It's been 3 days after Twilight killed and stopped the robbers from robbing the cafe. Though not only that, all her friends of CHS (actually some of them, no the whole of them), some friends of Crystal Prep, teachers and principals and families were all in shock for what she is now. Twilight wasn't in school for 3 days because she had some..... 'urgent business' somewhere. They all only wondering where'd she go.

Twilight was very okay and in fact, 'very fine' at this. When her Colonel said 'urgent business', it means she had to do a couple of missions somewhere out of town probably. Actually she felt good to met with her fellow soldiers and her squad again and also happy doing some dirty works (well, not really) for a while. But what she's still feel bad about was her friends back in her home. Well, after the 3 days missions were finished, Twilight came home afterwards.

13:20 PM, Canterlot Mall.

Indigo with her girls members of Shadowbolts (including Upper Crust and Suri Polomare and excluding Fleur Dis Lee who was also walking with them) are walking through the mall after school. They all were currently checking out the new stuffs in the mall. Clothes, books, furnitures, and miscellaneous things in the mall. Of course they need to buy something for the school, which are PA systems that gone broke back in Crytal Prep school and some laboratories equipment for the school. They did bought everything for the school and all were given to the male people of the Shadowbolts member to bring it to the school, after that they can take a break whenever they want. About checking out the new stuff, Sour and Sunny bought a couple of books which are novel, Sugarcoat bought some t-shirts, Lemon and Indigo bought a couple pairs of headset (not headphones, different term), Upper and Suri bought some jewelry, and lastly Fleur bought new hairpins and writing books for herself.

Around them were crowds of people going there and there. Mostly of them were the Crystal Preps students and CHS students, the rest of it are civilians they don't know of. Doing all of the stuffs they worked on at the shops, restaurants and etc, kids playing around around the mall, greeting every each they know when they pass. They were happy with their day. But they didn't notice that Fleur and Upper were upset and silent about something they don't know of.

"So what do you think about the idea about making of our own shirt for our school?" Indigo asked to her friends as they walk.

"It's really great to be honest," Sugarcoat said to her as she winced her left eyebrow. "It will make our school rocks."

"But I would suggest to add some borders and small motifs to our Shadowbolts symbol," Sunny added. "It will looked much greater."

"Cool!" Lemon said aloud in cheer. "I can't wait to wear one!"

"Don't worry you'll get one," Sour then changed her expression to her sour one. "If we made any."

"Oh, Sour," Suri said softly. "Don''t be serious on that, of course we'll made some of them soon."

"We just need to get some wools and paints for that," Indigo added. "Then we're good to make one."

"Uh, about Twilight's old laboratory back in the school," Sugarcoat said, changing the topic. "What are we going to do about it? It's been for many months we didn't touch her laboratory, besides she is no longer in our school and it's kind of deserted."

"Don't worry, I already asked Twilight about it," Lemon answered as she holding on a paper of list. "She wants us to pick the important equipments she needs on the list I have here, plus we can dumped out the useless things in the laboratory and can think about what room we make in there."

"That's a good thing then," Sunny said but then frowned on something.

"Why are you frowning?" Suri asked in a slight puzzled.

"Nothing, it's just..." Sunny paused a bit. "I'm still felt guilty about how mad Twilight was when she was with us after the Friendship Games."

Everyone then stopped and glanced at Sunny in a little concern, before they continue to walk on and then Indigo shook her head. "I though we agree to not talk about that day."

"Sorry, I'm still bothered about it," Sunny replied as she rubbed her both arms. "I'm just worried if Twilight still angry and hated us because we did a lot of bad things to her in school until the Friendship Games, and what we did in that day."

Everyone was silenced about this, but Sour sighed at this. "I don't know what we can do about that."

After a moment of still walking, Suri immediately noticed Fleur and Upper still upset on something. "What's up with you two?"

"It's nothing," Fleur and Upper said at the same time, and immediately exchange their looks to themselves.

"Yeah, why you're both still silent?" Sugarcoat asked as she looked at them with serious look. "Is something bothering you two?"

"It's about Twilight," Fleur said uncomfortably.

"Come on, why this is all about Twilight?" Lemon asked in annoyed.

"No, not that actually," Upper said as she shook her head. "It's something else."

"What do you mean?" Lemon asked.

They both paused for a moment, then Upper answered. "You guys heard the news this lately?"

They all shook their, because the 3 days they spend were only working on the school plus their own job at home. "Why though?" Indigo asked.

"Well, I guess you heard the news about The Boogeywoman," Fleur said, then got receive by nods from them.

"What about her?" Sour asked as she looked at her own finger nails.

"Well,...." Fleur then lost of words. "How can I say this?"

"Come on, what is it?" Suri asked impatiently.

"Twilight is The Boogeywoman," Upper said to them without doubt.

They all stopped in their tracks and immediately stare at them both. They all though they did misheard, but when they all looked on Fleur's and Upper's face. They believe themselves that Upperdid said that Twilight is The Boogeywoman. After a minute of frozen stare at them, they then continued on to walking with willies amongst them.

"Twilight is The Boogeywoman?!" Sunny asked disbelievely. "That's nonsense!"

"Twilight can't kill someone, you know that!" Indigo exclaimed at them both in disbelieve.

"Look, we both saw it," Fleur said worriedly and a little afraid as her hands were thrown forward at them. "We just watched with our own eyes that she killed a robber with a pencil to the head three days ago!"

When one of them about to say something, they quickly silenced after that. They just can't believe on what the hell they heard to. This kind of news were kinda froze them solid, mentally. They were just left speechless for a moment.

"How?" Lemon asked in dumbfounded.

"You.... better asked her yourself," Upper answered uncomfortably. "We don't feel like to talk about it."

They didn't force to talk about it, they understand how they both feel now. They both felt uneasy and a little traumatized on what they witnessed. They all still standing in the middle of the path of the mall of the second floor. They still standing there, until, Suri's stomach burps.

"Can we get some food now?" Suri asked as she holds her hungry stomach.

"Sure, why not?" Sugarcoat said and then they continued their walk towards the nearest diner in the mall.

They found a diner in the mall, which was called Solar Phariah Diner, which is one of the Crystal Preps favorite Diner in the mall. The diner on the outside was colored with blue colored moon with the windows lined up facing the fences of the second floor. There was a sign on the top of the entrance saying the name of the diner. The doors of the entrance were window-glass doors. On the inside of the diner are the floors colored blue cyan with the walls are yellow light while the ceiling of the diner was light purple.
As they entered, they can see that were a lot of students of Crystal Preps (only) were in the diner. The waiters are not hurried but calm to serve them all. Some of the students even laugh and talk in joy to each other. Once they saw the Shadowbolts entered the diner, they all greeted them respectively.

They were looking for a table that would be fit the 8 of them to sit down. Alas, there 3 tables that had 10-seats only. And yet they walked over to it and stand there for a while. When they nearly sat down on their seats, the door rang the bells, indicating someone entered the diner. The Shadowbolts group and all of Crystal Prep students were looking at the entrance to see who entered the diner. But then they were very surprised to see who entered the diner, eyes locked on the person that entered and all their jaws left hanging open.

The person they saw was wearing an uniform, a military uniform with the color of army combat uniform camouflage. Having brown-dark brown kevlar vest covering the person's chest down to the stomach with on the front ammunition pouches near the belt, a big pouch on her left stomach, white and red stick flares on the right shoulder, three ammo pouches beneath the left shoulder, a walkie-talkie between the flares and the three pouches, knife with its holster on the right shoulder, and a rifle inside its bag rifle on the person's back. Pistol is in its holster on the right side of the belt, while hands are covered with black gloves. The person they saw was Twilight, having her black beret with US Ranger patch on it above her head and her hair still tied in a ponytail style. Her face was of coursed, having some bruises on her right cheek, and small scars on the left side of the nose underneath her glasses, underneath her right eye, and on her left cheek.

Twilight was entering the diner with her head bowed down to the ground. After entering, she lifted her head only to found that the diner was full of Crystal Prep students. Twilight was froze and immobile at this, as the students all staring at her in dumbfounded and silence. It was an awkward situation both for the students and Twilight. Even the waiters of the diner were perplexed on why the hell they all looked at her.

"Shit," Twilight swore in low voice but heard by them as she blinks inadequately.

The Shadowbolts were staggered by hearing her swore, but then Indigo asked her. "You're using a costume to surprise us right? Because I think you did it a little well."

Twilight's face gone perplexed and cold by her question and she replied back to her. "I've been trying to avoid everyone from seeing me and realizing that I'm wearing this uniform after some dirty works!"

They were surprised by her reply, and they were a little puzzled on what the 'dirty works' she meant unless if she's actually a soldier, Indigo asked her again with her finger pointing at what she though a fake pistol on her belt and with an awkward smile. "That's not a real gun, right?"

Twilight looked down towards the pistol she's pointing at before looking back at her. "Custom M9 Beretta with muzzle brake, yes, it's a real gun."

They all shocked that Twilight, is actually having a gun despite her sayings a long time ago not wanting to get a hold on any firearms. They all would still froze and silent if not for Sour to invite her to eat with them. "Come sit with us."

"I would like to be alone-" Twilight said unwillingly, but then Sour said quickly to her.

"I insist."

Twilight paused afterwards, before answering them with a snort. "Alright then, if you insist."

Twilight then walked over to the Shadowbolts, and sat down at the edge of the seat position of the left table with in front of her is an empty seat. Next to Twilight were the 4 of them, was Indigo, Sugarcoat, Sunny, and Sour. While across them, next to the empty seat were Lemon, Fleur, Upper Crust, and Suri. After they sat down, the rest of the students then slowly continued on what are they doing, with some of their eyes are peeking towards Twilight. Twilight then putted down her black beret on the table near Indigo, which also caught Indigo's interest with it.

"That's a coo-" Indigo said as she nearly reached her beret, but then got a threat from Twilight.

"Don't... touch my beret!"

Indigo quickly taken back by her threat and she quickly pulled her hand back to the table in front of her. And they were still silent as they worriedly looked over to Twilight. The weapons, the scars, the uniform, it kind of making them wondering. And Suri asked her in curious but nervous.

"So, you're working with the FBI?" she asked hesitantly.

"No, US Rangers," Twilight replied, which shocked them with their eyes open wide.

"Oh," was all Suri can said.

And then again, silence filled the air again. The students didn't even talk to each other except whispers to each other. The boss of the diner did came out from the kitchen and asked a waiter why the hell everyone gone silent when he still can heard those noise of students from inside the kitchen. After the waiter said there's a soldier here they all know of, the boss looked towards the soldier who sat with the Shadowbolts. He felt the pity that Twilight the soldier felt after seeing the bruise and scars on her face. He looked towards her with his both hands on the counter and leaned his body forward.

"Off from a mission?" he asked.

"Yes, sir," Twilight answered without bothering to look at him. "Kind of a rough one."

The boss nodded in understand. "Looks like you need a drink, is beer okay with you?"

The students were quite surprised with the boss's offer, however Twilight accept his offer. "Sounds good to me."

They were surprised again by her answer. The boss then pulled out a can of beer from the counter underneath and tossed it to Twilight who able to catch it without moving from her seat. After that the boss said that the drink she had is free and she thanks him, before he returned back to the kitchen. Twilight opened the can and drink it while the Shadowbolts trying to call a waiter to order some food.

Twilight sighed first. "What a long day."

"What happen to your face?" Sugarcoat asked curiously.

"Nearly get shot in the head, got shot couple of times in my body, and had a fight with a couple of terrorists," Twilight replied, leaving her friends speechless before her.

Fleur thinks with agitated, then asked her. "Why do you want to be a soldier may I ask? You look like fond to be a scientist better for us."

"Well, at first, I was looking for my 'adventure' since you guys can't give me one or either my friends from CHS" Twilight answered with determination. "More than that, I just want to proof myself, putting my skills to the test. So that I can handle critical situation, protect the ones I love, and I can fight."

That was more solid answer than the first, which was a little absurd. "I see, I'm impressed you made it out alive from 'somewhere'. And I guess you've been doing pretty good on protecting someone."

"Do you even know how hard is it?" Twilight asked, they simply shook their head for without knowledge for it. "It's extremely hard. Need to be wary of surroundings in case there's a bullet flying over your head. And protecting is much harder."

"That's harsh," Lemon said with pity. "Even for The Boogeywoman."

"Did you call me what?" Twilight asked coldly.

"Even for The Boogeywoman," Twilight then remembered that time again, not the robbers. "Why?"

"Don't call me that for now," Twilight said to Lemon. "It reminds me to myself to be that monster again."

"What monster?" Upper asked, knowing she's not meaning the robbers she killed back in the Sugarcube Corner.

"I don't want to talk about it," Twilight said as she looked away from them, somewhat angry.

Then they silenced again. Still not managed to call a single waiter since they were busy onto something else. But then, another person came in the diner as the bells rang. The Shadowbolts, the students, and Twilight herself surprised (nearly stood up from her seat) to see who came in the diner. It was another soldier with the same uniform and kevlar she wore except the kevlar was colored black with the flag of the US on one of its ammo pouch. The pistol she has on her belt was an Browning BDA pistol instead of M9 and had UMP submachine gun on her back (Well, not in the bag). Her rank can be seen as a first lieutenant, her hair nearly matched Watermelody's hair except the lighter green line hair replaced with light blue hair, and had a tan beret with the US Ranger patch on it above her head. It was none other Twilight know, was 1^st Lt. Water Katherine.

"Hello there, Lieutenant Water," Twilight greeted with a small smile. "I didn't know you'll be coming here."

"Hey there, Corporal," she greeted back as she come over to Twilight who was sitting with The Shadowbolts (Standing next to Twilight, not sitting). "Those are your friends, eh?"

"Yeah," Twilight then pointed out every single one of her friends whilst saying their names. "Indigo Zap, Lemon Zest, Sugarcoat, Fleur Dis Lee, Sunny Flare, Upper Crust, Suri Polomare, and Sour Sweet."

They all waved their hands at Water in respect as she waved back. "So I guess Twilight did told her secrets before?"

They all then shook their head in nervous, which concerns the LT towards Twilight. "I though you said you've told them about it."

"Not all of them, actually," Twilight replied with a sigh as she cracked her fingers with a clench. "But I don't feel like to talk to them now, after some dirty work, you know?"

"Huh, I see," Lemon said as she folded her arms on the table, Water only glanced at Twilight.

"By the way, how's your arm?" Twilight asked, then joking to her. "I bet Carl is going to give you something bad again."

"Still a little bit stiff, but I'll be fine," Water replied, but then in annoyance. "And I think I'll be fine with Pvt. Carl around (Not sure though)"

Twilight observed her face for awhile until she sense something. "Carl did something again?"

Water just admit it with regret. "He blew a fucking mountain..."

"Wow, wait," Fleur said in surprised, but the rest of The Shadowbolts only surprised a bit. "What did he do?"

"I shouldn't have to put him on guard for the Javelins," Lt. Water said as she shook her head. "I didn't know he will be fucking around the javelins and blow the whole mountain up."

Twilight chuckled at this, but her Shadowbolts friends made a little laugh at this. "So what did he got again?" Twilight asked, curious on what happened next.

"Lucky for him, he didn't give an access to the javelins and other types of rocket launchers and bazookas," Lt. Water said, but then darted her eyes to upper right out the corner of her eyes. "Except for grenade launchers of course."

"Come on, sat down with us," Sour said, trying to hold her 'sour' side. "Besides, you want to eat with us and you must be tired of standing around."

Water's smiling suddenly turned to a flat smile. "Is anything wrong, LT?"

"I didn't come here to eat with you to be honest," Water answered, Twilight felt perplexed to hear that along with The Shadowbolts.

"Then why are you here?" Twilight asked.

"Well," Water scratched her head first before continue to speak. "There's this guy here, I think you remember who it was. That man who had to run away from miles and willingly surrender to the Army because of..... what you did."

The Shadowbolts noticed her silence and her cold look towards Lt. Water, she knows who it was. "You're talking about....?"

"Yes," Water said as she slowly nodded a few times. "It's him."

The Shadowbolts were wondering who were they talking about. Twilight was showing her calm but surprising expression towards Water. Before Indigo could asked Twilight who it was, someone entered the diner as the bells rang and they all looked over to the entrance to see who it was. They all excluding Twilight were very surprised to see who came in. There were 2 men came in, one was a soldier wearing brown kevlar but lacking of ammo pouch which he has two of it, but having shotgun shells holder and knife and pistol on his chest, having short brown hair in Military Ivy League haircut, his name was Cpl. Mordie. And there's another man, his hands was cuffed on the front, he had a black turban on his head and he wears a brown Taliban coat, white shirt on the inside the brown coat, and dark purple pants. Still he still has his facial Taliban black-grey beard reaching the bottom of his throat and thin black-grey mustache attached to his beard.

Twilight, as she stares at him, slowly stood up from her seat and walked towards him for 3 steps before stop right in front of the soldier and the cuffed Taliban. The Shadowbolts, the students, and the waiters were surprised to see the man with the turban was cuffed. But then, they have a realization that the man with the turban was a Taliban and yes he was. Now, he's a prisoner for the US nation thanks to Twilight's actions. It was a long moment of silence for everyone, especially for Twilight, Water, and the Taliban himself.

But then, the Taliban spoke the word that only Twilight can understand. "سلامونه، بوګیوان..."

Yep, he was a Taliban and it was the first time in their life they heard someone talks in Pashto language in their country, Twilight gave a reply after a moment of silence. "سلامونه، سور لاس..."

And it was also the first time heard Twilight spoke in Pashto language, which heavily surprised them. But then, the air filled with silence again afterwards. Twilight locked her eyes to the Taliban, Mohud, while locked his eyes towards her. His face showing his calm, soft, fear, and wonder expression beside his cruel, evil, and bad pride. Twilight however, showing her cold, little disbelieve, little surprised, silent but calm, and serious look at him instead her rage and hatred towards him. Still, silenced filled the air once again.

"Lieutenant, can you release his cuffs?" Twilight asked coldly, still staring towards the cuffed Taliban guarded by a soldier. "I don't like everyone see him talking to me while he is being cuffed whilst eating with me. Besides, I don't see him as a threat to everyone in here, or even me."

Cpl. Mordie felt hesitant to release his cuffs, but then he got a nod from the LT behind Twilight. He then understood what the LT order him by the nod, do what Twilight said. He used the key to open up his cuffs and the Taliban's hands were free. Mohud then massage his own hands for awhile after what he felt like a long trip. Water then walked closer to Cpl. Twilight then she held Twilight's shoulder.

"Don't worry about time," Water said to her. "He can have a lunch first while you're talking with him."

"Yes, Water," Twilight replied, then Water walked over to Mordie who was still with the Taliban but then they both leave the Diner for awhile, probably have something else to do in the mall. Twilight then looked at the Taliban and told him in English. "Come, sit with me."

Mohud nodded in understood and walked over to her, and sat down on the chair across Twilight, next to Lemon. Lemon managed to call a waiter to order the food, since he was the only waiter who noticed they were trying to call a waiter. He gives them the menu and they all to a pick on it. The only person who can't decide what food to pick was Mohud, who was in doubt with the names of the foods he doesn't know of. He then with hesitant asked Twilight about the food.

"Uhm, Boogeywoman?" Mohud asked.

"It's Twilight," Twilight said in cold. "What is it?"

"What is Corn Tortillas Alambre?" Mohud asked again.

"It's a popular Mexican Dish," Twilight answered him. "Consisting of Grilled beef topped with chopped bacon, bell peppers, onions, cheese, salsa, and avocoda. Usually served freshly corn or flour tortillas."

"So, beef and a little vegetables," Mohud said curiously. "Is it... hot?"

"Oh, the hot pepper you mean?" Twilight said in understood. "Well, a little I'll say, but I nearly never eat that actually."

"Well," Mohud then paused as he looks onto the menu. "It's a good thing I'm in a mood for eating something beef and hot."

"Hmm," Twilight then looked over to him. "What kind of pepper you ever ate I wonder?"

"I ever ate this particular pepper from India, a friend of mine gave it to me," Mohud answered, chuckled at his own memory. "I barely able to hold the hot pepper I ate until I had to jump into the river. Then he told me that the pepper I ate was the number one hottest pepper in the world."

Twilight chuckled, but the rest of her friends laughed a little. "You're also one funny Taliban besides being bad I guess." Twilight said in compliment.

"Correct, it's a funny world we have here," Mohud said with a little smile (Kind of ironic for a bad guy I guess). "I want Alambre and warm tea."

The waiter came up to them right in time and Twilight spoke out her friends orders, the Taliban's order, and herself's. "For the food, 1 Alambre, 1 Tetrazzini, 4 chicken parmesan, 2 Spaghetti, and 2 chicken salad. For the drinks, 1 warm tea, 4 green Italian soda, and 4 Sunday Lemonade."

"Okay, coming right up," the waiter then leave and headed to the kitchen.

"So you're a Taliban?" Sunny asked in nervous.

"To be correct, one of the Taliban Leaders in Afghanistan," Mohud answered as he waits for his order.

"How did you got captured?" Sugarcoat asked in curious.

"Not captured," Mohud corrected. "I surrendered."

"Why though?" Suri asked as she leaned her upper body on the table to look clearly at him.

"Well," Mohud then stared at Twilight in fear and calm. "Her."

They then looked over to Twilight's cold face. "Because she tell the location of your hideout?" Fleur asked.

"No, she nearly killed me," Mohud answered, still locking his sights at Twilight like it was a staring contest.

"Nearly killed you?" Indigo then looked over to Twilight. "What did he meant, Twi?"

"I spared him."

"Well, because you were following orders right?" Sour asked with her sweet side, however Twilight looked over to her in cold.

"There were no orders nor even a mission to get him," Twilight answered in darker tone, sending chills down the spine.

After a moment, their orders showed up and the waiter give each food and drinks to certain friends in that table. After that, they started to eat and drink whilst talking to each other.

"True," Mohud said in consent as he drank his warm tea. "She somehow found me in a secret hideout in the middle of the desert on her own. I have a lot of militias in station and were prepared to kill her. But she somehow able to kill a lot of my men that time, she was much more enraged for me to see. She even survived many bullets from the machine gun one of my man have fired. And that was the time I saw she use her.... sorcery to turn the tide."

Sunny, Lemon, and Upper Crust nearly spit out the drinks they just drank after hearing that while the others were surprised to Twilight's action. As the Taliban ate his Alambre, they all stare at him in shock. While Twilight only stay silent, she was feeling okay to hear someone told her story instead she tells her story, it will made herself frustrated.

"She used magic?" Sugarcoat asked in dumbfounded.

"Yes, I saw it with my own eyes," Mohud then paused, in fear remembering that event. "She able to stop all the bullets that were flying to her, even a tank bullet she can stop it. And she sent those bullets back to the senders, slaughtering all of my men in one sight. She also used her powers to control all the weapons that were laid on the ground to shoot my men, with a very heavy firepower." He then eat a couple of spoon of his food. "She able to found me, trapped in the balcony. I knew that was my the end, but she shot her bullet next to my head, she missed the shot." He then looked over to Twilight who was eating her Tetrazinni with concern. "I don't know why you spare me though, you knew I'm your enemy. You knew I was the target of the US Army. Your goal was to do your revenge by killing me because I killed someone you know. But why? Why you spare me? Why you told me to run instead to tighten your loose ends after you killed all of my men?"

Twilight stopped eating at these words, nearly putting another spoon of her food into her mouth. Twilight putted down her spoon on the plate and looked at Mohud with a sign of..... grief. She then looked down to her right, before she looked back at him. They could felt what was up with her.

"Have you ever heard this quote of George Patton?" Twilight then paused. "May God have mercy upon my enemies because I won't..."

"Yes, I do ever heard that," Mohud answered with a nod. "But I never used that quote."

Twilight then leaned her body forward, both elbows on the table and both hands underneath her cheek. Eyes straight forwards his with determination. The Shadowbolts have an odd feeling seeing Twilight being that. After a moment of pause, Twilight spoke to him.

"Do you know who I was back in that slaughter?" Twilight asked.

"A monster, a killing machine that I won't dare to fight with," Mohud answered, shakily.

"I only wanted to be a soldier, never wanted to be a monster," Twilight then looked away from him to the left. "And I got carried away with it."

Mohud silently listened to her as he eats his food. "I've been turned to be a monster a couple of times before, including that one in Afghanistan. That was not me, that was the bad part of me. Even if I know that I killed a lot of those bastards of yours, I do felt guilty about it. I do kill any single enemy that tried to harm me or even people around me, but sometimes I show mercy to my enemy, if they deserved one. I've been trying to be myself out there, despite the war that's going to hit me hard, and I failed to do so. I....... *sigh* I don't know."

She then paused, hardly can think of some words for a moment. "To be honest, I just don't want to be drowned in my own rage until I turned into a monster. Not because I want to, but I had to. I agreed a little with George's quote, but I also hoped I have mercy upon my enemies as well if possible. I just hate to what I've become." Twilight then shook her head in grief. "That is all I can say for now."

Mohud nodded, accepting her answer despite to know how hard it was for her to say besides the fact she was a smart girl. "This... is... your path?"

Twilight silenced as she heard his other question again, after a moment of though she replied to him. "Yes, I'm not going back. This is my decision after all."

Mohud silently nodded at her whilst the Shadowbolts were silently eating their food whilst listening to their conversation. "I was wrong about you, Americans. Some of it."

"What do you mean?" Twilight asked confusedly.

"I though you Americans are corrupt soldiers and untrustworthy people, those who are greed and trying to make us look weak by your political excuse," Mohud said to her as he ate his Alambre. "But not you, I can see that not everyone of American peoples are like that."

"True," Twilight answered, but then paused after she looked at her eyes again. "I'm sorry, for I killed all of your men."

"There's no need to," Mohud replied with heartfelt. "You are their enemy, and they are your enemy. I'm fine with that."

"That's something odd to hear from a Taliban," Sugarcoat said quickly, and they all nodded in consent.

"How are you doing back at the military prison?" Twilight asked as she eats her Tetrazinni.

"Somewhat peaceful and a little nice," the Taliban answered with a smirk. "They give me a little treatment after seeing how was my traumatized condition is back there."

"Good treatment?" Twilight asked.

"Yes, good treatment," Mohud answered. "Your Lieutenant treat me a little well."

"Whilst getting some info from you?" Twilight added.

"Unfortunately, yes. I told them all I know sincerely," Mohud answered without any hesitation.

"Hmmh," Twilight smirked, but then paused for reminding herself a question for him. "Mohud, may I ask?"

"What is it?" Mohud asked with his left eyebrow raised.

"Will we both have...... peace?" Twilight asked coldly, Mohud can tell why she's asking that after seeing all her actions and her guilt and sad expressions made on her face.

He felt hesitant for a moment but knowing he's already captured by the Americans and sees the peaceful version of the Americans around him (which he knows sooner or later something bad will happen), he only exhaled with a little relief towards Twilight. "Maybe we both are monsters, but we both know we both still have our hearts. Yes we both will have peace."

Twilight and The Shadowbolts were smiling at this. "Good to hear that, Red Hand."

"I know, Boogeywoman," despite him calling her by her other nickname, she let it slide for now. "But I have a question for you though."

"And that is?" Twilight asked.

"Where did you get your magic?" Twilight and The Shadowbolts halted their eating for the question, and then they glanced at him. "Why are you looking at me like that?"

Twilight looked away from him for a moment, before looking back at him with her arms on her sides. "It's a long story."

Twilight and The Shadowbolts did indeed tell him all the story on how she got the magic. What he can't believe was when she told him a princess just like herself from another world of magic and ponies told her about her world called 'Equestria. Basically telling him anything (Don't worry about he's going to plan something, he had enough to work on terrorist' stuffs). What was made him beyond shock was when they told him that they told him that the world called 'Equestria', never barely had any war for years. He also felt cringe when Twilight said that the magic she had was suppose to be to used for the magic of Friendship (which he had to resist the urge to facepalm). But now they knew that Twilight using her magic, too far.

Well, after that, they finished up their food and drinks eventually whilst still having a conversation. They didn't notice that the students around them were already talking to each other. They just talked friendly to each other, what even surprising for them was that the Taliban was much more friendlier than Twilight remembered he would be (according to some of the intel of course). They laughed, while the Taliban only chuckled. But then, he remembered something and he kind of want to tell Twilight something.

"Twilight?" Mohud called. "There's something I forgot to tell you."

"What is it?"

"It's just a hunch though," Mohud then paused. "But I got a feeling that those ISIS bastards are up to something."

Twilight and The Shadowbolts were quite surprise about this. "I though you were working along with ISIS because you had the same religion as theirs." Sugar said.

"We do have the same religion," Mohud answered. "But we have different ideology on how we practice islam and interpret Sharia, and even how our culture works. And also we've been fighting between muslims for power. We don't get along really fine about it, even when the Soviets invade Afghanistan."

"Alright, you did say something about ISIS," Twilight recalled. "Why is that?"

"There was one day I heard something about the ISIS's idea about attacking the US," Mohud said as he took a moment of glance on Twilight's black beret. "But I don't know where. Well, that news were aged very long ago. But I'm sure in Allah's name there's something going to happen."

Twilight paused at this, but then sighed. "I'll keep an eye out for that. By the way, thanks for telling me that." Then she said to herself silently, "reminds me of Pinkie."

"What was that?" Mohud asked, surely heard her said something, but got "nothing" in reply.

Then for awhile, Lt. Water and Cpl. Mordie came back. Ready to picked him back to prison. But before they could touched Mohud, Twilight asked Lt. Water.

"There's something I want to ask you."

"Yeah, what?" Water asked, waiting for the question.

"You could just call me to the prison to talk with him," Twilight stated. "Why even bother to bring him here?"

"We don't know why actually because it was Colonel Marshall's order," Mordie replied. "From what I think, he thinks it would be best to bring him here to talk to you instead calling you to the base so you can get tired on the way with the fact you already off from the mission. Well, in fact this Taliban here is being kind instead of being bad so actually he's no threat to us... thanks... to you I guess."

"I've been in the war for long," Mohud said to them. "I'm just glad at last I found peace, glad to be away from the war."

"Aren't you worried about those people back there?" Twilight asked to him with uncertainty.

"I do, but I always pray to Allah for their life," Mohud replied with a smile.

"It's nice of you," Water complimented. "Come on, we're bringing you back in. Mordie..."

Mohud stood up and sincerely let out his hands at Mordie to get cuffed, before they left Twilight halted Water for a moment.

"He said that he had a feeling that there is a terrorist attack going to happen sooner or later. Not sure though, because it's just a hunch. But we need to keep our eyes peeled Lt."

"Alright, I'll keep that in mind," Water said, despite the way she talks like the same as Cpl. Dunn (With the exception he is much more an annoying Corporal). "If there's something happened I'll make sure I let you know."

"Thank, Water," Twilight said with a smile, before they both left with the prisoner, heading back to his prison.

Twilight stood up from her chair as they left. Watched them walked away from the diner until they are out of sight. She then gripped her right fist hard until it made a cracking sound with determination of what was going to happen. Which having The Shadowbolts a little fear if what the Taliban said was true. But then she sat down again with them and leaned her head against the chair.

But then again, they were silence amongst the voices of the students around them. They only simply waited for the waiter to come over to them. As they wait, Twilight noticed that the whole of The Shadowbolts member (includes Fleur) were staring at Twilight's black beret in silence for would they curious for why her beret was black. After a moment, the waiter came over to them as Twilight wears her beret back on her head.

"That would be 79.52 dollars," the waiter said.

Indigo was about to pull out the money, until Twilight stopped her from doing so. "Let me pay that."

Surprised by her response, Indigo pull out her hand out from her pocket and let Twilight pay the waiter. They though that Twilight would pay him with $100. But Twilight paid him with the exact amount of price that the waiter told them. After that, the waiter said "thanks" to them as they stood up from their seats and walked out. Following suit by some students who finished to have lunch from the diner. As Twilight walked with The Shadowbolts, they told to each other happily as Twilight stay silent on the way, wanting to hang out for awhile before heading home.

Sunny, who was walking next to Twilight, looked over to her to see how is she holding up. All she can see was only cold expression, no anger nor sadness. Somehow, she was lost in thoughs and worried of something. Sunny nudges her to snapped out of it and Twilight quickly looked over to them in a little frightened. The rest of The Shadowbolts then looked over to her after Sunny nudged her.

"You're okay, girl?" Sunny asked with her left eyebrow raised. "You look worried."

"I'm fine," Twilight replied as she turned her head forward as they walked. "Just trapped in my own memory, that's all."

They paused for a moment, until Fleur asked her. "How did you get a black beret? I heard most of the Rangers used tan beret."

Twilight paused for a moment with a sigh. "I got it from my commanding officer, Colonel Marshall. What did Mohud tell you about how I killed his men and spared him. I got that beret as a gift for me and I was called as The Boogeywoman. He wanted to give me a promotion but I deny it."

"Why?" Lemon asked. "It's great to hear that you got promoted."

"I don't deserve it," Twilight replied, not bothering to look at Lemon. "After I turned into that monster, I just can't forgive myself. Even if those men were enemies of mine. Plus, I died the second time after I got out from that hideout and reached with a fatal condition."

They were truly shocked of her statement, after her death in The Red Day now this. "We're very sorry to hear that, Twilight."

Twilight griefly sniffled after that, but then Indigo added. "I reckon you loss someone?"

Twilight nodded a few times as she gave a sad look. "A brother-in-arms....... I won't say his name."

Twilight suddenly upset at this, might try to not set her off. "We're sorry for your loss," Suri said with sorrow.

"Thanks," Twilight said with a smirk, as they mourned for a moment to Twilight.

"Did you asked your Colonel why your beret was black?" Sour asked, curiously. "There must be another reason on why they gifted you a black beret."

"I did," Twilight answered. "He said that this beret I'm wearing is, for what am I representing power, authority, strength, seriousness, prestige, formality, and death. But most of all, mainly represents strong emotion that I had now."

They were quiet stunned about what Twilight have said, can be said they were impressed about what the Colonel said. "Wow, he must've been a good officer." Sugarcoat said with a smile.

"Sure, but he would gave me a lecture on something," Twilight said as she shrugged. "Like I've died third times."

"Wait a minute," Sugar Crest remembered for a moment along with the rest of The Shadowbolts, they heard a rumor of Twilight. "That rumor about you got mauled by a bear is true?"

"Yes, it's true," their mouth and eyes open wide at the same time and they were beyond shock to found out she died thrice.

"Holy shit, Twilight," Indigo said aloud, nearly caught the attention of the people around them. "How the hell you came back alive after you died?"

"Honestly, I don't know," Twilight answered. "I can't tell if I'm lucky for my magic gave me back my life or God made me came back alive."

"Now that's a couple of complicated answers," Suri commented with both her eyebrows raised.

"It's because you died was also the reason why you was called The Boogeywoman?" Sour asked.

"Yes......" Twilight said then paused. "That's the other reason why."

They walked in silence again. They passing a few shops along a corridor of the mall on the second floor. As they walked, they looked around them to see if there's anything made them interest (except for Twilight). Noticing Twilight only looking down to the ground, Sunny tilted her head in wonder why she's still here.

"Don't you just go home, Twi?" Sunny asked. "You looked tired for me and you need to fix those scars."

"Neh, I just want to hang out with you for awhile," The Shadowbolts all smiled with that.

"Sounds good," Lemon said cheerfully. "Then we can have some fun for awhile."

"Well, only for awhile," Twilight added.

They all decided to go to the playzone in the mall for awhile (which Twilight found a little relief). At first they watched Indigo played racing arcade, which Twilight tell them a story on how was her first mission she had to drive a humvee under enemy fire for the first time. After a story and an arcade, they moved on to the next arcade, which is a throwing ball arcade (not the basketball). Sunny, Sour and Twilight who played that. Sunny able to scored 4 balls into the bingo hole, Sour only scored 3 balls into the bingo hole, but Twilight, savagely scored a total of 10 balls into the bingo hole which made them beyond shock by her accuracy.

"Might help me improve my throwing grenade skill."

After a few arcades, they all walked out from there, with their drinks in hand. They laughed happily after visiting the playzone (except for Twilight who only smiled). After a while of hanging out with The Shadowbolts, Twilight says her goodbye to them and headed home. As she left them, they only watched her left heading towards the door to exit the mall. They only stood there after she was through the exit. What they do there was only remembering her scarred, bruised face after mission.

"Twilight been through quite a lot," Sugarcoat stated in conclusion, their eyes didn't leave the doors. "You think she'll be alright?"

"I'm sure she'll be," Indigo answered, "She's a soldier, she can handle herself."

She went to the parking lot of the mall. From the outside, the mall looked so larger than the Mall Of America in Minnesota. It has a color white paint along the walls of the mall. The parking lot was much more spacious than ever. The large parking lot is circled around the mall and can occupied much more than 100 (I though). Twilight was looking for her vehicle, which is a military quad around the parking lot.

A few seconds later, she found it next to the grey sedan car and she pulled out her keys from her big pouch that contains pistol ammunitions (and smoke grenade). Twilight stashed away her beret in the pocket underneath the strap of her kevlar armor on the left shoulder, making sure it won't fly away. She was about to get on her quad, someone called her name from behind. As she turned her head around, she found out that Lavender Lace and Mystery Mint were right behind her. Twilight then turned her whole body at them, noticing the surprising glare from them.

"Wow, you're a...." Lavender lost her words just only looking at her uniform and the weapons she's bringing around.

"A soldier, yes," Twilight added to complete her sentence.

"What happened to your face?" Mystery asked in worried.

"I'm just off from a couple of missions," Twilight answered firmly. "Don't worry about it."

"So....." Lavender paused in doubt. "What happened 3 days ago.... you're the actual Boogeywoman?"

"Yes, I am," Twilight answered. "Forgive me if I've endangered you. I had to do what I have to do. As a soldier or not."

"It's okay, though," Mystery said with a sheepish smile. "Each of our friends from CHS and Crystal Prep that were there that time, including the teachers and the principals there, thanking to you for your actions to save them and us."

Twilight sighed in relieved, but then Lavender added. "Was killing him is necessary?"

"Excuse me?" Twilight asked, not hearing what did she says.

"The last robber that was dying," Lavender said again. "Did you really had to kill him?"

Twilight didn't expect that coming but also didn't surprise by it, with a moment of loss words she shrugged. "I can't say, but I have let my killing part win."

They were amazed at her after she admit her answer. "Well, I must also admit. Your skill is so awesome. But I didn't expect you can kill someone with a pencil."

"Me neither," Twilight said, which took them also in surprised. "I just felt my adrenaline rush up and I had to use something to kill someone. I didn't suspect that I will use a pencil as a last resort."

"Why did you call yourself The Boogeywoman?" Lavender asked.

"I got that name for the first time in the Army Rangers after I found the target I was looking for by turning into a monster and I died," Twilight explained quickly which both Lavender and Mystery gave their shocking glare at her.

"Would..... you tell us the story about it?" Lavender asked, still in shock.

Twilight only shook her head at them. "I had enough of telling that, alright? *sigh* Ask Sunset about it."

"Oh, alright, we'll ask them," Mystery said firmly as she nods at her. "You're going home?"

"Yeah," Twilight answered with a tired tone. "It's been a long day."

"Where did you get a quadbike?" Lavender asked as they both looked over to it with impression.

"Got it from a fellow soldier who tried to sell it," Twilight answered as she raised her hands from her sides. "Now it's mine."

"How much?" Mystery asked.

"$5.500," Twilight answered.

"Expensive, alright," Lavender commented, impressed with the price.

"Alright, I'll be heading home now," Twilight said coldly and then she get on her ATV and wore the helmet on the ATV and turned back at them before turning on the engine. "Goodbye, girls."

"Goodbye," Lavender and Mystery said in the same time.

Twilight took her leave by revving the engine of the ATV and left the parking lot with full speed. Lavender and Mystery only watched her left in impression, with the fact that Twilight left with full speed and didn't even fell from the ATV. They both only shook their heads with a smile showing on their faces. Wondering what is Twilight up to right now.

How are you holding up now? Mystery though in a little worry.

15:56 PM

Twilight reached home and stopped her ATV right in front of her small garage. Once she opens the garage doors, she moves her ATV into it and put down her helmet on the seat of the ATV. She pull out the beret from underneath the strap of the kevlar vest as she closed the garage doors. She walked over to the entrance of her house and entered after opening it with her house key. She then walked into her living room and sat down on her sofa. Putting her bag rifle on the floor next to her legs, she leaned her head against the sofa and felt a little ache from the back of her neck. Her job is really paying off, for a infantry unit specialized in special operations.

After that, Spike, her dog, jumped up to the sofa next to Twilight as she opens her bag rifle to pull out her G36 (Dolker's belongings). She only inspects her weapon as her dog only watched on what she's doing with a tilted head. Twilight smirked for a moment whilst inspecting the weapon for making sure there was no damage on the weapon. What made Twilight smirked was what she had in house now.

"At least I got some arsenals in my house."

For sure she had arsenals in her house for only in case there's an attack somewhere, or even here. Not planning to go on rampage but saving the people who are in danger. But also hoped that even she had a plenty of weapons in her house, she didn't want to go rage on her enemies for her hatred and anger. She doesn't want to turn into a monster but what else now. Though there was one day before she left Afghanistan, Foley told her something about herself.

There was a time we had to be monsters for what they've done to you or to someone you know. You still fine because you had to do it, sometimes not. But, we can't forget about it because of what you did or we did, mentally scarred inside our memories. No matter what happen, it still haunted you wherever you go. But, from what I see, you still the soldier and the girl I know. There's nothing wrong with you, nobody's perfect.

Twilight smiled at Foley's good words. She only putted down her weapon on the table after inspecting it and turned on the TV with her telekinetic magic. Watching a sci-fi show called 'What On Earth?'. Twilight doesn't pay attention to it, but to Spike who is wiggling his tail right now. She only stares at him for a few moments.

"So, how are you doing these three days without me?" she asked, with the fact that Flash did house sit her house and leave (according to Twilight's instruction) before Twilight got home.

"Much worried about you to be honest," Spike said quickly, then hopped at her and she had to catch him and cuddle with him. "I miss you so much ya' know?"

"I know," Twilight noticed his expression turned to frown because of her face. "Don't worry about my face, it's nothing."

"Actually, I'm just afraid if you died again," Spike admitted. "You're a soldier after all, but I'm still glad you're okay."

"Don't mention it," Twilight smirked in a little disarray.

"How about your time being a scientist, Twi?" Spike joked to her.

Twilight chuckled to his joke. "Really, Spike? Still not satisfied enough to see a scientist around."

"Kind off," Spike replied. "But I guess it's also paying off in the Army wasn't it?"

"Yep, it was," Twilight answered, but with her tone trailing off and her expression slowly changed into frown.

"Something's wrong, Twi?" Spike asked in concern after looking at her frown face.

"Remember the story I did tell you about.... The Red Hand?"

"Yeah, why?"

"Lt. Water just bring him to the diner where I ate, the Taliban wanted to talk to me."

Spike's eyes gone wide at this fact. "What?! Did he said something to you?"

"Well, he was much more friendly than the last time I remember," Twilight said, changing her eye direction at the TV. "He warned me, by his hunch though. He told me that there would be an attack around in this city. I just need to keep my eyes sharp."

"You sure that's going to happen?" Spike asked in doubt whilst tilting his head to the left.

"He's changed and I trust him," Twilight then rubbed the dog's head softly. "It will happen sooner or later."

Suddenly, Twilight's phone rang. She pulls her phone out from her pocket of her combat pants and took a look at it. Guess what? It's Lt. Water again who's calling her.

I'll be damn if she invites me to a party.

She then answered the call and put the phone on her right ear. "What is it, Water?"

"Hiya, Twi," Water said in very high tone and cheer (Not quite normal for a Lieutenant). "How are you doing?"

"Still the same," Twilight replied, annoyed a little with the fact that the LT sounds like Pinkie Pie. "Why did you call me?"

"Well, actually I want to ask," Water paused. "Do you mind if we are hanging out at your house?"

"Who's 'we'?" Twilight asked.

"Me, squad Hunter 2-1, Farikh and his brothers, and your squad apparently," Water made an 'umm' sound first. "Your squad just off from Afghanistan. Did some great job though, knowing your squad only had a Specialist rank and privates rank."

"Wow, that's a lot of people," Twilight said in surprised but not showing it. "Where's the Colonel?"

"Nah, he's running some errands with General Hilcom and the other generals," Water said as she shook he head. "Pfft, nothing else than that."

"Alright, when you come over?" Twilight asked as she carresses her hair on the forehead.

"Around in the afternoon I think," Water replied. "After we finished our shifts back in the base."

"Good thing tomorrow is vacation," Twilight said to herself, but still on the phone. "Alright, I'll be waiting."

"Sure I am," Water said then paused. "Maybe even a party."

"Really?" Twilight was annoyed. "You should go to Pinkie's instead with me."

"Alright, just joking," Water said with a chuckle. "Well, see ya tomorrow, Twily."

"See you," Twilight answered, then Water closed the call.

Putting her phone on the table in front of her, she leaned her upper body forward and making Spike to jump off her and lay down on the sofa next to her. She smiled as she bowed her head then shook. After a moment, she leaned back her upper body again against the sofa then gave a cold face. Spike was a little confused on why her expression was like that.

"Who was that?" Spike asked.

"It's Water," Twilight replied. "She wanted to hang out with me with my other fellow soldiers tomorrow."

"Oh, that's great!" Spike said aloud. "I want to know how are they looked like."

"Don't worry, you'll see them soon enough."