(Note: Oh Faust, are there some feels in this chapter! Not that this story doesn't already have feels, like Sarge telling Shadow and Card they're like sons to him last chapter? Yeah, but this has to do with Scorpan. I mean, when I first got the idea for this story, back when writing a scene in SBY with BlackJewel101, the main idea was that this story would revolve around Scorpan. It's really evolved since that original idea though. So, here's Shadow's first mission with the team! Jsyk, I'll be using Spike in this chapter. Okay, enjoy :)

Chapter 11 Pulling Your Strings

"How old is this base?" I asked, noticing the cracks in the plaster from years and years of wear. This place was like an old forgotten ruin that had been dug up and somepony had decided to use it as their makeshift military bunker.

"Who knows," said Mag, "who cares." he and Starbuck high-hoofed.

I shut my locker, finished donning my gear. Or rather my battle armor all the way from Canterlot. Apparently Sarge had requested it be brought here for Card and I. Mag and Starbuck were from Mustang Town, they weren't royal in any way, never had been. Starbuck was a marksmare, Mag a demolitions expert. They were the nit and grit of the army, true soldiers to the core. Rainbow and Grayscale were last minute drafts under Sarge. They weren't field officers. It felt like this whole team was put together from scratch, and Card and I were the odd ones out. In our royal battle armor, we stuck out like sore hooves next to the rest of the team.

"Oh my Faust, look at you boys. All high society and priss, aren't you?" Mag was trying hard to conceal his laughs.

"Do you two even carry firearms?" Starbuck was smirking.

"I don't see the problem with this," said Grayscale out of the blue, his voice quiet. His black and white mane fell over one of his dark blue eyes. The color reminded me of the cold depths of a nearly black ocean.

"Yeah," Rainbow butted in next to his brother his flame eyes burning brightly, "technically, Solar Guard is the highest scoring ponies in basic training. And their continued routines and regimens afterward are more vigorous than ours. So, by the facts, they are technically better than us."

Mag growled, "Oh shut up, runt. What do you know?" Rainbow's jaw snapped closed.

The door opened just as we were finishing up. I had a few flashbangs in my saddlebag, my sidearm, and a hunting rifle that had been found here. It'd been checked out and approved. Maybe it'd become part of Hoof Angel's style. Every base had one right?

"Alright, everypony ready?" said Sarge from the doorway. "It's nearly time to head out."

He came into the room, and I saw Scorpan was with him. My eyes widened at seeing him. He was wearing full battle dress. His helmet was a bronze color and had horns coming out of the sides. It was so completely different from mine. He also wore chainmail and a breastplate that linked like a puzzle piece to the gold triangular bracket he wore around his waist.

He caught me staring and shot me a quick barely noticeable smile. It made my heart pound.

"We thought they were funny, get a load of the prince here." Mag had an irritating sense of humor. "Buddy, how old is that? Bring it all the way from grandma's attic?" This time, we were all shaking our heads at him, even Starbuck.

"It's a thousand years old, and it was a gift. From Star Swirl." Scorpan didn't even sound offended. It sounded more like he was used to this kind of thing. I wanted to run up to him and put a hoof on his shoulder.

"Oh," Mag frowned, looking down at the tiles.

"It's okay, really." Scorpan assured him.

"Okay, enough of that," Sarge snapped, "We have a mission to do. First things first. The plan is to head through the tunnels that connect Los Pegasus to Applewood. You'll sneak in. Preemptive strike. We have the element of surprise on our side, especially since Tirek doesn't know we have Scorpan with us.

Anyway, Scorpan will lead you where you need to go. He'll tell you what needs to be done next once you reach stage two."

"Wait," Starbuck narrowed her eyes at Scorpan. "We have to follow that thing into battle?" Scorpan hung his head.

Sarge took a step forward, putting his hoof down, "Yes, Private, you do. I am putting Scorpan in charge of this mission. I didn't choose you for this team to argue. I chose you because I know you are very capable ponies, and right now, you are capable of having faith, if not trust, in Scorpan."

"Whatever," Starbuck shrugged with an amused smile.

"Alright, then head out soldiers! Faust-speed."

"Faust-speed." we all repeated.

The tunnels were dim, with barely any light. Pipes ran the lengths of the walls and ceiling, steam spewing from a few. Tssss! Rainbow dodged a burst of steam with a yelp. "Hot!" The tunnel floors were dusty, and I kept seeing Grayscale shaking off his hooves. The floor here hadn't been touched or polished in years, and dirt was caked on in layers in some areas. Drips of water could be heard bouncing off the walls, and creaking from the lights that hung from the roof as they swung slowly back and forth.

"Anypony else get a messed up feeling about this?" Starbuck said.

"You mean this stupid game of follow the leader?" Mag gestured with his head at Scorpan up ahead.

"He could be leading us into an ambush." Starbuck whispered.

"Just shut up and deal with it." I snapped. "I trust Sarge's judgement, and so should you."

"You're always quick to defend that thing," Starbuck eyed me, "what, you actually trust we aren't being led straight to Tirek to be sucked dry?"

"I don't know," I had mixed feelings about this, but I didn't want to let them know that. I wanted to trust Scorpan, but I wouldn't know it until I saw it. Love was a complicated thing. It would be so much easier to just forget about the gargoyle and stick with Card, but I couldn't just drop my feelings.

Our hooves crunched over the dirt. In the distance, a light was flickering. Scorpan flapped his wings faster, seeming to have found what he was looking for. We had reached an intersection. The light above popped out, leaving us in darkness. "No funny business," Mag said. I heard him lift his gun.

"No worries, I know where we are. We are inside the perimeter of the compound Lord Tirek hides in. This is the only entrance, as it's outside Los Pegasus." our eyes adjusted and we saw Scorpan flapping his wings harder, detaching the light fixture from the ceiling and letting it fall with a clang to the floor. Next a ladder dropped down and metal could be heard shifting as Scorpan opened a hatch. "It's clear," he said, rising up into the fresh air.

As we climbed out, the breeze hit me and I hadn't realized just how dank it had been down there. The smell above was significantly better than down below. We came out into a large meadow lined by a tall barbed wire fence. A tree cast shade over the hatch in the ground, which was hidden well by weeds, grass and other foliage. On the ground, flowers sifted in waves, being blown by a cool breeze. The grass covered our hooves and tickled our fur.

"I could get used to this!" Rainbow dropped down, heaving a breath, landing softly on his back in a patch of wildflowers. I saw Grayscale roll his eyes.

"We aren't on vacation, we're in enemy territory, get up soldier!" Starbuck said firmly. She and Mag were looking at Rainbow like he was an idiot.

"I wasn't expecting Tirek's base to be in such a beautiful place," Card said, taking in his surroundings. He sucked in a deep breath, inhaling the scents of nature.

"My brother doesn't care for it. He would gladly watch Equestria burn if only to get his vengeance on the sisters for imprisoning him for a thousand years." Scorpan sighed, staring at his hands, "I honestly think it's sad. I wish I knew what made him such a tormented soul."

"We all have tormented souls, Scorpan. We just deal with it in different ways." I said, finding his eyes.

He smiled sadly at me, "It is true."

"Down! Everypony get down!" Mag suddenly shouted. I didn't have to be told twice. I dropped to the grass, trying to let it cover me. I was not dressed for this. Scorpan's tiny frame fell easily into the leaves of grass, and he was mostly covered. His hand was touching my hoof, sending a tingle through me.

Coming toward us was a trio of gargoyles wearing full battle dress. Blood red fuzz sprang from the top of their helmets and their armor was silver. They hadn't detected our position, but it was only a matter of time before they saw us.

"What do we do?" Card asked.

"I say we shoot 'em, the bastards." Mag snarled.

"No!" Scorpan gasped, "We can't hurt them just because we can. They aren't even attacking us." I felt his fingers dig into my foreleg. It was an odd feeling.

"Let's stick with the preemptive we have for as long as we can," I suggested.

"Fine."

We began to army crawl in the direction of the compound, trying hard to lay low. It was difficult for us. The best a pony could do was lie their chests down, and crawl forward with their flank in the air. I was sure if we were spotted it'd be a funny sight. Scorpan was a different story however. His whole body stayed on the ground, with the exception of his wings, which couldn't easily fold in that armor. But he quickly got ahead of us, scrambling like a rodent. He was quick, making his way fast.

A low wall that bordered a walkway came into view. All of us moved quickly toward it, using it as cover. I braved peeking my head over the stone wall, looking for any signs of hostiles. After a few seconds I reported, "All clear, move in." the ponies of our small team vaulted over the wall. Starbuck took point, standing on her hind legs, her pistol held steadily in her front hooves—a stance ponies were trained to perfect, earth ponies and pegasi trained more extensively on it since unicorns had magic, but balance could only be held for so long.

Mag was right behind his partner, and I could tell they were partners because of their relationship. They were best friends, just as Card and I had been since foalhood. Scorpan went next, flanked by me and Card, and the twins went last.

It was a bit ironic, but we were entering a section of cloisters of a monastery. A place of sanctum had been turned into a place of war. A battle zone watched over by a warlord. We all felt the intensity of that. Starbuck was cautious as we walked, checking both ways with her gun first at each intersection. She made sure we weren't walking into an ambush. "How long until first contact?" she asked. "I can't take this suspense."

"Yeah, it's time for some shootin'!" Mag whistled.

"It won't be until we're out of the cloister and inside the compound." Scorpan said.

"You can't actually want to kill anypony, right?" Card asked Mag.

Mag shook his head, "Think about it like this, runt: they're basically zombies. I've seen my fellow soldiers get their souls sucked right out by that monster, their ain't no pony left in 'em after that. They're empty husks, brain dead zombies whose only goal is to kill you first."

"It's kill or be killed," Starbuck added. "That's the way of war."

We reached the end of the cloister, a heavy wooden door waiting for us. It was decorated by emblems of the sun and moon and with patterns carved into the wood. When Scorpan tried the door, it was locked.

"I've got this, let the demolitions expert do his job." Mag stepped up. Out of his saddle bag came a bundle of C4 and a detonator. He attached the required pieces, sticking the C4 to the door. He waved us off, pressing himself to the wall right next to the door. Starbuck stayed with him, and he nodded.

A few seconds passed where nothing happened. "Shadow," Scorpan said.

"Yeah?" I looked at him.

"I don't know how sure I am about any of this." his voice shook.

"Nopony is," I told him.

"No, like, I don't know if I should betray my brother, again."

"It's time to stop letting Tirek pull our strings, Scorpan. Because though he may play with his pretend army, we aren't his puppets." It looked like Scorpan wanted to reach out and touch me, or do something, though what I didn't know. At that second my words were marked by a powerful explosion. The door blasted clear off its hinges, spiraling into the building and crashing to the opposite wall, breaking a stained glass window.

"Don't let him pull my strings," Scorpan whispered, nodding.

At the same time, I saw Card snap out his wings, yelling, "Mag, Starbuck, move!" He rushed forward, flying through the air in a powerful flap. He spun and kicked out, his attack landing on the face of a puppet pony who had come to investigate. That pony dropped flat, Card above her.

There was silence from the team for a moment. Mag and Starbuck stared at him in amazement. Card kicked away the guard's weapon, looking up and saying, "Is everypony okay?"

"I could've been shot," Mag was working his jaw. "But you saved me!" a smile broke out on his muzzle, and he moved forward to pat Cardkeeper on the back.

Starbuck walked past the two, but she said to Card as she passed, "Nice moves."

The broken stained glass window was one in a row of many along this hallway's opposite wall. It looked over a vast sanctuary far below, the room in the church where the services were held. It was large, even looking up the ceiling still arched upward. The room was empty, and I wondered if this wasn't where Tirek called his armies to give them speeches. However, I doubted he needed to talk to puppet ponies since he controlled their minds. But those gargoyle warriors were another story.

"Lord Tirek has set up a cell block in the crypt down below. We have to make it to one of the stairwells." Scorpan said, taking the lead in front of Starbuck.

This hall branched off into many other separate corridors. We turned left, into the west wing. The hall was clear, but we weren't taking any chances. We all had a weapon at the ready, prepared to face any threat. Are you really prepared Shadow? You can face ponies, that's what you're trained for. But warriors from an unknown land. Ha! Don't make us laugh. I wanted to tell them they were already laughing, but it hurt too much. They made me feel weak.

I was falling back to the end of the group, behind Grayscale. He was so silent it was unsettling. I saw him watching his brother carefully, probably to make sure he was safe. Those two stuck together, that much was clear. Everypony had a partner here, this team was so loosely connected, I didn't know how we could possibly cooperate like Sarge wanted us to.

"This you two's first mission?" I asked. Grayscale looked at me, not saying a word. I decided to leave him alone. He didn't talk much, and I wasn't comfortable talking.

Starbuck held up a hoof, making us all stop. We'd come to the stairwell and she was peering down intently, one ear raised higher than the other. "Shh, there's somepony down there. I can hear 'em moving." she took a step forward.

Scorpan had his hands up near his mouth, a worried expression on his face, "Ooh, careful." he squeaked.

Starbuck ignored him, and we followed her. Card ended up next to me, "I wonder who that dragon is that Tirek captured."

"I'm just doing a mission."

"You can't really see it like that, can you Shade?" Card frowned at me.

"I don't know what I see." not when darkness clouded my vision.

The stairs creaked as we walked, and each noise was like an explosion. At the bottom, whoever Starbuck had heard was long gone, and we were in the clear. How long would this last? I didn't think it could be this easy. Nothing ever was.

"It's not far now." Scorpan called. We followed him further into the depths of the monastery's basement. There was a flickering light coming from around a corner, and we went toward it. Card was close to me, seeming to want my company. If he needed comforting, I would give it to him, but we were on a mission. He couldn't endanger us now. No distractions.

The floor dipped down, and there was water under our hooves. It was cold, and I lifted a hoof, shaking it off in surprise. There was muttering from the other team members as well. Inside the crypt was a row of metal cages, looking like they'd been put here only recently. They were newer and shinier than anything else. Scorpan was the furthest into the room, and he had stopped, just floating there.

"What's up little prince?" Starbuck shot a nasty look his way. "Something wrong?"

"He's not here…" Scorpan looked around, into each cell. He looked and sounded desperate. "He isn't here," he repeated.

"This was a trick!" Mag spat, looking angry. I narrowed my eyes, not quite believing it. After everything, Scorpan couldn't possibly have betrayed us. Betrayed me.

Deal with it Shadow Bright.

Betrayal is a terrible thing isn't it?

Each of their words were like sharp stabs to me. I shook my head, "This can't be." I said aloud.

"He must've been moved!" Scorpan gasped as he turned around and saw the ponies of the team turning on him. Card looked from me to the gargoyle, not exactly sure whose side to take. Maybe deep down my coltfriend knew I could never hurt Scorpan. Maybe that made me weak. It didn't matter, because right now, I was frozen in place while everypony else was slowly advancing on Scorpan. He was backing away, but he'd hit a wall soon.

Behind me came the sound of a hoofstep in water. Nopony else noticed and I couldn't move. I was staring at Scorpan, my jaw working. I could feel my eyes getting watery and my heart rate pick up. Card flipped around, "Um, guys…" he lifted his pistol, "We aren't alone."

"I bucking knew it!" Mag shouted. "You led us here into an ambush."

"That doesn't make—why would I?" Scorpan was shaking his head. His hands were pressing to the wall, looking for something.

I heard another hoofstep in the water, then the audible click of a gun being cocked. "Shadethrower!" Card cried. He shoved me, but the gunfire rang out and a bullet pierced my side.

"Augh!" I slammed into the far wall, my blood turning the water pink. I felt the pain of the bullet burning my side and my back was sore from hitting the wall. I saw with blurred vision Card raise his gun, shooting the pony who'd hit me. For the first time, Card wasn't afraid to shoot to kill. I saw the puppet pony drop dead. My heart felt like it stopped at that. Card was so innocent, but now…More puppets were coming and I saw Rainbow and Grayscale take up positions behind two graves.

There was a loud rumbling but I didn't know where it was coming from. Next thing I knew, Scorpan flew toward me, falling to his knees by my side. "I'm so sorry." he said. He put his hand on me, where the bullet was. My blood coated his skin. His hand was warm, and the feeling of the hand on me was still so unfamiliar, but something about it felt nice. I didn't want him to stop touching me…

A pale yellow light emanated from Scorpan's hand, "Tirek isn't the only one who learned a little magic from a wizard." Scorpan smiled at me. It was his first true smile I'd seen. It made his eyes light up, his whole face brighten.

"Scorpan," I sighed. Suddenly, I felt a warmth enter my wound, and at first it burned, the pain intensifying. I winced, sucking in a breath. But then the sensation was pleasant, the pain going away. He'd healed me!

"Shade, are you okay?" Card shoved Scorpan gently out of the way, concern clear on his face. "Come on, we have to get out of here. Rainbow and Gray can't cover us for long." I stood, then almost fell, my back still sore. "Here," Card lifted my hoof over himself, supporting me. We wobbled then Card directed us.

"I opened a passage, I think I know where Tirek took Spike." Scorpan announced. I realized that the rumbling had been a secret passage at the end of the crypt opening. Mag and Starbuck must've already gone through because they weren't in the room.

Once everypony was inside, Scorpan sealed the passage again, shutting us into darkness. A torch was suddenly lit, Scorpan holding it. He turned around with a content look, only to find an angry face in his.

"I'm giving you a second chance, scum. But no more." Mag snarled.

"Hey, back off," I put a hoof on our demolitions expert. "He didn't know." Mag only shot me a look, but shook his head and backed away from Scorpan. Scorpan was shaking uncontrollably. Mag had really scared him.

Our destination after that wasn't far. We headed up into the monastery's living quarters. Windows looked out on gardens along the right side of the hall. Scorpan stopped at a door that was larger and better decorated than the others, and he put an ear and a hand against it. He was listening. With great care, he turned the knob, opening the door.

A four poster bed was set against the west wall in its center. A long dresser ran the length of the east wall and directly opposite the door was a wardrobe. That wasn't all: on the bed was a large metal cage, like a bird's cage. Inside was a small purple and green dragon.

Scorpan wrapped his fingers around the bars of the cage, "Spike, wake up. We're gonna get you out of here." Spike's eyes opened. They were green with slitted pupils.

He yawned, blinking. "It's about time," he said.

Scorpan tapped me on the shoulder, gesturing me toward the door. I followed him, and he spoke in quiet whispers, "Shadow, I'm sorry I have to do this, but the best way for me to help Equestria now is to act as a spy on the inside. My brother will be here any second and when he does, I have to stay. But I'm still on your side."

"Why do you have to stay? Come with us. And why are you only telling me? I don't understand." I eyed him wearily, he wasn't making any sense and he sounded upset.

"Nopony but you would believe me Shadow, but I'll prove my trust once I start reporting to Celestia."

I began shaking my head, "No, no. You can't stay here. Scorpan, I—" he put both hands on the sides of my face, saying, "Trust me." he kissed me, but I only stared at him, my heart pounding hard. I wanted to kiss him back, but I didn't want to betray Card. He pulled away after a second, "It'll be for the best. Don't worry, it's only temporary."

Meanwhile, Rainbow and Grayscale had worked together to get the cage open, and the door popped open. Spike hopped up with a toothy grin, "Took ya long enough," he was laughing in relief. "You know how boring it's been?"

"I can imagine! You okay little guy?" Rainbow patted Spike on the back.

"I will be once we get back to Twi."

"Hey Shadow, everything okay?" Card asked me as I came back into the room. "Where's Scorpan?"

I took a quick glance over my shoulder and sighed. "It's for the best." I was almost speaking to myself.

As though my words were a cue, there was a loud smashing sound and a roar, "Stop them!" It was Tirek. He came bursting into the room, flanked by his gargoyle guards.

"I knew it!" Mag shouted, "That little devil tricked us. He wanted us to come here! I'll kill him!"

"By Celestia!" Spike threw his hands up in annoyance. He spun around and shoved past Mag and Starbuck.

Starbuck grunted in irritation, "Hey, whattaya doing!" everypony had their guns trained on the gargoyles, while Tirek just smiled. On the other hoof, Spike seemed not to care. Tirek had us right where he wanted us. What was the point?

"This is so stupid," Grayscale rolled his eyes.

"You can start shooting whenever you want," Spike called out, not a care in the world.

Suddenly, the wall behind us started rumbling, another secret passage way! Starbuck's eyes widened, "Oh shit! Go, go, go! Fire at will!" Both she and Mag opened fire. Rainbow and Grayscale laid down cover fire as Card and I entered the passage. They followed after us then lastly Mag and Starbuck. Spike was fast to shut the passage, while Tirek screamed in rage. We had escaped.

(Chapter 12 set for 2/7/17 12:00am CT

Faust dammit, nopony is gonna trust Scorpan after this :( What's Shadow supposed to do...? Hey, did anyone else think it was sweet that Scorpan healed Shadow? Also that he trusted Shadow whereas he doesn't trust anypony else? Also, I honestly love Spike's sarcastic attitude and Grayscale being fed up. LOL! Kk, love ya, see ya next time!)