MickeyAdaptus

"I am aware of that, I had to wait for an opening for that second reinforcement group to arrive, because while the main group holds them off, Windphaser and Matiel can pass them via the ventilation shafts, which should eventually lead to the control room, that's where they store their data as well!" Bemator said during the sound the of the battle as they were fighting hard. "In other words, the rest of us will be holding them off, preferably here as this is a one-way location, but if anyone else has a better place in mind, I am up for suggestions!" ---------------------------------------------- "Alright, i understand." Jack said with a nod. He then looked at Celestia. "We should head to Karthspire first, he knows this planet like its the back of head." Jack said to her.

"Yes it is, good work, that should slow them down from coming close." Betamor said as he and his squad started firing their weapons through the flames. So far they had been lucky as no heavy strains had shown up, but that luck would not last forever... ----------------------------------------------------- "Thanks, I guess my father's genes do play a good part in my personality regarding leadership." Jack said with a smile. When they reached Luna, Jack asked her "Hey there, i think i know of a way we can get off this planet, things called warp gates, is it ok if me and Celestia perhaps go looking for one? I think Karthspire might know the location for one of those." Jack asked her.

"Celestia, everywhere else where the infection is, many still stand strong, this is perhaps one of the only places that still have some form of society like Equestria and some other planets, some even only have a group of 30, having to pit against an entire planet full of enemies, yet they all have a never-ending faith. Everyone in Equestria excels in Friendship and peace, we excel in keeping faith strong even in the direst of times, I may not have shown alot of faith in some moments, but most of us will NEVER lose a reason to fight, you might not believe it yourself but haven't you kept Equestria safe for all those centuries when Luna was not there? There might be heroes in Equestria who can protect, but one thing that will NEVER change is that you and Luna will remain the mother symbols of Equestria, whatever happens, if you would give up and then most would give up as well, because they are looking for guidance in these difficult times, both you and Luna have experience for over a 1000 years, no one in Equestria could ever hope to surpass that amount of experience." Jack said with a smile. "Shall we head to Luna now?" He asked. ------------------------------------------------ As they were fighting, reinforcements of enemies were suddenly closing in fast. "Festus! Could you make a wall of flames in that hallway? I and my men will hold them at bay from range while you all slay off the remaining ones!" Betamor called out. "Also, Woody is still wounded, if anyone could cover him, that would be appreciated." He said.

Betamor saw what was happening and quickly intercepted with the hook part of his axe as he caught someone's rifle with it and spun it to another enemies head when it fired, who had fired at Woody before, and only a moment later Betamor cleaved apart the head from the one who had fired. "You need to keep focused Windphaser if the bullet had hit Woody's head he would have been dead instantly if it would have hit the brain that is." He said as he kept fighting. ---------------------------------------------------------------- "Alright, i go talk to her, but i would appreciate it if you came with me, you don't usually offer to go with us when some things are going on, doesn't it feel better if you go start training again and join the others on missions? I know you feel like you made mistakes but don't let them bring you down, you are so strong, you could even surpass the strongest among us." Jack said.

"Alright, seems our allies all prefer melee, any of you who prefer to do the same, go right ahead, I at least know I won't let the opportunity of close combat go to waste." Betamor said to his squad with a smirk as he drew his signature axe, and ran straight in the enemy soldiers who were occupied on other targets, as he was hacking and slashing his way through their ranks. Some of the squad members drew their knives and did the same, which turned the attack into their favour, the rush was working overall perfectly. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Yeah, I was talking about Evelyn." Jack. But then a smile grew on his face. "But you are wrong in your second regard Celestia, we are not really stuck here. Have you heard of warp gates? Ancient structures that we used before spaceships where even a thing, forged by our very very ancient ancestors. All we will have to do is ask Karthspire if he knows where one could be on this planet. He knows alot, but I guess not many bother to even ask him such questions in the first place." Jack said.

"Not just Equestrian's, i have more who i care about outside Equestria. I think you all know who i am talking about." Jack said with a sigh. "If she won't come with us then my mind is made up, i would be staying here. That question is going to decide it for me, i am not saying goodbye to her." Jack said -------------------------------------------------------------- "Quickly move!" Betamor called out as the squad of soldiers started rushing in and gunning down the enemies.

The soldiers started firing at Windphaser from all directions, it was pretty massive with so many enemies doing it. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "I.... I am afraid some might leave me, I grow attached to others quickly, but once they are gone... I just don't want that to happen. Something has been telling me things and it just got me nervous." Jack admitted.

"Can you really blame me? We usually don't have spellcasters or magicians around us, even an Eldritch being among us tends to be a rare case, but I am not going to doubt you here either, you do what you do best." Betamor said. He then called 4 soldiers of his squad. "Put some charges on the door" He ordered as one of them started planting explosives on the big door. After a bit of counting down the door exploded, wich behind it revealed to be around 64 soldiers aiming at the now broken door, one of them had braced a heavy machine gun on a wall for extra measure. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- "That's.. wow, I guess that does sound pretty tense." Jack admitted. "To be fair i never seem to remember my own objective at moments, but things just seem dire. I will soon have to liberate a planet, study alot of things in this diary and also figure out what voice in my head is... Perhaps my birth was envisioned for this, they could have seen glimpses of the future, perhaps not all but just some, I know my father was capable of doing that." Jack said with a sigh as he rested his head on the table.

"'Alright, mind telling me that idea before we do anything? I have been thinking my original plan over a bit, but if I hear yours, we can do a straight after yours on that. Since they know we are here, they won't be taking it easy upon us, but I had the idea that Festus and Maple go in the front, acting a strong spearhead, Festus uses his shield while Maple uses her body to shrug off the bullets, Woody could act as a support for additional help while Ember, attacks them via a surprise while they are focused on the main group, could your plan fit in this?" Betamor asked him. --------------------------------------------------------------- "I am not against anyone going with me now, but you know my answer to that last one Celestia... I would put Cyril above it without a doubt, but how can I not think about this thing? If there is a possible chance where my race has a chance of survival without having to sacrifice itself in the end, then that would be something any of us would take up in the end. Because this very legend is a thing that has forged an entire new devotion to hope, we idolize such legends because we live to those things. What about Starswirl the Bearded? Doesn't he inspire hope to any of you? Hasn't he ever come up with things that saved all of your lives, perhaps a handful at the least?" Jack asked.

"You are right, I am just particularly afraid that someone would end up using it. If there is one thing I learned from my father it is that to much power will become your undoing, especially when you are using raw power if he hadn't told me that I wouldn't be stressing so much on this. To be honest, here there might be a chance that even at the Eldritch homeworld there won't be anyone who can wield it properly, only safe way someone could wield it is by doing a mind wipe, but that method is just pure lunacy, I just cannot imagine what method Aliah used in order to do something like this.. It's a mystery that many are trying to solve." Jack said. "There might even be a chance that only magic users could use this, but even that wouldn't stop a non-magic user from going crazy of the radiating power, I don't know how exactly it functions. But from a guess, it could be from a similar way to how similar weapons have enchantments. Some blades, for example, have this enchantment that gives them a specific benefit, while this is not with all enchantment, with some, it tends to lure those who cannot resist the extra power of it." He said. "I just sure everyone else will agree with this decision. Have any of you ever heard the term *Thoughts made manifest?*, as in toughts becoming a reality? I think that is one of things that the artefact is capable of, with no bounds at that, so you can probabbly imagine why i want to keep it away from others."

Jack sighed. "Look, I am trying to make sure that it won't go wrong. When you said *someone with a childlike nature and true heroism*, i know you were referring to Maple in particular with that, and what i absolutely don't want is that someone will get desperate and use that artefact as a last resort in a crisis. Even if everyone would promise not to use it, that wouldn't stop anyone from end up using in the heath of the moment, doubt my words but temptation is strong, and anyone who possesses emotion can be tempted to use it. Look at this example, if someone of us where to die, anyone of us who could end up being so enraged that they whould not CARE about the dangers and end up using it. The reason i wan't to bring that artefact to the Eldritch homeworld is so that it can be safeguarded until they have someone ready there. If you guys do not trust me with this, i won't be taking any of you to the its location, i won't be taking chances here, despite what anyone thinks, i am not going to gamble anyone's lives based on other opinions." he said.

"Wrong... It can't purity that is something that drives forth this thing, if it was, Valtrek would not bother in such a manner, he is pure evil. Keep in mind that is not just some toy that can be used as a weapon, I only know things about it that scholars know as well. It doesn't become part of the user, or at least not physically. Many describe it as a ball of almost crystal-like material, that shines at the colours of a sun. But what you are really holding, is raw energy, some tend to say it contains the powers of the entire race that came before these 3 subspecies, all of their powers being transferred into this thing as a final act, but perhaps even more... You know when you when in moments of a sudden great power boost that you start to think, this is unbelievable. I think that is the reason why no one else has managed to wield it, those who did try went mad from the power, their minds being unable to register its properties and cause a collapse. I think even Aliah didn't just stood up and decided to use it, he must have gone through decades or even a century in order to be ready for his mind to adjust to such a thing." He then narrowed his eyes. "If we ever happened to find it, I will be delivering it to the Eldritch homeworld personally, without anyone touching it, understood? I trust you all greatly but i would promise on my grave that I would prevent anyone thinking it would be a good idea to wield it like some weapon, because this artefact was never meant to even become public to stories, people end up getting ideas from that." He said.

"Wow, sorry to hear that..." Jack said with grief. "But this information is very important, we might find resting places of ancient temples, some who might have been presumed dead, and most importantly, with very much luck, we could our triumph card." Jack said with a smile. He then looked at Celestia, seeing her confused face. "I am talking about an artefact that is so far only presumed legend. The Aurora of Life, an artefact so strong that it can turn the weakest individuals into unbeatable legends, well, in theory, that is. From what the legend goes, not everyone can wield it, I don't know what the exact requirements where but those who are not able to wield it would become unstable because of its sheer power. It's hard to explain what the artefact does, its powers are boundless, it is not limited by the vivid's of our imagination. Only 3 beings have managed to wield it in recorded history, one of the most notable once being Aliah, it is said that he wielded it like it was an extension of himself, and others would be in utter astonishment from the aura that was radiating with him. Well, the thing is... Aliah is already long dead, along with most of the members of the circle, except for Moriah. And who better to ask than one of them? But I guess this is where things get complicated... I am not exactly sure if his location is written in his diary, but whats even worse, Valtrek is after the artefact itself. We are but a complete joke to him, he only cares about finding that thing in the end, with the addition of burning the entire galaxy." "He might be strong now, but imagine if he gets his hands on that artefact? With what he knows, there is a great possibility he might be able to wield it, if that happens, we might as well not fight anymore because then we are considered DEAD." Jack said with a sigh.

"They indeed will, at this point, they will be aiming all of their weapons at that door. Give me some time and I can try to create an opening, but you have to be PATIENT in order for this to work." Betamor said ------------------------------------------------------------- Jack looked utterly surprised at Celestia's sudden reaction. "Well, it is some sort of peace council, they were there to try with universal peace, but they were most notable were trying to stop the most dangerous enemies that would threaten our very existence. They are composed of 6 members, individuals who were chosen for their outstanding traits, strength, intelligence, magic and so forth. They, however, kept many secrets, which includes technology, artefacts and relics all together, even spells that have been lost to everyone millennia ago. But so far we are not aware if they are any survivors of 6 besides being Moriah, who went into hiding." Jack explained, not really understand what Celestia meant with her mother.

It seemed that the soldiers seemed to be retreating back inside from the sudden flame attack. "They seem to be regrouping, 6 of them died from that attack but 34 survived. I suggest we make use of this moment to figure out what we do next." Betamor said as he walked over to them. ------------------------------------------------ "Thanks." Jack said with a smile. As he was inside, he eventually started reading, and thoroughly. "Hmmm, this actually shows the members of the inner circle, it reads: Aliah, Moriah, Uraura, Auxilliria, Ysmos and Nadur. I only recognize 2 of these names, do you recognize any of these names Celestia?" Jack asked her with curiosity.

"Again, fire!" Betamor said trough the radio. 4 rockets again slammed into the now second damaged mech, destroying it from the combined attacks. "Good work, wait hold on... Yeah, that mech is changing course, it's heading for us. You 4 deal with those soldiers, but don't stay in the open, it's not smart to do that against 40 opponents with guns." Betamor said trough the radio. Betamor then started heading from cover as he started planting some sort of remote landmines. "Watch and see how you deal with a situation the easiest way." Betamor said. When the mech was getting closer, it eventually stepped on the landmines, while it didn't get destroyed, it fell over from the hill as it had no footing to back from the force of the explosions and so fell over. Betamor ran over to the fallen over mech and started using some sort of tool to melt his way through the iron hatch of the vehicle, and then stabbed the soldier inside the mech with his combat knife. "Can I get a medal for this kill?" He joked over the radio. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Jack was waiting patiently for Celestia to return. "Sure hope she comes back soon, i don't really think i should stay in the sun for that long, we are still in the desert technically." Jack noted.

"Good, that is the sign lads, open fire!" Betamor said over the radio. The mech that had already been damaged a bit was trying to identify its attackers, which gave enough time for the squad to fire their rocket launchers straight at the mech. As the 4 exploded straight into the mech, damaging it to such a point where it eventually fell straight to the ground and stopped working. However, the 2 other mech's and soldiers started firing towards the squad. "You 4 should switch between drawing their attention, switching 2 by 2 each time will be smart since the following 2 can surprise them, we are heading back behind cover." Betamor said.

"Moving over to the radio channel. Varius, are you in position?" Betamor asked. "Yes sir, as well as the rest of us, we are ready to bring doom to those overgrown baby carriers." A voice responded back over the radio. "That's what I like to hear, now, it's up to you 4 for to get this party started, start whenever you are ready and we will follow with an unleashment of hell towards them, Goodluck." Betamor said over the radio to the Equestrians. ------------------------------------------------------ Jack nodded with a smile. "Can't believe we didn't have a spell for transporting letters and books from these crazy distances." Jack said to himself with irony.

"I have to admit, you Equestrian's sure don't back down from this opportunity, most would hesitate about having to draw fire from so many enemies at the same time, but considering you are with so many at the same time, I guess that makes it easier. Very well." Betamor said with a smile. He then looked at Windphaser. "Hold on, I will be sending someone with you, he is not just a soldier but also is one of an experienced hacker when it comes to getting into their systems and infrastructure, his name is Matiel. You do what you are good at, perhaps assist him in the hacking but let him do the main routine of it, I think you are better in killing those enemies you face then hacking in the first place." Betamor said as he then walked a bit closer. "All of you should get into position when it's all ready, give me a hand signal and we can get straight into the action, this is a perfect ambush." He said. ------------------------------------------------- "I am thinking about reading it trough entirely this time, i only had a bit of time to study trough it last time, and i think it will be interesting for you, it even holds information that seems to be directed to Equestria in its very early days." Jack said with a smile.

"Hey, I appreciate it, now it should make the task a bit easier!" Ajax said with a smile as he waved him goodbye. 'Well, more hope like *hope it will become easier*.' He thought with irony. He then started walking to the edge of the everfree forest again. 'I guess being raced in a Jungle does have its perks, I may not have nocturnal senses but I have learned how to act like one before hoof!' He thought with a smile. As he started walking through the first bit of the forest, he kept his ears open for any sounds, his claws were not only meant as claws itself, but they also had the inbuild cushions which made his movement muffled, very similar to cats who have this. And so he started to venture trough the forest.

"That is indeed, smart, its an even better strategy against your enemies. Though sadly I am not sure if she could use that to her advantage this point, the only ones who benefit most from this are deserters, assassins and those who wish to step away from the path of battle altogether." Betamor noted. "Alright everyone, I have spotted 3 mech's on the front, along with a detachment of 40 soldiers, but at the same time, they make use of long-range heat weapons that burn through armour, which they use specifically against vehicles such as tanks. I don't know yet what we will be facing inside, but we can discover that along the way. A detachment of drones might also popup the moment we attack. We have anti-vehicle weaponry ourselves, but we might need some people who can distract them, which does not include engaging them all together, but just drawing their fire, taking cover is smart with those mech's there in the first place, it will give my squad the chance to take the mechs. Any volunteers?" Betamor asked. ------------------------------------------------------------- "Even I was not aware what this *boop*, meant." Jack said with a bit of a laugh. "Say, Celestia, did they took that diary with them when they came over here?" Jack asked her.

"It's a good thing you tell me that, isn't Maple a captain tough? Isn't she supposed to set an example to the lower ranking soldiers to not do these kinds of things? I guess discipline is perhaps not as strong in the Equestrian military compared to what we are taught, but each their own I guess." Betamor mentioned. "Anyway, i really hope they DON'T let that happen, from what you told me about Woody, he is perhaps less likely to this, you trained him after all. Could you perhaps do me a favour and jank her out of there if she ends up doing it? I wish i could do it myself but i have a squad to lead, plus I have to constantly be vigilant. We just don't have room for these kinds of errors, not with this kind of outpost that we are attacking." Betamor said with a sigh. He then mentioned for everyone to come over to the spot as he was looking at the outpost with binoculars. ------------------------------------- "Wow, that is pretty odd indeed, but how is that possible? O wait... Star Wright... Yeah, it's her son I realise now." Jack said. "Tough i haven't met him yet, i think..." He said as he was scratching his chin.