The Quest Through Time

Chapter 11

Meanwhile, the town of Hoofington was getting shelled by artillery repeatedly. The Imperials had given up hope of reclaiming the city by small force and resorted to the big guns. What made Hoofington unique was how easy it was to go between alleyways, perfect for guerilla fighters. The Empire was not used to urban warfare.

Deep in town was a warehouse that was the base of operations. The battle had broken out after the Imperials heard word of the new consul, appointed by the Imperials himself, had been attacked and killed by rebel fighters. Soon after that, ponies took into the street and forced the Imperials out of the town, at least before reinforcements came.

“Status report,” the commander said, looking at a layout of the city.

“Sir, intel reports that enemy artillery is stationed at the front and side entrances of the city,” one of the soldiers said, drawing circles to show their location. “They’re trying to knock down our defenses but to no avail. However, compared to us, they have much more firepower and will bomb the town to pieces if they have to.”

“So if we put a stop to their artillery,” the commander said.

“It should halt their attack, at least momentarily,” the soldier said.

“You can sign me up then commander,” a white colt with blue mane said.

“Ah, Reks,” the commander said. “It’s good to see you in one piece still. I can see you want this mission and won’t take no for an answer?”

“That’s correct sir,” Reks said.

“Very well,” the commander said. “Take your troops towards the front entrance. If we can even take out some of their artillery at front, they’ll be forced to reposition, which will halt their attack.”

“Don’t worry sir,” Reks said. “I have just the plan in mind.”

(A/N: For this part, the song I’m using is “The Vile Peaks” from Final Fantasy XIII.)

*Sneaking around in the alleyways, Reks and his group slowly made their way towards the front entrance. Most of the buildings here have been demolished, meaning they had to find another way around without being seen. “Enemy patrol up ahead,” he whispered.

“How would you like to do this sir?” one of his troops, Gaz, asked.

Firearms were on the rise to be the standard-issued weapon of the military, but Reks disagreed. Unlike the sword he kept with him at all times, a gun could malfunction, leaving you or vulnerable, or in some cases, explode and cause critical injuries. Reks left that to the pros. “We do this quick and quietly,” he said. “Bane, you got a visual on them?”

“I do,” Bane said, who was hundreds of meters away looking through the scope of a sniper rifle. “Shall I do this quick or do you want to join in on the action?”

“Do what you do is best,” Reks replied.

Bane complied and took out the three soldiers in less than five seconds. “Ah, there’s nothing more beautiful than that.”

“Just keep an eye out for us,” Reks said. “Alright, let’s move.”

Managing to hide behind a small building that was still standing; they saw the artillery guns, which fired shell after shell after about every ten seconds. “Makes me wonder how long it takes to reload those things,” Gaz murmured.

“Gaz, you’re the demo expert here,” Reks said. “What do you think?”

“There’s no way we’re gonna sneak up to them,” Gaz replied. He smiled. “However, I think now’s a good time to try out something I created myself.” He brought out what looked like a metal Frisbee with green and red lights blinking. “New demo charges. Light but very destructive. You can throw them with ease and they’re magnetic, so they’ll stick to metal easily. I still need to find a way to make them stick to concrete or wood.”

“These will do just fine,” Reks said. “Quietly now.”

“Quiet is my middle name,” Gaz said. “After Kaboom that is.” Keeping himself out of sight, he flung the metal disks towards the batteries. Like he said, they stuck to them with a soft thunk! No pony would even hear it. After a couple minutes, he made his way back. “Ya might want to take cover. Enjoy the fireworks.” He then pushed the button on the detonator. The lights on the charges went red, blinked twice and suddenly there came multiple explosions as the batteries were silenced, and in pieces.

“Holy-!” Reks said. “Gaz, you’ve outdone yourself this time. Alright, time to head back to HQ.”

Meanwhile, at the Imperial garrison, Applejack and Pinkie Pie managed to sneak their way inside. Luckily for them, most of the soldiers were too busy focused on the battle that laid in front of them.

“Alright, they gotta have some written intel around here somewhere,” Applejack said, looking around the corner.

“Oooh! Are they having a party!?” Pinkie Pie yelled. Applejack panicked and put a hoof around her mouth and pulled her back.

“Pinkie!” she shushed her. “No they’re not having a party, no there’s no food and no there are no balloon animals.”

“Aw man…” Pinkie said, looking disappointed.

While she was looking around, Applejack spotted one of the mechs, standing in the corner offline. “Wouldn’t mind taking one of those for a spin,” she thought. She noticed a large tent ahead of them. “That looks like a good place to start.” Sneaking inside, they found a table with a detailed map of Hoofington, along with letters and other documents. “Doesn’t look like there’s much here after all,” Applejack said.

Pinkie Pie gasped. “Somepony’s coming!”

“Hide!” There were two barrels at the side that they both climbed into. Luckily they were empty.

“I am warning you Leon,” a voice said. “If you do not put more pressure on those rebels, they will run you out of resources.”

“And I am telling you Raines,” Leon said, coming into the tent. “I will not give in to impractical measures to achieve victory. I fight for peace and harmony, not the unjustified killings of thousands.”

“But what fun is it if ponies have to live?” Raines asked with a cruel smile.

“You are sick,” Leon said, glaring at him. “I do not see what Ghidious sees in you, but I can see why he had me come with you.”

Before another word was said, there came a massive explosion just west of them. “That seems to be your artillery blowing up,” Raines said, chuckling.

“General Leon,” a pony said, coming into the tent and holding a sheet of paper. “A message from the Emperor.”

Leon took it and read. “Hmm… it seems the Emperor asks for my immediate return. Very well. My orders still stand, and that is final.” It seemed he was talking to both Raines and the soldier. “I will return soon.” And with that, he left.

(A/N: For this next part, the song I’m using is “Kefka’s Theme” from Final Fantasy VI.)

*After a couple moments, Raines cackled. “What a fool he is! No matter, I have a quicker, more efficient plan to end this. You! Dump the barrels into the river!”

“B-But General Leon said-”

“Are you questioning my orders!?” Raines snapped. “I am in charge now and you will do as I say, so do it!”

The barrels were dumped into the water, the stream that went straight into the heart of the town. Anypony around noticed a strange smell and a sudden burning sensation in their throats and chest as they coughed severely and collapsed to the ground. One pony managed to scream out, “P-POISON!”

“Ah, there’s nothing more soothing than the screams of thousands,” Raines said, chuckling once more. “I think we can consider this battle won now.” And with that, he left the tent in a fit of laughter.