Aces' Diary

Chapter 7: Nightmare Night

The sun set on the horizon, shining its last light upon the decorated streets of Ponyville. Shortly after that, the moon rose to the sky. The soft blue glow enhanced the spooky atmosphere of Nightmare Night, making the street emit a dark aura. However, the young ponies weren't anywhere to be found in the street, as they were busy doing festive activities elsewhere.

Vinyl and the two aces arrived at Sugar Cube Corner.

The multi-story building stood tall over all the others in the massive town square. It seemed to be made of colourful sweets and confectionery. This image reminded both aces of the house from bedtime story: Hansel and Gretel, except much taller and witch-free. One could simply say that it lived up to the name.

Gerhard proceeded to push open the door, ringing the doorbell in process. Inside, the shop was pitch-black. Vinyl simply hurried inside, leaving the confused humans there.

There was something wrong with this situation; they both could feel it. Tom took the first step in. The plank creaked under the pressure from his foot.

”SURPRISE!”

Tom simply stumbled back and fell on his ass, but Gerhard drew his sidearm instinctively. The source of the agonizing cheer was mass amount of ponies who populated the shop.

The ponies in the room consisted of the mares they both had met so far, and dozens of young ponies in costumes.

Applejack wore a raggy shirt, stuffed with straws; some of them also sticking out of her tail. A straw hat with big sunflower adorned her head. Tom thought it was perfect for fooling any approaching foe while hiding in the field.

Rainbow Dash was in some kind of dark coloured rubber suit, several lightning bolts sewn on it. Some parts were exposed to maintain her flying ability.

Finally, Pinkie Pie, who clearly dressed as a chicken.

Seeing they were in no danger, Gerhard holstered his pistol while Tom picked himself up off the ground, face reddening in embarrassment. Gerhard then made his way inside cautiously, motioning for Tom to follow him, who was hesitant at first, but then he gave in and obliged.

Pinkie squeed in delight to see that they made it and dashed over to greet them.

“Hiya! Welcome to Ponyville just in time for Nightmare Night! You will definitely enjoy yourselves tonight!” She paused for breath. “I like your costume, by the way. Lemme guess who you dressed as!” she put a hoof on her chin; lost in thought. “Are you a zombie, Tommy?”

Tom nodded in reply, “Aye, zombie pilot.”

“And you must be the infamous Dolfy!” Gerhard’s heart skipped a beat. Eyes widened in shock. No one in this colourful world would know that name, but how did she know? He hadn’t told a soul about it. Maybe Tom had? He glared at the British ace, demanding for answer. Tom simply shook his head innocently in decline.

When he was about to question the pink mare, the shop’s door swung open; a large pony entered.

The mysterious pony had both a horn and a pair of wings. Her coat was as white as snow. A golden crown adorned her head, as well as the matching necklace on long neck. Her pastel coloured mane and tail was flowing; even though there wasn’t any wind in the building. An image of golden sun engraved on her flank.

From the looks of her, Tom thought she was a royalty of this land. Gerhard looked at her closely; she reminded him of the princess in his dream, but had difference tone of colour and was taller.

“Hello,” she greeted. Everypony in the room bowed down as soon as they noted her presence. “I’m princess Celestia, co-ruler of Equestria. Mr.Gerhard Barkhorn of the Luftwaffe, I presume?”

“Ja,” replied Gerhard. “How do you know mich?” he asked with concern look.

“Can we talk in private?” she asked calmly. “Your question will be answered shortly.” He nodded in agreement. “Do you mind if we use the back room, Pinkie?”

“O’course, Princess!” Pinkie cheerfully replied. Then, Gerhard and Celestia disappeared into the back room.

Tom stood there in silence, watching the two depart. He wondered what it was all about. Then curiosity got better of him. He grabbed a glass from the table and put it on the door.

“—you because my sister had informed me of your presence. You have absolutely nothing to worry about, Mr. Barkhorn.” Gerhard sighed in relief. “My sister also told me that you’re an ace of an Air Force.”

“Es ist true.”

“I’ve saw your flying contraption. It’s somewhat similar to the one that crashed here about a couple hundred years ago.” Gerhard’s suspicion arose. There was someone before them? And who could it be? He needed to find out.

“Majestät, Ist es possible zu habe ein look at that plane?” he asked.

The princess nodded, “Why yes! You may have some clue about the flyer. We have recovered a journal from his corpse—”

“Er ist tot?!” His eyes widened in shock, but soon he realized that he had spoken German. “Er… he’s deceased?” corrected Gerhard. Tom, who was eavesdropping, facepalmed; he got looks from everyone in the room.

“Tommy! Eavesdropping is totally not cool!” warned Rainbow Dash. Tom shushed her and whispered:

”Tis is important.”

“But we need to go ask for candy!” exclaimed Pinkie.

“Hav’ a head start. Will catch up,” he gestured to the front door without removing his ear from the door.

Suddenly, he heard a whisper from behind the door: “There’s no need to eavesdrop, Mister. You’re welcome in on this conversation.” Even though the voice was warm and caring, it sent a shiver down his spine. “Come in, don’t be shy.”

He complied and pushed the door open. The back room was simply a kitchen. The princess and Gerhard looked at him with a flat expression. He smiled sheepishly and joined the ring.

“Kann he kommst mit uns? Er ist an ace just like me,” said Gerhard.

“Sure,” she gave Tom a warm smile.

“Thomas McMorrow at yer service, yer highness!” he bowed slightly. The Princess looked pleased.

“I recall that you two have a party to attend. We shall travel to the storage when you are ready.” Tom and Gerhard nodded and left for the party.

When they rejoined the candy hunting party, everyone was gone.;only Vinyl waited for them.

“Pinkie said: time’s candy, so she left with everypony,” explained Vinyl, seemingly annoyed. “Let’s catch up with ‘em!” she exclaimed cheerfully and dashed out. Gerhard ran after, followed by Tom.

Gerhard then realized that Vinyl was wearing a pair of sunglasses, and it was at night.

Was zum Teufel?  thought Gerhard.

“Vinyl, warum do you wear sunglasses at Nacht?” Gerhard arched his brow.

“Oh. These babies?” She removed it from her eyes. Her eyes were blood red; pretty terrifying for Gerhard. “She’s an enchanted shade. I can literally see in the dark. Pretty cool, huh?”

“O’ really?” said Tom. “Can I hav’ one, lass?” he asked hopefully. “Flying at night’s hard as hell.”

“Double das,” agreed Gerhard.

“You didn’t say the magic word…” Vinyl teased playfully.

Tom knelt down and grabbed her front legs. “Pleaseeee/” She giggled joyfully and nodded in acceptance. “YAY!” Tom shouted merrily. “It’s time fer Scotch!”

With that final statement of Tom, they reached the town square. The stage was set up. A podium stood on it; a mare dressed as clown with a colourful wig had just finished her speech.

A zebra emerged from behind the velvet curtain. Her name was Zecora. She had black-tipped muzzle. Her white mane combed to both sides of her head. Fake spiders adorned her mane. Several golden rings were wore over her neck; match with her ring earrings. She wore a raggy, yet, stylish black robe.

The said zebra spoke in rhyme. It was funny for Gerhard, but Tom was fascinated by her genius.

She led the young ponies, plus Pinkie Pie, into the Everfree Forest. The tale of Nightmare Night was told there in front Nightmare Moon’s statue. The tale was similar to American Halloween. The only differences were the character and purpose of asking for sweet from the adult ponies.

“Sh’ she don’t eat y’ ponies up when she got som’ sweet?” asked Tom. A colt walked up to him.

The said colt was white, but some certain spots such as his left eye, chest and flank was brown. He wore a white shirt; the sleeves were torn. A dark blue vest with golden button over the shirt. He also had a toy dagger sheathed in a green belt. He tied a red turban around his head. A black eye patch with a skull on it covered his right eye. In conclusion, he dressed as a pirate.

“Are you from ‘round Trottingham, Mister?” he asked in quite thick British accent. Tom neutral expression turned into delightful one when he heard the colt’s question.

“Nay, little boyo’, but it’s good t’ hear a familiar tongue,” Tom replied in joyful manner. “Tell me, young lad. What is yer name?”

“Pipsqueak at your service, sire!”

“Ho ho!” exclaimed Tom. “What a cute lil’ name!” complimented Tom. ”An’ good manner even, lil’ chap. Y’ deserve a medal!” Pip squeed happily and stood by Tom. The colt must have grew some interest in the British ace.

Out of nowhere, the cloud swirled around, leaving a clearing for the moon light to shine down. The children were scared, but Zecora kept them in line.

BOOM

The moonlight brightened for a moment, and a carriage hauled by two armoured… bat ponies? dove down toward them. They broke their dive and floated over them. Everypony looked at the flying object fearfully as a lighting struck down. The flash illuminated the environment, revealing the hooded passenger’s face.

“IT’S NIGHTMARE MOON! RUN!” Pinkie shouted, creating a chaos. The ponies stampeded back the path they had come through.

Tom put a hand on Pip’s back before he joined the stampede, “‘Fraid not, boyo’. Y’ are safe wit’ me.” The white colt looked up at him and nodded.

Seeing nopony, the carriage’s passenger ordered the bat pony to follow them. Both haulers saluted and flapped their bat-like wings extremely quick before the carriage set its way toward Ponyville.

Gerhard instantly followed the mysterious contraption. Tom lifted Pip up into his arms and ran after Gerhard.

*****

When Gerhard arrived at the scene, everypony was cowering behind their legs. The only pony standing was Princess Luna, who was the one who had been in his dream the night before.

She was taller than anypony, but still smaller than her sister, Princess Celestia. Her midnight blue coat was as dark as night sky. The flowing blue mane superseded the nocturnal sky with thousands of stars. She wore a necklace similar to Celestia’s, but with a crescent moon in place of the gem.

Displeased by the frightened bow of her subjects, she started walking through the crowd of scared ponies. “Very well then, be that way! We won’t even bother with traditional royal farewell!” Luna departed from the crowd and headed for the forest.

Tom put Pip down on the ground and pat the colt’s head. “Be strong, lad. Now, run along ta yer lil candy huntin’ party.” Pip nodded in an understanding manner and ran into the town.

The two group met each other on their way. Gerhard’s eyes met her. A small smile crept on her face. She seemed pretty pleased

“Ah! It’s thou again, Gerhard Barkhorn,” shouted Luna. “How art thy injuries?” she asked loudly in a calm manner.

“Alle healed, princess,” he replied and gave a salute. “Shouting as usua.,”

“Thou needst not be too formal, Herr Barkhorn.” She grinned. “We understand that thou haveth conversed with our sister.”

He nodded, “Ja, I habe packed mein gear.” Tom gave him a questioning look, “I vill explain later,” he whispered and winked.

“Princess Luna?” came a voice from the bush. It was Twilight

She was wearing a wizard costume with long fake white beard which swayed along her movement. Her cape was decorated with hundreds of stars and crescent moons, and several bells at the end of the fabric. “Hi. My name is—”

“Starswirl the Bearded,” interrupted Luna. “Commendable costume. Thou even get the bells right,” she complimented with flat expression.

“Thank you!” She held up a hoof as if she had achieved something glorious. “Finally, somepony who gets my costume!” Luna gave her a worried look. Her eyes darted around the clearing from the awkwardness.

“Bitte, excuse uns für a moment,” Gerhard said and walked into the bush, pushing Tom into it.

“What’s it?” Tom asked as he removed a sharp-tipped leaves from his jacket.

“Wir sind zu pack up und join Das Wonderbolt,” explained Gerhard. “Es ist their air force.” he added.

Tom arched his brow, “And, why d’ we hav’ ta join?”

“Remember Princess Celestia?” Tom nodded. “She may be able zu send us home!” Gerhard exclaimed, trying to keep his voice down from the joy in him. The British ace wore a bemused expression on his face. “But ihr need ein month zu prepare,”

“O’ really?!” shouted Tom. He held Gerhard’s shoulders in his tight grasp. “And how r’ we gon’ ta fly? Grow wings and go chirping at the enemy?”

“Well,” Gerhard started awkwardly, “Der Welt ist filled mit magical talking ponies…” he paused, “Anything ist possible.”

A long silence embraced the bush. Contrasting with the outside, which was filled with Luna’s shout; sometimes a strong wind current was created as she spoke. They both wondered why, but shrugged it off to deal with the event at hand.

“Right...” Tom muttered sarcastically. “She said something ‘bout a dead pilot. We’ll look forward ta that.”

“Ja,” Gerhard murmured thoughtfully. “Let’s get out of this verdammten Busch,”

They managed to get out without much problem on the blasted bush, but Tom’s suspicion arose when he noted the shape of the leaves, so Tom inspected it closely.

It turned out to be a bush of stinging nettle…

“Bloody hell!” Tom cursed in both rageful and surprise manner. “Now things gon’ ta get scratchy.”

“HAH HA AHA HA!” came a laughter from behind the bush.

“Who goes there!?” Tom shouted while drawing his Webley.

“It’s me, Vinyl!” She emerged out of another stinging nettle bush.

Tom snickered pleasantly as the unicorn mare approached. “Are y’ following us, Vinyl?” he asked with a flat expression, but inside, he was laughing his arse off.

“Naw man, I was here the whole time. You just didn’t realize,” she explained, still giggling from the randomly played joke. “Anyway, I made you two these!” She levitated two pairs of sunglasses out and gave them to both humans.

Gerhard’s lens were tinted black. The frame was made with gold, which made his eyes widen in shock.

But Tom’s was simply a pane of blue tinted lens with plastic frame. Even still, Tom thought it was an awesome design; weird.

They both put on their newly acquired items without hesitation. Gerhard smiled happily when he saw the result of the enchantment. The environment was lit up as if it was in middle of the day.

“We better follow. This woods is creeping me out,” said Tom. “Can’t bloody believe that I didn’t jump inta any nettle ‘n the first day…” he muttered in annoyance as walked away, scratching the rash on his ass.

*****

“Why do alle look so sad?” Gerhard asked as he looked around the street.

“Luna has cancelled Nightmare Night forever!” cried Pip. “Gosh, I never thought my very first Nightmare Night will be my very last…” His head lowered down sadly.

BOOM

The sudden outburst of explosion startled both ponies and the two humans. The source of the agonizing noise was from over the Everfree forest. Gerhard looked up with his night vision glasses on. The object he saw threw him into alert state: a glider.

It was a DFS-230 B-1 model, famous for deploying Fallschrimjäger paratroops behind the wall of fort Eben-Emael in Belgium to destroy the defensive armaments. It could carry ten equipped troops, including the pilot, plus extra two hundred seventy kilograms. The fuselage was ten metres long, and twice the length on wingspan. It was in usual German’s grey with darker grey dots camouflage the lower half of the fuselage.

It glided past them, leaving the confused ponies behind. If there was a glider, there would be a pilot and nine more soldiers in that thing. So, Gerhard hurried to the direction it had gone. Tom, who was following his instinct, ran after the German ace.

*****

Meanwhile in the glider…

“Ist das nicht neben einem Strand Melame? (Isn’t Melame next to a beach?)” said a paratrooper.

“Ja, es ist (Yes, it is)” answered another paratrooper. “Kreta ist eine Insel, nachdem alle. (Crete is an island, after all.)”

“Dann nicht, warum es einen Strand? (Then, why aren't there any beach?)” the same paratroop asked again.

“Oh Mund halten, Franz. Ich bin sicher, dass das Schleppflugzeug flog in die richtige Richtung, (Oh shut up, Franz. I’m sure that the tow-plane flew into the right direction)” the third paratrooper grumbled annoyingly.

“Fein, (Fine)” Franz muttered deceptively.

“Das ist wirklich seltsam, Lud. Die Landschaft sieht nicht so Mittelmeer zu mir, (This is really strange, Lud. The landscape doesn't look so Mediterranean to me)” suggested the first paratrooper. “Ava, sind Sie sicher, dass wir in die richtige Richtung glitt? (Ava, are you sure we glided in the right direction?)”

The female pilot turned away from the cockpit’s window. “Ich bin mir nicht sicher… (I’m not sure…)” she replied. “Wenn wir verpassten die LZ, würden wir von Tommys Flak jetzt verprügelt werden. (If we missed the LZ, we would be pummeled by Tommy's ack-ack gun by now.)” She turned back and checked the compass. “Wo immer wir sind, müssen wir jetzt landen. (Wherever we are, we need to land now.)”

The paratroops in back readied their MP-40s and KAR-98Ks, gulping nervously. The atmosphere in the engineless aircraft tensed up as it descended from the night sky into the clear field below. A bump from the contact with the ground, it slid for a few metres, then stopped dead there in the open.

Ava flung the cockpit’s lid open and climbed out. The rest of the squad simply opened the door on the side and walked out. They open the equipment storage. They took their respective rucksacks, swinging it around on their back.

Looking around, they saw a village and an apple orchard. From what they noticed, there wasn’t any sign of their enemy; neither soldier nor defensive armament. It was probably why Ava had chosen this very spot to land.

Wasting no more valuable time and risking their lives, the squad ran into the nearest strategic point: the apple orchard.

Awaiting the plan from Ludwig, the unit spread out to secure the perimeter.

Then, three silhouettes of equines flew down from the sky and landed in the field. They fiddled with their glider curiously. Franz spotted them first. He did a double take.

Did they just fly down? thought Franz.

Suddenly, two silhouettes of men came running from the town. Franz started to panick and fixed his submachine gun at them, warned his comrades, and removed the safety.

CLICK

He furrowed his brows in annoyance; his weapon had betrayed him. The mysterious men and equines turned to them. He fired a burst of bullets.

They missed, alerting the two men. The rest of the unit was about to open fire, but one of the alerted men shouted: “Freundlich! Freundlich! Halten Sie Ihr Feuer! (Friendly! Friendly! Hold your fire!)”

The squad released their fingers from the triggers, lowering their guns, “Nennen Sie Ihren Namen und Rang! (State your name and rank!)” shouted Ludwig.

“Leutnant Gerhard Barkhorn, JG-52, Luftwaffe!” he yelled in reply. “Kann ich näher kommen? (Can I go closer?)”

Ava eyes widened in shock. She emerged from her cover and ran to him. “Gerd?” She hugged him tightly.

“Ava!” He hugged back. Tears of joy cascading down from his eyes.

She looked up at him and scrunched her face, “Warum sind Sie imitiert den Führer? (Why are you mimicking the führer?)”