March to Griffonstone

Almost two months have past since the battle in the Chrystal empire, sightings have been showing up all over Equestria and Griffonia's boarders. The newly armed Equestrian army has grown rapidly, starting from three hundred and fifty, to five hundred. Well armed with the new rifles backed up by cannons, machine guns, grenades, and air support from the newly trained pilots and the finished zeppelin. Ademar was managing the 262's engines.

"Ademar dear, I have your uniform ready." Rarity said, she walked in carrying Ademar's officers uniform, it had a steel Pickelhaube and a officers saber Pebbles made for him. She set it on his bed.

"Thank you Rarity, oh and I heard your dinner went well."

"Well it did.....somewhat."

"Oh?" He said turning to face her.

"Well....Blackthorn proposed to me, I said no...I told him I wasn't ready for marriage yet. He understood."

"Well that's good, I hope the best for you both."

"Thank you Ademar." She says before leaving, A guard walked in after she leaves.

"Sir, Princess Twilight requests your presence in her library."

"Alright." He walks to her Library. Inside the library he sees hundreds of designs and experimental weapons and planes. Twilight reading a recently sent message.

"Ademar! Griffonstone is asking for our help. A massive changeling swarm has been seen heading their way, if we leave now we can beat them to it."

"Princess this is all unexpected, I will have to ready the planes for takeoff at your command."

"We cant use our aircraft this time, the Weather brigade is already flying there to create a thunderstorm to halt their air assault. We will have to use our ground forces."

"Alright, will you be joining us?"

"No, this fight will last days, maybe weeks. If that's the case I will be there in a week with some help." She sends a message to Griffonstone. "I sent a message to King Gordon letting him know you are on the way. Be careful Ademar."

"I will Princess." Ademar leaves the Library and returns to his room. The uniform Rarity made for him is a good fit, the helmet is a little heavy but he can manage, she even made him a new holster for his pistol. He walked outside in his new grey uniform to be saluted by the new soldiers, Spike had already told the other officers to ready the soldiers to move out.

"Whats the occasion sir?" One asked.

"King Gordon of Griffonstone has asked for our aid, a changeling swarm massive in size is heading their way. The weather brigade has been ordered to stall them with a thunderstorm in order for us to beet them there, we leave immediately." The officers tell the ponies to call off.

"All five hundred are here sir, Eight cannons and twenty two MG's ready to move sir." Ademar draws his sword, he walked forward, the other officers and ponies followed him in formation to the train station. Once loaded onto the train Ademar and his officers went to the first class cars where they were given warm beds and good food, it would be a five hour train ride to the next station and a three hour march through the mountain passes to reach Griffonstone, and the heavy equipment they have wouldn't go through the narrow passes all to well and may need to be carried. The MG's can be carried by one or two ponies but the Cannons will have to be taken apart and moved, most likely requiring several ponies to carry the bronze cannon, hopefully they get through easily without injury.

"Something on your mind commander?" An officer asks.

"Yes, if it comes to it we may need to transport the heavy equipment by air if the pass is unsuitable to move them through."

"Did you do stuff like that where you come from?" A Mare officer asks.

"I wasn't infantry I was Airforce, though I was still trained in combat. But no, we didn't have to carry the heavy equipment. Though my father told me stories of when he was in the army. They had to carry Machine guns through mud, Mountains, and through streams. Though I'm sure we will be fine."

"Its strange having Mares in the Guard, it was always Stallions at one point." An Officer said.

"The recruitment of Females is new to the guard?" Ademar asks.

"Yeah, about a year ago Celestia allowed Mares to train and fight side by side with Stallions. Is it like that on your world?"

"Yes and No, The Males of my species fight wars, though Women that are in the army are usually secretaries, nurses, and some military roles as Auxiliary troops, Spies, Guards, and SS-Soldiers. Many are in industrial and farming to support the war effort."

"Interesting." A Mare officer said.

"So whats our strategy sir?" Ademar lays out a map of Griffonstone and its nearby mountains.

"The storm the weather brigade is creating will force the changelings to travel by land and the heavy winds from the mountains will also be in our favor. We will set up emplacements behind the entrance arch. Our troops will be set in trenches with the Machine guns, our canons will be in pillboxes, all will fire on my order."

"Reinforcements?"

"The Griffons will be sending soldiers to aid us and Princess Twilight will be coming in a few days."

"What if they are already inside the city, as Spies?"

"The Griffons are making sure there are no Changeling spies by using a paste like substance made by the Zebras." Out the window Ademar can see mountains in the distance. "We will need our rest for the coming march. Rest, all of you." The officers return to their bunks, Ademar stays in the lounge and studies the surrounding terrain and locations on the Map. Trying to triangulate the path the Changelings will take, at least two rows of Trenches will have to be dug and in between them the cannons will be placed, the first trench will be closest to the Gate and will be where all the soldiers will set up, two machine gun crews will protect the cannons, Some changelings will be able to fly over the trenches so Ademar will have to quickly come up with an anti-air Gun to deal with them.

The second trench is about fifty feet behind the first and will be connected to the cannon emplacements and frontal trench by ten foot wide trench walkways. The second will hold the sleeping bunks, munition storage, and the officers quarters, all of which will have to be underground. All the wounded will be transported to the hospitals in Griffonstone, communication will be difficult in the trenches so they will have to rely on messenger ponies, from the trenches to beyond the arch will be called 'No mans land', well in this case 'No Ponies Land'. This battle will mark the first use of modern weapons by Equestrian forces, it will be a day for them to remember.

********

After a few hours Ademar and the other officers are loading the Equipment and supplies off the train with the help of Griffon escorts. The Cannons were hooked up to the crew of two ponies pulling them and the MG's were set in other wagons or carried by the Ponies, extreme caution had to be used to unload the grenades from the train and pack them in the carts. "What kind of Contraptions are these?!" A Griffon general yelled while walking to Ademar.

"And you are?"

"My name sir is General Gwin, Councillor to my Nephew and King Gordon and General of the Griffon army. My nephew sent me and my Griffs to provide escort through the mountains. Now, as I asked before, What in the name of Tartarus are these things?"

"These things are the weapons we will use to end this conflict." Ademar said while putting his Helmet on.

"Bah, doesn't look like much to me." The crotchety old Griffon said.

"Believe me they are effective. The weapons Princess Twilight and I created will help us win this war."

"Well...enough chit chat lets get a move on." Gwin said.

The pass was not narrow, but it was still dangerous, heavy winds blew in Ademar's face, the ponies kept marching onward towards Griffonstone.

"Jeez Ade, how far we gotta go?" Applejack asked. She was wearing her new officers uniform pulling a wagon full of ammunition.

"Hopefully we will get there soon, how is everyone else?"

"Well Fluttershy and Pinkie are holding up alright, Rainbow is supposed to meet us in Griffonstone with her friend Gilda. You never fought on foot before have ya?"

"No, I suppose its your first as well?"

"Eeyup, Think we'll come out alright?"

"Without a doubt Aj." Ademar can begin to see buildings, when the troops exited the pass they saw Griffonstone, the city was beautiful from their angle, Griffons flying in and out of the city, and the massive thunderstorm was over the city. The grey clouds rumbled loudly over it.

"Well here we are Ponies, I hope your Princess is right about these contraptions." Gwin said.

"We will need some help digging out our trenches and building the Pillboxes. Would you be able to spare some troops?" Ademar asked.

"Sure I guess, just show us what to do." Ademar said. When they begin to move the ground beneath a Cannon wagon weakens, causing the cannon to slide off the ledge. Ponies rushed to help the cannon crew get unstrapped from the cannon before it pulls them into the abyss below. The Ponies get free and the wagon plummets into the abyss, the cannon hitting the rocky walls and finally ending in a massive thud when it hit the ground below. "Is everypony Alright!?"

"We're fine sir...Celestia that was close." One of the Soldiers says.

"Great, were down one cannon." Applejack said.

"We still have seven, we can try and retrieve it but not today. Lets get ready for the changelings." Ademar said. He and the army walked through the Arch, Gwin had already gone ahead to gather some workers to help dig the soon to be trenches. He saw Applejack unstrap herself from the wagon.

"Ah'm gonna go find Pinkie and Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy should be with them."

"What exactly will they be doing here?"

"Well Pinkie is trying to git the smiles of the Griffons to come out with Parties and Snacks, Rainbow is with the weather brigade and also one of your soldiers, and Fluttershy, hopefully she can do it, is providing aid to the wounded."

"Will Pinkie be able to supply us with Food if we need it, mainly bread and Hardtack's?"

"Ah'm sure she can help with that. What is it all you...well have to eat in those bags. Mine was on the cart that fell off the cliff so ah didn't get to see what we get. All I know is that Granny Packed it for me." Ademar set his bag down and opened it.

"All soldiers including me have twelve slices of square bread with a small tin of apple or berry jam, Cheese, a couple carrots, four potato's, small packs of Salt and Pepper, and I have a few slices of meat in mine, a couple turnips, and a flask of Hard cider from your farm. Your kit would have the same except for the meat and Cider."

"And what are these...Hardtack's?" Applejack asked.

"My father told me they are quick to make hard, long lasting biscuit or cracker made from flour, water, and salt."

"Well I'm sure anyone can make those easily, since we are right outside the Griffon capitol city Ah'm sure we will have a good supply of food."

"Well AJ just in case we have alternatives. Gwin is back." AJ walks towards the city and past Gwin and his workers.

"I have the Workers you requested." Gwin said, the workers brought wagons full of wood, tools, shovels, and Picks.

"Thank you Gwin." Ademar walked over to them and showed them the plans. The griffons, Ademar, and ponies grabbed their shovels and began to dig.

********

Starlight sat quietly in her booth, the train she was on was faster than the ones in Equestria and better armed, her Guards waited in her bunk with her. Her guards were converted Diamond Dogs in SS Regalia holding Stg44's. The train entered a secure location in The Black Forest, secret and hidden from the Allied forces, left untouched by their bombers. As she exited the train, Herzog, the first human she had spoken to, welcomed her to the base.

"Welcome Starlight, I am glad you arrived. Our Japanese friends are already here waiting for us." Starlight saw several large trucks unloading the portal Pylons.

"Did you use it?" She asked.

"Yes, one of our Generals was revealed to be an enemy of the Reich. He tried to flee to the allies with his loyal troops, their families, and some of our Prisoners, as well as some of our equipment."

"What did they take, and how many left?"

"At least three of our Tiger II's, nine Panzer I and II's, a single Mobelwagen Anti-Air tank, and several Half-track, Trucks, and Cars. We were able to transport them to a random location a few hours ago, its unknown how many there were."

"Are we using the Portal today?"

"Nein Starlight, we will simply show the Japanese how it works and how the Pylons work, after the demonstration we will send scientists to Japan to ready them for the Migration into Equestria." They walk into a large open warehouse, inside a viewing room are German and Japanese officials waiting for Herzog and Starlight. "Gentlemen, shall we begin."

Starlight stands in front of them. "Friends and Allies to the Reich, my name is Starlight Glimmer, a native to Equestria, the world you will be going to soon. This portal is the key to entering Equestria, made from Modern Science and Ancient Magic. It can transport People, Supplies, and Materials to and from Equestria. These Pylons we built have the same effect but like the portal require large amounts of power to operate in the short time its activated but still enough time to get a small battalion and supplies through. Soon we will step foot on Equestria and the country will be divided Equally, Japan will receive the eastern side of Equestria with the Cities Manehattan, Fillydelphia, and Baltimare. While the Reich will control the west, with the combined powers we can rebuild our armies, and retake this planet."

A Japanese official stands. "And when we return to Earth, what will become of Equestria?"

"The Reich has agreed to declare Starlight Glimmer as the Monarch of Equestria when we leave." Herzog said. After a few minutes the Japanese and German officials agreed.

"We will take the Pylons to Japan, and ready our forces for Migration."

"Our Scientists will be going with you, have a safe flight home and thank you for coming out this far." Herzog and Starlight bowed to the Japanese officials before they left. Starlight and Herzog examined the indoctrinated Griffon, Diamond Dog, and Pony soldiers in Nazi Regalia, standing silent and obedient, armed and ready to move out. "Your forces seem ready to go."

"We will return to Equestria when our numbers are larger, we need to gather more candidates."

"We will send more teams into Equestria." Herzog was looking at the soldiers, he then walked towards his bunk house. "Do you have housing here?"

"No, I was planning on returning to Berlin."

"Nonsense, We will bring your equipment here. You did want to be closer to the portal and your soldiers. The Equipment should be here by tomorrow night."

"Well it saves me the trip..thank you." Herzog sat in his chair and poured himself a drink, he then passed a glass to Starlight.

"Let us return to our duties after this Drink, we have much to do."

"Indeed we do...." Starlight drank the Whiskey and set her glass down.

********

Ademar walked through the newly dug trenches, machine gun positions ready, cannons in their bunkers, and new pillboxes set up. There were six main bunkhouses in the second trench, made to support fifty ponies each, four others were behind the trenches closer to Griffonstone. He sees Pinkie pulling a cart of baked goods.

"Here's the stuff you wanted Ade, those little Hardtack things are gross. How can you eat them?"

"They are quick to make and can feed starving civilians and soldiers quickly, hell we could soak them in our coffee. But thank you for making so many Pinkie."

"I'm just glad to help. Oh Rainbow and Applejack are on their way here."

"Great." Ademar still remembered the little resentment she had for him for winning the race. "I just hope she isn't in her usual unhappy moods."

"Oh I'm sure she'll be fine." Ademar sees Applejack and Rainbow Dash in the distance making their way towards the trenches. Rainbow walks up to him.

"Hey Ademar, I just wanna say sorry. I know I was kind of a jerk when we raced and AJ said I should apologize."

"Well, apology accepted Rainbow Dash. It was only race. How long will the storm last?"

"A few days give or take. Weather teams will be staying in the City to upgrade it."

"Good. The weather team will need to activate is soo---" An Bell rings from the city, signalling attack.

"Their coming!" A Griffon soldier yells.

"Everyone to their posts! Get the storm activated Now!" Ademar ran to the trenches while Rainbow Dash flies towards the mass of clouds. The wind begins to pick up, lightning begins to color the sky, and the sound of thunder grows louder. Cannons were being loaded, Ponies swared the trenches, pillboxes, and fox holes, the machine guns are loaded and ready to fire. Griffonstone covered in a mass of black and grey cloud, heavy wind, and Lightning. Leaving the trenches with little cover from it. Ademar can see the massive swarm of Changelings flying towards the city, many of them have landed in the mountain passes, perhaps setting up a command post. "And so it begins..." Ademar said quietly. He loaded his rifle, slammed the bolt in place, fixed his bayonet, and pointed it towards the enemy.

Author's Note

Another new chapter is finally completed. Please Enjoy.

The Machine gun I chose for the Equestrian army is a MG/o8 Water cooled Heavy Machine Gun.