High King Peter stepped forth from the ranks toward the small table in the center of the field. There sat an armor-clad minotaur waiting patiently for his arrival. behind the imposing figure was a sizeable army of other minotaurs, griffins, diamond dogs, and other assorted mythological beasts. All and all it was a very imposing sight, but Peter maintained a straight face and continued forward. When he reached the table he gave a stiff salute to the opposing ruler, almost knocking off his tricorn hat. Rather than returning the salute, the minotaur merely gestured to the seat across from him, which Peter took.

“Well now, ‘High King of the Humans’. Here we are.” The minotaur chuckled.

“So we are.” Peter responded. “It doesn’t have to be this way King Hammer Fist. We can both walk away from this field. No deaths. No casualties.”

“I’m afraid that is where you are wrong, little human. I have already vowed to destroy all my foes, and since you and Equestria sided with the former Griffon Emperor, that puts you and your kingdoms on my list. It would look poorly on me if my army just left without the conquest I promised.” The minotaur king leaned forward with a cocky smile.

Peter adjusted his petticoat as he shifted in his chair. “So why did you call me out here to begin with? To gloat?”

“Something like that. I want to offer you the opportunity to surrender to me.” King Hammer Fist said smugly.

“You speak as if the end result of the battle has already been decided.” Peter countered.

“But hasn’t it?” The minotaur replied, “My army vastly outnumbers yours and are battle hardened. Your little militia of gussied up humans and the Royal Guard stand no chance against us. As you said, ‘High King’, we can all walk away from this. All you have to do is lay down your arms and join my ranks.” Peter instinctively repulsed with disgust at the notion before Hammer Fist continued, “You can even keep your little kingdom. Join us. Together we will march on Canterlot and take the celestial powers for ourselves-”

“Yourself.” Peter stated, interrupting the king. Hammer Fist stared at him for a moment as Peter continued, “You want the celestial powers for yourself, there is no ‘us’ or ‘we’. Only you.”

“Perhaps,” the minotaur king replied, “but you are still in no place to negotiate. You will merely be another conquest on my road to victory. You must surrender, or die. It is a simple choice.” Peter leaned back, surveying the opposing army. The minotaurs looked mean and nasty as ever, but the other members of the force had a different look. Griffins and diamond dogs, once good allies of his people, now looked on with shame, disappointment, and perhaps a little dread. He had faced each force on the field before in one way or another, and to see them relegated to mere auxiliaries in Hammer Fist’s army left a sort of pity in his eyes.

“I cannot.” Peter simply stated. “As a man bound by honor and liberty, I cannot and will not surrender my forces, nor any of my allies, to tyrants such as you. King Hammer Fist, if you think you can sway my loyalties not only to Equestria, but also to myself, you are more bull-headed than you look, which is saying something.” Peter finished with a smirk. Hammer Fist stood, towering over the smaller human.

“You cocky bastard. You think you stand a chance against us? I have over one thousand troops to meet this paltry force. Do you think you might hide behind your little fire-locks? We found some in the dog mines and the bird’s hills. They were weak, feminine weapons, not fit for a proper fight. We will over run you. Your race of ‘smart’ humans will be wiped from the face of the planet. I will have your race subjugated back to where you belong. And when we conquer Canterlot, I will personally ensure any sign of your people’s existence is erased. You will become little more than legends told by old ponies when they get senile and think their servants could at one time talk. I will rout your forces here, then I will hunt you, then I will destroy you. Yield and you may be spared, continue and you will DIE!” Through his tirade Hammer Fist had leaned down and begun yelling directly in Peter’s face, locking eyes with him. Peter, for what it was worth, maintained his seat and calm demeanor, despite the fear that this creature may just smash him. That wouldn’t be good for anyone.

Peter stood, adjusted his hat and petticoat, and stepped back. “If you know the enemy and yourself, you will never suffer loss in battle. Know yourself, but not the enemy, and for every victory you will also suffer defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will lose in every engagement.”

King Hammer Fist harrumphed, “What is that from?”

“A very wise human.” Peter replied. “I’ll see you on the field, Hammer Fist.” With a sharp turn, Peter began a decisive march back to his line as Hammer Fist did to his. Peter had hoped somewhat that negotiations could be made, but it was increasingly obvious he was not dealing with a rational ruler. This was a bull who thought he was the next Alexander or Caesar. A lot of people were going to die today, but hopefully the men’s training would allow them to-

THUNK

Joseph Seedling didn’t ask to be a part of this war. Not at first. The delusions of some megalomaniac minotaur three territories away was none of his concern when he was looking after his orchard. Then the Gruffneck Clan was taken over, and the prices for his metal got a little higher. Then more and more clans fell. Even the den of a sweet little bitch that delivered the mulch they harvested from a swampland near their den. He was kind of sweet on her, but the the damned taurs put her in a breeding pen. When she resisted, they put her head on a pike. That got his blood boiling. But he was just a simple farmer, what was he supposed to do? He wasn’t any good with a sword or a spear, and the Royal Guard didn’t take human recruits who could think for themselves, so what was a simple orchard tender to do?

Nothing. He could do nothing, and it made his skin crawl in rage. Then the High King started the Regulars. At first it seemed ridiculous. A man with two weeks worth of training holding the same power as a fully armored soldier on the field? It didn’t seem possible. Then he saw the ‘fire-arms’. At first he was afraid of them, but the High King himself show him and his fellow recruits how the weapons worked. With the High King’s stamp of approval, they began training in earnest. The recruits had woodland training, plains land training, swamp training, and everything in between, and after a five week course they were given their first Regulars regiment uniforms.

That was six month ago and now five whole regiments stood before the army of King Hammer Fist. Joseph tightened the grip on his rifle as he stared into the enemy horde. He felt brave, vengeful, and terrified all at the same time. He remembered his training, and could clean and load his rifle in his sleep by now, but there was always the fear of death within him. The High King said that those feelings were good though, because it meant they were still human. Ever since the start of the war High King Williams seemed different. Before he had been more joyful and relaxed, but now not a day went by without him yelling at someone or something. Maybe that’s what he meant when he said war could turn men into monsters. Still, it wasn’t Joseph’s place to think about such things. He was just a simple farmer-turned-soldier.

When the High King was passing through the ranks, Joseph stood aside to let him pass. Like the rest of the humans on the field of battle he wore no armor, but just a uniform with slightly more shiny stuff on it than the rest of the men. He carried a curved sword on his hip as his only weapon. He marched out to where the minotaur king sat patiently with long, purposeful strides. Joseph took the opportunity to look around him,trying not to make it too obvious. Next to his battle line stood a detachment of Royal Guard, stone faced and stalwart as ever in their gleaming golden armor. He thought the armor looked uncomfortable, and was glad he wore his Regulars coat instead. It didn’t provide as much protection, but it also didn’t constrict his movement, which was critical for the tactics they had been trained in. A few guardsponies looked over at the human ranks with contempt. While technically a sovereign power, many ponies still viewed the Human Kingdoms with disdain. Most of the Kingdoms’ population once served them as beasts, and the nobility didn’t think much of the same people they associated as mindless sex machines. Fortunately the apple farmer Joseph had been elevated from was much more understanding, and they had even kept in touch after he had moved to the Kingdom to grow his own orchard.

Joseph began thinking of his home and family, at least as close of family as he could figure. They had stayed back to tend to the farm while he was off to war, and they prayed every night for his safe return. They were a simple family, two brothers and three sisters helped him run the farm. Another sister lived as a servant in the castle of the High King himself. It paid well and High King Williams always treated his staff with respect and dignity. Joseph was happy for her.

The High King apparently got into an argument with King Hammer Fist, as the minotaur suddenly stood and leaned over the High King. Joseph heard the entire line tense up on their weapons. They would protect the High King to their death if they had to. He had brought them up from their madness and taught them what it meant to be free men. They would stand by his side to the end. The confrontation ended and both monarchs walked away from the small table. High King William’s stern face and angry posture told the men all they needed to know about the meeting. Joseph steeled himself to begin the battle.

King Hammer Fist lumbered back to his army. The minotaur raised his arm to the sky. Joseph squinted his eyes as a some movement among the minotaurs could be seen. He wondered what they could be-

THUNK

High King William collapsed face first into the ground, a large minotaur crossbow bolt sticking out of his back. For a moment there was total silence, no one on the field daring to make a sound that would confirm what they just saw was real and not a part of some strange vision. When that moment ended the ranks of humans had a shroud cast over them. A deep, primal urge filled the devoted soldiers of the fallen High King. An urge that overpowered all their education in humanity and reason. Vengeance. Joseph seedling was not immune to this urge that crossed the ranks. It was his sweet diamond girl all over again, but this time, he could do something. Suddenly that big army over yonder didn’t seem so scary. In fact, they looked like a pack of cowards, waiting to be riddled with his bullets and bayonet.

The human ranks let out a deafening roar when the call to charge was made, and every man answered. They lifted their rifles and the whole of the line rushed forward. Despite their rage, their months training had it desired effect. While the army of Man charged they maintained their ranks. Joseph could see the High King directly in front of him. They had only so far to go before they were right on top of him. He was almost there when he saw the High King start to move. High King Williams was alive! He could be saved! All they needed to do was-

SHREEEEEEEEE!

King Hammer Fist stormed back towards his army. That pitiful human dared to throw his offer in his face!? The king had not given the option of surrender to any other foe he had faced, and that fool who dared call himself “High King” threw his generosity back in his face. Admittedly the offer was intended to spare his men the indignity of having to fight the very beasts that should never have left their rule to begin with. Despite his promise King Hammer Fist never intended to let that fool Williams keep his kingdom. He and his people would be returned to their rightful place in the world, subservient beasts to be used and discarded. It would start here, with the defeat of the human army. Humans, as always, were stupid creatures that would be blind without instruction. It was only a matter of taking away their owner. King Hammer Fist raised his burly arm to signal his crossbows to fire. He heard the sound of the crossbows release and-

THUNK

Hammer Fist didn’t need to turn around to know the bolts had hit their mark. The minotaurs of his army looked on with glee at the sight of the fallen human. They knew the rest of it’s kind would soon follow. The other components of his army, though, didn’t seem as enthusiastic. That was also expected. The Diamond mutts were long time trading partners with the Human Kingdoms, with many Dogs regarding the High King with respect for his various achievements. Some had even faced him and the humans in combat when the Kingdoms were first being set up. The fact the mutts had any respect for the humans had been his proof that their clans were weak and needed the guidance of the Tauran people. The Griffons were somewhat upset as well. Their sense of honor probably had some rule against killing someone before a battle had started, but they were the same fools he had defeated twelve months ago. Conquering their aviaries had been something of a challenge since the Tauran army had no real air units other than the few airships used in trade, but the magic amulet that gave him his vision of conquest provided the anti-air power he needed. Now the Griffons answered to him.

Hammer Fist reached his ranks with a smirk. His First Captain stood by to speak with him.

“My lord, I take it the human refused our generosity?”

“Unfortunately.” Hammer Fist replied, “Now we must bother with this rabble. There’s not even enough ponies to make this fight interesting. Another day wasted. Oh well.” From the other side of the field an uproar could be heard. The human army was becoming the beasts Hammer Fist knew they were without their High King’s commands.

“The beasts seem to be charging, sire.” The captain said calmly. Sure enough the rabble of humans with their firearms were moving with great haste across the field. They were not quite within range of the crossbows, but they would be cut down by axe and bolt soon enough. The fools didn’t even see fit to wear armor, so soon they would be killed, routed, and hunted by the auxiliaries. No need to bother his best troops on such worthless-

SHREEEEEE!

The lines of humans suddenly halted their charge, just inside range of the crossbows. They had stopped in their lines just over the fallen High King and raised their weapons. Hammer Fist’s eyes widened in surprise at the sudden discipline in the human ranks. He turned, prepared to yell at the crossbows to fire when anything he could have said was drowned out by the loud cracks of the humans’ rifles. Those were quickly followed by a collapsing line of minotaurs, struck by the human ammunition passing through their expertly crafted armor. The First Captain to his left was not spared from this barrage, as his pained scream joined the chorus of the fallen. King Hammer Fist was spared from such a death, however, as he quickly moved behind the front ranks to reach the crossbowtaurs who were taking matters into their own hands, beginning their first volley at the humans. He reached them in time to see the first volley land amongst the human ranks. Several fell to the bolts, but unlike what Hammer Fist had predicted, the humans did not even begin to panic. They stood still, rigid, and disciplined as Royal Guards. The first rank had begun to fall back, reloading their weapons as they did. The rest of the line soon followed, stepping backwards in unison. A quick survey of the field revealed they had left their dead behind in their retreat, but the body of the fallen High King was nowhere to be found. Their little charge had cost them precious troops all for a dead man. If their disciplined manner wasn’t so disturbing, Hammer Fist would have laughed. They were soon out of crossbow range, which meant their weapons were useless as well. His crossbows were the pride of the world in terms of ranged combat, capable of hitting a target at one hundred tails. The effectiveness of their rifles had come to surprise the minotaur king, but he still had the advantage in melee combat. A firm charge into the enemy ranks was sure to break them, then they could finally begin their move on Canterlot.

Hammer Fist spared a glance at the fifty some-odd Royal Guardsponies that were assembled on the east side of the field. Perhaps after seeing the humans slaughtered they could be made to see reas-

His thoughts were cut off by another resounding series of cracks from across the field. Once more the humans had fired and more of his minotaurs fell to the ground. How could they still be in range!? No weapon short of magic could shoot that far! It did not matter, he needed to settle this, NOW.

“Warriors! CHARGE!” King Hammer Fist bellowed to his men. Without hesitation the warriors began their sprint across the field, mighty strides carrying them farther quicker than any human could run. He turned back to the crossbowtaurs. “You move forward and prepare to volley into the humans’ rear ranks. They are proving to be enough of pests as it is!” Another series of cracks sounded, and many of his once charging warriors fell into the soft ground. The humans had made a sort of shooting retreat, one part of the line firing volleys into the approaching horde, then retreating as another portion began their own volley. Hammer Fist watched as his brave, powerful warriors were being cut to ribbons. He turned to the crossbowtaurs and bellowed “MOVE!”

They immediately responded, surging forward to get into range so they could begin their volleys. Hammer Fist Turned toward his auxiliary commanders, snarling with anger. “You lot move up too!” The Griffons and Diamond Dogs looked across the killing field warily, concern in their eyes. “I said MOVE you worthless lot! Those beasts can’t even hit a dragon at this-”

CRA-TOW!

CRA-TOW!

Sherman Wheatman lowered his scoped rifle, a smirk plastered wied across his face. He turned to his fellow sniper, Patrick Sweep, and said, “Bam. Pay up.”

“You’re full of shit, Wheatman!” Patrick looked through his scope, only to verify that indeed the minotaur king laid dead in the center of a mass of enemy soldiers, blood leaking from his forehead. “What the Hell!” He cried before digging in his pouch and handing over a handful of gold coins. “How the hell does a wheat farmer get so good at sniping?”

“Pure skill, buddy.” Sherman replied, slipping the bits into one of his spare pouches. “Try and get that crossbow captain next, I’m pretty sure he’s the one who hit the High King.”

“Fine.” Patrick replied, raising his scope to his eye. “But you’re buying next time we hit the bars in Central.” Patrick found the minotaur Sherman had mentioned, he wore a golden sash, designating him as an advanced officer. The cross-hairs carefully tracked him before the rifle cracked. The captain’s shoulder spurted blood and forced him to the ground. “Fuck! Non-lethal hit, but he’s out of the action.”

“Can’t get ‘em all, bud. Still, that ought to put the fear of God in those bulls.” Sherman said casually. The two set about reloading their rifles as two men ran up from the field dragging a form. “Seedling, that you!?” Sherman said. He sat his rifle aside as he rushed to his friend’s aid. Joseph Seedling, one of his fellows from first regiment, had just run up from the field with a crossbow bolt stuck in his left arm, the body of High King Williams gripped in his right. The other man was Doc Gerald, one of the army doctors who volunteered to treat battle wounded soldiers.

“Get over here!” Doc Gerald called to the two snipers, who both ran up to aid their wounded leader. “You lie down too!” the doctor commanded Joseph, “We need to get that bolt out before it gets infected!”

“But what about the High King!?” Patrick said, laying the High King on the ground gently as to not disturb the wounds. High King Williams then surprised them all when he gave a hearty cough and leaned up, despite the bolt sticking from his back.

“I-*hack*-I’ll be fine. Treat this man. Needs it more than I do.” The High King reached behind him and firmly pulled the bolt from his back as the soldiers looked in awe. “Heh. Two inches lower and I’d have been in real trouble. Just goes to show how much you can trust those fanatics over there.” He felt the area where the bolt struck, muttering, “Gonna bruise up like a bitch though.” He turned towards the two snipers, who looked at him as if he had just risen from the dead, which is what it indeed looked like. “How goes the battle?”

Sherman spoke up first, trying to decide whether or not it was appropriate to go to attention when talking to the High King in this situation. He ended up halfway through a crouch and standing. “S-sir! Everything is going well so far. we lost about twenty men to the crossbow barrage, but we have inflicted casualties ever since we started the Fighting Retreat. They started moving their crossbows up,though, so we may have some trouble from their barrages. We’ve been going through ammo to fast as well. We can’t keep this level of fire for long.”

“And King Hammer Fist?” The High King grunted as he stood up, straightening his uniform.

“Dead, sir. I caught him in his head while he was ordering the crossbows up.” Sherman answered, standing straight himself now that he wasn’t leaning over his leader.

“Really?” The High King asked.

“It’s true sir.” Patrick voiced up. “Won thirty bits off me on the bet too.”

High King Williams smiled while putting the final corrections to his uniform and placing his tricorn hat on his head, “Well if it’s been confirmed I’ll make sure you get a medal Mr… I don’t believe we have been formally introduced.”

Sherman stood straight as a board at attention, “C-corporal Sherman Wheatman, sir! First Regiment, First Battalion, Sniper Corps.

“Right… Wheatman. I’ll remember that.” The High King said. “Probably. If you gentlemen will excuse me, I have a battle to get to.” He turned and began a swift walk back to where the battle lines were continuing their fighting retreat. Doc Gerald made to follow, but hesitated when Joseph moved, hurting his arm more.

“Would you two go watch over our foolhardy High King before he gets himself hurt again? I need to patch this guy up.” The doctor asked.

Patrick looked over at Sherman and shrugged. “I was low on ammo anyway.”

Sherman nodded and picked up his rifle. “Don’t forget your bayonet. Something tells me we won’t be getting out of this without stabbing a few bulls.”

The two snipers ran to catch up with the High King, who was talking with one of his staff as he approached the front.

“Where are the enemy auxiliaries?” High King Williams asked.

“They were hanging back, probably to chase us off the field when the bulls were done with us, but after we forced their infantry back they started pushing the auxiliaries forward while they regroup. Diamond Dogs on the ground while Griffons are in the skies. They are staying out of range for the moment, but they will probably be used as fodder for the next charge.”

“Alright, where are our guests? Still hiding?”

“Just waiting on the signal, sir. With the sudden shift in tactics, though, they are getting concerned about potential losses.”

“Understandable. Send word to them to rally on my position. we need to move fast.”

“Yes sir!” The staff officer ran off to speak with whoever these guests were. The High King noticed as Sherman and Patrick approached.

“Oh, you boys joining me? Well enough.” He said calmly.

“Sir,” Patrick stated, “don’t you think it might be dangerous to return to the battle? You were already hit once, and I don’t even know how you survived that, but the next one could be in your head!”

“First, my dear boy,” the High King replied while opening up his uniform to show a black fabric held stiff by an armor plate within, “I have a special armored vest on. Thought it might come in hand. It’s on my ‘to reproduce’ list, so you boys may get some one day. Second, I need to show the men I’m alive and well for a boost to morale. Nothing like seeing your dead General come back to life to give you some courage. Third, those sons of bitches shot me in the back. By the law of warfare I am entitled to stab a bitch.” He punctuated his last statement by drawing his saber. As he walked into the battle line many a man stopped to look at him. He marched to the commander of the unit.

“Captain I want any man not currently firing or reloading to fix bayonet. When the first unit runs out of ammo, we charge the enemy crossbows.” He ordered.

“What of the auxiliaries, sire? They will have our flank.” The captain asked as soon as the commands were relayed.

“Let my good friends handle the auxiliaries.” The High King answered as a Griffon and Diamond Dog approached. The Griffon was dressed in a gold-embossed steel chest piece and had a spear clutched in his talons. The Diamond Dog wore a set of trousers as his only clothes. He wore a brace of pistols on his chest with an over sized blunderbuss in his paws. They were Emperor Hindfeather and High Clansman Rex, rightful heirs to their people’s thrones and close friends of William’s. Behind both of them came banner men carrying flags of their respective nations. They eyed the enemy host warily.

“Are you certain this will work, Williams?” the emperor asked.

“If it doesn’t we were all dead anyway, so why not try?” Came the High King’s retort. “Have your agents reached your peoples?”

“Yes.” Hindfeather replied, “They know their emperor lives, and calls on them to repulse the invaders.”

“The same as much has been spread among the clans. They are excited that they may be able to smash some bull heads after what they did to us.” the Diamond Dog Chieftain growled.

“Well, the enemy is almost in position, we need to move quickly. You guy ready?” The High King received nods in reply. “Alright. Wait for it…” He held his hand out, as if holding back a flood. Finally the crack of rifles that had been polluting the air with noise quieted.

A call rang out, “Third battalion has depleted it’s ammunition!”

“NOW!” The High King called out, raising his saber high, “RAISE THE BANNERS AND CHARGE!” He sprinted from the ranks, letting everyone on the field see him before they began their movement. The banner men and regents, having expected this, were the first to move, quickly followed by the rest of the army. The human host surged forward, bayonets fixed, toward the reforming minotaurs. They, in turn tried firing into the host, but many of their crossbows still needed to be reloaded from the last time they had fired a volley. It didn’t help that some humans were still shooting into the mass of bulls as they charged.

Despite his enthusiasm, High King Williams was not the man he once was was. Trying to raise and run a kingdom, then several kingdoms, then planning a war had left him little time to maintain his strength to keep up with his Regulars. As such, even with his head start, he found himself fading into the background as the men passed him by. He did see as the banners of the Griffon Empire and the Canine Confederacy broke away and began moving to where the auxiliaries had been gathering to try and cover the crossbow’s withdraw. To say the look on their faces were priceless would not have done it justice.

He looked around some more to get a grasp on the battlefield before he saw the Royal Guardsponies. They hadn’t moved since the engagement started. They had originally been waiting for the humans to rout so they could try to strike the flanks and try to kill King Hammer Fist and run. Now that the humans had not only stood, but were actively fighting the enemy, they were unsure of what to do. Looking over his left shoulder, High King Williams found Sherman and Patrick, waiting patiently for their charge to act.

“Wheatman,” He said, causing the sniper-turned-bodyguard to tense, “Get over there and tell those ponies if their waiting on my permission to do something, they can go break up those bulls that are reforming across the line. They can do that, right?” Sherman saluted with a smile and ran toward the pony ranks to deliver the message. Williams looked back toward the battle where the minotaurs were wavering. The ranged units wore thinner armor than the foot soldiers that had charged the human lines, but they were still minotaurs, and thus dangerous in combat. Every now and then a rifle would sound as another man who hadn’t shot all his ammunition leapt into the fray, causing more disorder among the crossbowtaurs. The High King walked over to one of his fallen kinsmen and picked up the dead soldier’s weapon. It wasn’t loaded, but the bayonet stood tall in the light of day.

“Well, we shouldn’t make those bulls wait too long, eh? Come on lad! I’ll not be the king who stood idle when there was soldier’s work to be done!” With that the High King began jogging toward the melee, Patrick moving quickly to stay with him.

Author's Note

Well, here's my first Omake (sp?) special. Subsequent continuations may be produced upon request as the main story continues.

Hope you guys enjoy! If anything seems off from my usual style, it is because I wrote this in Google Drive, who's spell check is... lackluster.