FIGHT LIKE HELL, FIGHT LIKE DOOM MARINES!

Ch.8: The News...

(Princess Luna, 1 week later...)

"God... Why did this had to happen?" Bryan said in mild annoyance.

It has been a week since my Doom Marines, and Discord, have saved Manehattan. From what Discord has said about the Leviathan, Cocoon has been very busy, if not only desperate. In his personal opinion, of course. But, she has also found a way to, somehow, counteract Discord's Chaos magic.

Looking back at Bryan, he shift his body impatiently. Today was the day we had to go to a conferences, where we have to tell all of Equestria, and quite possibly the world, about what has been happening, what has become, and what of my Doom Marines. To be perfectly honest; they don't like these things, especially when it came to public meetings, and such. They didn't trust anypony with their identity and secrets, and within good reason.

I placed a hand on his shoulder to try and calm him down. "It'll be just fine. They can't ask about your names, or anything related to you. I made sure of that."

"Yeah. Thanks Luna." He said to me, although, I can tell it didn't do much to lighten his mood. "But still, I rather we head back to Canterlot, so that me and Kevin can continue our search for the other three."

"I understand. But you all must remember, that the world has change, if not only grown." I stated to him. Five days ago, I gave my Doom Marines the short version of what has transpired during their dormant slumber. Whether it sounded good or bad to them, I can't decide for them. They'll have to see it, within this new age. Well, technically speaking.

Bryan grunted at this. "News flash; no matter how much the world changes, its people will remain the same, for a very long time."

I raised an eye brow at this. "Surely you jest, do you not?"

"Not in your wildest dreams, little Lulu." He answers me, not a shred of humour within his words. It's quite rare for him to tell jokes, only because he can't really form a good one.

Shaking my head, we entered through the back door of where the conference will be held. The girls were already here before us, along with Discord and a disguised Chrysalis. I had Barbs send a message for me to Celestia, stating that we've found Kevin, saved Manehattan, and must attend to a conference. She replied that Bryan must never threaten anypony in there, and to answer questions that need an answer. He replied back to her, with a simple response to that...

"Dear Tia... Fuck you."

I was giggling when he wrote that down, but Barb got a bit too curious about it, and wanted to say it herself. Kevin stopped her from doing such a thing. She pouted and sent it off. Bryan is very straight forward with his responses, to things he finds stupid.

Anyway, we were all standing behind the stage, waiting to be called forth.

"So..." Bryan spoke up. "What's it like out there?"

"Basically, the entire world is sitting and waiting out there." Discord answered him, but he sounds a little disdained about it. "Although, not all of them. Just some representing for other countries that can't be here. Those ones you need to watch out for." Oh dear, I was hoping they wouldn't be here.

"And which ones are they?" Bryan inquired, as both he and Kevin pulled out their Pistols and set them to Stun mode.

"They're pretty distinguishable, having to wear a sort of uniform, informing any and all who they are representing. It's these types that will ask questions, that the rules clearly state they cannot ask those one." Discord snorted, as he explained. "Now, I wouldn't say they will jump towards those questions immediately. But, if you ignore them long enough, they'll burst out their questions, out of desperation."

"So, tease them until they bust?" Bryan asked crudely.

Discord just stared at him. "... I can't tell if that was suppose to be a sex joke, or not, because of how dirty that sounded." And now I can't get that filthy image out of my head.

"Discord!" Fluttershy gasped at his statement.

"What?" Discord shrugged his shoulders. "That's what pop inside my head." Before this could go on, we were being called upon.

Making our way onto the stage, the many flashes of cameras have gone off and the sounds of clapping hands can be heard by the crowd. I was seated next to Bryan on his right, while Kevin was on his left. The three of us were in the middle, somewhat, with the rest of the girls taking their seats. Discord didn't need one, preferring to simply float above us. As the sounds started to die down, one of the many reporters asked the very obvious question for all.

"Your highness, thank you for being here. So, as I speak for everypony here--" She was cut off by Bryan, when he growled out loud.

"Everybody!" He corrected her, which made her shrink and shiver in fear, along with most of our audience. "Honestly, I can never understand your kind's speech patterns! I mean, for God sakes, we got other races in here!"

"I-I-I'm so sorry, sir!" She stuttered out.

But he scoffed at this. "Whatever. As for what we are, we're humans. If you want to get technical, Homo-sapiens." With that said, all of them jolted this down in their notebooks. Including the mare who he scolded at.

Looking about, there are indeed other species in here; Gryphons, Minotaurs, Zebras. What's surprising, however, is that there is a pony representing the Dragon Kingdom. Her attire is a reflection of their kind, along with a wyvern pet, sitting on her left shoulder. We do have a relationship with the Dragons, but they like to stay neutral, and tolerate any other species that come to live within their lands. And if you think it's all covered in ash, molten lava, and volcanoes, you're wrong. For the most part.

While my little ponies filled in most of the room, the others are seated around them. Although, it doesn't look as if they wanted to ask questions of their own. Rather, they seem more content with just analysing my Doom Marines actions and such, and they seem to show respect for them. I guess, we're not that harmonic at all.

I heard Bryan sigh and waved his hands. "Alright, let's get this moving. Any questions!?"

And so began the rampage of questions. Most of them were fairly easy to answer, some regarding Chrysalis and her alliance with us, while the motivation of Cocoon's reason for declaring war. Bryan and I handled them, swiftly and honestly. Although, Bryan can be a bit too brutally honest, making the ponies green and queasy, even more so for those with green coloured fur. There were some bad ones, unfortunately. These questions regarded my Doom Marines identity and weaponry. Of course, Bryan and Kevin quickly draw out their Pistols, and stunned them on the spot. Making it clear that was crossing the line. Not to mention, that I made it explicitly clear, they cannot asked them those kinds of questions! I'm starting to wonder if some of them are purposefully ignoring my orders.

But then, it came to that question, when they asked about the Crystal Empire. Twilight and Barbs were the first to show signs of breaking down into sobbing fits, slowly. The Reporters were confused, yet worried, about this sudden development. While the girls tried to calm her down, Bryan went into the details, but he warned those watching this from within their homes, to take their young ones away from their Televisions, for what is about to be said. As he told the events that took place, he didn't leave anything out, and they stared in shock, disbelief, and horrified, by the actions the Changelings had done. Even more so, when they heard the death of Shining Armour, and the things they did to him and Cadence before that. Of course, there was a moment of silence, regarding the Fallen Prince.

As for the Representative Reporters, when they heard of this, fury flashed within their eyes. Although they have hidden it well, I can still see their anger and rage. Gryphons ,Minotaurs, and Dragons, place honour above all things. If you do not have a shred of it, you're consider a disgraceful scum, never able to redeem yourself, and will forever walk as one, until death claims you. The mare representing the Dragons shed a few tears at this information, while her wyvern nuzzled her and wiped away her tears with one of his wings. The Zebras were praying for Shining, praying for his safe journey to the afterlife, where he can rest in peace, and live his life as he should have, in this plane of existences.

But then, after that moment, one of them asked him this question. "Sir? Did you... Kill them?"

"Yes, I did." He answers them. "I've slaughtered most of those stationed with capturing the Crystal Empire, even avenging the Prince himself..." He explained to them on how he rampaged through their ranks, killed any and all who stand in his way, reaping retribution upon the damned sinners. Everyone was in total shock on how bloody and brutal his tenacity was, and is. Then, he finished off with this. "... I will murder and butcher every last one of them fuckers, and I will rip Cocoons head off her shoulders, and tear what's left of her body, out of existence. That, is my vow. As it is, for all of us Doom Marines..."

After about three hours later, the conference came to a close and most of them left. We made our way out, but Bryan and Kevin both stop. Looking back, I saw the representatives walking up to us. My Doom Marines had their Pistols out, making it clear they're not in the mood for anymore talk.

The Gryphon himself, held his talons up in defence. "Okay now, let's take it easy. We just want to talk..."

"Well then, you should have done so, during that conference." Bryan replied. "Now, if you don't mind, we'll be taking our leave." As soon as they turned to continue walking, the Dragon's representative spoke up.

"Wait! It's about that mark on your helmets!" Instantaneously, they both stop, and snapped their head back at her. "So it is you! You're the Empress's--!"

"DON'T!!" Bryan cut her of before she could finish. "You even try it, woman!" We were all confused at this exchange, except for Kevin. I'm not sure if the details, but from what little I remembered back then, he was assigned to the Dragon Empress. As to why she was there, I cannot say. Again, it was such a long time ago, and I was too young.

Kevin placed a hand on Bryan's shoulder, shaking his head at him. Bryan sighed and calm downed a bit, but he was still enraged. "Look, we've been buried for over ten thousand years. I know she ain't with us anymore, but don't think you have the right to speak of her to me like that. Especially her name." He warned her, to which she nodded and looked down at the floor, in shame. After that, he looked towards the others. "Anything else?"

They turned to one another, and shook their heads. "No. I think you've answered one very important question." And with that, they all bowed towards them, and my Doom Marines did the same. As they came back up, the Gryphon spoke up one last time, before leaving. "Farewell, Doom Slayers."

After that transition, we made it back to our Penthouse. Discord took the Doom Marines to where he placed the Swimmers, as their new home. Bryan said that the shard of the Crystal Heart helped with their Queen's birth and ascension, so he'll be needing it back. My Guardsmares have been waiting for our return, anxious, so I rewarded them with buying whatever they desire in the city. They happily accepted this, and rushed out. And so, while the girls went to do what they did, Chrysalis and I sat on the couch, waiting for Discord and my Doom Marines to return. We both made some small talk, just to pass the time.

But still, I was thinking back at the conference, about those representatives, because they acted very differently from what me and Discord expected them to do. As a matter of fact, it would stand to reason that, despite all these years, they still remember the Doom Marines. This was... Disturbingly interesting, to say the least. I wonder how that's going to go over?

Anyway, we heard those three teleporting back. I got up to meet them, until I heard Discord say. "Well, that was something..."

"Yeah, no shit." Bryan replied. "I mean, Hell, they're just as colourful as the Equestrians. Not to mention the crystals infused into them." Are they talking about the Swimmers? It must be. I mean, what else could it be? They went there to retrieve the shard. "Looks like the shard of the Crystal Heart show us its potential once again. Saving an entirely new race and giving them a uniquely, exotic appearances."

"That's the power of Love for you!" Discord commented.

"... Dude, don't bullshit with us." I winced at that one, seeing as Bryan doesn't exactly believe in that. Not that I blame him, or anything, but surely he knows it works! I mean, it may seem far fetch to him, but Chrysalis told him about it!

"Jeez! What's wrong with you!? Just ask Cadence, she'll tell you about it!" No! Discord, you blabbering idiot, don't say that!

Unfortunately, before I could intervene, I saw Discord come flying pass, and crash through a wall. Looking around the corner, I saw Bryan clutching the fist he used to punch Discord, and Kevin standing there shaking his head in disappointment. When they saw me, Bryan sighed and walked up to me, along with Kevin, as they both hugged me each.

Hugging back at them, we separated afterwords, and I asked. "Bryan, why did you say that? Don't you remember what Chrysalis said?"

"Yes, I remember." He sighed again. "I also remember it being done with her husband, who died before I could do anything to save him." Bryan reminded me, still feeling as if he failed his mission. While it may have happened in that way, there wasn't anything doubting the possibility of her being able to do it on her own.

While we talked, once coming back to the living room, dinner time was approaching. Instead of having to go down to the restaurant, I picked up a phone and relayed our orders to the staff, to give to the chefs. Once done, I hanged the phone, and Bryan whistled. "Whoa, what a relic..." Kevin nodded his head in agreement.

Chrysalis looked at them confusedly. "What do you mean?"

"The phone, the cameras, the T.V.s, all of that." Bryan explained. "Humanity created these things a long time ago. As a matter of fact, these versions remind me of the later 1980s. Do your T.V.s have colouring in them?"

I nodded my head. "Yes, they do have colouring in them..." Our conversation carried on until dinner arrived, although, they were somewhat startled by the hole in the wall. I called out to the girls as we prepared. After that, VEGA returned from the Media Station, seeing as he was needed there for... Guidance. Well, when you have one Doom Marine that doesn't sugarcoat anything, while the other is a mute, someone's gonna need to tell the media what to censored out.

Once we were done, I started to raise the moon, as the sun started to set. Although, it seemed that Bryan had ordered all of us a couple of Champagne bottles, while I was busy. Then again, they still know how to work a phone. Kevin grabbed us all some wine glasses, while VEGA popped open the cork, and poured us all a glass each. A Toast to the Fallen, this is what they planned for our last night in Manehattan. Gulping down our glasses, some wanted seconds or so, while the rest retired to their beds. When my Guardsmares came back, we poured them a glass as well, and they were thankful for this occasion.

I may have been getting a little tipsy, so Kevin lead me to bed, and tucked me in. Heh, just like back then... Unfortunately, Bryan had to content with a very drunken Chrysalis, who drake the rest of the last bottle. Carrying her in bridal style, she clung to him as he tried to put her to bed. The word tried. Chrysalis was trying her best to pull him in with her, as Bryan was trying to pry her off of him. Eventually, he did, but she didn't stayed in bed for long.

"Fucking dammit woman, go to bed!"

"No! Not until you come sleep with me!"

"No way! Piss off!"

While they were arguing, I can hear the rest giggling at this, as I was, too. Although, what really made it funny, was when we heard Discord's voice. "Aww... What about me!? Nobody got me dinner, nor give me a drink! What's up with that!?"

"Oh, go fuck yourself, you cunt!"

"Oh..."

([Third Person] The next day...)

With their mission complete in finding Kevin, and saving Manehattan, as a bonus, the group decided to do a little shopping before they leave the city. Walking down the streets, everyone waving and gave thanks to them, even though most of the work was done by the Doom Marines themselves. As for that one Changeling, he was sent to Canterlot for interrogation.

Anyway, the Doom Marines decided to split away from the group, saying they wish to do something. Luna was about to ask them what, but they were already running to wherever they were going. Sighing, she shook her head as they continued on their way. She asked if VEGA knew what they were up to, but he couldn't say, or just using that as an excuse.

As the day went by, they started to make their way towards Grand Central Station. Just as expected, those that were close to the station, was there waiting for them, giving their farewell to them. In Time Square, the big screen showed the news. "Good afternoon Manehattan! Tinker Timer here, with May Weather, bringing you news about the Crisis of Manehattan. Now, just about a week ago, the city had been infiltrated by the Changelings, planning to sink all of Manehattan. Had it not been for Princess Luna and her Doom Marines, we would suffered a crushing defeat. Isn't that right May?" Tinker said, looking towards the lovely mare to his right.

She nodded her head, and replied. "Yes indeed, Tinker. And speaking about the Doom Marines, themselves. Yesterday, there was a conferences held, as Princess Luna and Princess Twilight Sparkle, along with their companions, explained the dire situation, that has taken place. The Changeling Hive declaring war against us, is lead by Queen Chrysalis's sister; Queen Cocoon. This one was the mastermind behind the invasion of Canterlot, manipulating her very own sister to take the charge of capturing it, only to be backstabbed later on, if successful."

"Yes, quite right. Speaking of which, it is confirmed, that Prince Shining Armour, the husband of Princess Cadence, is dead." As Tinker Timer said this, the citizens of Manehattan were mortify by this, and thus, a great wave of depression and sadness settled within their minds. "The tragedy of such a death, to one of our greatest heroes, is quite the devastating blow. The Crystal Empire was under Changeling control for over a month, sealed and imprisoned, by the very Crystal Heart itself, poisoned by the Changelings. But, when all hope seemed lost, one of the Doom Marines, accompanied by both Princess Luna and Twilight Sparkle, and Queen Chrysalis, have successfully liberated the Crystal Empire overnight. And avenging the Prince's death." Hearing this, it somewhat lifted their spirits, knowing that the Crystal Empire was back in safer hands.

"Absolutely. It was none other than the Doom Marine himself. Reaching the Throne Room, he found the Prince lying dead before him, as the Changelings slit his throat open. Enraged, he charged into them, and massacred Prince Shining Armour's murderers, with his own bare hands. While this may seem impossible to believe, you cannot deny the footage we captured from over a week ago." May Weather said, as the footage showed Bryan just punching his way through the Swarm of Corrupted Swimmers, sending body parts flying all over the place, while leaving a bloody trail in his wake. "As you can clearly see, this just goes to show how powerful these Doom Marines are, especially when it comes to their cunningness..." Another footage showed Kevin being surrounded, only to disappear from sight, and dispatching his enemies. "Now, it is unclear what kind of magic these humans use. But one thing for certain, these Doom Marines, are a vengeful pack. Very much so."

"Yes they are..." Tinker commented, before they were getting reports. "We're getting reports of our Princesses and their company leaving today. Although it would appear there is no signs of the Doom Marines themselves." As he said this, the image shifted over to Grand Central Station, where the group made their way towards the train.

Just as they boarded, the camera crew shifted their focus on where the ruckus was going about. Soon enough, coming out of nowhere, the Doom Marines just burst their way through. "Oh my! That was fast!" May Weather exclaimed, in utter shock. Tinker Timer just nodded his head, watching as the Doom Marines running straight through the crowd, as they made way for them. There were a group of kids standing, dumbstruck, in there path. Fortunately, they jumped straight over them, using their thrust boots.

As they reached he moving train, they jumped up onto the roof of the train cart. When they were on board, a group of cops came running in after them, although, it looks like they were completely outrun by the Doom Marines. "Well, you don't see that everyday." Tinker chuckled a little, as one of the Doom Marines flipped the cops the bird, opening up a hatch and jumped down into it. The other, gave a short salute to the crowd, and followed on in, while closing the hatch.

As the train left the station, one of the cops got into a hissing fit and started growling at her own, while the crowd just laughed at this. Tinker Timer was laughing quietly, as May Weather shook her head. "Wow, talk about a meltdown. I wonder what those two did to make her so mad?" As she asked that, reports were coming in, with an image showing up. "Oh... Well, that explains a lot." She stated with amusement.

Tinker nodded with a smirk. "Well folks, looks like we found out why they were in so much trouble." The image showed a symbol, graffiti on a brick wall. It was the mark of The Doom Slayer.

"Hang on... We're getting reports that, before they sprayed this, they were spotted coming out of a toy store. Not too far from where they did this tagging." May said, earning a confused look from her partner.

"Hm? I wonder why?"

Author's Notes:

I wonder why, too? Any thoughts, anybody?

Anyway, seeing as how we all know what happened, I'd rather not try to make a repeat on those past events. Also, here's a reminder of the list. And as always, thanks for reading.

Bryan: The Bloody-handed Berserker.
Kevin: The Hunter of Silence.
???: Deaths Runner.
???: The Mountains Pillar.
???: Collateral Damage.

P.S. Sorry for the bad names, for I'm not good with pony names.