Chapters CHAPTER 2
THE MISSION
About an hour later, Kark and Rainbow Dash arrived at Base Camp. They swooped down to land a few feet away from the command tent, where the pony that was their Commanding Officer established his headquarters.
He had his back turned to them while he was going over a map that was laid out before him on a table while a Lieutenant pony was pointing out some stuff to him. They couldn’t hear what was being said between the two of them, but Kark guessed that they were formulating a plan of attack to reconquer some lost territory somewhere in Equestria. When Kark saw the cutie marks the C.O. and his Lieutenant had on their flanks, he instantly knew who they were.
“General Macintosh, sir!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed as she saluted. “I’ve returned from my mission, and I’ve found-“
“Well, I’ll be!” Lieutenant Pipsqueak said in disbelief when he turned and saw the dragon.
“Karkovahce!” Big Macintosh cried when he turned and saw who was standing before him.
He immediately came forward to embrace the big dragon. “Well, bless me! Ah thought it was a long shot sendin’ Rainbow Dash to find you! I honestly thought you were dead!”
“Rumours about my death have been greatly exaggerated.” Kark smiled in response.
Big Mac chuckled. “Well, you bein’ here is livin’ proof that those rumours were wrong. Nice work, Lieutenant!” He said to Rainbow Dash.
“Thank you, sir!” she said as she saluted.
“And look at you! A full fledged General!”
“Eeyup!” Big Mac said proudly.
“And you’re a Lieutenant now, Pip?”
“Righto!” Pipsqueak said with equal pride.
Kark shook his head and laughed in disbelief.
“But please, come inside mah command tent! There’s a lot we have to go over.” Big Mac said as he gestured.
Kark, Rainbow Dash and Lieutenant Pipsqueak followed Big Mac inside. When Kark entered, he noticed that it was equipped with a few comforts, and the only furnishings were a few tables, a hay cot and an old tape player. “Make yaselves at home! It’s not much, but it’s mah home away from home! Kark, would ya care for somethin’ to eat or drink?”
“No, thanks.” Kark politely refused. “I had breakfast before I left Canterlot.”
Big Mac smiled. “Of course. Then let’s get down to business, shall we? Ah’m sure ‘Bow’s already told you that the tide of the war has changed. We’re winnin’ back the territories we’ve lost when the Doggies and Griffs first attacked.
“Recently, though, Army Intelligence gave us some valuable info that could just help us win this war!”
“Meaning?” Kark asked.
Big Mac adopted a serious look. “We may have found Princess Celestia.”
Rainbow Dash gasped. “Really!? Where!?”
“Deep inside Diamond Dawg territory.” Big Mac said in answer.
Rainbow Dash’s heart sank.
“Is she being held prisoner?” Kark asked.
Big Mac nodded. “By Discord.”
Rainbow Dash groaned. “Great! Just great! He’s bound to kill her, once he’s had his way with her!”
“Ah don’t think so.” Big Mac admitted. “You see, when the Dogs and Griffs freed Discord from the stone statue that was his prison, they wanted him to use his chaos magic to help them win. But what they failed to realize was that Discord only takes orders from Discord! Intel says that he’s keepin’ Celestia as a toy, or plaything, to do with as he pleases; and that he has no intentions of killin’ her. Truth is: they want him dead just as much as we do!”
“You have proof of this?” Kark asked.
Big Mac smiled and nodded. “We do. Pip, can ya play that tape for Kark?”
Pip saluted and went to turn the tape player on.
“Intel intercepted these transmissions from deep inside Diamond Dog territory. It’s been confirmed as Discord’s voice.” Big Mac said.
The tape started with an announcer quoting the date the message was intercepted. Then, when Kark heard the staticky voice on the tape, he instantly knew that it was the cocky draconequus he had faced before. “I watched… uhh… Snailz… crawl across the edge of a straight sword. It’s my dream. It’s my nightmare. Snailz crawling across the edge of a straight sword, and surviving.”
The announcer came on again and announced the date the next message was captured before Discord spoke again. “They must kill them. They must incinerate them. Pig after pig, cow after cow, village after village. And they call me an assassin. How is it when the assassins accuse the assassin? How many ponies have I been forced to kill since this war began? One hundred for sure. But that’s nothing compared to the countless thousands they’ve killed so far, with hundreds more dying each day.”
“Now here’s the kicker!” Big Mac said.
The announcer came on again giving off the date the latest transmission was captured. “I have her! I finally have her! She who makes the sun rise. Dear, sweet Princess! We’ve shared so much together. So many fond memories. And now, you’re mine. Forever mine!”
Pip then stopped the tape player, since it was the last message received.
“Those nonsensical messages tell us that Discord’s finally lost it!” Big Mac said. “He’s gone insane, even for Discord. Now, he’s escaped into the Diamond Dog Fiefdoms with a ragged army of followers who worship him and the ground he walks on like some deity. He’s out of control!”
Kark nodded after a few moments. “Okay. I believe you. But what’s that got to do with me?”
Lieutenant Pipsqueak was the one who spoke next. “Your mission is to proceed up the Non River in a Navy patrol boat. Pick up Discord’s trail from Doe Long Bridge, find him, and infiltrate his team by whatever means necessary; then terminate his command.”
“Terminate his command?” Kark repeated, almost to himself.
“With extreme prejudice.” Pipsqueak said flatly.
“This mission is above top secret!” Big Mac announced. “Ya cain’t let anyone know what you’re mission is. No sense givin’ anypony a false sense of hope until we can recover the princess and bring her back safely. Since you’re not officially part of our Army, you’re the logical choice. Think of it as bein’ our ‘hired gun’ so to speak. Rainbow Dash will accompany you. She’ll be leadin’ the mission. Nopony else can do it!”
“You’re wrong!” Kark immediately said. “Why not send Rainbow Dash, Twilight Sparkle and their friends with their Elements of Harmony!? They defeated him before with their powers! They can do it again!”
“Easier said than done, mah dragon friend!” Big Mac admitted. “As far as we know, Twi and ‘Bow are the only two ponies of the six left alive. And for all we know, the others are long dead!”
“Besides” Rainbow Dash chimed in. “The jewels we need to harness our powers were hidden inside a cave far away from here in an area still controlled by the Diamond Dogs. It’s too dangerous to try and recover the jewels now!”
Kark shook his head. “No! I refuse to believe that! I won’t accept the fact that Dash and Twilight are the only ones still alive!”
“Mah orders are final, Kark! Ah strongly suggest you do as I say, or I’ll send you back to Draconia to face justice at your courts quicker than you can say ‘tarnation’!”
Kark let it all sink in for a few moments before finally nodding his head. “All right. But let me state for the record that once this mission is over, I don’t want another one.”
Big Mac smiled briefly. “Trust me, when it’s over, you won’t want another one.”
Then he turned his attention to Rainbow Dash. “And as such, ah’m promotin’ you to the field rank of Captain. It’ll be your responsibility to keep Karkovahce alive until he completes his mission.”
Rainbow Dash snapped a salute. “Aye aye, General!”
A clanking sound was heard from outside.
“Ah!” Big Mac said. “Right on time! Ah have a surprise for you, Kark. Follow me.”
He led everyone outside where some ponies were standing next to a full suit of armour big enough for Kark to fit in. They snapped at attention the minute they saw General MacIntosh.
Kark gasped at what he saw. “My old suit of armour!” he exclaimed as he reached down and felt an arm plate. “I thought I lost this! Where’d you get it!?”
“We found it off a Griff we shot down in mid air.” Big Mac said. “He was wearin’ it.”
Kark shook his head. “Incredible!”
“It’ll be ready for you by tomorrow. You’re welcome to spend the night here. We’ve prepared quarters for you. You and Dash’ll leave first thing in the morning. Let me show you where you’ll be sleepin’ tonight. All right, everypony, carry on!”
“Aye, aye, sir!” they all said simultaneously as they snapped a salute.
Later on that evening, Rainbow Dash came to visit Kark in his quarters after she had finished her duties for the day. Until curfew, they spent time talking about the things they liked best, namely flying tricks and techniques, and about Rainbow Dash’s time spent with the Wonderbolts before the war began.
Rainbow Dash was in unusually high spirits, despite the gravity of the mission we were about to embark on. Before the war started, she finally became a full- fledged member of the Wonderbolts, and participated in many shows. She was also a member of the Royal Guard Reserve, and went into training a weekend a month in preparation for when she may be called into action. Looks like that training paid off!
She also finally won the heart of Soarin, the male Pegasus who was the Captain of the Wonderbolt team, and they married soon after. When all Hell broke loose, Soarin was shipped off to the main Pegasus attack force whose primary mission was to lead bombing raids on enemy targets. I assumed Rainbow Dash had followed him; but here she was, grounded. This raised a burning question.
“If all pegasi are part of the bombing raids, why aren’t you up there with them?”
Rainbow Dash sighed. “A few months after I joined them, I took a bullet in my right wing. It shattered my main wing spine. It took me about two months to heal. When I checked out of the hospital, I was reassigned to the ground forces. I can still fly pretty fast, but I don’t think I’ll ever be able to do another sonic rainboom again.” She looked sad.
“I’m sorry.” Kark said sympathetically.
Rainbow Dash smiled slightly. “I still have the scar.” She said as she lifted her wing to show what remained of the bullet’s entry wound in the middle part underneath her wing spine.
It was a nasty scar, all right! When I was younger, I once snapped one of my minor spines on a thick tree branch. I healed in just two weeks. That was nothing compared to the kind of injury Dash sustained. When she said she’d never be able to do another sonic rainboom, I believed her.
The sound of a nearby trumpet brought Kark out of his reverie. “Curfew! Better head to my sleeping quarters.” Rainbow Dash said as she got up to walk out. “Good night, Kark!”
“Good night.” Kark replied.
He went to sleep shortly after. Tomorrow, their mission started; and there was no turning back from it!
CHAPTER 3
ON THE BOAT
The next day, they set off at dawn towards their next destination, which was a boat dock alongside Newmare Bay. Kark donned his battle armour in all of its splendour. He figured the ponies assigned to refurbish it must’ve worked tirelessly throughout the night to get it all fixed up and polished. Rainbow dash had put down her Royal Guard armour as well.
It felt good to wear my old suit of armour again! It was custom made for me by the pony blacksmiths at Canterlot shortly after I was assigned there as Dragon Ambassador. It was a token of welcome after I’ve been named an honorary member of the Royal Canterlot Guard.
And it wasn’t some cheap imitation, either! It was the real deal! Powerful enough to withstand any arrow or spear anyone would dare throw at it. Whether or not it can take a bullet from a more modern rifle or machine gun remained a mystery. Thankfully, I never even came close to taking a lead slug fired in anger. Let’s hope it stays that way!
When they arried, they quickly found the P.V.R. that was to ferry them right next to the refuelling station.
“You sure this is it?” Kark asked.
“It’s the only boat docked here, it must be it.” Rainbow Dash said in answer.
Then they made their way towards the boat.
It wasn’t long before they found the Captain of the boat, and they were quite surprised to see who it was.
“I don’t believe it!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed. “Applejack!” she called out as she galloped towards her long lost friend.
“What?” Applejack turned when she heard her name being called. She gasped. “Well, I’ll be! Rainbow Dash!!” She cried out as she ran to meet her.
“Applejack!!” Rainbow Dash said again as she fell into Applejack’s embrace.
“Ah never thought I’d see you again, ya silly filly!”
“Same here! And you’re not gonna believe who I got with me.” Rainbow dash gestured.
Applejack gasped when she saw the big dragon. “Karkovahce! Well, don’t that beat all!”
“Hi, Applejack.” Kark said as he exchanged an embrace with her.
“When ah received word that ah’d be ferryin’ two Army regulars up the Non, ah had no idea that it would be the two of you!”
“So, you’re the Captain of this boat?” Kark asked.
“Ah sure am!” Applejack said proudly. “Ah call it the ‘Sweet Apple’. And ah’m not alone. Apple Bloom! Sweetie Belle! Come see who’s here!” she called.
The two younger fillies poked their heads up out of the engine room, and gasped when they saw who had arrived. “Rainbow Dash!” they cried as they scrambled out of the hold, and ran up to hug their favourite mare.
“Hi, kids!” Rainbow Dash said. “Bet you’re surprised to see me, huh?”
“Very!” they both said simultaneously.
“And girls, guess who else is here.” Applejack gestured.
They both silently relinquished their hold on Rainbow Dash and ran up to hug Kark, who knelt down to accept their hug. “We heard ya’ll died!” Apple Bloom said.
“Well, obviously, that wasn’t true.” He smiled as he squeezed them. Both fillies giggled as they accepted Kark’s loving embrace.
“Well, it’s about time to shove off!” Applejack announced. “So why don’t ya come on board and make yourselves at home!”
Kark and Rainbow Dash followed Applejack lead, and they were soon underway.
How Applejack came to be the Captain of a Navy P.V.R. was beyond me. Yet here she was, assigned to ferry me and Rainbow Dash into the Non all the way up to Doe Long Bridge and beyond. Perhaps she felt this was how best to serve in the war effort following the destruction of Sweet Apple Acres farm.
The two young fillies that made up her crew were probably not cut out to be in this situation, yet here they were. Technically, they were still just kids! Although they’ve just barely reached adulthood, and they’ve grown into fine looking young mares!
Apple Bloom, Applejack’s younger sister, finally earned her zap apple cutie mark after gaining the reputation of making the best zap apple jam in all of Equestria. She acted as Machinist, Engineer, and riflepony on the boat.
Sweetie Belle, her best friend, was First Class Gunner’s Mate. She finally earned HER cutie mark after discovering she had a talent for singing, which explains the sol key and heart symbol she bore on her flank. Her specialty was love ballads. She probably hadn’t written too many love ballads during the war, though.
It makes me wonder: How would they really handle themselves, if things got too hairy?
“Ah figure there are two ways we can get into the Non River. They’re both hot! They belong to Doggie.” Applejack said from her place in the driver’s seat of the boat. Rainbow Dash had consulted with her about the best way to enter the river.
“Don’t worry, A.J.” Rainbow Dash said as she patted her friend on the shoulder. “The Flying 109th are supposed to meet us at the mouth. If necessary, they’ll punch a hole for us to sail on through.”
“Ah certainly hope so.” Applejack admitted. “We’ve haven’t had much practice in getting’ out of hairy situations.”
A short time later, Kark was lounging around at the back of the boat, watching the waves roll in the wake of the boat’s powerful engine. The P.V.R. Sweet Apple may be a small patrol boat, but she seemed powerful enough.
The sound of fillies giggling brought him out of his reverie. Rainbow Dash, Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle had gathered on the deck of the boat. They were gossiping and giggling amongst themselves, as girls often do.
When Kark decided he’s had enough, he got up to head towards the front of the boat. The fillies grew silent as he approached. When they met his gaze, they all saw that he looked rather annoyed. “Excuse me.” He said politely as he squeezed past them and headed down to the sleeping quarters. He pulled the curtain door shut behind him, and crashed into the large cot that would be his place to sleep for the next few days. But he didn’t feel like sleeping. He just wanted to be alone.
Minutes later, Rainbow Dash pulled the curtain open and peeked inside. “You wanna talk?” she asked.
Kark sighed inwardly. “Not really.” He said from his place on the cot. He was turned away from Rainbow Dash.
She stepped in and pulled the curtain shut behind her. “You still miss her, don’t you?” she asked rather sadly.
Kark sighed again. “You have no idea.”
“A-actually, I think I do.” Rainbow Dash said. “I keep worrying for Soarin. Every day I wake up, I keep expecting to receive word that he died at the hands of a Dog who shot him while he was flying by, or a Griff who cut him down in mid air. War’s like that, I guess.”
Kark turned to face her. “At least the love of your life is still alive! Or you think he is. I know that my love is dead. Dead and buried.”
“But there’s hope that you would one day see her alive again. I-if it’s true what they say about phoenixes and their powers, once we find Celestia; which should lead us to Philomena; we’ll see if she can really resurrect Princess Luna for you.”
“It may just be a false hope, though.” Kark admitted.
“A false hope is better than no hope at all.” Rainbow Dash smiled.
Then she grabbed a back pack she had brought with her, opened it up, and pulled a bottle out. “I was saving this for a rainy day, but since you could use some cheering up now, I figured: What the hay!?
She showed him the bottle that read “Sweet Apple Acres Vintage Cider”. Kark’s eyes lit up. “Where’d you get that!?”
Rainbow Dash smiled brightly. “It was Applejack’s Hearth Warming Day gift from five years ago. I think it’s aged just about right, now.”
She grabbed two cups that were nearby, opened the bottle and poured a measure in each cup. “There can’t be too many of those left around.”
“Probably not.” Rainbow Dash admitted. She handed Kark one of the cups and lifted the other one. “Here’s to hope.” She smiled.
Kark smiled back and lifted his own cup. “To hope.”
They clanked the cups together before taking a sip. Kark smacked his lips. “Absolutely divine!”
Rainbow Dash poured him another measure of cider.
“What would I do without you?” he asked almost rhetorically.
“You’d probably be bored out of your mind.” She giggled.
Kark chuckled at this. “True.” They clanked cups again and continued drinking.
Rainbow Dash certainly was a good friend. I remember the numerous flying races we had between us. She almost always won! But there were occasions where she would let me win, just to boost my ego.
My specialty, though, was aerial acrobatics. I would show her some complex manoeuvres, and dare her to repeat them. I’d always laugh morbidly whenever she failed miserably. It was our common love of flying that made us friends, and it may be that same love that may be our downfall years from now.
CHAPTER 4
SAD SONGS
Kark found himself lounging in the back of the boat. Night had fallen. Everypony was asleep, except for Rainbow Dash. She volunteered to take over Applejack’s boat driving duties so the mare could rest.
Kark silently watched the waves left by the boat’s wake. The full moon shined down brightly, illuminating the calm waters surrounding the boat. Lost in his solitude, Kark sang to himself:
All I wanna do when I wake up in the morning
Is see your eyes
O Luna, O Luna
I never thought that a girl like you
Could ever care for me
O Luna-aaah.
All I wanna do in the middle of the evening
Is hold you tight
O Luna, O Luna
Didn’t know that you were looking for more
Than I could ever give
Not quite a year since you went away
O Luna, yeah!
Now she’s gone and I have to say
Need you all the way
Need you all the way
O Luna, yeah!
Need you all the way
Need you all the way
O Luna, yeah!
I can see your face still shining through the window
On the other side
O Luna, O Luna
I didn’t know that a girl like you
Could make me feel so sad
O Luna-aaah
All I wanna tell you is now
You’ll never have to compromise
O Luna, O Luna
I never thought that losing you
Could ever hurt so bad
Not quite a year since you went away
O Luna, yeah!
Now she’s gone and I have to say
Need you all the way
Need you all the way
O Luna, yeah!
Need you all the way
Need you all the way
O Luna, yeah!
When Kark started singing, Rainbow Dash glanced back at him and smiled knowingly. She knew he was singing to make himself feel better.
What he didn’t notice, however, was that the boat crew had silently risen from their sleeping quarters to see what was going on. Their faces and eyes all betrayed looks of admiration for Kark’s beautiful singing voice, and empathy at the sadness that Kark felt.
“Kark?” Applejack said as she approached him from behind.
“WHA!” Kark exclaimed in surprise as he turned around quickly. His cheeks were wet from the tears of sadness that had fallen.
“Whoa!” He breathed heavily as he clenched his chest. “You scared me! I thought you were all asleep.”
“We were.” Apple Bloom admitted. “But you’re singin’ woke us up.”
“Sorry.” Kark said in apology.
“Don’t be.” Sweetie Belle said. “I almost forgot how great a singer you are. Almost as good as me.”
Kark smiled a little. “Thanks, I think.”
Sweetie Belle giggled. “Don’t worry. I set high standards for myself. I also know the song you just sang. ‘Rose Petal’ by Trotto. A song about a filly the singer once knew.”
“Ah remember that you sang that at the Royal Galloping Gala a few years ago.” Applejack smiled.
Kark smiled and nodded. “It was Luna’s favourite song.” He said as his eyes grew sad once again.
He was to the point of crying when Applejack placed a comforting hoof on his shoulder. “Ah know you miss her, sugarcube; but if it’s true what they say about what Princess Celestia’s phoenix can do, Luna’ll be brought back to life quicker ‘n you can say ‘tarnation’. Ya cain’t lose hope!”
“Hope is about the only thing that’s keep me going right now. By the way, please don’t call me ‘sugarcube’. That may work for Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and even Rainbow Dash.”
“Hey! I resemble that remark!” Rainbow Dash cried from her post.
Everyone giggled at that. “Well, if I cain’t call ya ‘sugarcube’, what can I call ya?” Applejack asked.
Kark thought about it a moment. “Darlin’?” he smiled.
Applejack smiled back and nodded. “Fair enough. Well, we should all go get some shut eye. We still have a few hours before we reach the 109th’s base camp.”
“You girls go ahead.” Sweetie Belle said. “I’ll be in in a few minutes.
Applejack nodded. “All right.” She said as she and Apple Bloom walked back to the sleeping quarters below deck.
“A.J’s right, you know.” Sweetie Belle said after a few moments of silence. “You can‘t lose hope. If we lose it, we’d might as well just surrender to the Dogs and become their slaves forever.”
Kark nodded sadly. “I know.”
“So, was ‘Rose Petal’ the only song that Luna liked?” Sweetie Belle asked.
Kark shook his head. “She also liked ‘Special Girl’ by Eddie Shirez. She felt that song reminded her of us.”
“I know that one!” Sweetie Belle admitted. “Mind if I sing it with you?”
“Not at all!” Kark beamed.
Then they went into an improvised duet, making sure they didn’t sing too loudly.
Into each life a little sunlight has to shine
Let me tell you about a light that once was mine
She was a special girl
She meant the world to me
And I gave her everything
When I found her, I’ve been looking everywhere
When I lost her, I was gone beyond despair
She was a special girl
She meant the world to me
And I gave her everything
But dreams are hard to touch
Could it be I loved her too much?
From her place, hidden from view, Rainbow Dash’s lips quivered as a tear streamed down her right cheek. She was moved by the golden voices of the two adept singers singing this sad song that was extremely popular years ago.
Ever since Sweetie Belle discovered her talent for singing, we became closer than ever. It was our mutual love for music that forged the bond we shared. As we sang in unison, I felt as light as a feather! I could tell that she shared in my joy, and in my pain.
Chapter 5 - The Flying 109th
CHAPTER 5
THE FLYING 109TH
A loud booming sound woke everybody up the following morning. They all stepped outside to see what was going on.
“What was that?” Sweetie Belle asked.
“Arc light.” Rainbow Dash said from her place at the wheel of the boat. She had actually driven it all night, not even bothering to wake Applejack up to take over!
“Come again?” Apple Bloom asked in a slightly confused manner.
“Magi strike.” Rainbow Dash answered in explanation.
“Oh.” Apple bloom muttered.
“Looks like some unicorn ponies cast a firestorm spell.” Applejack said. “Nasty! Doggie don’t see it, or hear it. Concussion’ll suck the air right out o’ ya lungs!”
“You think Twilight Sparkle had anything to do with that?” Kark asked.
“Probably.” Applejack shrugged.
“Smoke!” Sweetie belle cried out as she pointed.
“Ah see lots o’ pegasi over there!” Applejack commented.
“Let’s have a look.” Rainbow Dash said as she gazed through a pair of binoculars.
“That’s them!” she said after looking through the binoculars for a few seconds. “The Flying 109th. Our escorts to the mouth of the Non.”
“’Xcept we weren’t supposed to meet ‘em ‘til ‘bout another thirty klops further up.” Applejack commented.
“Guess our rendez-vous’ll be a little bit premature.” Rainbow Dash said.
A few minutes later, the P.V.R. Sweet Apple came in ashore amidst the chaos of what was going on.
The Flying 109th was an elite Pegasus pony squadron made up mostly of the Wonderbolts’ finest. They cashed in their snazzy blue flying suits for black Kevlar army gear that protected them from any shots fired from Doggie on the ground. It also gave them shielding against any aerial attacks from Griffs.
They had general orders to reconquer lost territory everywhere throughout Equestria. They just couldn’t stay put! What they were mopping up here took place barely an hour ago.
As the boat reached the shore, an amphibious vehicle rode up beside them and proceeded ahead. An explosion occurred in front of it as it reached the door of a Diamond Dog dwelling. It just exploded a mine with its tough armour at the front of it! It didn’t even leave any collateral damage to the vehicle! The vehicle soon tore down the dwelling that would eventually make way for a pony homestead.
Rainbow Dash led her group towards a Lieutenant she spotted a few dozen lengths away. The Lieutenant snapped a salute when he saw her approaching, and he realized that she was a Captain. “Where can I find the C.O.!?” she cried over the din after she returned the salute.
“That’s the Colonel coming in for a landing now!” The pony Lieutenant said as he pointed.
“Thank you!” Rainbow Dash said before she dismissed him.
“The C.O.’s leading that Wing!” Rainbow Dash told her companions as they waited for the pegasi to land.
Kark noticed that the Pegasus ponies all wore a shield symbol that was pure white with two yellow thunderbolts crossed in front of it. He guessed it must’ve been the Flying 109th’s insignia.
Some distance away, he saw several Diamond Dog civilians gathered around a platform where a male pony was speaking. He could clearly hear him say “We are here to offer you a helping hoof! This area is now under our control! We have vanquished the Diamond Dog and Griffon Axis Army detachment stationed here! We are willing to help any of you wishing to leave this area and relocate elsewhere!” through the megaphone he was using.
Rainbow Dash and her companions were quite surprised to see who the Colonel was when she landed. “Lieutenant!” she called to the male pony who got beside her. “Form a perimeter around the settlement about one hundred lengths out! Give me some room to breathe! And bring me my body cards!”
“Yes, ma’am!” he said as he saluted and trotted off.
“Spitfire!” Rainbow Dash called out.
The Pegasus mare turned towards the sound of her name. “Rainbow Dash!” she said in mild surprise at the sight of her fellow Pegasus compatriot.
“Captain Rainbow Dash of the Royal Pony Army Special Forces, Two Corps!” she said as she snapped a salute. She lowered it as soon as Spitfire returned it.
“Colonel, I understand H.Q. has briefed you on the requirements of our mission!”
“Yes! I got the orders yesterday! I didn’t expect you here so soon! I have to say I don’t like this whole classified stuff, though. What exactly are you all gonna do way up there?”
“I really can’t tell you, unfortunately!” Rainbow Dash admitted. “But we need you and your Flight to get us safely through the mouth of the Non.”
“Well, we’ll see what we can do about that!” Spitfire said. She was interrupted by her Lieutenant who came to hand her the deck of cards she had requested earlier.
“Just stay out of harm’s way until we get things done around here!”
She opened up the card deck and started pulling out cards one by one, and dropped them on Diamond Dog soldier corpses as she went. “Let’s see what we got here? Two of spades, three of spades, four of diamonds, seven of spades. Heh! Found the only Joker in the whole bunch!” she called as she went.
Rainbow Dash casually picked up one of the cards that was dropped. She saw that the back of it bore the Flying 109th name and insignia.
“Hey, Rainbow Dash, what’s that?” Sweetie Belle asked.
“Death cards!” Rainbow Dash answered.
“What!?” Sweetie Belle asked, even more confused.
“Death cards!” Rainbow Dash repeated. “Lets Doggie know who did this!”
Kark watched as Spitfire squeezed a card into a dead Diamond Dog soldier’s hand. He then saw an army barge a short ways away that was being loaded with Diamond Dog civilians. He figured they must be evacuees who asked to be relocated. He tried not to think of what would happen to those who decided not to relocate. He heard many frightened children crying and screaming from inside the barge. Once the front end of the barge moved closed, the crying and screaming stopped. The barge pulled out shortly after.
“Fire in the hole!” he heard a male pony cry out from close by. He instinctively ducked as another landmine was detonated. His pony companions did the same.
Then he gazed upon an incredible sight: A pair of strong looking male Pegasus ponies were air lifting a milk calf! The calf let out a frightened moo as the net lifted it from underneath. As soon as it was airborne, the Pegasus ponies flew off in a southerly direction.
By nightfall, the 109th turned the L.Z. into a beach party. They flew in the freshest and finest ingredients to make a giant vegetable stew, complete with barrels of cider and apple pies for dessert. There was even a choice T-bone steak for me! They knew I was coming! Pinkie Pie would’ve loved to have been here. She would’ve even added her own personal touch to the affair, maybe a party cannon blast or two.
Some of the ponies were surprised to see me help myself to a serving of vegetable stew and an apple pie! They’d forgotten I was omnivorous.
Some applause from ponies brought Kark out of his reverie. They were listening to a musical stallion singing and strumming his guitar. They applauded in appreciation at the song he played for them.
“I like my soup hot, but not piping hot.” Spitfire said as she watched the cook stir the pot and ladle out bowlfuls of the stew to everypony.
Spitfire treated her troops well, which probably made it a joy to serve under her. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen so many smiling, happy ponies gathered in one place. She always had that caring quality about her. It was an attitude shared by most pony mares. She kept most of her caring nature for Soarin, though. I sometimes wondered if she was secretly in love with him. But when Rainbow Dash came into the mix, she didn’t even show an ounce of jealousy. I guess I was wrong about her relationship with him. Seems they were just good friends.
“So Rainbow Dash, what is it exactly that you needed us to do for you and your friends?” Spitfire asked.
Rainbow Dash had already gone through five mugs of apple cider, and she was working on her sixth. She set it down and grabbed the map she had with her. Everyone grew silent as she approached Spitfire and pointed out some stuff on the map to her.
“There are two ways we can get it into the Non: here and here. You choose the one you think is easiest. All we need you to do is clear a path and keep it open until we can get through.”
Spitfire gazed at the map. “Both of those places are hairy. Lost a few recon scouts there. But I think the closest one would be the best way. What’s the same of the Dog settlement that’s there? Vin Drin… Dop or Lop??? All those damned ‘Cane names all sound the same.”
This brought some giggles from the ponies.
“Not sure.” Her Lieutenant said. “But do you think that’s wise, Colonel? That point at Vin Drin Drop is pretty hairy! And I mean hairy! That’s where we lost Magic Wing! Remember him?”
“Of course I remember him! A fine soldier and an excellent flyer; but we can’t let casualties like that dampen our resolve. Is that clear, Lieutenant!?”
“Yes, ma’am.” He said.
“We can leave for there at dawn.” Rainbow Dash said. “All we need is for you to keep that mouth open for a few minutes. Just enough time for us to punch our way through.”
“Maght not be able to get the boat in, though. The draft at the mouth o’ that river might be too shallow.” Applejack admitted.
“Don’t worry!” Spitfire said. “We’ll drop that boat down like a baby, right where you want it.”
“But what about us? We cain’t fly.” Apple Bloom asked.
“Kark there looks pretty strong.” Spitfire gestured. “Don’t know how proud dragons are, though.”
Kark smiled. “What do you say, ladies? Care to hitch a ride on this big ol’ dragon one time?”
The two Apple sisters and unicorn filly smiled back, thinking of how fun it could be.
“Well that settles that.” Spitfire said with finality.
“But do you think it’ll work?” Rainbow Dash questioned.
“Work???” Spitfire exclaimed in surprise. “Are you kidding!? We’re The Flying 109th! The elite among pegasi! The sky is our domain! Of course it’ll work!
“But Colonel, don’t you think we should-“ the Lieutenant began.
“No buts, Lieutenant!” Spitfire interrupted. “My decision is final, and that’s an order!”
The Lieutenant snapped at attention. “Yes ma’am!”
“Uhh, Spitfire…” Rainbow Dash began after a few moments of silence. “I’ve been meaning to ask you:” She hesitated. “Have you heard anything from Soarin?”
Spitfire shook her head sadly. “No. Sorry. When the war broke out, we all got our orders and became separated. I haven’t heard from Soarin since.”
A look of extreme disappointment spread all over Rainbow Dash.
“Hey.” Spitfire began as she placed a reassuring hoof on Dash’s shoulder. “I’ve known him longer than you have. He’s pretty tough. I’m sure you’ll hear from him soon.” She smiled.
Rainbow Dash returned the smile; but inside, she was worried sick.
Soon after, everyone went to sleep. Rainbow Dash went into an uneasy slumber, for she still wondered deeply if the love of her life was really doing all right. Everyone slept soundly, though, until they were woken up just before dawn the next morning by the Reveille bugle call.
Chapter 6 - Vin Drin Drop
CHAPTER 6
VIN DRIN DROP
After a light breakfast, everypony readied themselves for their mission. Kark donned his leather backed armour that served him well since the start of the war. It was light enough to allow him to fly and manoeuvre around with ease. He imagined the kevlar uniforms the pegasus ponies wore equally as lightweight and manoeuvrable. Like him, the wings were left exposed for ease of flight. As long as they didn’t take a bullet to the wings, they’d be okay.
He was outfitted with a special harness to allow the earth ponies and unicorn pony he’d be carrying to stay on his back during flight. They, too, were outfitted with the special kevlar armour for extra protection.
Sweetie Belle then noticed something she just had to let her childhood friend know about. “Hey, Apple Bloom! You’re not gonna believe this. Look!” She pointed.
Apple Bloom gasped as she saw several pegasus ponies gather around the P.V.R. Sweet Apple. Two stayed on the dock to attach ropes and harnesses to it while eight pegasi hovered in mid air, waiting for their tethers to be hooked up so they can lift off. “Mah word! They’re pickin’ up the boat!” she exclaimed.
“Not too heavy for you?” Spitfire asked as she approached Kark. She had the sunglass goggles she always wore when she was with the Thunderbolts on her forehead. It was always practical for blocking out the sun’s glare in mid flight, and Kark thought it somehow made her look cooler.
“No.” Kark shook his head.
Spitfire grinned. “Great! Here.” She handed him a rather large rifle.
Kark immediately put a hand up. “I’m a neutral party.” He said as he refused the weapon.
Spitfire grew more serious. “If you’re gonna fly with the 109th, you’ll do as we do.” She handed him the weapon again. “Besides, rumour has it you had no compunctions in helping us fight for our cause when the Axis Armies first invaded.”
Kark hesitated before finally taking the weapon. It was a large semi automatic rifle that was already fully loaded with live rounds. He glanced over at Rainbow Dash standing beside her with her own machine gun she had taken from the boat’s stockade. She just smiled and shrugged. Kark tested the weapon’s reload mechanism. It cocked with ease!
“Okay! Is everybody ready!?” Spitfire called through her megaphone from her place at the front of the Wing.
A few ponies called out.
“I CAN’T HEAR YOU!!”
Almost everypony cried out. “YEAH!”
“Ready to kick some Dog tail!?”
“YEAH!!”
“All rightee then!” She then lowered her sunglass goggles onto her eyes. “Okay, son, let ‘er rip!” she ordered a young Pegasus pony standing next to her, who lifted the bugle he was carrying to his mouth and sounded the charge.
Spitfire gave the signal to take flight, and everypony took off in unison. Kark took a running start before spreading his massive wings and taking off.
They flew steadily north by northwest. Their target was about fifteen klicks away from their base camp position on the beach. The pegasi kept a steady pace so as not to tire out too soon. While Rainbow Dash flew beside Spitfire at the front of the pack, Kark hovered towards the back. Given his bulk and his wingspan, he needed the room.
About half way to their target, Spitfire hovered back towards Kark. “How’re your charges doing?” she asked him when she got beside him.
He glanced back at Applejack, who smiled and nodded. “So far so good.” He answered.
“Good!” she smiled. Then she got beside of Sweetie Belle. “Hey, Sweetie Belle. Since you have a talent for singing, I’m sure you’ll appreciate what we’re about to do. About a klop outside of the settlement, we’re gonna put on some music!”
“Music?”
“Yeah! We use ‘Flight Of The Valponies’. Scares the crap out of the ‘Canes! My troops love it!”
Spitfire then picked up speed to head back to the front of the Flight once more, leaving Sweetie Belle to just shake her head in disbelief. “Unbelievable.” She said to herself.
“Duke six, this is Red Leader!” Spitfire heard a Lieutenant say through her headset. “Target spotted dead ahead.”
“Acknowledged, Red Leader. Okay, troops, assume attack formation. Sound unit, time to rock and roll! Make it loud, and make it proud! It’s time to dance!”
With this, the sound of that classic orchestra piece blared all throughout the sky around them. The Sound Unit were equipped with some pretty sophisticated stereo speakers that have off High Definition surround sound that could be heard from klops away! Sweetie Belle laughed in delight at this. She also laughed because she thought this whole scenario was pretty funny.
The headsets the officers carried were pretty handy for ease of communication between them. Matter of fact, they carried a lot of top rated equipment that ensured success of their missions.
Meanwhile, in the Diamond Dog settlement, the routine of their village life went on as normal. When the faint sound of music echoed toward them, though, the alarm was sounded. The town’s bell started peeling off, thus signalling the villagers to run for cover. A nearby school was evacuated to safety when a female Diamond Dog soldier directed the Teacher and other nearby villagers to quickly take shelter. The children all obediently fell in line behind the teacher in rows of two before they sprinted off towards shelter. A young Diamond Dog boy lagged behind, curious to see the approaching ponies. A girl slightly older than he was, perhaps his older sister, came back to grab him by the hand and lead him away.
Near the makeshift bridge outside the village, several Diamond Dog soldiers were running towards their posts, grabbing automatic weapons as they went, readying themselves for the coming firefight.
“And…. FIRE AT WILL!” Spitfire ordered as they crossed over the point of the off shore sand bar just before the beach. Everypony let loose a barrage of missiles and automatic weapons fire at designated targets. One missile found its mark as a house believed to be a command post burst into flames. Near the bridge, several Diamond Dog soldiers fell to the hail of machine gun fire that rained down upon them. Those that survived the initial barrage opened fire at random at the pegasus ponies, but they proved to be too fast for them. Several more Diamond Dogs fell to a second hail of automatic weapons fire.
“Duke six, this is Red Leader.” The Lieutenant called in his headset. “I’m seeing some kind of large artillery weapon down there. Looks like an older machine gun!”
It was, in fact, an older rapid fire machine gun. It was being malehandled by three Diamond Dog soldiers who were unleashing a hailstorm of bullets from it at the flying ponies. One nearby male pony screamed as he took a bullet in his wing and fell to his death.
“Roger, Red Leader! You have my permission to take it out!” Spitfire ordered.
“Acknowledged!” the Lieutenant said. It only took a matter of seconds for the Lieutenant to swoop down and fire two missiles from the weapons array he carried in his back. The missiles found their mark as the machine bunker exploded in flames and the weapon and enemy soldiers were silenced.
“Outstanding, Red Leader, outstanding! Get ya a barrel of cider for that one!” Spitfire exclaimed as she observed the scene through a pair of binoculars she was carrying.
Meanwhile, the hail of machine gun fire and missile barrage continued as more Diamond Dog soldiers fell to the coming storm. Rainbow Dash took out a few Doggies she got a bead on with her own machine gun.
When a perimeter was formed, several Pegasus ponies landed on the shores of the beach to begin a ground based assault. One younger pony landed, but then cowered behind screaming. “NOOO! I’M NOT GOING! I’M NOT GOING! I’M NOT GOING!”
He couldn’t have looked older than a colt who had just reached adulthood. A male compatriot of his pushed him from behind, and forced him into the forward charge.
“Duke 6, this is Red Leader!” Spitfire heard in her headset.
“Go ahead.”
“I’m seeing a vehicle down here in the courtyard. A few Dogs are loading what appear to be wooden crates in it. Probably ammunitions, weapons and whatever diamonds they have. Looks like there’s about five or six of them. They’re now taking off like a rocket towards the bridge!”
It was, in fact, an ox cart being pulled by a single water buffalo. The six Diamond Dogs had just finished loading the crates in the back of the wagon, got on board, and then the driver whipped the buffalo into a gallop and sprinted the cart towards the makeshift bridge on the other side of the village.
“Roger, Red Leader.” Spitfire said. “Clear a path, I’m coming in myself. These people never give up!”
The cart was on the bridge by the time Spitfire was within range. She fired a single shot from the rocket launcher she had on her back, which quickly found its mark, blasting the ox cart off the bridge, and instantly killing the Diamond Dog soldiers in it. The water buffalo, though, escaped the blast and quickly swam away, as it fell into the water.
“Nice shot, Spitty!” Rainbow Dash commented as she saw the direct hit.
Meanwhile, the ground assault units the village square, and attempted to secure the area. A few of them were hit with a hail of machine gun bullets! A couple of them fell to the ground wounded. The fire came from a couple of sniper towers a few hundred lengths away. The snipers were using armour piercing rounds, as they were able to break through the kevlar armour and find their mark. The towers were soon targeted and destroyed by missile fire. Whoever was inside those towers were not left alive.
“Duke six, this is Red Leader! We’ve got wounded down here!”
“Understood! I went those ponies air lifted to a hospital in fifteen minutes!”
One of the wounded, a male Pegasus who was entirely black, except for a white blotch on his mouth and nose, was screaming in pain as he was lying in a pool of his own blood. He had taken a few armour piercing rounds to his left rear leg, which completely shattered his femur. A Field Medic was feverishly trying to tie a tourniquet around the injured leg in an effort to stop the blood flow. An elderly Diamond Dog couple, probably the village elders, stood a short distance away observing the scene, and looking very worried. They were actually praying that the nightmare they were witnessing would soon come to an end.
“WHERE’S THAT STRETCHER!?” The Medic screamed as a few Pegasus ponies threw down harnesses that were used to attach the stretcher to in order for the wounded to be air lifted away, once they were secured.
While all this was going on, a lone Diamond Dog female snuck up behind them and threw something in the middle of them. “GRENADE! GRENADE!” one pony screamed as everyone tried to scramble away, but it was too late. The grenade exploded in seconds, killing everypony within a few feet of the blast. Their now lifeless bodies flew every which way. One pony, who survived the blast, fell down hard on some concrete steps and screamed as he caught fire from the fiery shrapnel that rained down on him.
“Bucking savages!” Spitfire exclaimed as she witnessed the scene.
“Holy crap, she’s an animal!” the Red Leader Lieutenant was heard saying. “I’m gonna burn this bucking machine gun right up her ass!”
He then swooped down and let loose a barrage of machine gun fire that struck down the fleeing Diamond Dog female, as well as a couple of other soldiers who were close by.
“Duke Six, this is Yellow Leader! I’m taking heavy fire over here by the tree line. Looks like there’s a lot of Doggy activity out here!”
“Roger that, Yellow Leader.” Spitfire said in response. “Pull back, if you think you can’t handle it.”
“Roger, Duke Six, will adv-“
He was silenced when an incendiary shell exploded right in front of him. His lifeless body fell like a rock to the ground.
Spitfire was dumbstruck by what just happened. “Everypony, pull back from that tree line NOW!” she ordered when she regained her composure.
Kark, meanwhile, came in for a landing on the beach. He chose a spot that would be well away from the ongoing firefight. However, a mortar shell exploded a few lengths away from him. He landed far enough out of range, though, so that the Dogs couldn’t get an accurate bead on him. The ponies he was carrying soon detached themselves from the harness and slid off his back.
Soon after, Spitfire fired a barrage of rockets at the makeshift bridge blocking the mouth of the Non, utterly destroying the obstacle. Applejack and her crew now had a clear path into the Non River!
Moments later, Spitfire and Rainbow Dash joined Kark and the other ponies on the beach.
“Is everybody all right?” Spitfire asked.
“Just fine.” Kark said in response.
“You fillies just lay low ‘til the boat gets here.” Applejack ordered.
“Incoming!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed. Everybody lay flat on the ground as the mortar shell exploded a few lengths away to their left. Except for Spitfire, who just stood there and looked back at where the mortar shell fell.
“Duke Six, this is Ground Assault Command. We’re taking heavy fire here close to the tree line! Things are pretty hairy out here!!”
“Roger that. Think it’s time we evened the odds. Hold on. Let me call in an air strike.”
She then switched her headset to Radio mode. “This is Big Duke Six calling Air Command. Come in, Air Command!”
About a klop away, a lone Pegasus pony flying casually responded. “Roger, Big Duke Six. We copy.”
“I need a ‘palm strike just North of our position ASAP. We’re taking heavy weapons fire from Doggy. By Celestia, I want that damned tree line BOMBED!”
“Roger, Big Duke Six. I’m radioing in your request to H.Q.”
“Hold onto your tails and horns, folks! Things are about to get really hairy.” Spitfire smirked.
“Incoming!” they heard somepony scream from a few lengths away. Everyone lay flat on the ground again as the shell exploded almost directly behind them. Spitfire, however, still stood her ground.
“Air Command to Duke Six.”
“This is Big Duke Six. Go ahead.”
“Just received word that a Wing has been dispatched to your designated target now. Better get your troops back, it’s gonna be a doozy!”
“Thank you!” She then switched her headset back to its original mode. “All units! All units! Pull back! Rain’s coming.”
Several “roger”s and acknowledgments echoed in her headset as all the field commanders complied.
Off in the distance, they could see the recon Pegasus who had just radioed in the air strike veer away.
A few seconds later, they observed four Pegasus ponies sweep down low from the southwest. They flew over the forested area, and it exploded into several huge fireballs as they dropped their napalm payloads at the designated target.
Kark and his pony friends reacted as they felt the heat and the concussion from the explosion. The pegasus ponies then swept down towards their area and proceeded to make a landing a few lengths away from them.
The suits they wore were dark blue in colour, and were made of the same kevlar material as The Flying 109th. The Wing Leader cantered over to them. They recognized the filly instantly as soon as she took off her sunglass goggles and face mask, and were quite surprised to see who it was.
“Scootaloo!” Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle exclaimed in unison.
“Apple Bloom! Sweetie Belle!” Scootaloo gasped as she trotted over to greet her childhood friends. All three of them fell into a group embrace, squealing with delight.
Kark had only met the young Pegasus filly a few times, but never had the opportunity to really bond with her. He noticed that the three male colts who were with her couldn’t be that much older than she was.
“Rainbow Dash!” Kark heard Scootaloo gasp as she turned her attention to the pegasus whom she had idolized ever since she was a young filly.
“Heya, kid!” Rainbow Dash smiled as she accepted the embrace from a filly whom she had mentored and befriended years ago.
“Ambassador Kark.” Scootaloo nodded in acknowledgment.
Kark returned the nod. “Scootaloo.”
“I’ve heard about what happened.” Scootaloo began as she turned her attention back to Rainbow Dash. “When you took that bullet to your wing, I thought the worst. I was so worried!”
“Hey! I can still fly. That’s the main thing, right?”
Scootaloo giggled.
Scootaloo did pretty well for herself. She became one of the top flyers among the Junior Grade Thunderbolts. Most of what she knew about flying, she learned from Rainbow Dash; whom she idolized like crazy from the days when she was part of the Cutie Mark Crusaders with her two other filly friends.
She finally earned her grey cloud and thunderbolt cutie mark when she established an air speed record a few years ago. She became the second fastest pegasus pony alive! Second only to Rainbow Dash!
When the war started, she was drafted into the Royal Pegasus Air Support Forces whose main duty was flying bombing raids on enemy targets. It didn’t take her long to reach the rank of Lieutenant. She was probably commanding pegasi who were twice as old as she was, in the field. What balls!
“So, have you heard anything from Soarin?” Rainbow Dash eagerly asked Scootaloo.
The young filly sadly shook her head. “No. Sorry.”
Rainbow Dash looked extremely disappointed.
“Do you smell that?” Spitfire asked. “Do you smell that!?” she asked again.
Applejack sniffed the air. “Yeah. Smells lahk… methane, of somethin’. What in tarnation is that?”
“Napalm, my dear!” Spitfire grinned and answered as she pointed behind her. “I love the smell of napalm in the morning! I’m willing to bet my very last bit that when we go do a sweep of the area later on, we won’t find one stinking ‘Cane body; because everything would’ve been burned to a crisp.”
Everyone looked towards the forest area that still smouldered from the air strike that took place several minutes earlier. They saw several Diamond Dogs grouped together slowly marching towards the village area. They were being watched by a few pony soldiers. Prisoners of war, Kark thought to himself. What the 109th did here today would set Doggy back a few months. Of course, if they received orders to pull out and leave this entire area to the ponies, this place wouldn’t be hairy anymore.
“But it’s the smell, that methane smell! It smells like… victory!” Spitfire grinned
Everyone stayed awkwardly silent for a few moments.
“Applejack, LOOK!” Apple Bloom gasped to break the silence. She pointed to something in the sky.
Everybody observed eight male pegasus ponies come down to lower the P.V.R. Sweet Apple into the water. The boat splashed down a few lengths off shore as the harness ropes were released. The pegasi flew away with the harnesses they used to carry the boat.
“That’s our cue! Let’s go.” Applejack said as she trotted towards the water. Everybody followed her.
When they reached the shore, Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle shared a final sad embrace with Scootaloo. Each filly wished each other luck in their separate ongoing missions. Scootaloo even took a moment to hug Rainbow Dash goodbye. In a way, Rainbow Dash was like a mother figure to her. Scootaloo was to the point of tears when she begged Rainbow Dash to stay safe. Rainbow Dash reassured Scootaloo by saying that she was going to be fine, and that she’d see her again real soon.
“Thanks for everything.” Kark smiled to Spitfire as he handed the semi automatic rifle back to her. He hadn’t even fired a single shot with it!
“Keep it.” Spitfire smiled back as she pushed the rifle back to him. “You may need it more than we do.”
“You sure?” Kark questioned.
“I insist!” Spitfire said, still smiling.
Kark returned the smile slowly, and nodded. “All right then!” he said as he got on the boat.
“Hey, Rainbow Dash!” Spitfire called.
The mare turned to face the Colonel.
“If you ever find Soarin, tell him I said ‘hi’.” Spitfire smiled.
“Will do!” Rainbow Dash returned the smile and snapped a salute.
Both Spitfire and Scootaloo returned the salute.
The boat was soon revved up and turned towards the now opened up area of the Non River.
Everyone waved and said goodbye as the P.V.R. Sweet Apple sped away down the river, deeper into enemy controlled Equestria.
Chapter 7 - "Never Get Out Of The Boat"
CHAPTER 7
“NEVER GET OUT OF THE BOAT”
It was twilight, and the P.V.R. Sweet Apple was moored along the side of the river.
They had encountered engine trouble, and Applejack and Sweetie Belle were both working on trying to fix the problem. Meanwhile, Kark and Apple Bloom decided to break out some rations while Rainbow Dash took a nap. She was snoring lightly while the dragon and filly quietly had their fare: A helping of bland oatmeal and some apple juice.
“Y’know what’d go great with this here oatmeal?” Apple Bloom asked, breaking the monotony.
“What?” Kark counter asked.
“Apple sauce!” Apple Bloom said. “Ah love to mix that in with this here oatmeal. Makes it more sweet and enjoyable.”
“Except that we don’t have any apple sauce.” Kark admitted.
Apple Bloom sighed. “Yeah.” Then she looked out into the forest canopy beyond. “Still, there’s prolly an apple tree out there somewhere; and ah just got an idea.” She smiled.
Kark got a worried look. “Uh oh.”
“Hey, Applejack!” she said to get the attention of her big sister, who poked her head out of the engine’s hull. “If you an’ Sweetie Belle are gonna be awhile, ah’d like to venture out into this here forest an’ find some apples. Ah figured ah’d buck a few, an’ bring ‘em back here to make some apple sauce with ‘em.”
“Ah don’t know, sugarcube.” Applejack warned. “Remember we’re in enemy controlled territory, an’ it’s not wise to get out of the boat. It could be dangerous.”
“Aw, don’t worry, big sis! Ah’ll be careful.”
Applejack finally nodded. “All right. But ah think you’d be much safer if somebody went with ya.”
“I’ll go with her.” Kark volunteered. “Let’s let Rainbow Dash rest.” He said as he glanced at the lightly snoring Pegasus mare at the back of the boat.
Applejack smiled. “Thanks, su… darlin’. You’re a sweetheart.”
Kark smiled. “All in a day’s work.”
“Better take that rifle o’yours.” Applejack suggested.
“Right!” Kark said as he picked it up and tested the loading mechanism. It still worked like a charm!
“Ah’ll be quick!” Apple Bloom called as she jumped off the boat and into the forest. Kark was not far behind.
A few minutes later, Kark and Apple Bloom were casually walking through the forest, looking for their objective.
“There’s gotta be an apple tree ‘round here somewhere.” Apple Bloom said almost to herself.
“So why did you and Applejack join the Navy?” Kark asked, changing the subject. “Was it because you didn’t wanna get into the shit with the infantry?”
“Actually, it was more like a foalhood dream A.J. once had.”
“Foalhood dream?”
“Yeah. She often imagined herself bein’ a pirate on some kind o’ ship an’ settin’ sail in search o’ treasure n’ stuff.”
“Really? I didn’t know that about her.”
“There’s lots o’ things you don’t know ‘bout mah big sister. Like that time she went to Manehattan for ‘bout a year or so to live with one o’ ma aunts n’ uncles, searchin’ for herself.”
“Oh, I knew about that.”
Apple Bloom glanced at Kark in disbelief. “How?”
“Twilight Sparkle told me.” Kark smiled.
“Oh. In any case, she joined the Navy, hopin’ to finally find out what it was really like. Me an’ Sweetie Belle just came along for the ride.”
Apple Bloom stopped, put down the bucket she was carrying with her tail, and moved into some nearby bushes to relieve herself.
“An’ then there was that time that she thought she’d might become some kind of Chemist.”
“Oh, no!”
“Yepper! Practically begged ma and pa to get ‘er a chemistry set. When they finally got it for her, first thing the silly filly does is mix up a batch o’ methane gas.”
Kark stifled a laugh behind his hand, already guessing where this was going.
“All that was fine, but then she decided to test to see if it was real by lightin’ a match n’ tossin’ it in the beaker.”
“NO!”
Apple Bloom nodded. “Just about singed her mane when the darned thing exploded in flames! Really ticked off ma and pa!”
Kark couldn’t contain his laughter anymore. He burst out laughing and slapped his leg at this funny little anecdote surrounding a mare he had considered a dear friend for years.
“O’ course, this was all before ah was born; so most o’ what ah know comes from what Granny Smith told me.”
Kark’s expression grew more serious as he heard a distant sound.
“And then there was that time that-“
“SHH! Quiet!” Kark interrupted.
“Wha-“
“SHHHHHH!”
Kark then raised his rifle and stealthily approached a row of bushes a couple dozen lengths in front of him. Apple Bloom stayed silent as she stayed behind him.
“What is it? Doggy???” Apple Bloom whispered.
Kark didn’t answer as he focused on the bushed directly in front of him. He heard rustling coming from said bushes, and saw a dark shadow moving.
Then, suddenly and without warning, the shadow let out a huge roar and emerged from its hiding place.
“AAAAAHHH! IT’S A MANTICOR!!!” Apple Bloom cried out in fear as she bolted back towards the river bank.
Kark let loose a few rounds of his rifle directly at the manticor’s feet; which stopped it dead in its tracks. He then flung his rifle over his shoulder and turned to run. The manticor roared again and gave chase. Kark unfurled his wings and flew a few feet off the ground. He knew he could go lots faster, if he flew rather than ran!
He grabbed the galloping filly as he flew past while the roaring manticor was still chasing them.
On the boat, everypony scrambled to prepare to shove off.
“GO! LET’S GO!” Kark screamed as he emerged from the forested and set himself down on the boat, which roared to life and immediately backed away from the river bank.
“What is it!? What’s going on!!?” Rainbow Dash, who was woken up by all of the commotion, asked in a panic.
“MANTICOR!” Kark answered.
“Manticor!!?” Applejack exclaimed. “SHIT!”
She placed the boat in full throttle in order to get away quickly. The manticor roared as it emerged from the forest onto the river bank. Kark let loose another few shots from his rifle alongside the bank in order to keep it from jumping into the water after them. It roared again as the boat swiftly got away.
Apple Bloom hyperventilated as she got a look of equine alarm on her facial features, and her lips quivered in her panic.
“Apple Bloom, you all right?” Applejack asked his younger sister.
The young filly snapped and went into a rant. “NO, I’M NOT ALL RIGHT! NOT FOR ONE BUCKING MINUTE! AH DIDN’T SIGN UP FOR THIS SHIT! AH DON’T DESERVE ANY O’ THIS SHIT! AH JUST WANNA GO HOME TO SWEET APPLE ACRES AN’ BUCKING BUCK! AH JUST WANNA BUCKING BUCK APPLES, AN’ MAKE APPLE JAM, APPLE SAUCE, ZAP APPLE JAM, APPLE CIDER WITH A.J. AND BIG MAC AND GRANNY SMITH! AH CAN’T TAKE THIS SHIT! AH CAN’T TAKE IT! AH GOTTA REMEMBER, NEVER GET OUT O’ THE BUCKING BOAT! NEVER GET OUT O’ THE BOAT! BYE, MANTICOR! BUBBYE! GOODBYE!”
She then began to cry hysterically. Sweetie Belle and Rainbow Dash moved in to comfort her. Her best filly friend allowed her to collapse into her front legs and sob into her shoulder while Rainbow Dash attempted to soothe her by stroking and patting her on the back. Meanwhile, Applejack kept telling her younger sister that she’d be all right and that everything would be okay. She would’ve loved to come join the group hug, but somepony had to steer the boat.
While all this was going on , Kark collapsed at the back of the boat out of shock over what just happened, hyperventilating. Never get out of the boat. Absolutely bucking right, unless you’re going all the way!
CHAPTER 8
HOW FAT
It was almost midnight, and everything was pitch black. The P.V.R. Sweet Apple’s engine hummed softly as it proceeded swiftly down the river. Rainbow Dash was at the wheel. She had taken over from Applejack only a couple of hours ago. Everyone was lounging about in the back of the boat, drifting in and out of sleep.
A bright light shining on them caused everyone to stir awake. They caught sight of a makeshift boat dock with a series of storage tents, and a nearby large empty field with a stage at the far end of it.
“Is that what ah think it is?” Applejack asked drowsily as she got beside of Rainbow Dash.
“Yep!” Rainbow Dash answered. “That’s How Fat.”
“Never thought ah’d see this place again.” Apple Bloom admitted.
Kark, carrying a still sleeping Sweetie Belle, got up to watch as Rainbow Dash manoeuvred the boat to accost at the dock. A couple of male ponies guided the boat in.
How Fat was a recreational outpost set up by the Army smack dab in the middle of enemy controlled Equestria. It was well protected. No enemy platoon would even think of threatening, or even attacking this place.
Its real name was “P. X. and rec outpost no. 349”, but everypony nicknamed it “How Fat”, as in “How fat is your bit purse?” The more bits you got, the more fun you could have. It was here that we encountered somepony we didn’t expect.
“Now where’s that here Quartermaster’s desk?” Applejack asked.
“I think this is it.” Rainbow Dash answered as she indicated the empty desk she saw under a sign that said “Supplies”.
“Hellooo-ooo? Anypony home?” she called as she leaned forward over the desk.
“Right here!” a pink filly said as she lifted herself into view.
Both fillies gasped simultaneously as they saw each other. They both called each other’s names as the same time as they hugged each other. Everyone else was in disbelief at who they saw.
Needless to say, we were all surprised to see that the Quartermaster was Pinkie Pie.
“I never thought I’d see you again, you silly filly!” Rainbow Dash cried.
“And I never thought I’d see you again, you daring dasher!” Pinkie Pie squealed.
They hugged each other for what seemed like the longest time. When they finally did relinquish their mutual hug, their eyes were wet from tears of joy.
“And I’m not alone. I’ve brought some of your old friends with me.” Rainbow Dash said as she gestured.
“Hi, Pinkie Pie!” everybody said in unison.
Pinkie Pie gasped. “Applejack! Apple Bloom! Sweetie Belle, and…” She gasped again in surprise.
She then hopped over the desk that was in front of her and jumped right into Kark’s chest. “WHOA!” the big dragon as he staggered back a little from the force of the impact.
“KARK! OhmygoodnessIcantbelieveyourehereIthoughtIdneverseeyouagainIthoughtyouwereDEAD!”
“N-nice to see you, too, Pinkie.” Kark grinned awkwardly as he accepted Pinkie Pie’s hug. Pinkie Pie sighed contentedly.
“So you’re the Quartermaster here, huh?” Kark asked.
“Yeppers! Anything you want, I can get you(provided you have enough bits for them)! I’m also the morale officer around here, and I’m also responsible for the entertainment. But where’s my sense of duty?”
She then let go of her bear hug on Kark and hopped back behind her desk.
“Sergeant Pinkie Pie, at your service!” she said as she snapped a salute. “What can I get you?”
“We need three barrels of methane fuel for the boat.” Apple Bloom immediately said.
“Okie dokie! Destination?”
Applejack glanced at Rainbow Dash before answering. “Doe Long Bridge.”
Now it was Pinkie Pie’s turn to show surprise. “Doe Long??? Why in Equestria would you go all the way up there!?”
“I’m afraid that’s classified.” Rainbow Dash answered.
“Classified??? OOH, some sort of top secret mission? So top secret that you can’t even tell sweet lil’ ol’ ME about it?” Pinkie Pie grinned.
Kark nodded. “Basically, yes.”
Pinkie Pie blinked, then smiled. “Okie dokie lokie!” Then it hit her. “Wait! Did you say three barrels of fuel???”
“Yes.” Applejack said.
“But that’s more than enough to get you to Doe Long Bridge and back again! You sure you don’t have some other destination in mind?”
“We really can’t tell you.” Rainbow Dash said regrettably.
“Yeah. ‘Top secret’ n’ all. So are ya gonna give us our fuel or not?” Applejack asked with a hint of impatience in her voice.
Pinkie Pie shrugged, then she tore a piece of paper from a receipt book. “Just give this slip to the supply tent over there, and they’ll give you your fuel.” She said as she pointed, then handed the slip to Apple Bloom.
“Thanks, Pinkie!” The filly said as she grabbed the slip.
“You can also get some rations as the Mess Hall tent. HEY! You want some tickets to the show!?”
“What show?” Rainbow Dash asked.
“DUUUH! VINYL SCRATCH!” Pinkie Pie grinned brightly as she gestured towards a poster right next to her desk.
Sweetie Belle gasped. “Vinyl Scratch is coming here??? I LOVE her!”
Rainbow Dash smiled at the excited young filly. “Might as well, for all of us.”
Pinkie Pie squealed as she produced the tickets. Sweetie Belle grabbed hers eagerly.
Thanks to Pinkie Pie, they got enough fuel so the boat can take them to their final destination. They also stocked up on enough rations for the journey. Apple Bloom made sure they got enough jars of apple sauce to add to the rations for taste.
The very next evening was the highly anticipated Vinyl Scratch concert. A large crowd of ponies of all kinds gathered in the open field in front of the stage.
Pinkie Pie had gotten all of her friends tickets to the Press Box area of the concert field. It was the equivalent to having front row seats to a sporting event or theatrical play. Kark wondered how she was able to get these “VIP” tics for them. He figured it must come with being the Quartermaster and Morale Officer for How Fat. It was certainly a nice perk to have! She was even there in person with her friends, having delegated her responsibilities to somepony else!
For the next half hour, most of the entire crowd of ponies were chanting Vinyl Scratch’s name; and when she finally walked on stage, the roar from the crowd was deafening. Pinkie Pie and Sweetie Belle went all crazy as soon as she appeared. They were probably her no. 1 fans!
“How’s everypony doing out there!?” she said into the microphone next to the turntables that were set up for her.
This brought more cheers from the crowd. Pinkie Pie and Sweetie Belle’s cries of “I LOVE YOU!” were drowned out by all of the noise.
“My goodness!” Vinyl Scratch said in reaction to the crowd’s enthusiasm, which brought more hysterical cheers from the assembled ponies. “Uhh… I wanna say a special hello to all of you Pegasus flyers out there… and the unicorn magi… and the Earth pony infantry… and the sailors… who’ve worked so damned hard for Operation Strike Back! I know how hard it’s been! Seems like the fight for freedom is a never ending battle; but I know that someday soon, WE WILL PREVAIL!” she exclaimed as she pumped a hoof in the air. The pony crowd erupted in a deafening cheer again.
“But we’re gonna have LOTS of fun tonight. I’ll be spinning all of those tunes you know and love all night long. Let’s kick things off with this little masterpiece I like to call ‘Shake That Flank Thang’. Come on, I wanna see some tails MOVE out there! YEAH!”
Everypony started dancing as soon as the music started. The fillies dragged Kark into the dance group with them. Kark had danced with many a female in his day, dragon females; and they had a totally different dance style than ponies. About the only dancing he ever did with a pony was formal ballroom dancing with Princess Luna at royal functions, and a few times at the annual Grand Galloping Gala; but they certainly never played music like this at those events. All of the ponies commented that he had some pretty nifty dance moves, for a dragon. Although he enjoyed himself tremendously, he looked out of place among a field of smaller ponies. Vinyl Scratch even lifted her sunglasses to make sure she wasn’t seeing things when she noticed the two ton dragon dancing amongst the ponies.
Kark didn’t recognize any of the songs Vinyl Scratch played, except for two. He recognized her own rendition of “Something Good”- a song made famous by The Utopia Stallions- that included her own voice sample for the phrase “I just know that something good is going to happen.” The other song he recognized was her cover for “Rock It” written by Herbie Hancolt over 25 years ago.
A bunch of Diamond Dog civilians gathered near the security fence, curious to see what the ponies were up to. A lot of them probably wouldn’t get much sleep tonight, and would more than likely lodge a complaint with their local Administrator the next morning.
Doggie didn’t care much about Vinyl Scratch. He was too busy controlling all of the diamond mines they had at home, and in their conquered territories. His own idea of R and R was counting up all the diamonds they’ve collected that day. For him, there was only two ways this war would end: death or defeat.
The concert continued until the wee hours of the morning when Vinyl Scratch did a grand finale, which was a medley of her most popular songs. She got an ovation that lasted for nearly fifteen minutes. She bowed several times under the thunderous cheers of the ponies. “Thank you very much! You’ve all been GREAT! See you next time!” she said in her microphone before finally walking off the stage.
Chapter 9 - Medivac Station "Delta"
CHAPTER 9
MEDIVAC STATION “DELTA”
The next morning, the intrepid gang set off again towards their ultimate destination. Rainbow Dash allowed the boat crew to sleep in a little, for they had gone to bed during the wee hours of the morning following the awesome Vinyl Scratch concert they attended.
Excitable Sweetie Belle was going on and on about how great the concert was, how great the crowd was, how great Vinyl Scratch herself was, and how great the song selection was. Everybody just smiled and nodded knowingly without really listening to Sweetie Belle’s verbal dissertation on Vinyl Scratch’s awesomeness.
“I think Sweetie Belle literally had the time of her life last night.” Rainbow Dash smiled.
“Uhm hmm.” Applejack smiled back. “She’s been dreamin’ of attendin’ one of her concerts ever since she was a little filly. Looks like she finally got her wish last night. Next step is prolly meetin’ her in person, though ah think she’d probably faint just before she touched hooves with her.” She said as she glanced back at the still chattering filly, pitying Kark and Apple Bloom for having to endure Sweetie Belle’s giddy fangirl talk.
Applejack grew more serious as she changed the subject. “Pinkie Pie was right, though. Three barrels o’ methane fuel was more than enough to git us to Doe Long Bridge and back. So where exactly are we goin’ on this mission o’ yours?”
Rainbow Dash sighed. “I suppose now’s the time to tell you. We’re going about 75 klops past the Doe Long Bridge.”
“That’s Diamond Dawg territory.” Applejack said evenly.
“I know.” Rainbow Dash said. “We’re not supposed to be in Diamond Dog territory, but that’s where we’re going.”
“Okay. Next question: What’re you ‘n Kark goin’ to do there?”
Rainbow Dash shook her head. “I can’t tell you that, not yet.”
“When!?”
“When the time is right.”
Applejack sighed. “You’re the one who shoulda had the Element of Honesty, not me.”
Rainbow Dash simply smiled.
Applejack’s then spotted something up river. There was a Diamond Dog civilian family in a boat alongside the riverbank pointing at something up ahead of them. Applejack saw smoke rising from the trees. As she turned the bend, she immediately grabbed the C.B. radio and made a call. “This is P.V.R. Sweet Apple. Call sign: gulf, bravo, tango, tango calling Medivac station ‘Delta’. Come in, Delta.”
She waited a few seconds for a response. When none came, she repeated the message. “This is P.V.R. Sweet Apple. Call sign: gulf, bravo, tango, tango calling Medivac station ‘Delta’. We need a Medivac Flight dispatched to the coordinates zulu, zulu, bravo, three, niner. We’ve got three, possibly four K.I.A.s up here. Do you copy?”
Everybody grew silent as they observed the scene. They saw at least three Pegasus ponies lying dead alongside the riverbank. One was lying precariously upside down on a tree branch close to the water. The smouldering remains of their rocket launchers were on the ground close by, and Kark noticed a machine gun barrel sticking up out of the water along the embankment.
Applejack was about to repeat her message a second time when a timid voice came on the radio. “Uhm… hello?”
Applejack thought she recognized the voice, but she wasn’t sure. “Hello. Who’s this?”
“Uhm… Fluttershy.”
Everybody on the boat was quite surprised at this, but no pony was more surprised than Applejack.
“Fluttershy! Ah cain’t believe it! It’s Applejack!”
“Applejack??? Oh my goodness! I don’t believe this! It’s so good to hear your voice again!”
“It’s good to hear your voice, too, sugarcube!” Applejack smiled. “What are ya doin’ on the horn? Where’s the Communications Officer?”
“Uhm… he’s dead. And until we can get a replacement sent out here, I guess I’m it.”
“Okay. That explains everything. Did ya get ma message about the K.I.A.s?”
“Yes. We’ll see what we can do about that.”
“All right. We’re ‘bout ten klops West o’ your position. We should be arrvin’ there in about a half ‘n hour.”
“Okay. We’ll see you then. Fluttershy out.”
“Seems this war’s allowing us to run into each other again.” Rainbow Dash smiled.
“Looks like it.” Applejack smiled in return.
The rain started pouring down just minutes before they arrived at Medivac Station “Delta”. Kark and all of the ponies had donned their specialized rain gear to protect themselves from the torrential downpour. Yet despite the protective gear, they still felt soaked to the bone.
Almost as soon as they acosted the boat against the makeshift dock, a male pony with nothing more than a plastic sheet over his head came out to greet them from a tent a few lengths away.
Rainbow Dash greeted him with a salute. “Hey, soldier! Where’s the C.O.?”
“Uhh… In the Medics tent, over that way.” He said as he pointed.
“Thank you.” Rainbow Dash said.
She then led her team towards the directed he pointed at. They met another couple of male soldiers on the way. “Which way to the Medics tent?” Rainbow Dash asked one of them.
“Just over there.” He said as he pointed behind him.
“Thanks.” Rainbow Dash said.
When they arrived, the entranceway to the tent in question was clearly marked “Medical Tent”. They all entered. Kark could barely able to squeeze through the entrance that was made for ponies. Inside, his head almost touched the ceiling.
Inside the dimly lit tent, they could see several hospital beds all lined up. A few of them were occupied by bandaged up ponies. A few nurses were milling about, caring for them. At the nearest bed, they saw the familiar mare they all knew comforting a male dark brown pony who looked to have suffered a head wound, given the bandage around his head.
“Fluttershy.” Rainbow Dash called out.
The mare reacted to the sound of her name. She gasped when she saw who was calling her. “Rainbow Dash!” she said as she trotted over to greet her friend with a hug.
Fluttershy was wearing a nurse’s hat, and she looked a little bit tired. As she greeted all of the other ponies one by one, Kark became lost in his thoughts again.
Soft spoken Fluttershy always had a talent for medicine and healing. “T.L.C.” was definitely her middle name. When the war broke out, she had to abandon her veterinary care responsibilities in favour of looking after her own kind. Every wounded soldier in this tent was in good hooves!
When Fluttershy focused her attention on him, Kark snapped back to reality. “I can’t believe you’re here.” She began as she hugged him lightly. “I’d heard you were dead; or at least, gone back to your dragon country.”
“Well, that’s obviously not the case.” Kark said as he returned her hug.
“Obviously.” Fluttershy smiled.
“We need to talk to the C.O.” Rainbow dash announced.
“Uhm. Well, I guess until the new C.O. gets here, that would be me.”
“Come again?” Applejack asked in confusion.
“I’m the acting C.O. around here, for now.”
“I don’t get it!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed. “What happened to the real C.O.?”
“Well, he stepped on a landmine three days ago.”
“Did ya request that a new C.O. be sent here from H.Q.?” Applejack asked.
“We did, almost as soon as it happened. We’re still waiting. Resources are spread pretty thin around here.”
“Well, we need to refill our medical supplies for the boat.” Applejack said after a few moments of silence.
“And we were hoping you could provide us with some intel as to what’s up ahead.” Rainbow Dash said.
“Well, from what I gathered, it’s all smooth sailing from here to Doe Long Bridge. It’s there that things start to get… hairy… as some of these ponies like to say. Most of the ponies you see here come from there. The fighting is pretty fierce up there!”
“Not good!” Apple Bloom cried.
Sweetie Belle reassured her by placing a hoof on her shoulder.
“As for the medical supplies, you’ll have to fill out an ordinance form.” Fluttershy said. Then she looked around. “Now where did I put those? Oh! I think there are some in my quarters. Let me get my raincoat, then I’ll be right with you.”
As the mare went to get dressed for a venture out into the outside downpour, the ponies were left wondering how the Medivac Station is able to function adequately with Fluttershy in charge. Her personality made her the right candidate to receive the Element of Kindness; but she wasn’t really quick on the ball, when it comes to split second decisions.
A few minutes later, Fluttershy led her friend inside her tent quarters. It was roomy enough for even Kark to fit in, and he was just barely able to squeeze through the entranceway. “Here we are. It’s not much, but I call it ‘home’.”
Kark’s attention was drawn to a nearby birdcage. His face lit up when he saw what was inside of it, though.
“Rainbow Dash! LOOK!” he said as he got her attention.
She gazed in the direction he was pointing, and was surprised and delighted at the same time. “Why it’s PHILOMENA!”
“Fluttershy, what’s Princess Celestia’s pet phoenix doin’ here? Ya didn’t steal ‘er again, did ya?” Applejack asked.
Fluttershy smiled and shook her head. “Oh, no. Before Princess Celestia went into exile, she left Philomena with me to look after until she returned.”
“Did she undergo one of her deaths and rebirth things?” Applejack asked.
Fluttershy nodded. “Once, a couple of months ago. I don’t think she’s due for another two years or so. Right, Philomena?”
Philomena squawked from her place inside the cage.
Fluttershy was surprised when she felt Kark’s hands on her shoulders. “Fluttershy, you’ve gotta promise that you will do whatever you can to keep Philomena alive. Okay?”
“Uhh…”
“Promise me, Fluttershy!”
“O-okay, I promise. But why is it so important to you?”
“Wait! Isn’t there some sort o’ legend that says that phoenixes can resurrect alicorns, or somethin’?” Applejack asked.
“Kark believes there is.” Rainbow said in answer. “He sees Philomena as his only chance of ever seeing Princess Luna alive again. And to be honest, I believe it, too!”
“Really? Can it be true?” Applejack asked.
Rainbow Dash shrugged. “Maybe it is. Maybe it isn’t. In any case, it’s the only thing that’s keeping Kark going.”
Applejack looked sad. She didn’t need to say anything more. She knew how badly Kark missed Princess Luna. If Philomena could somehow bring the alicorn Princess of The Night back to life, he would never ask anything from anybody ever again.
“Ah! Here they are.” Fluttershy announced as she brought a clipboard with the ordinance forms she was looking for. “Just fill out one of these and give it to the Quartermaster at the Supplies tent just next door, and she’ll give you what you need.” She said as she handed the clipboard to Applejack.
“Thanks, Fluttershy.” She smiled as she took it and began filling it out with a pencil.
“Don’t worry, Kark.” She smiled as she touched the big dragon’s shoulder with her hoof. “Where there’s hope, there’s a way.”
Kark smiled kindly at the mare he had come to treasure as a dear friend.
A male soldier entering the tent interrupted the proceedings. “Fluttershy, we need you! We’ve got wounded.”
Fluttershy glanced outside the open tent flap and saw several wounded ponies stumble towards the Medics tent. Some were being carried inside with the help of either a stretcher or other ponies. “OOH, my! I’ve gotta go. Come see me before you leave, though.” She said as she trotted out to make her way towards the Medics tent where there were wounded to treat.
Within an hour, after the boat was restocked with the medical supplies, the crew of the P.V.R. Sweet Apple was ready to cast off. Fluttershy saw them off, and they exchanged goodbye hugs with her. She reiterated her promise to Kark that she’d do whatever she could to keep Philomena alive for him. Kark gave her a thank you smile as he boarded the boat, which soon departed East towards the Doe Long Bridge.
Chapter 10 - Doe Long Bridge
CHAPTER 10
DOE LONG BRIDGE
Night had fallen by the time they approached Doe Long Bridge. They heard the distant sound of explosions and saw the flashes of light when they were within a couple of klicks away from the bridge sight.
When they were within sight of it, Kark became lost in his thoughts again. Doe Long Bridge was the last Army outpost in Equestria. It sat on the border area between Equestria and the Diamond Dog Fiefdom. It was a highly fought over area! Many pony casualties came from here! It was here that we were supposed to meet the C.O., restock on ammo, and hopefully gain some new intel regarding our mission.
“Doe Long. This is the last place anypony wants to be.” Apple Bloom commented.
“Can’t argue with that.” Sweetie Belle said.
On this part of the journey, they donned their Kevlar uniforms, as they were now getting into the shit.
Kark and Rainbow Dash got off the boat as soon as it neared the shoreline. They made sure they armed themselves before they got off. Kark grabbed his large semi automatic rifle while Rainbow Dash grabbed a machine gun from the boat. “Pick us up on the other side of the bridge!” Rainbow Dash ordered.
“Okay!” Applejack said as she pulled out.
Amidst the noise of explosions, Kark and Rainbow Dash proceeded up the embankment towards the trenches that were dug up. The bridge was well lit in order for the ponies crossing it at night could see where they were going, but it also made it an easy target for the Diamond Dogs to bombard. Almost every night the enemy destroyed the bridge; and the very next day, it was rebuilt, just so the Pony Army generals could say that the bridge route was open, Kark thought to himself.
“Stay low!” Rainbow Dash told Kark as she crouched down and crept along towards the trenches.
“How low can you go?” Kark asked rhetorically as he did his best to stay as low to the ground as possible for him.
The sound of a shell exploding nearby made them flinch. When they got to the trench, they immediately jumped in. It was just big enough for Kark to remain unseen under cover of darkness.
“Now, to find this C.O., wherever he is.” Rainbow Dash said.
“Or she.” Kark said. “It could be someone like Spitfire.” He smiled.
Rainbow Dash smiled back.
She led the way forward. The sound of machine gun fire and shell explosions echoed all around them. At one point, Rainbow Dash cried out as she tripped over something. “Hey! Watch where ya goin’, lady!” the “thing” Dash tripped over said.
“Sorry! I thought you were dead.” She said.
“Well, ya thought wrong, bitch!” the male pony soldier said with some irritation.
Rainbow Dash wasn’t gonna let this bother her, however. “Where’s the C.O.?” she asked the soldier.
“Beverley Hill.” The soldier answered.
“What?”
“UP AHEAD! THERE’S A CONCRETE BUNKER CALLED ‘BEVERLEY HILL’! THAT’S WHERE YOU’LL FIND HIM! NOW LEAVE ME ALONE!” the soldier cried.
“ALL RIGHT!” Rainbow Dash shouted back. “Sorry to have disturbed you!”
“How ya doin’?” Kark asked casually as he squeezed past the soldier.
“Now what’s a dragon doin’ here?” the solider asked himself as he watched the pair crawl away.
Then they reached a machine gun nest where another male pony soldier was firing the weapon. “YOU THINK YOU BAD NOW, HUH, DOG!!?” he screamed as he continued firing.
“Excuse me, soldier. Who are you firing at?” Rainbow Dash asked as she got beside him.
“WHO THE BUCK DO YOU THINK I’M FIRIN’ AT!?” the soldier shouted as he fired his machine gun again.
Then he realized his rudeness and turned to salute Rainbow Dash. “I’m sorry, ma’am; but there’s Kanes out by that wire. I think I got ‘em all, though.”
“No, dude! Ya ain’t got shit! Listen!” his fellow male soldier friend, who fed the ammo in the machine gun, exclaimed.
They heard the distant taunting cries of a Dog soldier.
“Oh, DAMN! He’s tryin’ to call his friends! Pop another flare!” the machine gunner ordered.
His friend fired another bright red flare in the air. The machine gunner fired again. “GOT YA NOW, YA DAMNED DOG!”
“Hey, guy! Before you keep firing your blanks, can you tell me where Beverley Hill is?” Rainbow Dash asked.
The machine gunner blinked. “Just over there.” He said as he pointed.
“Thank you!” Rainbow Dash said as she crawled along with Kark right behind her.
“Wiseass bitch!” the ammo feeder commented.
The machine gunner started firing again.
“That’s not how you’re supposed to fight this war.” Rainbow Dash commented as she shook her head.
“Is there any good way to fight it?” Kark asked sarcastically.
Rainbow Dash smiled and snorted.
They reached a concrete reinforced building that was dug into the ground. “This must be it.” Rainbow Dash said as she descended the flight of steps that led to the entrance. Kark did his best to follow. The steps were just big enough for a pony to climb and descend. It was not made for dragons! Kark was able to gingerly descend it, though.
Inside, they found the C.O. going over some paperwork, and Rainbow Dash was quite surprised to see who it was. “SOARIN!” she cried out.
“Dash!” Soarin exclaimed as he saw who was calling him.
She was crying by the time she jumped into an embrace with him. “OH, Soarin! Soarin!” she sobbed as she held him tight.
She kissed his left cheek several times. “I was so worried about you! When I haven’t heard from you, I feared the worst!”
“Hey! You’re not getting rid of me that easily.” He smiled at her as he faced her. Her eyes were wet with tears. They both shared a passionate kiss on each other’s lips.
Kark simply leaned against the front entrance way, crossed his arms and smiled at the scene.
Soarin was dressed in the same Kevlar uniform as Rainbow Dash wore, and he bore the field rank of Commander. He was definitely the C.O. assigned to the Doe Long Bridge detachment.
“Ambassador Kark.” Soarin nodded as he finally turned his attention to the big dragon.
“Commander Soarin.” Kark said as he returned the nod.
“When I heard that two Special Ops soldiers were probably gonna be coming here, I had no idea it would be the two of you.” Soarin admitted. “When they said that the mission was top secret, I wondered what the hay was goin’ on. Care to fill me in?” Soarin smiled seductively at Rainbow Dash, hoping to coax the truth out of his love.
Rainbow Dash hesitated. She remembered her duty, but it broke her heart not telling him. “I’m afraid I can’t tell you, Soarin. I’m under orders.” She said, her eyes betraying her sadness.
Soarin sighed inwardly, but still smiled at her. “All right. What’s your role in this, Ambassador?” Soarin asked.
“I’m afraid that’s also classified, Commander.” Kark was forced to say.
“But what I wanna know is what you’re doing here, Soarin.” Rainbow Dash asked. “Why aren’t you flying air raids with other pegasi?”
“I was when the war started. But a bullet straight to the wing put an end to that.” He lifted his left wing to show the scar right underneath the wing spine. It was almost the exact same scar that she bore. “So they reassigned me here with the ground troops. I guess that begs the question why you’re not flying bombing raids.”
Rainbow Dash smiled. “Because I happened to have suffered the same injury as you.” She lifted her own wing to show him her own scar. “So they reassigned me to Special Ops. I can still fly pretty fast, but I’m afraid my Sonic Rainboom days are over.”
“A shame.” Soarin said. “Now, though, it seems we have one more thing we share in common.”
“Looks like it.” Rainbow Dash smiled.
They both shared another kiss.
“Anyway, we need some ammo for the patrol boat that’s carrying us, whatever you can spare.” Rainbow Dash said.
Soarin nodded. “The same patrol boat that’s carrying you past the bridge into Diamond Dog territory? I have to say, I don’t know what the Army’s planning this time; and I admit I don’t like this whole top secret/classified stuff; but orders are orders. We’ll see what we can do about your ammo. OH! And this was hoof delivered to us two days ago. We were expecting you here a bit sooner, but better late than never, as they say.” Soarin smiled as he handed Rainbow Dash the wax sealed letter stamped “Top Secret Eyes Only”.
She opened it and read it. Kark was standing over her shoulder to read what it said also.
“There is one thing we neglected to inform you about during your initial briefing: Months before the two of you, the Axis Armies dispatched their own operative to try to kill Discord. Her name was Gilda Griffon. I believe you knew her. Wasn’t she your best friend during your Flight Academy days?”
There was a picture of the griffon in question with the letter. Rainbow Dash recognized it instantly as her former crony from her younger days spent at the Pegasus City Flight Academy. They used to be really close, but drifted apart shortly after they graduated. She decided to sever her friendship with her after she saw how she treated her pony friends a few years ago. Rainbow Dash always thought that Gilda was self centered and arrogant; but she stopped being friends with her after she saw that arrogance being dished out on her friends in Ponyville.
She continued reading. “In any case, they thought she was dead, until they intercepted a letter she tried to send to her mate. We believe she’s now working with Discord. Our double agent working with his Axis Army contacts provided us this intel that we are now passing onto you. Hope this finds you well and helps you in the success of your mission. We’re all counting on you and Ambassador Kark. Don’t let us down!
Yours truly,
General Big Macintosh
The letter bore Big Mac’s hoofprint signature, thus confirming that it was legitimate.
Rainbow Dash read the copy of Gilda’s letter that was provided. It was a hand scribbled piece of paper that said:
Dear husband,
Sell the house!
Sell the kids!
Find someone else!
I don’t care!
I’m never coming back!
Gilda
Rainbow Dash kept staring at Gilda’s picture. It was a portrait that was probably taken by a friend of hers while she proudly bore her Axis Army uniform and shotgun rifle that was issued to her, thus identifying her as a sniper in the ranks of the Griffon Army. Dash saw she bore the rank of Lieutenant. I guess she’s not a Lieutenant anymore, she thought to herself.
“The plot thickens.” Kark commented from over her shoulder.
Rainbow Dash looked up at him and nodded somberly.
“Commander! We’ve got trouble! And bring your mortar launcher!” a soldier Kark and Rainbow Dash recognized as the machine gum ammo feeder from awhile ago said as he burst into the bunker.
“On my way!” Soarin said as he grabbed said launcher from its place on the table, and followed the soldier outside. Kark and Rainbow Dash followed behind.
“What’s up?” Soarin asked the machine gunner as he arrived at his nest.
“There’s a Dog out by the wire. We can’t get to him. Do you hear him?”
They could hear the distant cries of the enemy soldier as he taunted them. “Fuck you, ponies! Fuck you! I’ll kill you, ponies! I’ll kill you!”
“Yeah.” Soarin said. “I hear him. He’s close. He’s real close.”
He loaded a mortar shell in his launcher and armed the mechanism.
“Do you need a flare, Commander?” the ammo feeder asked.
Soarin shook his head. “No.”
The taunting cries of the enemy soldier continued as Soarin took careful aim and fired the mortar rocket.
A few seconds later, an explosion and a flash of light were seen a few dozen lengths away, followed by silence. The taunting cries of the enemy soldier were silenced for good.
“Bucking bastard!” Soarin said.
Rainbow Dash was dumbstruck. She had never seen her beau like this before. Kark simply saw it as another necessary act of violence in an otherwise desperate war where the freedom of an entire race was at stake.
______________________________________________________________________________
Meanwhile, on the P.V.R. Sweet Apple, the boat crew were impatiently waiting for Rainbow Dash and Kark’s return.
A loud explosion to the left, followed by falling screams made Apple Bloom react. She turned just in time to see two male earth ponies fall to their death in the water of the river. “SHIT! Ah just saw two ponies get blown off that bridge!” She cried, looking genuinely scared.
“You’ll be all right, sugarcube! Just hang in there!” Applejack said in reassurance as she comforted her little sister.
Then Kark and Rainbow Dash appeared. Kark was carrying two metal containers full of machine gun ammo, and Rainbow Dash looked to have somepony with her.
Applejack was surprised to see who it was that was accompanying them. “Soarin!”
“HO, Applejack! So you’re the boat Captain, eh?”
“That’s right! And you’re the C.O. leadin’ this here shindig?”
“I sure am!” Soarin said proudly.
An explosion directly behind them made them all react.
“Better get goin’ before things get really hairy!” Applejack pressed.
“I’ll be back soon.” Rainbow Dash told Soarin as she faced him.
“I’ll be waiting for you, Dashie.” Soarin smiled.
They both shared another passionate kiss as another explosion echoed behind them.
“Go!” Soarin urged as he grabbed the machine gun he had over his shoulder and ran back over the embankment.
“Soarin!” Rainbow Dash called out, but Soarin didn’t hear her.
Another explosion appeared as Soarin disappeared over the other side of the embankment.
“Come on, Rainbow Dash! We gotta get going!” Kark urged.
Rainbow Dash climbed aboard, and Applejack pulled out almost instantly.
“I can’t help but think that that’s the last time I’ll ever seen him alive.” Rainbow Dash admitted.
“You can’t think that way, Dash!” Kark said as he placed a comforting hand on her shoulder.
They looked back towards the bridge, which suddenly burst into flames as several explosions rained down all around it. “SOARIIIIIIIINNN!” Rainbow Dash yelled as parts of the bridge collapsed into the river. She started crying uncontrollably as Kark took her in a comforting hug. He looked back at the scene of destruction and carnage behind him while Rainbow Dash emptied all of her sadness and feelings of loss into his chest.
Kark became lost in thought again. As Rainbow Dash poured out her tears of sadness, loss and despair, I couldn’t help but think about Soarin. I’ve met him a few times when the Wonderbolts came to Canterlot to perform. I knew we was a tough motherbucker then. He was still a tough motherbucker throughout all of the insanity of Doe Long Bridge. I knew, in the back of my mind, that he would find a way to escape the destruction. He would find a way to survive.
CHAPTER 13
PRISONERS
Kark and the ponies were led to the holding cell, which was located on the outskirts of the village. It looked like the remains of a metal storage container.
Gilda opened the door, which squeaked open; then she motioned with her rifle for them to go inside. Her henchdogs pushed the ponies in with the tips of their machine guns. Gilda closed and locked the metal door behind them.
The inside was dimly lit with but a single candle, but it was who they saw inside that shocked them all. “Princess Celestia!” Rainbow Dash gasped.
“My loyal subjects.” The Princess said in greeting.
Everypony bowed down before her, except for Kark.
“Why aren’t ya bowin’?” Apple Bloom asked him in a whisper.
“Not an Equestrian citizen. Remember?” Kark said in answer.
“Oh, right.” Apple Bloom muttered, and continued bowing.
“I knew that you would all come for me.” The Princess admitted. “Though I wish that it was under better circumstances.”
“So that was you helping me enhance my telepathic abilities out there.” Kark said.
Celestia smiled and nodded. “It was. I sensed your approach, and couldn’t resist helping my eager apprentice.”
Sweetie Belle, though, couldn’t resist asking a burning question within her. “Dear Princess Celestia, what have they done to you!?” she cried.
She did, in fact, look pretty horrible. Her once really long mane was gone. She was literally bald. Her once long tail was also gone. There was only a small tuft of hair left sticking out, with just a hint of its multi coloured shading. Her body was covered with several scratches, bumps and bruises; and her hoof slippers, crown jewels and necklace were missing.
“The Diamond Dogs? Nothing. The villagers here are quite peaceful, and the soldiers stationed here are more preoccupied with protecting the diamond mine about five klops north of here. This was all Discord’s doing. Funny thing, too: He literally pulled my mane and tail hair right off; and ate it like cotton candy.” Her voice faltered at the end, but she held hack her sobs.
Sweetie Belle, though, could not. She sobbed freely at the horror right before her eyes. “Dear sweet Princess, I can’t bear to see you like this.”
Celestia immediately got up to comfort the sobbing young pony. “Take heart, young filly. I’m fine, really. This is nothing that a little time, regrowth and a good spa treatment can’t fix.” She then eyed her. “Can you be brave for me, dear Sweetie Belle?”
Through sniffs and tears, Sweetie Belle nodded. This made Princess Celestia smile proudly.
Rainbow Dash was the next to speak. “I can’t believe that he would DO something like this to you, Princess! Kark, you should’ve killed him when you had the chance!”
Kark shook his head. “It wasn’t the right time. Besides, I couldn’t do it with Gilda standing there and pointing her rifle at me. If I’d killed Discord right then and there, she would’ve popped my guts full of lead.”
“Well, at least ya would’ve accomplished yer mission, and maybe Princess Celestia would be free.” Applejack complained.
“Kark’s right.” Celestia said. “It wasn’t the time to act. His chance will present itself eventually.”
After a few moments of silence, it was Apple Bloom’s turn to speak. “Well, I, for one, seriously doubt that! He shoulda killed him right then ‘n there, an’ we would be free to leave this nightmare of a place; but now, we’re his prisoners, maybe forever.”
Apple Bloom hobbled over to the only bench in the cell and sat on it, looking quite depressed.
After a few moments of awkward silence, Celestia said. “You know, I can help you heal that leg; and your leg, too, Sweetie Belle.”
Both fillies’ ears perked up.
“Now this I gotta see.” Rainbow Dash said eagerly.