>Day hell if you remember.
>You are Anon, only human in this god-forsaken place as far as you knew. You had lost contact with your Royal Marine unit long ago, their comms and radios having had gone dark on the second day you arrived on this damned exploration mission. Your landing craft had crash-landed not too far from here, however, and it would seem that even in its broken-down state you did manage to use it as some form of shelter. You were running low on food though, the berries and fish that had sustained you thus far growing ever more scarce, no doubt with the ever-looming threat of having to go further into this forest coming all too real.
>You were worried of what lay within though, even with your trusty Glock 9mm and L85A2.
>Looking down, you note that you had once more made it to the edge of your cornered off area, the sounds of the forest before you blaring in all it’s glory; darkness looming over the world. 
>You had no choice, it was either venture on or die. As such, with gingerly slow movements, you would step over your line; weapon up and ready. One foot after the other you would go, swinging your primary at every corner as you passed it, lighting up the small area with your under-barrel flashlight. After every tree, and brush; every noise therein. Maybe the fear was getting to you? Perhaps, but in your eyes, this all seemed like a logical reaction given the situation. You were sure anyone else would have been just the same.
>So you would press on, the sudden crunching of branches drawing your attention, your heart racing as you began to go on high alert. The odd sound of something; screeching almost, would pierce your ears. This was then in turn followed by a loud roar, ungodly in nature, and no doubt deadly in person. Another one would soon follow in turn, thumping footsteps literally shaking the ground beneath you. Not wanting to know who and or what it could be, you book it in a random direction, forgetting the path behind you.
>Suddenly the world beneath you would give way, looking down as a massive pit-fall opened up beneath you, screaming as you tumbled down into the hole, slamming your head into the ground below. Darkness would soon enough take over you, the same screeching from before being the last thing that you heard above you.
……
>You are Azure Shadow
>Looking down at the pit beneath you, you would just hold your breath for a moment in awe of this plan actually having had worked. Your right fore-hoof still gently wrapped around the hilt of your blade, as you slowly move around the rim of the hole that was created. The scouts had noted an unknown being for some time now, the body and looks of the being matching that of those age-old descriptions of a legend of a bygone time. In their haste of fear for what they assumed was their end, they had opted a plan on hand to capture and kill him. 
>” We must kill the HYUMEAN,” they said. “He threatens the very existence of our life,’’ they would add. 
>” He was made of dark magic, we should burn him,’’ another would happen to say.
>In all this hysteria you had decided it best to get a better look of the supposed HYUMEAN yourself, having had found him being an idiot and stumbling into a Manticore’s feeding ground. More so despite you screeching for him to get away, it only resulted in him running like a filly on its first hunt. You supposed this worked in your favour, but still.
>Not choosing to take any chances, you draw your blade, the wind rushing past your long, blue mane. Your dark grey fur literally standing on edge, as you flapped your similarly dark blue wings, descending into the pit. Finally seeing the size of this being amazed you. He was at least as tall as the princesses! None the less, he also seemed to be covered in this odd…armour of sorts, with it being hard to the touch. Your blade none the less seeming able to pierce it when you slashed at it. This was good, so at least he was able to be damaged should need be. He also dawned this odd…helmet of sorts, this time being of a material your sword was not able to pierce. Among him, there were also these weird metallic-looking objects, the designs beyond alien to you in the fullest. 
>Moving down to the smaller one, you begin to roll it over in your hooves, some weird combination of metal and a trigger mechanism that looked akin to that of a crossbow. Choosing not to mess with it further should it actually be the same, you come to disarm the man before you, pulling off his helmet as well to unveil his head of hair and green skin. With your blade firmly pressed against his neck, you would come to back-hoof him in the face, a loud grunt of pain being heard from him, as his eyes shot open, moving to say a word before freezing at the sight of you. That and your blade that was oh so close to beheading him of course.
“Who are you? Identify yourself! Are you the HYUMEN!?”
>His eyes only brought that of confusion, almost as if you were something out of this world.
…..
>You are Anon again.
>Your lovely nap being interrupted by a hard slap to your face. You guessed it to be one of your commanders or something. Perhaps with all this mess being just one long dream with you having been in a coma? Alas, the dream was not over, as you open your eyes to reveal…the fuck? Looking down at you was some sort of…horse, bat-thing. More so a horse, bat-thing with a sword pressed up to your neck, demanding if you were something called a HYUMEN. How hard had you hit yourself on the way down again? Trying to reach for your weapons, you come to find that you were indeed stripped of them, your helmet being gone as well. It would also seem that if you tried to make any sudden movements the sword only got closer and closer to making you a shish-kebab. You had to play this girl’s game. For now at least.
“I haven’t the foggiest of what you’re talkin’ about ma’am.”
Now it was her turn to gather a look of confusion. This, in turn, is quickly replaced with the same cold expression she had on before, trace hints of something else though; you could tell.
>” Oh really now? Why are you all the way out here then!?”
>Now that information was classified, and as much as you would “love” to explain Britan’s secrets to her, the protocol still stood.
“I’m sorry but that’s classified.”
>This simply seemed to confirm something in her mind, her anger seeming to spur onto you. Her mouth opening to reveal…fucking hell! Fangs?! What the bloody hell was this? Some kind of demonic, vampire horse?! With the situation clearly escalated here, you simply wait for her to calm down, the snarl still settling on her brow.
>” Alright, you’re coming with me.”
>Hefting you up by one of her hooves, you come to feel your hands being held behind your back as she placed the sword to your neck. You could hear the clanking of metal indicating that she was picking up your gear as well, the pokes of the blade indicating that she wished for you to walk.
>” Your equipment is coming with me as well.”
>With that you find yourself being ordered to move up the side of the pit, from there being moved off in some random-ass direction. Add that to the pitch-black darkness, and you were basically stumbling into an ambush at this point. But none the less you pressed on, the trees beginning to split off into these odd, unknown formations. Almost as if it was constructing a path within the misty blackness. At about forty-five minutes into the walk however, you note the trees having vanished from sight, the darkness being almost a void in itself. The sounds of fluttering could be heard out and about, as the eyes of the one behind you glowed an almost disturbing amber. Feeling the poke now indicating you to the right, you follow suit, stepping into the nothingness.
>What rose up before you though was something you would have never expect. From the guidance of the moonlight, you would come to see the unnatural sight at hand. Large hollowed-out stone walls covered that of the entrance almost like a gate, stretching as high as the trees that encompassed the entirety. All around; dotted about no less, were in turn houses. Old in design by the looks of it, being made out of wood and a little stone here and there. The lights from the homes seemed to be that of smaller based fires, noting that it seemed to burn via some unknown material as you passed by one. You also note some small bridges connecting too and fro some of the crossroads to the buildings, some bodies of water lying beneath them. In all reality, seemed like your typical 12th-century town.
>Without another moment to admire, you are pushed off to the side, and into a bigger house into the back.
>” Hands on your head, turn around, and step through the door.”
>Seems the lass was knowledgeable in some form too. Interesting, quite interesting. None the less, you comply, turning around with the bade on your front, slowly stepping back; ever step possibly your last.
>Finally though, you would hear the door coming to shut, the light in here being something that you could adjust reasonably too. The insides of her house seemed to be simple as well, nothing but a table and a few chairs off in the corner of the main room. On the floor, there was a simple rug, and to the right, you could only guess was a small kitchen of sorts given by the sight of shelves and cupboards. Off to the left, you could also see what looked like a bedroom, the curtains and dresser of sorts no doubt giving it away.
>Dropping your gear in the corner, the bat-like horse would come to slowly move her weapon down. This was your opening at hand, moving swiftly as your training had thought you to. With god-like speed you would place your hand onto the hoof that she held the sword with, breaking the connection with your other arm, forcing her to drop the weapon. From there you slip up from behind, her loud screeching piercing your ears as you grabbed her into a chokehold. 
>” Gah! I should have killed you when I had the chance!”
“Not on your life luv. Now tell me, who the bloody hell are you?”
>” Now why should I-gah! Tell y-you that!”
>It was clear she was struggling, beginning to gasp for air; trashing her hooves about. 
”Because it’s probably the only thing savin’ you from a bloody death.”
>” T-They were right-gah! Y-You are the HYUMEN! Y-Your nothing but at-threat!”
“Again, I don’t know what you’re talkin’ about lass. My name is Sergeant Anonymous, and nothing more than that.”
>” Liar! Y-Your t-tricks and lies won’t get to m-me this time HYUMEN!”
>Rolling your eyes to her you suddenly hear the creaking of floorboards, both of your heads spinning to the source of the sound. Before you stood a rather young bat-horse, having a shorter version of this one’s hair, the bangs still reaching partially down her face and back. She, however, sported the same colour scheme as what you would assume….was her mother?
>” Mommy…what..what’s happening?”
>Looking back and forth between the both of them, you could see the rage building up in her amber eyes, venom trickling from her words as she said the next lines.
>” K-Kill me if you must…b-but spare her. S-She-gah has d-done nothing to you.”
>Instantly your mind was wracked with remorse. You couldn’t take this child away from her mother. This was unethical. While yes she had met the standard set to engage a target, she still hadn’t shown any signs of actually wanting to kill you. Granted her words of confession were otherwise, but still; you couldn’t. Releasing your grip on her, she would instantly fall to the ground, collapsing with a loud grunt. Her daughter rushing over to check on her mother without a second to waste. 
>Her response to that would be to cover her daughter, wings flared to block her, but her eyes radiating something else besides that anger you could tell all too well.
……
>You are Azure Shadow
>And at this time, you didn’t know how to react.
>If the stories were to be believed, he was indeed a being of pure hate and rage. Somepony who would go to every length possible to destroy his enemy. More so, he would show no remorse in any situation and would have slaughtered not only you but your daughter as well. However, this was not the case.
>It was as if he gave mercy for a reason you couldn’t quite explain, tilting your head once more, as your daughter slowly peeked out at him, moving ever so closer to his leg. Reaching forward you try to stop her, but this was to no avail.
>” Why did you hurt mommy? You meanie!”
>What would follow was a sight you never thought you would see in a million years, your daughter hitting the HYUMEN right in his leg, and what looked like him wincing and going to his knees.
>” I’m sorry, your mum tried to hurt me, and I simply responded in the way I was trained to do.”
>This was…unreal. He had to be lying, he just had to be!
“Starry, come back here.”
>” Yes mommy.”
>With that your daughter is thankfully returned to your hooves, once more with your protectively standing over her.
”Go wait in the bedroom and lock the door, ok? Mommy will be there soon.”
>” But..”
“Now Starry.”
>Hearing a sad sigh in response, she begrudgingly obeys, hoofing her way into the bedroom and locking the door as you stood up properly. You kept your gaze locked onto him none the less, your amber eyes coursing with mixed feelings of both anger and curiosity.
“I need to speak to somepony, would you hold your word if I asked you to stay here?”
>” I’ve got nothin’ to do, and nowhere ta’ go. You don’t have to worry about me lass.”
>Nodding ever so slowly, you come to pick up your blade once more, walking out the door backwards with your weapon at the ready once more; the door closing quickly as it was opened.
>Trotting past the middle-lake bridges, you come to arrive at the point of entry. The Council Chambers. The home of the bats who had originally made the entire fuss about taking care of this…”Sergeant Anonymous”. Once past the main doors, you are instantly greeted by one of the guards looking after the area. With a nod he allows you to pass, going down the hall, and up the stairs, you knew all too well. Atop would lay a pair of dark-oak doors, golden handles adorning them both. Upon opening, you would come to once more be greeted by the three bat-ponies you knew all too well.
>” Azure? What a pleasant surprise. What brings you here?” One would come to ask. A Dark grey stallion, with a white mane and green-ish wings.
>” Have you any information on the HYUMEN?” Another would add. A mare this time, of purple hair and wings. Added to her light grey coat.
“Yes my councillors,’’ you would begin. A lump welling in your throat, as you began to ponder the events that had transpired. No, it was simply an act of mercy, he was trying to get into your head. You had to tell them the truth! You had to tell them that you had managed to relocate him to your home. But wait! What if they think you a traitor? What if they thought you differently for not killing him on the spot? 
>” Well Azure? Please, time is of the essence,’’ the white-maned stallion would come to say. His tone dripping with slight impatience.
“I…saw him heading to the North of this location, out into the greater forest. It is currently unknown as to if he will return anywhere close to Hollow Shades, but if he does I will alert you.”
>Your heart was basically beating out of your chest at the lie, holding your breath as soon as you said it; hoping for the best.
>Thankfully it would seem that there was a saving grace to be had, the bat-pony stallion nodding in approval to your report.
>” Very well then, if that is all?”
>You come to nod and as just as quick as you entered, you were gone, racing down the steps and out the door at a break-neck speed. It felt like utter seconds till you made it back to your home, slowly opening the door to revel…honestly, your jaw nearly dropped to the floor at what you saw.
…..
>You are Anon again.
>Tilting your head with a sigh, you come to watch as the bat-horse left to go do…whatever it was that she had to do. Not wishing to be a problem to her, however, you come to pick up your weapons, sitting back against the wall as you started disassembling them for a well-needed cleaning.
>First your Glock, making sure the weapon was clear after taking out the mag. From there, you click the buttons to remove the top, removing the springs and the likes. Pulling free a rag from your back pocket, you come to wipe free the grime and muck that had built upon it, going down into the upper receiver as well. Once done, you slap it back together, racking the slide back and locking it into place. Good, that took care of your sidearm, now onto the Primary. However this would not come to pass, the sounds of an opening door catching your attention.
>It was the filly. 
>Tilting her head to your gear, she comes to slowly trot her way down to you, picking up your Glock in her hoof.
>” What’s this mister?”
>While the weapon was not loaded, and held no threat to her, you still gently took it away, chuckling as you came to point the gun at the wall in your standard formation.
“This is somethin’ very dangerous. It can destroy anythin’ it encounters and isn’t a toy.”
>With that, she would move her way back to your primary once more moving to pick it up. Not knowing if it was cleared or not, you quickly grab it up; shaking your head no.
“This one’s even more dangerous.”
>The filly was still a child however, and children could be stubborn. Huffing lightly at her misfortune, she came to poke at your helmet.
>” What about this?”
>Now this wasn’t much of a problem. In fact…
“Oh, this? This is a helmet, it keeps anythin’ from hittin’ my head. You attach it via the straps and clip it on. Here, let me show you.”
>Picking it up, you gently place it on her head, taking care to mind her ears as you strapped her up. However, the helmet would come to fall over her amber eyes; a giggle being drawn out.
>” I can’t see.”
>Chuckling along with her, you were interrupted by the sound of the door opening. Looking up, you see that it was the mother, looking quite..shocked? Yep, that was shocked alright. Hell, it looked like she had just seen a ghost.
>As for the filly, she just lightly tossed the helmet up to catch a glimpse of who had come through the door, running to her mother with a smile.
>” Mommy, the mister is really nice!”
>” Starry…I thought I told you to stay inside?”
>Her stern tone caused the filly to step down a bit, a pout forming on her lips.
>“I know…it’s just, I was curious about the mister, and I wanted to see more about him.”
>With that, the mother would just sigh, shaking her head. It was almost as if she had expected this, but at the same time, you could tell she was still slightly upset.
>” Fine. Just next time, listen to me ok? I’m only doing it for your own good.”
>The filly just nods in response, rushing back to you. You respond by gently unclipping the helmet and lifting it up off of her. Her doe-like amber eyes causing you to smile out of the utterly adorable sight on display. Resisting the urge to scratch behind her ears, you simply place the helmet aside, looking over to the mother once more.
“I assume you’re gonna kick me out?”
>In response she surprisingly shakes her head. Another sigh being drawn out as she responded.
>” No. While I still don’t quite trust you, I am not going to throw you out into the streets. Nor am I going to leave you to the council as well…they wish for something much worse done to you. As such, you’re going to have to stay here. You can sleep in the living room by all means.”
>This surprised you even greater, not expecting her to show any form of hospitality after you nearly suffocated her to death. None the less, you were thankful. More so with her assisting in protecting you against this supposed council.
“I greatly appreciate it, ma’am. I still haven’t gotten ya’ name though.”
>” Oh! My name’s Azure Shadow. As for my dear daughter, her name’s Starry Shadow.”
>At the mention of her name, the filly waves cutely at you, causing you to chuckle once more.
“Well I’m honoured to meet both you, and again, I thank you for your hospitality.”
>With that she nods in response, moving over to Starry and placing a wing over her as she ushered her over to the kitchen, by the looks of things you would assume she was going to give her (if your “bat time” was correct), her dinner. As it were, the time was two in the morning anyhow, so you were sure you were correct. The sounds of clinking plates could be heard, as well as the opening of a fridge; the scent of meat and fruit wafting out.
“So it seems these lot were omnivores eh? Interesting.”
>Interesting it was indeed, the sounds of her hooves clopping against the wooden floors as she came back around to you. 
>” Would you like something to eat?”
>The previous mission to find food was coming back to you, the growl of your stomach answering before you.
>In response, Azure simply chuckles, heading to the kitchen once more. Once she returned, a plate of what looked like mango slices and two slabs of fish were presented to you.
>” It’s not much, but it’s all I have at the moment.”
“It’s more than enough. Thank you again.”
>Digging into the Mangoes first, you come to savour the sweet flavour bursting into your tastebuds. The texture was noticeably softer than any of the mangoes you had eaten back home. The fish, however, was something extra. The distinct taste of seasoning seemed to be in play here, the texture a bit tougher. No doubt some form of drying of sorts was used in the preparation here. It was quite good none the less though.
>Azure was taken aback by your scarfing down of the meal, however, stepping back in response to it all. The same smile would return to its place quite quickly, however, added to a slight shake of her head.
>” Well, you clearly were staved. Would you like any more?”
>Deciding to politely decline, she nods once again, trotting back into the kitchen with the empty plate.
>It wouldn’t be long till the both of them return though, Starry waving you a kind goodnight. Replying with a simple wave of your own, you watch as Azure carries her off to the bedroom, watching her tuck the filly into bed, and kiss her goodnight. From there, she moves down under the bed, grabbing free a sheet or two. Making her way back out to you, she casually hands them over, adding a pillow to complete the set.
>Not wasting any time, you accept the trio of gifts, leaning the pillow back against the wall, and tossing the sheets to the side, as you began unstrapping the rest of your gear on your chest. First your plate carrier, and tac-vest. Then your secondary plate carriers for your lower body, your boots coming in at last. Laying them off neatly to the side, you come to nod once more to affirm that you were going to be fine, and once more as a thank you.
>And as a response? While there was still apprehension in her eyes, she gives a simple goodnight to you as well, dimming the lights till they were eventually snuffed out; the moonlight left to guide you. Tossing the sheets over you, you come to curl into a ball against the wall, feeling the chains of sleep finally ensnare you.
>Your dreams, however, were anything but lovely. Within the realm of sleep, you opened your eyes to reveal yourself in the same dark forest, an eerie glow of red covering the sky. Everywhere you looked there were trees, and with every step, it only seemed to get thicker and thicker. To make matters worse, it would seem as if you didn’t have your weapons and or armour. Furthermore causing your anxiety and worry to rise.
>Where the hell were you? You would come to wonder. Why was this place so deep as well? Was another one of the questions on your mind. Just one of the many that popped up in all reality. Continuing straight (as it was really the only way you could go), you end up reaching a sort of clearing. Within the clearing there stood this odd sense of weight in the air, almost as if something was watching you from a place you could not see. From the corner of your eyes though, you would make something else out, something that looked quite large.
>Turning your head you allow your jaw to drop, rushing over to the object in question.
>Hell, it wasn’t an object, it was one of your men. It was…all of your men. Falling to your knees in pure horror, you try your best to get them to wake up. This results in nothing of the sort, however, as your answer happen to be only lifeless corpses. Tears would begin to sting your eyes, as you began to question as to who could have done this. Who could have been so barbaric to have done these acts to them? Turning one of them over, you come to note a pair of puncture wounds on his neck. Then another, and another.
>Jumping back upon finding your revelation, you come to turn about, hearing a snickering among the winds of the trees. Almost like screeching of sorts. Somehow you could already tell what was coming, but you feared the truth of its reality.
>The answer came in a loud flap of wings, the screech being utterly ear-shattering. Spinning around, you come to step back fists raised. However, this was to no avail, as you were tackled to the ground. It felt like a truck slamming into you as it were, the wind being knocked out of you. Looking up, you only get to see two amber eyes for a final moment, before the assailant was down to your neck, biting into it feverishly. Yelling and kicking, you try your best to toss the being off, but once more, it was to no avail. This was your end, your final stand. In a way, it was peaceful, your senses beginning to slip as more of your blood was drawn out.
>Just then a flash of light, blinding as the sun, but of a blue hue could be seen. And as if the scene was snapped out of existence, it was all over, seeing nothing but white for a moment, before bolting up, panting in pure agony. 
>What was that? What the actual fuck was that?
>You probably would never know, but you also knew you were not getting any sleep after all that, the sun’s rays lancing into your face like an old friend. Or more like an annoying one, especially after the events that had occurred.
>The best plan of action, was to do something, hell anything. More so she did offer you her home to stay, it was the least you could do.
>And with that you arise, dusting your T-Shirt and pants off, before moving off into the kitchen, grabbing a broom and getting to work.
“And done,’’ you mutter to yourself as you looked around the place.
>You had practically spit-shined the place in its entirety. The kitchen was spotless, the dishes were stacked, the fridge was cleaned. More so, you had also managed to clean the entire living room from top to bottom, not a speck of dust to be seen. You had to say you were indeed proud of yourself, even though having taken about half of the day to do all of this. You had also personally managed your weapons back to a more pristine condition, both your guns laying unloaded in the corner, the mags of each lined out as you ran a check-list on your ammunition. You thankfully had more than you thought, about 6 mags for the L85A2, and 4 mags for your Glock. You also lucked out with two smoke grenades, two flashbangs, and one frag. 
>Your armour had taken quite a beating though, the vest in itself being slightly cut up, small parts of the plates that lay within showing in its metallic glory. The plates in themselves weren’t damaged however, thank fuck for that.
>The same went for your lower piece, having found no damage on those parts whatsoever either. Again, thank fuck for that.
>Looking around for as something else to do, you also settle in on getting more food for the duo.
>Yeah, yeah, you know they said don’t go out due to the council hunting your ass, but still, you felt like it was only right.
>As such, you strap back up your gear, slotting the mags into their respective pouches, and slotting one each into your weapons. Racking back the slides on each to chamber them, you come to slowly approach the door, peering out the small window atop. Nobody in sight. Good, very good. You also assumed these bat-horses were nocturnal, so even more so in your favour of going out now than later.
>So with that, you creak open the door, slowly pushing it back and closing it. The tumblers of the lock creaking even with your gentle movements. Once outside, you survey the area, making sure there was no possibility of one of them having been awake and prowling around the mid-afternoon. 
>Satisfied with the answer of nothing in that case as well, you slowly make your way North. Back into the evil that was the forest. Wincing at the returning memories of that damned nightmare, you do your best to shrug it off; thankfully in your favour as well.
>Once in the thick of the brush your senses were on high alert. Looking for anything along the lines of fish, fruit, and possibly other things like rabbit and the likes. Each creak, crunch, and twitter causing you to swing your Glock in your hands to it.
>The sound of rushing water about five meters or so to the West instantly did, however, catch your attention. Sprinting over to it, you smile at your fortune in the matter, a solid stream, more so with a good supply of fish swimming down into it.
>Deciding not to let the water go to waste either, you down the remainder in your canteen, refilling it with nature’s generous offer. From there, you move over to the fish in question, looking around for a branch of sorts that would assist. Thankfully finding one of moderate length, you manage to sharpen down the edge, narrowing it down at the fish below. You had to be precise and on time. One misplaced shot would just simply scramble the lot of them.
>So with that you take aim, and…SPLASH!
>The impact sent water going every which way, the answer being….nothing.
>Fuck.
>Sighing to yourself, you come to set back up your shot once more, looking for the sight of one choosing to swim just too close for comfort.
>Needless to say, this was going to be a long, long evening.
>And indeed it would be, as the sun started to reach the point of setting, marking the evening’s turning point. Before you stood about ten fish, freshly killed, and gutted. That added to some other meat like a rabbit that you managed to snare in a little trap you made up. Needless to say, you were indeed proud of yourself.
>Deciding it was best that you get out of the area and back to Azure’s home before the other bat-horses woke up for the night, you hefted your catch onto your back via the little holding you put together with leaves and roping cut from the trees.
>However, the trip back was not going to be an eventful one.
>For you see, about half-way back to the entrance of the village, you spun around, the loud lumbering sounds of what you could only describe as a monster could be heard.
>Loud roaring emanating from the tree-line of something you knew all too well. It was the exact same roaring that you had heard on your first trip into the forest, to begin with.
>Turning around, you place your catch to the side, swinging your sidearm over to the front, moving ever so cautiously back.
>Luck would not come to your aid this time however, as the beast finally made an appearance.
>And gods above, was it one ugly mother-fucker.
>It looked like something Dr Frankenstein would have crafted in his lab, the combination of what you could only tell was a lion, scorpion, bat, and some other somethings. Seems Earth’s descriptions of Manticores were on point no?
>None the less, it was certainly not friendly, snarling aggressively at you upon sight. It’s teeth bearing like a thousand rows of knives ready to gut into its prey. Its eyes were on the fish, however, no doubt having been in its hunting area. 
>Perfect, just fucking perfect.
>Breaking into a charge, the beast would move in an attempt to slash at you, you having rolled to the side to narrowly avoid the world-ending paw. On instinct, you hold your gun up to centre mass, squeezing the trigger off in tandem with two where you could only assume its heart was. Sadly it seemed to be only doing fuck all, as the monster only roared in annoyance. You know, despite the visible signs of blood.
>Fucking great!
>Rolling to the side to dodge yet another slash of its paws you come to reassess your approach. Disable from the knees perhaps? Or maybe you should have just gone for the head.
>Still, you knew not if it was armoured up there or anything, the looks of it only revealing fur. Though it could have been well thick enough to at least block out some of the rounds, so knees it was.
>So with that, you would once more narrow your weapon, targeting the left knee joint. Squeezing it twice, the rounds would sound off, ripping through the air as they hit their target. Roaring in agony, it would start to go down like a mighty oak, your face dawning a smile of the impending victory. 
>Once more you would hit the side, sending off three rounds into its back legs, forcing the monster down onto its knees, the eyes of pure bloodlust focusing in on you.
>Certain of your win at hand, you didn’t see it’s other paw moving to the right, even more so when it inverted it’s direction mid-air, slamming you with three large claws worth of damage. Screaming out in agony, you would end up being tossed like a rag doll of to the side, blood dripping free from a few gashes in your arms, legs, and chest. 
>Struggling to get back onto your feet though, you slowly aim your weapon to its head, sending two more rounds off into its temple. One signifying roar of pain, and then…nothing.
 
>The sight before you of the dead monstrosity brought a laugh to your lips, roaring like a mad-man as you basked in your kill at hand. Holstering your weapon though, you come to once more pick up your catch of the day, lumbering back to Azure’s home. Seeming to make it back in time too, as you heard the sounds of the bedroom door opening.
>” Well I hope you slept well…Anon…”
>Her words being drawn to a stop as she looked down at your damaged state, your idiotic smile on full display, you placed the meats to the side.
“Caught you somethin’.”
>Falling to your knees, she runs over, just so happening to catch you in the nick of time.
>Her amber eyes showed nothing but fear and concern as she scrambled to assess your injuries.
>” What the hay happened!?”
“I t-thought it b-best ta’ get you somethin’. After all, y-you were nice enough to lend me your home.”
>” So your logic was to go and get yourself killed? What even did this?”
“Some w-weird scorpion-l-lion thing.”
>Her eyes would shoot open at the mere mention of that. Her hooves moving faster than you had ever seen before. With your tac vest detached, she moved your shirt up to reveal your bare, green chest. Blood dripping about from the seething cuts. 
>” Just stay still, I’ll be back in a moment.”
>Not choosing to really do anything but, you watch as she runs to the back of the house, the amber eyes of Starry coming into play as she gazed upon your battered form.
>Giving the filly a smile none the less, she runs up to you, tears flaking her eyes.
>” I-Is something wrong mister. A-Are you going to be ok?”
>It pained you to watch her like this, but the trusting nature of a child, also in brought their innocence. In the end, a nod was all you could give to reassure her, as her mother came rushing back.
>” Starry, stand clear of him.”
>” But..”
>” Just please Starry.”
>The cracking tone of her voice was probably the kicker, but Starry simply nodded in return. From there, Azure began to dab your wounds clean, the burning sensation of the chemicals causing you to internally wince, but you held your tongue. From there, she slowly wrapped your chest with a bandage, leaning you back against the wall as she surveyed your body post-treatment. You could see the beginnings of tears flaking her own eyes, but she simply blinks them away.
>What came next though, you did expect, her hoof once more slapping your right over the face. Grunting in agony, you come to open your eyes back to one stray tear running down her cheek, causing you to shut up.
>” What the hay were you thinking?! “
“Just thought i-it would be best Azure.”
>Huffing at your baseline of an answer, she gently moves to the leaves covering the meats. Peeling back outer ones, she steps back a bit, quite surprised at the factor. More so, when she noticed that there was rabbit meat in the mix of things.
>Not quite knowing what to say, she turns around to you, despite her scowl, having no choice but to smile ever so slightly. None the less, doing her best to hide it.
>” Thank you…,’’ she would come to mutter out ever so softly. 
“No problem at’ll.”
>With that she comes to sigh, moving off with the catch in her hoof. Starry, however, would move over to you, slowly sitting in your lap, and placing her wings around you. Again those teary eyes were getting to you, moving your hand up to brush them away.
“Hey, I’ve been through worse Starry, don’t worry ‘bout me.”
>This, however, wasn’t enough for the filly, her eyes welling up with even more tears as she nuzzled her head ever so closer to your chest. It was both adorable and quite sad to look at, as you knew exactly why she was doing this. She was afraid of losing you. Quite frankly you didn’t expect her to latch onto you in this short of time, but here you were. Here you were indeed.
>As such, you simply just run your hand through her mane, hoping to soothe whatever dark thoughts that may happen to cross her mind.
…..
>You are Azure Shadow
>And quite frankly you were confused this time around.
>Why did he do this? Why would he risk life and limb to go up against a Manticore, just to get food for you and Starry? Was it a means of honour? Was it something his kind did naturally? You didn’t know quite what to think anymore, given the events that had transpired. While you wanted to be against him given that he matched everything your councillors stated to be the HYUMEN, he was also beyond kind and showed little to no form of active aggression.
>Sighing to yourself, you just opt to prep the fish and the Rabbit, laying the meat out, and beginning to take care in slicing them up; seasoning as you went. 
>You supposed he wasn’t bad, cause really, how could he be? He had been kind to Starry and all, even doing his best to calm her nerves with the state that he was in. 
>Perhaps you wouldn’t know, or maybe it would just take time.
>However, unknown to you or him, you wouldn’t have much of it, for within the brush Anon and the Manticore, weren’t the only ones present during his scuffle.
>For the most part, the night wouldn’t be anything eventful. Coming to midnight, you finish up making the food, heading back to see Starry still laying in Anonymous’s lap.
>It again was an odd thing to see, this supposed destroyer of your kin, simply so…well, you had no other word to say it, but kind. Moving over to him, you slowly lay yourself down, Starry perking up ever so slightly.
>Turning to face you, she smiles a slight smile, slowly arising from her perch on his lap. From there she repositions herself into that of a sitting stance, but still not moving away from him.
>You still couldn’t think of why she could possibly like him this much, this fast. Was it simple curiosity or was she seeing something you did not? Perhaps time would be the only answer to that question, as you looked upon the “HYUMEN”, noting that he was indeed…asleep? Huh, well this was...unexpected.
>Trying to get Starry to move though, was a lesson in futility though, causing you to softly sigh, rolling your eyes while a smile once more graced your features.
>Perhaps it really was something you couldn’t see.
>Hearing him stir though brought bought of your attentions up, his eyes slowly coming to, as he stretched his arms; wincing as he did.
“Hey take it easy, you still need a bit more time to heal.”
>He seems to take that to heed, slumping back against the wall after failing to get up two more times.
>Opening your mouth to say something, you quickly retract it, going back to the staring session. You had to admit though, he was quite something now that you got a good look of him. He was clearly rather fit for his body makeup, his eyes having the look of something that you did not wish to thread into. It was fierce, but at the same time caring.
>Finally realizing what you were doing, you just look away, shaking your head lightly, as you looked back up to him; grin present on his face. 
>” See somethin’ you like?”
“Shut up!” You exclaim, your cheeks lightly puffed out. An embarrassed blush no doubt painting your dark grey cheeks.
“Why did you do this anyway?”
>This seemed to bring about a pause in him as if trying to process what you had said.
>” Come again?”
“You heard me, why did you do all this? Risk your life for some simple fish?”
 >” Because it was the right thing ta’ do.”
“What are you talking about?! We could have easily gotten more food, you didn’t have to-“
>You are instantly caught off by his sudden interruption.
>” It wasn’t about the fish. It’s because you lot were nice enough to keep some random, possibly dangerous individual in your home. It was the least I could do.”
>You were shocked, stunned even more so than you ever thought you could be. This…this couldn’t be true, could it? This had to be some sort of lie, some sort of trick. The look in his eyes, however? Well, it showed nothing but the truth. Unable to think or comprehend what you had just come across, you ask the only logical course of questioning.
“Who are you really?”
>You are Anon.
>Who were you really? Quite frankly that was a question beyond space, and time itself. Something you couldn’t quite answer in a day; nor in a year. But in the end, you supposed you could muster a baseline of it.
>Still, you worried what she would think of it. Would she fear you? Well..more than she already did that was? Or would she think you to be even worse of a threat than before? You supposed you would never know till you said, but again, that was where the origin of the problem lay.
“Who am I? Lass, I honestly ask myself that every day. But the real answer happens to be what I said before. Sergeant Anonymous, 45th Royal Marines, of Her Majesty’s Royal Navy.”
>She just looked on in even more shock and confusion. Then again, you wouldn’t expect anything different given what you had just said.
>” So…I’m guessing you’re not from around here, are you?”
>You could note her moving back ever so slightly, no doubt worried about this new revelation. Her eyes, slightly darting back to the door, and to her daughter. You didn’t understand why she would be though, again, you were injured.
“You’d be right in assumin’ that, yes.”
>” Then where did you come from?”
>Once more the worry of spilling secrets came to reality, the again the possibility of what she would think of you when she heard the truth. You saw no reason for her to report you to the council after all that occurred, but…you never knew.
“You’d best sit down for that one luv.”
>And indeed, that she would, gently laying down in front of you, her wings furling for a moment, before being settled to her sides. Without a word, those amber eyes would pierce right back into yours, the ability to hold any form of a lie, no doubt washed away in those mere moments.
“Now, I suppose it’s best we start from the beginnin’.”
>Be Anon, one month ago.
>You and your lot had just gotten back from a tour in Afghanistan, providing assistance to advisors and high-class individuals, as well as taking on the task of one or two inflictions of combat whilst you there. Your mind was on the thoughts of what was to come, however, that in being, rest. Some well deserved time off indeed, was just what the doctor ordered.
>” Oi Sergeant, you comin’ with ta’ rest of the group? We’re gonna get shit-faced in the pub down on Downing Street.”
>That was Lance Corporal James Conner, General Purpose Machine Gunner, and leader for second squad. A spunky and brass type of fellow, always the one to get into the heat of things. From his short and spiky blonde hair to his endearing, piercing green eyes and pale skin; you supposed it served him well.
“Perhaps, no promises on that one.”
>” Oh come on sir, you can’t be serious, it’s tradition!”
>You chuckle lightly at his antics, sighing, as you rolled your eyes in disapproval. Tradition it may be, but you weren’t looking to get shit-faced quite yet.
>” Eh pay no mind to ‘im, he’s just got ‘is knickers in a twist.”
>That was Private Harry Oliver, another cheeky lad in the bunch, the medic over in Jack’s squad. His blue eyes and brown hair always slightly ever so off-regs, added to his brown skin that brought the looks of this lean-built man together. His Scottish rogue, never being something you quite hated hearing.
>” Oh I have a mind for you mate, just you wait.”
>Great bunch of lads them, idiots, but still a great bunch of men none the less. Turning to slip your rucksack over your shoulder, you stop as there is a sudden banging down on the doors next to your hall, and slowly making it’s way to your door.
>In the end, it turned out to be another one of your privates, looking frazzled as ever.
“Private, what is the meaning of this?!”
>” Sorry ta’ intrude sir, but the Lieutenant wants the entire platoon for briefing in the hanger.”
>Just what the fuck was going on? There wasn’t a scheduled debrief now. What could have possibly gone wrong to order such a thing at this hour? You wouldn’t know, but you obeyed none the less, Harry and James following suit.
>The trip itself wasn’t that long, about a ten-minute run. Once there, the large metallic doors would give way to a massive hanger, soldiers rushing too and fro, as the rest of the platoon were all gathered at a small terminal on the side. Before them stood your First Lieutenant, Taylor O’Brien. A very, very rugged-looking man, sporting a well-groomed head of black hair, to his muscular, pale-skinned body. His blue eyes, deep and piercing. 
>Rushing up to him, he instantly takes notice to the matter, nodding in response.
>” Glad of you ta’ join us. Now, let’s get down to business.”
> Something big was about to go down, you could tell.
>” Not too long ago, there was an…incident, in the deserts of Afghanistan. Command, (in all their great knowledge), decided against tellin’ us, and as such, sent in three squads of S.A.S operators; commanded by one, Captain Smith Brown.”
>On the screen there lay a man with slicked-back blonde hair, green eyes, and a scared, pale-skinned face. Unlike others in the military, he dawned a well-groomed beard to boot, but you supposed that to be an indicator of special operations.
>” Upon landing, they were tasked with securing the area of operation, and investigating whatever it was that was there. Needless to say, we lost contact with them two days ago, and have since been listed as MIA, worst situations assumed.”
>This…wasn’t good, not in the slightest. If a squad of the best of the best were downed, this was a threat akin to no other. 
>” This is what we got back at the time of them goin’ down.”
>And with that, multiple screens would flash into existence, the names of the S.A.S operators displayed above them in full.
>You are Captain Smith Brown.
>And this was a mission of oddity in its finest.
>Your team was tasked with something simple, explore and secure the unknown opening that was located approximately four klicks off the location of a well-known insurgent operating ground. Command’s logic being, that it was some form of new weapon developed, and it was indeed of utmost importance that you shut it down. That, and or get as much information you could on the device itself.
>None the less, this led you to what was currently happening. Your squad loaded to the teeth with arms, as you five were Black-Hawked to the location. 
>The plan of action was to rope down about a klick out from the target, making the rest by foot. Once arriving at the location, a squad of your men would hold overwatch whilst the rest of you entered via a secondary rope. Once the main force was in, the overwatch would rope in with the rest, the mission being set for one hour after landing.
>” ETA ten seconds to drop point.”
>It was now or never, this was the point of no return. With steely determination, you nod to the rest of your squad, no reply being needed to affirm your decision.
>Upon making it to the landing area, the dust would kick up in billows, five ropes being dropped off on either side of the helicopter. Your medic and Sniper head out the right side with you, whilst your GPMG gunner, and second rifleman went down the left.
> The other squads would follow in tandem, the sounds of the helicopter rotors soon clearing off. As it were, you were on your own.
>As it were, the march wasn’t that long of a one either. Well, perhaps it was, but you weren’t really paying attention to see if your legs were sore or not.
>As for the location itself, it only looked like an ever-deepening hole. By the looks of things, stretching about 2 Kilometers in diameter. The world below it’s opening only expanded into it’s never-ending black. It basically radiated worry.
>Still, the mission was a go no matter how daunting the task ahead looked.
>Dropping the ropes over the abyss of an entrance, you begin your descent. As it were, you had to say, hell had nothing on this. 
>As for what you saw? Nothing but darkness for most of the trip, having had to switch to Night-Vision a solid halfway into it. 
>That was of course, until you felt a sudden lurch, looking up, you see nothing for a second, the odd feeling of weightlessness accompanying you.
> "What was happening?" You would come to wonder, such thoughts soon enough silenced by the matter of air rushing past, blinding light shooting into your eye. 
>Needless to say, one thing was true, you were falling.
>A sudden lurching would come to bring your senses back online, the feeling of a branch and leaves consuming your entire sense of touch.
>By the looks of it, you and your other men had landed in a treeline, the other squads having had suffered similar fates. Seems that the overwatch squad had also followed you down here, though quite frankly you couldn’t see them through the brush.
“IS EVERYONE OK!”
>You get groans of affirmation back, at least telling you that your men were alright. Well, that you would come to hope. 
>Slowly making your way down out of the tree, you manage to thankfully get down without much damage to be had. You know, barring a few cuts and bruises (and the occasional rip in your uniform/plate carrier), but that was to be expected. 
>Your men seemed to have made it through except…
>” Sir, Andrews is down.”
“Pulse?”
>” Negative sir.”
>Dammit! One down already, and you hadn’t the foggiest as to where the fuck you were.
“Grab his tags and ammo.”
>Nodding, your second rifleman picked up his mags and tags, handing them over to his squad’s leader and placing the mags away.
>By the looks of things though, you all had landed in some kind of a forest, the odd gradient of the sky and trees around the place marking it as definitely foreign. It was rather thick as well, the density stretching on as far as the eyes could see; bushes standing almost as tall as your knees. As it were, you were really in the thick of things here.
>” Where do you think we are sir?” The same rifleman would come to question, drawing nothing but a shrug of your shoulders from you.
“I don’t know Private, but keep your eyes on a swivel, you don’t know what kind of shite is down here.”
>And with that you would press on into the woods, your under-barrel lights clearing the path, as you and your team marched on into the darkness. Stationed at about five meters apart on either side. 
>Every crunch, every sound was slotted into consideration, the men in the rear making sure that nothing of substance was coming to. 
>Soon enough though, the brush thickened past it’s required point, the darkness consuming all that lay beyond. This, in turn, forced you and your men to switch to your NVG’s, and well…this was where it got…interesting.
>At once, you could hear something snap behind you, guns spinning back to where it could be.
>Then another, then another. A flutter of wings in addition to the matter, only making you question what was actually out there.
>Then, the madness truly began, a lancing light of green shooting out from the shadows, impacting your GPMG’s armour and dispersing about. Nothing more than a slight wince emanating from him.
>At once, you and your men got to your positions, opening fire in the general direction, and taking cover behind any rocks or trees that you could use. The matter of difficultly sadly lay in the fact that well, you couldn’t see what was hitting you. Even with the NVG’s, it would seem that the enemy slipped away with ease
>Still, you would keep the fire on the targets, the only refuge being in the fact of the audible cracking of bullets in the wind, no doubt impacting with something due to the sounds of what you could only assume to be screams.
>Despite this though, the raining hell of green would keep up, only increasing in intensity, the heat being literally face-melting. 
>” GAH!”
>” MAN DOWN! WE NEED A MEDIC!”
>Looking over to the side, you note that to your horror, that your Second Rifleman was downed, yelling in pain due to the literal hole burnt into his abdomen. By the looks of it, the…light? Yes, a light had happened to hit right on an exposed part in the plate carrier, causing him to have half a stomach, as he gasped for air.
>Watching said medic run over and drag him off, only to be burnt out in his attempt to save his fellow soldier was heart-breaking, but you did your best to keep your mind on the matter at hand.
>” FALL BACK! FALL BACK!”
>Without a second to spare, the rest of the troopers follow you back the way you came, the intensity of the light bolts now reaching a beyond overwhelming level. At this rate, none of you were going to make it out alive!
>Luckily you all managed to find cover behind a large boulder, the medic who had been hit still in your team’s possession, thrashing about wildly, as a few of your men tried to get him stabilised. The rifleman who was also been hit, gasping for air.
>” What’s the plan, sir?”
>What was the plan? You were up against an enemy you hadn’t seen before (and more or less couldn’t see, to begin with), and more so they were armed with weapons that you couldn’t even begin to describe. Even if you were taking them down, you were not going to last much longer given the state of things. Added to the depressing factor that a frontal assault would simply be suicide, you really didn’t know what course of action to take here.
> “SIR!”
>Snapping out of your thoughts, you thankfully turn up an idea at hand. Turning to your men, they all had slightly concerned looks dawned on their faces; and for good reason.
“Ok, here’s what we’re gonna do. Squad one you’ll draw the enemy’s attention off us with flashbangs and smoke, once that happens, I want the rest of you in squad two to suppress the targets whilst the remaining sneak around through the sides. Split into halves, two ta’ a side, that clear?!”
>” SIR YES SIR!” You would come to hear, resounding about the fires of battle, and hopefully being enough to restore some spirt to the men.
>Turning to your Sniper though, you give him the order to stand back and assist in the suppression. Also aiding in the care of your downed medic as best he could.
“Alright pop ‘em!” 
>And with that, they were off, the squad, in turn, tossing two flashbangs off, seemingly stopping the raining hell for a time being. Two smokes, in turn, followed, to which the plan was a go.
“HIT ‘EM HARD!”
>It was your turn, the combined, concentrated fire of nine S.A.S operators being enough to overwhelm the enemy, your squad being able to take up the corners, as you caught a slight glimpse of what you were dealing with. 
>Your face turned to that of shock for a second at what monstrosity lay before you, almost like some kind of demonic bug in your general view. 
>It was in turn taken out, the sounds of frantic buzzing sounding off, as the enemy seemed to retreat back into the darkness of the woods. 
>As it were, this skirmish was over, but the victory was short-lived, running back to your downed men, as all of you attempted to keep them together.
“Come on man, stay with me!”
>” S-Sorry sir,’’ your downed rifleman would cough out, “I-It’s getting d-dark.”
“Just hold on for fucks sake!”
>The sound of metallic steps would soon bring you out of your current situation, snapping over to the entrance through the clearing.
>Instantly your weapons were raised once more, a bright blue light lancing towards all of you before your vision went dark.
>You are Anon again.
>And you were scared.                                                     
>What…what was that? What had you just seen? What could have possibly downed the world’s best forces to that degree? 
>The possibility of what you were fighting against filled you with uncertainty, but in turn, this was a factor you had to swallow. These were your men, and you were going to get them out.
>” As you can see, contact with our boys was lost after this point, scans on the frequency have pinpointed their location ta’ have been about two klicks off course from the expected LZ. As it is, we again assume the worst; the possibility of hostile contact is high, so stay alert.”
>Again, a wordless nod was given in return, your First Lieutenant nodding back as he turned to the map of the general area around the hole.
 
>” You are to insert in teams of fifteen, three squads each. One landing vehicle will be positioned off to the South upon contact, to bring up the rear, the other will head to the location we last found them at to make a clean sweep of the area. Should our men be found, you are to extract and pop red smoke upon making it to the surface. Is that clear?!”
>” SIR YES SIR!”
>” Excellent, let’s bring our boys back home!”
>And then, in turn, that was all you needed to hype you and the platoon up, men rushing back and forth to grab weapons and gear, heading to the bay to be airlifted over to Afghanistan, to which in turn would then take you all over to the location via air-lifting the vehicles. 
>As it were, it was a matter of hours, but to you lot, it only felt like minutes. 
>Peering over into the location where the anomaly was located, you nodded to the team once more, everyone locking in their weapons and mags.
>” Alright here we go, dropping in five.’’ 
>Pilot had marked it so the mission was a go, piling into the crafts needed before getting lower to the ground, angling out the cargo ramp, as he descended into the hole at hand.
>” Alright, three two o-Wait what? What the bloody hell?! BRACE! BRACE! WE’RE GOING DOWN!”
>In a matter of seconds the mission had already gone south, the instruments seeming to somehow take a hit, as the choppers spiralled into a downward fall, smashing against the edges of the hole, as you and your teams slammed about, the world going black soon thereafter.
>Groaning, the glancing pain of a flashlight would come to hit into your eyes, looking about as you slowly came to your feet. What…what had happened? You remembered a crash, but…wait a crash, your men!
>With your eyes snapping open you try to get to your feet, groaning as you felt the pain of no doubt a good few torn ligaments and the likes present. The scene around you being one of death no less.
>All about you lay your men, the pilots, all of them, dead.
>After being rolled over, you would note death by fall no doubt, shrapnel having had broken through their plate carriers and armour.
>For your men though, well, the matters seemed to be different. If the scattered bullet casings weren’t an obvious sign, you limped over to find them to have long scratch wounds. Claws by the looks of things, having had gone quite deep by just one slash.
>Some also had puncture wounds, no doubt by something big as well.
>Dammit!
>The matter remained though, that not all were not accounted for, looking about to see about ten or so marines, not in the pile, some bloodstains leading about out in another direction; ending a little ways away in a pool.
>Where had they gone? What…what had happened here?
>You didn’t quite know, but from what you could tell, it was an outright bloodbath. Limping over and grabbing their tags, ammo, and gear, you would slowly limp your way over to the landing vehicle. As it were, it seemed intact. Very much so.
>Hell, if you were to guess anything, you could use it as a base of operations. You would have to get to a safer location though, staying here would just draw you to any enemies in the area.
>More so, it would simply just draw you out to whatever did this to your men.
>You wanted to oh so badly to follow them too, but you knew that would bring nothing of benefit.
>As such, you press on, slowly getting into the vehicle, and driving about a klick West of where you had crashed, the pain once more bringing you to a halt at this point.
>Wincing you slowly relinquish the controls, getting down to the lower parts, as you began to tend to your wounds, leaning back against the metallic alloy, as once more darkness would take you.
>Be Anon, present day.
>Your hands were once more shaking as you recalled the memories, tears slipping past your eyes.
“I-I could have done something. Anything to save those lads from such a horrible demise…And...And I failed them, I failed all of them.”
>Once more the brutal reality of your situation would hit you, the primary guilt that continued to torment you night in and night out. The fate that had bestowed upon you.
>Looking up, you could only see the pain written on both of their faces, more so in the terms of remorse for what you had had to endure.
>” I’m…I’m sorry Anon, I-I would have never thought…”
>With a sigh, Azure would shake her head, opting to not bother to finish the thought. Moving up to you, and wrapping her forehooves around you, Starry following suit, as both bats wrapped their wings around you. 
>The comfort was undeniable, bordering on perfection. Hell, more than that.
>” I could never begin to imagine how much pain you’ve been through, more so, I can never begin to fathom how guilty you must feel. But I want you to know it’s not your fault.”
“With all due respect Azure, how’s it no-“
>Once more you were caught off by a slap of her hoof, tears running down her eyes.
>” It’s not, ok! It’s…It’s not…It never will be.”
>Taking a deep breath, she would continue on.
>” It’s not because even when those men of yours passed, they would have never blamed you. In fact, they would have smiled at you, thanking you for the great leader you were. More so that medic of yours.”
>Continuing on, you would see a saddened smile form on her face.
>” I would know, I was a former medic in the Night Guard, a Sergeant just like yourself. And, indeed, a loss will never stop hurting you, (Luna knows it hasn’t me), but what matters is you don’t blame yourself. Anything but that.”
>Staying silent for a moment brings even more concern to the two parties at hand.
>” Please listen to me, I assure you I am telling the truth.”
>Tears were freely running past her face now, but she pressed on none the less.
>” I’ve lost ponies before, I know exactly…well, maybe not ‘exactly’ how you feel right now, but to some form of it. Please, just…just listen to me.”
>Not being able to fathom what else to say, you simply nod in return, your arms being wrapped around both of the bats in question. 
> At this moment, you were safe, and at this moment, you were back home. If only just for a second.
…………..
>As it were, time flew by after that day, the trio of you having had gotten to know each other quite well for the time given.
>For you, you would continue to spin her your tales about your times in the military, the ops, and the way you worked. OPSEC be damned, the Batpony (and or Terrestrial, as you had learned they were called), had proven to be more than a trustworthy being.
>She was kind, caring, and more so even more than hospitable in your times of need. According to her, relaying these things would also help you with your grief. As to how or why, you didn’t quite understand, but you chose to go with it as it were.
>Needless to say though, it did indeed quite help, even if you chose not to express that to Azure at any time.
>Speaking of Azure, things were quite unique on her end as well.
>As it were, her time in the Royal Guard was something you both managed to reflect on, the factors of both of you having had served your county in some way, managing some sort of equal footing.
>It also gave you both a more respect towards each other, even if it was more of an unwritten means if you had to say anything about it.
>She also was a mean cook you had to admit, the works of her labour from your outings being something that you could only describe as heavenly.
>Though what hit you the most were the times where you were alone with her, the more…heartfelt? Yeah, heartfelt moments when you were with her. Laying down next to her whilst the morning dawn broke, simply talking about her own life before the guard and the likes.
>You had learnt quite a lot in through this, her life being quite dark if you had to put a finger to it. You remember the cries of the mare, as she sobbed into your chest, explaining that she was more or less taken as a filly and placed into service of her country. Tortured mentally as it was to become who she was oh so many moons ago. Throughout her service more so, tortured as she witnessed many of her companions slip away from existence. It was a tragic thing really, something you knew all too well. Something you hated the thought of having an innocent have to go through it all. 
>None the less, she did express some happiness with the factor of her service otherwise. The moments when her smile shined through the tears. The fellow bats whom in turn had become her faithful companions, and the one she had married. Who in turn left her, which once more brought about the sadness in her, even worse than before. 
>You remembered clutching her tightly to your chest during that confession, her wails being worse than anything you could even begin to describe. Needless to say, it would scar you for the rest of eternity, and you swore to do your best never to have her like that again.
>Though, you didn’t quite enjoy the  talks you sometimes got when you went out alone into the day. 
>Hell, some of those were even worse than your First Lieutenant. She would have made a good Co for the Marines for sure.
>Though, you did understand where she was coming from. That being the factor of the Bat Council having their own grudge per se against you, it wasn’t safe to go out on your own. For you see, there was always the risk that a scout would have seen you sneaking out of Azure’s home, even if it was the crack of dawn.
>Should that have happened, you no doubt expected that they would be on the Batpony post haste, and well…you didn’t want that. If anything, that was the last thing you really wished to see happen to the mare at hand.
>The outcome of that factor as you were told would be nothing short of execution for your end, and exile for her.
>And for Starry…well it only lay a fate you chose not to dwell upon. For even in death, you would not forgive yourself for what you were told would happen to her. 
>Quite frankly, those words haunted you to this day, even more so than the nightmares that plagued you about your team.
>Azure was already risking so much, after all, being your insider to their thoughts and the like. You knew you would never be able to repay her act of kindness. Never in your lifetime, and the one after.
>You also suspected the factor of what had happened before to play a part in this, your rather…hasty defeat of the Manticore not too long ago. You suspected that the worry from that event still carried to her, and if so you really couldn’t blame her.
>Hell, how would you react if given the situation? The answer, just the same or even worse.
>So, you simply listened to what she told you to do, on most occasions opting to simply wait for her to assist in sneaking you out of her house, into the forest, and then back home.
>It worked more times than you could count, but you both knew sooner or later the jig would be up.
>Hell, you vividly remembered one time where you came all to close, the memory of the fear, and the lecture that followed afterwards forever burned into your mind.
>As it were, it was on a similar outing, choosing to go out much…later than you usually chose.
>It also didn’t help that there was a secondary issue about. That in being a meeting of the village as a while, guard levels being raised to an unnatural high.
>Azure herself had warned you against going out, but you being you, you opted to brave the probability.
>As such, you ventured out in a secondary route, the village houses lit in an unnatural, but somewhat errie way, the flames of all the houses’ lanterns almost giving an aboding feeling.
>The path you picked more or less leading around to the right of them, and over a second bridge, one that more or less was over a small river, the area around it somewhat like a park of sorts.
>Actually, it was more or less a park, given by the flowers, and smaller trees dotted all around it, opting to make your move behind them once over the bridge.
>It was also one once more in direct contact with the moonlight, giving the area itself a rather calming aura in contrast.
>It was subtle, the cool breeze blowing about only adding to that matter.
>Never the less, you pressed on, eventually making it to the brush where you would head out into the forest, unaware of the secondary detachment of guards patrolling about the edges of your usual hunting grounds.
>This lack of knowledge would in turn become your missed opportunity, ducking away into the bushes as you happened upon your first encounter with them, just narrowly missing you. 
>From that point onward, it was a race against the clock, and against the bats that would come to follow, every now and again, one inching a bit too close to you resulting in you having to scare them off somehow.
>The method of choice for that being nothing more than a rock over into another bush, but hey, it worked for the most part.
>You counted your lucky stars that they didn’t see you though, having been scolded to all hell, by not only Azure, but Starry herself, the pouting face the filly dawned being engraved into your mind for many, many nights to come.
>As for Starry herself, she seemed to have grown on you. Never again did you go a night without her asking you to pet her, nor did you get the opportunity to really ever be apart from the filly, your stories always being one to put her to sleep, may it be your own countries myths and the like. Or your own calmer war stories. You could see the young guard in her, no doubt she would live up to her mother’s name and more.
>That was in turn to what brought you to where you were today, you on the now small mattress of a bed that she had placed out for you, stroking your fingers along the back of Starry’s mane.
>She always did get worried when you were about to go out, so you did what you could to calm her down.
> “ Do you really have to go again?” Her voice as cute as ever, resulting in yet another snout boop.
“Sorry Starry, but I haven’t got a choice. Gotta make sure you’re well-fed after all. Not ta’ worry, i’ll be back before you know it.”
>As per usual, this didn’t seem to sway her so you continued to scratch behind her ears before Azure came back out, geared up in her usual attire.
>As it was, it consisted of a sort of mix of your own look, and that of a Rogue from DnD. A long, somewhat deep-blue shawl covering most of her upper and lower body, fastened with two leather straps on either side. She also dawned a hood, with a few pouches on the back end, no doubt consisting of her medical equipment. The blade that she used to bring you here so many nights ago was also strapped to her side, pristine as ever without a doubt.
> “Ready Anon?”
>Was that even a question?
>Nodding to her, you slowly get up from your mattress, leaning down one last time and placing a soft kiss upon the filly’s head.
“I promise I’ll be back soon ok? Don’t cause trouble you hear?”
>A small but adorable laugh came from her as you smiled in response, shaking your head as you quickly strapped up your own gear, your rifle slung, and your sidearm holstered.
>Now came the fun part.
>Nodding to her once more, you both make your way to the back exit, Azure peering through the peep-hole for a second, before unlocking the door and going through, you standing by till she gave you the signal.
>As such, a simple flap of her bat-wings was the key, making your way out as well, locking the door behind you.
>Being in uncertainty as per usual, your instinct was to place your finger on the trigger guard, but you opted to just keep the weapon at the ready, following Azure’s lead as she snuck you through the usual passageway.
>That in being behind the village itself, a small outcropping of trees leading to what was a bit of a cavern system. Going through it lead to a bridge out into the forest.
>As per usual, you did have to do your best to stay quiet when passing through the cavern, as any echo would no doubt awake the Batponys that lay outside.
>Never the less, you both manage to make it through without much of a hitch, coming out on the other side and onto the bridge. 
>Stopping yet again to admire the beauty of this place in itself, you smile. The river underneath it cascading in sort of a waterfall, fishes swimming through that could also be opted to caught should you both not find any luck in the brush.
>Once making it to the entrance of the forest, Azure would take the lead, her eyes being far better than any equipment you had on you.
>Silently skulking your way through the bush, you soon turn your head to the voice of Azure, closer than you remembered her being on these expeditions out if you had to put a finger on it.
> “So…what’s gonna happen if you get a contact to your people?”
>What was going to happen? What was she going after? 
>You remembered some reiterations of this same question from before, but nothing really as direct as this one.
>Still, you told her the truth.
“Well, once I establish contact with command, i’ll do my best to get home. Once I make it back, a report of what’s gone on down here will be filed, and a secondary unit will come back out ta’ retrieve our boys in my failure. After that…well, i’m not too sure lass.”
>You could see a fall in her features at that, still keeping on mission none the less.
> “Heh...I guess you really miss home huh?”
“Well, course I do, but hey, doesn’t mean I’ll forget’cha lass. I’ll be around to pop back in every now and again once I am still in service.”
>” Yeah..heh, I suppose so huh?”
>You could tell that she was rather upset by that factor alone, as to why you couldn’t tell. Sighing internally to that, you opt to make it up to her once you got back, her ears flicking up at the tell-tale sign of a target.
> “Buck, half a’ klick.”
>Nodding in response, you scope in with your primary, aiming at about centre mass of the creature. Taking a deep breath, as you placed your finger on the weighted point of the trigger. Once more the training came into play, holding the position till the being got into view and then…BOOM!
>Down it fell like a mighty Oak, Azure rushing over to check for reassurance, before pulling free the casing of the now spent round.
> “Clean kill!”
>Not too bad Anon, not too bad at’ll.
“Wanna get another?!”
>” Yeah, there should be another one not too far off!”
>Nodding again, you come to step out of your secluded area at hand, carefully stalking your way up to Azure. 
>Smiling to yourself, however, you turn a bit south, coming around on the back end, as you crouched down, dulling the noise as it were.
> “Anon?”
>Wait for it.
> “Anon, where’d you go? Come on, this isn’t funny.”
>Wait for it.
> “Anon, come on!”
>Wait for it…and…now!
>Leaping out of the brush you would note the Batpony before you yelp in surprise, stumbling back against the tree as it were. As for you? Well, you just fell back on your arse having a chuckle, looking to her as her eyes changed from fear to that of a scowl, pouting her lips and all.
> “That was not funny! I thought you were hurt!”
>And there was that adorable skree in her voice when she got upset from time to time. 
“I know, sorry, you’re just too cute when you get all riffled up.”
>” I am not! Hmph.”
>Non the less, it would seem she opted not to go against you otherwise, leading you over to where she heard the other buck; you having had already strung up the other.
> “I think I saw another one breaking the tree line about a quarter of a klick North. See if you can get him from here.”
>You were sure you could, dense treeline yeah, but you were sure you could.
>Scoping in on the target, you once more narrow in at the buck’s centre mass.
>Steady, steady, stea-wait the fuck?
>Stopping, you lean your ear in, almost hearing the faint sound of…was that talking?
>Yeah that was talking alright, you and Azure bolting down behind a log.
>In a flash of green light, you would see the Buck become something much more horrific, the stuff of nightmares if you had to put a matter to it.
>The fuck was that thing!
>Opening your mouth, you are instantly met with a hoof over it, a slow shake of Azure’s head indicating not to say a word.
>In all reality, you didn’t need to be told twice, no doubt alerting that thing would reign all hell upon you.
>As such, you lean in with the Batpony at your side, both of your pressed together, as you tried to listen in from the same point.
>That and it was a good way to not be spotted, reducing general space and all that.
>Thankfully though, you could just barely make out what it was saying, and boy did you not like it.
> “Have you anything to report scout?”
> “Yes my queen, the odd ape has seemed to take up residence here. Possible means of acquisition are currently being sought out.”
> “Good, good, I will not have another rerun of what happened last time. Those weird apes that came through here first were far too powerful, it mustn’t happen again!”
> “Yes my queen, I understand.”
> “Then see to it.”
>With that, the conversation came to an end, a deep pit forming in your stomach. What had you done? What had you brought to these ponies? And more so, who were they talking about? What “other apes”.
>So many questions, so little time.
>None the less, the being would thankfully take it’s leave, causing you to sigh one of relief.
> “I think it’s gone.”
>Yeah, thank fuck for that.
“The bloody hell was that thing anyway?”
>” That my dear Anon, was a changeling. Vile beings, who prey on the love of other ponies. They can change shape to look like anypony you know, the secret to how they’ve survived this long.”
>Great and your dumbass lead them right back to the bats. Just fucking great! Way to go Anon! Your CO would have a fuckin’ laugh and a half at that.
>None the less, you sigh in annoyance, Azure picking it up quite well, as she placed he hoof under your chin.
> “Hey, it’s going to be ok, ok? Nothing’s gonna happen, hay, especially while you’re around.”
“ Yeah, but what if I-“
>Once more you were cut off by a soft hoof against your cheek, the smile disarming any form of response you could give.
> “Nope, not gonna have it. If the last couple of weeks are anything to go by, I know you can keep us safe. More so, I am not going to have you blame yourself for something that’s clearly not your fault.”
> “And that’s and order Anon.”
“Wait, weren’t you the same rank as me?”
>” Objective authority, you’re on Equestrian soil.”
>Rolling you eyes with a soft chuckle, you come to only nod in return.
“If you say so luv. Shouldn’t we get home before Nightfall though? The corpse is probably gonna bring in flies.”
>It was only then she seemed to notice the position you both were in, chuckling awkwardly, as she slowly got up off of you. Whilst your smile was noted to her, what you didn’t note was the blush under her fur.
>For there on out though, it was a clam walk back to the village, the kill freshly over your shoulders, keeping your hand upon your sidearm should any ruckus come about.
>Still, you couldn’t shake the possibility of what might happen due to this. Thoughts racing through your head of the outcomes, causing you to cringe slightly every now and again.
>You did your best not to let Azure see it, and luckily you managed to succeed in such.
>Thankfully, you both made it back without a hitch, locking the door behind you, even placing the second set of bolts on for measure.
>Hopefully you would be safe for the meantime, laying yourself back on the mattress, as you began to de-strap your gear.
>The sounds seemed to instantly alert Starry who in turn, all but tackles you to the mattress, pouncing upon your chest with an adorable squeak.
> “Anon! You’re back!”
>Fuck you couldn’t ever get enough of this could you? No doubt this would be the way that you died.
>Azure seemed to note the scene, chuckling and shaking her head.
> “Oh do be careful with him Starry. Anon, you don’t mind watching her again whilst I go give my update to the Bat Council do you?”
“Can do ma’am.”
>Nodding a thanks once more, she quickly disrobes her attire, her blade remaining strapped to her side as she once more made her way out into the now moon-light fields.
>You could tell she was concerned by the gate of her movements though, and quite frankly, how could she not?
>You were the same, no doubt that “Changeling” or whatever it was would be an issue she would bring up.
> “So Anon! Tell me, how did it go!”
>Though you supposed you had other means to distract you for the time being, gently shifting your body so that the filly would have enough space to lay down against you.
“Well you see…”
>You are Azure Shadow.
>And at this time, you were concerned.
>How were you even supposed to go about this now!?
>How were you supposed to protect Anon, and somehow inch away at the possible issue that was at your doorstep!?
>You didn’t know, but you could only hope such didn’t show up when you delivered your report.
>Huffing to yourself, you sigh, trotting off to the council chambers, hoping you didn’t catch any wandering eyes.
>Thankfully, nothing of the sort came to you (at least to your knowledge), and you successfully made it up to the location at hand, handing in your sword to the guard as per usual.
>The steps were all the more foreboding this time around though, gulping as you placed once hoof in front of the other, the creaks of the wood more or less warping the world around you in worry.
>Thankfully, you managed to eclipse this issue as well, walking through the council’s doors with ever-so cautious steps.
>Instantly the three Batponies would come to turn to you, their faces still exerting that look of pure stoic-ness, that you couldn’t hope to break. 
>By Luna you hated it.
>Though you could tell there was a good bit of something else in there tonight, you couldn’t quite place your hoof on it though.
> “Ah, Azure! What a pleasure again, have you anything to report.” 
>The Dark Grey one once more, his eyes seeming to observe your every possible movement.
>The dreaded question, the one you didn’t quite have an answer to no matter how much you lulled it over, hoping that something would pop up.
> “Well, don’t just stand there, spit it out. Do you have anything or not?”
>Geez, a bit on the defensive are we? You had forgotten how much a filly these old fools would act sometimes.
>But still…
“Umm, well..not exactly, I mean…I…”
> ”WELL WHAT ARE YOU WASTING OUR TIME FOR!?”
>The sudden outburst made you jump back in fright, breathing heavily, as the Bat Mare councillor placed a hoof on his shoulder.
> “Relax Councillor Valorum, she means no ill intent.”
> “If she meant none, then please explain to me why she has nothing to say on these matters?”
> “She is simply worried given the status of things, please, do calm down.”
>Huffing, he carries his golden eyes back to you, rolling them ever so slightly.
> “I apologize, Azure, Councillor Velvet is correct, I am acting out of turn. You must understand in this trying time, added to your rather…frazzled nature of acting, would raise some suspicion.”
“It-it’s fine my Councillors, I…understand.”
>Did you? In all reality you saw it as him simply not being fit for duty, and or being a right jerk, but you knew such words would be nothing more than grounds of an outcast.
>Still, you wished you could say…something.
> “Any words on the HYUMEN, Azure?”
>The words snapped you out of your train of thought, tilting your head to the Bat Mare councillor with another shake of your head like you always did.
“No ma’am, I haven’t seen heads or tails of the HYUMEN. Honestly, I assume it’s safe to suspect that he has either fled and or died off.”
>" No, no, that’s too simple. Someone of his stature can’t simply just die out. Besides, we have heard the sounds of some odd device coming from the depths of the forest. No doubt it’s him.”
“But should we be so hasty? What if we’re wrong?”
>” Wrong? About the HYUMEN? There simply cannot be anything more ludicrous than that!?
> “I must agree, we must keep our eye out, he spells doom to our kind.”
>Opening your mouth yet again, you sigh internally realizing that this would get you nowhere.
>Suddenly, the doors would burst open, a panting Bat Mare streaking through into the Councillor room. No doubt she was running, and by the looks of it, from something big.
> “Yes? What is the meaning for this interruption?”
>Jeez, colt, would you tone it down a notch?
> “My-my councillors, news from the North of the brush. Our scouts have spotted the possibility of a changeling incursion, there motivations unknown.”
>Oh no…oh no, no no!
> “Changelings? At this time? Something must be the matter.”
>You were hoping that Velvet would speak some sense into him, but she seemed on the side of crucifying Anon with her next set of words as well.
> “It must be him, he must have led them to us! We mustn’t hesitate, we must strike at the source!”
“But-BUT WHAT IF WE’RE WRONG!”
>Instantly all talk would cease once more, eyes turning to you.
> “Wrong? It is said in the legends, that he would spell doom to our kind. Don’t tell me you would go against such prophetic claims.”
> “I agree with Councillor Valorum, the only reason seems to be that you’re possibly sympathising with him. This is grounds for expulsion!”
>NO!
> “I MUST AGREE, EXPEL HER, EXPEL HER NOW!”
> “SILENCE!”
>For the third time tonight all voices were silenced, all heads turning to the white-maned Batpony.
> “We…apologize Grand Councillor Astral.”
> “Good. Now, we mustn’t be so hasty, young Azure here is probably just concerned for the wellbeing of our kin as we all must be. While there are indeed dangerous times, we cannot afford to stoop to the level of revolt. You know just as well as I do, that turning on each other will not solve the problems at hand.”
>” However, we must act fast if we’re to quell the probability of being overrun. Send the scouts out at double the force, and amplify guards in the rear and front sectors. I also want a doubled guard around the council grounds at all times, due on a rotation as well. We cannot afford any slip-ups here, so see to it that it is done.”
>As such, the Bat would nod, rushing out of the chambers to relay the orders to any current bats operating in the area, Astral soon turning to you with a kind smile. 
> “You are dismissed Azure, you’ve provided well as per usual.”
>Nodding in response you quickly opt to not dilly-dally, rushing out the door without a moments notice.
>However…
> “Keep an eye on her…somethings not right here.”
>And once more, you are Anon.
>Tilting your head down, you noticed Starry had yet again snuggled up into your lap.
>Cute filly, far too cute for her own good.
>You supposed it would be alright sitting here for the time being. Yeah, no harm, no foul in doing that for the rest of the night.
>The door slamming open was what caught both of your attention though, looking up to see a quite frazzled Azure standing there, frantically locking the door, collapsing to the floor with her hooves to her face.
>Instantly you got up from your position, placing Starry over to the side, and rushing over to her, your arms instantly ending up around the poor mare who only came to return it.
“Hey, hey, it’s ok. What’s wrong?”
>” They-They found out, they know about the Changelings…I-I tried not to tell them, but they know, and now they are linking it back to you!”
>Beginning to tremble in your arms, your only option ends up being to calm her down, stroking her mane, and running your hand along the membranes of her wings.
>Noticeable effect, but she was still sobbing ever so lightly.
> “Now they’re tripling the guards all about this place, Anon…i-if they find you, they’re gonna…”
“Not gonna happen.”
>” But-
“No, I said it’s not gonna happen. If I have to get out of here and hide in the bush yet again, I’ll have little ta’ no issue at’ll.
>You could see her exchange from a look of worry to pure distraught, jumping onto you and pinning you down, her eyes flaring with tears.
> “NO! Y-You…can’t go…”
>Moving your eyes down, you sigh softly, not being able to actually look her in the face once you said these words.
“I-I have to. If the situation gets too bad, I’ll have to.”
>Again you could just fell her grip tightening, causing you to sigh yet again at the situation. You didn’t want to leave, but you couldn’t afford to put any of them at risk. You just couldn’t.
> “No…no…y-you…please…”
>And with that her tears would flow once more, the sight you hoped to never see again coming into play, as you held her close. 
> “I don’t want you to go, I don’t…you’ve done so much for me and Starry. You can’t just leave!”
“Well, what do you expect me ta’ do? I don’t know how else to approach this.”
> “I can continue to hide you, I can petition the council if I need to! Anything, just as long as it means you don’t have to go away!”
“ But for how long! How…how long do you think you can-“
>Another slap of her hoof would silence you, even harder than you could ever recall, a light red mark left on your face.
> “I don’t care!”
>And at that you would stop, your words finally lost to you.
> “I don’t…don’t’ care what happens if I am caught, I don’t care what happens if they find out, I’ll sacrifice myself if I have to. In the end, as long as you and Starry are ok…I don’t care. Just, please…I beg you…I-I order you! I order you not to go! I order you not to go!”
>Fuck she was full-on balling into your plate-carrier, nuzzling up to you, as if you were going to simply poof out of existence if she even dared to let go.
>Fuck, now you knew what John Conner felt when the Terminator was burnt into nothingness.
>And such? Well, you would only mutter out the only words you could really come to say as akin to your training would give.
>Your own tears coming to flow as you blinked them away, clutching the mare to your heart, as she, in turn, did you.
>And unbeknownst to you, and perhaps even her? Upon her lips rested something that she needed to say, but in the end, couldn’t muster it up to say.
>Your final words on the matter being softly muttered out, as you saw the filly wrap around your leg.
“Yes, ma’am…”
>And in your arms you both would stay, at least till the sun would come up, both Starry and Azure laying against you once they both fell asleep, and yourself? Well, you couldn’t muster the ability to hang on for much longer, your eyes lulling into asleep itself.
…..
>How much time had gone by?
>Looking out the window, you could clearly see the downing sun, mid-sunset if you had to place a marker to it.
>Some lights had already been put on as well, the lamps showing the usual basis of sight into the darkness, the outline of a couple more guards moving about, spears, and swords glinting in the light, and the ear outlines confirming.
>Dammit, she was right, moving about was going to be a troublesome thing now, sighing to yourself which in turn seemed to stir the two below you.
> “Hmm…A-Anon?”
“Ello”
>” ANON!”
“Shh!” You hiss out, Azure and Starry looking up to the guards, getting the message seconds later.
>Though once more you were leapt upon, this time out of joy, and not sorrow.
> “I-I…I thought you would have-”
>You cut her off by placing a finger to her lips, a cute blush coming to her cheeks, as you chuckled and shook your head.
“You gave me an order, and as such, I’ll stand by it. But I do reserve the right ta’ run if the situation becomes dire. Till then though? Guess you’re stuck with me luv.”
>At this she simply holds a smile, grappling onto your torso. Yourself sighing yet again but leaving her to her fun.
> “We’re probably gonna have to be quieter from now on huh? If they come door to door, you’re gonna have to hide in the back.”
“The back?”
>” Yeah, Starry’s room should have enough space to cover you should push come to shove.”
>Seemed logical, you could only hope that it would work should the time come.
“What about food? How are you lot gonna get something ta’ eat?”
>You could see Azure’s brows furl at that, clearly the problem at hand showing in large dividends as it were. You were the main source of getting the meat, after all, cutting that was going to make things a whole lot more difficult.
> “We can continue to live off of fruit if the situation calls for it, and we do have blood substitutes for emergency situations. We’ll be fine.”
>While this wasn’t doing your mentality any good, you couldn’t see too much of a way otherwise, ducking every now and again, should you see a shadow move too close.
>Unless…
>No, too risky. Plus, by the looks of things, they didn’t have the need-be ability to hold it.
>Seems that you were shit out of luck on that end.
>Fuck
“Alright, for now, we’ll run with that. But I’m gonna find a way ta’ fix it don’t’cha worry.”
>Again, she seemed to stop at your display of bravery, before nodding yet again, as she knew it was best to simply accept it; smile and all.
>Just then, a knock to the door, your head snapping free at the sharp sound.
>Ahh fuck!
>Eying both you and Starry, Azure motions you both to the back, you both nodding as you quickly rush off to the room in question, yourself sliding under the bed; filly tucked to your chest, and wings wrapped around your torso. The cold feeling sending calming shivers down your spine.
>From the edge of the room, you could hear the conversation at hand; no doubt Starry too.
> “Azure, what a fine night it is to see you.”
> “Ahh yes, what a fine night as well. Is everything ok? Why’d you knock on my door at this hour?”
> “Routine checks. Now with the beefed up security, we have means to run a check log of everypony in the area, no telling if the HYUMEN or a Changeling could have slipped by.”
>Blast, and things just seemed to be getting worse!
> “Oh! Well, I assure you there’s none of that here. All spiff and span as could be.”
>Unbekownst to the both of you, his golden eyes would eyes the room about, nose sniffing in tandem with his looks as a slight furl of his brow was noted. Probably nothing.
> “Right….if you say so. Remember, if you see anything co-“
> “Yes, yes, I know, come tell the council, is there anything else?”
>He seemed to be taken aback by the sudden burst of annoyance from the mare, but seemed to oblige never the less, shaking his head slowly.
> “Nope, nothing to tell otherwise. Have a nice night.”
>And with that he was gone, a soft sigh escaping the mare’s lips, as she motioned you two back outside.
“Well, this just seems to be getting’ better and better.”
>She could only agree with your sarcastic remarks, again, seeming to dwell on the possibility of you leaving. Such a matter only seeming to loom evermore.
> “It’s best if you stay inside with me for now. If you stick in mine and Starry’s room, for the time being, it should hopefully ward them off as it is.”
“But…there’s only one bed.”
>” We can sleep on the floor can’t we?”
>Such a sudden matter made a light tint of red hit you, shaking your head lightly to sway the thoughts that popped up away. 
>Bad Anon, none of that.
“W-Well, it seems like the optimal position, if I had to say.”
>She just chuckles once more, shaking her head, Starry seeming utterly confused as were you.
> “Good. I’ll get a meal then, and we can arrange that. I do hope fruit is ok?”
>You simply nod to her ever-smiling face, watching as she trotted off into the kitchen, Starry, looking back to you, hoping for answers but getting none. 
>You simply shrug to her in return as well, smiling as she seemed to leap back into your lap, snuggling ever so closer yet again. 
>The fuck were you really thinking about anyhow? These ponies were the best.
>” But sir, what if we’re wrong, the possibilities of such, are so grand that we could-“
“I know. I know the risk. More so I know the reward. Never the less though crimping this issue as fast as possible is the only alternative bar our own internal destruction. It cannot be afforded, even if Azure herself takes a backlash to the matters.”
>The other members of the council would, in turn, react in turn, a sinister smile from Vallorum, Velvet in turn giving a sigh of disdain. This was going to bring nothing but harm to these lands, and she knew it. Alas, she would suffer the same fate if she brought the matter to him personally.
>Azure’s fate was in her own hooves, and personally, it wasn’t looking good. Not even in the slightest of ways.
>You are Azure Shadow.
>And the past week wasn’t anything short of hell.
>You had gotten multiple visits at hand from the guards, every opportunity for you to move about, or for you to try to move Anon about being thwarted by the increased security. All headed by the same bat pony who had managed to meet you one week ago.
>You considered it strange, quite strange indeed, but in turn, took nothing of it other than possible thoughts of personal distaste.
>” Bugger, I suppose you win again Starry.”
>Needless to say, Anon, was doing quite a good job at keeping things…well, lively around here. Case in point of his current (and purposefully failing), game of checkers.
>You honestly had to admit in the time spent with him though short in its own right (almost a month, but to each their own), he had shaped up to quite be something of an oddity. But a good oddity at that.
>The sleeping arrangements weren’t bad either in fact, you quite enjoyed them.
>Shaking that out of your head, you, in turn, turned to the duo before you, leaning yourself down and pressing yourself between them.
“You know, you don’t have to be like this all the time.”
>” Ehh, I suppose, but it’s all the more fun.”
>Rolling your eyes with a chuckle, you, in turn, heard the door knock once more, sighing as you ushered the duo into the room, locking it up for the duration of the annoyance that you’d come to be oh so familiar with.
>Opening the door, you give your best smile to the guard present, your eyes shifting about the darkness of the Shade, with a sense of unease. Something wasn’t right.
>” Good evening Azure, I trust that you’ve been all well these past few nights?”
“Oh good as I can ever be, Shining, up for your usual annoyance I suppose?”
>His nose scrunches up at the comment, a smile coming to your own lips at that.
>” Yes, quite, just routine inspection.”
>Again, movement, but you couldn’t tell what.
>The bat pony in turn coming to take a step forward as it were, seeming to almost thread past the line. It was indeed an uncommon thing, that. A bat coming in without permission, it was considered…taboo of sorts.
>You didn’t relent, however, keeping your eyes to his.
“Well as you can see, there’s been nothing of the sort here as per usual. Starry’s getting some rest, and I would prefer if you’d not disturb my child.”
>” Oh but I insist.”
>What the buck was he planning?
>Noting the movement forward, he seems to slip past the doors with ease, almost akin to nothing you’d ever seen.
>In an instant the door was locked, and with a lick of his lips he lunged towards you hoof raised to come down on your head.
>You were not one to relent, however, easily avoiding his blow, and spinning around, a hoof going back to his own, the crunching sound of something…odd, sounding off as you slapped him, but in turn paid no mind as you flapped your wings, barrelling down and hitting him in the sternum.
>Alas he was prepared, catching you by the edge, as he spun you around, pinning you almost as you began to let out loud shrieks of both worry, and annoyance.
“THE BUCK IS WRONG WITH YOU-GAH!”
You could feel a blade being pressed to your neck, blood being drawn in as it seemed to deepen.
>” Your end is near dear Azure.”
>Like hay it was!
>You just had to-gah!
>Leaping back, the both of you would separate at the sound of a loud bang, the mere air seeming to ripple with the concussive force, as the shockwave, in turn, had you both on your flanks.
>What the?
>Who could have….no.
>ANON!
>You are Anon.
>And once more, you’d find yourself in your usual spot, hunkering down under the bed, Starry safely kept in your arms.
>You personally hated this pony, he always seemed to eye Azure down for a reason you didn’t quite know.
>It lit a fire in you, and you hated every second of the burning, but more so relished in its existence.
>Never the less though, you held still, your orders given by the mare true till the end.
>Of course, that was until…
>What was that?
>A loud crashing noise bolted out from inside the living room, the sound of tussling going too and fro, as the distinct cry of the bat pony could be heard.
>Then the words
> “Your end is near dear Azure”
>No
>NO!
>Leaping from under the bed, you feel the pull-back via Starry, her pleading eyes both begging you to help her mother, but at the same time, to stay here.
>Your heart dropped for a moment, at the matter of choice, the black or white choice presented to you for the first time in the month with these ponies. And it hurt, fuckin’ hard.
>Never the less, you mouth a “sorry” to the filly, slipping out of her grasp and moving around through the back.
>You were not going to let her get hurt, you just weren’t.
>Pulling up around through the door you soon make it to a window, your eyes catching the dire situation that was unfolding before you. 
>By the looks of it, she was getting her flank kicked in, the assailant having her by the neck (both figuratively, and literally), whilst she was just ever so barely hanging on. She was still hanging on though, and at least there was a plus in that. 
>Trying to assess a possible solution, you look down once more to your waist, your rifle having had been left inside Starry’s room, yes, but your pistol…
>It would disorient them enough to take a kill-shot to the stallion atop her, but at the same time…No, you didn’t really see an option. While yes, there could be a sneaky alternative, and while, he was preoccupied and all, you weren’t risking his advanced hearing. 
>As such, you spin your way to the front, unaware of the prying eyes that were stalking you from the brush; hand on your gun, as you spin the lock to open.
>Without a word you be had, you sent a round therein after, the 9mm casing slamming into the ceiling, thankfully keeping everything else intact without structural damage. The effect though, was what you were after.
>The yell from Azure while noted, was not taken into processing, moving around, as you grab the scruff of the Stallions mane, throwing him off of her with all you could, a loud “thump” echoing throughout the room as he groaned out.
>You weren’t done yet though, grabbing him by the throat, keeping him pinned, as you brought your leg across and down, smacking right across the muzzle, blood beginning to leak from his nose, as the clear crunch of bone and cartilage could be heard; a wince of agony being music to your ears from the cunt before you.
“Who sent’cha?”
>The Stallion still clearly dazed couldn’t only mumble out some stupidity, trying his best to grasp the situation as you punched him across the muzzle once more.
“I SAID WHO FUCKIN’ SENT’CHA?! YOU GOT’CHA YOUR FUCKIN’ EARS ON MATE? OR DO I NEED TA’ RIP YOUR WORTHLESS ARSE A NEW ONE!”
>Thankfully he heard you this time, laughing it up as you screamed in his face. 
>A cough here and there coming about, as you could swear you saw a flicker of something in his eyes.
> “I won't talk….You don’t get it, do you? You and your little friends here are done! DONE!”
>What the fuck was this weirdo on about?
>You weren’t waiting for an answer though, punching him across the snout again, and again, and again, coughs and sputters coming about as he failed to get out of your pin.
>Azure screaming for you to stop, finally getting to you as you spun around, the idiot Stallion’s laugh still continuing.
> “A-Anon…w-why did you….”
>Your face turns from one of anger to confusion, wondering what was the matter, the sound of outside movement soon coming into play.
> “No…”
>Hmm…
>Fuck.
>Sadly you weren’t going to hear the end of this lunatic’s story, as ten more bat ponies filtered in through the door, their weapons raised towards you and to the Stallion.
> “Azure, explain yourself? How did this happen, and why is this despicable creature in your home?!”
>The poor mare couldn’t even begin to find the words needed, her mouth trembling as she tried to find a point of reference. From the corner of your eye, you could also notice Starry poking her head out, those teary eyes similar to the ones when you announced you might have had to go not too long ago coming into play.
>” WELL!”
>Fuck.
>A sigh escaped your lips, as you dropped your weapon, doing the one thing you hated for both their sake and your code as a Marine.
>You surrendered.
>Your hands going up as you fell to your knees, the bat ponies moving in as they knocked you on your chest,  stripping you of your gear.
>They then made a move to go after Azure, yourself placing your hand out to stop them; the answer being a smack to your face as you tried to do anything.
“It’s not ‘er fault, she ‘ad no part in this. I snuck in ‘ere last night. She didn’t even know. Please, don’t ‘urt ‘er.”
>” Quiet you.”
“But it’s true you fuckin’ tossers! This wanker rolled in ‘ere not too long ago. He tried ta’ assault ‘er and I tried ta’ ‘elp. Please, she’s got nothin’ of the sort ta’ do with me!”
>You could see the pain in her eyes as she tried to shake her head no, a subtle smile only being the answer to her.
> ”Gah! The council isn’t going to like this.”
> ”No shit, but we caught the HYUMEN, that’s got to be something. Maybe we can bring this idiot back in for questioning as well.”
>The laughing fool’s eyes flashed worry as they said that, trying to stand up despite all the pain.
> ”W-What? But I t-thought…”
> ”Well, you didn’t exactly adhere to the plan. You were supposed to draw the HYUMEN out, not assault a possibly clean mare!”
>Your smile could only grow wider, as you felt another smack to the back of your head, wincing in pain, but keeping your eyes locked on the mare before you.
> ”Corporal, take them away, I’ll deal with his…devices, and mop up this mess.”
> ”Sir, yes sir!”
>And with that you were out of there, four ponies taking you up at each end, as you were dragged away. Another bat scraping up the sorry mess that was the assailant. You could see her attempts to move forward to just hold onto you, to which you just shake your head and smile, your last sight of her, and well anything before it all went black being her face full of torment.
>And it would haunt you even more than the last one.
>” So now that this little…incident has been taken care of, you must understand that we will be taking a little…investigation into your home. Nothing major, just a little something to assure his words were correct. It’ll be harmless, we just ask you do not resist.”
>And with a professional smile, he spun on his hoof grabbing up your weapons and equipment.
>” Oh and Azure, if we find out you were in league with him, you know what’s going to happen.”
>” Have a nice night.”
>And there the door would shut, Starry, rushing to her mother as she collapsed onto the floor, the mare bawling her eyes out as she clutched her filly. 
>It would indeed be a long, long night.