The mountains of Unicorn Ridge. Once, a nice place for families to have vacations, or to stop on the way to Vanhoover or Tall Tale. Now it was nothing but the furthest southern border of the tyrannical King Sombra. To act as a deterrent against further expansion along the rocky terrain, three divisions of Earth pony guards were deployed along the hundred mile expanse of Faust damned land. But even though earth ponies were notorious for being the strongest and most durable of the three tribes, winter bows down to no one.
The swirling winds dampened most if not all of the soft spoken words shared by friends. "Dammit Braeburn get over here!" But the sudden yell of action by one's superiors isn't what one would call soft spoken.
"Yes sir! Star! Am ah' clear?!" Braeburn yelled out to his partner.
His partner a gray coated earth pony looked over the edge of the hastily built barricade. "I can't see a damn thing in this mess! Where's a bucking unicorn or pegasus when you need em huh?" Before he could complain anymore his head was thrown back as an arrow pierced his helmet killing him.
Braeburn heard the crack. "Star! are ya there partner? Cap! Ah' think Star's been hit!"
Braeburn couldn't see it but he could feel the Captain's anger. "Cow manure! ALRIGHT BOYS AND GIRLS! HERE THEY COME AGAIN! ARROWS AT THE READY!" Braeburn grabbed a bow magazine from his dead partner's bag and loaded his turret. The Crossbow Turret, developed by a tag team effort of a Trixie Lulamoon and Twilight Sparkle, required a team of at least two ponies to operate safely. The full team consisted a loader, an aimer and shooter, a main body transporter and a foundation transporter.
Braeburn, like many other crossbow turret chiefs in his section, was operating on an extremely short staff. And now like few others was now all alone. Of the ten turrets deployed alongside him only one had a full crew. As Braeburn latched the magazine in place he pulled back the loader setting the first of twenty five arrows in place to be fired. Now he waited. Out of the corner of his eye he saw a shadow pull something back. Only his hardened reflexes saved his life as he dodged an arrow. With a scream of rage he twisted his turret towards the offender and pulled the trigger. Like a bolt of lightning the arrow struck true. As soon as the conscripted pony fell the cry of war echoed up the mountain side. "HERE THEY COME!" The captain screamed. "UNLEASH TATARUS!" With that order arrows flew from the respective turrets and into the advancing army. Braeburn himself acted as his turret's whole crew. Loading, moving, aiming, firing, unloading all while under fire.
Now while under normal circumstances that wouldn't be a big deal. But the one defect the Crossbow turret had was it's lack of effectiveness in cold temperatures. Meaning that it tended to freeze in operation. But with an earth stallion with the background like Braeburn. His strength just broke the ice that normally would have caused the machine to jam. His ability to do all the tasks with a timely effectiveness shown upon the battlefield. As the approaching army neared the trenches that Celestia's army used for cover there was a sisable bulge where Braeburn and his turret was. Even when the call for swords was issued he still continued to fire his turret upon the invading army. His focus was cut when the call that made even the most drilled ponies falter was called. "SAMBRA!" That call was meant for any deployment of soldiers in the sights of the tyrannical king himself. And if the he was coming there would be no retreat. Not even surender was an option.
With icy determination in his blood he hefted the turret off the rotator link and shouted "PULL BACK! AH'LL COVER YA'!" The remaining Earth Pony Guards didn't need to be told again. Even the captain obeyed without question. Like a flood of flesh the remaining guards both the wounded and living made a mass retreat to the top of the pass. Braeburn followed as he continued to fire his turret down upon the army. As his comrades made a break across the wooden planks to the evacuation airship, stationed on top the mountain pass for the wounded and supplies, Braeburn stood on top of the highest ridge and continued to fire down at the advancing army, who now had to go up the mountain pass single file due to the pass. When he ran out of arrows he hefted the contraction in the air and threw it down at them. Because visibility was virtually zero he only knew he hit something when he heard the screams of pain. With one last look at the retreating airship he pulled out his sword and turned back to the path that the army was using. He grimaced as the screams of thousands of ponies carried up to him.
Then, like a shadow, a figure emerged from the swirling snow. Like an omen the mountain became still. Behind him, thousands of ponies, each wearing a faceless mask, followed chanting his name like he was some god. Braeburn now stood against very devil himself. King Sombra. Braeburn hunched his shoulders low and brought up his sword up expecting an attack as the king neared.
Sombra gave him a bone chilling smile. "I will admit... Even when defeat is certain you ponies and your beliefs always manage to impress me. Before you die you can find solace that I will honor such a selfless... yet pointless act. He started to chuckle. "If you would be so kind as to remove your helmet... I like to witness the face of those who I kill." When Braeburn made no move Sombra's smile vanished. "You dare ignore a king?" He asked as his horn ignited.
"Ah' don't see no king around these parts sir... Just a sad pony compensatin' fer' somthin'." Braeburn said mockingly.
Sombra growled. "I will kill you slowly for that."
Braeburn smiled. "Good, more time fer' me t' kill you then..." He leaned back on his rear hooves.
With a shout of rage Sombra launched himself at the earth pony just as Braeburn launched himself at the evil king. There was a scream of pain before the screaming wind returned two fold. Half buried in the snow was a golden helmet cracked in two. Before it a golden clad hoof attached to a blood covered sword. A shadow moved over it. "I will give you credit. Your family has made a habit of being the only ones to deliver actual injuries to me..." The shadow was joined by another . "Gather his body and send it to them as a thank you...then order the attack. Our path is open once again." With that final order the shadow faded into nothing as the snow began to cover the helmet.
Today marks the two year anniversary of the second push of King Sombra's army. Today is also the anniversary of the first casualty my family has had suffered because of the war. I guess I should be proud that my cousin is now the rallying cry of thousands, but all I think of is how quiet every pong gets when we see a his poster calling for stallions and mares to defend their home. Heck I bet Braeburn would have loved the attention. He was always a big flirt with the mares. Sweet Celestia, I miss him.
Appleloosa was never the same when the news of his death reached it. Heck I'd bet that he would have killed over a second time if he saw how bad his home's gotten. It's not that they gave up; far from it. It's just like they lost a leg and are trying to run with three hooves instead of four. And it's not just them, even Applejack started to crack under the pressure. She came home the other day and just balled her eyes out. Kept mumbling about a crystal map that was there one moment and gone the next. When I got her to talk about it she said that she was seeing things and not just objects but entire ponies with personalities and the works. She said she talked to a pony, an alicorn for bucks sake, for a good twenty minutes about the war, and then she goes on about how the alicorn just disappeared after she said she would fix it. Maybe the death of aunt and uncle Orange did more damage then I thought. I'll check with one of the shrinks down in the infirmary to see if I can't get her some medicine. It's amazing how effective that stuff is for some of the guards that use it.
Well that's enough writing for today, have to get another shipment to the train station by noon if I want to keep up the quota. Maybe if I can convince Mel he'll be able to take me to Canterlot for my monthly three day rest period. I know AJ's stressed but it wouldn't be the first time I left her alone on the farm. She may be a high class pony but she'll alway be a farmer deep down; she knows the ropes.
Macintosh Harvest Apple
Crystal War: Day 845.
Big Mac re-read his latest entry again before placing the journal in his dresser. With a sigh he looked at the map of Equestria he kept to keep track of the current supply trains and caravans. It wasn't his job but he made sure he knew where the fighting was most of the time. Just in case. There was talk that King Sombra was planning something big, As he studied the map closer he couldn't help but feel lost. He was a farmer after all he may understand that there was a stalemate in the war but for the life of him he couldn't picture what the Damned King could be planning. He shook his head to clear out those thoughts. He was a farmer, his job was to make the food for the soldiers fighting not discuss battle plans. All he knew was that because of him Ponyville was one of the main suppliers of agricultural products. He knew because he had access to the information. Sometimes it pays having your best friend in charge of a supply train.
He looked outside his window towards town before resting his head against the glass. Ponyville was once a nice place to live, fall in love, have children and die... Now The only ponies who inhabit the town are the farmers who work the fields, the food vendors who service everypony left and soldiers who stand guard in case of attack. Even his home, with it's once beautiful rows of trees and lush landscapes was now an instrument of war. Everything that was non essential to the production of goods was removed and replaced with something that increased the production means. If his Granny wasn't shipped off to Canterlot with his youngest sister Apple Bloom and God daughter Diamond Tiara, who knows how much arguing would have happened.
The red stallion turned away from the glass and walked out of his room and down the stairs to his family's living room. His gaze shifted over to the wall full of photos of his family. At least a third were in EUP guard uniforms. He looked down sadly. Of his family, thirty two members were now with his parents. He thought to his twelve cousins who were serving in the guard all over Equestria. Chances were he would never see all of them again.
Exiting the farm house, he made his way over to the main barn where his office was. Once inside his office he grabbed his work clothes and dressed himself in the camo patterned fabric. Before heading over to where his seven carts were located, he gave himself a look over using the mirror he had next to his desk. He grabbed the harness from off the hook near the door and placed it over his head. From there he pulled each cart into position and hooked them to the back of the one in front. He checked and rechecked each cart's connection before hitching himself to the lead cart. He gave himself one more look over before exiting the barn, seven carts in tow.
The trip to his next destination, the smaller of two wool gathering depos, was quick. After a quick talk with the pony in charge, a shy butter yellow pegasus that he had known since he was a colt, he loaded her two carts, told her goodbye and headed over to the train station. As he neared the center of town he noticed more guards than usual were milling about. He shrugged his shoulders before looking at the clock tower. 11:30, More than enough time. When he finally arrived he was met by three guards. The lead one, wearing a silver bar on his front armor plate spoke first. "Early again I see. Alright your workers got here at eleven and unloaded their shipments already. You have your manifest?"
Big Mac nodded. "Eeyup." He pulled out his and his friends. "Got Miss Shy's as well."
The guard gave him a smug smile. "Ya' know Mac keep doing that and ponies might think you have a thing for her."
"Mel ya' know how she is. We've known eachother since she literally fell into the farm. Ah' know she trust's me enough and ah' and tell she wants ta'... If'n things were different, maybe. But now's not the best time to be settling down and try raising a family. Just cause the guard said no to me before don't mean that they won't change their minds now." He replied giving his friend a dead stare.
"Jeez Mac I was only joking." Caramel said as he looked down at the manifests. "Alright everything seems in order. Wait... Is that a barrel of cider?" The smaller stallion asked in disbelief.
Mac just nodded his head. Caramel lost any sense of discipline as he hugged his friend. "Damn it mac! The boys are gonna love this!" the smaller stallion let his bigger friend go and gave him a friendly smile. "So where to this time? Appleloosa? Dodge?"
Big Mac shook his head. "Canterlot. Ah've been itchin' t' see Apple Bloom and Diamond Tiara again."
The light brown stallion tilted his head in thought. "It might take a little longer Mac. We're going down the line to get the shipments from Appleloosa and Dodge City before we head back up to Canterlot. A day at most. Ya' sure you just don't want to buy some tickets for the passenger train?"
Mac smiled at his friend. "And miss a chance to talk with a friend? Nope." He grabbed the barrel. " 'Sides ah' heard ya' got some new guards. They might want to taste what they are fighting fer'. "
Caramel shook his head with a chuckle. "Alright, it's not the hard stuff is it? I don't want to explain to the captain why me and my boys were drunk."
Big Mac shook his head. "Nope, the hard stuff is waiting fer' when we win."
"How many barrels so far?" He asked.
Big Mac shrugged. "Ten thousand so far.... ah' think. been awhile since ah' been down there t' count."
"Sweet Celestia Mac! That's almost enough for the entire army!" Mel exclaimed. Big Mac just gave him a coy smirk.
Just then the clock struck noon. Caramel became rigid before turning to his platoon. "Alright boy's we have a new passenger who just gave us a very special gift! Treat him with respect or you'll answer to me or First Sergeant Baritone! Am I clear!"
A chorus of yes sirs followed Caramel's command. Caramel glanced back at Big Macintosh. "Remember, you are a guest. But if any of my boys tells you to do something..."
"Follow without question. Ah' know." Mel smiled at him before stepping into the train. Big Mac looked at the guards who were preparing the crossbow bi-turrets before following his friend. With a harsh lurch forward the train began its journey. Big Mac looked back to his home before closing the sliding door. On the inside the train car Caramel and his guards used he could see a few tables and chairs up near the front along with a small stove top and a ladder to the roof of the car. Near the back with the bunks was a map of Equestra with the current guard movements and possible Crystal army positions. under each bunk were multiple hooflockers holding what Big Mac assumed was the guards personal belongings. Big Mac clinched his jaw and made his way over to one of the tables and placed the barrel of cider on top. Big Mac looked around to the guards who were either sleeping, eating or grabbing a mug of cider. He glanced over to one of the open chairs before taking a seat. With a yawn he closed his eyes and went into a dreamless sleep.
Only the sudden and forceful impact of a stop woke him up hours later. The screams of ponies outside the car told him something was wrong. A massive stone crashing through the cart only confirmed his fears. They were under attack... and he was in the middle of it.
Author's Note
Hello my fellow writers and readers! I'm sorry for the cliffhanger but I'd rather take a pause before an action scene. But I hope you enjoy this chapter. As you can probably tell this will be a Big Mac centered story. Don't you fret. I know where I want to take this story and have ideas for all the characters as well as for the romance section of it. But That said. I myself am a Fluttermac shipper, but due to the story that is going to happen let me give you the choice. Who get's Mac? Fluttershy? Rainbow Dash? Or some other mare? You be the judge.
Now onto the the important part. If you have any ideas and or find any thing that I could improve upon let me know. And if you wish to become a bigger part of the story I could always use a beta reader to help with grammar, story flow and spelling. Thanks! Remember to review! Or don't. You decide.
Rainbow falls has fallen.
I didn't know what to feel when Granny started to cry. At first I thought she just had one of her episodes. That is until I read what she had read. An entire town, and everypony inside it. Blown off the map simply to send a message. I didn't cry. What I did do was head over to the guard recruiting station set up on the outskirts of town. I wasn't alone. Nearly every Stallion, and a few mares filed in behind me. I could feel everypony's sadness be replaced with anger and fury. We wanted revenge. The guards behind the stand looked up and gave us all stern nods. I was the first. They didn't even ask questions, just a sad look before stamping rejected on my form. I guess in hindsight the most known single stallion known for raising a sister, working a farm as well as tending to his aging grandmother would be rejected due to the law that protected single fathers from choosing from serving their home and raising their young. I guess I fell inside that law. But still becoming the only stallion in a town known for it's already odd mare to stallion ratio does something to a pony. I talked to the local therapist and he suggested i keep a journal... So here it goes. I just hope Celestia ends that bucking murderous bastard.
Macintosh Harvest Apple
Crystal War: Day 1
The inside of the train car was chaotic as the guards assigned to it tried to gather their bearings. Just as he stood up, Big Mac was lurched towards the wall as the cart was hit by another rock sending chunks of rock and wood flying at the guards still standing. Luckily the only injury was a cut on the cheek. Caramel was quick to start issuing orders. "Everypony outside, now! Go! Go! Go!" The guards inside the car followed them without hesitation. As soon as Big Mac stood up he was grabbed by the light brown pony. "You too Mac! Outside!"
Mac shook his head. "Ah'm a farmer! What am ah' supposed to do?" He shouted.
Caramel shoved him to the ladder. "You're not a farmer anymore Mac! Let's go!" He grabbed his sword before grabbing a spare and shoving it into Mac's chest. "From here on out until this is over and you're safely home you are now drafted!" With that said Caramel climbed his way out of the roof hatch.
Macintosh looked at the sword stored inside the leather wrapping. He blew out a grunt in frustration, before moving to the ladder and making his way up. As soon as his head cleared Macintosh was assaulted by the most haunting sound he has ever heard. The high pitched screams of hundreds of ponies engaged in battle. With his heart pounding in his chest he climbed out of the car and onto the top fortifications. The air was thick with smoke and the smell of death. He spotted his friend by the side of the car. Staying low, he made his way over to where Caramel was crouched. His friend looked back to see him and was about to tell him something when a guard further down the line took an arrow to the face.
Death was not a mystery to Macintosh. He had to deal with it several times in his life. His grandfather, his parents, his cousins and other relatives who all died violent deaths because of war. But he never witnessed any of them. He never seen a stallion grab hold of an arrow in a desperate attempt to stop the inevitable. He never seen a stallion thrash around as his nervous system fired symostalinusly in an attempt to save the body. He's never seen so much blood. He could do nothing as the natural reaction to seeing such a violent death triggered in his own body. He lurched his head away before spewing what was left in his stomach onto the bloody wood.
Seeing that had an effect on macintosh. All the stories that he had heard, all the heroic stands that were used as propaganda posters, everything he know about war was turned around as he witnessed the true toll war had just taken. He clinched his eyes closed as he tried to hide away from the grim truth. That did nothing to quell the screams of ponies as they fought to the death. He heard a mumbled cry he began to shake his head trying to stop the screams. Then suddenly, without warning, his face was hit by a hoof that shook him out of his mental breakdown. "Macintosh! Snap out of it!"
He looked up to see Caramel giving him an understanding look. "Mac, now's not the time for you to lose you head! Pick up your sword and follow me. I Know you're not a soldier but even you resource ponies got some combat training. Now let's go! We need to get to a better position." He looked over the edge, glanced over to one of the crossbow turrets , and then looked back at Macintosh." listen Mac you're the strongest one here. I need you to get the turret over there and take it with you. Can you do that?"
Big Mac looked over the edge and gulped in fear as he looked upon the hundreds of ponies all adorned in black armor as they continued to charge forward despite the hail of arrows from the two turrets. He looked back at Caramel and gave him a shaky nod.
Caramel gave him a smack on the shoulder before turning to his troops. He took a deep breath before shouting out, "Spears!"
As a well oiled machine the remaining guards hoisted up their spears and shouted out their return call. He looked over to Big Mac, "We won't have a lot of time, get it and get ready to make a break for those rocks," He said as he pointed to an outcropping of sandstone two hundred lengths away from the train. Big Mac nodded. Caramel smiled before grabbing his own spear and shouted out a single command, "Lunge!" before he jumped off the train. The guards followed his exsample and threw themselves at the horde of black armored ponies.
Big Mac watched, stunned, for a moment before rushing over to the turret. The guard pony holding the grip and stock nodded his head before he grabbed his own spear and jumped into the battle.
Mac, using his strength hoisted the turret up and off the turning mechanism. He was about to jump off the other side when he heard the other turret operator scream in agony. Mac twisted around just to see the pony being lifted into the air by a griffin and a pegasi. His blood ran cold. He had heard the rumors but seeing it was something else. King Sombra had captured enough pegasi to challenge Equestrian control of the skies. And as his eyes followed the two carry away the guard. He saw that the black skies was not black due to the smoke and soot but because of the pegasi and griffons who were adorned in black armor. There were thousands of them flying around.
Big Mac pailed with fear; terrified beyond all words. The sudden hoof that appeared on the battlement caused him to scream. "Mac, help me!" Macintosh knew that voice and with a leap pulled Caramel over.
Mac took a look at his friend hoping he was alright. He wasn't. "Mel! What ah'm ah' supposed to do?!" he yelled, his voice full of panic and terror. This was too much, too much death in such a small amount of time. Now his best friend had three arrows in his side.
"M-mac, Take the turret and r-run. I'll hold them off. Get to a b-better position and hold them back." Caramel choked out, blood dripped from his mouth as he struggled to deal with the pain. Below the screams of dying ponies intensified as the guards were pushed back into the wall of the train car.
Mac shook his head. "Ah ain't gonn-" His voice was cut off by a golden hoof punching him in the snout. "Don't be stupid Mac... Granny'll come find me in Tartarus if she found out I was the cause of your death. Now g-go while they're distracted by my boys" Caramel paused before smiling " And Mac? Say goodb-bye to Shy for me. Will ya?" With that Caramel shoved Mac away and pointed towards the turret. Macintosh wordlessly picked it up, turned one last time to look at his friend, before he jumped over the other side of the Train car. Within moments he was in a full gallop towards a small rock outcropping on a hill.
When he reached it he twisted around to look back at the train, silently praying that Caramel would come join him. However this was not the case. Macintosh watched, icy terror gripping tight, as the swarm of black surged over the car causing it to topple. A few guard ponies who had made it up and over were now running for their lives. Just as they made it a quarter of the way the car suddenly exploded sending shrapnel across the lands. A few unlucky guards were caught by the shrapnel and fell onto the ground. The concussive blast caused Mac take cover as pieces of train flew past embedding themselves into the dirt and stone around him. He looked up only for his field of vision to be replaced with that of a golden helmet. He reeled back as the object came to a halt five hooves away. he took a closer look at it. It was Caramel's helmet. At that moment Mac's fear and self preservation turned to rage and the urge to kill. With an angry yell he cocked back the string bolt of the crossbow before hoisting it up. His words of "DIE YA' BASTARDS!" echoed out across the land followed by a swarm of arrows that struck the surging force head on. Covering the retreating guards as they made their way to the outcropping.
Dozens fell within moments of Mac's rampage. But like time itself, the swarm grew closer with every arrow fired. From above the battle the aerial opponents saw the challenge to their king and descended to kill the threat. Griffins, pegasi, and many other winged creatures all swarmed downward intent on claiming the prize.
The few guards who survived knew that without the turret they were doomed and they acted accordingly. They formed around him in a phielix formation around the red stallion, their swords and spears faced outward as the large stallion let loose arrow after arrow. When Macintosh saw the griffins and pegasi coming towards him his rage grew. With a rawr of anger he turned the turret upwards and fired at them. A few had enough self preservation instinct to evade but most just took the arrows head on. crashing into the ground sending plumes of dirt and pebbles into the sky due to their kinetic energy. One unlucky guard was hit by a mare sending both of them rolling off the rock, dead.
Unfortunately, the crossbow turnt didn't have unlimited ammo. However, the last arrow fired struck ture and a griffin was sent to the ground arrow firmly perforating her wing. She looked up only for her vision to be blocked by a massive red hoof, cracking her beak and sending her off the rocky outcropping. A few of the charging ponies saw this and started to climb intent on stopping the threat to their attack. Big Mac bucked the first one who came up, sending the smaller pony soaring across the field. He continued to do this with any other Crystal soldier brave enough to try.
Two of the remaining guards joined the larger stallion in keeping the army of mindless soldiers off the outcropping. While the rest used their spears to keep the aerial units away from the rest. The only unicorn of the remaining guards lit up his horn and fired a bolt of light into the sky before lunging his spear into the chest of a pegasi and throwing him off the side of the rock. All the combatants looked to the sky as the bolt exploded sending out a wave of red in all directions. The unicorn smirked before he was pounced on by a descending Griffin. Big Mac bucked the griffin in the chest, exploding the ribs and sending her off the outcrop and into the mass of soldiers.
The unicorn was about to say something when he suddenly tackled the larger pony down just as a few arrows landed where they were just standing. Big Mac picked up the golden helmet of his fallen friend and bucked it into the lead griffin who had the bow responsible, knocking him out cold and causing him to fall down next to the unicorn. The Colt used his telekinesis to grab hold of the bow and started to use it on the ponies and griffins who had their own ranged weapons. Big Mac turned to return to his previous task just as a pegasus landed in front of him. The two stared at eachother before the crystal soldier charged forward, his sharpened wings pointed twords the larger stallions heart. Big Mac pulled out the sword given to him before lunging forward as well. With a scream the two opposing blades connected.
...To be Continued...
The Rainbow comes after the storm.
Rainbow Dash cried out in pain as she fell on the stub of her severed wing. She fought back unconsciousness and looked up at the stallion before her with her one good eye. "Soarin please! YOU HAVE TO FIGHT IT!" She yelled, her voice cracking as sobs ripped though her teeth.
The stallion didn't reply to her begging tone. With a flick of his wings he took off, leaving the broken pegasi to her fate.
Rainbow watched as tears fell from her cheeks. She heard several hoofs hit the ground behind her. But she didn't- couldn't look away from his retreating form.
"Rainbow Dash!" The cyan pegasus turned, and watched as three ponies led a medic pony to where she lay. The lead, Fleetfoot, knelt down in front of her. "Rainbow Dash!" The wounded pony let her head fall as the voice started to fade. "Rainbow Dash!" The voice didn't match the body but she didn't care. She wanted to rest. "RAINBOW DASH! MOVE YOUR REAR!"
The air guard member shot out of her bunk with a startled scream and fell onto her muzzle. She growled out a curse before looking into the face of her commanding officer. Quickly, she stood to her feet before snapping to attention and bringing her wing up for a salute "General Doo, Ma'am!"
The grey pegasus narrowed her good eye before returning the salute. "Get ready Lieutenant. The big one came sooner. Gather your officers and report to the war room. " The General then turned and walked out of the barracks.
The Rainbow maned mare opened her eyes in shock "Ma'am!" She gathered her gear before she linked up with her three squadron leaders.
Together the four ponies walked into the War Room where five other officers including the general were waiting. Once the general saw the last unit commanders enter she spoke. "This is the push we've been fearing for for the last few months. The defensive lines twenty miles south of Ponyville as well as the rail lines few miles from them were overrun and the defenders forced into the neighboring forest. The garrison in Ponyville is requesting air support to reinforce their lines fearing an attack. However, I'm assigning Lighting Company under Major Thunder Lane of the Thunder Borne battalion to lead the counterattack to retake the rail lines from forest. " She pulled up a map. "The mud ponies managed to hold them long enough for the commanders at Base Trot and Ponyville to mobilize and force the push to stall from the sides. The remaining forces from the 22nd heavy defense force, some twelve thousand soldiers left out of twenty two thousand, are held up along the southern border of the Everfree Forest. Just two miles away from the rail lines. I don't need to remind you that If we lose the rails, we lose the war. " She turned Rainbow dash and the two other officers. "You and your company will lead the attack. Clear the skies and raid the enemy positions you see fit. I know how you operate Dash. If you feel as though you must then you can include the mud ponies." Rainbow Dash stood straighter, her jaw tightening. "Other than that you all will plan the counter assault. That is all." She saluted.
The ten ponies in the room saluted as they yelled, "Ma'am!" Once then she turned to the door and left to carry out other business
Once the general was gone Rainbow turned to the Highest ranking officer, A pegasus stallion from Ponyville. He studied the map a few moments before looking at her." Lieutenant Dash, I've read a lot about you. Do you have any thoughts on what to do?"
Rainbow Dash took a breath, before looking directly at him. "How many strong?"
"Eleven hundred with your company, My force consists of five companies, four heavy, one cavalry." Came his reply.
She studied the map a few moments looking at where what remained of the 22nd heavy was located. She spotted a point closest to where entrenched ponies were compared to the rail line. "Major, I would recommend you send two of your companies to secure the other fronts at risk of falling, keep them back until needed. The other two should take up positions near this section," she said as her hoof pointed towards the location on the map. "The cavalry should strafe along the entire line, guarding weak points, pressing lightly guarded points of interest, and acting as a blanket keeping the ground pounders covered."
"What about you?" He asked.
She smiled. "You know what they say about lighting Major. You always see it before you hear the thunder."
He grinned at her. "Lieutenant. Clear the skies for my boys and girls and I'll give you a year's ration of that Apple cider you apparently love so much." her face brightened at the challenge. Her three wing ponies shared equal looks of excitement. "Alright fillies and colts... lets go show the earth tribe why pegasi are the warriors of Equestria."
Now hear this! Now hear this. All flight crews to battle stations this is not a drill! I repeat! This is not a drill. Thunder battalion and Lighting Company report to flight deck 4-C.
The floating air base used by the Pegasi and Unicorn air forces was full of activity as one thousand pegasi and one hundred unicorns prepared for the coming battle. Lieutenant Dash stood in front of her metallic prosthetic glaring at the metal machine and wiring. She shook her head before slipping it on the nub of her severed wing. She sighed as she felt the nerve endings react to the spell. She trembled as the machinery of the inner workings began to work in harmony of her thoughts and emotions. With a strong flap the fake wing extended and took form. A perfect match to the fleshy original that was lost. She looked herself in the mirror, gazing at the blue wonderbolt uniform that sat under her plates of armor. Her eyes were narrowed and void of all emotion. Then, she stood straighter in acceptance.
With a sharp turn she exited her quarters and lifted off the ground to join her fellow brothers and sisters. All around her pegasus and unicorn alike stopped and stared at her in awe. Each showing a level of respect to the last wonderbolt in service. She swiftly landed in front of her soldiers, her wings folding in on themselves as she touched the ground. She turned to her unit and saw the faces of friends and past lovers. She risked a glance at the tower and saw the ever angered General Doo standing at attention, her eyes showing pride in her ponies. Dash looked over the one thousand other pegasi and unicorns dressed in their golden flight suits. She then turned swiftly, her wings folding out in a flash of cyan and titanium. Behind her, the hundreds of ponies extended their wings following the example of their flock leader. The unicorn chariot archers loaded their arrows and rockets before they to raised their swords high in the air. Roaring their own battle cry.
The rainbow maned pony reached back for her helmet and placed it over her head. The goggles and armored mask hiding her emotions before she looked at the runway. Silently she started to run forward. Behind her the hoofs of thousands followed as they charged to defend their skies and home. With wing outstretched she jumped up and began to flap her wings. The others behind her doing the same, each lifting up to join their brother and sister in the air. The war cries of hundreds reached her as she led her brothers and sisters to battle. From nearby, the ponies of Cloudsdale watched, transfixed, as hundreds of ponies took to the skies, each forming next to the other. All following a single flash of light that continued to gather speed. Together they cried out their own war cries lending the fighters their prayers and dreams.
Rainbow Dash felt a tap on her right causing her to stumble before glaring at her wingmate. "Time for Comm check!" She shouted. "The egg heads said these new crystals should provide enough power for the spells to last longer than the last ones!"
Rainbow nodded as she pressed a button on the side of her helmet. She heard a pop as the spell activated. "All wings report in." She ordered.
One by one the wing commanders reported in until she heard the familiar voice of Major Thunder Lane say, "This is Thunder Lead. All wings ready and accounted for Lieutenant."
The rainbow maned pegasus turned inverted and looked over her folded legs. There, in formations of fives and tens were the best fliers in Equestria. The chariots flew above the massive formation acting as a top guard against any who would dare challenge them. She smiled a genuine smile at the tight formations and mid flight corrections as well as the white and black vapor designed to instill fear to the enemies of Equestria and hope for its citizens. She corrected and sped up to where she was slightly ahead of the rest of the formations. She smirked as she activated her own custom made vapor tail, releasing the mix of rainbow colored cloud behind her.
From down below on the ground, farmers, workers, guards and the average citizens looked up at the massive formation in awe and pride. One by one they began to cheer the pegasi and unicorn forces on. Farmers raised their hoes and rakes, workers raised their hammers and shovels, and soldiers and guards raised their spears and swords high.
Rainbow dash extended her hoof basking in the sounds of glory and honor. Her earpiece activated with the voice of Thunder Lane. "Pegasi and Unicorns of the Thunder battalion. Listen to the reason we fight. Let their hopes and dreams fly with you and drive you to the gates of tartarus to deliver those who would dare harm them and our great nation!"
All at once the ponies in the formation roared in approval. Rainbow Dash looked ahead and saw clouds. "All wings stay tight. Unscheduled clouds up ahead." The wing commanders followed orders without delay and like ghosts they disappeared inside the clouds.
An eerie "Lieutenant... " sounded over the comms.
Rainbow Dash narrowed her eyes, before replying. "I know. Smoke."
Slowly the dark clouds began to part revealing the scorched earth below.
Her wingmate muttered a soft, "Sweet Celestia," as she came up beside Rainbow. The tan pegasus looked down and spotted the fighting below. "Two o'clock low. Luna, look at all of them. "
Rainbow Dash looked down at the ground and her mouth went slack. The pillars of smoke from fires and flashes of spells shot by unicorns illuminated the field as both sides fought bitterly for the land. Her focused swayed to where dozens of train cars were burning on the tracks. Her eyes narrowed. "Major, commence your attack." She called into the small receiver.
"You got it lieutenant. First company, you're with me and second. Third, take the left flank. Forth, the right. Fifth engage the lines and cover our heads! Deploy!" Behind the rainbow tailed flier the thousand strong thunder battalion tilted their wings or dived downward to join their brothers and sisters on the ground.
"Lighting company form up with your squadron leaders and follow me." She said as she rose higher into the smoky air. As one they lifted up before vanishing into the smoky haze.
Down below Thunder battalion swooped in like a hammer. Plowing through the advancing line of imperial conscripts like a hot knife through butter, giving the earth and unicorns on the ground the space they need to breath. The earth ponies, who were on the brink of exhaustion looked on unsure what to do. That was until two ponies lifted their swords and charged forward. The reaction among the erthern bound ponies was instant as they followed the example of their winged comrades and their remaining officers and surged forward into the staggering line of conscripts. The chariots above them fired their arrows and spells at both the ground and air units of Sombra's horde forcing them to retreat to their own secure lines.
However that was only for a moment, the reserves of conscripted pegasi and griffons took flight to push back the lance of earth, unicorn and pegasi forces. They managed to get close enough to where the chariots started to bank right and left to avoid a direct confrontation. That is until the one hundred strong Lighting Company smashed into them from above. Those pegasi and griffons who were hit by the dive bombing pegasi crashed into the chaotic scene below, creating small craters and dust plumes creating a quick lull in the fighting. One which was exploited by the Earth, unicorn and Pegasi forces of Celestia.
The rainbow maned pegasus twisted mid air as her hoof, welding a retractable blade, struck out towards her target. The pegasi dressed in black screamed as her wing was severed from the body. Her scream continued as she span into a nosedive. Rainbow Dash watched only for a few moments before she was forced to do a barrel roll to avoid several griffins who swooped down from their previous dogfights.
An unlucky chariot team was boarded by the beaked flyers. The two pegasus pulling the cart detached when the unicorn was tossed away into the air. They managed to fly several feet before they were struck down by the three griffins.
On the ground two earth pony mares were busy keeping their lines form becoming stretched out. The younger of the two, a pink maned pony, stood on an overturned chariot shouting orders and commands to her lower ranking soldiers. She heard a loud growl and glanced upwards and watched as the three griffons finished tearing into the two pegasus guards. She was about to order the bow ponies to fire when a streak of light slammed into the first before using the leverage to flip around with the two hooves and slice the two remaining griffins in the backs causing them to lose control and crash into the first. Together the tangled mass of griffin crashed onto the ground where the earthen ponies converged upon them.
Suddenly, a horn was blared and like a receding tide the horde of mind controlled conscripts withdrew from the field and retreated to their lines. Several wounded ones never made it before the trifecta of earth, sky, and magic ponies converged on them knocking them out and dragging them back to their lines. The pony standing on the cart, scratched and bleeding, watched as the rainbow maned pegasus landed in front of her. The pony snapped a salute before saying, "Captain Pinkamina Pie, Ma'am! Lieutenant Dash reporting for duty."
The pony smiled and returned the solute. "What did I tell you Dash? We're officially the same rank, the only one you need to say that to is the Colonel. Speaking of which..." She paused before saluting the other pony who walked up to the two others. Colonel Maud, Ma'am. Their forces have withdrawn from the fight. Your orders?
The stoic face of Maud Pie turned to look at her sister before replying. "We need to reinforce the Treeline with the crossbow turrets that just arrived from Ponyville. Reform along the trenches and wait for the next push. The twenty first light infantry division should be arriving from Fort Trot any hour now." She turned to walk back but was stopped by the landing of Thunder Lane.
The Stallion stepped up to the Colonel before snapping a solute. "Ma'am I am here under a direct order to retake the rail lines. If we allow them any more time to reinforce their position we may not be able to push them out."
The stoic pony looked up into the eyes of the stallion. "Half of my ponies are wounded and the rest are scattered in units mismatched in the thick of battle. We lost ten thousand ponies in just six hours today. There is nothing we could do that would help the push. My ponies would be only a hindrance." She sighed and showed a glimmer of emotion behind her stony expression. "I can't lead another division to it's doom."
The Stallion placed his forehoof on her shoulder and looked to the other two mares standing off to the side. "Lieutenant, Captain, any Ideas?"
The pink pony shared a glance with Rainbow Dash before looking back at towards the Imperial lines. The pink pony took a deep breath before speaking. "Four hours ago a cargo train was caught in the middle of our retreat and the hordes' advance. Poor fools managed to give us enough time to reinforce the tree line before the cars were destroyed. We thought that they were all killed, but after a few minutes a signal was fired into the air calling for aid. It's been fired every thirty minutes since then. We haven't been able to send any rescue party because we were out numbered and my only fliers were five strong. They only got close enough to see a few Guards and a single resource pony held up in a rock formation before they were forced to return." The pony looked back towards the other three ponies.
Rainbow leaned forward before talking. "You mean to tell me some cargo guards are in the middle of that" She said as she pointed her hoof towards Sombra's hoard. "And still aren't overrun?"
Pinkamina shrugged. "They haven't sent a signal in a while. They might have bee-" Just then a flash of light illuminated the surrounding landscape interrupting her. She hummed in amusement. "Nope, they're still alive."
Thunder Lane scoffed. "Yeah right. A bunch of cargo grunts and a resource pony holding their own against an army of mind controlled conscripts... Not even the best flyers I have can do that- Not even the lieutenant can do that," He paused before looking at the rainbow maned mare. "No offense Dash." He turned back to the other leaders. " I find it really hard to believe that some reserve ponies even made a dent, let alone managed to hold on this long."
Maud Pie's eye twitched. "Those 'reserve' ponies guarding trains are veterans of several battles and are members of the Royal Guard. They are picked by Princess Celestia herself to guard the cargo and passengers that keep this nation fed. " She narrowed her eyes her monotone voice gaining some strength. "The Train number was PV-001. This was the train that was known to divert to any front that needed help." She poked him in the chest. "And the same train that saved Princess Celestia during the first few months of the war."
Thunder lane scoffed. "Either way they're dead. If we cant force them back those ponies will die. If we managed to gather the strength to attack their lines they might be caught in the cross fire."
Dash looked on the map showing the positions, noting a small formation in the middle of the empire's line, two hundred lengths away from the rail lines. It was isolated by rocks, a fortress should the enemy gain it. "My company can get in there and secure that position, put on pressure on the center lines from within. Maybe that'll be enough for you to break through."
Thunder Lane turned to Dash, his eyes wide. "You can't be serious."
The rainbow haired mare gave him a pointed look. "I don't joke about things like these. They are in the middle of a rock outcropping. If a few can hold it for hours on end with no support, imagine what will happen if 'they' gain it."
The Majors eyes narrowed. "Fine, but you and your colts aren't going alone. Take twenty of my heavy Calvary with you. Celestia knows those ponies would be grateful for the arrows." He turned to Maud. "Colonel, you're the ranking officer, Its your call."
Maud nodded once. "Do it lieutenant. I want to personally thank them for holding the line for us."
Dash smirked as she extended her wings. with a single flap she shot into the air. "Lighting Company! Form up!" She called into her crystal.
Flying up above the fields of dying and dead ponies her ponies formed up. "There's a group of ponies trapped in that hell colts and fillies. We are going to make sure that they are rewarded for their efforts. First platoon. Second platoon. pincer formation, force them to divide their attention. Break through and reform with who ever is in charge. make sure to cover those chariots. Third and forth platoons your with me in the air. Our job is to make sure those griffons and Pegasi don't get too close."
A series of yes ma'am's flowed in on her crystal. "Alright Lighting Company, break!"
Breaking off the four wings separated along with the twenty chariots. Dash scowled as she was engaged by a flight of Griffons. Dodging a bolt from a crossbow, she twisted around, her own crossbow held ready. With a yell she let loose the bolt into the nearest one, sending the griffon spinning out of control. folding her wings closer to her body she twisted around with her dagger extended and blocked the talons of another as he tried to slice at her. Using his momentum against the griffon she kicked off him, forcing him into the flight path of one his wing mates sending both careening down to the ground. She allowed gravity to take hold of her forcing the rest of the flight to chase after her.
Speeding down to the ground she opened her wings just in the nick of time, pulling up at the last moment. Two managed to pull out of the dive at the last moment as well. The rest however slammed into the ground. Smirking, Dash weaved in between the pillars of smoke and flames forcing the two to chose either to give up or continue their chase.
She glanced back to see that both of them had their crossbows at the ready and were trying to get a shot on her. She smirked as she angled her wings so she stopped mid air. The two never had a chance to react as her two blades sliced into them, sending them down to the ground. She flapped her wings harder to gain height and glance to where the rock outcropping was. She cringed as she saw the amount of dead ponies surrounding the slab of rock. She blinked in surprise to see several ponies in Sombra's armor among her own brothers and sisters.
Clicking her crystal she called to her remaining airborne units. "All wings! Get to the outcropping, on the double!" Giving one last glance at the army below her, she wondered how in Celestia's name they managed to hold on.
Landing with a soft thump she was greeted by two of her squadron leaders. "Where's Flash?" She demanded.
"He was hit by a bolt. The field medic say's he's lucky missed most of the important stuff."
Dash smiled. "One day that colt will hit something as stubborn as he is." She looked around and spied the ponies dressed in black armor. "What's the story with these guys?"
"We are just as confused as you are ma'am."
"Who's in charge?"
The two shared a look. "If we go by who's calling out orders I guess him." One said pointing to where a large red pony dressed in torn camouflage was using a his hoof to smash the face of a conscripted soldier. Dash watched amazed as the helmet shattered and the eyes of the pony returned to normal.
Her eyes narrowed and she turned to her two wing mates. "Secure this position. Nothing gets close."
She returned her attention to the Red stallion with one question on her mind. 'Who are you?'
