the ass. Although…” I stopped and thought on this new discovery. “Hmm… Perhaps. If we can find them…”

“Do you have a way of tracking a teleport?” Palutena asked

I shook my head. “No, I don’t. But I was thinking of something else, a project we Doom Marines thought over. Problem was that there were too many obstacles that we couldn't tackle. One of them concerning the Royal Guard.” I said to her.

“Let me guess, corruption or it was filled with people who just wanted power and authority or abused it.” She guessed.

“Good guess, but no, there wasn't any of that. The problem was that King Solaris kept sending them out on suicide runs, while he had us cooped up in here.”

“so he didn't trust you or thought you too valuable an asset?” Palutena asked

“No and no, he thought a big invasion force was coming, and wanted us here to defend. But we knew the Demons were playing tricks on him, so Berserker initiated a challenge to him. Officially, it ended in a draw. Off the records, Berserker won. And he was only using his fists, while he had Solaris use everything at his disposal.” I told her, and a look of surprise was on her face.

“It was the only way to get out and kill off the Demons, before they actually start up an invasion force. Not to mention, he is only one to have ever fought against an Alicorn.” I added.

“Okay, so what does this have to do with advance ballistic weapons?” she asked.

“We were thinking of changing the Royal Guard, so that they can use said advance ballistic weapons. But we couldn't give them our guns if they can't pick them up.” I answered her.

“I see where this might be going, you gave them copies of blueprints for lesser guns?” She asked,

“No, we wouldn't give them blueprints, just the guns. We actually got a UAC Manufactorum within this mountain, but it exist in another realm. Unfortunately, we kept on coming up empty handed with ideas and designs.” I stated.

“So then what did you do? You're running out of ways this could lead to somepony making the guns.” Palutena stated.

“True, and we can't stop them. For the most part, they invented things without the need for war, such as TV, computers, etc.”

“Well that's similar to my world although that was due to direct interference on my part, focusing on benign or helpful tech.” She stated.

I just chuckled at that. “Well then, that means things have switched about, I’m guessing.”

“Sigh yeah, ponies now eat meat where I live, weather is chaotic like on our old home because Pegasi worship me and refused to control the weather. And they have TV and cellphones and internet, ironically it filled with porn pretty quickly,” she explained and shrugged.

“Oh internet, can’t live with it, can’t live without porn on it.” I snorted and laughed at that. “Christ, I wouldn't be surprised if it's the same here.”

“What's porn.” Celestia asked in confusion.

“Sex videos, where you can watch your fetishes from the screen, and wank off to it.” I answered her.

“Pictures of unshorn fetlocks,” Palutena added.

([Third person] Meanwhile with Luna…)

Luna looked around confused, she had the oddest sensation of needing a monocle and hiding mares from something scandalous and improper.

(Vincent/Doom Marine, back to our little get together…)

“Unshorn fetlocks, how is that sexual?” I asked her.

“I never got it myself, or that whole socks as lingerie thing.” She shrugged missing the massive blush on Vilisia’s and Celestia’s faces.

“Now I’m worried.” Celestia said.

“Now I’m curious.” Visilia stated.

“Oh my~” I said in a certain type of voice.

“Now look who’s rip-off artist!” Pally snarked.

“I couldn't help it! Someone needed to say it!” I shouted as we both laughed, with Hunter shaking his head in amusement.

After we stopped laughing, Palutena rolled her eyes, as she summoned a pile of examples and gave them to Visilia. Celestia leaned over to look with cautious curiosity. Palutena watched their reactions with interest.

As they came to the last, Celestia's blushed deeply and her wings flared out, turning to look at Palutena briefly, before looking away. And Visilia kept looking up at her and down at the picture.

“What's wrong?” Palutena frowned, Visilia turned the picture around.

I looked on with interest as did Palutena, well until her wings flared and her face flushed, in the photo Celestia was fucking a pregnant Palutena doggy style. Palutena quickly took the photo flustered as she looked, “how did that get in there that's not porn!” She said as she summoned a photo album and placed the photo inside, before sending it away.

“You sure? It looked like porn to me,” I snarked.

“Nope, not porn, we we’re experimenting at the time and…” Palutena responded but covered her mouth interrupting herself. Slowly she turned to Celestia and Visilia both girls faces were almost completely red with blush, Celestia’s eyes were wide and her pupils shrunk to pinpricks. Visilia though had a look of mild concentration, then her eyes widened as if she had stumbled on the truth. As her eyes fixed on Palutena’s belly.

“Oh shit, this isn't good.” I cursed internally.

“That was real!? I thought it was fake!” Celestia exclaimed shrilly. Well, that was rude and offensive as fuck.

Palutena looked at me for help, “Fine, tell them. But do it gently.” I said with a sigh.

Palutena sighed and pulled out her engagement ring and gave it to Celestia. “In my world, I am Celestia's fiancé and Twilight Sparkle and Spike's adoptive mother.”

Celestia took the ring and looked inside the band. “To my beautiful light, Palutena. I, Celestia, pledge myself to you now and for eternity as your wife.” She read aloud, slowly.

“Wow, that's sappy.” I commented, causing Palutena and, oddly enough, Celestia to glare at me.

Celestia got up and gave Palutena her ring back, who put the ring on. Celestia looked down to Palutena's belly, kneeled, and caressed it silently with a slight frown. “Is your Celestia the sire?” Celestia asked, looking up at Palutena, who smiled warmly as she caressed her belly.

“Yes, she is,” Celestia gained a sad and thoughtful expression before she could do or say anything though Celestia was picked up and pulled into a gentle but firm hug. After a few moments Celestia fully embraced Palutena and started crying into her shoulder, Visilia and I looked on the scene with confusion. As Palutena comforted Celestia and stroked her mane.

“Okay, what the fuck is happening here?” Hunter texted me, and I just shrugged at him.

Visilia calmly got up and joined the hug, sandwiching Celestia between her and Palutena. Me and Hunter just waited for them, not wanting to interrupt this little tender moment. Even so, I can't help but feel...aggravated. I don't know why, but I bet something happened to Tia, that she doesn't want to talk about it. Eventually she’ll have to tell us, whether it be by her own according, or something relative to the cause. Looking over at Hunter, I can see him tightening his left hand into a fist, as if feeling he needs to punch someone's face into a splattered red paste. He's feeling it, too. No doubt the other bro is, as well. And I can only hope no one is in his way, because that's where he’ll be throwing his fists at…

(Bryan/Doom Marine, Crystal Empire…)

“GOD-FUCKING-DAMMIT!!!!!!!!!” I growled out loudly, as I smashed my fist into the nearest wall, creating a huge-ass hole in it, which showed off the room in there. I almost killed one of the passing maidens, scaring the living shit out of her, by accident.

“Bryan!? What is it!? Is there something wrong!?” I heard Chrysalis shout from behind, as she and the girls ran up to me.

“What's the matter!? Why are you angry!? Besides the obvious!” Cadence asked as she helped the maiden up.

“I don't know why…” I answered her. “But I just feel the need to get back at someone for doing something.”

“As in?” Twilight asked, nervously.

“Again, I don't know. All I know is that I need to KILL whoever the fuck that needs killing! Hell, I wouldn't mind murdering an entire nation's worth of its population!” I growled my answer, which both surprised and scared any and all who heard that.

“D-D-Don't you think t-that's taking it too far?” Cadence asked in a shaking voice.

“It wouldn't be the first time, to tell you the truth. I’ve seen it happening before, and that wasn't the last time I’ve either witnessed, or done myself.” I told her before walking off. “I’ll be out in the frost.”

“What for!?” Chrysalis asked in surprised shock.

“For a walk.” I answered as I headed out into the Frozen Wastelands...

(Palutena, back in Canterlot…)

I shivered all of a sudden, as I felt something. A need to slaughter, to spill blood, to kill with a murderous intention. I can only guess who could be feeling such things.

Looking over to the two Doom Marines, I sensed what they were feeling, it was the same, but not as intense as the one Berserker is giving off. I just hope it doesn't cost him of anything. Turning to Visilia, she nods her head and steps back, letting go of Celestia as she stands back up.

“Oh my, so sorry about that, Palutena. It's just that...well...I’m not confident enough to say it, yet. It happened a long time ago, just after I had to banish Luna to the moon. I couldn't tell her either, after she came back.” She says to us, sniffling a little bit.

“It's okay, Celestia, I don't mind lending you my shoulder,” I ducked under Celestia's horn and kissed her on the forehead.

She blushes a little at my show of affection, but at least it made her smile a bit. “Thank you.” She whispered.

“You're welcome, so let's get back to the person who seems to think an anti-material rifle is appropriate for soft targets,” I suggested.

“Alright. Unfortunately, this will have to wait until we can get more Intel on who the fuck is making and causing more unnecessary shit for us, when they could be helping us. They probably think they dictate the world now.” Runner stated, with a shake of his head.

“Well who, besides Cocoon, would benefit from Celestia's and Luna's…. Wait, if Celestia is in danger, wouldn't Luna also be targeted!?” I exclaimed and started pacing in a panicked way, “Fuck!” I opened a shadow portal to wherever Luna was, “that leads to Luna, I’ll stay behind with 'Tia and Visilia. And here is my token it doubles as a mega laser!” I quickly added conjuring my staff token.

“Alright, thanks.” He says as he gets up, takes my staff, and jumps through the portal. After a few seconds, he comes back with Luna unharmed. “Eh, she was fine. Although she was hiding som--”

“NO I WAS NOT!” She shouted, cutting off Runner, as her face went red. “I-I wasn't hiding anything…”

I grabbed Luna and pulled the pornographic material from her hands, I deadpan when I see the title, “Mares, Mares,Mares big flanks edition.” I read aloud, and then looked at her, “ mind if I borrow this for a moment?” I asked with a smirk.

“Noooo...give it back.” She whined as she tries to grab it, but I didn't let her.

“Hmm… Nah. I mean, maybe I will, but on one condition.” I said with a smirk.

Luna shrank a bit. “What might that be?” She asked nervously.

My smirk widened a tad bit, before I told her. “Who is it?” The moment I asked her that question, her eyes widened, her face becoming red as tomatoes, and she desperately tried to retrieve the dirty reading material from me.

“No deal! Give it back!” She demanded.

I teleported the magazine to Runner, in a magical game of keep away.

Looking towards him, he said. “Okay, look, normally I wouldn't do this to her. Never could. But…” He looks down at the magazine before continuing on. “I’m a little curious myself, even though I can guess the answer to it. But what if it's more than just him?” Oh, I see now…

“It's not like that, Runner! Now give it back, please!?” She runs towards him and makes a grab for it. Only to get tripped up by him, as he moves out of her way, and she falls flat on the floor. “Ow~! Runner, you jerk, give it back!”

“Tell us who she is, I have an idea of who it might be, but I want to hear it from your mouth,”

“It's not a she, and you know it.” She says as she gets up, rubbing her snout.

“Oh, we already know about your feelings for Berserker, but there is another that your love is going to.” I responded with a cheeky grin.

Celestia, meanwhile, fell back on her chair staring off into the distance. Visilia was...I don't know, but she wasn't mad in the slightest. Hunter was looking on with concern for Luna.

I caught glimpses of Visilia’s thoughts and giggled, such a naughty filly

“While I don't usually do it without permission, I can read your mind Luna.” I told her.

She looks at me in alarm. “Why would you do that!?”

“I am curious, if it helps you find the courage to tell us who the lucky mare is, I’ll tell you my own, my fiancé and the sire of my six foals is the Celestia from my world.” I told her with a smirk, “which means we are technically sister's. And sisters share things like their crushes,” I said with the brightest grin I could muster without using light magic to cheat.

“... You’re cruel.” She whimpers as tears start forming in her eyes.

My grin faded and I rushed over and hugged her, “I am so sorry Lulu, I was only teasing you, there, there. You don't have to tell us if you really are that embarrassed. You should have seen my world's version of you when she confessed to Twilight Sparkle at the grand Galloping Gala. It was so cute and they danced, I was so busy reminiscing that I missed the blush and her eyes widening and her pupils shrinking.

“Nice one, sis. I mean, what are you even doing; cheer her up, or snap her mind in half? I’m pretty sure Berserker is gonna kick your ass for that, if it wasn't for the fact you're pregnant.” Runner said as he facepalmed.

“She's pregnant!? I just thought she was overweight!” Luna's eyes widened further.

“What? Oh sorry lulu tell you what anything you want, your wish is my command, I said as I let her go, held my hands in front of me, orbs of my aspects flouted in a ring rotating above my hands, “Phenomenal cosmic power, no itty bitty living space,” I grinned cheesily at my reference.

Runner groaned at my reference. “Terrible. That was just terrible, Pally.”

“Um...are you sure?” Luna asked me, sounding very uncertain.

“Of course, I have the aspects light, darkness, harmony, chaos, order, craftsmanship and wisdom, though I'm still working on that last one,” I said scratching the back of my neck sheepishly.

“Well, I can't think of anything, really.”

“It doesn't have to be a thing. it can be anything, I will however forbid any wishes pertaining to resurrecting the dead, as it's not fair to them. Although I could do it. And I can also transform myself and other people,” I explained.

“Why would you do that? Why would anyone want to wish something like that?” Luna asked. “That seems...well…”

“Grief is a powerful emotion, it makes people do the strangest and stupidest things, or even cause the mourner’s death from it. Sometimes that includes wishing for those they loved to be returned to them. If you meant why would I transform people? Well several reasons why, to help them perform tasks they normally couldn't, give them abilities that make their lives easier, cosmetic reasons, punishment for crimes etc. The list goes on. Of Course transformation isn't for everyone, just letting you know it's within my ability to do so.” I shrugged,” if that doesn't work for you I can perform wishes of a less than savory variety, punish those who hurt you, decimate enemy armies, or I could just repair Canterlot it’s seen better days,” I said as I looked out the window, “ I can do a lot of things,” I smiled at Luna, “or…” I conjured my shop orb, “or I could open my shop of spells to you, and let you choose one or two of them for free.” I added.

“Yeah, I’m afraid we can't let you do that. We don't think it's a bad thing, nothing against you, but it's not needed. Once the war is over, maybe then you'll be able to set up shop. For now though, we can't accept things like that, otherwise it might come off as us being lazy. No offence.” Runner explained to me.

“Aww~! Now you're making your sister feel inadequate!” I said as if I was hurt by his words. “Oh, my dear brother, how could you?”

“Suck it up, woman! Ain't nobody got time for that horseshit!” I glared at him when he said that, and before I could offer a retort, he said. “Also, wanna know something about Tia? She can't make her own bed.”

I stared at him blankly, as my brain crashed and started the reboot system. Once done, I looked at Celestia and she was blushing in embarrassment, with Luna and Visilia looking at her with disappointing frowns. I just lost it and laughed my ass off, almost falling out of my chair.

“Yep! Tia can't make her bed, and she had to do it with just her hands! No magic, and yet she managed to set it on fire, once it collapsed on itself. So, fair warning if yours can't do it, as well.” He added.

“Ohohoho~ Goodness me! It would have been so much better if one of you were recording the whole thing! Then I can show my dear fiancé and rub it in her face.” I said with a smirk, but then I dropped it and got serious. “But still, I expect that little snarky comment from Berserker.”

Runner just shrugged. “Eh, too true. But, if, and this a pretty big IF, we were to become gods, my affinities would be; Death, Despair, Madness, and Souls. Berserkers ones would be; War, Ruin, Rage, and Blood. Like I said, that's a pretty big IF, and those are just some examples.” He stated.

Humming in thought, I actually found myself in agreement with this statement. “Yeah, I can see it that way. But what about Hunter? What would his ones be?” I asked him, rather curious about what would he best represent.

“Hell if I know. Perhaps Nature itself, such as Prey and Predator, how that whole thing works. Possibly even Ingenuity. Again, I don't know, and only he would tell you, but he's keeping that to himself.” Runner answered his best.

I shrugged, “fine then, I have a warning for you though if you do become gods,” I digistructed the javelin that had almost ended my life, “this javelin is made of an alloy called orichalcum,” I started although I was interrupted as chairs fell back as Celestia, Luna and Visilia tried to get as far away from it as possible, “it's properties include magic absorption, mass increase based on magic absorbed and one nick from it can kill a god, goddess or any immortal,” I continued as I de-digistruct it and go other to Celestia to pick her up. As Hunter helped Visilia up as Runner helped Luna up.

“Why do you have that evil metal!?” Celestia screeched.

“Because a group of griffon mercs/assassin's tried to use it to kill me with it.” I declared.

“Why would they do that?” Luna asked.

“It might be because Pegasi stopped controlling the weather…”

“But why would you be responsible for that?” Luna asked.

“Because I am indirectly responsible, Pegasi took me as their patron goddess, and believed that they were stepping on my toes by controlling the weather they all abandoned the practice completely and became a totally military focused society, many becoming mercenaries or joining the Pegasi armies, like the night sentinels are to you Doom marines, Pegasi everywhere are loyal to me before anypony else, but rather than being because of any deed, it's more instinctive and primal for the Pegasi. Unfortunately at the time I wasn't controlling the weather so life was lost all over the world as the weather went out of control, forcing me to take the reigns of the weather. It took a long time but I managed to fine tune it so it would work similar to our old world's weather. However before I managed to reign in the weather, two ponies I know personally were affected the most, Twilight Sparkle and Shining Armor, lost their parents, Shining Armor was already in the guard at the time but Twilight became a ward of the palace as a student of Celestia, When I found out about it and was freed from my stone prison, which bound me, myself and Celestia adopted Twilight and Spike.”

“Why were you petrified?” Celestia asked frowning.

“Pfft, I had just arrived I scryed Canterlot by accident, after my ascension and my Celestia noticed me doing so, soon after I found myself facing a battalion and Celestia sucker punched me, when I was looking around what would become Ponyville. One of her guards rushed me with a sword with an illegal petrification enchant, normally I could have dodged out of the way, It was insanely telegraphed. But if I did it would have hit the child that had run up behind me in her curiosity, so I turned around and took the hit while shielding the child with my body.” I explained.

“Trust 'Tia to use underhanded tactics,” Runner snorted with a wry mirth.

“Why wasn't I there?” Luna asked.

I smiled sadly, “because a month prior Celestia banished you to the moon. Anyway I don't know who put out the hit, but I mean to find out, and find out where they got it and return the favour,” I as I said that I scowled.

“Well, at least we're not planning on becoming gods. Berserker said that it was stupid to do so, but that was his opinion on the subject, and the fact that he's sick of religion as a whole. You can guess why.” Runner stated, with me giving a sad sigh.

“Demons.” I simply answered.

“Yeah. Besides that though, ever since the attack on Manehattan, a fandom may or may not have started up.” Runner chuckled. “Let me tell you, these assholes are no different than back home.” I smirked at the idea of Berserker getting mobbed by fangirls.

Then a thought occurred to me. “Say, why were you in Celestia’s room?”

“Because she locked herself up in there. That was when they found my tomb, out in the Badlands. Hell, she even had her stash of sweets with her, and gobbled it all up. Once we found out, me and Berserker went up there to get her, and as soon as she saw me, she threw rubbish at me.” Runner snorted at that. “Like that's gonna stop shit.”

“I bet it was funny though?” I said in response,

“Anyway I still haven’t heard your wish Luna?” I asked while embracing her, “Anything you wish short of resurrecting someone,” I reiterated.

“I...don't know.” Luna said, unsure of what to wish.

“Well what have you always wanted, more than anything?” I asked

“I guess… I want my Doom Marines back.”

“Wait a minute, here. Luna, not the best of ideas.” Runner stated firmly.

“If it is the lack of difficulty that you are concerned about runner I will merely provide all the locations.”

“You do know Murphy’s gonna get you for that, right?” He countered.

“At this point I don’t care murphy has been an ass today as it is, if he messes with me I will hunt him down,” I stated matter of factly, “now lead me to vega or summon him.”

Runner groaned and Hunter shook his head. Seriously, what is up with them? Anyway, the two lead us to their Home Base, through one of the few secret passageways. From there, we came upon the same tomb as from DOOM itself, which I’m guessing was where Berserker was held in. Moving past that, we walked up a few stairs and into a large room, with a computer at one end, and a library at the other end.

That was when VEGA came towards us. “Greetings, how may a help you?”

“Greeting VEGA, I have come to offer some help to the doom marines in finding the rest of their brothers. My apologies VEGA this may sting,” I placed my hands on the avatar of the AI VEGA and proceeded to speed myself up to match his computing speed, “Link established, How’s the connection VEGA?” I asked

“ACCESS DENIED.” Wait a minute, that didn't sound like VEGA!

“Pardon me a second,” I traced back the source, finding a wimpy little man, behind a desk wearing business casual and looking rather like a generic nerd, “You and me are going to have a chat little man…”

(Vincent/Doom Marine…)

Back at the base it didn’t look like Palutena had moved but after a few moments, several girlish screams emanated from what sounded like a guy coming from nowhere, begging for mercy and apologising profusely.

“Access granted,” VEGA said in his proper voice, while the Doom marines looked at each other, and shrugged. Palutena, spread out her sight over the planet, and for every signature similar to the room she noticed she’d download the location into VEGA, after ten passes and making sure she hadn’t missed any, and then placed a boost on VEGA’s communication range to connect him to his mainframe.

“Okay, done, you now have all the locations of your brothers and I boosted VEGA’s connection to his mainframe so he is able to make use of it to scan, communicate, coordinate troops and show you the locations of your brothers. I also kicked Murphy’s ass, man that was cathartic,” she sighed in contentment.

“Well, that was something. Thank you.” VEGA expressed his gratitude, making Palutena giggle.

“Love to sit and chat some more but I need to get back to my world, now as I am sure my family are panicking already,” Palutena explained to us.

“Okay, sure. You need us to do it, or are you alright by getting back yourself?” I asked her.

She hummed to herself in thought. “You send me back as that is how I got here.” She said.

“Okay. Our contract is complete, see you next time, sis!” I said to her, as the portal open up from behind her.

“Hopefully, the next time we do, Berserker mellows out a bit. In all honesty, I’m starting to worry about his health.” Pally said in concern.

I just scoffed at this. “Oh yeah? What about me, a madman?” She just looks at me with a deadpan expression and flips me the bird.

“Seriously Runner, just look out for him. I know Hunter has been for you lot.” She said before waving at us. “Take care.” And with that, she walks through the portal back to her Equestria. Leaving us alone…

“Oh dear…” VEGA spoke up. “It would seem that the coordinates she has given us have become corrupted and fractured all of a sudden. I will need time to repair it as fast as possible.” I sighed at this information. I just knew Murphy was gonna pull a fast one on us, as soon as Pally left no less.

“Great. I wonder how Bryan is doing at the Crystal Empire…”