The Changelings' War

by Amber Chrystryker

Rating: teen
Tags: Adventure, Drama
Length: 10572

The Changeling Empire has risen to power and two ponies, Corporal Octavia Melody and General/Admiral Calo-Kalani have, have stepped up to challenge them. Of course, the Changelings won't let them win so easily! Will the military win the war?

The Changeling Army has risen and has made their return to ultimately take over Equestria by force! Two ponies, Mare-ine Corporal Octavia Melody and Mare-force General/Royal Neighvy Admiral Calo-Kalani have decided that that will not happen. Hearing this, the Changelings have sent out their most lethal military personnel and the fearsome Changeling Navy, Marines, and Air-force to face Octavia and Calo at key locations to either stand strong or be beaten down. Not knowing how awesome Calo and Octavia are when together and when apart, they soon find themselves on the dangerous end of the gun, but don't give up! Will the two ponies and their small military defeat a seemingly endless and overwhelming hive of Changeling or will the Changeling Queen's darkness shadow the rest of Equestria and beyond?

Published 1970-01-01 00:00:00 UTC
Last updated 2016-06-11 08:05:37 UTC

1. A New War

This story I’m about to tell you is an experience that me and my best friend, who feels almost like a half sister, will never forget. There’s

no need to feel sorry for me, as there’s nothing to be sorry about, but I will admit I learned a lesson those days while I was covered in filth and

grime. One that a survivor would never forget in any shape or form. This is the story I, Admiral Calo-Kalani, and my "half-sister", Octavia

Melody, will always have as a scar…

+++

Neighvy Base Kilo, Canterlot, Eastern Equestria

“ATTENTION!” yells Admiral Calo-Kalani.

The Neighvy troops of Operation Kilo stand at attention

“Good… Good…” he says, walking down the ranks. “We have an important job teh do for the Neighvy an’ the Mare-ine Corps: We lead a ‘stroyer fleet teh the Crys’al Straits teh clear a path for the Mare-ines an’ the rest of the Neighvy.”

A mare named Corporal Octavia Melody raises her hoof.

“Aye… Miss Melody…” he says softly.

“Sir. How exactly are we going to get from here to the Crystal Straits without running out of fuel?” asks the light grey mare with a British accent.

“That be a ‘mazin’ question… Aye… We’ve got plenny ah fuel teh las’ us from here teh the Crys’al Straits… We be fine fer a while. Don’ worry, m’dear…”

Some of the soldiers snicker and Octavia blushes.

“We be movin’ out t’morrah. S’we b’yall set fer our day we make our move…” he continues. “DISMISSED!”

All the ponies walk out except for Octavia.

Calo-Kalani walks down the hallway toward his office. Octavia trails behind him quietly. She sees him enter his office and counts to 10.

I have to ask him why he’s so affectionate towards me, but I’m scared he’s going to dismiss the topic… she thinks.

Octavia walks to the door and lifts a hoof.

“C’min,” he says.

Octavia doesn’t even get a chance to knock.

Calo-Kalani… How does he do it? Is he superpony? She wonders.

Octavia pushes the door open. She takes in the features of the room with awe: polished cherry wood floor, walls, and ceiling, a beautifully polished cherry wood desk, clear laser-etched vinyl blocks depicting tanks, dozens of Medals-of-Honor on his walls.

“Wattaya need…” he asks.

“Well, Admiral Calo-Kalani, I was wondering why you were so… affectionate towards me,” says Octavia blushing.

“Aye… Tavi. You might just be the mos’ beautiful mare I’ve ever seen in all the 4 years I’ve served in the Neighvy,” says Calo-Kalani.

“Thank you, sir,” she says, "but is that it?"

"Well, Tavi, I'm gonna tell yeh a li'l su'in I wouldn' tell a'ypony..." the Pegasus sighs. "... bu' It's been a while sin' I seen me wife ba' in Can'erlot, an' I miss 'er... So, Tavi, yeh remin' me of me wife, but not green and a Shamrock fer a cu'ie mark. Bu' we c'n jus' be frien's. Tha's all... If yeh want teh..."

+++

You see? Being in the Neighvy with a mare you think is beautiful is, no doubt, hard and the fact that she is beautiful is a hard thing to get over. Then the day that nopony wanted came: the day we move out. I lead the charge with my Windsor-class Destroyer, the C.S.S. Windsor II, who got her name from my flagship from the previous sea battle, the C.S.S. Windsor, an Excelsior-class dreadnought, the largest there ever was. She’s in the port under repairs, so I hope the Neighvy will have their glory back…

+++

A whole fleet of marksman destroyers made up of Hawkeyes, Eagles, and Falcons head toward the Crystal Straits with Calo-Kalani’s ship, C.S.S. Wobbegong, leading the charge.

A stallion by the name of Sniper Scopes walks up to Admiral Calo-Kalani.

“Admiral,” he says in his smooth and calm voice. “Our watchstallions have spotted some Switchblade-class cruisers and General Chrystryker’s flagship, Dead Hand.”

“Aye… The enemy’s comin’ at us a tad early, eh?” chuckles Calo-Kalani. “We’re prepared fer this… Arm the artillery… Let them come…”

“Aye-aye, captain!” says Sniper, saluting. He runs down the stairs and yell orders.

THOOOOM! THOOOOM! THOOOOM! THOOOOM!

“INCOMING FIRE!!!” yells Admiral Calo-Kalani. “BRACE YOURSELF!!!”

The artillery fire from the Switchblades hammer Wobbegong.

Then Calo-Kalani sees her: the dreaded Dead Hand.

DOOOOOM! DOOOOOM! DOOOOOM! DOOOOOM! DOOOOOM! DOOOOOM!

KA-BLAAAAAAM!!!

All 6 artillery shells from Dead Hand hammer 3 destroyers: 1 Falcon and 2 Eagles, sinking them all.

Calo-Kalani’s brow knits.

“FIRE!!!”

The destroyers unload their 384mm guns.

KARAM! KARAM! KARAM! KARAM! KARAM! KARAM! KARAAM KARAM

A direct hit! 23 Switchblades sunk.

Sniper Scopes runs up to the bridge again.

“Admiral!” says Sniper, out of breath. “The Queen’s ship has been spotted!”

“Aye… So the Queen has joined the fight,” says Calo-Kalani, smiling.

“It’s The Withered Queen!” continues Sniper.

The Admiral’s smile fades at the words The Withered Queen.

The Withered Queen is Queen Chrysalis’ dreaded Superdestroyer capable of destroying a whole island with a single salvo of its ten 100” guns.

“FALL BACK!!!” yells Admiral Calo-Kalani over the radio.

The fleet turns around without question.

+++

So you see, the fighting is hard, especially when the enemy has more advanced weapons than you. The problem is, though, the Withered Queen has ten 100” (2540mm) guns that can blow an island to pieces with just a single press of a button or pull of a rope. We reported back to the Mare-ine Corps telling them of our failure.

The High General of the Mare-ine Corps was not happy with our news, but she understood when we told her about Dead Hand and the Withered Queen. And we got mercy. We had no fighting chance against Superbattleship Dead Hand and Superdestroyer the Withered Queen, so the retreat was clearly understandable, as we were only armed with 15.1” (384mm) guns which were only effective against  anything ranging from destroyers to battleships; nothing as heavy or as powerful as the *Queen or the Hand.*

If we fail, I’ll be sacked!

+++

Calo-Kalani paces frantically in his office, memories of what happened earlier that day running in and out of his head.

How did we fall for it?! I mean, c’mon, Calo! You are such an idiot, risking your fleet’s crew member’s lives by almost going up against a ship nopony has been able to defeat! He thinks frantically. Wait! Is C.S.S. Windsor out of repair? She could be our only hope! I think I might ask Gears how her status is and if she’s ship-shape for our battle.

Somepony knocks at the door.

C’min,” says Calo-Kalani.

Octavia steps into the room.

“Admiral… I know you are sad that we were defeated and I found a way that I hope will make it up to you. I don’t know if it will, but it’s ready,” she says.

Calo-Kalani looks at Octavia, seeing her cuts and bruises.

“What is it that you did for me?” he asks the mare.

“Follow me,” she says as the Admiral steps forward. “And put this on.”

She hands him a blindfold. Calo-Kalani puts it on.

“Take my hoof and I’ll show you,” Octavia continues.

Admiral Calo-Kalani takes Octavia's hoof Octavia, after multiple times swiping the air. Octavia guides him to an enclosed dock big enough for a large Mare-force carrier.

“You can take your blindfold off now,” says Octavia.

Calo-Kalani takes of his blindfold and what he sees makes him burst into tears of joy: the C.S.S. Windsor in a condition 10x better than when Calo first adopted the Excelsior-class SuperBattleship.

“THANK YOU, TAVI!” says Calo, hugging Octavia.

Octavia hugs him back.

“Oi! Admiral Calo!” says Gears.

“Gears! Thank you for your work!” Calo-Kalani says as he high-hoofs Gears.

“Tavi. Tell the res’ ah the crew that we’re movin’ out t’morrah!” says Calo between sniffs.

“Yes-sir, Admiral Calo-Kalani!” says Octavia, saluting.

“Ay… ‘fore ya go, I wan’ ya teh know that you can call me Calo,” says Calo resting a hoof on Octavia’s shoulder.

“Yes-sir, Calo!” salutes Octavia.

She runs off to tell the others.

+++

Not everything about a war is all shooting ponies and blowing things up. That moment when I was reunited with my beloved flagship was probably one of the happiest parts of the war, but all of this is just the beginning of the story. Aye… That may be a happy thing, but it ain’t a major part of this war, and trust me… There’s more to it!

+++

Meanwhile…

Crystal Straits, flagship Dead Hand, off the coast of the Crystal Empire

“No, your majesty. I haven’t seen them yet since their retreat, but I’m scared that they may be coming with their destroyers. They took out 23 of our Switchblades with a volley from their guns,” says Commander MacAllaster Alexej Chrystryker over the radio.

“Well, you better be prepared for them, Chrystryker. They’ll be here… I can sense it,” says the Changeling Queen.

“I am. I have a whole armada and then some of Switchblades in waiting… We are plenty ready for their coming, your majesty,” says Chrystryker.

“Lovely…" snarls the Queen, "They’ve probably got reinforcements from all over Equestria so be ready.”

“Understood, your majesty! Chrystryker out!” salutes Chrystryker.

+++

Crystal Sea, flagship Windsor, Crystal Sea

“Ahhhh… Tehday be a good day teh be on the sea… And it also be a good day for CRUSHING CHANGELINGS!!!” says Calo.

“I agree with you, Calo. A great day,” says Octavia, the wind blowing through her mane.

Calo can’t help but stare at her mane, waving in the wind.

I never knew how beautiful Octavia was up until now… thinks Calo.

“You like my mane, don’t you, Calo?” says Octavia eyeing Calo looking at her mane.

“Uh… Yeah… I do…” says Calo in a guilty tone.

“Keh heh heh!” laughs Octavia whipping her mane in his faces, making the Admiral recoil.

“Hey! What was that for!” growls Calo.

“You like my mane, and my mane likes you!” she says smiling.

The two ponies laugh as they approach an island.

“I think that island would be a great vacation spot,” says Calo.

“Yeah…” sighs Octavia, tiredly.

“Admiral!” yells Gears. “We’re all running low on fuel, so I think we should rest at this island!”

“Understood!” Calo yells back. “Tavi. Tehday’s over an’ ya look like ya need some rest,” says Calo.

Octavia yawns.

“Yeah… I might take a nap,”

“You go an’ rest. I’ll be on deck watchin’ fer any signs ah trouble, ya hear?” asks Calo.

“Understood!” says Octavia with a salute.

I have teh admit: Tavi’s the cute’un. Calo-Kalani laughs to himself.

+++

There! I got myself an ally! Octavia Melody’s heart truly is as loving as she is in general. I do love her. Truly I do. She’s worth more than both Windsor and Windsor II made out of solid 24k gold (They also wouldn’t stand a chance against the enemy, being made of gold. Keh heh heh!)

I’m thinking of promoting Tavi tomorrow, make her my lieutenant and all, so there. A basic schedule: Wake up, go on deck, meet Octavia, promote her, and beat the crap out of the Changelings.

And I also might just give her Wobbegong. *Simple as that!*

+++

Island near Crystal Straits, flagship *Windsor, Crystal Sea*

“Alright, everypony! *ATTENTION!” Calo yells.*

The ponies stand at attention.

“We have a promotion today! Corporal Octavia Melody, due teh her hard work an’ will of titanium, will today be promoted as my Lieutenant ,” continues Calo.

The ponies on the Neighvy cheer for Octavia.

“ATTENTION!” yells Calo.

The ponies quiet down.

“Today is also the day we move out fer the Crys’al Straits. With Windsor back in action, we will take down the Changelings an’ free the Crystal Empire from darkness!”

The ponies cheer again.

“MOVE OUT!” yells Calo.

The ponies move out, still cheering.

+++

It’s not so bad being in the Neighvy. I got beautiful Octavia Melody on my side and I feel great because of all the hard work she’s done not just for me, but for the team.

I’ll never forget her if we never meet again…

+++

“Calo.”

“Yes, Tavi?” asks Calo.

“I think I see the Changeling Navy,” she says.

Calo-Kalani looks out into the distance, squinting.

“I see ‘em,” says Calo, softly, more to himself than to Octavia.

“Are we going on the offensive or defencive?” asks Octavia frantically.

Calo-Kalani closes his eyes. “Aye… We wait.”

“WHAT?* We just wait for them to beat us to pieces and we narrowly escape with our lives?!” she cries, “What are you thinking? Are you trying to get us killed?!”*

“Keh heh heh… Tavi. Calm down. I have a plan.”

The Admiral tells Lieutenant Melody about his plan. Octavia walks to the radio.

“Everypony! We need to fall back around the island! The Admiral has something to say!” she says over the radio.

+++

Meanwhile…

Crystal Straits, flagship* Dead Hand, *Southeast of the Crystal Port

“My Queen. They’re retreating around the island. Should we follow them?” asks Commander Chrystryker.

“No. Let them run. They’ll be back and we’ll be waiting…” says the Queen Chrysalis, laughing evilly.

“Yes, your majesty! Chrystryker out!” says Chrystryker.

Stryker turns around and looks at a female Changeling with an adorable British accent.

“You. Caela is it? Tell the others that we wait.”

“Yes sir, Commander Chrystryker!” she says flying away.

Stryker returns to the wheel, starts up the feared Superbattleship and turns around.

This is a really annoying job, having to work with practically useless Changelings. Well maybe with the exception of Caela. *Stryker laughs to himself. Caela… The most beautiful Changeling I’ve ever met…*

+++

Other side of the Island that Calo said to meet at, flagship *Windsor, Near Crystal Straits*

“Okay, everypony. When we head in, we’re in a ‘V’ fermation. Be ready for *Dead Hand teh show up. When Dead Hand does show up, the ‘V’ fermation slowly veers off teh t’ever broadside of Windsor you’re on at diff’rent speeds, so if you are at the very tip of the Flyin’-V, you slow yer speed down 12 knots, then each row s'btracts 2 knots from 12, so 12, 10, 8, 6, 4, 2, then me leadin’ the charge teh ‘stract them,” Says Calo-Kalani. “This strategy is so 'f he tries to take one of us out, we have a higher chance of evadin’ ‘er shells. Who’s in?”*

All of the ponies cheer.

Soon, the fleet led by C.S.S. *Windsor, Calo’s (and now Octavia’s too) prized and feared flagship, were on their way to fight Commander Chrystryker and his Changeling Navy Switchblades waiting for him in the Straits.*

“Alright, everypony! Stay on guard! Operation *Wobbegong's ‘bout to be executed! This'll start the war! We will defeat them an’ NOT GIVE UP!” yells Calo into the radio. “Keep yer eyes peeled!”*

“But Admiral! What about your ship?” asks a radio operator.

“Don’ worry ‘bout me, son. I’ll be fine! Focus on the Switchblades. Torp ‘em if ya need teh. Keh heh heh… I’ll take on *Dead Hand,” says Calo-Kalani.*

“Yes-sir, Admiral. Tautog out,” says the radio operator.

“Calo! I’ve spotted *Dead Hand!” says Octavia. “North to Northwest.”*

“I see ‘er,” growls Calo. “Tell ‘em teh split up. We’ll take on the *Hand.”*

Octavia informs the destroyer fleet.

The destroyers disperse.

+++

Meanwhile…

Crystal Straits mouth, flagship* Dead Hand, *Crystal Straits

“Caela! Darling! Tell the crew to take aim at the incoming battleshi- wait! Is that* Windsor?!” *cries Commander Chrystryker.

“I’m afraid so, Commander,” says Caela, in a slightly disappointed manner.

“I thought I sunk it! I saw it sink with my own… eyes, er, eye,” he rants. “Tell the Changelings to open and fire all gun-ports! Don’t stop until they’re sunk!”

“Yes-sir,” says Caela, saluting.

She bolts out the door like a speeding bullet.

I gotta sink that ship once and for all! *Stryker screams in his head.*

His thoughts get disrupted by a moaning salvo of 508mm HE shells

He curses.

+++

“Calo!” says Octavia, out of breath. “They’ve opened their gun-ports! They’re ready to fire any time now!”

“Alright! Understood!” says Calo. “Open all gun-ports and open fire on *Dead Hand.”]*

“Sir. That’s what they want. They want us to fire first and then while we’re reloading, they fire their 50” cannons. We want them to fire first, then fire,” continues Octavia. “Though, we do fire much faster than them, so when they fire, we can probably throw in a few shots from our bow and forward artillery batteries. But what I’ve noticed about the Changeling’s naval fighting style is that they are never organized, but I know why.”

“Why’d that be, Tavi?” asks Calo.

“They’re either lazy or they want it to be harder for us to target multiple at on-”

KA-DA-DOOOOOOM!

KA-BLAM!!!

“Sniper! Damage rehport!” Calo-Kalani yells into the radio.

No answer.

“Sniper! You there?”

Still no answer.

“Okay. I’ll try Gears,” says Calo. “Gears! You there?”

“Yep! I’m here!” he says.

“Damage rehport!”

“Well, we got hit pretty hard. Front gun’s incapacitated, 3 crew dead, 2 injured, and we got a fire,” continues Gears. “Admiral. I’m not sure what exactly our next step is.”

“Where’s Sergeant Scopes?” asks Calo. “He dead?”

“No, sir. Out cold.”

“Thanks, Gears!”

“10-4!”

KA-BLAM-BLAM-BA-BLAM!

“What’s the damage now, Gears?” Calo yells.

“Port double's blown off and 7 more dead. No wounded.”

Dead Hand *is screwing us up! Octavia thinks, sweating. Where are the destroyers!*

KA-THOOOOOM!

“Yahoo! 5 Switchblades down! How’d our ‘stroyers do it?!” says Calo.

Suddenly, a Changeling (a beautiful one at that) hits the viewport of the bridge. She peels herself off the viewport and flies into the bridge.

“I’m Caela,” says the Changeling. “And you are about to be dead!”

Her eyes lock on to Octavia. In the blink of an eye, she slices Octavia from chest up to below her head with her horn.

Octavia coughs blood once then falls, blood pooling around her.

“You’re next, Calo, my darling,” says Caela, bloodlust in her voice.

She charges at Calo, but Calo blasts her with a Minigun magic attack.

Caela’s gets battered down by the blasts, but she doesn’t back down yet.

“You… Will regret… That!” she screams, pained.

“Will I now, darlin’?” snarls Calo landing to face Caela. “We’ll see!”

Caela charges again and Calo tuck-and-rolls, making Caela trip over Octavia’s leg.

Calo corners Caela.

“You’re fast for a sailor… Thought you’d be easier… I guess not. You’ve beat me. I give up,” sighs the Changeling.

“Yeh got that right, yeh bloody beetle,” says Calo, loss thick in his voice, “Yer ours now, Caela... And as punishment...”

Calo casts a spell on Caela freezing her in a block of crystal.

“I’m gonna need ‘sistance up on the bridge. Got a wil’ Changelin’,” says the Admiral over the radio

+++

I just caught myself a wild Changeling that JUST ATTACKED MY LITTLE TAVI!!! Heh heh heh!

And so...

I’ll heal the poor mare and nurse her back to health. I’ll let Gears take over until poor Tavi’s better. I’ll make sure we freaking nail Chrystryker’s flagship and soon it’ll just be me and him, a battle to the death! I will make sure that we win!

+++

Meanwhile…

Crystal Sea, flagship Dead Hand, Crystal Sea

“Commander Chrystryker! We got Challengers incoming!” a Changeling yells into a radio.

“I see them, Lieutenant!” says Chrystryker. “I’ll tell the Changelings to fire all anti-air cannons.”

“10-4! Rampage out!” says the Changeling.

Stryker walks out onto the deck and yells to the Changelings to fire their AA guns.

Soon the air is filled with charged rainbolts.

THICKTHICKTHICKTHICKTHICKTHICKTHICK! TH-THICKTHICKTHICKTHICKTHICKTHICKTHICK! THICKTHCIKTHICK!

“Keh heh heh! We will destroy Calo-Kalani’s Neighvy!” laughs the General.

+++

Crystal Sea, Carrier *Tracer, Crystal Sea*

“Admiral!” says Captain Tracer to the radio.

“What’s up, Captain?” says the Admiral.

“Flash Squadron is down. Probably from *Dead Hand.”*

“Aye… Tracer. I’m moving in. Don’t worry!” the Admiral says cheerfully.

*I’ve never understood why Admiral Calo-Kalani is always happiest surrounded by flying shells… Tracer thinks.*

Spitfire runs up to Tracer.

“Tracer! *Flash Squadron is down. Should we send in Tog Squadron and my squadron, Spitfire Squadron?” asks the orange Pegasus.*

“Send in 2 bomber squadrons, 1 torpedo bomber squadron, and 3 fighter squadrons,” Tracer says, looking out the viewport.

“Yes sir, Captain!” says Spitfire, saluting.

The orange Pegasus walks out of the bridge.

Tracer watches her order the plane squadrons in a weird torpedo-shaped formation

*Interesting tactic, my darling Spitfire thinks Tracer.*

*Thank you, Tracer Spitfire responds.*

What was* that? *thinks the ship captain, scared out of his wits.

+++

Crystal Straits, both Chrystryker and Calo’s fleets, Crystal Straits

It was ultimate chaos.

Shells of dozens of calibers fly like hornets throughout the air.

Chrystryker’s fleet has lost 32 of his 100 *Switchblade-class cruisers and Calo’s fleet has lost 20 of his destroyers: 10 Windsor-classes, 6 Luna-classes, and 4 Calo-classes.*

C.S.S. *Windsor takes on Dead Hand.*

Suddenly *Windsor II (with Princess Luna at the helm), tailed by 18 Nighthawk-class carriers, comes around the island.*

*Windsor hammers Dead Hand to a melted boat-shaped hunk of metal peppered with hundreds of holes, but Dead Hand’s captain, General MacAllaster Alexej Chrystryker, is apparently refusing to give up. Chrystryker’s ship just keeps up the firing, yet being harassed by the planes from Tracer and the other 10 carriers.*

A torpedo crashes into a Switchblade, but doesn’t blow up! It pierces 5 other Switchblades and a propeller on Dead Hand, narrowing it down to Chrystryker losing 64 of 100 *Switchblades and an incapacitated Dead Hand, and Calo-Kalani’s fleet with 41 out of 75 destroyers lost, 18 Windsors, 12 Lunas, and 11 Calos.*

At this point, it’s Dead Hand’s last stand. Windsor II unleashes a devastating salvo of HESH shells. *Dead Hand still doesn’t fall. Windsor fires a ton of salvos from all of its gun-ports.*

They crash down on *Dead Hand. Dead Hand starts to sink into the depths.*

+++

Well, I got Tavi back to health, we have Caela in custody, and Chrystryker(or Stryker as he prefers) is on our side now. It was real hard to heal Tavi and wore out all of my energy for the day and I just hope I don’t die because of it. If I do, then I hope that Tavi knows I died for a good reason.

This part of the war is over, but I know that there is much more to come. The Allied Horses have taken just a small part of Equestria, yet it’s a huge step for the Allies.

Tavi and I had our victory for the Crystal Ocean. Though, we do have our defense up, so there’s no need to worry.

+++

That’s just me and Octavia’s first bit our story and that’s just the beginning of this war. I will tell more in the future if you’re interested!

Your Ally forever,

Admiral Calomanaki Seamus Kalani

2 Chapter 1 1/2: The Battle of Raptors' Narrows

THE BATTLE OF RAPTORS' NARROWS

The Battle of Raptors' Narrows was originally a script I made for MLP: FiM featuring M. A. Chrystryker as Queen Chrysalis' best

lieutenant. He plays a minor role in the "A New War" series and made his FiMFiction debut in my first story, "Stryker's Crush."

MacAllaster Alexej Chrystryker is a somewhat troubled young Raptorian Alicorn who was abandoned during a war near his home, known as THE BATTLE OF THE BONES.

He had 6 sisters by the names of Jade, Brynn, Rachel, Caitlin, Savanna, and Khia Chrystryker, and a mother and father by the names of Axel and Natalie Chrystryker. He got his cutie mark by fighting 1000 foes in one night to protect his sister Jade and if he didn't know how to do a magic attack he coined as the Minigun Maelstrom, he would have been tortured, imprisoned, then hanged by the Ho clan, but when the battle was over, he couldn't find his family.

The Battle of the Bones was a fierce one: it was the Raptorians vs. the Ho. It lasted 5 years and was very bloody. In the beginning, the Raptorians suffered heavy losses and were thinned out insanely, but the Equestrian Army and Desert Resistance reinforcements came to help the suffering Alicorns, Unicorns, Pegasi, and Earth Ponies.

Stryker was only 9 at the time, but was fearless and brave, even though his heart wasn't anywhere close. His family members were gone because Rachel had the Pony Pox and had to get an herb from deep in the Valley (Raptors' Narrows.)

Stryker refused to go because he wanted to defend his home, but after 5 days of defending, Stryker's parents and siblings didn't return. He decided to wipe out the Ho so he could avenge his family.He wiped out more than 75% of the Ho and still felt empty. He had to find help

"Hopeless!" he cried, "I lost my sisters and my parents... and my girlfriend... was hanged and... and I didn't do anything to save her! I am the worst boyfriend ever"

Seeing a half buried Mauser Broomhandle in the sand, he smiled and said, "I'll see you soon, Amber..."

He thought about it for a moment and then cried the rest of the day until nightfall. When it started to get close to midnight, a voice made his ears perk up: "Stryker... Can you hear me?"

He looked to the sky and said, "Who are you?! What do you want?!"

A ghost shimmered into view.

"Do you not remember me?" the ghost asked.

"Amber...? Is that... you?" Stryker asks the ghost.

"Yes, my darling. I forgive you for your mistake during my hanging and-"

Stryker cuts Amber's ghost off. "Don't forgive me! I was right there! I could've saved you!"

"You can... I just need you to do one thing: Find the Eight Sacred Jades and bring them back here. I will wait and once you have them, circle them around my grave and say these ancient Raptorian words: Talha sae rinh niht richt nacht dar tog. Ser das Amber glos int das nacht ant gyf nor doch chalh. (Listen my spirits turn your night to day. See the Amber glow in the night and give my dear love life)

He finished Amber's Challenge and got his girlfriend back in 2 days. He was then lost, even though Amber was being as optimistic as possible.

Queen Chrysalis finds young Chrystryker and, seeing his worn appearance, takes him under her insectoid wing, mindless on what to do with an 'ugly-looking Earth pony'. An old Changeling named Bushmaster negotiates with Chrysalis to allow him to mentor the young Alicorn. Chrysalis, after hours of thought and negotiation, she allows the old Changeling to mentor Chrystryker. Bushmaster became Chrystryker's mentor and Chrystryker thought of him as an uncle. As of Amber, Chrysalis had no idea what to do with her. Bushmaster then took her under his wing.

The two got along fine. Bushmaster taught his "nephew" and "niece" how to fish, hunt, fight, and defend himself. Chrystryker became a fierce warrior, proving his worth to the Changeling Queen. She smiled evilly when she saw his skills. Amber stayed with Bushmaster, not willing to die again.

Chrysalis tested young Chrystryker in a series of raids and battles in which Chrystryker did the Queen's bidding. He was fiercer than the meaning of fierce itself and became feared by all in Equestria. Blinded by the pain and suffering the effects the Battle of the Bones put on him only made ponies afraid of him.

Over time, the Alicorn saw what he was doing. He wanted to right his wrongs, but all the ponies acted as if he was a suicide bomber: they ran to their house and locked the doors. The Mare-ine Corps were called into town to defeat the fiendish Alicorn. He didn't even put up a fight. He pleaded for mercy and, sadly, was almost executed. Luckily, Amber was there for him.

She told the Mare-ines, "If you kill him you kill me, too!" with a glint of steely conviction in her eyes.

The Squad leader, known as Octavia Melody, was breath-taken at the tone of Amber's voice and the the look in her eyes. The Mare-ine Corps backed down fearing that the beautiful amber-eyed Earth Pony is as vicious as Stryker. But she didn't strike.

Octavia Melody declared Stryker under arrest for war crimes, but Neighvy Admiral Calo-Kalani said otherwise. Calo-Kalani, a good hearted and kind Alicorn from Western Steurope, said that he herd what happened to Stryker and will take it easy on him this time.

"Aye... Tavi... Yeh know, he's a bit corrupt?" the Alicorn says gravely. "He's got a background that's a bit 'sturbin'. I feel fer the lad... He lost his parents an' sis'ers, so yeh shouldn't go 'roun' 'cu sin' ponies ah bein' evil and all of that."

Octavia argued, "Calo! How can you say that! He has been on insane massacre missions and you feel BAD for him?!"

Calo shook his head.

"Tavi, me dear... Listen up... He's searchin' fer his parents an' sis'ers. The only loved one he has is that Earth Pony named Amber. He had six sis'ers, two parents, an' a technical uncle... He los' 'em all, somewhere..." Octavia stared at the ground.

"Fine..."

Calo smiles and walks to Stryker. "Me boy... Listen here... We fergive yeh... So jus' as a heads-up, yer gonna need teh do me a favor: go and fetch yer fam'ly from upstairs an' talk to 'em"

Stryker was overjoyed.

Meanwhile, Queen Chrysalis was moping at her evil temple far from Equestria and Raptors' Narrows. She wanted to take revenge on the Alicorn and Bushmaster though she knew the whole of Equestria and beyond was two times as aware as before.

+++

Stryker soon decided to join the Royal Canterlot Army, as the general of the 518th Infantry Force. He became close friends with the Cutie Mark Crusaders and was later married to Amber. They lived a happy life with a healthy filly named Allison.

3. The War Continues

The War Continues

We won the war at sea. It was hard but I’m handing the story over to Octavia Melody: A story she experienced while I was away in my office working.

+++

I am Mare-ine Lieutenant Octavia Melody. I lead the charge on Appleloosa. The Changelings had taken over the far-off city. We were given some tanks and the 6 friends and others from Ponyville decided they want to help, so they said good-bye to their families and were off to the unknown (being Appleloosa.) Wish me luck and we shall win!

+++

Canterlot airport, Octavia’s troop carrier helicopter, Eastern Equestria.

“Alright, everypony! Attention!” says Octavia.

The ponies stand at attention.

“This is a completely different type of battle than the sea battle. I’m really not used to being on land,” she continues. “I threw up last night because of being so still compared to keeping my balance on a swaying ship, so if I ever pause, that’s the reason. Or run to the door.”

All the soldier ponies laugh including Octavia.

“We’re headed to Appleloosa and we were given tanks for the job. Any questions?” she asks.

Rainbow Dash raises a hoof.

“Rainbow Dash?”

“Yeah… Um… Why are we headed to Appleloosa?” asks the blue Pegasus.

“The Changeling Army has invaded the town and has taken it over in only a few minutes,” says Octavia.

“Dag-Nabbit! Those filthy buggers dang took over mah cousin’s town!” yells Applejack.

“Lieutenant. May I speak to you?” asks one of the pilots.

“Sorry, everypony. I have to go.”

+++

Managing a navy is easy because you speak to the captain or radio operator, but commanding a squad of pony Mare-ines is very hard. I have to command a large number of constantly arguing ponies all the time and it can get really hard sometimes.

+++

Near Appleloosa landing point, near Changeling territory, borders of Appleloosa

“Here we are! Point Challenger!” calls a Unicorn.

The helicopter lands.

The green light shines and the door opens.

“GREEN LIGHT! LET’S GO!!!” the Unicorn yells.

The ponies storm out of the chopper and scramble to set up their camp.

Dropships drop tanks in a group. The group nearby consist of M1A1 Abrams tanks, Expeditionary Tanks, M1128 Strykers, M2A2 Bradleys, Stridsvagn 103 S-Tanks, and M24 Chaffees

A dropship drops an angular-shaped tank that looks as if it's made of quadrilateral plates only, mounting an over-sized turret that is of a Challenger armed with a 17-pdr gun, has a shark face on it, and says Changeling Destroyer on the sides of the engine compartment

Then a dropship drops a weird looking tank. It looks like Changeling Destroyer, but with 4-tone camouflage whose spots are the colour of the Cutie Mark Crusader’s coats and says How do ya like dem Apples! on the side.

Applejack sees it and thinks, is that the Cutie Mark Crusaders? Nah! What am I thinking?! They’re too young to join the war! Heh heh!

The 4 Crusaders run up to the Mane 6.

“Hey Aypplejack! How do ya like mah tank?” asks Apple Bloom all giddy “Ain’t ya proud of us?!”

“APPLE BLOOM! What exactly do you think you’re doing fightin’ in the war?!” yells Applejack.

“We decided teh help you guys win da war!” says Babs Seed.

“And we also wanted to try out a tank!” says Scootaloo.

“Hey don’t forget this would also be a good way to get our Cutie Marks!” adds Sweetie Belle.

“That’s nice of you, but we would be heartbroken if you got hurt or even killed. I’m sorry, girls. I think you’ll have to sit this one out,” says Twilight Sparkle.

Stryker (the new and improved Stryker) walks up to the 4 Crusaders.

“Crusaders. We’re moving out tomorrow, so be prepared. I’ll assist you 4 and Crusader with Changeling Destroyer, so we’ll be set!” says Mare-ine General Stryker. “Oh! Hello, girls! How are you today?”

“What have you done to mah sister?!” demands Applejack.

“Nothing! Last week, they told me they wanted to get their Cutie Marks by defeating foes like I did, and I told them, ‘Are you sure? I mean, your sisters would be pretty mad!’ and Apple Bloom said, ‘Aw… please…?’ with a face that nopony can say no to.”

The Mane 6 look at the Crusaders and frown.

Rarity says to Sweetie Belle, “Darling. I can’t let you get hurt! I wouldn’t allow it! Who would keep me company? I’d get lonely and I’d be-”

Stryker puts a hoof up to Rarity’s mouth.

“No. She’ll be fine! They’ll all be fine. As long as I’m here!” he says.

Octavia walks up to the group.

“Is there a problem here?” she asks.

“Yeah there’s a problem here! Mah sister decided it’s okay if she joins the war!” yells Applejack.

“Who? Apple Bloom?” asks Octavia.

“Yeah!” cries Applejack.

“She’s actually good with a tank, you know!” says Stryker. “And I reassured them that I’d fight at their side at all times.”

“Good,” says Octavia. “Stryker’s actually our best weapons and ordnance expert, especially when it comes to artillery and tanks. He knows how to fire 20 rounds in 60 seconds with a 17-pounder, 6 rounds a minute with a 152mm M-10 Howitzer, and 650 rounds a minute with a 2 cm Flak 38.”

“Really?!” the Mane 6 and the Crusaders ask together.

“Yep!” says Stryker proudly. “Though it is getting late. We better get to bed. Good night, everypony!” he yawns.

“Good night, Stryker!” they say.

They watch Stryker walk to Changeling Destroyer but he stops and looks at Crusader, then continues walking.

“You 6 should find your tank and get some rest we have a big day tomorrow,” the grey mare with a British accent says. “And you 4 Crusaders find Crusader. And listen to Stryker.”

The Mane 6 finds their tank, a Comet armed with a 76.2mm 17-pdr Mk VII gun.

“Ah think Ahm gonna bail. See you girls tomorrow,” yawns Applejack.

The 6 ponies climb into their Comet named Dasher.

The girls wish each other good night and drift off to sleep.

+++

On second thought, maybe it’s not so hard to command a Mare-ine squadron. I haven’t really thought it over, sadly. But I have a good feeling about this…

+++

“Alright everypony. Today’s the day we move out! I’ve strategically placed the tank, howitzer, and sniper positions,” says Octavia. “I’ve asked Fluttershy to be the leader of our sniper squadrons.”

“Fluttershy?” says Rainbow Dash as if saying, “are you freakin’ stupid?!”

“Yes. Fluttershy,” says the light grey Earth Pony.

Fluttershy steps forward.

“I’m ready for whatever job you need me to do,” the yellow Pegasus says shyly.

“Good. You are ready, right Fluttershy?”

“Yes. I am, Lieutenant Melody,” says Fluttershy. “All snipers come with me.”

Fluttershy hoists her and M2000 Intervention around her neck, grabs extra ammunition, and the sniper corps follows her away from the group.

“The Cutie Mark Crusaders and General Chrystryker will take the lead of the Cromwells and Challengers.”

Stryker and the 4 fillies step forward.

“I’m ready, ma’am,” says Stryker.

“Move out!” Octavia says.

Stryker, the fillies, and the Cromwell Corps move out to their tanks, ignite the engines, and ride off.

Please Apple Bloom. Be safe. Thinks Applejack. Be safe…

“Applejack and Rainbow Dash will be the leaders of Comets. Comet Corps, move out!” says Octavia.

“Yee-hah!” cries Applejack, running to Dasher.

The Comet Corps do follow the Cromwell Corps’ lead.

“Pinkie Pie and Cheese Sandwich will be in charge of the Partillery Corps.”

“This is gonna be so. Much. FUN!!!” says Pinkie Pie bouncing to her Party Cannon-equipped tanks.

They drive off with rap music playing

Octavia rolls her eyes and giggles.

“Spitfire and Calo, yes. General Calo-Kalani, will lead the Wonderbolts and the Strykers”

“Aye… I got ya covered, Tavi,” says Calo, winking.

“Heh heh heh. You never know when to stop do you, Calo?” snickers Octavia.

“Takes a lotta help teh get me teh stahp. Keh heh heh,” says Calo.

Calo and Octavia laugh as he walks away.

“Twilight Sparkle leads the Starswirl Strikers. Move out!” calls Octavia.

The Strikers move out.

“The rest of you, get your weapons and move out!”

“YES MA’AM!” the Mare-ines yell, saluting.

The Mare-ines scramble to get the best weapons possible.

+++

This will be a bloody battle, but the way we have to defeat the Changelings is to confront them at the source: their base/hive. Queen Chrysalis will not be happy if we defeat the Changeling Army, so we will fight and will not stop until they’re dead.

+++

The Abrams, Expeditionaries, Strykers, Bradleys, S-Tanks, and Chaffees mo find their place as well as the Strikers, snipers, and hoofsoldiers. The Partillery Corps lead the attack as a distraction, to take out the frontline (which is HUGE) and to make space for the rest of the Mare-ines to move in.

The Wonderbolts and Strykers in their customized Spitfire planes and Calo-Kalani's feared Black Shark Helicopter whine their way towards the Changeling Stronghold.

+++

That’s when the chaos starts:

Magic Bolts fly all over the place; bombs, rockets, and bullets fly and explode. Appleloosa is officially a battlefield. It turned from a peaceful Western-like town to a battleground faster than a blink of an eye.

Ragtag Appleloosans join the fight with hunting rifles and sawn-off shotguns (Which actually tips the scale to the Mare-ines just a bit.)

Mare-ines, Appleloosans, Changelings, and the Mare-force alike fall, crash, and burn, but that doesn’t stop them at all. But what does is a deep and terrifying whine. All the soldiers and the militias think the same thing: Doomsday.

But no: It’s an enormous black gunship-bomber with a terrifying-looking shark face on the nose and riddled with bullet holes. The fighter pilots on both sides decide to go after it. The snipers, AA turrets, Tanks, and Soldiers on both sides shoot at it, but what the Changelings get in return is a 220-pound bomb right in the centre of the frontline.

The Mare-ines stop shooting at it as well as the Mare-force. The bomber finds its place (Most likely a guess*) slightly below and behind the ‘V’ that the Mare-force make. But that consumes a lot of time, allowing the Changeling AA cannons to shoot down Soarin’ and Cloudchaser’s planes, as well as incapacitating Wind Rider’s plane and Midnight Strike’s bomber.

+++

Soarin’ doesn’t survive his crash, but Cloudchaser survives just barely. Cloudchaser remembers something Soarin’ told her when he crashed his plane in a training exercise where he almost died as she tries to smash his cockpit windshield:

“If anything happens to me, just leave me. Don’t worry. I’m just another pilot.”

And she remembers saying, “I can’t leave you, Soarin’. You’re more than just another pilot to me. You’re an amazing pilot and-”

She never got to finish her sentence as the ambulance ponies come and take him away on a stretcher.

“You’ll always be an amazing pilot. My amazing pilot,” the Pegasus says through tears as she finally breaks the windshield. “Always.”

Soon, bullets rip into her back and she slumps into the cockpit.

“Always…” she sighs out her last words.

+++

The tanks approach the Changeling frontline tailing behind the 5 remaining Partillery tanks.

“Destroyer to Crusader, Destroyer to Crusader. This is Stryker. Do you copy?” Stryker says through the radio.

“Affirmative. This is Crusader. What is your status?” giggles Apple Bloom. Soon the rest of the Crusaders are giggling.

“Status is clear. You okay over there, Sergeant?” asks Stryker.

“Yeah. Ahm fine. Ah you okay over there, General?” the yellow filly asks.

“Affirmative. I still don’t understand why you girls are giggling in a time of war!” Stryker says laughing.

“Oh. Ah just told the Crusaders a funny joke and we just can’t get over how funny it is!” laughs Apple Bloom.

Stryker laughs and shakes his head. Those girls are just plain crazy sometimes. I really don’t understand… thinks the General.

“General Calo-Kalani. Do you copy?” Stryker asks.

“Aye… This be Calo-Kalani. What can I do yeh for?” the other general chuckles.

“We got a Code… Whatever you’d call 4 fillies in a tank laughing about a joke in the middle of a war,” Stryker says into his headset.

“Keh heh heh… Dose fillies. Always a-laughin’ an’ a-gigglin’ ‘bout immature nonsense. Keh heh heh… I’d call that a Code, oh, 4 Fillies in a Tank Laughin’ ‘bout a Joke in the Middle o’ a War,” Calo-Kalani laughs.

Soon Stryker joins in.

“There’s just something about those fillies that I just adore… I can’t think of a time I’ve ever thought they were annoying up until now!” Stryker laughs over his headset. But that fades away when the sky darkens with a huge curtain of blackness.

“Crusaders… I think we got a bit problem…” says the black Alicorn with a tremour in his voice

“What is it, Stryker?” asks Apple Bloom. “Is it something we can do for you?”

“No, you dodo! Look up at the sky!” snaps Sweetie Belle.

The Crusaders look at the sky and swallow.

“Aw, man. That’s a lot of Changelings!” says Babs Seed, terrified.

+++

“IT’S AN ONSLAUGHT!” cries a Bofors gunner named Rifle Scopes over the radio. “FIRE LIKE IT’S THE END OF THE WORLD!!!”

His voice is soon drowned out by the deafening thrum made by the Changelings’ insectoid wings. A lot of the soldiers curse and scramble for cover. The Appleloosans run for their houses and slam the shutters closed. Fluttershy curls up in her warm sand-coloured ghillie net and cries. The Bofors-armed AA crew quickly fold up their 40mm guns and scramble inside. Octavia runs for her helicopter. But the pilots don’t stop firing.

Calo-Kalani laughs at every Changeling he shoots down. Spitfire veers the Wonderbolts off and Calo-Kalani yells at her through his headset. Calo-Kalani charges the Changelings madly, allowing some of them to get shredded in his propellers, clearing the sky nowhere near 10 seconds flat, but took out more than 125 in 10 seconds flat.

“That’s gonna leave a mark! ON MY HELICOPTER!!!” yells Calo excitedly. “More ‘an 125 of them li'l buggers outta the way!”

But then something makes a crunch sound. He looks at the damage report of his helicopter.

“Somethin’ stuck in me rotor blades… Hmm… There’s gotta be way teh get it out… Whoops! Ne’r mind me rotor helped itself!” he chuckles. “I’m such a numbskull. Keh heh heh!”

The Changelings, noticing their aerial numbers being reduced to near nothing quickly, decide to retreat. But that isn’t what Calo-Kalani had in mind: He powered his Black Shark to full juice and shredded 100 or so more with his rotor and shot down another 20 or 30 with his GAU-16 .50 caliber Gatling cannon.

“Keh heh heh! Make ‘em suffer!” he says wildly. “Woo! Xbox One!”

He shoots them all down… Except for one.

+++

That ends the Battle of Appleloosa for the Allied Horses and the Changeling Empire. We lost a lot of soldiers that day and I wish we lost a lot less. We lost only 2 pilots (and very good ones too) today by the names of Soarin’ and Cloudchaser.

We will honor them as well as some of the team leaders we lost like Twilight Sparkle and Spitfire and some key soldiers and amazing fighters like Soarin', Cloudchaser, Rifle Scopes and his brothers Ajack and Acog Scopes and I’d especially like to honor the person who sacrificed his time that he “could’ve been playing video games and/or sleeping” to write this segment of this story for me and my husband Calo by the name of Alex.

Your Ally forever,

Octavia Melody

4. Final Battle, but not Quite...

Final Battle, but not Quite…

Aye… So it’s all come down to this, eh? The Changelings haven’t given up quite yet. This may not be the final battle, but its close. I can feel

it. I have other matters to worry about like managing my Black Shark and my Spitfire, so I feel like this isn’t going to be a sea or ground battle like the Straits or Appleloosa.

I’m scared that somepony’s going to yell at me for doing something wrong or something like that… I don’t want to find out, truly. I’m just going to ask the Wonderbolts and the Wind Riders if they could join us in the fight… This’ll be confusing because I’ve only fought in my Black Shark in a real battle once before (Appleloosa) and scouts have told me that there’s a new enemy that will be introduced this battle.

I’m not in the mood for being shot down today…

+++

Wonderbolt Aircraft Carrier Skyborne, Canterlot Dock, Eastern Equestria

“Spitfire. Me dear,” says Calo-Kalani.

“What is it Calo? And stop calling me ‘your dear.’ It’s getting really annoying. And besides. I outrank you and I-”

“Spitfire. I’ll stop yeh there… Aye… I may be an Admiral in the Neighvy, but yeh know t’oesn’t mean I’m a lesser rank than you in the Mare-force. Actually, me dear, I’m a general, I am part ah the Mare-force and you’re a cap’n. Jus’ a cap’n. Keh heh heh…”

Spitfire growls loudly.

Why was I put with this cranky old pirate?! She screeches in her head.

“Spitfire. I need ya teh get our aircraf’ ready. We’re gonna face dem buggers at high noon. We be’er be ready when we take our maneuver. C’mon, darling,” says the sailor studying his Black Shark helicopter. “We really need the rest of the Mare-force.”

“Whatever, Calo,” she grunts.

Calo whirls around and stares her square in the eyes with a deadly look and murderous tone. “There ain’t gonna be any backtalkin’ teh me, ya hear, Spitfire?” he seethes in her face. “I said, 'Ya hear…! Cap’n Spitfire?!'”

Spitfire jumps a foot off of the deck of their Aircraft Carrier.

“Yes-sir, General! I’m sorry, sir!” Spitfire squeaks.

Calo chuckles.

“Comparin’ you teh my bes’ 2 wingponies, I think, truth be told, yer quite a bit more... ‘nnoyin’ then either one of ‘em. Keh heh heh…” the scrubby Alicorn says. “This is mos’ likely the bes’ time I’ve had ’n this here war. Aye… There be nothin’ quite as ‘mazin’ as hangin’ out with a ‘dorable Pegasus like Spitfire… No worries, darlin’. There be no need teh freak er nothin’. Keh heh heh… I love bein’ with ya.”

A Pegasus resembling Cloudchaser runs up to Calo and Spitfire.

“Cloudchaser? That be you…?” asks the Alicorn General.

“Calo! It’s SOOOO good to see you!” says the Pegasus. “And yes! It’s me, Cloudchaser!”

“I thought you got shot in the back by a Changeling Anti-Infantry gun. I’m so confused,” Spitfire says, scratching her head.

“Well, I did, yes, but I guess the bullets didn’t hit any major organs!” says the pale purple Pegasus, clearing her throat. “Anyway, our scouts have found the Changeling’s airfield. They’re in the deserts of Raptors’ Narrows. I think we should put General Chrystryker in charge since he’s from there and he can navigate us to the place like the back of his hoof! And I’m not able to fly in the Wonderbolt Elite Force anymore. I can’t take the plane’s constant tilting and barrel rolling, so I’m probably going to have to take a Black Shark. General? Is that okay?”

“Keh heh heh… ‘Course yeh can, Cloudchaser,” says General Calo-Kalani. “I’ve a few Black Sharks stashed ‘round the carrier. Don’t worry, me dear!”

“Thank you, sir! I won’t let you down!” says Cloudchaser, saluting.

Calo-Kalani salutes her back.

“Sure thing, darlin’” says the Alicorn.

Calo-Kalani and Cloudchaser share a laugh.

+++

I’m kind of worried about this because this battle will be an air battle and the Changelings are extremely ruthless in the air when there’s no AA guns firing at them.

It’ll be a problem, but I have Cloudchaser at my side and there won’t be any need to worry about that, but there are other worries like how many Changelings vs. how many of us there will be, so we’ll need to remain extremely vigilant. We’re going to war tomorrow. I hope our luck pays off…

+++

Changeling Airfield, Raptors’ Narrows, Skeleton Scorch field, Outer reaches of Equestria

Changeling Commander Rigger paces frantically in his quarters. Thoughts of what would happen if the Changelings were defeated cram themselves into his mind.

If we lose, the Queen will have my head for sure… Please, you witless insectoids, don’t lose this fight! Thinks the grizzled Changeling malevolently. I’ll need to take my tank and shoot them down myself…

There’s a knock at the door.

Reilly. A female Changeling known for her beautiful features and graceful movements, yet unrivalled aggressiveness in her twin 25mm Bushmaster-equipped Mustang fighter plane.

“What can I do for you, Reilly?” asks the Changeling Commander.

“Oh, darling. We’ve run into a little… trouble and, oh, we need a little assistance? Would you lend me a little hoof my love?” says the female Changeling flipping her long dark-orange mane out of her eyes (which only makes it worse.)

“Oh… Yes… of course,” says Rigger sweating not because of a crush, but because of another distraction. “What do you need help with? I’d be glad to help, Reilly!”

Reilly raises an eyebrow in curiosity.

“Question, darling,” says Reilly questioningly.

“Yes, Reilly?” Rigger says looking at his schedule then his Atomic Watch.

“Do you… Like me?” she asks Rigger. “Like… like like me?”

“Um… no, well yes, but I mean as a friend. Not like a crush,” says Rigger. “Just on a tight schedule.”

“Well, anyway. Sweetie. My Mustang isn’t starting up and the engineers have ripped out its guts, *turned it* upside down, and shoved them back down its throat and it still isn’t turning on.”

“Have you tried putting the cylinder you took out to oil a few days ago back in?” asks Rigger looking at her with his amber-gold eyes.

“THANK YOU RIGGER! YOU”RE SO FREAKING SMART” Reilly squeals. She kisses him on the cheek.

Thanks, Reilly… thinks the grizzled and handsome commander.

+++

Temporary Airfield Bones, Oasis of Bones, Borders of the Scorch field, Outer reaches of Equestria

“Alright everypony… We got a member of our squad’ron that we know n’ love: our lovely Cloudchaser. Welcome back, me dear!” says Calo-Kalani.

The Mare-force ponies cheer.

“SILENCE!!!” Admiral/General Calo-Kalani yells. “We’ll be attackin’ the Changeling’s airfield swif’ly, but ya know tha’ I doubt they’re gonna let us take it so easily. No way. Aye… We’re gonna have teh face ‘em head on. Our scouts have reported teh me tha’ the Changelings are sendin’ in their mos’ ‘gressive pilot: Sergeant Reilly dal Segno. We’re not gonna give up even if she’s out there tryin’ teh shoot us down. NO! We ain’t gonna let ‘er do it! We’re gonna give that rotten Changeling the boot! We’re gonna give ‘em ALL the boot!!! WE AIN’T GONNA GIVE UP!!! WHO’S WITH ME?!?!”

The Mare-force cheers.

“I CAN’T HEAR YA! I SAID WHO’S WITH ME?!?!” Calo-Kalani shouts.

The Mare-force cheers even louder.

“THERE YA GO!!! LET’S GIVE ‘EM WHAT THEY ALL DESERVE!!!”

The Mare-force cheers even louder than before.

“LET’S GIVE! THEM! HELL!!!”

The Mare-force screams in agreement.

“WE’LL SHOOT DOWN EV’RY LAS’ ONE OF ‘EM AND THE MARE-FORCE’LL COME HOME VICTORIOUS AN’ BE FEARED BY ALL WHO DARE CROSS OUR PATH! I CAN FEEL THAT WE. WILL. WIN!!!”

The Mare-force screams jumps up and down full of energy.

“WE WILL NOT STOP ‘TIL THEY’RE ‘STROYED!!! YA HEAR?!?!” screams Calo.

The Mare-force are literally going crazy.

“LET’S DO THIS THING!!! LET’S SHOW ‘EM WHAT THE MARE-FORCE IS MADE AH! LET’S GO!!!!!”

The Mare-force dash to their aircraft cheering and singing and dancing as if they had just won the biggest fight in all of time.

The pilots, both mares and stallions, start their engines and thunder their way to the narrows

+++

I’m kind of worried about Cloudchaser because what if she’s a Changeling and I don’t know it? But maybe, just maybe, she’s not. She’s just her normal and adorable self and I don’t need to worry!

+++

Raptors’ Narrows, Skeleton Scorch field, Outer reaches of Equestria

The planes’ engines roar and the helicopters’ rotors whip around and around across the dry and arid land.

The Mare-force spot Reilly’s helicopter as well as hundreds, even thousands, of Changeling planes on the horizon.

“Black Shark Leader reportin’ teh ev’rypony. Ya copy?” says Calo-Kalani through his headset.

“This is Black Shark One,” says Caela, the female Changeling.

“Black Shark Two, copy,” says Cloudchaser.

“Black Shark Three,” says Fleetfoot, a female Pegasus.

“Black Shark Four, copy,” says Lightning Dust, another female Pegasus.

“Black Shark Five, copy,” says a female Pegasus, Midnight Strike.

“Black Shark Six, reporting!”  says Derpy (Yup. Derpy.)

“Black Shark Seven,” calls Blaze, another female Pegasus.

“Black Shark Eight, reporting!” says Star Hunter, a male Pegasus.

“Black Shark Nine, present!” says Thunderlane, another male Pegasus.

“Black Shark Ten, reportin’!” says Stormfeather, another male Pegasus.

“Spitfire? Ya there?” asks General Calo.

“Yep! I’m here,” the fiery-looking Pegasus says. “All my pilots, all 10 of them, are here. Of course including my favorite wingpony Rainbow Dash.”

“Hey! Why didn’t you tell me that, Captain?” the light blue Pegasus seethes over the into her headset.

“Heh heh heh!” laughs Spitfire.

“Wind Rider. Ya there?” Calo asks.

“Yeah. I’m here,” says the grey-maned Pegasus.

“Are all yer pilots there with ya?”

“Yeah. All my bomber crews are here.”

“Stryker. Ya there?”

“Yes-sir!”

“What’s yer status?”

“My Black Hawk's clear.”

“General Calo!” the four Crusaders say in unison.

“Chrystryker! Whattaya thinkin’, bringin’ those li’l fillies ‘long with ya!” the General Calo-Kalani snaps.

“They wouldn’t stop bugging me! My ears were bleeding for the rest of the night, so I had to let them come,” Stryker sighs. “Sorry, sir… But we’re all ready for everything those bugs throw at us!”

“That’s what I like teh hear I guess? Because we got INCOMIN’ FIRE!!!” Calo yells. “Attack!”

+++

Changeling forces, Raptors’ Narrows, Skeleton Scorch field, Outer reaches of Equestria

“This is Rigger. We’ve spotted Calo and Spitfire’s Mare-force and they’re coming in hot. Reilly will lead you guys and I, as well as Chrono, Taiga, Raythe, Terran, and Glitch will aid you in AA defence and counterattack if they land troops. Rigger out!” the Changeling commander says over the radio from his Jagdtiger. “Alright, Changelings! Let’s gun ‘em down!”

“YES-SIR!!!” the Changelings on the ground say over the radio.

+++

Sergeant Raythe, Changeling, Raptors’ Narrows, Skeleton Scorch field, Outer reaches of Equestria

The Mare-force’s Spitfires swoop in. Raythe’s Jagdpanther shoots down a plane. But a strafing run that makes her think on the edge and kills her crew ends her celebration.

“Dammit!” she yells. “In the name of Celestia! My freaking crew!”

Another strafing run on her Jagdpanther gets her hoof (but luckily the rest of the bullets go through the holes in them.) Green blood seeps out of her wound, but she quickly grabs a bandage and starts to freak out.

C’mon, Raythe… Stay calm… Don’t freak…! Thinks the rather attractive Changeling.

She remembers the last things her dad had told her before going to war:

“Raythe… My darling… If anything happens to you, don’t worry. I’ll be back home in the end and if anything does happen, I’ll find you. I’ll always be there to help you.”

And Raythe remembers asking: “Daddy! Where are you going?”

“Raythe… Don’t worry. I’ll be back… I promise. Don’t worry, my little hunter. We’ll have a fancy dinner. That I also promise…”

“Daddy?”

“What is it, sweetie?” said her dad as he slung his anti-tank rifle over his shoulder.

“Where are you going?”

The old and charming grey-coated Unicorn sighed for the first time in a while.

“I just… Well, I… I, um… Darling… Look. I’m going to fight in the war. The rest of my squad will be here in a few minutes to pick me up. I have to be ready for them.”

“B-but… Daddy?” said the 10-year-old Changeling, tears in her eyes. “Why?”

“Sweetie… Don’t cry… I’ll be back.”

“But Daddy! This is a war! Ponies die in wars! And you could be one of them!” she said as she started to cry. “Don’t go!”

“I’m so sorry, Raythe. I have to. I volunteered and I have to go. I love you,” said the Unicorn as he took off his heavy black helmet. “Keep this so there’ll always be a piece of your daddy with you.”

Raythe stood there crying. She ran to her dad and hugged him tight.

“Oof! You’ve gotten strong. Almost as strong as I!” said Raythe’s father.

He kissed her on the head as a rot-green army truck pulled up.

“My buddies are here. I have to go,” he said as he kissed her again.

He rushed out the door toward his squad’s rugged army truck.

Raythe just stood there and looked at her dad.

“Hold on a second, guys,” Raythe heard her dad say.

Her dad ran back to her.

“I love you, Raythe. Always. I’m fighting in this war for you and for mom. She’d proud of me and scared as well. I’ll always be thinking of you two,” sighed the grizzled Unicorn. “Goodbye, my darling.”

He kissed her.

“C’mon, Jacob! Let’s move! We don’t have all day!” a Pegasus yelled. “Hurry up!”

“Bye, Raythe.”

Her dad ran to the truck. Raythe collapsed onto the carpet crying mournfully.

My dad… Is he alright? Raythe thinks in tears looking at the soaked bandage on her left hoof. He has to be… I never saw him after that…

Raythe gets up, clears the Jagdpanther of its dead crew members and slips into the drivers’ seat.

I’m going to the airbase at the Oasis. She thinks in a mournful manner.

+++

The Second Battle of Raptors’ Narrows, Raptors’ Narrows, Skeleton Scorch field, Outer reaches of Equestria

Besides Raythe’s Jagdpanther heading to Bones, the rest of the Changelings stayed.

The Black Sharks lead the charge, Calo-Kalani in the lead. His eyes burning with raw fury and determination. He lets the Changelings fire first then unleashes a huge volley of .40 caliber bullets.

“Keh heh heh heh heh! Thar ya go! We got ‘em!” yells Calo. The grizzled-looking Alicorn presses the fire button and his 36-barreled gun system screamed while hurling out thousands of rounds a second.

Vvvvrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!

“What the?” Reilly screeches. “What is tha-?”

KA-BOOOOM! KA-BOOOOM! KA-DA-KRA-KOOOOOOOOM!!

“This is Reilly! I’m requesting backup! A little help at the Narr-”

Vvvvrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!

KA-BOOOOM! Calo-Kalani’s Metal Storm peppers Reilly’s Black Hawk intensely with .40 caliber bullets.

“No! This isn’t possible! What?! I! You can’t! CALO-KALANI! YOU FOOL!!!” the Changeling screams as her mutilated helicopter spins violently, the ground nearing her helicopter faster than she ever knew possible.

Only a few more seconds… she thinks.

She presses the side-eject button.

Nothing.

She presses it again gradually faster as well as more violently.

Still nothing.

She screams and randomly side-ejects.

“No no no no no no no no no! I never knew this was going to happen!”

Suddenly, something catches her fall.

“Gotcha, Reilly…”

“Calo…”

“Keh heh heh…” says the Alicorn. “Ain’t gonna leave ya hangin’!”

“Why did you save me?” asks Reilly. “I’m the enemy!”

“Keh heh heh… Don’ worry. I don’ care whatcha are. I’m not as merciless as I look.”

“You… You… You what?” Reilly whispers. “Wait… What are we floating in?”

“Aye… that be me Black Shark,” Calo says. “And you…”

Reilly gulps.

“You be a pris’ner o’ war…” Calo-Kalani says sternly. “Keh heh heh… just kiddin’. We best be off.”

“Y-yeah…” Reilly says guiltily. “Let’s go.”

+++

Reilly and Calo arrive at the Airfield.

"Look at me, Reilly... I know yer a Changelin', but yeh need teh know that the res' of us don' trus' Changelin's," Calo says with a smile. "I can do yeh a favour an' give yeh ah Black Shark or a Black Hawk, but I need yeh as ah wingpony, er, wingchangelin'. Yer a mighty fine Chanelin' if I say so mah self (and I do) but yeh need teh stay with me or we could both be shot to a gazillion pieces! If ah'm seen with a Changelin' (especially you) I would be perceived as ah traitor. Keep low , but aim high, mah darlin'!"

Reilly gives Calo a cute smile.

"Thanks, sir-"

"You can call me Calo."

"Thanks, Calo," she says, winking.

"What'll it be? Black Shark or Black Hawk?" Calo asks.

"Your Black Shark is pretty cool and I like the paintjob and the gun. Even though I might not get a Metal Storm, I'm fine with a minigun," she says.

"I'll see what ah can do."

+++

2 Black Sharks whip towards the battle, contrasted against the sunset as if they came from the sun.

whipwhipwhipwhipwhipwhipwhip!

"Changelin' Airforce teh Starboard!"

"I see it, Calo!"

Fockewulfs whine towards Calo and Reilly.

"This is Calo-Kalani! Ah'm rehquesting Air support at the Airfield! Changelin' Elite squadrons!"

"This is Tracer. I am coming for assistance," Captain Tracer says.

"Thanks, buddy," Calo says.

The T.R.A.C.E.R.s appear over the pink horizon in their grey camo planes.

"We got your back, Calo!" says Tracer

"Thanks, buddy. Reilly. Stay close."

"Understood, Calo!"

The Fockewulfs come at Calo and Reilly and the T.R.A.C.E.R.s with guns a-blazin'.

Ratatatatatatatatat! Ratatatatatat! Ratatat!

Thickthickthickthickthickthickthick!

Vzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzt!

The guns of the aircraft whine and scream, bullets whizzing past.

Thoooooom!

"DAMNIT!" A T.R.A.C.E.R. fighter pilot screams over the radio. "I'm hit!"

"Hang in there, buddy!" Tracer says.