Once more, Dear friends

*3 months later*

Darkling sighed as he sipped on some coffee in the beginning of the cold fall months. So far all had been quiet on the front and that was what worried him. Most of the Imperial forces had been built up around the southern area following some of their spies in Dream Valley reporting in about build up and aerial recon showed it was true. However not even a shot had been fired in the last month. He could hear singing and cheering coming from the Griffon and Germane lines celebrating the start of fall… But they hadn't heard a peep from the Equestrians and that greatly unnerved and somewhat frightened him. From the ferocious fighting in the years of the war to silent as a graveyard now it actually kept him up wondering what they were up to and when it would happen. Rumors were that the Equestrians left the war all together or some other ridiculous nonsense. There has been end to hostilities with Equestria and besides at sea they were locked in a stalemate with them on land and losing in the air.

As daylight darkened and night came he looked out over the mile of no mares land between the Imperial and Allied lines as everything seemed to go silent and the air itself went still before he heard what sounded like thunder in the distance as the first shells hit their lines catching them off guard as they sound the alarm went off before they heard a mighty roar over the front as he looked over to see Equestrian tanks pushing towards their line as their own fired and he watched as the first few Tigers were blown apart only for their own be taken out with single precision shot that went right through the front of their tanks

He looked up in the sky and could see thousands of pegasus and griffons flying overhead as they slammed the rear supply lines dropping bombs on key targets before a shell went off in front of his trench and blew him back as his world went dark

*Some time later*

Darkling woke up covered in dirt and felt a throbbing in his head as he looked back to see he had hit it on one of the dug out artillery shelters walls. He looked up to see everything devastated as he felt his arm grabbed and looked to see one of his soldiers there badly burned. He was a tank crew member from the uniform as he put his hoof to his lips

“Keep your voice down. Equestrians are all over the place sir. We have to get out of here or we’re going to die.” He whispered as he crawled along the trench and froze as they heard talking coming there way as the Vanguard saw two Equestrian mares on the lip of the trench

“Tell you what Blossomforth we make it back I’ll buy you an entire shop and display in Ponyville.” The unicorn next to the earth pony chuckled shaking her head.

“You don't’ have the bits to back that up Vinyl.” The unicorn smirked at her before they headed off their voices getting faint as they walked further away

“C-Come on. We don’t have time sir.” The stallion whimpered as he crawled along the ground due to his wounds as they got to the far part of the trench and around the corner as they leaned up against it panting a little

“Soldier what happened? The allies attacked us with far more soldiers and firepower than our scouts and spies told us about. Where are the rest of our forces and what happened to them?” Darkling was remarkably calm and collected compared to the terrified soldier next to him. He was slightly unnerved however, he heard too few noises in the area.

“They were completely obliterated sir. Between the surprise attack and air strikes. Any of us that made it to the command post is probably overrun right now. I nearly burned to death in my tank when.. Something hit us, I don’t know what it was but I know it wasn’t anything from the air. I just remember bits and pieces, mostly just a slaughter. The Equestrians weren’t taking prisoners sir. Anypony that gave up was just shot and the Equestrians would just move on. Last I heard they already took the City of Lions and the 7th, 9th, and 34th battalions in the south in Dream Valley are cut off and surrounded.” He was panting a little as Darkling took a closer look at him seeing he was one of the Vanguards tanks commanders.

“This is a problem, my projections were off. I had thought that in the worse case scenario they would be stopped just outside the city, placing it under siege. How did they take the city so easily? The forces stationed there should have had ample time to prepare. What were the generals doing this entire time? The 7th was supposed to fall back into the city with the 9th to cover them. The 34th shouldn't even have been here for another 24 hours.” Darkling and the commander pressed against the nearby wall as a pegasus flew over them scanning the trenches.

“From the chatter I overheard looking for any survivors the 34th just showed up and there was a lot of confusion… Overheard a few Equestrian saying it was like shooting fish in a barrel. So far it's Griffon and Germane forces that have them surrounded and any attempts that been made the Equestrian Air force just blows it away with strike fighters. I haven’t been able to get in touch with any other command… As far as I know it's gone.” Looks over the trench to see a few Equestrians talking and smoking.

“Trapped behind enemy lines and with no idea where our forces are and the enemy isn't taking prisoners. I've been in this situation before, more than once right now we are in a potentially useful situation. All we need is a opportunity….Soldier, what is your name? And tell me, how loud can you scream?”

“Maelstrom sir… And why do I need to scream?” Maelstrom Looks at his superior confused cocking his head to the side.

“In exactly 2 minutes I want you to scream as if you are in extreme pain. Just loud enough for those soldiers to hear you and come to investigate. And lie there. Exactly 2 minutes understood soldier?” Darkling had a calm demeanor to him as he spoke.

“ Sir you did hear me say that they shoot Imperials on sight right?” Maelstrom looked from him to the soldiers as they put out the cigarettes and laughed about something.

“Yes, but they won't get that chance. And if you would prefer, you could remove your uniform now. Though it most likely wouldn't help much. Also, here.” Darkling took out a silenced pistol and handed it to Maelstrom.

“Trust in me solider. You won't die this day. Close your eyes and count to 2 minutes and lie on the ground and scream.”

“Sir can’t we wait till night or they move on? If any of them get a shot off at all the entire base will be on us in seconds.” The burned stallion pointed over to where the two mares from earlier were just as the others were called away

“Hey let's go! Able, Dog, and Echo company leg it ladies. Orders just came down. Third wave is up. Supplies are coming in and we’re pushing up. Let's move! Hustle up!” Darkling narrowed his eyes seeing Captain Rainbow Dash coming into view through the trees.

“Her being here complicates things. I will grant you that. There is little chance I could take her in this situation….Hmm...I know this region well, there is a way out of here. Follow me.” Darkling and Malestrom begin to move through the cover the trees provided. Soon enough, they came to a very large tree with a stone nearby with a large V carved into the bark.

“Good, here we are.” Darkling shifted around the tree for a moment before he leaned down and pushed the leaves away revealing a very old cover that he then removed. It was pitch black within the entrance Darkling had showed Maelstrom.

“Sir? What...Is this? It doesn't look military made.” Darkling turned to Maelstrom.

“It isn't. It's a tunnel meant for teenage stallions and mares to sneak away and...Have some fun with each other. I know this place thanks to an old friend. Only natives to here know of it and don't speak of it due to many bastards being made here. Come on jump down. It's not as far down as it looks.” Maelstrom nodded and moved to just in front of the entrance and took a deep breath and jumped down. After only a second he Landed and looked up. Darkling had recovered the entrance as he had jumped down. Once the cover was back on the tunnel was pitch black. Then after a moment crystals started to glow, illuminating the tunnel allowing them to see.

“Where does this lead us?” The stallion moved out of the way letting the officer lead the way.

“To the outskirts of the city. Or to just past it if one travels far enough. Though that way is long neglected and could be collapsed. We go for the latter, if the way is blocked we will have to exit near the city. Also, solider don't you're burns cause you pain? You haven't even shown any signs of being uncomfortable yet.”

“Greatly. But I’m sure due to fear, adrenaline and most of my nerves being burned it’s keeping me from passing out sir.” Darkling looked at him to see the one eye that wasn’t melted shut looking back at him in the darkness.

“ So before that goes away can we get a move on sir? I’d rather not be in the middle of the city when the pain does kick in.” He gave a half smile since the over half was burned and melted the other part of his lips together.

“And so we shall, follow me.” Darkling and Malestrom began to walk through the tunnel. They could hear the sounds of vehicles driving up above them and muffled voices. After a good 3 minutes of walking they came across a fork in the tunnel. One going left and the other right.

“The right tunnel takes us past the city. Let's move.” The two stallions continued to walk for a few more minutes until they began to see something in the distance. A lightsource. As they moved towards it, they saw the overgrown entrance covered with plants and vines.

“The way out. We are past the city. Weather we are in more danger or less remains to be seen. I will go first.” Darkling pushed the plants and vines out of the way and exited the tunnel, he looked around at the nearby field they were in now. It was clearly farmland, due to the nearby barn and tools. He could see Griffons in the distance in farm clothes or none at all. He turned back into the cave and faced Maelstrom.

“What do you see? Is it clear?” He looked out a little as Darkling helped him out of the hole.

“Yes,for the most part. We are on farmland now. We have 2 choices we can avoid the family that lives here and continue on, or ask them for aid. We have no idea how loyal they are, or if the Equestrians won’t simply have the road ahead occupied and guarded. It all depends if they stayed and decided to consolidate their hold on the city. Either way, we take a massive risk.” Maelstrom was quiet for a moment.

“I think we should try the farm. At the very least so you can drop me off there. At least then I won't slow you down and I have a small chance to live.” Darkling looked at him and said nothing for a time.

“In that we agree.” Darkling and Maelstrom began to walk across the farmland, the tall trees and bales of hay covered them from both sides and they began to approach the family that was outside. As they got close to the farm a young griffon rushed out and stumbled on them going wide eyed.

“MOMMA!” He ran back into the house as an older male griffon came rushing out with a knife before going wide eyed at the two.

“ Come, come. We’ll help and you leave.” He had a thick accent as he spoke broken Imperial.

“Citizen, I do not wish to disrupt your life or threaten your family's safety. This soldier here needs medical aid. As it stands he only stands a chance to survive if he gets help. All I ask is that you help him and I will not bother you and leave.” Darkling chose his words very carefully.
As he brought Maelstrom into the light the griffon gasped at his wounds before he helped him inside where a female griffon was waiting along with the child as they looked in horror at the wounded soldier. The female started to talk in their language arguing a little before the female stormed off while the boy stayed and watched as the older griffon started to work on Maelstrom

“This very bad.. I need tools from clinic.You stay, I go.” He looked over at Darkling who nodded as the griffon quickly left

“... Grandpa says you’re the good Imperials? That Vanguard is good.” The young griffon pointed at Darkling.

“Your grandfather is...Not wrong young one. But to say we are good is...Perhaps too far. But we are not the bad ones. That I can promise you. Tell me lad, how old are you?”

“I just turn seven today. Grandpa says other Imperials bad, that Vanguard protect us from other Imperials.” He looked at the groaning stallion on the table a little scared.

“That is true. We always try to stop the others when we can. But sometimes, we just arent enough. There are too many bad ones, but we won't stop trying. Young griffon, tell me your grandfather what has he told you about us?”

“That when you came things get better for people. Now Allies have town… What happens now?” Darkling looked at the young griffin for a moment without speaking.

“They...Will tell you that they are here to liberate you. That they are the good guys here to rescue you from the evil Imperials. But do not believe them young one, you are only switching one bad guy for another. And these other ones will hurt you if you aren't careful, even more than the bad Imperials in some ways. They will try to make you think their way and if you don't agree, they won't not hurt you, but they will watch you from then on. But for now? I do not know young one. I simply do not know.”

“When will you be back?” He looked at him scared as the door opened and the older griffon rushed in.

“Equestrians are everywhere. They look for survivors.” He was panting hard with a medical bag looking back at the door moving to the stallion on the table.

“As expected. They won't take prisoners, if they see me here in uniform they won't hesitate to attack me or finish him off. Give me what's left of his uniform, I will take it and leave here soon. If or rather when the Equestrians show up, tell them that he was burned in a accident. Considering the nearby battle, it wouldn't be impossible that when the attack happened he was distracted and an accident happened. On my way out I will destroy a vehicle of your choosing and have it looked burned. His name is Malestrom, in case they ask.” Darkling looked out the nearby window, no soldiers or vehicles nearby yet, but it was only a matter of time.

“There is a car our back. Is broken. You can burn it.” *He started to cut the stallions uniform off giving it to Darkling as Maelstrom groaned and soon it became to much as he passed out from the pain. Darkling looked at the silenced pistol he had given Malestrom for a second before holstering it inside his uniform before looking to his subordinate.

“I cannot say I knew you well Maelstrom, but you were a good soldier. Hopefully, we will see each other again. For now, all I can ask is that you live.” Darkling looked to the Griffon who was tending to Maelstrom.

“Thank you for this...Tell me, what is your name?”

“Does not matter. Will not see you again, go before the Equestrians come.” He shooed him away before getting back to work on Maelstrom. He stopped and looked up at him.

“Thank you.. For saving my family. You kept bad Imperials from forcing my daughter to do bad things.” Nods to him as he started to work on the Vanguard soldier again.

“I will not forget that.” Darkling turned around and began to exist the barn before stopping for a second just outside.

“I'm sorry that your daughter was put in danger at all.” With that Darkling left the barn and began to circle around behind the barn. There he found the car the old Griffon has spoken of. It was broken, but in decent enough condition that it looked like it could have driven only days before. He took out a grenade and then put it away realising it would cause too much noise. He looked around and saw a bottle nearby.
He walked over to it and saw it was gasoline. He wondered why it was in a bottle, but decided not to question it and tore off a strip of Maelstrom’s uniform and stuck it in the bottle and took out a lighter and lit the uniform. He tossed the bottle at the car and the fire quickly spread engulfing the vehicle in flames after a few minutes.

After the fire began to spread over the car he turned began to walk through the fields away from the city and the barn. After roughly half and hour he was back into a forested area and looked up, the clouds were beginning to gather. With no pegasi around, it was highly likely it was going to rain. He then heard rumbling coming not from behind him or to the side of him but in front of him. He looked ahead to see an Imperial supply truck driving slowly towards the city, the driver must not have been informed of what had occurred. He quickly made his way to the road and waved over the truck which slowed down and stopped just in front of him.

“ Sir? What is it? Where is everypony? I came from command yesterday to bring supplies to you” He was a regular Imperial supply SGT and the back was full of fuel and a very easy target for pegasi and any tanks or AT guns nearby.

“Soldier we need to get back to command immediately. Virtually the entire army stationed nearby and within the city of lions has been wiped out. The enemy launched a surprise attack on us and smashed through our defences and took no prisoners. We need to move now, what is the top speed of this vehicle with the supplies onboard?”

“U-Um 20 maybe 30 if we floor it… Um sir I haven’t been able to raise command in the last few hours.” He opened the door for him as the other stallion got in as he turned around and headed back the way he came.

“You think they were hit to? What do we do sir?” The stallion was starting to panic as he began to realize the situation they were in.

“Calm yourself soldier. It's possible, but it's far more likely that command is in a state of chaos right now. Losing the city and contact with the army stationed nearby must have sent them into a frenzy to figure out what's going on. We need to get to the closest base and as contact any forces nearby as quickly as possible.” Darkling looked out the window, there was a storm coming he could see the clouds gathering and the sky starting to darken. The storm was clearly naturally made and the allies most likely wouldn't try to move forces until they either dispersed it or waited for it to pass over. Given the territory they just gained and needed to consolidate, the latter was more likely.

As they rushed along the road towards command they could see figures moving through the fields and they could see Equestrians rushing ahead of the storm towards where their command was. They saw and heard the sound of artillery and could see a few gun crews set up and firing while troop transports rushed down the main road they were coming to as the soldier started to pull off his uniform and merged in with them.

They were lucky none of the Imperial markings were on the truck or fuel drums as they followed the Equestrian supply convoy before turning off a back road. In the distance they could hear heavy fighting and could see smoke coming from up ahead.

“Sir that’s where command was. Should we try to get with them or see if we can find another unit?” He was looking out the passenger window occasionally when they heard many big explosions go off.

“Another unit. Going to command now is pointless, but something is very wrong here. Regules of how caught off guard we were, the allied forces are advancing at an alarming rate. They risk overextending themselves with attacks like this, so why risk it at all? Occupying and fortifying the city would make more sense that attacking command now. Especially with a storm on the way. Either way, we need to reach another unit quickly. Do you have any knowledge of any other units within any reasonable distance from here?” Darkling had also taken off his uniform and had a calm look on his face as he looked over to the smoke and explosions.

“The 122nd Intelligence is further past command and out to the west.” He took a side road and gunned it down the bumpy road.

“Intelligence? I'm surprised they are still out here, I would have thought they would have left this region some time ago. The ods of the allies knowing of them begin here are slim to none. Intelligence always covers its tracks. Perhaps they can explain what's going on.” At this point Darkling was more speaking to himself than the sergeant, none of the Equestrian pegasi paid them any attention, instead focusing on attacking command. After 10 minutes, the explosions began to fade away and the road became less rugged while they came to an wooded area where they were stopped by Imperial soldiers.

“Hey Berg.” The sergeant leaned out of the driver side window as the guards went wide eyed and rushed towards them

“Big C! Sweet Imperium man I thought you got caught up in that mess.” He nodded to burning city as they saw a red flare get shot up making them go wide eyed. It was the signal to retreat and the area was lost. It was also a warning to other units to fall back that was in the area as the small outpost became a buzz of activity.

“Got a survivor from the front. One of the Vanguards.” Big C leaned back so Berg could see him as he blinked and snapped a salute.

“SIR! They’ll need you inside then. Go on through Big C. We’ll help you unload everything” He waved them through while they pulled into the middle of the outpost as soldiers ran up to them and started to unload the truck.

“Sir. Captain Weathers is waiting on you sir in the large tent in the back.”Darkling turned to one of the soldiers pointing to a huge tent that took up most of the back of the outpost.

“Understood, keep an eye on the skies soldier. If you see even one pegasi in it tell me immediately. Don't waste time trying to shoot them out of the sky understood?” The soldier nodded and Darkling walked over to the large tent and opened the flap and looked around, he saw communications equipment and maps and charts of the area. Most of it was in a state of disarray, no surprise given the situation and recent events as he spotted the captain walking up to him.

“Special Command General Darkling. Good to see someone made it back. Now sir could you please tell me what the hell is going on!? All across the front whole lines are either wiped out, crumbling, or in full retreat and I was just informed to fall back the border and dig in await further orders. Not only that command has been lost and the 7th, 9th and 34th battalions have surrendered to Griffon and Germane troops while everything else is in total chaos! Can you tell me anything of what’s going on out there and where they came from? I thought they were building up in the south.” He panted running his hoof through his mane.

“I had hoped you could tell me. The Equestrians launched a surprise attack and smashed through our defensive lines and took the city. They took no prisoners and afterwards moved on to assault command. Such a decision is odd as it puts them at risk of overextending themselves. The build up in the south must have been a diversion and with command lost we are scattered and in total disarray. Do you have the means to contact forces outside this region?”

“I do and I’ve already told them of what’s coming and to dig in and wait. From some of the scattered reports Equestria has a new tank and it’s cut through everything we’ve hit it with. We’re once again losing the armored race sir and we need to get the hell out of here before the Equestrians find us. I suggest you come with us unless you have another way to get to friendly lines you want to share sir.” He looked around as his troops were getting everything packed up and rushing them out the door. What they couldn’t carry, they destroyed.

“Good. I need to get to a location where we have relative safety. Once we reach there I will contact the generals and organize our forces. Ever since the incident in Saddle Arabia they have been attempting to take power and command away from me and by extension the Vanguard. Hopefully they aren't so incompetent as to try this after what's just occurred.” Darkling and the captain left the tent and Darkling looked on as the soldiers began to destroy equipment that was too heavy or too bulky to be moved quickly or effectively. He saw several soldiers watching the skies, he saw lightning flash in the clouds and looked ahead to the nearby trucks.

*Doe Ho*

Twilight stood out of her tank as she watched a small convoy of trucks heading north to the border. They were most likely Imperials but without proper identification they couldn’t fire.

“Ma’am?” She looked down to see Tender looking up at her.

“What is it?”

“Ma’am command has ordered us to halt and wait for supplies. We’ve gone too far ahead.” Twilight nodded at her radio mare as she watched the trucks disappear into the distance.

The Sheir 2 tanks had performed amazingly with not a single one knocked out. The 88mm guns on the Hydra couldn’t penetrate the front at all. They were fast and with the new bag charges there was no casings to deal with and Twister was able to pick off targets at ranges of 2 miles. The Sabot round made quick work of the enemy armor and Equestrian tanks drove right over the Imperial lines.

Within hours of taking the front lines the second wave pushed on and had taken The City of Lions and moved on pushing into small towns and villages along with way rooting out any stragglers before the third wave pushed up past them as they let the third wave caught up with the second and merged then joined the first wave in taking Doe Ho.

Everything had gone off flawlessly and now they were to dig in and wait holding off any counter attacks while waiting for reinforcements and supplies to be pushed up.

“Well ain't you a sight for sore eyes.” Twilight and smiled wide see Applejack walking towards her tank making her squeal and jump down rushing up to her friend wrapping her in a hug.

“Oh it’s so good to see you made it. Have you heard anything else from the others?” Twilight smiled and pulled back as she looked over her friend. She looked exhausted and but wasn’t hurt.

“Dash and Fluttershy are on the south side of town diggin in. I’m more up north a ways from you. Got mah company diggin in and the Bolts are on call…. Glad to see you ok sugarcube.” She smiled at her pulling her back in close and didn’t let go.

“I was worried somethin happened to ya. Hadn’t heard anythin from ya in almost four months and thought the worst… Everythin ok?” She pulled back a little as the unicorn looked down.

“ I just miss you girls.. A lot. And with Pinkie gone.. I’m surrounded by strangers, and I just can’t loose another friend like that. I can’t loose another friend like you girls like we did Pinkie, I don’t want to go to anymore homes and tell their loved ones that their loved one died in the line of duty. I’m really tired AJ and I need some time away from all of this soon or I’m going to go crazy.” Twilight looked up at her while AJ sighed and nodded pulling her back into a hug.

“I know sugarcube, I know. We’ll see what we can do fer ya and go from there once this operation is done.” She held her a little tighter as they looked to where the enemy line was.

“Ya know yer gonna be in the thick of right? They’re gonna come right through here and yer gonna be takin the brunt of it all.” She ran her hoof over her friends mane as she nodded against her chest before pulling back looking a little better.

“When this is over.. We all need to meet up at the bar. I’ll pay the first round ok?” She smiled wiping her watery eyes as the earth pony nodded smiling at her.

“Nah ya should have Dash pay. She’s been stingy with her pay and we could all use some R&R. It’s been what? How long?”

“Since we laid Pinkie to rest” They got quiet at that before AJ sighed and stood up Twilight doing the same.

“Well I look forward to seein ya at the local bar and the rest of the girls when this operation is over. Heard they still have some good beds and hard liquor. None of that piss water we get a week.” She giggled as Twilight laughed and nodded

“See you later AJ” Twilight smiled and waved as the mare headed back to her company as she sat down as the infantry dug trenches in front of their tanks.

“Tender get the company on the horn and tell them to dig fox holes for the tanks with a reverse slope! We’re going to be getting hit hard and we’re going to make them regret trying to take back this capital!” She yelled as she climbed up on the tank grabbing a shovel hearing a ‘Yes ma’am’ from her radio mare as the rest of her crew climbed out and started to dig while Sweet Water pulled the tank back so they could dig a hole for it before joining them.

*Across the border in the Kirin Nation*

Darkling and the convoy approach a large Imperial base. After a brief halting and explanation for their lack of Imperial colors and markings, they were allowed in. Darkling existed his truck and began to walk through the base as soldiers scrambled around, some saluted him others gave him nervous looks. He had a nasty feeling that he would soon find out why.

He walked up to the command center and opened the door, once inside he began to walk towards the command room as technicians and communication experts worked fervently to try to gain as much information as possible and salvage what they could from the disastrous losses they just suffered. Darkling entered the command room and saw several Imperial generals turn to look at him.

“Well look who's still alive. We had heard that virtually the entire army guarding The City of Lions was wiped out and yet here you stand. Alive and only slightly worse for wear, Funny how things work out wouldn't you agree?” The general who spoke was a stallion with a dull grey coat and brown eyes with a equally grey mane, easily in his late 50’s. His voice dripped with satisfaction and anticipation.

“I suppose so General Greymane, it appears your body has finally caught up to your name. Now are we finished with these childish insults or would you like to waste more time?” Darkling had a sharp tone to his voice. Greymane only smirked and stayed quiet. The general to his left, whose coat was a deep blue with yellow eyes and mane spoke,

“Well Darkling, I'm afraid to tell you this but considering the debacle that was Saddle Arabia and the capture of your second and several agents of intelligence, which also resulted in the loss of the entire branch and now the disastrous battle we lost we have begun to...Lose faith in your ability to lead our forces effectively.” As opposed to Greymane who spoke with sarcasm and a lack of respect General Brightflame spoke with far more respect.

“So in otherwards your telling me that you want to take command away from me and give it back to yourselves. At this current time such a move is pure foolishness, we need to stay cohesive and united. Not divided and under multiple commands.” Darkling walked up the table they were all in front on and placed his hooves on it leaning upward.

“Considering the significant losses the Vanguard has recently suffered, just over 53% of your forces have been either captured or lost to the allies. You've lost over half of your entire force Darkling and considering your very strict requirements for entry, you won't be getting new members any time soon. And not in the numbers you need.” Greymane had spoken up and stared at Darkling with a smug look.

“Be that as it may, the situation-” Greymane scoffed at him.

“ ‘Situation’ he calls it, more like catastrophe.” Darkling glared at him but continued on.

“Is not one in which we can afford any mistakes. We need to be focused on formulating a new strategy.” It was General Brightflame who spoke this time.

“We already have one, we will launch a 3 pronged counteroffensive. Rather than attempting to directly reclaim the city, we will instead attempt to push the allies back towards it. Once there our forces will meet up and surround the city, placing it under siege.” Darkling looked at Brightflame as if he had grown 2 heads.

“Are you insane? Reclaiming the city now is all but impossible, the forces we have here are too few for such a thing and even if they were the Equestrians have a new tank that our Hydras cannot damage. We need to focus on defensive tactics until we can make a proper counter for them, not rush in to meet them head on.” Greymane slammed his hooves on the table.

“The Equestrians are over extended! If we strike now their supplies lines will be cut off and they won't be able to get reinforcements quickly. Now is our best opportunity!” Darkling looked to Greymane and shook his head.

“It doesn't matter. The fact is, we can't destroy or properly damage the Equestrians new tanks, attempting to attack them now will only end in disaster. We need to get reinforced and shore up our defences and attempt to find a counter.” Brightflame cleared his throat.

“If we do as you say, the allies will have the time to fortify their positions and establish a proper supply line. Thus making it all the more difficult to push them back, striking now we at least stand a chance of reclaiming the territory we lost and possibly capturing one of these new tanks.” Darkling could not believe the sheer idiocy he was hearing.

“What is wrong with all of you? Your plan is to throw our forces at the allies and hope for the best? Our soldiers will get cut to pieces out there.” Greymane only laughed at Darkling.

“This coming from the same pony who lost the 3rd Army, a capital and region in a single day. It doesn't matter what you say now Darkling, you are no longer in command. Our reinforcements will be here within the hour and we will begin our counter offensive within a few days. With or without you.” With that the generals got up and left the room. Darkling slumped down in his chair, everything was falling apart around him. His second was captured, Intelligence had lost an entire branch and now the generals were taking his command away and going forward with an insane plan that would end with another massacre.

He needed help, but all those he could turn to were either dead or captured. All except for one. He dreaded calling upon him, not because of any bad blood between them. But because he had put down the gun and war years ago now and was trying to live a life of his own. He did not want to drag him back into war, not after he fought so hard to leave it. But he saw no other way. Darkling stood up and walked out of the command center and to a transport preparing to head further back into Imperial territory.

Darkling walked up to the driver and told him that he required transportation to the nearest city. After a few hours of driving, Darkling saw the forces that the generals spoke of that were moving towards their deaths and closed his eyes and took a deep breath. An hour later they arrived at the capitol of the region, Kirin Tela. After he arrived he had gotten the intelligence branch there to book him passage back to the heartland via train. As he boarded the train he took a look behind him, he saw many civilians trying to book passage onto the trains, some refugees from the City of Lions. Others natives trying to flee the war out of fear that the war would come to the city. He turned back around and entered his train car and waited until the train began to move and closed his eyes allowing himself a moment's rest after the exhausting day he had just had.

He was awoken to the sound of the train stopping. He felt very hungry, he wondered how long he slept, but did not dwell on it. After he stepped off the train, he was greeted by uniformed officers who saluted him and showed him his way to Imperial High Command.

*One Week Later, Imperial Countryside*

Darkling stepped out of his car and closed the door behind him. With him were 2 other officers who accompanied him. He looked to the large house that loomed over him, it was not particularly unique or well designed, but it was a nice home nonetheless. He walked up to the door and knocked on it. After a few minutes a young mare opened it her coat was silver with a bright yellow mane and green eyes. She was no older than 13, he knew her as the granddaughter of the one he had come to see. Her face lit up seeing him.

“Darkling! It's been so long! I haven't seen you in 2 years. Its great to see you again. Come inside I…” Her excited tone had faded away seeing him in full uniform and the officers behind him.

“Darkling where is Deadeye? Why isn't she with you?” Her voice was now a bit worried in tone and she looked him in the eye.
“I need to see your grandfather Stardust.” Darkling’s voice was low and slightly saddened. Stardust looked at him and then away she nodded to him and walked inside. Darkling stepped in and closed the door behind him, the home he was in was very well furnished and ornamented.
He looked at the painting and walked through the house he knew so well. Eventually he came to the proverbial trophy room, he opened the door and looked inside. Within the walls were covered with framed commendations and countless medals and a single uniform. It was pure white with gold highlights, it was a uniform that any Imperial soldier knew and it was one to be respected.

He heard the sound of someone coming up behind him and turned around to see him. The stallion before Darkling was no taller than he was, he had a bright blue coat and black mane with grey coming into it with deep red eyes and he was clearly in his late 60’s to early 70’s. Darkling took off the hat he wore and looked his old mentor in the eyes.

“Hello my old friend. It has been far too long, I only wish we didn't have to meet under such...Unfortunate circumstances.” The stallion was silent for a second before he spoke.

“Do not worry Darkling. I have always been pleased to you, regardless of the circumstance. You look terrible old friend, why have you come here?” The stallion's voice was very calm and even. It carried the usual Imperial accent, but was somewhat more lax.

“I won't beat around the bush or try to make small talk. I need your help, Deadeye is captured and over half the Vanguard is dead or captured. The Generals have completely undermined by command and are going forward with plans that are suicidal for our soldiers or incredibly incompetent.” The other stallion turned around and looked out the open window to the countryside.

“I see. These are dire times and you need me. Perhaps it was a bit foolish to believe you were here to visit a old stallion like me with good news.” The stallion turned back to Darkling and met his eyes.

“Darkling, tell me what do you need of me?” Darkling looked down and then back up at the stallion.

“I need you to take back your old position. None of the Generals respect me and despise my leadership, but none would dare question you. You have never failed the Imperium once in your life, but I have and I cannot hope to fight this war alone. I am sorry to ask this of you, after all you did to leave the army here I am asking you to come back.” The stallion picked up a nearby photo of a mare, she looked like a much older Stardust and he was beside her in full uniform looking much younger.

“She told me time and again to leave the military. To retire sooner to help raise our family, but I told her I could not. That I had a duty and I had to stay for the sake of those under my command. We argued and bickered over it as long as I had known her. Eventually I stopped coming home whenever I had the opportunity, instead spending more and more time at High command or the Palace”. He sighed as his shoulders slumped a little.

“At first it was for hours longer, but then those hours turned to days, the days to weeks, the weeks to months and then to years and those years turned to decades and eventually she passed away. Our son grew up barely knowing me other than reputation and only saw me for the first time since he was a colt on his wedding day. He didn't hate me, but knew almost nothing about me and treated me like a distant cousin or uncle. I finally retired after that you know. I never did tell you why, it was not because I was too old. It was because I never got to know my own son, I never saw him grow up or speak his first words or learn to read or write.” He looked now to the picture of a young stallion with his coat and mane but with blue eyes instead of his red.

“I never saw any of it, only looking back did I see what I had lost. And that made me leave, I spent as much time as I could with him and my new daughter in law. But it was awkward and uncomfortable. Then Stardust was born and...I lost them both. Her mother died bringer her into this world and her father..Couldn't take it. I lost my son before I truly got to know him. At his funeral, I felt no sorrow or sadness only regret and shame.” The stallion let out a long sigh and had a regretful look on his face and closed his eyes. “And so I decided to be there for his daughter. My grandchild and I suppose I've done a good job with her, but deep down I can't escape the fact that...It's just too little, too late.” The stallion looked to Darkling the regret having faded from him.

“I will help you. But Stardust cannot go through what my son did, I want her to have someone in her life who can give her the love and attention she needs. If you can promise me that, I will stand with you once again.” Darkling nodded only once and then began to walk out the house, he spotted Stardust peeking at him from the second floor window and hid when she knew he saw her.
The Blue stallion looked at his uniform him in its case, it was perfectly preserved and pressed to perfection. After a few minutes he grabbed a nearby key and opened the case.

Outside Darkling got news of the counteroffensive on Doe Ho… It was a complete disaster with 90% of the attacking force wiped out.. Generals of the 3rd, 5th, 12th and 19th Army were all in full retreat as Allied forces reinforced and launched their own counter attack pushing deep into the Kirin Nation before stopping at a small city called Gun Loe. Imperial forces had pulled back six miles to dig in and defend until proper command could be established as the generals fought amongst themselves on who’s fault it was.

“Sir is he going to help?” One of the officers asked as the door opened and they saw the fully dressed stallion standing there making Darkling smile a bit.

“Yes. He is, welcome back sir.”