Author's Notes:

Bold - Character Narrating (Either Perspective or Narrator)
Italics - Character's Thoughts
Brackets - Author's Comments
Color - Character Who's Narrating or Thinking: Pegasus Soldier (no color)
Vallan
Commander Hurricane
Random Soldier (no color)
Sergeant Quake
Eliya Kel
Commander Smoker
Commander Star Gleam
High Commander Meteor Shatter

Inspiration/Mood Music

Midnight, Equestrian Military Camp; Random Sentry Tower

Two sentries, one a pegasus the other a unicorn watch the vast empty darkness; the quiet chitter of insects and wildlife can be heard from the forest near the camp. The pegasus yawns, bored of yet another perimeter watch. Once this is all over, I’m going to the nearby village… Maybe I can find a mare to keep me from falling into boredom. Moving clouds is more appealing than guard duty.

“Anything to report!” The unicorn finds where the shouting came from and sees another unicorn levitating a lantern in his magic at the bottom of the tower.

“No! All clear here!” shouted the unicorn.

The unicorn with the lantern nods back at his fellow pony and continues down his planned routine. The unicorn goes back with his pegasus companion and leans against the wooden post of the tower, stretching his back; a few loud pops are heard making the pegasus shudder.

“I don’t understand why everypony does that… Its gross,” said the pegasus.

“Well considering that literally half of the soldiers here either do nothing or guard, having your muscles stiff isn’t a good thing either. It’s best to keep your body limber and ready,” said the unicorn, doing more stretches.

The pegasus soldier sighs, going back to listening to the wilderness than watching his companion continuing his stretches… That was when he heard it. Or in this case, the lack of noise; the whole forest as a whole went eerily silent in an instant. “Hold on… Do you hear that?”

The unicorn stops his stretching and grabs his spear with his magic, walking up to where his fellow soldier is looking at. “Hear what? I hear nothing-“

“Exactly,” said the pegasus, interrupting the other soldier. The pegasus grabbed his telescope and started to look at the other sentry towers and saw that the soldiers in them too also noticed the sudden quietness of the forest… That was when everypony heard it.

It was faint, and sounded like the buzzing of a fly… then it grew louder, and as a final crescendo to a song… an explosion happened. Some distance from where they were, a fellow sentry tower blew up in a fiery explosion of debris and gore, as the limbs of soldiers began to fall down upon the ground, spraying their red liquid everywhere.

In an instant the pegasus soldier grabbed a horn-shaped object to point toward the very heavens; with a deep breath, he blew.

The deep and loud noise of a horn being blown was echoed across the whole camp, waking everypony from their sleep. Ponies began to scramble of their tents, putting on their equipment and getting into their battle stations.

“Get one of the commanders here! STAT!” shouted the pegasus.

“Wha-what’s happening!?” asked the unicorn.

“There’s no time, get going now and-” Before he could finish, another whizzing noise was heard and before he knew it, his tower was hit by an explosion. All he could see was a bright light… then nothing.

The unicorn soldier woke up, he found himself splayed on the ground… not the tower. Looking up he saw the tower ablaze alight, ponies trying to put out the fires and find survivors. The unicorn stood up but felt a pain on his right fore-hoof. Some debris was lodged inside, bleeding down his leg. A nearby medic-pony approaches him to check for anything serious.

“You alright!?” asked the medic-pony, checking his leg.

“I… I think so… Wait, what about the other soldier with me? Is he alright?”

That was when the medic-pony stopped and glanced to the side, speaking once more. “His body was covered in burns and shrapnel from the tower and whatever was shot at the tower you two were in. Whoever is attacking us, seems to be alone… but to do this much damage already… is just unspeakable.”

The unicorn raised a brow but when he looked around, he realized how much has happen in just a short moment. Many of the towers were either still burning or blown to bits, a few were still up but were under attack by some unknown assailant. What was worse was not the towers but the ponies; many were covered in wounds… or dead. Some were cowering or enraged from this sudden attack.

The unicorn realized he was lifted up onto a stretcher and being moved by two earth ponies wearing white caps with a red cross on them. “Where are the commanders? Is somepony planning a counter attack?” asked the unicorn.

The medic-pony looked back at him after examining the situation, and nods her head. “Don’t worry; I saw some of the commander run off into a tent and are currently planning a retaliation to this attack. You just rest now, and let us ponies handle this.”

As the unicorn was taken to the medical tents, the medic-pony began to run down the wall to find more injured in the attack.

Elsewhere, shot after shot were fired at the camp’s defenses and wall, pieces of it being shed off like leaves on a tree. Explosions and fires began to spread out, making the wall groan from the repetitive powerful blasts. Vallan stood over a jagged-pointed rock that slanted near the edge of the forest. Firing explosive rounds toward the camp’s wall, reloading between guns with each clip emptied.

When Vallan followed the group of ponies that captured his nieces, he scanned the camp and every tower, every wall, and every patrol route. While the place his nieces, Lov and Eliya were kept contained was an inner wall within the camp, it was impossible to sneak in without getting caught. So Vallan planned a more direct route; to go on the assault without slowing down, carving a pathway toward his nieces and exiting his way through the other side until they circle around, back to where he left their equipment.

First, he would fire off explosive-tipped rounds, and once he had the wall weakened… then would come the interesting part.

I believe in a foreign language from those books A.I. collected, it was called… a “Blitzkrieg”. What I lack in manpower… I can use in firepower. With that, Vallan aims a special round with the letters, “CB” on them; the tip has blackened dots covering it and has tiny bumpy spots covering the sides of the bullet.

Within the camp, the military leaders all gather in the camp to plot a plan to their attacker. The seven gathered commanders, led by the lead commander all gather and put together their best strategies together.

To the right and left are one of each from the three pony tribes; two pegasi, two unicorns, and two earth ponies. The seventh and final commander that was voted and recommended by Starswirl himself is a unicorn with a cracked horn. His armor is black like obsidian, wearing boots with a silvery outline and spikes sharpened to the point. His weapon is a razor sharp sword that curls at the end.

The commanders that are seated on the left are all the senior commanders, with the first being the senior earth pony commander; Commander Shatter Wave. Beside him is the senior unicorn commander; Commander Moon Glaive. Finally, sitting at the far right seat is the senior pegasus commander – who was recently released from the medical wing of the camp; Commander Hurricane.

The commanders that are seated on the right are the future young commanders that were hoof-picked by their fellow soldiers for their skills, talents, and experience in battle. The first is the unicorn commander; Commander Star Gleam (she was smiling for some odd reason). The next beside her was the earth pony commander; Commander Smoker. Finally, all that remained was the pegasus commander; Commander Swirlmaker.

“We are here, and accounted?” asked the obsidian armored commander.

“We’re indeed, High Commander Meteor Shatter. All commanders are here and ready,” said Commander Shatter Wave, the old stallion moving hoof across the table.

“Good… From what the scouts have told us, a figure similar to the one that Commander Hurricane found, and Commander Star Gleam have captured at the forest around noon. The figure is taller than the two smaller ones we have caught, so far it’s alone but we can’t underestimate our foe… Commander Moon Glaive, casualty report?”

The senior unicorn stood up, using her magic to pull out a list with names; beside the names are either the words injured… or deceased. So far the injured list fills the majority of it while a few deceased are spread out on the list. “So far, we only have thirty injured, and five deceased. Many of the injuries comprise of shrapnel from the towers, minor burns, broken bones, and limbs cut off because of severe damage or from the explosions… However, the odd part is the cause of the explosions.”

“Was it caused by magic?!” shouted Commander Smoker. A stream of steam comes out of his muzzle, creating a small puff of smoke. “I swear if we’re being raided by some ponies who disagree with the tribes uniting under one flag…”

“Luckily, that isn’t the case. So far the scouts have only reported one figure, but the attacks are magical in nature,” said Commander Moon Glaive.

This caused all the commanders to raise a brow until Hurricane was the one to end the silence. “Just… What caused those explosions?” asked Hurricane, curious.

Moon Glaive who wore glasses strung up by a string, pushed them up with a hoof, continuing to examine her list. “At the source of the explosions we found a metallic shell of some sort, and a strange powdery substance… Whatever caused the explosion came from these metal shells.” Using her magic once more, she pulls out several shells that have burn marks on them and smell of something volcanic.

Meteor Shatter stared at the shells, examining one with his hoof before putting it down. “From my experience of battle, I have not seen such weaponry used before. In the past there may have been similar situations, but… Whatever the case may be, it is best we don’t run blindly without understanding what the enemy is capable and what they want.”

“I may have an idea!” Every commander turned to stare at Star Gleam – who was raising her hoof like a filly – she stopped raising said hoof, and blushed embarrassed of her enthusiasm.

Commander Meteor, tapped Star Gleam on the shoulder, allowing her to speak. With a quick inhale and exhale she spoke out her thought. “I believe it has to do with the two prisoners we captured. Sergeant Quake, who went to talk with them told him that they had an uncle… I believe this uncle of theirs is the same attacker who’s currently assaulting us,” said Star Gleam, explaining.

All the commanders gave different looks; a majority gave inquisitive, skeptical looks. A few stared curious of the idea, while Hurricane and Meteor Shatter agreed on the possibility. “I can agree; during my fight with the two, they mentioned having family with them,” said Hurricane, putting out his thought.

“Which means that he's here for them!” said Moon, realization hitting her. “Commander Meteor Shatter; we need to set up defenses around the prisoners, and set up traps in a certain route that the attacker will certainly take!”

“Scouts reported that his attacking from the forest south of here,” said Swirlmaker. “We can place traps from the southern to eastern camps which lead to the prisoner block.”

“Then it’s settled,” said Meteor. “Commanders Smoker and Swirlmaker; you prepare traps to slow or possibly capture the attacker. Commander Moon Glaive will plan and coordinate all the teams to prepare for the attacker. Then I want-”

Before Meteor could finish giving orders, a massive explosion rang across the camp. A soldier ran inside the camp to find the commanders, it was Sergeant Quake. “What’s going on out there!” shouted Shatter.

“The southern wall… IT’S BEEN DESTROYED!”

All the commanders stood up from their seats and ran outside the meeting tent. Outside, a large plume of smoke was visible from here where the southern wall once was. Commander Meteor stared unfazed but stared with unknown feeling. He then turned to everypony as they instantly saluted.

“Change of plans; Commanders Hurricane and Shatter Wave, go to the southern wall and slow down the advance of the intruder! Do anything you can to make sure the others are prepared!” shouted Meteor.

“High Commander Meteor, sir! What shall I do?!” asked Star.

“Set up a defense around the prisoners; if something were to happen to the other commander’s plans, you are the final line of defense, but if you’re unable to hold the line, retreat to the northern wall.”

“WHAT!? But sir, I-”
“THAT IS AN ORDER COMMANDER STAR GLEAM! Do I make myself clear?” Meteor stared down at Star Gleam, who could do nothing but look down.

“Yes… High Commander.” Star Gleam trotted away to the prisoner block with Sergeant Quake following behind.

Hurricane watched the young commander leave, a sad look in her eye. She wants to make her old man proud… Trust me kid, its better you find doing something else than fight a monster than to show how much you grown to your pops.

“COMMANDER HURRICANE! GET YOUR SORRY PLOT HERE AND HELP ME PREPARE OUR ATTACK FORMATION!” shouted Shatter, already in his armor.

“Hold up you old codger,” said Hurricane, grabbing a pegasus-sized spear. Standing beside Shatter, the two senior commanders prepare their forces for the attacker to be sighted.

A couple of minutes before the destruction of the southern wall. Many of the ponies scramble left and right; putting out fires, bringing the injured to the medical tents near the western wall, and repairing any damage to the southern wall. While this was all happening, another whizzing noise was heard.

“INCOMING!” shouted a random soldier, taking cover behind a fallen wooden post.

Suddenly a shower of red hot metal began to pierce through the wall as wooden shrapnel began to rain upon. Those who were in cover began to whimper and cover their ears from the sudden noise… those who couldn’t reach cover though. Once the attack ended, the ground was covered in red hot pointed shells, and the bodies of ponies, their blood pooling up. The sound of ponies crying and emptying their recent dinner are heard.

What kind of hell is this? Before the soldier could get up, he heard another whizzing noise an expected another attack to happen but instead, a shell pierced the wall and imbedded in the ground.

A few soldiers were curious of the strange shell as it was bumpy and the tip began to flash and light up like a torch. “The heck is that thing?” said one soldier.

“Somepony touch it with a stick,” said another.

Before anypony could find out what it was, the shell’s tip began to grow brighter and flash in-and-out in quicker intervals… until there was a loud and blindly light. What came next was pain; the soldier opened one eye and when he stood back on all fours saw a horrifying sight.

The southern wall… was compromised; the wall and anything near it was blown to nothing as a giant gaping hole was left in the southern wall. Ponies who were closer to the explosion were still alive, but had shrapnel and holes littered all over them. Some had their limbs ripped off, while a few unluckier ones were either blinded or went deaf from the blast. Most grotesque was that one stallion had his jaw ripped off and was struggling to speak.

Realizing what has happened, ponies began to pick up and help the injured while a majority of soldiers rushed to the gaping hole and started making repairs or preparing for an attack.

“GET YOUR ASSES UP THERE! NOTHING, AND I MEAN NOTHING GOES THROUGH THAT HOLE! I DON’T CARE IF YOU HAVE LIMB MISSING OR NOT! WE DEFEND THIS POINT UNTIL THE COMMANDERS MAKE A PLAN OF ACTION! DEFEND THIS POSITION!” shouted a high-ranking pony, shoving and pushing those who could still stand.

Everypony else was led away to the medical tents or helped handing out weapons. Once a line was made, unicorns prepared incantations, earth ponies standing in the front with shields or massive weapons, finally leaving the pegasi carrying spears or crossbows to fire upon anything that walks through. There was still smoke rising from the gaping hole… until a crunch was heard; everypony stiffened up and pointed their weapons to the hole.

“HOLD YOUR GROUND MAGGOTS! IF ONE OF YOU EVEN THINK OF RUNNING; I’LL FIND YOU AND HANG YOU BY YOUR NETHERS!” shouted the high-ranked pony.

With each passing second, felt like an hour to the soldiers. Stepping out of the smoke and rubble was a figure that stood taller than anything any of the ponies have ever seen. It wore clothing of green and darkish brown, its hair was a filthy green, and skin was pale. It wore shoes that were big enough to crush a pony’s skull. On each of its hands was two massive objects that were in the shape of an L and had small trigger-like mechanisms on them. The figure stared with dark purple eyes; it glared at the soldiers with empty rage… an endless relentless wrath.

There was silence… and it spoke. “Where is-”

A bolt was fired and struck the figure in the right shoulder, everypony stared at a young pegasus who wasn’t nearly old enough to be considered a stallion. The poor colt instantly dropped his crossbow, instantly regretting for firing.

“SOLDIER! HOLD YOUR FIRE! HOLD YOUR FIRE!”

The figure grabbed the bolt, pulling it out with ease, dropping it with a clatter. Rolling the shoulder that was shot at, he spoke again.

“As I was saying… Where is,” With a powerful roar that felt beastly. “MY NIECES!”

In speeds that were unmatched toward any pegasus, the figure rushed forward and pointing two of his strange weapons at the soldiers, he unleashed a fury of hot shells, point-blank at them. The screams of countless ponies were heard; both stallion and mare.

Back at the prison block, news of the attack spread out quick and the soldiers that were told to guard the two prisoners went on the clock to set up defenses and traps for the intruder. Lov watched giddily as she woke from the sudden noise. “Hey sis! SIS!” shouted Lov.

Eliya turned to look at her sister, who was busy checking something. “Yeah Lov?”

“The silly ponies are running around like a punch of ants! Doesn’t it look funny?”

Eliya looked at grinned too. “Sure does, but I wonder who’s coming to our aid?” said Eliya, wondering.

“I bet its Vally! He’d never let some smelly ponies go about and let us rot in some dumb cage!”

“True true…” As Eliya thought of this, she spotted two familiar faces, glaring at them with anger.

The two figures were Star Gleam and Quake, they both were wearing armor and were equipped with their respective weapons. Star Gleam’s weapon was a pair of short swords that were levitated by her magic. Quake carried a massive Morningstar that looked impossible for any pony to lift… well not for Quake.

“Good evening girls!” said Star, smiling. “Nice weather we’re having?”

Eliya glared at Star, put turning around to stare at the floor. “What you want?”

“I just came here to tell you that your friend who’s coming to rescue you two won’t get through what we have planned for him. And even if he finds a way, he won’t get through us; my soldiers have this place locked down, and we set up runes everywhere. Not to mention that he needs one of the commanders to free you two, but as long he doesn’t know that he won’t be able to get you out. Though… let’s say he does find out, he still won’t be able to get you out because none of the commanders would dare help him!” shouted Star, laughing at them.

“Commander,” said Quake. While he hasn’t shouted, just saying that one word has stopped Star’s sudden rude attitude. She sneers down at the two sisters and trots away; once she’s far enough Quake turns at the two. “Sorry about her… Her father denied letting her join the main attack force. She feels upset from his choice and wants to let out her feelings… Sorry about her sudden change of personality.”

“No problem Bob,” said Lov, grinning.

“My name’s not Bob.”

“Whatever you say Tommy.”

Deciding to forget the other sister’s strange way of communication, Quake turns to Eliya who stares back. “We been through worse; we have a father who haves multiple personalities… That and the fact his insane makes that even crazier for us to handle,” said Eliya, folding her arms.

“Oh… that must, be hard for someone your age…”

“Eh; it’s not that bad. It makes life interesting you know.”

“Yeah! This one time, he brought a caravan full of stuff when we were little, and gave to us as a birthday gift!” Lov pulled out a pendent which the crystal was a diamond the size of her eye. “He gave me this when I was just six.”

Quake stared at the eye-sized diamond with a bit surprise – and skepticism. “This, ‘father’ of yours… Is he a dragon?” asked Quake.

The twins look at one another… and begin to laugh; Lov is rolling on the ground in giggles while Eliya snickers, covering her mouth but brings out a few loud guffaws. “A… A dragon!? Please, our dad is just your average psychotic terrorist murderer!” said Eliya.

Quake was fazed by what Eliya said, but shook his head. I can’t tell if their lying through their teeth… or their insane too. Quake looks up to catch Lov, hanging on the cage’s roof with her feet. Never mind… their insane.

“Quake! Get back in position, we need to prepare if the attacker gets through the assault force and the traps!”

Quake sighed and took a final look at Eliya. “Even though you’re a prisoner… I’m sorry that it came to this,” said Quake.

Eliya stared back at Quake, with a neutral look. “…Me too…” said Eliya, looking away.

As Quake began to trot away, ponies began to move the twins’ cages to a better area to defend. Lov watches Quake and turn to face Eliya; Eliya doesn’t notice at first then looks at Lov with a raised brow.

“Something wrong sis?”

“Nothin… It’s just that stallion seemed really nice to you… Did he do the ‘funny’ with you?” asked Lov seriously.

Eliya sputtered and began to blush furiously. “LOV! WHAT DID WE SAY!?” shouted Eliya, embarrassed.

“Sorry sis; we promised not to delve into each other’s privacy unless we both agree to tell something in our minds.”

“Exactly… so don’t go assuming something like that… alright.”

Lov shook her head quickly, and went back to asking one of the nearby ponies’ random questions. Eliya sighed and went back to staring at the distant explosions. Vallan if that is you… You better get us out of here, you idiot.

Near the southern tents; Commanders Hurricane and Shatter Wave have prepared a suitable assault formation toward the southern wall. Torches have been set up to have a better visual of the darkened area. Fires and smoke can be seen at the far distance, the only light visible at the southern wall. Scouts have reported that the soldiers at the southern wall have all been… massacred. When they arrived, they found the mauled and shredded bodies of ponies, no survivors. The figure that was attacking has vanished but it’s possible that it will be coming our way very soon.

Hurricane glanced at some of the soldiers among their ranks; many are either volunteers or simply recruits. Since a majority of the military from all three tribes were small in the first place, combining the three forces wasn’t enough so new blood was required. Sadly, this meant that the other soldiers were veterans older than Hurricane or ponies with some battle experience but not enough to be near Hurricane’s level of skill.

“Grrraaaahhhh! What the heck is taking those two?! They should be done setting up those traps by now!” shouted Shatter. Commander Shatter Wave stomped his hoof in anger; the two younger commanders, Smoker and Swirlmaker were still preparing traps.

“They’ll be here Shatter, for now we need to hold this line until so,” said Hurricane. “Private Pansy! How’re the soldiers doing?”

“Many of the soldiers are wondering what is happening as they just woke up, while a few are a bit ants in their pants right now,” said Pansy. “We also gotten word that the traps are done and some final adjustments are being done. Commanders Smoker’s and Swirlmaker’s soldiers should be back soon, to help in the assault.”

“Good; go and check our perimeter one more time to be sure! I don’t want us to be caught taking a shit,” said Hurricane.

“Uhm… Yes, sir,” said Pansy, scrunching her nose.

As Pansy flew away, Shatter Wave began to chuckle. “What’s so funny?” asked Hurricane.

“That mare of yours sure is nice; haven’t seen a filly that sweet a long time. Many of the mares I’ve met in my day were usually loud-mouthed and hardened from farming. It’s good to know that many of the youngins won’t end up like us… My daughter is giving birth to a colt; I’m going to be a grandfather soon.”

“Congratulations… And please… I rather not talk about my private like that… She isn’t some young floozy.”

“Sorry; just me being old. It’s lonely after having your soul-mate dying earlier than you… But it’s lonelier to grow old alone… You need to find somepony Hurricane, while you still can. To be honest, you’re younger than many of the veterans here. Before you use to be young and fresh like Star Gleam… Now… heh, you’re just as grumpy as the rest of us old ponies.”

The two veterans began to have a good laugh, until they heard screaming. In an instant Hurricane grabbed his telescope and saw what was up ahead. Some of Smoker’s and Swirlmaker’s soldiers were running from the figure, with them was Smoker; on his back was Swirlmaker who had two of her wings missing.

“Get them to safety now! PEGASI!” shouted Hurricane, giving orders.

The pegasi swooped down and picked up all of the soldiers, as well as Smoker and Swirlmaker. Once they were in safety, Shatter grabbed the young commander by the shoulder and began shaking him. “What in tarnation happened out there?!”

“It-It-It happened so-so-so f-f-fa-ast…” said Smoker, retelling what he can remember.

A few hours ago, Swirl and I were setting up some of the traps with our soldiers. We were doing one final check-up… when “it” appeared.

“COMMANDERS! THE ENEMY IS SIGHTED! I REPEAT THE ENEMY IS SIGHTED!” shouted one soldier.

I looked toward Swirl and she nodded; looking at our soldier she gave out orders to retreat… But as we were about to head back… Oh god, it started happening.

That thing just ran straight toward us, right at the traps… but when trap after trap was sprung… It simply shrug them off. It began to bulldoze over us all, killing every single one of us like we were parasprites. I saw soldiers I considered friends! It showed no mercy; for bloody sakes, it snapped one pony’s limb off and started clubbing that pony with its own limb!

But… The worse was to come; it started to take each one of us down meticulously. It started with those who were farthest from it, killing them off in quick gory executions. Then finally were the slowpokes, it began to tear them apart, ripping their organs and innards out like some animal. We thought those in the center were dead, but it left us alone… but it spoke.

“It spoke?” asked Hurricane, listening to the story in a hushed tone.

“It asked which one of us was the commander… It didn’t knew two of us were there… I didn’t know wh-what to do!? Swirly… She… she said she was the only commander among them…” said Smoker, tears starting to spill from his eyes.

Shatter and Hurricane watched Smoker’s whimpering, taking a quick glance at the unconscious, handicapped Swirl.

It approached her with slow but deliberate steps. Each time it neared her, the more I began to shake and shiver. I looked at her and she stood stoke still; I thought she must be the bravest mare ever… then it grabbed her.

It turned her until her wings were facing the sky; it shoved its boot on her neck and gripped both her wings with iron grip. I saw her eyes… she wasn’t fearless or brave… She was scared, for heaven’s sake she was bawling her eyes out and staring at me… I thought I was afraid but she… she was scared senseless. I stood there staring at her, not doing anything to stop it.

With a quick and sharp movement… Her wings came off. It was so quick and instant, that it felt like she never had any wings. The only reminder that she did was the fact her wing’s nubs were bleeding and bone was poking out. She was screaming so hard, blood was coming out her mouth; the figure though was done with her. It gripped by the mouth and was going to place that strange object in her mouth. I had enough…

I rammed him with all my might, but the only reason he budged was because he wasn’t expecting one of us to attack back. Instead of continuing my attack, I picked up Swirl and shouted for everypony to run. We ran for so long and hard that I thought it was chasing us; it was hard to tell but I believed it stopped having interest in us after I tackled it. Swirly was bleeding on my back, her blood making a trail.

“I’m a coward… I left some poor filly to have their wings ripped off them! I should have been the one to die; heck even if I lived, I rather had my eyes scooped out than this!” Smoker began to wail, crying in a fetal position.

Shatter left him be, and shouted a few medic-ponies over. “Get these ponies to the medical camp… And get this bastard tied to a bed; if he tries running away, I want you to knock him out… Painfully,” said Shatter, gritting his teeth.

The medic ponies escorted the wounded away, but right before they were getting Swirly away, she gripped my hoof tightly – as tight as she can in her current state – where she began to speak in my ear.

“Please… forgive Smokey… It’s not… his fault… pleeeee…” said Swirly, her eyes slowly closing.

Hurricane grips Swirl’s hoof tightly. “Don’t worry, I’ll make sure Shatter doesn’t do anything too harsh on Smoker… You just rest now,” said Hurricane.

Swirl smiled, and began to rest with a smile on her face. The medic ponies began to leave with her and her team. Once they were out of sight… they heard it.

Standing on a pile of rubble – and ponies (are my eyes deceiving me) – is the most terrifying sight anypony has ever seen. Glaring down at them with two purple, lifeless eyes is the figure that has caused so much blood and gore for a single pony to handle. It was drenched in blood and smelled of something burning; one hand held the strange object, the other holding a pair of pegasus’s wings (they look familiar?).

Bastard is holding Swirl’s wings… I’m going to cut this monster into pieces once I get my hooves on him.

“Soldiers! Prepare for battle; here we hold our ground… or die trying!” shouted Shatter, grinning madly.

“Great words of encouragement,” said Hurricane, sarcastically.

“Thank you!”

Everypony stood tall and ready, awaiting the either side to make their first move. Preparing for a fight, Vallan places the two wings on his back, grabbing his other weapon. Vallan stretches both his legs out and moves to a sprinting position. With his gaze moved to the ground, he shouts out one final sentence to his opponents.

“PRAY TO YOUR DEITIES! FOR YOU’RE ABOUT TO SEE THEM!”

Using his own momentum, Vallan propels himself off the mountain of debris and corpses, launching toward the oncoming army. Pointing both his guns, he fires off volleys of hot lead, sheering through row upon row of ponies. Landing in the middle of their forces, he points both guns to both his sides and begins turning wildly. Spraying bullet after bullet, bodies begin to rain down like the very shells that he fires. He points both guns up toward the fearful pegasi, unleashing two explosive rounds, sending them falling among their brethren.

Vallan puts away both his guns and grabs to swords; charging fearlessly he slaughters pony after pony with killer precision. Limb and leg are cut off, heads begin to roll, blood begins to pool, and organs hang upon tents and poles like decorations. The once standing army is turning into a bloodbath; all that remains is a those at the far back of the army, or those too in shock to realize their alive.

Vallan stabs both swords to the ground, leaving a strange crossed pattern on the ground. As he begins to walk away, he hears one loud voice toward him. “HOLD RIGHT THERE!”

Turning around, he sees an old earth pony carrying a giant hammer as his weapon. The earth pony stares back with giddiness for his old age. Behind him is a familiar face; the pegasus that his nieces fought stands ready with his own weapon, a pair of wingblades.

“You… You’re the one who fought my nieces,” said Vallan, pointing at Hurricane.

Star Gleam was right, they are related. “Yes, I fought your nieces… Are you here to save them?”

“Isn’t it obvious?” Vallan pulls out both his guns, pointing them at the two commanders. Before Hurricane can get ready to attack, Shatter stops him with a hoof.

“What are you doing Shatter!?”

Shatter doesn’t say anything but turns to look at Hurricane with a sad look. “You shouldn’t be here Hurricane. You’re way too young to be fighting battles like this. Me… I’m old enough to be dead right now… To be honest, I was supposed to die years ago, but my deceased wife saved me… I miss Hurricane; you deserve somepony in your life… That young mare, she’s nice… Go to her.”

Hurricane was shocked by Shatter Wave’s sudden change of attitude, but shakes out of his stupor and ready’s to fly away but takes one final look at Shatter Wave. “It was a pleasure working with you.”

“You too boy… you too.”

Hurricane flies off toward the sky, hearing the sound of metal and explosions behind him. As his far enough to safely land, he finds Pansy surrounded in smoke; Hurricane lands in front of her, but before he could speak, Pansy bumps into him and lands on something wet. A loud squelch noise is heard is she tries to stand back up. Hurricane looks down to see Pansy has landed on a pool of blood. The smell starts to get stronger and he realizes that they’re both standing in middle of a bloodbath.

Dammit, if she opens her eyes she’ll see this and faint!

“PRIVATE! DON’T OPEN YOUR EYES!” shouted Hurricane.

“Commander? Why no-”

“I SAID NOT TO OPEN THEM!”

Pansy close her eyes shut, only able to smell the foul smell of whatever is surrounding her; she hasn’t realized the sticky wet sensation of blood on her hooves and fur yet. Commander Hurricane looks around and finds a clean piece of cloth from a tent. Ripping the cloth off the tent, he blindfolds Pansy. “I’m going to lead you back to the northern wall; the enemy has comprised through our forces. We need to retreat to the northern walls!”

“What about Commander Star Gleam, sir!?” shouts Pansy, trying her best to hold to Hurricane’s hoof.

Hurricane realizes that with the assault force gone, the only ones left defending the prisoners are Star Gleam’s forces. I need to get Pansy to the northern walls and get to Star Gleam and warn her.

“Pansy! Hold on to my back, and don’t let go!”

Pansy nods and grips Hurricane’s mid-section; this causes him to shudder from the sudden touch. Stupid Shatter, why did he have to ship me with my own private of all ponies?

Meanwhile; Vallan has defeated Shatter Wave, the old earth pony riddled in bullets but smiling even in death. Vallan looks down at the old pony and stares at his weapon; grabbing it as a trophy, Vallan heads to his final destination. Time to clean up and stomp the pests.

Vallan walks by bodies of ponies, trudging over them without a single fidget or glance down. Vallan’s stare to the distance reminds him of a memory his forgotten of from his days with his group.

In another world, some years before Ins0ne Par1y arrive to Equestria.

“Vally! Why do we need to practice to learn how to use guns? I use a katana and sis uses her ninja skills,” said Past Lov.

“You must learn to use every weapon at your disposal; even ones you never know you’ll ever use. For example,” said Past Vallan. Vallan grabs two swords and dual wields them, he then blocks and parries attacks form the drones that roam their base. “Remember, anything can be a weapon… Even the enemy’s body can too… You just need to be… ‘creative’.”

Lov watches in awe while Eliya stares back with boredom. “That’s literally one of the few lessons a ninja has to learn. I don’t know why I have to do this stupid training.” As Eliya is about to leave, one of the drones is about to slice her in half… but is stopped by Vallan who grips the blade in his hand. Blood starts to spill from his hand, but he shows no sign of pain.

“Drone, end training simulation,” said Vallan, letting go of the blade. The drones stopped their programmed training and return to their previous schedules. Vallan sighs and looks down at Eliya. “Niece-”

“I’M NOT YOUR NIECE!” Eliya glares with venom in her eyes, daring for Vallan to continue with his sentence. “You’re nothing but a shell… A clone of father… Don’t dare, say we’re family because we are not!”

“…” The eerie silence causes Eliya to shudder and look down in shame.

“I’m sorry… Father always tells us you are family… but it’s just that with you being a clone and unable to feel anything… I… I’m so-” Before Eliya could finish her sentence, Vallan pats her on the head and rubs her hair, causing it to poof up.

Vallan begins to leave the training area but takes one final look at his two nieces. “Whether I am real or not… doesn’t matter. You are my family… I’ll never let you two down… ever.

The memory ends and Vallan returns to reality; standing before him is another army and beyond them is the two cages of Lov and Eliya. He can barely see but ahead he can spot the two girl’s faint aura signatures within the cages.

I’m coming… Nobody is coming between me and my family… Nobody.

Star Gleam prepares for the attack to arrive but as she’s getting her forces ready, a scout runs up to her with fear plastered on his face. “Commander! The assault forces have fallen!”

“Wait, already! We haven’t gotten the defenses here ready yet!” shouted Star.

“It is true, word of Commander Shatter Wave being killed in battle, and Commanders Smoker and Swirlymaker are heard to be in the medical tents as we speak.”

“Wha… What about Commander Hurricane… Is he?”

The scout checks his message and shakes his head side to side. “No sir, the commander seems to not be mentioned dead. A few soldiers spotted him with his private heading back to the northern wall.”

Star Gleam sighs out of relief, happy to know her close friend is alright. Why am I so worried about that fool? His been through worse; heck I know him better and seen in far worse wounds before.

“There’s also another message Commander Star Gleam; specifically for you.”

There is? “Who’s the message from?”

“The message was sent from High Commander Meteor Shatter; Commander Moon Glaive has told him that chances of your team holding the intruder back are sure to fail. He wants you and everypony to retreat to the northern wall; the prisoners are to be abandoned and left to the intruder.”

The rage seething from Star Gleam can be seen visible, but instead of shouting in rage, she breaths in calmly and stares back at the messenger. “Tell them I’ll deny that order; my only mission is to make sure that nothing goes through my forces and to keep the prisoners in lock and key. I am the one to capture them, and they attacked one of our own… I won’t let myself be a coward and run with my tail between my legs without putting up a fight!”

The messenger stares at her unbelievably, but sighs and beings to return back to retell his message. “I see… Well, good luck Commander Star Gleam.”

The messenger salutes and runs off to the northern wall; Star Gleam looks down upon her forces and shouts out a message. “Soldiers! It is apparent that the assault forces have failed and the traps set up have not slowed down or hindered our attacker! But do not waver; we are the future children of this rising nation! We will not let some invader to shake us from what we destined to have! We founded this land with our sweat and blood, and won’t let it go without a fight; are you with me!” shouted Star.

The ponies looked at one another unsure; as a final moral boost, Star Gleam breaths in deeply and screams with all her might. “I SAID; ARE-YOU-WITH-MEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!”

All of the soldiers gathered shout with vigor, as stare down at death itself. Earth pony, unicorn, and pegasus stand together as a great machine, defending in their own beliefs and to defend those they love. For they will hold onto this future for generations to come, until they gain the home they deserve.

Back at the northern wall, Commander Hurricane has arrived and see the countless soldiers – both wounded and those who survived the intruder’s attacks – gather. The soldiers have made a makeshift wall that stretches from the northern to western walls. What in the world is going on here?

Commander Hurricane drops down and let’s Private Pansy off, he then removes her blindfold, allowing her to see the countless ponies here. “Sir, is this all who remain?” asked Pansy.

“Sadly it seems…” said Hurricane. Hurricane spots a passing pony wearing medical cap, he stops the mare to speak to her. “You! What’s going on here? Why is this wall set-up, why is everypony here? I thought those from the northern wall were going to support the forces guarding the prisoners?”

“Commander Hurricane!? Sir, haven’t you heard?”

“Heard what? What’s going on?!”

“Sir… High Commander Meteor has called upon a full-retreat. Creatures from the Everfree and nearby wildlife have become attracted to the blood and noise from the camp. Whatever has attacked has gotten them riled up for some reason. We aren’t just dealing with the intruder but nature itself; many of the soldiers are staying here to defend the wounded. It was even issued by the High Commander himself to do a full-retreat and drop all operations and stay for further orders within and near the northern and western walls.”

Hurricane couldn’t believe what he was hearing; not only was everypony giving up, but it was High Commander Meteor of all ponies to be the one issuing this order… unless… Moon Glaive.

“Commander Hurricane, you’re safe.” Hurricane turns around to find the very pony his looking for; Moon Glaive.

“What is the meaning of this Commander Moon?” The very fury that Hurricane is trying to hold is barely being held back as he wants to punch the stupid mare right in her muzzle.

“Survival… and I don’t deserve the title ‘Commander’ anymore…”

Hurricane was shocked but before he could respond, Moon was ahead of him. “Once word spreads out that a unicorn; especially one with noble blood was the one to suggest a full-retreat… No doubt the aristocracy at Canterlot will ridicule my family name… Well to hell with that… Full my whole life I’ve been taught to be above others… After seeing all the death and destruction today… It’s changed my view of others; both the other tribes and many others… Many in the future, I could be reincarnated to make a better future… maybe one for my ancestors. Where we aren’t some snobbish unicorn nobility… that we were good ponies in the end.”

“You don’t mean…” said Hurricane, realizing what’s she’s saying.

“I’m saying I am resigning myself from the military, and nobility... I met a nice stallion at the nearby village called Spell Lula; he and his family are travelling gypsies… At first I thought of him some low unicorn that gave up his noble title… But I realized even unicorns are part of the common pony… I want a family Hurricane… We’re getting too old, and the world is beginning to change…”

Hurricane couldn’t believe what was happening; first Shatter now Moon. Back when they were younger, he remember Shatter being this ruthless earth pony military leader that can force any soldier into a battle and winning unscathed. Moon was known for being an excellent strategist and being cold to the touch… To finally see the two change makes him feel that he’s the only stubborn pony alive.

“Sigh… I can’t be mad at you… I hope this stallion and you have a wonderful life; I’ll visit, alright,” said Hurricane, grinning.

Moon took a deep exhale and smiled back at Hurricane. “Thank you Hurricane… you’ve been a good friend… If our tribes became allies earlier… Do you think our routes would have changed?”

“Maybe… maybe…”

The sappy moment ended when Pansy came interrupting the two. “Commander Hurricane!”

“What now Pansy?”

“That feeling I got… The one similar to the Windigos… It’s coming from where Commander Star Gleam’s forces are stationed!”

It then came to Hurricane in an instant; that overpowering feeling from just look at the intruder, the countless bodies slaughtered by one being… It could mean one thing…

By Equestria… It’s worse than the Windigo incident! “Raise the alarms, the thing that’s invading us is as strong as or worse than the Windigos! Get a squadron of pegasi to warn Canterlot; if this thing and its allies are capable of something of this destruction… Imagine them all together!”

Moon Glaive got the message and started barking her final orders to somepony to get a warning to Canterlot. Hurricane beings to fly away, hearing the shouting and protests from both Moon and Pansy. I need to warn Star Gleam; if that “thing” reaches her… It’s on a level that not even she or anypony can fight against.

Back at the prisoner block, Star Gleam stares at the intruder. It stood tall, possibly as tall as two or three ponies if they were stacked. It looked like nothing like a minotaur; while minotaurs looked more buffer and thicker, this one looked lanky and had a strange look to it… as if it were unnatural or something. The figure looked at the army with unfeeling gaze, creeping all the soldiers and making a few think twice.

Already their cowering; I won’t let this thing cross me! Nopony or nobody crosses Commander Star Gleam of the new Eauestrian Military.

“SOLDIERS! HOLD FIRM; DO NOT BE SWAYED BY THIS THING!”

All the soldiers looked up at Star Gleam and tightened their formation, assured by their Commander’s message.

Quake looked at the strange figure and the two objects in its hands… but then the figure did something odd. It started to put away the two objects… and began to reach for something. Something’s not right… Those who survived said that this thing was capable of bringing immense death with those two objects… Why would it put them away... unless… Quake’s eyes bugged out; and he instantly drops his Morningstar and starts to run toward Commander Star Gleam. Those he ran by were confused by their Sergeant running like a mad-pony.

The figure pulled out a strange object that was long and lengthy, it was cylinder like a pole. One end was wide while the other was thin. Strange glass hollow columns were strung on the object’s sides. What was truly interesting was another cylinder that was attacked to the side, it had two holes but with a thin glass placed on both ends. The small cylinder was placed on the figure’s eye, as it aimed the strange device at the ponies. Many were curious of the device and began to taunt it to come at them, becoming cocky at it standing there.

“What’s it doing?”

“The heck’s that supposed to do, blow us away!”

“Now I look at it, it doesn’t look that scary. GAHAHAHAHHA!”

Quake continued to run, and as he ran the device on the figure’s shoulder started to make a quiet but audible noise. The sound started with a quiet buzzing, but intensified and grew until it sounded like a swarm of bees were amassing. As Quake finally was close enough to Star Gleam to catch her attention, she turned to face her Sergeant.

“Sergeant Quake; what is the meaning of this!? Don’t tell me you of all ponies are afraid of this sad excuse of a-”

“COMMANDER! GET DOWN!” Star Gleam was frozen from Quake’s sudden fearful expression that when he tackled into cover, she didn’t bothered to make a single noise or protest. Overhead a large bright purple blast showered all of Star’s forces… all that remained was ashes… and after that… dust.

No screams were heard, nothing… absolute silence.

Vallan stood tall; on his shoulder was a device created by A.I. The weapon was a prototype and was going to be given to Tim for future use. The weapon was called, “The A2n1hil4t0r”; it was capable of causing a near invisible radiation in a form of light. Anything that’s touched by the light will be sheered into dust, basically burning them super-sonic speeds. Sadly the problem was that the device gave off ton of heat and radiation, making it unsafe for all the members of Ins0ne Par1y… except for Tim, their leader… and Vallan himself.

Energy readings are normal…
Light Ray at 20% usage…
Radiation expulsion is nominal…
Heat readings are under safe…
Targets… Neutralized…
Thank you for using Prototype Gamma: The A2n1hil4t0r… Have a wonderful day…

I forgot… this thing has a computer system inside it to keep the weapon’s systems in check. That and the fact that this thing if not handled properly is a good replacement as a bomb.

Vallan puts the powerful weapon away and pulls out his two guns; Blood and Spirit. He walks through the empty grounds, walking piles of dust as the dust-covered air begins to clear. In the distance are some remaining soldiers who fly than fight… leaving him with his target. Ahead of him is two cages on wheels; inside them are his two nieces, Lov Kel and Eliya Kel… The twins.

I found you. Vallan began to sprint and when he finally reach the cage, he extended each of his arms into each cage, grasps both girls’ hands.

“Are you two alright?” asked Vallan. “Have they done anything to you two?”

“We’re fine Uncle Vally. They have some nice fish here though,” said Lov, smiling.

“Fish?” said Vallan, glancing at Eliya.

Eliya who was looking away – but still holding on to Vallan’s hand – was rubbing her shoulder with her other hand. “They were nice enough to feed us properly…”

Vallan looked at Eliya, and continued to stare; it began to make Eliya blush from being stared at. “What is it? Is something on my face,” said Eliya, flustered.

“No no no… It’s just that you’re cute when you blush.” (Awwwww… cute.)

This caused Eliya to let go of his hand and cover her face in embarrassment. “I hate you!” said Eliya, in a muffled voice.

“I know I know… Let me get you ou-” Then Vallan noticed something… The locks had strange markings on them, and when he tried shooting them off, the bullets did nothing… “Strange…”

“The locks are magically locked Uncle Vally… You need to get one of those Commander fellas; I think?” said Eliya, rubbing her chin in thought.

Commanders… At that same time, Star Gleam is seen after the dust has cleared. “Commander…” said Vallan, repeating his thought.

Vallan slowly approached Star, the poor unicorn began to run but winced and realized her back legs were slightly singed… possibly from the strange beam of light. They were somewhat burnt but still moveable. She tried to drag herself to safety, but felt Vallan’s powerful boots stomp on her legs. He then grabbed her by the neck and lifted her to his face.

“You’re not… getting my help… freeing them… I’d rather die than… help you… Bastard…” said Star, speaking through Vallan’s iron grip.

“Ohhhhhh sass; me likey!” said Lov, laughing mischievously.

Vallan stared coldly at her… but then he looked at her horn… then back at her… Vallan then had an idea.

“Who said I needed you?”

A cold sweat and realization came to Star… She wished the bright light engulfed her.

Commander Hurricane was close to the prison block and saw from his distance the strange bright light some moments ago; the dense amounts of dust have blocked his view but after it was all clear, he spotted the prisoners cages… and Star Gleam.

STAR GLEAM! I FOUND HER!

As Hurricane was about to dive bomb toward her, he noticed that Star Gleam was in the air… and saw she was being lifted up by the figure. The figure was slowly moving her closer and closer to him; from his distance he can see the fear in Star’s eyes.

“NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!” shouted Hurricane, dive-bombing instantly.

Waking up from the blast, Quake trudges out of the pile of dust that covered him. After making his way to where he guessed was where the prisoner cages were… he spots two familiar silhouettes. Star Gleam… and the INTRUDER!

Quake rushed forward to the two silhouettes and when he finally could see that… he saw the figure reaching for the Commander’s horn. THAT SON OF A BUCK! HIS GOING TO- Quake stopped himself mid-thought, and was ready to pounce but winced and saw his right foreleg was slightly bruised and smelt funny. I got hit by the beam, dammit! “COMMANDER!” screamed Quake.

Star Gleam watched in horror, everything was blissful silence, all that was around her was the figure that stood before her… and the regrets she held. She regretted not telling Sergeant Quake that she despised him for not being a unicorn. She regretted not telling anypony that she hated the idea of uniting under one flag. She regretted not telling Hurricane that she may have had a crush on the old stallion… But what she regrets the most… Is that she never told her father how much she loves him.

Daddy… I’m so sorry…

Star’s life flashed before her eyes; and to end it all was the slowly approaching hand of this demonic figure.

There was silence… and to replace that silence was the audible cracking of her horn being ripped off.

Held tight in Vallan’s hand was this unicorn’s bleeding horn. For ponies, they sure bleed a lot for their size.

“NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!” Vallan looked up to see an old pegasus with rage covering every inch of his body, bomb-diving directly at him. Vallan moves out of the way, and pulls out his gun; instead of firing a normal bullet, he fires a stun bullet. Hurricane’s body began to shake violently, but he tries to move toward his target, but with two more stun bullets… the Commander goes out cold.

“That’s four…” said Vallan.

“COMMANDER!” screamed Quake.

Oh not another one. Pulling out his gun, Vallan is ready to shoot but stops. Instead of the pony charging at him, it runs toward the fallen mare unicorn. The pony picks her up in her arms and checks her missing horn. With the pony busy, Vallan walks to his two nieces and free them from their imprisonment. Using the unicorn’s horn as a key, the locks unlatch and the cages open; the twins exit their cages.

“It was fun being in a cage, but I think being outside is my kind of tea,” said Lov, stretching her arms.

“Do you have our stuff?” asked Eliya, crossing both her arms.

…I knew I forgot something. Eliya sighs seeing that Vallan hasn’t responded yet.

“Hold on… Let me talk to someone for second.”

Eliya walks up to the pony holding his commander, and notices the sudden shadow looming over him. Looking up he sees the now free Eliya… he holds now angry toward them… but he saddened that things have come to this.

“Hey Quake…”

“Hey Eliya…”

The two stare at one another with in silence, until Eliya’s twin sister; Lov and her uncle, Vallan appear behind her. Quake quivers before Vallan, holding on tightly his leader, Star Gleam.

“Where are my nieces’ weapons and equipment?” asked Vallan, with a lifeless look in his eyes.

“Uncle please… Let me handle this… and don’t hurt him…” said Eliya, looking back at Quake. “His been nice to us.”

Vallan gives a skeptical look and stares down at him, before shrugging and walking off. With Quake alone with the two sisters, he loosens off and looks up at Eliya. “You want to know?” asked Quake.

“Yep… If that isn’t a problem, I hope.”

Quake looks away for a second… then looks back up. “There’s a weapon’s shed where we kept your belongings near the northern wall… Before you go there… Just give them this; it’s something the High Commander gave to me when I was sent to work under his daughter… It’ll be the only proof you have for you to get in and get your stuff.” Quake gives Eliya, a rusty looking key that has aged overtime.

Eliya takes the key and puts it in her pocket, and heads back to Vallan. “We need to head to the northern wall… and let me handle the talking. Don’t do anything reckless, please,” said Eliya.

Vallan shrugs and follows behind her. “I’ll see if I can try,” said Vallan.

“Try harder, dammit.”

“Hee hee hee… You said harder.”

Eliya groans and face-palms herself; before the trio leave, Quake stops them. “Wait… Before you leave… Who… Who are you?”

The twins stop and turn toward Quake, standing straighter than usual. “We are members of Psycho Corps; and part of the mercenary group, Ins0ne Par1y. We are the twins, ‘The Kel Sisters’. And behold of our second-in-command… Vallan the Remorseless.”

Vallan turns around, and suddenly Quake sees it – surrounding him is a strange purple glowing essence surrounding him like an invisible cloak – the strange glow gives out a strange feeling within Quake… as if something wild wants to be let loose from staring at the strange glow surrounding him.

The trio leave, but Vallan stops to look at Quake one final time. “Be glad you’re alive because of my nieces… Hope that we don’t cross one another… ever,” said Vallan, his expression going from an impossible mask to crack.

Quake watches them leave… their names forever etched in legend and myth for all time.

High Commander Meteor Shatter watched above the northern wall; below him are the countless survivors of this sudden incident. Right now this moment in history will be written forever… if there is anypony to tell what has occurred here. Standing with him is Commander Moon Glaive… well ex-Commander; having told him of her resignation, he will permit it once they reach Canterlot once the sun rises.

Commanders Hurricane and Star Gleam should be back here. I was told Hurricane went out to get her back here… They better be here soon or I’ll drag them back myself.

Meteor was snapped from his thoughts when a horn was blown. “ARE WE BEING ATTACKED!” shouted Moon, staring off in the distance.

Coming out of the dust-covered air… were three figures; two of them was the prisoners, but walking beside them was the intruder… Many of the recruits and veterans have named him the Relentless Demon for his unending attacks and unrelenting ways of executing ponies without mercy.

Everypony expected a battle but instead, one of the prisoners spoke, and held in her hand was a rusted key. To everypony in meant nothing… to Meteor it meant everything. Where did she get that key!?

“My name is Eliya Kel… I was told this key was an easy… ‘key’ to get my sister’s and my stuff… So hand it over or… well, I think you know perfectly well what this guy can do,” said Eliya, pointing at Vallan.

Vallan pulls out one of his guns and fires at a random target outside the makeshift wall. A large explosion happens as debris is sprayed everywhere. The soldiers inside shake in fear and begin to cower, even hardened veterans have second thoughts about the situation. High Commander Meteor stares at the key and what it represents.

“High Commander, sir! What are your orders?!” shouted Moon, saluting.

“Open the gates.”

The sudden order shocked Moon to the point that she thought she was talking to somepony else and not Meteor, who was known for being four times as ruthless and ignorant. “Pardon but… you want us to do what?”

“I SAID OPEN THE DAMN GATES!”

Moon backed away from Meteor and ordered a random soldier what he told her. The gates opened as the trio entered inside; they were led to where their weapons and equipment were kept. Lov and Eliya reequip themselves, and follow Vallan to meet the High Commander face-to-face.

Vallan and Meteor Shatter stand before each other on top of the northern wall; the nearby soldiers feel the sudden unease between the two juggernauts. Many of those who heard of Meteor Shatter know of the countless battles he fought, and the wars he were in. Some of the recruits have begun to spur stories of the strange figure and word of his name will soon spread… All will know of Vallan the Remorseless.

Meteor stares at Vallan, then looks at the rusty key in his grip. “Quake gave you that key?” asked Meteor.

Vallan doesn’t speak but nods instead, Eliya then moves beside Vallan to speak up. “Considering how serious we are about this… We would like to ask one final favor,” said Eliya.

Meteor continues to stare at the key but changes his gaze upon Eliya; Eliya fidgets under the sudden glare the High Commander is giving her. The glare ends when Meteor turns to face the outskirts of the wall. “Go on…”

Eliya sighs and takes a deep breath. “We’ll give you back the key… but you can’t chase after us… Until sunrise comes… do we have an agreement?”

Those who were nearby such as Moon Glaive and some fellow soldiers gawk at the request but stay quiet to await Meteor’s response. The High Commander continues to stare off at the distance… and speaks once more. “I’ll accept these conditions… if your friend returns something else that belongs to us.”

Eliya was confused when she heard a loud plop. Piled on the ground were a pair of pegasus wings and a unicorn’s horn. The nearby soldiers turn around and empty their stomachs, a few stare at the impossible sight. Meteor Shatter simply levitates the ripped off limbs and gives them to Moon Glaive who carries them in her magic. “Give these to the medics; I want them to be in cryo-freeze. Place time-stop runes until they’re reattached to their owners. Also send a squad to the prisoner block to retrieve Commanders Hurricane and Star Gleam and anypony else they may find.”

Moon Glaive stares dumbly but shakes of her stupor and turns to do what the High Commander has told her to do. “Yes High Commander, sir!” shouted Moon, leaving.

Meteor Shatter turns to leave, but catches the tosses rusted key. He swivels his head to see Vallan and the girls leave.

“High Commander… Are we actually letting them leave?”

Meteor watches the trio leave and enter the tree-line, he then loops a chain around the key and hangs it around his neck. The silhouettes of Vallan and the Kel Sisters disappear… the moon begins to shift away, signifying sunrise to come soon.

“Postpone any messages to Canterlot until sunrise… I am a stallion of my word. Once the first light of the sun touches this camp, send a warning to Canterlot…”

“What kind of warning sir?”

High Commander Meteor Shatter levitates his sleek obsidian helmet – the helmet has two curved horns on the side and hole to fit his cracked horn, spikes adorn the top and back as ancient runes are etched on the helmet, making an eerie glow from the helmet – and wears it. He slowly steps down the stairs on the side of the wall, and begins his trek to the now destroyed southern wall.

“Tell Princess Platinum… That we may have an enemy in our hooves; the battle has been lost, but the war has just… begun.” Meteor levitates a massive claymore with his magic, where he balances the massive sword on his back with ease. Beneath the High Commander’s visor… is the grin of sadistic warrior.