"Why thanks. But, uhh, why haven't you gotten out much? I know you mentioned that you'd be on our side this time, but what exactly happened to make it so that you haven't had friends in so long?" InfraSound asked. Vibrato was shouting about another pony being alive, and he almost considered going to check on the situation, but then he heard her call for Archangel's aid, so he turned his attention back to Shift.
Shift stared at the ground. ''You see, last time i saw Crim, it was before my 6-years-long therapy. I tried to kill him, along with that Scientist that sacrified himself to have a chance to save the world we're living in. It's a long story, and i'm sure it would boter you to hear it. And maybe frighten you a little... Worst of all, i never know when that other side of me will come out, and decide to take over the world again. Crim swore that, the next time he'll see me having a breakdown, he'll take my life... '' He sat down, raising his head to look right in Infra's eyes. ''But i hope to die before that day arrives. I've barely got that second chance to clear my name and help this world. I don't want to loose it this time. I'm still a monster, but Saul always been and... I don't know. i'm kind of jealous, that he's having such a good reputation, even if we share the same... ''dark past'', if i might say it that way. Promise me you won't think differently of me if you happen to know that story someday, please?'' He was on the verge of tears by now, his ears flat against his head. he whispered, ''i don,t want to loose control of myself again, feeling those things anymore. It has been hard enough to make peace with myself...''
Guardian and Nightshade continued searching for more survivors. After several hours of digging through the remains of the town, they returned to the shuttle with five more badly injured ponies. By this time, Archangel already had a dozen others to tend to, and was clearly being overwhelmed by so many serious injuries at once. Though he was by no means as skilled a healer as Archangel, Guardian was quite familiar with battlefield first aid. He decided to stay and lend a hoof.
Not long after the remainder of the survivors were being treated, the police force came with three ambulances to secure the town and to assist the JSE. Once the situation was under control, the police chief told the hero's that they could handle it from there before thanking all the heroes. Archangel, Guardian and some nurse's helped the victim's from the shuttle and took them over to the care of the doctors as two more ambulances arrived. The Justice Society's work in the town was done until they were able to return to HQ. Meanwhile... Now attacking the small border town has caused his reputation to be negative, his work has attracted the attention of the police with the military on standby. Within that same day, another monstrosity had occurred to divert attention. On the outskirt's of Manehattan, the police had entered combat against a untied coalition of the cities gangs in an attempt to take power together and spead their influence. Both sides took enormous casualties as the firefight took place underneath a bridge tunnel. Whoever survived had to leave to heal themselves, or retreated before the battle even began. There were no other survivors. The mysterious Alicorn was sighted at that battle with only one photograph which the Justice Society was now researching, surrounded by an army of fanatical loyalists that was under his control. Behind him at the ensuring battle was a symbol of a crown. His hood still hid his face, but was now proof that this was not a simple attack, it was classified as a 'false revolution'. The police around the area were now searching ruthlessly for the Alicorn and his army, unknown that they were sending more lambs to the slaughter.
InfraSound puts a hoof on Shifts shoulder, attempting to cheer him up by saying, "Hey, it's okay. You're trying, and that's what matters. If you ever decide to tell me the full story I won't judge you for it. Besides, you seem pretty cool, even for somepony who tried to kill Archangel."
Shift sadly smiled at InfraSound. ''Thanks. I'll tell you the whole story, as well as the others intested, some time later. But we've got things to do now, we should get moving.'' He soflty sniffed away his sappyness, and stood up. He shifted to his dark form, and looked at the ruins in front of him. ''I've got a feeling that something, or somepony, could be inside. Follow me?''
"Cut the sobby stuff for now we gotta get back to the base, Not only am i hungry but i need to use the john when we get back to HQ" Vibrato whimpered running back to the ship.
"Just a second, Vibrato," InfraSound replied. "We should make sure that this place is cleared out first, then we can head back to HQ."
"Awww come on just get Lifepool to do it, He can just montage and do it in a minute, No problems whatsoever" Vibato whined
"I would montage but it up to the mighty crimson." he looked into nothingness as the others thought he was talking about archangel. He then trotted to the shuttle. "Oh and Chimichangas on me when we get back."
Archangel, finishing his duty's and hopping back onto the shuttle noticed Lifepool and some of the other hero's talking about him and what appeared to be a 'montage' of their current situation. Seeing how the survivors were under safe hooves in the police force and the row of ambulances, and that the chief told them they were free to leave, Crimson nodded with a small smile. He then looked out of the window, disappointed of how much life was lost. He then received something chilling, another lead to this Alicorn in Manehattan and a dozen armed ponies surrounding him. He got a message from Joker, which was a file of the only known photos able to make it back to the society. "Guys, Joker's just sent us something. It's info, and quite a big amount of info as well." Archangel announced to the group, urging them to come forward. He printed a photo exclusively from Guardian, knowing his dislike for technology. "We have our Alicorn, but he's also escorted by some guards. They are well armed, dressed in mostly dark grey military uniforms and.... have the same crown symbol on their clothing as well on the wall. This proves something about the attack, and that they're connected." Crimson then turned around. "I'm sensing a pattern here. Things are going to get really bad soon, i say that we should take express to Manehattan to stop him. If you're hungry, there's food in the fridge. And yes, chimichanga's have been prepared exclusively for you Lifepool."
"Alrighty then, start the music and let the montage begin." all of a sudden out of nowhere a montage of him breaking and entering. Cleaning up (literally) and duel kitanaring and duel pistoling occurred to the sound of some 80's action montage music which everyone could hear. Before his final couple scenes of him preparing chimichangas in the base canteen like a badass. He then ended the montage with him eating the hot fresh chimichanga's in the ship nonchalantly. (here's the link to the montage music: https://soundcloud.com/bobby-t-bone/80s-action-montage-music)
"Hold up Lifepool you better save some for me" Vibrato said while hopping in the ship. She jumped passed Lifepool taking a chimichonga right before he took a bite. "Now shis is shwhat i shcall shuality shfood" She mumbled while scarfing down her chimichonga.
Shift blinked at the representation of Life Pool's powers. ''All... Right... Let's get to the base. Crim, i have to talk to you about something during the flight back.'' He then turned to InfraSound. ''Get Vibrato. I might have an idea about what's going on here, but i need to talk to Crim about that first.''
Crimson held his hoof out as the 'montage' was completed. This would have made the others confused, but since Archangel was had been in service since the Society was founded, he knew Lifepool ever since then, he even knew reason why he wore the mask. However, he felt like the newest recruits, with some exceptions, were not listening to him when he was handing out some serious information such as the Alicorn that almost slaughtered an entire town. He handed the others the photos of this Alicorn to every member of the team, and one for Guardian who was going to fly alongside the ship. Archangel decided to fly this time back to the base, feeling it necessary. Soon, Shift sat next to Crimson in the cockpit as they began to talk. Turning the auto pilot on, Crimson decided to keep his attention on Shift and what he had to say.
Shift looked a little nervous. ''Listen, Crim, i wanted to apologize and tell you the truth about my case. During my rehabilitation, i've had major breakdowns. Thoses happened for no reason, and could happen at any time. I fear that, in the face of anger, jealousy and hatred, my heart decides to turn around again. I want you to kill me if that would have to happen, and tell me if, well... i'm pushing it too far. For me, thoses ponies... None of them are happy. Killing them, a little more than six years ago... It was to brighten their lives. But now... I don't know. I guess i just don't feel like having to protect them, neither having to save them. Crimson, you know how i became such a monster? Volountarily. I risked myself to make their lives better. And they feared me, wanted me to go away. And now... I have to save them. I know it's the right thing to do, and it's not unfair and all... But my heart still feels sick about this. And i can hear him, hear it's low voice screaming. And i can hear me trying to keep the control when i'm shifting bodies with him.'' He stared at his hooves for a little before continuing. ''And i think i know how to get this case solved faster than lightning. But that's why i want you to kill me, in a way.''
Crimson remained silent for a moment until he spoke once again. He cleared his throat before he spoke. "If such a day were to happen, I'll be the one that will unfortunately take you out. I might have to do it on my lonesome, but i'll stop this 'monster' inside of you by myself. As long as you could forgive me in the afterlife with taking your life, then I'm prepared for such a worst case scenario." Soon, the HQ came into view as the shuttle landed on it's pad. As soon as he could, Crimson made his way towards the command centre and the news about the Alicorn. He was known by only one name, one name that this Alicorn would respond towards. Monarch.....
Guardian looked at the picture of the rogue Alicorn, grinning wickedly. "Finally... something to hit! When do we leave?"
Archangel looked over his shoulder and seen Guardian with a sadistic smile on his face. Luckly for both of them, they both have been waiting to hit something for a long time. Crimson then turned around at Guardian. "He's in Manehattan. It appears that he's trying to gain support for something, like a revolution of some sort. Despite the fact we cant see his face and that he has no background infomation, it's impossible to tell his identity. However, the idea of taking this guy down is a language we both speak fluently, because violence is a language we can all speak" Crimson said as a grin came across his face, matching Guardians. His gloves began to spark and crack with lightning, indicating that his shock gloves were turned on. "We leave immediately. Get anything you might need, weaponry or medical supplies, and head towards the shuttle. You can leave before the others if you want, we'll be not far behind. And I'm taking my motorcycle there, so I'm not flying the ship in general." Crimson then pressed a button on his whist as a helmet suddenly formed around his head that matched his armor. "See you there." Archangel spoke with a deep voice due to his microphone in his helmet as he walked out of the room.
"Manehatten. Got it. I have only one more question..." Guardian reached into his pack and pulled out three items: The first was an insribed ivory hornring, designed to nullify a Unicorn's powers. The other two were a pair of glowing red fire rubies. "Dead or alive?"
