As the ships begin to approach the target area we soon find ourselves wrapped up in an approaching storm, heavy winds begin to bombard the ships along with heavy rainfall obstructing our visibility. Everyone is looking pretty tense as we close the distance, they're more than likely eager to go in there and kill every last one of these fuckers.

To get out of the rain I step into one of the lower decks of the ship where I pass most of my team as they all try to relax before the attack, it should only be a few minutes until we're within range for the ships to engage. Moving to the small crates of ammunition I sit on top of the box alongside Georg, I look to him in amusement as he frantically digs through his field pack for something. "Lost something?"

"I can't find my smokes," He doesn't even look up as he start to groan in frustration. I can't help but chuckle as he becomes more irritated.

"Really? That's what this is all about?"

"You gave up smoking , you must know what it's like to go without one for a while."

Leaning forward I rub my hair, "Well obviously I do, there's still the odd time where I could do with a smoke. However I can cope unlike-"

"-Ah-ha!" Georg proclaims as he raises his talons with a packet of cigarettes in his grasp. "Found the bastards," Opening the packet he pops one in his beak as he begins to start rooting around for a matchbook. Not really wanting to see him searching for hours I get up from my seat and strike my zippo as I hold it in front of him. Leaning forward he presses the end of the cigarette to the flame, "Thanks. Here, you may want one."

Gerog takes another two out of his packet and holds them to me. Rolling my eyes I take them and place them in my pocket along with my zippo to shut him up. "Happy?"

Smirking he releases a plume of smoke, "Happy isn't really the words I'd use. Appeased probably fits it better."

Shaking my head I take hold of my rifle as I look to everyone, "We should head up top, we'll be attacking shortly." We all make our way to the main deck where we're immediately hit by the heavy rainfall, the occasional crack of thunder followed by a brief flash of lighting calls out in the distance. As we take up positions I come to a halt alongside Gabrielle as the sight of the complex comes into view.

Large concrete structures are embedded within the base of the mountain, large reinforced doors block the view from inside likely indicating a cave network built within the base. Steel fencing and fortified walls surround the main facility, various watch towers fitted with small field guns and spotlights maintain watch over the main route to the base. Spaced out over the approach numerous obstacles litter the path, barbed wire and natural features provided them with their own no-mans land which will likely prove tricky for us.

We look to it in astonishment, how this stayed hidden is beyond me. Thankfully for us we've brought heavily armed airships which can blow the enemy guns to smithereens. Gabrielle leans closer to me, "How did this go undetected for so long? The scale of this facility is phenomenal."

"Fuck knows, it won't be phenomenal for long though." Turning back I look up to the ships Captain, "Prepare to fire on my command!" As he shouts for his crew to take up positions I look to my team as they load their rifles. Once everyone is ready and in position I keep my eyes locked on the facility as we get closer to the target. "Open fire!"

On command a heavy volley of explosive ordinance is fired towards the outer perimeter, many of the towers are instantly destroyed as fragments rain down on the surrounding area. As soon as we fire the spotlights lock onto us painting us high in the sky as a large target, it doesn't take long for a number of anti-air weaponry from the main building to return fire on us. "Everyone get on the ground and move up! Once that anti-air is eliminated take to the air and follow your orders!"

As everyone quickly jumps overboard to glide to the floor a number of Gabrielle's units take hold of those of us who can't fly and begin to hoist us off the deck, Gabrielle and Janine take hold of me around the waist and begin to lower us as fast as they can fly. Touching down on the floor I wait for the rest of my Platoon to join up with me, once we're all ready I give the order and we rapidly advance on the ground.

Our path is regularly illuminated thanks to the approaching storm and the flashes coming from the heavy weapons above operating, occasionally the small piece of debris lands around us as the ships begin taking damage from the anti-air fire. Getting closer to our target we finally get our first taste of the action, small flashes from the fence line indicate rifle fire on our position as a number of the Griffins around me begin to drop.

Moving low I jump into a small ditch and lie on my belt buckle as my Section joins alongside me. Raising my rifle I support against the edge of the crater as I return fire.

PHAT

The first round fails to connect as it hits one of the support beams of the fence, the impact is enough to make a number of the hostiles duck for cover. As I load a new round into the chamber I shout out to the others, "Alpha Section provide covering fire, Bravo section prepare to move! Move!" On the order my Section open fire suppressing the enemy allowing Chaser's section to make a small push to advance on the enemy. Once they're behind cover we duck down low to replace our spent magazines as Chaser's Section begins to fire.

With a fresh magazine loaded I push out of the ditch and advance to the next available piece of cover. As soon as I take Cover Sunny and Shadow join me at the new ditch. Clasping onto her rifle Sunny's horn illuminates forming a shield around us with small firing holes, resting my barrel on the opening I use it as support as I line up my shots.

PHAT

The round quickly leaves the barrel and pierces the throat of my target, blood jets from the torn artery covering the unit adjacent to him leaving the Griffin dowsed in the warm substance. As he wipes the blood from his face he takes aim at me and fires only for his shot to impact against the shield. Loading a new round into the chamber I once again pull the trigger.

PHAT

He quickly drops as the round tears through the flesh of his right shoulder causing him to release his weapon as he holds onto the injury. Pulling on the bolt of my rifle I freeze as I notice a field gun now aiming directly towards us. "Get down!" Turning to the other two on my right I grab onto them and pull them low to the floor.

BOOM

Debris and mud rains down on my back as I use my body to shield the two below me, thankfully Sunny's shield was also able to withstand the brunt of the impact protecting us from the shrapnel. Lifting my body I release the two girls as they both start rapidly firing towards the field gun targeting the crew. Copying their actions I'm able to hit the loader before he reloads the gun preventing it from firing on us.

Overhead the ships fire another bombardment down bellow tearing the front defensive line to shreds, numerous Griffins are lifted from the heavy blasts whilst the remaining field guns are torn apart rendering them inoperable. Pushing up from the cover my Section moves rapidly forward meeting up with Chaser's before making a charge for the main gates, as we move on the ground a succession of military units fly overhead scaling the walls.

As we charge through the main gate we're forced to watch our heads as another succession of rounds are fired off in our direction, thankfully for us though the shots are aimed towards those flying overhead sending them crashing to the ground. Taking a knee I raise my rifle and line the sights up on the closest target.

PHAT

We both fire simultaneously however due to my rifles power and more advanced bullet my round impacts him first, the power is enough to send him flying backwards as it drills into his sternum tearing his rib cage apart. His round hits me almost immediately after, his shot wasn't as well placed though as it impacts with my gut. My armour is enough to stop the bullet but only after a sharp pain shoots through my stomach from the impact, keeling forward slightly I'm able to push through the pain thanks to the adrenaline pumping through my veins allowing my to quickly relocate to cover.

Keeping my head low a number of rounds impact as I wait for my opportunity to strike, knowing that this fight will become close quarters I remove my bayonet from my webbing and attach it to my rifle. The sound of anti-air fire draws my attention as a small explosion erupts from the hull of the overhead airship. Bringing my hand over my head I feel small pieces of debris bounce off my armour and the surrounding area.

Once the wooden shower ends I lift my head and spot the anti-air gun. Taking aim at the main operator I line up the shot as he continues to fire, "Stop blowing holes in my ship!"

PHAT

The left side of his body is forced backwards as the bullet impacts his torso, the only thing keeping him on the field gun is the grip of his right talon remaining locked on the cranks used to aim the weapon. As his body finally falls his talon forces the crank to the side causing it to turn away from it's target relieving the pressure on the ship, this moment is immediately seized as a large shell impacts the top of the weapon propelling the crew away from it.

Glancing to the others I'm unable to find Chaser or Sure Strike, scanning the surrounding area for them I finally notice them as they both swoop low towards the last anti-air gun. As it attempts to target the ships they land at the rear and take the crew by surprise, before the crew can attack Chaser and Sure Strike launch their attack. Plunging their blades forwards they're easily able to take out the crews, they have little time to grab their own weapons to defend themselves.

Sure Strike uses his concealed blades to make quick work of his opponents, in a number of twists and lunges the blades embedded within his wings slices through the flesh of the Griffins quickly leaving them unable to fight. Chaser however goes for the more direct approach rather then a display of skill, he simply prefers to perform rapid strikes with his sword to weaken and attack his enemies with precision.

Before I get too distracted watching the fight to receive a bullet for my troubles I turn my attention back to the fighting on the ground. Advancing forward I finally begin to engage the enemy at close quarters, as one takes aim for Colbalt I charge forward at full speed with my rifle at the ready. As I release a war cry the Griffin pivots to me with wide eyes, before he can react my blade pierces his heart as I push forward with all my strength bringing him down to the floor in a lifeless heap.

As I grasp my rifle to withdraw the blade the sound of someone charging me causes me to lift my head, I'm only just able to regain my rifle to raise it in order to block a downward strike aimed for my shoulder. As he continues to attack I'm able to bring my rifle forward to block his attacks, it's bound to damage the finish on the rifle but I'd rather do that then get a blade plunged into my gut.

Grunting I bring the butt of my rifle along his beak knocking him back, with him dazed I repeat the action striking the side of his head sending him to the floor. Before he can recover I force my boot on the back of his neck and bring the barrel of my rifle towards his head.

PHAT - PHAT.

The first round caves in his skull turning half of his brains to mush as they're pulled through the exit wound onto the floor. After cocking the bolt I fired a second round which sent the rest of his skull fragments and the last of the vital organ upwards painting the leg and boot as it keeps compressed on his neck.

As the fighting around me begins to quieten down my unit takes the opportunity to regain their breaths, looking to the main entrance of the complex I can see the other Platoon making their push inside as they finish off the last of the fighters. Regaining my breath I holster my rifle as I draw my pistol, "Rangers! On me!"

They all quickly converge on my location alongside Gabrielle and her unit. As they all look to me I raise my pistol to point towards the main doors as more of Bravo Platoon make their way inside. "We need to push in and either capture or neutralise any threats in there before they can potentially escape. I want the Rangers on me whilst your unit, Gabrielle are to remain out here to lock down the compound and pick off any stragglers."

"I should go in there with you, John," Gabrielle argues. "I can leave my second in command in charge of the rest as they remain out here."

I look to the rest of her unit as I begin to advance towards the entrance, "Make it quick, we don't want to let anyone escape while we talk out here."

Quickly shouting orders to her unit she runs alongside me as we push rapidly through the main doors, the first room is now littered with bodies and the wounded from both sides following the initial push. This room appears to have been a storage hanger of some sorts, large crates and various wagons are all arranged in order to quickly leave and enter the building. On each side of the room there are two corridors, the one has a set of steel doors where a small team of engineers are gathers alongside it whereas from the other the sound of fighting echos through the hall. That's obviously where Bravo Platoon advanced. We should move through the other doors.

Stopping by the engineers I look to them as they dig through their kit in order to search for something, "What's the hold up?"

"The doors are locked from the other side," The one replies, "We'll have to blow it open."

Kneeling alongside him I look through their supplies as they look to me. Come on... you've got to have some sort of explosive for the job, you call yourselves fucking engineers? Everyone knows we love blowing stuff up. After a moment of digging I'm finally able to find a hand held plunger detonator, a few small sticks of explosives and electrical cables to link the explosive to the detonator.

"Everyone get to cover," Moving the supplies to the door I look back as everyone else moves to cover leaving me alone at the door. Grasping the first stick I take an electrical cable and insert the closed end of the blasting cap into the explosive casing, once it's secured I move the stick between the door handles and the main lock in order to hopefully destroy the lock. Repeating the process with the next two sticks I position them on the main hinges on the one side of the door, due to the nature of this door I'd rather guarantee blowing open one side instead of potentially not having enough explosive to blow open the entire door.

Keeping hold of the free ends of the cables and the detonator I slowly back peddle towards some cover next to the others and move so I'm safe from the potential explosion. Glancing to one of the engineers I lean towards him and take a set of wire strippers from his utility belt, using them I strip the end of the cable to allow me access to the main cables within the protective sheath and attach them to the detonator.

Once it's ready I look to Sunny, "You may want to put up a shied just in case." As I lift the plungers we quickly find ourselves encased within her shield. "Fire in the hole!" I shout out loud as I force the plunger down.

BOOM

Once the dust clears Sunny drops the shield allowing us to advance. The right side of the door has been blown entirely off its hinges and rests against the floor, the left door was also blown open however only just clings to the wall by the one hinge. With my pistol at the ready I take the lead as we move down the narrow corridor, the only lighting provided comes from dim hanging lamps overhead along with the glows of the Unicorns behind me.

With every small room we pass I take the lead by clearing them out, this side seems to be mostly dormitories as we find nothing but empty beds and living quarters. The sound of distant fighting can still be heard behind us as we move further and further down the hallway towards a large opening, it almost looks like a video game where it signals to you that this is the way as the opening is lighter then the rest of these bleak rooms.

Resting my back against the wall I slowly shuffle closer to the end where the hallway opens up. Peaking my head around the corner I find that the building comes to an end, the concrete walls stop abruptly as the area opens up into a large natural cavern likely built within the mountains base. Numbers of Griffins armed only with swords make their way towards us likely moving to reinforce the rest of the facility. Two figures attract my attention though as they head the opposite way down one of the cave passages on the left, Silverwing and the cloaked figure from the photos.

I've got you now you fuckers. Tucking back around the corner I keep my pistol at the ready as the sound of the advancing Griffins get closer. Signalling for my team to back up we silently move as I keep my sights on the opening, ten Griffins round the corner and immediately freeze as they see my pistol raised at them. "Boo."

PHAT PHAT PHAT PHAT PHAT PHAT PHAT PHAT PHAT PHAT PHAT PHAT PHAT PHAT PHAT PHAT *Click

All ten targets collapse as I fire off the entire magazine into the crowd, the bullets were able to pierce their flesh allowing me on occasion to hit more then one target with one bullet. Ejecting the magazine I replace it with a fresh mag and release the slide to load the new magazine leaving my pistol ready to fire. "Let's move!"

We all move around the corner with our weapons ready as the rest of the Griffins hold their ground ready for us to attack, as I start to fire at the enemy the rest of my team and the engineers close the distance to engage in close combat whilst Gabrielle joins alongside me to fire on them with her own rifle. By the time I fire off nine rounds more Griffins start to emerge from the right tunnels. Lowering my pistol I shout over the fight, "Chaser, hold this ground at all costs!"

As he brings his sword along the throat of a Griffin he quickly pivots to nod to me, "Whatever you're gonna do, make it quick! We've got your back!"

"Gabrielle you're with me, we've got to get Silverwing." We sprint around the fight before it cuts off our route, moving as fast as I can I head down the same cave network where I saw Silverwing escape through. The cave seems to stretch for a few hundred meters, it certainly doesn't help that they got a head start whilst I was left to deal with their goons.

The tunnel finally comes to an end in a large circular cave, numerous equipment tables are spaced through the room with different variations of Griffin rifles and pistols in the process of being manufactured. At the very end of the room is a heavy steel door which hangs open, a ladder on the other side seems to lead upwards to either another cave network or to the surface above. Slowly we move through the room as we move our pistols around in case of any threats, the sounds of someone moving puts us on edge as we cautiously advance.

PHAT

The sound of a gunshot causes me to instantly pivot towards Gabrielle, I watch as she collapses to the floor with a bullet wound on her upper chest which easily pierced her armour. As she falls the figure of Silverwing emerges from the shadows to her rear with another pistol raised, before I can fire at him he pulls on the trigger causing his round to impact my upper right leg spraying blood on the floor behind me.

Screaming in pain my leg gives out sending me to the floor. Fighting through the pain I take up aim and fire myself.

PHAT PHAT

My rounds miss as he jumps into the air and begins to circle the room. Trying to keep my sights on him I pull the trigger again.

PHAT PHAT PHAT

Once again he performs a succession of acrobatics in the air to avoid my rounds, they miss and instead impact with the cave structure behind him. Groaning in frustration I slowly push myself to my feet as pain climbs my leg, "Hold still!"

PHAT PHAT *Click

Making a low dive my last two rounds miss as the slide locks to the rear of the pistol. Releasing the slide I quickly holster my pistol as I try to reach for the rifle on my back, as I bring it around to try and take aim Silverwing finally strikes. Bringing his talon down he slashes across the exposed side of my neck as he lands alongside me, pain shoots through my neck as I continue trying to aim. Grabbing onto the barrel of my rifle he stops me from moving it as he brings his talons down on the inside of my right elbow impaling the flesh.

Screaming in torture I'm unable to hold my rifle as he pries it from my grasp and throws it to the side. Ripping his talon from my arm he throws a succession of quick punches to my face knocking me onto me back, seizing the opportunity he jumps over me and pushes his talons against my throat ready to slice it.

Chuckling he leans closer, "I was hoping for more of a fight in all honesty. The fabled 'Liberator of Griffonstone' isn't exactly as good as they say without his rifle, is he?" Smirking he applies more pressure to my throat threatening to cut off my air supply.

"Silverwing, stop playing with your food," A raspy voice calls out from the shadows. "You've already underestimated this... Captain and it has cost you."

Silverwing glances up as he turns to look to the individual who's out of my line of sight. "He's no more then an Equestrian puppet-"

"Which is why we need to be rid of him, but first there is one thing I must do." My eyes start to tire as blood continues to seep from my leg and neck, as I lie there it begins to pool beneath me leaving me feeling weaker. Slowly I can hear hooves stepping closer until the figure is finally in my sight, underneath a dark hood is a pale red face which reminds me of the features of a bull though fairly weak, a steel ring pierces his nostrils as little stubs of horns rest on the top of his head. A bleached beard hangs from his chin as a pair of hands remove his hood.

Groaning I shift my weight slightly, "Tirek?"

Grinning he steps over me to stand directly above my head, the rear of his body looks to be that of a bull or pony. Is this Equestria's version of a centaur? The only human features he has though are arms and hands. "Oh, so the human knows of me. Tell me, what have the Princesses told you of me?"

"F-fuck all, apart from the fact you're supposed to be in prison."

Chuckling he runs his hand over his beard, "Ah, so the Princesses refuse to tell you anything beyond what they expect you to do." Loweing his body he rests his hands along either side of my face, "Surely you must see this as their way of imprisoning you? They pose as friends but keep you on a tight leash."

Pausing I raise an eyebrow as I lift my head slightly, "Imprisoning me? I find that hard to believe since they made me a Captain."

"All to keep you content, surely with your weapons and skills you will have be a threat should you wish to attack them." He glances momentarily to Silverwing as he keeps his talons pressed on my neck. "What did they give you? A new rank, a place to live and so called friends? They know your true desire yet they refuse to give it to you."

"W-what true desire?"

"Freedom, a way home." My eyes widen slightly as he says this, a plotting smirk forming on his lips. "Once I've got control of the ponies magic I would be able to open the portal to send you home, back to your own world. All I ask in return is that you help me to regain my power, then you'll be free from the shackles the ponies have cast on you."

A way home? It can't be true, can it..?

John, he's lying to you. My eyes flick to the side where I see Williams standing alongside Tirek. Of course he can't send you home, he's just trying to manipulate you.

How can you be certain? You know I'd love nothing more then to go back home.

Exactly! I think everyone by now knows it, and he's using it to get to you. He can't send you home, nobody can, you're stuck here forever. And just like every film you've ever seen I can guarantee once you've done what he says he'll plunge a knife in your back and fuck you over.

I groan as my eyes try to close once again, the pain becoming more intense as I feel weakened. Forcing my eyes back open I look for Williams but find him nowhere to be seen. Leaning lower to me Tirek looks to me with a smug expression, "What is your decision, Captain?"

Slowly I lift my head closer to his. As a triumphant smirk spreads on his lips I spit at his face causing him to recoil, "Fuck off!"

Silverwing immediately punches my face knocking my head to the side, as my head rocks to the side blood is thrown from my mouth onto the floor alongside me. Tirek steps beside me once again as he wipe my spit from his face, "No matter, we'll just have to get rid of you then." Leaning closer he brings his hands up as his mouth opens wide, slowly he moves closer and closer as he begins to inhale-

PHAT

A heavy spray of blood escapes from Silverwing's torso as a round tears through his centre mass causing him to collapse alongside me, Tirek rapidly back peddles and begins to sprint out of my view. Turning my head I can see smoke rising from the barrel of Gabrielle's pistol as she continue to aim it in my direction, her breaths are clearly shallow as her grasp on the pistol shakes violently. As I turn back to look for Tirek I can see him at the steel door as he attempts to force it closed.

Rolling to the side I crawl to my rifle and grasp it's sling where I drag it towards me, once I have control I turn once again and aim for the door.

PHAT

The round catches the door at and angle as it closes causing it to ricochet into the wall on the other side. As I load another round into the chamber I try to take aim again only for the door to close as the sound of multiple locks from the other side signifys that he's been able to escape.

Growling in frustration I throw my rifle to the floor as I rub my head. I nearly fucking had him! As my body sways my eyes lock on Silverwing as I hear him splutter, crawling on my hands and knees I move over him and turn him onto his back and make him face me. Straddling him I start to bring my fist down with as much force as I can muster down against the side of his head rocking his head to the side, straightening his face I repeat the action as I vent my anger on him.

As I bring my fist back again my body gives a final heavy sway, unable to keep myself upright I collapse backwards onto my back keeping my head locked on the ceiling above. The sound of numerous hoofsteps down the hall lets me know that my team are now coming, but as much as I try I can't keep my eyes open. Unable to fight it my eyes lock closed as I seem to drift to sleep.

I've got to find Tirek.