We slept the whole way there, and when our pilot woke us, we were about to set down outside a place called Flank.
Pilot: Alright, we're here. You kids gonna be ok? I can't come back to pick you up if you get off this VTOL. This was a one-way trip, you know that right?
The three of us nodded.
Pilot: Then good luck.
As we watched the Vertibuck fly away, we were being watched ourselves. Fortunately, one of the groups watching us was a Dead Stars recon team. It would surprise us how much we'd fit in with The Dead Stars. Elder Silver Brush never told us they were more like a rogue military unit than a raider group or street gang.
When the Vertibuck was gone we set out towards Flank.
Shadowheart: So, this is what it's like outside the valley.
Birch: It's not a whole lot different, in a way. It's just more scarred and burned.
Fault Line: Well, it's gonna be home now, for a while.
Shadowheart: Yep. Guys, stop.
Right at that moment, I could feel that we were being targeted. But I could also sense that not far from us were some new friends. I dropped to one knee and pulled out my Hunting Rifle. Moving the magnifier into place, I started scanning the rooftops. Seeing something, I switched to my longer ranged option, a Zebra Type 79 Markspony Rifle. Fault Line was beside me with her .223 Varmint Rifle, and Birch had an old .308 minigun ready.
Author/Editor's note: In the Wish on a Wasteland Star continuity of Fallout Equestria that this work is based on, the Type 79 is the Zebra-made Dragunov. Type 79 is the Chinese/Zebra designation.
Fault Line: Shadowheart, what's wrong?
Shadowheart: First rooftop, closest to us. Anti-material rifle, two raiders, 200 feet away. 50 feet away, some kind of stealth field, on our 4 'o clock. They're not reading as hostile. Guys, I want to try something. Hold your fire and let me take out one of the raiders.
Birch and Fault Line stayed silent, waiting for my shot. I lined up the crosshairs over the raider's head and steadied myself. Slowly, I squeezed the trigger, and when it broke, the raider dropped not even a moment later. At the same time, our new friends did the same and the other raider dropped. I rushed forward immediately, switching to my M16A5. Birch and Fault Line were right behind me. I hoped we'd be able to close the distance with our new friends. And we did. As soon as we entered the first building, a Zebra buck and a pegasus mare materialized.
Zebra buck: Good shooting, young one.
Pegasus mare: Quite. You must be Shadowheart, Birch, and Fault Line. We were told you were coming to meet the boss.
Shadowheart: Well, that's one hell of a welcome.
Zebra buck: Come, we still have a mission to finish before we take you to Boss Flashbang.
Shadowheart: What's the mission?
Pegasus mare: Hostage rescue in the Boom Inc. factory.
Shadowheart: Lovely. Crazies and explosives.
The zebra buck put his hand on my shoulder.
Zebra buck: Young one, do not fret. This will be quite simple.
Shadowheart: You've got a plan.
Pegasus mare: Yeah. We know the layout of the factory, but with you, we have an element of surprise.
I looked back at Birch and Fault Line. I smiled, exposing my fangs.
Shadowheart: Let's get evil.
Later, when we were at the factory, I could hear the zebra buck and pegasus mare talking about my little comment.
Pegasus mare: 'Let's get evil'? I like this kid.
Zebra buck: As do i.
The zebra buck turned to me and waved me forward.
Shadowheart: So, what do you want to do?
Zebra buck: Enter through the back way with your sister. The big one should stay with us. When you are in position, take the first shot that you have.
Shadowheart: Got it. Fault Line, let's get to work.
Fault Line: Right behind you, big bro.
Once we were around the back of the factory, Fault Line asked me if I really trusted our new friends.
Shadowheart: They're the first friendly faces we've seen here, and they dropped the name of our contact. Plus, they don't look like raiders, or act like them.
Fault Line: That's true. You really have a gift for telling when somepony is lying, y'know that?
Shadowheart: So I've been told.
It didn't take me long to pick the lock, and we were in. Moving quietly, we wound our way to the main factory floor, where the hostages were.
Later, in Hoofington outside the nightclub….;
To get to the nightclub that our new friends told us they operated from, we have to pass through the gate in the wall surrounding the neighborhood that the club was part of. A whole neighborhood had been created, a massive wall of metal and concrete protecting it. This was Dead Stars territory. At first, I was expecting suspicion and distrust. Instead, when we walked up to the gate with the zebra and the pegasus, we were greeted with weary smiles and silent nods. The guards, a pair of donkeys with Zebra Type 97 rifles, were surprisingly friendly. Once they let us in, we followed our escorts to the club.
We were finally there. It was late in the day, and the party was obviously starting. We could hear the music drifting out of the club. It was old, pre-war stuff. Good basslines. I liked the beat. We walked in behind our friends from the outskirts. All around us, though, it wasn't the party we were expecting. Unicorns, earth ponies, donkeys, a couple of pegasi and batponies, and a number of zebras; they were all sitting around, loading mags, cleaning guns. Simply, they were working. In the center of it all, reading, and surrounded by books, was a zebra mare in a tank top and camo pants. It was obvious she worked out, as buff as she was. She looked to be as big as Birch, and that proved to be true as we got closer. She looked up at us, particularly at me, and smiled. I had a good feeling about Miss Flashbang and I liked her already, so I smiled back.
Flashbang: Well, well, well; look what the Steel Rangers sent our way. Three bada** kids. And in particular, Shadowheart, The Mountain Merc. Now, we can party. Welcome to Fort Luna, kids; paradise in Tartarus.
Yeah, they had a party, welcoming us. But, I just didn't feel up to partying. Not with all that had happened. We still had the reason we came to Hoofington hanging over our heads. So, I went up to the third floor balcony of the building they were using as a nightclub. I stood there, looking out at the city. So much was running through my head. But, what kept coming back was the destruction of Sumptersville. And I just couldn't take it any more.
Shadowheart: Dammit. Celestia-f**king-dammit!
And there I was, crying again. And I couldn't stop. I was crying so much that I didn't even hear Miss Flashbang come up behind me. Before I even knew it, she took me in her arms, and I didn't fight it. I'd rarely shown that sort of emotion to anypony except my family. But, right then, with what Miss Flashbang said to me, I didn't care. I felt safe in her arms, and she could tell it.
Flashbang: Shadowheart, I know your heart is heavy, and you've had to grow up far too quickly, but sweetheart, I'm here. Get it all out, baby. Momma's here.
When she said that, I really felt that she was serious; that she loved me like I was her own child. I didn't expect it, but I certainly welcomed having a mother again. I hugged her tightly, and she kissed me on my head. She reminded me of my birth mom, Nightfire. She was strong, kind, loving, but she raised us kids right with discipline. I don't know why I said it then, but what I said next was the pivotal point in my life where things got better.
Shadowheart: I love you, Momma…
Flashbang: I love you too, Shadowheart.
She held me a while longer, and then when we broke the hug, me and her looked out at the city together.
Shadowheart: Momma, this city, Hoofington; what secrets does it hold? And what secrets lie beyond it?
Flashbang: I don't know, baby. I've spent my life here, under this gray sky, and I've found answers, but they always come with new questions. But, I think you and I can solve the mysteries of this land.
I nodded and leaned up against her, sighing.
The next day, Flashbang and Shadowheart were up early, going over what they knew about the Spectres.
Flashbang: S**t. Those d**kheads targeted you. Baby, is there any reason you can think why they would target you?
Shadowheart: I'm not sure, Momma. Unless...unless it has to do with me being descended from a stable dweller.
Flashbang: That's how you got your Pip-Buck, isn't it, baby?
Shadowheart: Yep. How'd you get yours, Momma?
Flashbang: I killed some mean-as-s**t security b*tch, named like a flower, can't remember, but i killed her a** and saved her boss. Like, Stable 99 opened some years back, about 15 years back, and this mare and her little girl were trying to get out, but the security b*tch tried to kill them. I was pretty close by, scavenging, and I wasn't gonna let those two die. So, i blew the b*tch's brains out, took her Pip-Buck, and got those two to leave the city. Not much more to it. I was just getting started with The Dead Stars around that time.
Flashbang sighed.
Flashbang: Shadowheart baby, I lost my husband and my baby son 16 years ago. I closed my heart that day, focusing on killing every f**ker that made this town broken. But, last night, you made my heart glad. The stars guided you here, into my arms. You've been through hell, and so have i.
She took Shadowheart's hands in her own, smiling at him.
Flashbang: Shadowheart, you are not alone. You have Birch and Fault Line, and now you have me. Don't ever forget that I love you, Shadowheart. I will always be here for you, no matter what.
Later….;
When Birch and Fault Line joined them for breakfast, Shadowheart and their adoptive mother were still going over what intel they had about the Spectres.
Flashbang: Man, these sons of b*tches are well connected.
Shadowheart: I know, Momma. They've got ties to nearly every group that's operating in the wasteland. The valley where I'm from is the only place they didn't go until now.
When Birch and Fault Line heard Shadowheart call Flashbang "Momma", they were surprised, wondering what had happened the night before.
Flashbang: Exactly.
Fault Line: So, do we know anything we didn't before?
Shadowheart looked up from the mess of notes and files on the table.
Shadowheart: Some. Everything points to our bloodline, Fault Line. We are the descendants of the dwellers of Stable 76. Rumor is that Stable 76 is the most advanced stable. That would attract them, and my reputation in the valley would give them someone who has a Pip-Buck from Stable 76.
Fault Line: That's both of us. But, your's belonged to the Overmare. That's a lot more valuable.
Birch: That's true. Mine was from another Stable dweller your ancestor's knew, but I'm not descended from Stable 76.
Flashbang: Well, knowing this is good. But right now, you kids need to eat breakfast and get ready to go.
Birch: where are we going?
Flashbang: Miramare Air Station. We're gonna take out some improvised mortars that the a**holes there built. Those things are a clear threat to anypony moving through that area. And we need Miramare to launch assaults on the rest of the city. One by one, we'll take every part of the city, and then we take The Hoof. We have to get control of this city in order to uncover the truth about the Spectres.
A little later, when they were getting ready, Birch asked Shadowheart why he called Flashbang "Momma".
Shadowheart: Birch, for the first time in a long time, I felt like I could truly let my guard down. Standing out there alone, crying, when she took me in her arms, I felt safe for once. She's so much like me and Fault Line's birth mother.
Birch sighed.
Birch: Yeah, I get it. You always were the hardened one. Only time I ever saw you cry was after one of your nightmares. You've always been the toughest of us, and me and Fault Line have adjusted better to being on our own. You kept us straight, led the way. Now, we've found a new family. Yeah, I think of her as a mother too, and so does Fault Line, but out of all of us, you were the closest to Mom. We were closer to Dad.
Shadowheart: I remember.
Birch nodded and they finished getting ready in silence.
When they were ready, they met up with Flashbang and Fault Line in the armory in the back of the club. As they walked amongst their new family, Birch and Shadowheart noticed that all the rifleponies carried a zebra shield and a gladius. Flashbang was wearing a suit of armor that made her look even bigger than normal, if that was even possible. It wasn't like the power armor the Steel Rangers wore. No, this looked like it was a lot more comfortable, while still being just as protective. It certainly impressed Shadowheart.
Shadowheart: Woah. Momma, what kind of armor is that?
Flashbang smiled and laughed.
Flashbang: Baby, this is a juggernaut suit. Back before the Last Day, this was used for bomb disposal, although some soldiers used it for combat. Shadowheart, come with me. Birch, Fault Line, make sure your guns are in order and stock up on what you need.
Shadowheart followed his mother to a room beyond the main armory. In it, was a smaller version of the juggernaut suit, one that would fit him, as well as a pair of rifles with massive underbarrel attachments, one plain gray and the other a battle worn bronze. Shadowheart's eyes went wide.
Flashbang: Baby, this suit is yours. And the gray rifle is yours, too. Paint it up however you want. But, wait until we get back from Miramare. And, baby…
Shadowheart: What is it, Momma?
Flashbang: This suit was your daddy's and would have gone to your little brother, Sanda. But, you are worthy of it, baby.
Shadowheart: I understand, Momma. I won't let you down, and I'll honor Sanda, and I'll make you and Daddy proud. Momma, what was my daddy's name?
Flashbang: Askari. His name was Askari. And my birth name is Diana. I know he's looking down from the skies, him and Sanda, and I know they love you, Shadowheart. Now, we have a job to do, baby, so let's make them proud.
When everyone was ready, they divided up into their regular units. The zebra buck and pegasus mare who met them near Flank were with them. At that point they properly introduced themselves, the buck being named Titus and the mare Kivaari. Titus also revealed that he was their uncle, as he was Flashbang's brother, so Kivaari was their aunt.
Flashbang: Alright, everypony has their marching orders. Shadowheart, you're running with me. Birch, Fault Line; you're with Kivaari and Titus. Now, let's move!
On the way, the assault force ran into raiders, but they were no match for the Dead Stars. As they fought, Shadowheart and his mother began to synchronize. They fought as one, anticipating each other's movements and following the other's lead. Every reload perfectly staggered to create an uninterrupted flow of fire, not one bullet wasted. It was as though they'd always fought side-by-side, and Titus could plainly see it. He could see his sister Diana, better known as Flashbang, fighting almost as she had before Askari and Sanda were killed. She wasn't fully there yet, but Titus was confident she would find somepony who would complete her and be a father to his new nephews and niece. Like her, Titus missed Askari and Sanda dearly, and had been there when they were killed, as had Kivaari. It made Titus and Kivaari hesitate in having a child of their own, but now, Titus and Kivaari were revising that. So, when Titus saw Flashbang and Shadowheart fighting as one, he knew it was fated that she would be his adoptive mother, as she just as well could have given birth to him, with how much they were alike.
It wasn't long before they reached the edge of the kill zone at Miramare. Shadowheart and Flashbang were on a rooftop, Shadowheart using his longest range option, an IF-82A3, to get a look at the mortar positions.
Shadowheart: Momma, I think I have an idea of how to make this go smoother.
Flashbang: Go ahead, baby.
Shadowheart: The ammo for the mortars. It's volatile s**t. A well placed HE or incendiary round should set it off. They're storing that stuff in the open, under tarps, not in the buildings. That means I can set it off with a 7.62 round.
Flashbang: That's my baby. Give me 5 minutes, and I'll make a brew that will give incendiary properties to your 7.62x54R ammo.
Shadowheart: Ok, Momma.
Just then, Titus came over the radio.
Titus: Sister, what is our plan?
Flashbang: Titus, hold position for now. I need 5 minutes to make a fire brew for Shadowheart. Me and him will move up to get a better shot at the crates under the tarps. Once he takes the shot, have everypony with a .50 cal target the remaining mortar positions, and everypony else makes a break for it. Move fast, stay low, and use your shields. There's a reason I made you carry one.
Titus: Affirmative. I'll relay this to our force.
Five minutes later, the brew was done, and Flashbang had Shadowheart drop a third of his 7.62x54R ammo in the brew. In a few seconds, the brew was soaked up by the bullets, leaving the cases untouched. In mere moments, Shadowheart reloaded them into the mags for his Type 79 DMR. Once that was done, he and Flashbang set off, slinking along in the evening light. They were fortunate that they arrived in the evening, the previous fights and scavenging after that slowing them down. The evening light made them harder to see, even in their juggernaut suits. Soon, they were within range and Shadowheart had his target in the crosshairs. Three breaths. Inhale. Exhale. Squeeze the trigger. Third breath, the trigger breaks. And the bullet is sent downrange. For Shadowheart, it was simple. Familiar. And in a second, he was moving, his new battle rifle in hand. The massive gray rifle his mother gave him was like nothing he'd ever seen, and when he pulled the trigger on it, he was sending 150 grain bullets streaking towards the raiders they got in his way. And as the raiders fell to those, more died in the explosions from the mortar rounds being set off. The chaos of it allowed the Dead Stars to overwhelm the raiders, taking Miramare in two hours. The control tower was the most difficult part, with the raiders up there throwing grenades down the stairs. After a while of that, Shadowheart and Flashbang got fed up with it.
Flashbang: That's it. Shadowheart, baby; we're moving outside. I wanna get a missile up in there.
Shadowheart: Oh, I've been itching to test out the underbarrel launcher!
Flashbang: Then let's.
Shadowheart followed her, moving far enough away that they could see the raiders in the control tower. Both of them took aim, marking a target with the scopes of their rifles. Once the missiles were locked on, they fired them simultaneously. Unlike a normal missile, these were special soft-launch types, which had the advantage of being able to be used in the launchers. Normal missiles would have been problematic, but soft-launch ones were easy for the Dead Stars to make. So when the missiles popped out of the launchers, the rocket motors didn't ignite until a few milliseconds later, and they streaked away towards the control tower and the raiders inside. The raiders had no idea how bad it would be when Flashbang and Shadowheart left, and they never would, considering the detonation of the two missiles splattered them all over the inside of the tower. After that, Titus and Kivaari took Birch and Fault Line to secure the tower while everyone else rooted out the remaining raiders. Shadowheart and Flashbang, though, were focused on looting the weapons lockers. In one, Shadowheart found a pair of semi-auto .338 Lapua Magnum sniper rifles with the matching scopes and detachable suppressors.
Shadowheart: Look what I found, Momma!
Flashbang: Oh! I saw these in an old gun magazine! I read that they were in limited service back in the day. Now, this is a lucky find, baby. These will certainly come in handy.
By the time Shadowheart and Flashbang got up to the top of the tower, Titus and Kivaari were there with Birch and Fault Line. Titus was having a fit over the gore splattered everywhere.
Titus: Stars...when you two are pissed, it all goes to hell. It's gonna take a good bit of work to clean this place.
Kivaari: Heh. I swear you really are her baby, Shadowheart. Nopony else could make Titus have a fit like you two.
Shadowheart: Well, are you actually going to be doing the cleaning, Uncle Titus?
Titus: Well, er, no, but-
Flashbang: He's got you there, Titus. You're a neat freak. But, remember, that's not important here. The tower is for artillery spotting and will be an Anti-material rifle position, too. The other buildings are where we'll get radios set up. That's where you come in, Titus. As to what's next, I wanna hit Stable 90. We'll need the tech in there. And I have a grand plan to get this city in shape and get us closer to crushing the Spectres. Shadowheart, baby, come with me. Birch, I want you to help get things in order here with hangars. There's artillery, real honest to Goddess artillery, here that never made it to the frontlines. I want it secured. Fault Line, start treating the wounded and help your Aunt Kivaari with the prisoner interrogations.
Fault Line and Birch: Got it, Mom.
Flashbang smiled, then hugged Birch and Fault Line, and then her and Shadowheart left. As they did, Shadowheart asked where they were going.
Shadowheart: So, where are we going, Momma?
Flashbang: We're gonna open Stable 90. They have a dying population and something I want in their armory.
Shadowheart: Ah, I see where this is going. They join us, they won't die out, and we get what's in the armory. Everypony wins.
Flashbang: Right. And I know you're wondering what I'm after. Here, baby.
Flashbang handed Shadowheart an old gun magazine, a certain corner of a page folded down. He flipped to that page, and was amazed at what he saw.
Shadowheart: Ponycor Auto-12 - "The future of military shotguns''. Bullpup shotgun, 20 round mag, M16A5 gas system, select fire; Momma, this is amazing!
Flashbang: It certainly is. Your daddy Askari used to call all the old gun magazines I had lying around my "Hearth's Warming List". He was descended from zebras who were Equestrian citizens, so he was big on Equestrian tradition and zebra tradition. Always felt there was room for both. I feel the same way.
Shadowheart: Well, at least we'll all celebrate Hearth's Warming this year and it will be worth it.
Flashbang: Yeah. I haven't celebrated it since Askari and Sanda died.
Shadowheart: And we haven't celebrated it since our parents died.
Flashbang pulled Shadowheart close as they walked along, smiling.
Flashbang: This is the year it all changes, baby. This... is where it gets better.
By the time they arrived at Stable 90, a group of traders was leaving. One of the traders, a stallion with a broken nose, glared at her.
Trader stallion: B*tch.
Flashbang flipped him off as Shadowheart and her walked past.
Flashbang: Keep walking, d*ckhead. Or you won't have one at all.
He snorted and continued on.
Shadowheart: What was all that about, Momma?
Flashbang: last week, he put his hand on my breasts, claiming he tripped, and then proceeded to hit on me. I broke his nose and kicked him in the balls. Now, he tells everypony that'll listen that I'm a b*tch cause won't f**k him.
Shadowheart: What a loser.
Flashbang: That's the truth. Now, let's get this vault cracked open.
They walked into the cave that concealed the entrance to the vault, stopping at the external terminal that would open it.
Flashbang: Yo, Overmare, open up. It's me, Flashbang.
The Overmare came over the intercom, clearly not happy that Flashbang was there.
Overmare: To what do I owe this honor, Miss Flashbang?
Flashbang: Cut the crap. You know what I want and I know what you need. You need to rejoin the outside world, and I want those Ponycor Auto-12s. I'm offering an alliance. Now, if that doesn't work, I've got several more options, but the outcome always involves you giving me the Auto-12s. And you know that I'm right. Plus, I've got 10 fusion cores, right ready to go. If nothing, I'll trade em for the Auto-12s. But you still know I'm right. You gotta get out of there and mix with your fellow wastelanders. Otherwise, you're gonna die out.
The Overmare didn't speak for about 30 minutes, and Shadowheart and Flashbang sat down and had a snack while they waited. When she did, she said exactly what Flashbang wanted to hear.
Overmare: Fine. We open the stable and you can get your guns after we discuss the terms of our alliance.
Flashbang: See? Now that wasn't so hard, was it?
The Overmare didn't respond to that, and the stable door started to open. All the while, Shadowheart was giggling at his mother's snarky remark. When they walked in, the Overmare was waiting for them.
Overmare: Hello, Flashbang. So, who's this?
Flashbang: This is my son, Shadowheart.
The Overmare raised an eyebrow, about to say something, but chose not to and greeted Shadowheart.
Overmare: Well, it's nice to meet you, Shadowheart.
Shadowheart: Hello.
Flashbang: Now, let's get down to business.
Overmare: Alright. Follow me.
As they talked with the Overmare, it became clear to Shadowheart that The Spectres had affected everyone outside the valley on the east coast and in the heartland. As they drew up the terms of the alliance, Flashbang asked the Overmare what made her reconsider.
Overmare: We received a warning from The Spectres, urging us to join them or die by their hands. It wasn't the first threat, but this time, they made an example of one of us. One of our runners was tortured and killed, and he was sent back in pieces with another of the runners who was raped and tortured. She killed herself last night. I can't do this anymore. You're right about everything, Flashbang. The only way the world outside gets better is if we work together.
Flashbang: I'm glad you came to your senses, but not like this. Look, I'll be straight with you - all of your security ponies are gonna have to join us as soldiers. The rest can continue what they were doing, but everypony has to know how to shoot. I have a plan to take back Hoofington and need everypony who can fight.
Overmare: That we can do. They won't like it, but they don't have a choice at this point.
Flashbang: Eventually, they'll come around. But the culture shock is gonna be hell. Though, everypony in Security should adjust pretty quickly.
The Overmare nodded and once they made sure of what the terms of the alliance were, the Overmare sent them down to Security to pick up the Auto-12s. As they walked down, the Overmare announced what was going to happen. Around them, many ponies were either worried or complaining, not realizing that the alliance with the Dead Stars was their only chance for survival. When they reached the Security armory, they were greeted by the head Security buck. He was a unicorn with a perpetually worn-out look, but he smiled genuinely when Shadowheart and Flashbang approached.
Flashbang: Hey, Echelon.
She hugged Echelon, the two sharing a moment. Shadowheart slipped past, letting his mother have her moment with the buck. He could hear them talking, and he could tell they were friends, though they wanted to be more than that.
Echelon: Flashbang, I'm really glad to see you again, and I'm really glad we're getting out of this s**thole Stable.
Flashbang: I know. I really missed you. So, guess you noticed the kid with me.
Echelon: Yeah. So, you adopt him or something?
Flashbang: Not formally, but he calls me 'Momma'. His name's Shadowheart. He's a sweet kid, 18, but he's from West Ferniginia.
Echelon: So, what's he doing out here?
Flashbang: He came out this way cause Elder Silver Brush sent him my way, him and his adopted elder brother Birch and his biological little sister Fault Line. They were looking to take down the Spectres, who burned their town to ashes and killed everypony there. They're the sole survivors. And it all stems from the fact that Shadowheart is a well-known merc in West Ferniginia, and has been since he was 12. And moreover, he's of Stable 76 blood.
Echelon: Damn. Bet he'd be a bada** security buck.
Flashbang: He definitely would.
He made a note to talk to his mother about it as he picked out his Auto-12 and set one aside for his mother, then he set about packing the rest of the guns up in crates. While he was doing that, Echelon and Flashbang came to help him, and it didn't take long to get it all packed up.
Once a Dead Stars team brought a wagon down, Shadowheart saw something he was very much familiar with - Ponytrons. They'd been reprogrammed to pull the wagon, making things much easier. All they had to do was escort it back to Fort Luna. Echelon went with them, leaving his second-in-command to handle things at Stable 90. On the way, Echelon got to know Shadowheart, as Flashbang was able to properly introduce him.
Shadowheart: So, Mr. Echelon, how long have you known my momma?
Echelon: Well, son, it's been about 15 years since she started trying to convince the Overmare to work with her. I was always her biggest supporter and still am, considering she knows the wasteland here better than anypony from Stable 90. Every time she'd come around to trade and take another run at the alliance idea, we'd talk.
As Shadowheart and Echelon talked, Flashbang started thinking about her life, and whether she really should ask Echelon to marry her. With all the time they'd spent together over the years, she now felt like Askari's spirit was urging her to take the leap and ask him. She knew her children were practically adults, but that didn't mean they didn't need a mother and father who loved them, Shadowheart in particular. She could see that her children had been traumatized by the attack on Sumptersville, but the thing was that Shadowheart was carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders, even though he had a brother and sister. He felt responsible for the attack, and that was a whole other thing to deal with. And what she knew about his mercenary work confirmed it. Birch and Fault Line had never taken an active role in it, always on the sidelines with the business, logistical, and medical sides of it. Shadowheart did all the combat work. Even if Birch was the oldest, it was clear that Shadowheart was the leader. It was the same path she'd followed for 16 years, and now both would find healing together. Birch and Fault Line would find their own paths beside Shadowheart, but nothing would happen without a family beside them.
That evening, back at the club, Titus spoke to Flashbang about her relationship with Echelon. They were in the kitchen, away from the others.
Titus: Sister, I believe it's been long enough.
She leaned up against the counter, looking at the rough ceiling.
Flashbang: Yeah, I've been thinkin' bout that. Titus...I'm gonna go for it.
That surprised Titus.
Titus: Stars...you really mean it, don't you? I thought this conversation would last longer.
Flashbang: You expected the whole 'not the right time' speech, didn't you?
Titus: Well, yes.
Flashbang: Yeah. I've got this feeling that Askari wants me to be happy again, and it really wasn't the right time before, but now is. On the other side, you and Kivaari should try to have a foal. I think it's time you two tried.
Titus: Yeah, we've been talking about that. So, do you think you and Echelon will try after you're married?
Flashbang: I want to wait until after Shadowheart is married. I want to have a strong bond with him and when I know that he can stand on his own, I know the time will be right. And I know that Echelon will agree with me.
Later, before everyone went to bed, Flashbang went to talk to Echelon about her decision. Unexpectedly, Shadowheart was going to speak to her about the same topic, and when they ran into each other, Shadowheart told her and they both decided to get Echelon, Birch, and Fault Line so that they could address the subject properly. Once they got them in the same room, Echelon asked what it was about.
Echelon: So, what did you guys wanna talk about?
Flashbang: Well...there's an obvious dynamic emerging with me and you three kids, and of course, Shadowheart started calling me 'Momma'...
Shadowheart: What Momma is trying to say is that she wants to really be our mom. Birch, Fault Line; I know it's sudden, but you can't say you didn't want a family again. I know you guys miss Nightfire and Starshroud, and so do I, but I really feel like this was meant to be. Elder Silver Brush didn't have to send us here. She could have sent us to another Steel Ranger chapter. But no; she sent us to Momma. And I know it's strange for me to be calling her 'Momma' and hardly know her, but you weren't there that night, when I broke down.
Birch exhaled slowly.
Birch: No, we weren't. I was sitting at the bar and she was writing up notes on who all she treated with Aunt Kivaari.
Fault Line: Didn't feel much like partying.
Fault Line was silent for a moment, playing with the ring on her index finger. Shadowheart had a similar ring on his index finger. They had been told that the rings were passed down through Nightfire's bloodline, given to the eldest son and eldest daughter as a remembrance of the old world.
Fault Line: Big Bro, it's not strange that you bonded so quickly with Momma. And I know what I just said. I see it too. I just...i guess by now, you express all of me and Birch's emotions for us. We don't bat an eye at anything anymore, but you're crying all the time it feels like, shedding our tears for us.
Shadowheart: Both of you have acknowledged that we have a new family. And both of you have called her 'Mom'.
Shadowheart looked at Flashbang and Echelon.
Shadowheart: Momma, it's your turn.
Flashbang nodded.
Flashbang: Birch, Fault Line; what do you want to do? Shadowheart is obviously going to see me as his mother regardless of the outcome of this talk. But both of you need to make your decisions known.
Birch: Yeah, we do. And we want you as our mother.
Fault Line: We belong here, with you. Why else would have called you 'Mom'? We really meant it.
Flashbang smiled and pulled her children into a hug.
Flashbang: I love you, babies.
All three of them: We love you two, Momma.
After they broke the hug, she broached the subject of her interest in Echelon.
Flashbang: And Echelon...i….Echelon, would you marry me?
That made Echelon's eyes go wide.
Echelon: You're serious, right?
Flashbang: Yes. I want to marry you. I want you to be my husband and be a father to these three.
Echelon's weary smile appeared, though now, it held new hope.
Echelon: I will marry you. I love you, Flashbang.
And with that, Echelon kissed her deeply, sealing it.
The next day….;
The next morning, Flashbang and Echelon were up early with their children, discussing the next step in taking back Hoofington. Titus and Kivaari were there, and afterwards, Titus would give the briefing over the internal radio net. Titus had found a way to encrypt the radio net, so as to keep anypony from listening in if they weren't supposed to.
Echelon: Alright, so Fort Luna is here. We control Zone 1, which is everything inside the wall, plus everything inside this diamond shape on the map. Outside…
Flashbang: Hell. Now, first up is Zone 2, the f**king spearpoint. Key points are The Stockyard up here, and Rosehoof Academy and Brimstone's Fall near us. Zone 3 has the Isolated Farmstead and the Hoofington Sports Arena up here, Riverside, the Luna Dam, the Hoofington Reservoir, and the Hippocampus Spark Station as its border points. Next to it is Zone 8, The Core AKA The Hoof. Zone 8 is our ultimate goal, and it all leads us to the Spectres. So, to start with today, we're taking Brimstone's Fall. Babies, we're heading into a gem mine, so it'll be a mid- to close-range outside, and CQB in the mine. You'll want shotguns, .308 and 5.56 auto carbines, SMGs, Para LMGs; really anything suited for the tight spaces and short engagement distances you'll encounter.
Shadowheart, Echelon; you're with me. We're first in, last out. Birch, Fault Line; you'll be moving behind us.
Echelon: Any non-targets to watch for, babe?
Flashbang: Slaves and any members of the Pecos gang wearing a bright blue scarf. Those guys are our new friends. They contacted me a week ago today, and told them that as soon as I had Stable 90 and Miramare inside Zone 1, we'd take the mine. And after we take the mine, we're gonna use it as a staging area to take Rosehoof Academy. From there, we'll head back to Miramare and use it as our staging ground to take The Stockyard. That will make two zones under our control, but as I said, we start with Brimstone's Fall. Now, let's gear up and get going.
As Titus briefed the Dead Stars units that had been selected for the assault, Flashbang and them got their gear together, Shadowheart taking a little time to paint his battle rifle. Knowing it would be bad inside the mine, Flashbang and Shadowheart put on their juggernaut suits, Echelon helping them. It was a lot easier with Echelon helping, so they were ready in a shorter time period. Flashbang had promised Echelon they would look for him a similar suit, as he was bigger than Shadowheart, but shorter than Flashbang. Flashbang was the tallest and the second strongest, the strongest of them being Shadowheart. Flashbang was 2 inches taller than Birch, who was 9ft tall, and Shadowheart and Fault Line were 6ft. So, it wasn't easy finding gear that suited for Birch and Flashbang. The suit was a lucky find, and they would certainly need them in the mine.
When they set out, Echelon asked what Flashbang knew about the Pecos gang.
Flashbang: Old school; runs with revolvers, lever-actions, and break-actions. Grab one of each if you can. Ammo types are .357 and .44 Magnums, .45-70, .38 Special, and 12, 20, and .410 gauge. Once in a while, you might see one with a 10mm lever-action rifle.
Shadowheart: Please tell me they don't dress like cowpony's…
Flashbang: Sorry, baby; they get all into it. But the ones who are on our side will be good allies. They've got plenty of sharpshooters who use scoped .45-70 lever-action rifles to good effect. But in the mines, they'll have to rely on shotguns, the break-action and lever-action types.
Echelon: Not as much capacity with those as with our Ponycor Auto-12s.
Flashbang: Dead on. Shadowheart, baby, when we get there, the three of us are gonna take out the sentries guarding the camp.
Shadowheart: Right. My suppressed Type 3 DMR would be best.
Echelon: Where did you get something so rare, son?
Shadowheart: From a zebra listening post hidden in a cannery back in the valley in West Ferniginia. I got a lot of cool stuff from before the war, Poppa.
Echelon: Well, when we have the time, why don't you show all of it, kiddo?
Shadowheart: Ok Poppa!
Echelon had to smile at Shadowheart's enthusiasm. He had the enthusiasm of a young colt, but he could seem so grown up most of the time. Flashbang caught his smile, evoking one from her. But, she knew it was no time for conversation, as it would give them away at that point, and fortunately for her, Shadowheart and Echelon stopped talking, knowing they needed to be quiet. By this time, they were creeping up on the gem mine, and the sentries were coming into view. Shadowheart equipped his Type 3 DMR, clicking the safety off as quietly as possible. He put it to his shoulder, taking aim at one of the Pecos sentries. Shadowheart lined up the shot, putting the chevron mark corresponding to the range over the stallion's head and slowly, he squeezed the trigger. When it broke, it sent the heavy 7.62 bullet downrange, taking the top of the stallion's head off. At the same time, Flashbang and Echelon used suppressed .308 caliber Dead Stars custom battle rifles, which were essentially similar to Zebra Type 79 rifles, except being simply bulked-up Type 56 rifles with longer barrels made for use with the longer .308 bullets. Just well, their bullets found their marks, and before long, all the sentries were dead, and the assault on the mine began. Shadowheart, Flashbang, and Echelon raced straight for the entrance to the mine, Kivaari, Fault Line, Titus, and Birch following them. Around them, all hell broke loose and the Pecos gang split, the ones wearing the blue scarves joining with the Dead Stars. Inside the mines, Shadowheart could hear gunfire. Following his parents, he raced toward it, the three of them going deeper. Meanwhile, Birch and them were getting the slaves out as they came across them, breaking their chains and arming them. The slaves fought valiantly beside the Pecos and Dead Stars, and as Flashbang, Echelon, and Shadowheart were descending into the depths, an explosion shook the mine.
Flashbang: What the s**t?!
Flashbang stumbled, Shadowheart and Echelon catching her before she fell off the bridge they were crossing.
Shadowheart: F**kers must be trying to collapse the mine.
Echelon: We need to get everyone out now.
Flashbang: Right.
Flashbang got on the radio and tried to tell the rest of the Dead Stars to leave before the mine collapsed in on itself, but the rock was messing with the signal.
Flashbang: Dammit! No signal. Let's keep moving. We still have more slaves to free.
Echelon and Shadowheart nodded, and they raced off deeper into the mine. At one point, they were almost caught in a tunnel collapse, but they made it past just in time.
Flashbang: Son of a f**king b*tch!
Flashbang growled, pissed about the enemy Pecos gang members setting off explosives.
Echelon: Well. We're not going back that way.
Shadowheart: Momma, Poppa; what are we gonna do if there's not a back way out?
Flashbang: Well, if we find some dynamite here, we can blast our way out. I'd rather not use the missile launchers on our rifles unless we have to.
Echelon: Yeah, not the way I wanna go out, trapped down here.
That thought got Shadowheart agitated.
Shadowheart: Momma, Poppa ... .I don't wanna get stuck down here.
The way Shadowheart said it with a whimper had the undercurrent of fear. Echelon put his arm around Shadowheart, pulling his son close.
Echelon: Son, it's gonna be ok. We're not gonna get stuck down here. Right, honey?
Flashbang: Right. These f**kers are gonna pay when we get out. Now let's get going, boys.
Shadowheart and Echelon nodded, following her. Flashbang made a note to ask Shadowheart why he was so terrified of being trapped in the mine. It was more than normal fear, like he'd been trapped before and it was bringing back bad memories. She wondered if he'd been trapped underground before back in West Ferniginia. But that question was for later. As they made their way onward, they found more slaves and friendly Pecos gang members. The leader of the group of the Pecos ponies, a stallion, told her about a stash of dynamite after Flashbang mentioned the rockslide that almost killed them.
Pecos Stallion: There should be enough to get us out, if the bastards haven't used it up already.
Just then, they heard gunfire from nearby.
Pecos Stallion: Oh, hell. That's not good.
Flashbang: No, it's not. But we need to move. Show us where the stash is, ok?
Pecos Stallion: Yes ma'am!
Following the stallion and some other friendly gang members, they ran up on some ghouls. One of the Pecos ponies got too close and was attacked, having his throat ripped out by the ghoul moments before the ghoul was cut in two by a burst of buckshot from Shadowheart's Auto-12. And then it happened - Shadowheart went feral.
Shadowheart: Not again! No, I won't die underground!
His eyes began to glow and he grew, becoming bigger and wolf-like, his perk Unleash The Beast activating. Sharp claws replaced nails, his fangs grew larger, and his coat became longer. As he did, he removed his juggernaut suit, discarding it as his body outgrew it. Flashbang and Echelon could only look on as their son changed before their eyes, becoming the wild beast he hid in his core.
Shadowheart: Not my grave! Won't die here!
No one knew what to do, the slaves and Pecos terrified of what Shadowheart had become. And before they knew it, he was mauling and eating the ghouls and enemy Pecos, taking off down the tunnels. Without thinking, Flashbang took off after him, Echelon trying to follow her.
Echelon: Honey, we need to stop him!
Flashbang: No, we need him to lead us out!
Echelon was about something back, but Flashbang was gone, and he was left with their allies.
Echelon: Dammit! Alright, follow them! Now!
And without warning, he grabbed Shadowheart's Juggernaut suit and made the Pecos and slaves follow him.
Meanwhile, Flashbang was running as fast as she could, hoping to catch Shadowheart before he accidentally hurt someone on their side. Flashbang didn't know exactly what was going on, but in that moment, only her baby Shadowheart mattered to her.
Flashbang(in thought): My baby...what happened to you...?
Eventually, she caught him right before he exited the mine through the back way. She grabbed Shadowheart, the two of the hitting the ground and rolling. Shadowheart was snarling, clawing, and biting, but Flashbang's armor protected her, though it would have new marks on it. Once she was able to get him in her arms properly, sitting on the ground, she hugged him tightly, making him listen to her heartbeat.
Flashbang: Baby, baby, shhh, calm down, baby. It's alright, Shadowheart, we're not underground, you're not going to die.
After a few minutes, Shadowheart, still transformed, was crying his heart out, fear having overwhelmed him. But he wouldn't transform back for quite a while, though none of them knew that. Flashbang just sat there, petting Shadowheart and letting him cry.
When Echelon and them reached the exit, Echelon sent the Pecos and Slaves outside. He then went over to Shadowheart and Flashbang, kneeling beside them. When Shadowheart saw Echelon, he looked away, ashamed. It hurt Echelon's heart to see Shadowheart so upset.
Echelon: Son, it's ok, Poppa's right here with Momma. Please look at me son.
Shadowheart: Why? I'm a monster!
Echelon: You are not a monster. You're my son, my brilliant and strong son.
Shadowheart turned his head back to Echelon, looking into his eyes. Echelon nuzzled him, and Flashbang kissed him on his head.
Flashbang: Baby, I don't exactly understand what happened, but I think I might have an idea. But it's all going to be ok, baby.
Echelon pulled Shadowheart into a hug, not caring one bit about the blood that was getting on him.
Later, after they all met back up, Shadowheart hid behind Flashbang and Echelon, not knowing what the others would think. Titus was the first to ask about what happened.
Titus: Sister, what happened? You were out of radio contact for quite some time.
Birch: Wait, where's Shadowheart?
Flashbang bit her lip, unsure of how to phrase what had happened.
Flashbang: We had complications.
Kivaari: Complications, meaning…?
Echelon: Ok, there's no easy way to say it, and we can't hide it.
Flashbang: That's the thing..
Fault Line: Oh my…
Echelon: No, not that. It's something entirely different.
And then they stepped apart, revealing Shadowheart in his transformed state. The other's eyes went wide at the sight.
Titus: What in the stars…
Kivaari: Is that Shadowheart?
Fault Line and Birch were in shock, seeing their brother covered in blood, in the form of a half-wolf/half-pony creature.
Shadowheart: guys…?
The overwhelming silence was beginning to break his heart, and Shadowheart curled up into a ball. Flashbang gently picked him up.
Flashbang: I think we need to go back home until this is sorted out. Titus, Kivaari; stay here with Birch and Fault Line until you're all ready.
Titus nodded, and as they started to leave, Shadowheart began to cry again.
Later that evening….;
Shadowheart was laying down with Flashbang and Echelon, his mother singing an old Zebra lullaby to him, one she'd sung to Sanda long ago. They held Shadowheart in their arms, comforting their son. They had managed to help him get cleaned up, and get cleaned up themselves before laying down. After a moment, Echelon got up to put their gear away, and got Shadowheart something to settle his stomach.
Meanwhile, Titus and Kivaari did their best to figure out how to cope with the reality of what had happened. They could only guess what had happened, with all the blood dripping from Shadowheart's mouth. He'd killed and possibly eaten somepony, or several someponies….
Titus: ….But what made him turn into that?
Kivaari: I...i don't know, honey.
Fault Line: "Unleash The Beast"...
Titus and Kivaari turned to Fault Line.
Titus: What…?
Fault Line: Unleash The Beast. It's a perk me and Shadowheart were born with. I don't understand it very well, but I think I might know what he is; what i am. We're...Hengstwolves.
Kivaari: I...thought those were a myth, from before the bombs fell...how...how could you be Hengstwolves?
Titus: Hengstwolves?
Birch: A creature of myth, or so would seem. Some in West Ferniginia believed that if there was a legend or myth that wasn't true before the war, it is now, and if it was true then, it's different now. The megaspells changed everything.
FaultLine: It's true. Hengst Wolves, wendigos, even vamponies. And not only are me and Shadowheart Hengstwolves, but we're also vamponies. I figured it out and made a discreet method of allowing us to have blood if we can't drink it normally.
She pulled out a container of pills.
Fault Line: It's these.
Titus: And you're not afraid of telling us all that?
Fault Line: Why hide it? You're our family. But, I didn't expect what happened with Shadowheart today. What happened down there? What triggered his transformation?
Titus sighed and sat down, taking his niece into his arms, hugging her. She held tightly to Titus, nuzzling him.
Titus: It's ok, Fault Line.
Meanwhile, Birch just sat there crying, Kivaari holding onto him.
Back with Shadowheart, he'd calmed down some. Shadowheart just laid there, listening to his mother's heartbeat.
Flashbang: Baby, I need to know; why were you so scared?
Shadowheart: Momma, I thought I was gonna die.
Flashbang: Was it the ghouls? Or being underground?
Shadowheart: I felt like I was in the Ash Heap again when I was little…
Flashbang: What happened, baby?
Shadowheart: I was 5, and a big raider snatched me and took me to the Ash Heap. Our birth mom chased after the raider, and when we went into the Ash Heap tunnels, she was still following us. I was crying and the raider hit me to shut me up, but I was still crying and our birth mom got so mad, and turned into a monster like me. Before she found me, ghouls attacked the raiders and killed them, and almost ate me, but our birth mom killed them and ate them.
Flashbang: Nightfire turned into a creature like this?
Shadowheart: Uh-huh.
Just then, Echelon came in. He'd brought Shadowheart some razorgrain toast and water, as he'd been sick to his stomach from nerves ever since they left Brimstone's Fall.
Echelon: Here, son; this should make you feel better.
Shadowheart sat up and scooted back against the headboard, Flashbang taking the plate and the water, giving the plate to her son.
Shadowheart: Thank you, Poppa.
Flashbang: Just eat slowly, baby.
Echelon sat on the bed beside Shadowheart. Shadowheart took his time nibbling on the toast, drinking small sips of water.
Flashbang: Baby, tell your Poppa what you told me about Nightfire and the Ash Heap.
Shadowheart nodded and told Echelon what he'd told Flashbang, and he was just as surprised and curious.
Echelon: So, you got this from Nightfire?
Shadowheart: And my birth father was a vampony. Fault line says we're hybrids of Hengstwolf, Unicorn, and Vampony.
Echelon: This is a lot to take in. And it certainly changes a lot.
Flashbang: It does, but I think this shifts the balance in favor of us.
Shadowheart: What do you mean, Momma?
Flashbang: I think that it is no coincidence that you were born to a Hengstwolf and Vampony, and ones that loved you so much. And just as well, I believe it was written in the stars that you, Fault Line, and Birch were meant to our children, having lost your mother and father, and me having lost my son and husband. And so, I believe your transformation is a gift, one gifted to you so that you may be stronger than the wasteland. And this is a gift that needs to be mastered in order to unlock your true potential.
Shadowheart: But, how do I master it?
Echelon: Through training. If there's one thing I know that I can apply here, it's like acclimating to using a new spell or a new gun. You figure out what you can do, what your limits are, and break those limits, getting better.
Shadowheart: Then that's what I'll do. Starting tomorrow, I'll figure this out.
Flashbang: And we'll be right there beside you, baby.
Echelon: Yes, we will.
That night, Shadowheart slept curled up with his parents, his heart eased. When morning came, Shadowheart struggled to emerge from his slumber, pain wracking his body. His muscles ached from overexertion and he felt like he was starving. But, as he remembered Nightfire doing even when she was tired and worn, he pushed himself up and slid off the bed. He walked slowly to the bathroom and shut the door. Right inside on a chair was a set of clean clothes that mother had left for him. They were clearly on the oversized side, made for a big stallion.
Shadowheart: Adapt and overcome, I guess.
He picked through the clothes, holding them up against himself in front of the salvaged mirror in the bathroom. Once he was satisfied that all the clothes would work well, he stripped off his pajamas and stepped into the shower. Turning on the water, he let it wash over him and soak into his coat before washing himself. After he'd gotten a good shower, he dried off and dressed. He then walked downstairs, meeting his mother on the way.
Flashbang: So?
Shadowheart: The clothes fit pretty good, though it feels weird walking around without boots.
Flashbang: That's good. Now, let's get you some food and blood.
Shadowheart: So, you're ok with that, Momma?
Flashbang: Shadowheart, you're my baby, monster pony or not. Remember that.
Shadowheart smiled faintly and hugged his mother tightly. She hugged him back, kissing him on his forehead.
Shadowheart: I love you, Momma.
Flashbang: And I love you too, baby.
After they broke the hug, they went down to get some breakfast. Titus, Kivaari, Echelon, Birch, and Fault Line were there, eating. Fault Line was sipping on a blood pack. It was an odd sight, but they all knew it would soon become normal. When they noticed Shadowheart, they all smiled softly, wanting to remind him that he wasn't alone and that they still loved him.
Fault Line: So, how do you feel, big bro?
Shadowheart: I'm aching all over and starving, but otherwise, I'm feeling better.
Fault Line: That's good. So, how does all this affect the plan?
Flashbang: It alters it somewhat, but we're still sticking to our original objectives. This just means new tactical considerations, particularly with you possibly transforming under stress.
Birch: So, we're still assaulting Rosehoof Academy?
Flashbang: We are. And now, we have an advantage. But Shadowheart needs to gain control over this form for that to be possible. His mind, body, and soul must be in agreement for that to work.
Shadowheart: So, today, I started training to control it. We have five days to prepare for the assault on Rosehoof Academy. That's five days to figure this out.
Titus: Will that be enough?
Flashbang: It'll have to be.
That afternoon, Shadowheart was outside training, trying to remember how Nightfire fought. He had memories of her and how she acted in her Hengstwolf form, and those memories awakened his own instincts. When he felt he was ready for the hunt that his mother had planned, they went outside the walls of Fort Luna and she let him run wild. They did this routine for the next five days, progressively making it more difficult for Shadowheart so that he would be able to push himself and possibly unlock more of his potential. Every moment of it, his muscles ached and burned, pain wracking his body. But he didn't care. All he was focused on was becoming more acclimated to his new form. Every night after training, he'd come home to Fort Luna aching and sleepy, curling up with his parents. Even with all the pain, Shadowheart was happy. Training hurt, but he welcomed it, the pain of it better than the pain in his heart. He knew that Flashbang wasn't replacing his mother Nightfire, but he also felt that Nightfire was looking down on him, that she had led him to Flashbang, so that they could heal together.
The day that it came to assault Rosehoof Academy, Shadowheart had a good bit of control and he'd figured out most of what he could do. He felt confident that he could fight and sync with his parents and siblings the way he did before. That morning, when Shadowheart pushed himself out of bed, he still felt sore, but he wasn't going to rest until after they took the school back. After he got ready and met his family downstairs, Flashbang went over the plan. Titus had already briefed the assault force, so Flashbang was concentrating on what they would be doing.
Flashbang: Alright, so Rosehoof Academy was a richie sort of school back in the day, where all the rich colts and fillies went. Today, it's claimed by raiders. What we're gonna do is clear it out. We need it as a forward ops base. It has enough space to be used as a barracks and an armory.
Echelon: Plus, the school has a pretty big chemistry lab, so we can use it to manufacture medicines, ammo, and explosives. We'll move some of the reloading equipment from Stable 90 to the school and we'll set up a supply line with caravans from the school to Miramare and Fort Luna, and from the gem mines to all three places. Then we can assault The Stockyard.
Flashbang: As to what we'll face there, expect a lot of raiders. It's a pretty big school.
Shadowheart: Sounds pretty straightforward, Momma.
Flashbang: Honestly, it is. I don't think we'll get many ops like this, where the only problem is the number of enemies.
Birch: Well, I'd call that a blessing.
Flashbang: That it is, baby. Now, let's get going.
And so, they left Miramare, where they had slept the previous night, and headed straight for Rosehoof Academy with the assault force. To kick off the assault when they reached the Academy, Flashbang, Echelon, and Shadowheart silently killed the sentries three at a time, taking the raiders early warning system out. Then, they attacked. It was sudden, surprising the raiders. They couldn't respond well enough to organize a counter attack, and the Dead Stars swarmed the campus. Fast and brutal, the air was filled with the booming of shotguns and the chattering of MP5/40s against rifles and pistols of various types inside the school. Outside, Dead Stars snipers and marksponies took shots through windows and eliminated fleeing raiders. Shadowheart, though, was tearing through raiders with tooth and claw, mauling and ripping them apart and draining their blood. It was a bloodbath, and by the time they were done, Rosehoof Academy was theirs and not a single raider was left alive. The next step then was to remove the bodies and burn them, preparing the campus to be used by the Dead Stars. It was a major effort to clean it up, and would take a week. Over the next several days, as the campus was cleaned and equipment was brought up there for reloading cartridges and making explosives, they also set about repairing any damages to it, making it also a place where Dead Stars troops could stay. They made sure keep the barracks in a separate building
as far away as possible from where they were making the explosives. After a few days of that, Shadowheart and his family returned to Miramare to prepare to take The Stockyard. Taking The Stockyard would require having a halfway point as it was the farthest point in Zone 2. But once they had it, they would be one step closer to taking The Hoof. After the Stockyard, Zone 3 would be up.
Back at Miramare, Shadowheart got cleaned up, scrubbing the blood out of his coat. His olive coat was thick with blood that was starting to dry, as was his hair. It was frustrating for Shadowheart to get it all out, driving him crazy with how badly his coat and hair was matting and tangling. His tail was doing the same, and after he'd gotten out of the shower and dressed, he asked his mother to help him with his mane and tail. Sitting on the bed as Flashbang tried to get the tangles out of his hair, Shadowheart wincing a few times as she did it.
Shadowheart: I-oww! Momma, I think it went- oww- well. Oww!
Flashbang: Sorry, baby. Your hair is pretty badly tangled. Maybe go a little easier next time when you wash your mane and tail. Maybe you need a stronger soap to get blood out better, if this is going to become the new normal.
Shadowheart: Yeah. Maybe one of the traders has -oww- something. Man, this sucks.
Once she got all the tangles out of Shadowheart's mane and tail, they went and had dinner with Echelon and them. After dinner, they laid down together to rest before starting to prepare for the next phase. Over the next three days, they prepared the artillery guns and made sure they would work. Fortunately, they did, and the guns were readied for the assault on The Stockyard. In the meantime, the assault force headed up to the halfway point on the map, their snipers and marksponies keeping them safe. The snipers were then sent ahead to recon The Stockyard while the assault force rested. During the night, Shadowheart, Birch, and Fault Line snuggled up with Flashbang and Echelon. In the distance, they could see the lights of the other zones beyond Zones 1 and 2. Even post-war, Hoofington was still a busy city at all hours. The difference was now there was no one to keep it together. Ponies had banded together in small communities or under the banner of different factions. Within the city, 100 Reapers, ponies of great strength but not necessarily of great character held true chaos at bay. It was these 100 ponies that they had to bring down, because now, these ponies bore the mark of the Spectres. Not all had welcomed it, and their leader had been exiled for his trouble. Flashbang hoped that she could turn and reform some of the Reapers, but she knew that she'd have to be careful with them. As they settled in to rest, she held Shadowheart close, looking up at the stars with him until they fell asleep. By now, he was back to normal, but he could transform at will, so that was a big advantage.