It was an hour later and I found myself back in my room stripped to my boxers again... Nobody greeted me as I got up which felt kinda good yet kinda creepy too. Kinda felt like shit as I got up but it was better than how I was earlier. I got dressed, walked out and checked inside Dash's room. Nothing. Noone in there. I turned back to my door and saw a note. Stuck to a bent nail towards the top. I sighed and grabbed it. Even read it out loud. "...Ryder... Need to speak with you in private. Come to the dining hall. All others should be training or resting. Celestia." I said almost quietly. I huffed and shoved my hands in my pockets starting to just walk along. I didnt have any knowledge of this place but there are markings spray painted into the stone. Just followed the crossed fork and knife around for a while.

When I came in I saw Celestia sitting at the end of a long table in the middle. Nobody around her or in the room. She wore a set of pure white metal armor, painted beautifully in her image. Her cutie mark printed onto the flank and the chest piece and her mane tied into a ponytail. Her wings were a bit messy but this armor isnt maneuverable if I remember right. She watched as I approached and bowed in respect to her before sitting. "...Thank you for coming Ryder..." She said averting her gaze. "...I.... Apologize for everything you've heard and seen in this universe...... The death of your sister, the breakdown of your marefriend... even the status of your own cousin.... Dash told me all about it.... I have my top magical advisor helping me to get you back home but... it wont be ready for some time...." I kinda cringed hearing the words death and sister in the same sentence....

"...Thank you Celestia.... If there's anything I can do before then as payment... so it shall be....Name it and it shall be done.... I wont even stop at body disposal if the need ever arises...." She glanced at me and smiled.

"...This is done out of the kindness of my own heart.... that badge you have gave me fond memories of my sister.... if she were here I'd plead even in her nightmare state for her to fight along side me and take back our faithful equestria... I wouldnt even hesitate if she started a new side to make it happen... I would want her to feel loved and cherished like she always had been by me...." I could see tears building in her eyes. I scooted over and wrapped my arms around her.

"...Something tells me this Luna hasnt been changed back by nightmare moon and instead reimprisoned by you and the Elements of Harmony before this war broke out.... Couldnt you get the elements back to take down Sombra?" She wiped her eyes and sniffled.

"...No... i-it's impossible... if I ventured out even with a team of power armor trained sentries i'd run a high risk of being shot in the wastes... It's even been so long I cant remember where i hid them or how to unlock them again... my mind has been run ragged since the attack and... its just filled with so much strategy... if i failed on one attack and forget to set up defences at another point the enemy could take up so much territory it'd be suicide to get it back... I... I feel as if I'd have to launch the bombs to end them all... even a few of my own to martyr..." I huffed.

"That isnt an option EVER Celestia!" I took my arm from around her and slammed it on the table next to her. She jumped a bit and looked over at me. "I'm sorry to say this but you're being such a fucking pussy right now! My Celestia wouldnt have given up so easily. She would fight and fight and fight until she had won! You are getting the bombs ready after what? Two? Three years? Think about this! Those that escaped from Sombra's wrath and didnt want to fight for your revolution are out there somewhere hiding in a cave, a shack or even a fucking hole in the ground! One bomb could mean millions dead within seconds and those things are massive with explosions! Trust me i've seen so many go off at once it isnt even funny!" If you caught that there that's actually the opening to that post apocalyptic video game I play with Luna. We gave each other so many tips on where to look for weapons and car pieces its just a wonder to how we havent found anything extremely rare. Anyways Celestia looked to me with a little shocked expression.

"Surely your universe must've gone up in flames.... How have you survived that nuclear hell?" I huffed.

"That isnt important right now. What is important is getting this Equestria back on track to progress to take out the enemy. Now why dont you take a breath, show me where your command center is and let me see what the situation is. I might be able to see through their defenses and bring victory to the resistance!" I stood up and offered my hand. She took it and stood up.

Celestia lead me through the compound going up stairs and through corridors and even had to squeeze past a few firing ranges with guns just going off every step and in between. I flinched a few times and held my scar the whole time. It pulsed a bit but didn't hit me with any pain. Shit hitting the fan aside we finally came through to her strategy room. Ponies along each wall, some looking at maps and others writing reports on computers and some cleaning and assembling weapons. Yes without ammo. Are they stupid? Am I? Wait don't answer that. Pinkie came out from the back of the room and saluted as we came to a table with a map of Equestria marked to hell. Red X's and Blue O's and green and black arrows. Gold star right over where Ponyville should be. Pinkie looked to me and to Celestia after saluting. "Is it wise to have him in our base of operations ma'am?" She asked. I looked to her as Celestia brought up a new map, tearing the old one away.

"Shut up and start following orders from me! I'm taking over on this outfit and you better start fucking calling me General if you know what's good for you and your fucking sister. Where's she?" Pinkie looked at me shocked but returned to her pissed off looking state.

"She's off training her close combat skills in her room. Shall I fetch her?" I went back to studying the map.

"Yes just tell her she listens to me or she answers to Celestia for insubordination!" Pinkie said nothing and just ran off. I glanced at Celestia as she set markers out for me. "I wasnt too harsh was I? I dont like being harsh if i dont have to." I took a blue marker and just tapped the cap on the map.

Celestia huffed as she drew out some marks on the map. Star where we were and a curved line for where the fighting was. "You were right to snap like that at her. Sometimes even she needs a good talking to." She said setting her marker down. "Alright. What do you wanna do and where do you wanna go. Any and all resources are yours. Launch a rocket if you must. Just bring us to victory General." I scanned the map and put my mark as an X right where Canterlot should be.

"Right here is where we need to strike. Forces far outside on either side start pinching around the front line if they have an opening. If they can get far in rain hell but Canterlot is ours." Celestia drew arrows on one side of the line that came back towards the middle of the line. Even drew one in a different color straight from the star to the X.

"But how are we going to get in to Canterlot? We're gonna be picked off before we even get there!" I hummed and looked around before kinda having her bend over near me.

"This is gonna be one hell of a stretch but we're gonna need some of the enemies armor. Three go in, two in armor and one naked so to speak." I looked around. "Has anyone seen Dash? She might need to get in on this and probably the best one to get into it...." I looked to Celestia. "Have we got any transport?" Celestia thought for a moment.

"Those storms can knock an aircraft and pegasai out of the air... me included... Best thing we can do is just stick to the ground and just go but we've had a problem with the vehicles. Someone in our ranks seem to have sabotaged our ground transport vehicles. No body here knows what they're doing apparently when it comes to being a mechanic. If anything I'm the most qualified and I only have changed the tires on one myself before!" I grinned looking back to the map marking it towards the west a little bit.

"Well I'll get one working fine. Might have to raid the other vehicles for parts if any are damaged but I might be able to repair some if it's necessary. The path I marked is a way we're gonna drive. If we can get attention drawn away from us we can slip through." I marked a few X's on the map left and right on the northern side. "We hit these sides with bombardments and keep them from converging on our path. We should have a nice shot on where we're going. And if my guess is right they're gonna have maybe a blind spot somewhere before the castle." Celestia circled a little area just a bit southwest.

"Right here. There should be a cliff that you'd be able to scale for a few yards and if someone has some good eyes they can see a secret passage that leads into a staircase that comes up right in the dungeons. They may have guards posted but it might come up in a storage closet. If they have guards on that closet take them out and take their positions but make sure noone is looking."

"And if we get caught?" She rolled her eyes and huffed.

"Fight like hell and cause an uproar if you must. We have cells on the other side that know a blue flare when they see one." Blue flares. Solar Empire's best friends. Didnt have to use one but from what Shining told me is if I'm ever in a tight spot on a raid or something there are always another crew on standby, plainclothed or armored all ready to move in to where the flare was shot from. I looked back to the map and marked a few more X's.

"If we can get some mortars to the north there might be some way we can rain hell for two options. One is being a distraction for our escape or to aid in a siege. In enough of numbers we can make it seem like there's more than what we have. Not to mention they're gonna be so confused on how the hell we got so far north so fast." Celestia hummed and went over everything in her head as other ponies just mumbled around us.

"...That sounds like a plan that might work." She looked to me. "I'll have someone lead you to the garage and you pick which vehicle will do you good. I'll get some squadrons together to aid in the assassination of Sombra. If the need arises just take whatever weapons you can get there. You cant get anything here. Everything has my mark on it. It's gonna give you away. Most of the things are on the butts of the guns... Depending on the guns you choose I could make an exception to either edit the weapon the way you want it to blend in or to hide. You think on it. Just find me in my throne room after you're done in the garage." I nodded and went on my way. I did stop a few feet away noticing Celestia just looking back at me as others worked around her. I waved her over and leaned against the wall. She approached me with a slight worried look on her face.

"Something wrong Celestia?" I asked. She kinda shrugged a bit. "Everythings gonna be okay as long as you dont hesitate or give up as a leader. You're someone who everyone looks to for hope. Where I am from, I work for you. You cared for someone that me and Dash lost in this universe and wanna get revenge for. You even offered her a better life if I just bit the dust... the closest I came to that was bleeding out on a cold mountain after a plane crash... It frightened me as well as the others who were with me.... When I got to see my sister she was with you and... and your sister... both of which were in tears worrying for me and what to do with my sister..." I averted my gaze feeling my mood start to slip. Thinking back to that day just kills my mood every time, whether it is just talking about it, looking at the mountain we crashed on or just meeting up with one of the troops I was with in the crash. I've heard from Rouge and Pepper but Shadow? Fuck if i know where he is or what he's doing. Celestia took my hand and led me out of the room and down the now empty hall.

"...My apologies that you and Dash lost someone close to you.... but your words ring true... I must fight and make my subjects want to reunite to fight for Equestria and make it known I will not back down no matter how hard we try." She glanced back at me for a moment. "For now I'll lead you to the garages. Maybe while we're there I can at least be told about my sister and her endeavors.... I wish to know what she's like after her imprisonment...."

Not long later i was just under the hood of an armored sports car. Off road wheels, lifted chassis, bullet proof glass on the windows and even reinforcements on the back, front and side windows, even a gun on top... big gun too. Mounted MG with a large magazine leading into the back of the car. Fuck me if this is not a thing where I'm from. But really all this thing needed was some fresh fuel and spark plugs. Actually had to take the fuel tank out of this one, dump the old fuel out it was sitting for so long. Took maybe an hour tops but it felt good doing mechanic work again... Part of me wants to do garage work for the guard but another part just wants me to keep doing what I'm doing... maybe I can ask Celestia if I can do a little of both every other week. Anyways Celestia sat off to the side just running her finger over every little nook and contour of it. She obviously missed her sister. Maybe more than I miss mine but... I can say I feel her.... But as I got that last spark plug to stay the door going into the compound was kicked open and in ran Pinkie and Maud. Both looked equally as pissed off but... something in their anger told me something was wrong. And uh well..... "CELESTIA! We have a problem!" Pinkie yelled. "We have reports that the commander raided the armory for weapons and ammo and she ran off! Nopony knows where she went!"

I slammed the hood on the car shut and opened the door on the drivers side. "You two! In now!" I said. Neither mare questioned it. As they stepped in I looked to Celestia who tossed me my badge. "You get some fighters together and have them start to converge and draw fire. I dont care if this is a suicide mission but we need to get Dash and get the fuck to that castle. If she's got weapons maybe she can at least spare some and some ammo!"

Celestia gave me a determined look and rested her hand on my shoulder. Damn firm grip. "General... you are doing great things right now and if i know where she's going its got some significance to it." She said. "Just go. Dash should be heading towards what was once the Rainbow Falls if i'm correct. That place hasnt been the same since the Rainbow Factory incident... I wont say what happened but... it was pretty gruesome..."

"Noted... Just.... stay safe and be ready. They do have flare guns right?" Celestia nodded. "Good. Just look to Cloudsdale for the flare. We might have resistance but they're gonna shit themselves when they see me on that fucking gun! I wanted to fire one of these babies since I got started as a guard in my world." Celestia just hugged me straight up before just stuffing me in the car and closing the door. She knelt down to eye level with the little slot i could look through.

"Just go already! I want you to bring us to victory!" I said nothing as I started driving off town towards... well a wall. But something just told me keep driving. Next thing you know we just teleport outside and start tearing through the dust. Oooh god this thing was an orgasm in my ears the way the motor ran. V6 engine, roaring and just kicking up a nice dust cloud around us.

As we drove Pinkie grabbed some gas masks from under the seat. "Standard issue with every fucking one!" She said handing one to me and her sister. "Lucky us there were still some here!"

Maud sighed. Couldnt tell if it were a relieved sigh or not. "And here I thought we were screwed." She said. She rested her hand on my shoulder. "I heard what you said General and me and Pinkie here arent just doing this for our own safety. Neither of us like to mention it but we've lost our family's farm to the enemy and they destroyed every single shiny sedimentary and just made our lives rockier than our farm even."

I huffed. "I'm sorry if I'm being a bit stern with you two." I said just flooring it. "Gotta yell at someone who looks like they need a little push and you two look like you need it." I glanced at Pinkie who was just having her mask just sitting atop her head just staring almost blankly out the little slit on the side window. "Pinkie? You alright over there?"

Pinkie just curled up in her seat and just sighed. "....They have our sisters...." She said. "...the day they came in and.... took over... Maud came and saw if i was okay... She was the only one that made it out...." I heard Pinkie whimper a bit. I snapped my fingers and pointed to her. Maud just went over and hugged her.

"Hey hey! I know you wanna cry for this but dammit we need to let this fuel our hate for the enemy! If anything they're alive and you just have to find them!" I just turned the wheel narrowly missing a fallen tree. "If it makes you feel any better we can take a squad after we're done here and raid that farm of yours, see if they're still there... Might not sound good but... they could still be there, enslaved to work for the enemy and mine resources for them..." I could really tell I probably wasnt helping but... at the same time i was... I dont know.

Maybe about an hour in to the drive we finally arrived at the falls.... My how time wasnt good to this place... I stepped out of the car leaving Maud and Pinkie to hug it out and buck up. Put my mask on and looked out at everything I could see among the dust kicked up by the wind. Not much wind to kick everything up but I just didnt wanna get sand in my eyes. But the clouds looked like shit. Grey, broken here and there, the rainbow waters just looking all mixed and just weird.... Most of it was brown, the only distinguishable colors were green and red. A little blue was in there which was nice to see but... it still didnt look nice. I slowly walked towards a big blasted out hole and looked up at the clouds. Saw Dash sitting on the edge of a cloud in what looked to be biker attire. Black leather jacket, black jean pants and combat boots. Even held onto a rifle with a large 8x zoom scope. I flew up hesitantly knowing she could shoot me if startled or just.... I didnt wanna think about it. As I approached she looked to me and had the gun readied. She didnt aim. Just had her finger ready near the trigger. "Go away! Just leave me the fuck alone!" She snapped. I huffed and took my mask off even if i didnt wanna. I on the clouds just to the right of her. Had a few feet between us too.

"....So this is where it happened huh...." She didnt answer. I glanced at her seeing a duffel bag looking packed full of ammo clips and maybe a few more guns sitting right behind her. Kinda tented at the ends. I looked out over the wasteland before us. Fires burning off in the distance from bonfires, possible attacks that have been long dealt with and maybe some explosives that went off somewhere between before i got here and now. "...Look... I know this place means something to you.... Basically means the same to me here... Its a place that calms us and just gives us hope for what lies ahead... I've been here a lot in my mind and in real life... After I was shot I came here because I was scared to leave my sister with noone to care for her... It was the same when my parents were murdered... I was jailed because I saved my sister from going into protective services.... I was freaking out so bad I just didnt realize they were taking her away.... When I did i punched the guard that had her in the face to get her back and I was rushed.... I realize it may seem like it's too late for her but in your mind she could be at your side pushing you to just help her rest easy." She sighed just hanging the gun by a strap on her back.

"....When I signed up for this I was scared... didnt know what to do... the only ones I was with after the attack were the guy who fixed everything and someone I grew up with... My friend is off down south... making sure everyone is okay... even the animals... With them I felt safe.... One left and I still felt safe with him.... Now you show up, kick my ass in front of your marefriend and make me feel so fucking insecure I wanna take this gun and end it all..." She whimpered and started to sniffle. I scooted over and hesitantly hugged her. She didnt hesitate to latch on. "FYXIT!!!! FYXIT I'M SO SORRY!"

"Okay... Dash... Dash listen to me here. That filly and my sister would want you to just keep it going! She kept me going in my universe and she keeps you sane too! If she were here right now I bet your ass she'd fly up here and give you a hook to the chest. Just because I can over power you doesnt mean anyone else can! I'm only one pony and I got lucky. Just because I got lucky doesnt mean everyone will. Doesnt even mean that'll even happen again with me." I could tell she was listening even if she didnt say anything after that. She thought for maybe a good few minutes. After that few minutes she sniffled, wiped her nose on my sleeve... ew.... and looked me in the eyes.

"...Y... You're right... I need to get back in there, fight and show I'm strong! My little cousin would've wanted me to show the enemy how awesome I am with a sniper. Or any gun for that matter!" I smiled and released her before taking the gun from her and have her readjust the bag before we both flew down. Dont know if I've noticed this before but she's got a wing like me. Prosthetic but works like a real one. When we got to the car she whistled looking at it. "Damn... Even Fyxit couldnt fix these... He could fix almost anything but... never a vehicle..." She ran her hand over the armored hood, hearing the motor just purr. She looked to me as Pinkie and Maud came out of the car saluting both looking back to their normal selves. Well... Pissed pinkie normal. Not chipper, plump and perky. ...Wonder if... NONO NOOOOO. Not now now is not the time for thinking about that! Anyways I sighed.

"Not that I'm confused but... How did you manage to get out here so fast? You couldnt have walked, ran or flew.... Probably would've found you napping in some sludge up there." She snickered a bit and started walking to a mass of bushes.... somehow I've failed to miss that... Anywho she walked over to the bushes and parted them aside revealing a nice motorbike with an armored windshield, saddle bags and what looked to be mounted guns. I grinned. "You and your bikes..." I glanced to Pinkie. "What say you and your sister split off for a while? One comes with me and the other goes with the commander... I have an idea and it is ballsy... Who's with me?" Dash looked to Pinkie and then Maud. They all looked to me and saluted.

"What are your orders general?" Dash asked. I huffed kinda feeling good just being respected.

"Alright! Commander Dash you take Maud here and follow me." I looked to Maud and handed her the rifle. "You're gonna need this for what I have planned."

Maud took the rifle and cocked it. "Wow.... Looks like we're gonna go for a full on assault..." She said. She looked back to me. "I thought Celestia said we were gonna sneak in."

"Change of plans. Recon isnt my specialty. Going in loud and proud is my thing and force wins." I looked to Pinkie. "Pinkemena you're with me. You're driving, I'm on the gun! We ready to do this?" Everyone nodded and saluted. "Good! Now move out!" I squeezed into the back seat and got my mask back on getting into position as Dash and Maud got on the bike. I looked to them. "MAUD! SHOOT A FLARE AND LET EM KNOW WE ARE GOOD TO GO!" Maud gave a thumbs up before pulling a flare gun from the back of her pants before aiming it into the air and letting it fly with a loud pop. "ALRIGHT LETS ROLL!" The engines revved and we just started to speed off. I felt every blast of wind and dust against my chest but I did not give one fuck as I cocked the gun and readied my aim on it. I was ready. Even heard my fucking favorite metallicolt song- in my head mind you but I could swear it was playing on a radio or something. As we neared I saw Canterlot in the distance with just smoke rising up here and there all around it. I ducked down slightly and looked to Pinkie. "HEY! STOP THE CAR!" She slammed on the brakes and I held on as we skidded to a stop. Dash and Maud pulled up next to us.

"What's going on? Why'd you two stop?" I got out of the gunners position and just stood on the roof of the car.

"Someone give me binoculars or the rifle so I can look through the scope. Gotta see what's between us and the castle so I can plan a route. Maybe see if there's any places the enemy left open because of traps..." Maud handed me the rifle and I peered down the scope at the base of one of the smoke pillars. I saw a bonfire with... well... we know what's going on with the captured rebels... Open field to the right, possibly filled with mines planted by farmers because the way I've seen saplings at the orchard being planted just made it seem like it's always been there even with fresh dirt. "Okay... troops near smoke.... possible land mine field to their right...." I panned to the left and saw grave yard junk. Old cars and shipping containers... even a downed jet. Fighter. Not commercial. "Best path is if we can get through the junk yards without problem..... Either that or someone with a keen eye can get on this gun and start raining hell where ever they see some land mines... Or maybe...." I looked to Maud. "How good of a shot are you with that rifle?" She looked to me.

"The Commander here put me in charge of the sniper brigade. I've got snipers all over the place and most of them havent even been found yet. Some were found because of some party popper traps Pinkie had them set up as startling mechanisms but they have a twenty four percent failure rate by either not going off or startling the sniper." She got off the bike and lied down on the ground putting the rifle up onto a bipod which somehow I failed to see... either it was in the duffel or just attached to the gun. In this case I'm gonna assume the latter. "Not to mention I've taught all the snipers personally on how to detect traps and use sound to their advantage. And if I'm right... we should have a distraction in three... two..." Just then out near the junk yard something exploded sending fire, shrapnel and smoke into the air stunning the patrolmen by the body bonfire. She fired off a few shots cocking it fast like it was a semi automatic sniper. Didnt even take long for her to settle. "Tango down. Now for the mine field...." She aimed back down the scope and hummed a bit.

"Maud we havent got all day!" She glanced up at me for a moment.

"Hold on General. I'm trying to check for weird sediment patterns you dont usually see in this part of the wasteland... I've memorized maps upon maps of where to find certain sediments and in this part its normally a wavy yet jagged pattern..... They either dont even have mines there or covered it up well..."

"Just take a shot where you think it is. If needed we can just-" Suddenly just out of nowhere whistling came to our ears. Maud and Dash looked up and that just caused me to look up... Heart kinda dropped knowing this would've been loud because I just saw bomb after bomb dropping. I had to get down and just take cover before everything in front of us went up in hellfire making everything around us shake. It took maybe a few minutes before things settled but holy hell that was kinda scary. I climbed out of the car and just saw dust everywhere. I put my mask on again and looked around just as Pinkie hopped out of the car. Maud and Dash came from behind the car, Dash coughing slightly. "Is everyone okay?"

Dash nodded and Maud gave a thumbs up as she grabbed her gas mask off the floor and put it on after blowing what ever dust was in it out. Pinkie coughed a bit putting her mask on as well. "What the HELL was THAT?!" She asked. "WHO THE FUCK CALLED IN DANGER CLOSE?!"

I looked out to the blast areas and walked up next to Dash. "Not too sure on who did but... I wanna say it cleared a path..." She said. She looked to me. "What are your orders General?"

I kinda smiled behind my mask hearing her call me that. Back home she just gives me shit for stuff I've done to her while in my title.... Basically that first thing I did by cuffing her and forcing her to tell her friends she pissed the bed since she was five.... boy did i regret that. "We go forth with the mission as planned and take out any opposition." I said going back to my gunner position. "LETS FUCK EM UP!" This time Maud got into the drivers seat of the car and Pinkie got on the bike while Dash grabbed the sniper and hopped behind Pinkie. At the same time we peeled out and took off.

The drive was long, I kinda got bored and did a few donuts in my gunner position. Got dizzy doing one a few too many times but couldnt help but duck down slightly kneeling on the seat. May have zoned out for a while but was only snapped out of it by the car jerking to the side and me hitting my head on the side. Maud glanced back for a moment. "Sorry General." She said. "Saw some quartz lined igneous rocks that would've popped a tire. These might be bullet proof but only the outer layer helps. Anything that breaks and penetrates that first layer could end up popping the tires." I just sat right in the seat starting to think about things. "Is something wrong?" I glanced out the slot in the armor out the window.

"...Just... Just wondering what I'm gonna do to get back to my own universe.... sure I'm doing great things here but... it's missing something that I hold near and dear to my heart and I just wanna get back for that...."

"If I heard correctly Celestia was speaking to her magical adviser about trying to open up a portal for you to go home but only if we get through with this damn rebellion once and for all. That way me and my sister can go home and see if we can free our family members." She turned the wheel going into a turn I had to fight a bit. "Right before we left and while I was looking around for the commander, a scout that returned from the field and told me that our family is alive. I tried to suppress my emotions for when he told me and I thought I'd surprise my sister when we went and did this but uh.... is it bad I'm kinda hoping we do survive this...? I do trust you but the commander would've thought this was suicide... What makes you think we can do this?" I saw things marking where we were. Broken buildings, burned trees and even still burning things.

"To be honest I was just spouting bullshit but... something tells me we can do it and win. All we need to do is bust through the gate to the castle and just grab what ever weapons we can before we rush in. If needed two pony teams. Either that or we stay in a group. More communication and more cover for who ever needs to reload. Not to mention if we find a shotgun its mine!"

"Understood General. I'm more of a long range kind of mare.... Even a marksman's rifle is good for me and I wouldnt even mind a high powered pistol with a scope on it. As long as I can hit something with it it's okay in my book. But now... if i were you I'd get back on that gun. Tango's at twelve o'clock and it's gonna be a tough but fast ride!" I got up and poked my head out of the gunner seat and just jumped right into position and just aimed down sight at a few blockades. I only glanced behind me to see Dash and Pinkie sitting way back. To be honest I just lost myself in ecstasy as I just started laying into everything around us- yes being mindful of my comrades. Why did I enjoy this? Why did I enjoy that? Because I was just imagining every one of the enemy as the bitch that murdered my parents.... Oh how I hate her. We drove through wooden barricades, sand bags and such (Some bodies and a nice red mist if I've already mowed through them) before getting to the front gates of the castle. Gates were just busted to hell when we got there.

Nobody bothered fixing them and there were a few dead Crystal Militants. One to the right of the gate leaning against the wall and one to the left of the gate on the ground in a pool of blood. I hopped out as we stopped and patted the one on the right down just as Maud hopped out of the car. She went for the other body and started patting that one down after i found nothing on this one. I got up and looked around only to see a bike riding up the road to the west. Canterlot aligns perfectly with a compass rose. Smack dab in the middle of Equestria (Okay maybe a bit to the north but it still lines up.) and with what I know the road to the west is just an alternate route into Canterlot. And yes on that bike was Pinkie and Dash. Dash hopped off the bike with the sniper and the duffel bag. "Hey! I thought you wouldnt start the party without us!" She said inspecting the body I was inspecting.

I huffed looking up at her as Pinkie and Maud slipped into the gate. "Please. This wasnt us." I replied. "I'd say it was you but these look straight on like they were facing them..."

"Wait... Were they shot in the neck?" I checked the body again. Hole right in the neck.

"Yeah... Precision accuracy? Up close and personal?" Dash felt up around the waist of the corpse and pulled a card. I took it and looked at it. ".... Badass Belles...? Is this who I think it is?" I looked to Dash as she took the card from me.

"Well well seems somepony got into the party without us being invited." She said starting to dig into the duffel bag. She pulled out a few smaller bags and tossed one to me before whistling to Pinkie and Maud signaling both to catch one. I looked in mine and pulled out a revolver. Had a few speed loaders inside the bag with plentiful amounts of ammunition. Nice .357 magnum. I rolled the chambers and attached the pouch to my belt loop making sure it was secure.

"Huh... Nice... Always love a game of chamber roulette where it's never my turn!" I readied up my gun at the ready as the others got ready behind me. Dash with the barrel of her sniper sitting on my shoulder. "Alright! Let's move!" In just one move we all just rushed the door. Maud checked corners while Dash looked up to make sure we werent walking into any line of fire. As we set foot inside the now graffiti ridden innards of the castle a few shots rang out inside the halls. All of them sounded muffled. "...Three shots..." I looked to Maud. "Maud. Take Pinkie and check downstairs. Me and Dash will take the upper floors." Maud nodded and rushed down one of the halls just as Dash and I started up the stairs. I had my gun ready as we climbed up to the stairs. I feel like I might've wanted to piss my pants to calm myself down but I didnt want Dash to look at me weirder than she already has when i told her who i was to her. That comes later if i can try and raid a destroyed med center for a diaper or two.... Either that or try and make a washable one out of clothing scraps... NOT DOING THAT UNLESS REALLY NEEDED. As we started down the hall on the right side I looked to Dash as she aimed the rifle over my shoulder again. "Would you fall back a bit? I dont want my ears to ring and go down just because you shot right near my fucking ear... Certainly dont want a casing go into my ear either...."

Dash huffed a bit. "Fine... I kinda wanted whoever to shit themselves when they saw this barrel in their face..." She said taking the gun and backing up a bit. "What ever. I can use you as a notice for when you get shot." I rolled my eyes.

"And here I thought you cared about me!"

"Dont worry! I'll still have ya patched up the best I can if it's in a spot that isnt normally lethal like uh... your foot?" I shook my head and sighed as we kept walking. I looked around at the doors either broken, burnt or just hanging off the hinges. To think this castle once housed my sister in my universe. I was lucky Celestia took her in when I couldnt get her to go with anyone else... Yet I wouldnt have the perks I do if that were the case. Anyways as I walked I was an idiot and kinda let my guard down I felt so comfortable. Next thing you know I get tackled to the ground and pinned by some shrieking banshee who kicked my gun away and held my arm against my back.

I couldnt even turn my head to see who it was. Yet I did hear an all too familiar voice. "You stay right were you are Crystal scum..." They said. Soft and feminine. Next thing you know I feel the weight of what ever mare was on me get jerked off and when I looked I saw Dash on top of a mare dressed in... well what I could only describe as a maid dress combined with a ninja costume. Short maids dress and a ninja hood as well as some smooth running shoes that seem to keep them quiet. They kinda struggled for a while before I booted Dash off the mare and stood her up holding her in place. Dash grabbed my arm and growled.

"WHAT THE HELL DID YOU DO THAT FOR?!" She snapped having it echo a bit.

I shushed her. "Will you shut up for a second!" I snapped back. "I only stopped you because I know who this is!" I turned back and removed the mares mask. She wanted to hit me but i tightened my grip on her a smidgen kind of hurting her. After i yanked the mask off a light pink mane flopped out looking shorter than usual as well as some yellow ears, one of which look like it had a small bite taken out of it! Dash took one look at the mare as she tried hiding her face and tearing up a bit.

"...F-Fluttershy?" The mare whimpered more and took my hand prying it off her arm. "Fluttershy! Fluttershy it's me! It's Dash!" Yes in deed it was Fluttershy. Got some fight in her when its really needed but more flight than fight.... sometimes.

Fluttershy stopped trying to hide her face and just looked to Dash. "...D-dash....? I... I didnt recognize you without Fyxit... isnt he usually at your side?" She asked hugging her friend. Dash wiped her friends eyes away sighing.

"....He's.... He's with that little filly now Flutters...." 'Shy had her mouth agape shocked at the news. "...Yeah... Two shots... one to the head and the other to the chest.... Chest could've survived but.... he was executed by who we were attacked by before I could save him.... I'm sorry..." She held Fluttershy tight and yes I was watching closely and she never shed a tear.

I huffed and went for my gun. "Lucky us we might be on the same side here..." I said. "Now c'mon we have a job to do!" Dash glanced at me and nodded as she broke off of Fluttershy and grabbed her rifle quickly. I looked to Fluttershy. "Fluttershy I'm General Ryder and I've taken control over this operation on my end. I just need any intel you have on this place and what you're doing here. Maybe we can work together."

Fluttershy wiped her eyes and shook her head snapping back into her fight mode. Just basically an angry look. "My team is getting rid of any and all enemy forces inside the castle as a request of Celestia. We were recruited and sent in with no knowledge your team would be here." She said. "We were only recruited for a stealth assassination while per bomber brigade caused distractions outside of Canterlot. It was our leaders idea for the bombing otherwise we wouldnt have been able to get in but now we have a problem. The target has hidden somewhere and we cant find him. He is here though I saw him!"

"What caused him to get away?"

Dash closely inspected Fluttershy going through her mane and her uniform. "Judging by the residue on her uniform... smoke bomb that has a concussion effect..." She said. She looked Fluttershy in the eye. "Right?" Fluttershy nodded. "Well if you show us where the room was we can look around there. He couldnt have gone far!"

Fluttershy nabbed her mask back and put it back on. "My leader would kill me AND you two if you found out our identities." She said. "The Belle is with two recruits making sure they're doing well. Little Apple and Mist Walker are their names but dont react if they attack. They're new still so they still need self control when it comes to attacking anyone that startles them like I did you.... Sorry about that by the way."

I huffed as I just started off going down the hall again. "It's fine. Now just hurry up and show us where he was last." I said. "Sooner we get there, sooner I can get revenge for my baby sister...." I wasnt questioned as we started off down the hall again, Fluttershy rushing in front of me now going into a run. Dash and I ran after her, me having my gun at the ready just in case. We ran for a while until we reached the throne room where we saw three Badass Belle maid ninjas. One large one and two short ones. The large one was a full white maid ninja looking as if she were covered in diamonds. One of the shorter ones was on the left of her in a dark grey uniform covered in a light mist. The one to the right was wearing a dark green uniform as well as goggles with a familiar looking mark on the side of the lenses. We stopped behind Fluttershy as she saluted them.

"Miss Belle! We now have back up courtesy of Celestia's Rebels! I'd like you to meet Commander Rainbow Dash and General Ryder."

The Belle walked over to me and looked me up and down. "...Hm... Old world uniform but new world look..." She said. Yeah... definitely Rarity with her regal yet intimidating voice... Okay she scares me sometimes! Whatever! "Tell me General... how did you get a hold of that uniform in that condition?"

I huffed. "Look we could spend time talking fashion later but right now we have two other ponies roaming the castle trying to find any opposition that could be lurking around. If anything they might run into more without back up." I said. "You wanna send them some help while we get stuff done here?" The mare huffed and looked to Fluttershy.

"Whisper. Take Mist Walker and find them. Aid them if you must but bring them back here." Fluttershy nodded and put her hands to her mouth letting out a birds call before Mist Walker was just enveloped in mist before just disappearing. Dash and I couldnt really question it but then again... This universe could house more secrets than anything else. After that sight Fluttershy just rushed off out the door leaving us alone with The Belle. "Alright. That's dealt with. Now back to looking for that kidnapper and killer...." I cocked my gun.

"Where ever this fuck is he's getting the business end of my gun and I'm not gonna take no for an answer!" I was pissed off beyond belief knowing this guy was around here somewhere. "Start looking Dash. You've got a keen eye for stuff like that smoke bomb residue on Fluttershy's uniform." As soon as I said that I covered my mouth just slapping myself for even saying something like that. Suddenly I was rushed by The Belle and she did nearly the same thing Fluttershy did. Rushed me, knocked my gun out of my hand but this time had it go off and hit the wall thank god but she just pulled a knife somewhere and planted it in the tile right in front of my face.

"Choose your next words carefully 'general'.... They might just be your last.... and your friends there too... So be careful darling...."

"Hey! Whoa no no no can we please just let this slide?!" She tightened her grip on me and jerked my arms more into my back. "OKAY OKAY! I-I'M FROM ANOTHER UNIVERSE! I KNOW YOUR VOICE RARITY!" Her grip immediately weakened allowing me to push her off and slide out. She looked at me shocked as I stood up. "That's right! I know your name and only by hearing your voice. I never asked Fluttershy, I didnt read anything that said your name on it and I never pried it out of anyone!" Little Apple suddenly rushed me, knife drawn and I just put my hand on her head keeping her back as she started slashing about with the blade. Rarity took off her mask letting her long purple mane and horn show before snatching the knife away with her magic.

Little Apple grunted as I kinda pushed her back slightly. "No fair! He needs to die for saying that private info!" She snapped in another very familiar voice.

Rarity sighed as she used her magic to take the mask off and there I see Applebloom with dirt on her face and mane all messy. "No. I trust him fully. If he were an enemy he'd've gone and killed us before saying anything." She said. "Same with his friend there... And she's a very trusted member of the rebellion."

I approached Applebloom and knelt down in front of her. She tried to punch me but I just blocked it with my hand. "Hey... I'm not gonna hurt you Applebloom..." I said. "...You'd be right to listen to her... I dont wanna hurt you and I wont..."

The filly before me teared up a bit scared. "A-and how would I know?" She asked. "Y'could've taken me and just-"

"Hey not another word... I just wanna tell you that I wouldnt ever hurt you at all... Also wanna let you know that your family is very worried about you..."

"M-my family...? But... The Belle's are my family...."

"They might take care of you and teach you things but your real family is out there and I've seen them... I had to get your bow out of one of their machines... You used to wear a pink bow didnt you...?" She gave a nod before just latching onto me. I looked to Dash. "Hey uh... you mind a little babysitting?" Dash rolled her eyes and came over to me prying the now sobbing filly off of me. I looked to Rarity who kinda looked a little sad. "Dont we have something to do here?" She nodded and put her mask back on.

I got up and Rarity patted Applebloom on the back as Dash passed by with her going to the corner. "...She really doesnt do well as a Belle... ruffian and all... more like you than anything but she wasnt willing to learn to stay quiet... I thought this would've been a good learning experience but now I see she just needs to go back home..." She said. "Alright now let's get looking for where that motherfucker went..." I nodded and immediately walked to the throne. I know this from memory just in case i'm ever in Canterlot during a large scale invasion and we need to protect the princesses. If Celestia is on the throne there is a secret lever sitting at the side on the third step from the top. I walked to the right side of the steps and knelt down at the side before finding the lever. I gave it a quick tug and I hear a few loud clicks and pops. As I stand up I see the throne draw back.

Rarity rushed over as I got to the top and looked into the hole only to find a safe room ladder hidden underneath but before I could even attempt to start going down I hear a gun shot and feel something hit my stomach giving me a sharp pain before collapsing to my knees. Dash threw Applebloom down and rushed me panicked. "RYDER!" She yelled but by that time I was already slipping... I fought my hardest but my eyes closed but... I still heard someone calling my name.

The pain in my stomach stayed until the voice faded and came to be Princess Twilight's voice. "Ryder! Ryder C'mon wake up! Wake up damn you!" She said. Suddenly I feel a hefty slap come across my face and I wake up finding myself where I started. In the room at Twilight's castle. I saw Twilight straddling me with tears in her eyes. I looked down and saw I had the pen I was holding stabbed into my gut where I could swear I was shot. Twilight hugged me. "R-Ryder! You're finally awake!"

I groaned pushing her off and removing the pen gasping a bit feeling it slip out. There was a little blood on it but not much but it hurt like a motherfucker. "...That... that was all a dream....?" I asked trying to stand up. I didnt even get close to getting to my knees before Twilight forced me to sit back against the wall while she undid my uniform carefully. I gasped and winced a few times before she saw the hole the pen had made in my gut right above my belly button. Her horn glowed for a second and the pain faded.

"...F-fuck... Just... just go home... Go back to AJ... I... I need my brother here NOW!" I didnt get an answer on if all that were a dream or not but... That's what I'm going with. I did however walk Twilight back to her room before giving her brother a call telling him to get his flank down here for his sister and that she'd be in her room napping... hopefully dry... And then I just went home to AJ... cuddled her and never wanted to let her go once...