For Honor, Glory and The Empire

Chapters

Chapter 1 Volcanic ash and Fillies don't mix
Chapter 2 Iwo Jima
Chapter 3 The human side in war
Chapter 4 Meet the US-Marines
Chapter 5 Burn 'em out
Chapter 6 The point
Chapter 8 Lyra's past
Chapter 9 The fight for life
Chapter 10 Meet the family
Chapter 11 Okinawa
Chapter 12 The war is over
Chapter 13 A new start
Chapter 7 Black Cats

Chapter 1 Volcanic ash and Fillies don't mix

Chapter 1: Volcanic ash and Fillies don't mix

1945 Philippines

Sato Haruto, a soldier of the Imperial Japanese Army, was patrolling the Forest near the capital Manila. His school friend, Suzuki Aichi, a paratrooper, was with him.

The war was not going well for Japan and they know it. In fact, the war was lost.

After the battle of Midway, Japan lost every battle. But giving up was against their honor.

Giving up would mean shame to the family. That was the Concept of Yamato-Damashi, the Japanese people's spirit.

It is an honor to die in battle but exactly that scared Sato on the inside, as he had a wife and daughter which he wanted to see again. For him, his friend and squad mates, it was more Honorable to survive and return to their families. Also, they saw it as their honor to keep civilians safe.

Also, unlike their comrades, they knew that the Americans were not primitive, stupid savage. Their teacher in school was American descent and taught them much about American culture. They fought and survived many battles together and respected the Americans.

They were a coequal enemy. And they also fought for their families.

Before the war, the now 26-old soldier used to be a Musician.

The music was what connected him with his wife and was the reason they got to know each other.

While the Japanese used outdated tactics and had Inferior armament, their honor and fanaticism made them a dangerous enemy.

Satō and his friends never shared that fanaticism, they just wanted this war to end, so they could see their families again.

Had the USA not cut off Japan’s Oil imports, Pearl Harbor wouldn’t have been attacked and the USA wouldn’t fight against Japan.

But it happened and the USA entered the war. Japan’s ally, Germany, was having a bad time fighting against the USA and so had Japan.

Sato’s family was everything for him. He lived with his family in Tokio and prayed every day that they wouldn’t be victims of the bombings.

The young soldier used the standard issue rifle, the type 99 Arisaka. A bolt-action rifle with low rate of fire and moderate power, 5 rounds. It had a Bayonet attached for melee and Banzai Charges. As sidearm, he had the standard issue pistol, the Nambu. While the Americans had the M1 Garand, a semi-automatic rifle with a faster rate of fire as advantage, the Arisaka could be reloaded faster.

His friend used the Type 100, the SMG of the Japanese Army, also used by their officer. It had also a Bayonet and while not as powerful as the American Thompson, it had a thirty-round magazine while the Thompson had only 20.

In their squad were also a Sniper and a MG gunner with a Type 99 LMG. It was a powerful, formidable and versatile weapon, useful against both nearby and especially long-range targets. He used also a Bayonet but that was rare due his role.

Suzuki let out a sigh. “I know the Americans want to free the capital but wouldn’t it be better if we were AT the capital instead near it?”

“Would be, but orders are orders and our commander can’t disagree with High command and the Emperor.”

“Hai, but our survival chances were better in the city then here, if you ask me. How’s your daughter?

“She’s doing fine. I miss her and she misses me. I just hope I can see her again.”

“You’re caring for the wounded and civilians honors you. I sometimes wish our comrades wouldn’t be so brutal towards prisoners and civilians. Such brutality is dishonorable!” He exclaimed angry.

“Yeah, I sometimes wish that too. I think the war will soon be over, maybe in a few months or so.”

“Maybe. If the Americans don’t destroy us with some kind of mass destruction weapon or some other powerful weapons. Those flamethrowers are deadly. I don’t want to burn to death.” He shuddered at the thought.

“Hey, we survived so many battles, I’m sure we can survive this battle too.”

The paratrooper smiled. “Always the optimist. I have some weird feeling that something’s Unique happens today and we got transferred to Iwo Jima.”

“Whatever you say. Fighting on Iwo Jima would be hard, as the Americans could bomb our home more effectively should they have success capturing the island.”

“Yeah but we won’t make it easy for them, should we get here. We’re masters in ambushes after all.”

Sato chuckled. “Yes we are. And masters in using traps. They won’t even know what will hit them.”

Rope traps were most effective as they were hard to see and many US soldiers were victims of it.

“Speaking of ambush, do you remember what a mess it was when they got under fire as they landed on Peleliu Island?”

“Don’t remind me if that, it was so brutal that I felt sorry for them.”

“Me too but Iwo Jima would be like that too or even worse, I’m sure of it.”

Suddenly, there was a sound of something getting caught in a rope trap.

Sato and Suzuki didn’t hesitate to investigate it as it could be the enemy.

As they reached it, they looked up and were confused.

It wasn’t a Gl but a pony with a baby-blue coat, a lavender mane, and purple eyes. It hanged headfirst in the air, the left hind leg stuck in the rope.

“P-please don’t hurt me.” It begged.

A speaking pony? Both men thought confused but nodded at each other to help her.

“We won’t hurt you. Let us get you down from here.” Suzuki climbed up the tree and cut the rope with his knife.

Sato caught it as it fell and sat it down. Now they noticed that the filly was a unicorn, as it had a horn on his head.

“Thank you. Where I am?” She looked around.

On the planet earth, on the Philippines, a state in the pacific. I’m Sato Haruto, but you can call me Sato, and this is my friend Suzuki.”

“You’re humans, right? My mother is fascinated by them. She's the best mom ever! Caring and loving.” Sato nodded and the foal’s eyes watered, as it realized how much it missed his mother already.

“Wait, m-mama…” it collapsed on the ground and sobbed.

Sato kneeled down. “Shh, it’s alright…” He patted the foal and it looked into Sato’s brown eyes. He had black hair.

“T-thanks, Sato. My name is Tootsie Flute.”

“Nice name.” Suzuki smiled, he had brown hair and eyes.

Flute jumped into the air as they heard an explosion in the distance. “What was that?” She exclaimed scared.

“The enemy. Let’s get back to our squad. Don’t worry, you’ll be safe with us.” Suzuki assured her.

“You’re at war?” Flute was scared.

“Yes but by our Honor, we will keep you safe. Stay close.” As Sato was father, he cared for children and their safety.

His commander and squad mates weren’t on the frontline but at the rear.

They walked through the forest until they saw the Japanese flag in the distance and a Scope Glint on a tree.

“Don’t shoot, Hiroto, it’s me and Sato!” Suzuki yelled.

“Wouldn’t dream of it,” Hiroto poked his head out of the tree. He wore a ghillie suit composed of a camouflaged uniform and netted helmet covered with lots of leaves and natural foliage as he was the sniper of the squad. He climbed the tree down.

“Is that…a unicorn?” He shook his head as he spotted Flute.

“Well, yes. We found her caught in a rope trap,” Sato explained.

“Okay…you don’t see that every day.”

“Where I’m coming from, you don’t see humans every day,” Flute countered, which surprised Hiroto.

“By the Emperor, she can talk?!”

“Yeah, everypony can where I live.”

Sato cleared his throat. “We should get to our Commander, he will know what to do.”

“Right, I’m right behind you,” Hiroto replied.

The other soldiers were too busy to notice the filly.

The officer, called Chiba, was talking with the MG gunner, Osaka.

“Reporting.” Sato and his comrades saluted him.

“At ease. We will fight the Americans another day, we will be needed on Iwo Jima. Who’s this?” Chiba pointed at Flute who was nervous.

“A unicorn filly called Tootsie Flute. We found her caught in a rope trap. By our honor, we would never lie to you,” Suzuki explained.

“I know you never would. You’re not in trouble my dear, why don’t you tell us more about you on the way to Iwo Jima?” He smiled at her.

“Yeah, I should, Mister Chiba.” She looked at the officer with glasses, black hair and brown eyes.

“Chiba is just fine.”

“Wait, how do we get her on the cruiser without anyone noticing her?” Osaka asked. He had also black hair and brown eyes. The gunner was also muscular.

“I could hide her in my carrying case,” Suzuki suggested.

“Good idea,” Sato smiled as it was cute as she got into the case.

Flute stayed low but was amazed by the cruiser.

The sailors and crew members didn’t notice her at all.

As the cruiser moved and they were all in a cabin, Chiba cleaned his glasses as Sato gave the filly some chocolate.

“Thank you. I was born in Ponyville, a village in Equestria. I’m a unicorn who can use magic. We have also earth ponies and Pegasus ponies that can fly and manipulate the weather. Equestria is ruled by Princess Celestia and Luna. They control the sun and moon. They’re Alicorns.

We ponies have Cutie Marks on our flanks which represent our special talents. I still haven’t got it. My mother is a unicorn called Lyra Heartstrings She’s a Musician. I never know my father. We live together with her friend Bon Bon who makes candy as her name suggests.” She cried a little. Sato took her on his arm and patted her back.

“It’s alright. How does a cute and sweet child like you end here?”

Flute sniffed. “Well, a bully named Dry Ice said my mommy is a freak for believing in humans and being fascinated by them. As I yelled at him to take that back and said that everypony has the right to believe in things, he said, ‘oh if you like them so much why don't you go find them!’ and fired a spell as he is a unicorn like me. I passed out and found myself in this forest.” Flute let out a sigh, her ears down.

“This guy has no honor!” Osaka exclaimed angry.

“That brings me to the question, you’re soldiers, right? Am I landed in a w-war z-zone?” Flute asked trembling.

Sato took a deep breath. “Yes…” and told her what the war was and how he begun and such with going too deep into it.

“In Equestria, the last year was 1000 years ago.”

Sato patted her. “I know it’s terrible but we protect you, I promise.” She smiled at him.

“Thank you.”

As Iwo Jima was in sight, Chiba said, “Welcome to Iwo Jima.”

Author's Note

So, my first Story set in the pacific war, with Tootsie Flute. I got inspired by the movie Letters from Iwo Jima and the game RIsing Storm. Should you find any errors in my writing, please let me know in the comments. That being said, I hope you enjoyed the first chapter.

Chapter 2 Iwo Jima

Chapter 2: Iwo Jima

While Iwo Jima was only 21 square kilometers large, Tootsie Flute was still amazed as her eyes went wide. “That’s Iwo Jima? It’s looks beautiful.”

Sato chuckled. “You should see the other islands, they’re even more beautiful.”

Iwo Jima was very important for both sides. For Japan, the island as base for their planes, where they started their attacks against the US-bombers, and could warn the motherland via radio of Imminent air raids.

For the USA, if they could capture Iwo Jima, it would be the perfect base for escorts of their bombers and as emergency landing field for damaged planes.

Once off the cruiser, Sato helped Flute on a Model 94 Isuzu truck that brought them to an airfield where General Tadamichi Kuribayashi was expected to arrive. Flute snuggled herself into Sato’s arms.

As the plane of the General landed, the squad stood at attention. General Kuribayashi was a Military attaché before the war and knew a lot about the USA.

Flute was hiding behind Sato’s back as the General came out.

“Welcome on Iwo Jima, General.” Chiba bowed.

“At ease, captain. I’m here to take command and to inspect the Defense systems.”

“As you wish, sir.”

The Japanese knew that the Americans were superior in an open battle, so, they had built an Extensive trench and tunnel system to defend Iwo Jima.

Despite her best’s efforts, Flute got spotted by the General. “Who’s this?” He asked suspicious.

Chiba scratched his back nervously. “Well, her name is Tootsie Flute, a lost child one of my men found before we moved out to Iwo Jima.”

Flute trembled lightly, fearing that the General wouldn’t believe Chiba.

Sato stepped forward. “Sir, by my honor, I couldn’t let her die where I found her. I take the full responsibility for it.” He was ready to die for Flute as he explained her origin and such.

Kuribayashi smiled at them.

“You can be proud of yourself, soldier. That’s what I expect from an Honorable soldier. Keep her safe.”

“Yes, sir.”

The General kneeled down to Flute and ruffled her mane, causing her to giggle.

“By my honor, I promise, I will keep you safe.”

“Thank you, General Kuribayashi.” She did a respectful bow like the ponies did when they meet one of the princesses. (Minus Princess Twilight Sparkle, who said it wasn’t necessary.)

The other soldiers were too busy to notice her. Flute saw a metal box on tracks with a barrel sticking out in the front. “What is that?” She pointed with a hoof at it.

“That’s the Type 95 Ha-Go, a light tank. it’s the main light tank of our forces. Won’t do much with only a 37-mm gun and 12 mm thick armor, but is still an excellent vehicle and is very popular with the crews,” Sato explained as it drove past them.

The Imperial Army was well prepared with Type 92 MGs, 200mm Coastal Guns and Type 97 Chi-Ha tanks with bags barricades erected all around them, as fortified Anti-tank guns but were also useful against infantry. The Ha-Go tanks guarded the airfield.

Chiba’s squad was deployed in the back of the pillboxes at the beach, but should retreat to the trench and tunnel system of the mountain Suribachi should it get too heavy.

It was quiet, the Americans hadn’t began their landing. Chiba gave Sato permission to show the young unicorn the island.

Out of nowhere, Takeichi Nishi appeared on his horse. “What have we here?” He got down from his horse.

“Sir,” Sato saluted, “May I introduce my little friend to you? Her name is Tootsie Flute. Flute, this is Lieutenant-Colonel Baron Takeichi Nishi.”

Before Flute could greet the Baron, he gave her a tight hug. “I love horses, especially foals!” He exclaimed, Flute gasped for air.

“Oh, sorry. I just love horses, and you’re so cute!”

“Thank you.” She blushed.

“She can talk?!” the baron couldn’t believe it.

“Well…yes.” Sato explained her backstory.

“That’s…amazing!” Nishi exclaimed.

“It is, yes,” Sato scratched his back.

“Well now, keep her safe, I have to meet General Kuribayashi.” He got back on his horse and galloped into the distance. Flute looked admiring after him.

“You know, Nishi was an equestrian show jumper, and Olympic Gold Medalist at the 1932 Los Angeles Olympics.”

“Interesting.”

Later in the evening Flute ate rice as Dinner, Sato tucked her in after it. “Goodnight, sweet dreams.” He kissed Flute on the forehead.

“Thank you. I just miss them so much.” She sounded sad.

“Don’t you worry, I’m sure they will find you.”

Flute smiled. “You’re right. They will not give up until they gave found me.” With that she fell asleep.

“She so cute!” Chiba smiled at the sleeping filly, Suzuki, Hiroto and Osaka agreed while playing cards.

“Indeed. I just hope she won’t get killed or hurt.” Sato was worried about her safety.

“Don’t worry, General Kuribayashi said she can stay with him and we will be in the safer posts to guarantee her safety,” Chiba assured him.

“Good to know.”

Sato went to bed, smiling at the peaceful sleeping filly next to him.

In the night, he dreamed that Flute was playing with his sister in the garden, while he and his wife watched them.

“I’m so proud of you, Sato. Who knows what happened to her if you hadn’t found her.” They came closer to kiss.

An explosion tore him out of it.

“What’s happening?” Flute trembled in fear.

“They’re bombing our emplacements. Don’t worry, they will hold.” He took her in his arm as she was covering her ears, whimpering.

“Shh, it’s okay. They want to soften us up so the battle will be easier for them. They also want they we are too tired to defend when they attack.”

“W-when do they stop?” the filly stuttered.

“Soon my dear, soon.”

It lasted for 3 days. But still, thanks to Sato and his comrades, Flute calmed down and caught some sleep.

In the morning, Sato and Suzuki, Hiroto and Osaka went to their positions as the landing was beginning.

Chiba was staying with her until she woke up. The unicorn stirred and let out a cute yawn. “Good morning, Chiba. Where’s Sato?”

"At his post, the Americans have started their landing.” He gave the foal a bowl of rice. “Sorry, it’s the only thing of food we have here as it won’t spoil fast.”

“I don’t mind it at all, I’m just glad to have something in my stomach."

They got outside where they had a good view. Flute’s eyes went wide.

Thousands of small ships approached the beach. She had never seen anything like that.

“Wow. Those are many ships.” She was impressed.

“Yes.”

Nishi was talking with Kuribayashi, watching the landing with binoculars.

“Shall we commence fire?” Nishi asked.

“Wait,” Kuribayashi replied.

“The men want to fire.” Nishi answered before speaking into a radio. “Hold your fire!”

“They will take the beach in no time if we don’t resist,” Chiba was worried but didn’t doubted Kuribayashi’s plan.

“Wait until the beach is full,” Kuribayashi ordered.

They all understood. When the US-troops were gathered, they would make easier targets then being outspread.

Sato and his friends watched though binoculars how the enemy gathered on the beach, waiting for the order to fire.

Chiba gave Flute his binoculars, she used her magic to use it. She was fascinated, at the same time impressed how good organized the US troops were. Once a ship had unloaded his load, it drove back into the sea, without hampering the still landing ships.

“Let’s go! Commence firing!” the general ordered and Nishi gave the order further.

“Fire!”

The Japanese soldiers opened fire.

MGs, Coastal Guns and Tanks caused heavy casualties for the Americans.

Flute looked away, as she couldn’t stand it.

Hiroto fired with his sniper rifle, Osaka his LMG. Sato and Suzuki waited in ambush until the US-soldiers came closer.

The Sniper and MG gunner managed to kill an entire squad. Two US-marines came closer to the paratrooper and soldier, it was the perfect moment to strike.

“Tenno Heika Banzai!” They charged at the enemy soldiers, impaling them in their hearts, a quick and painless death, both men didn’t like to make it bloody and painful.

The enemy had destroyed the pillboxes with his flamethrowers, despite Hiroto taking out as many as he could as they posed the biggest threat.

They hold their ground, killing many hostile soldiers.

However, as ship artillery started to fire, the Japanese squad was forced to retreat.

They retreated into one of the trenches. The Americans outgunned, outnumbered and outclassed the young Japanese, but they bravely stood their ground.

Sato’s rife made a clicking sound despite still having a round loaded. Having no time to fix it, he switched to his sidearm and fired at the incoming enemies.

Inside his bunker, Chiba reported to Kuribayashi, Flute was with him.

“The guns of the Kitakubo unit were destroyed. All the pillbox unites have been destroyed. However, all other forces are intact…and we estimate more than 1,000 enemy casualties.”

“The pillbox destruction was unavoidable. Overall, this is good news. How are the men holding up at Suribachi?” Kuribayashi asked.

“Forces are intact.”

“Excellent. Want some chocolate?” the general asked his young guest.

“Yes, please.” The general gave it to her and she took a bite, enjoying it with a smile.

“Captain Chiba, order your men to retreat to the next defensive line.”

“Yes, sir.”

Sato and his friends were still fighting off the Americans. “Sato! Sato!” a young voice rang through his ears. It was Flute.

It was safe as the assault was over for a moment. “What is it?” He fixed his rifle.

“Fall back to the next defensive line!” Chiba caught up, out of breath, not believing that Flute could be faster that himself.

“Grenade!” a soldier shouted. Flute saw a pineapple flying through the air. It was made of metal. While it landed not next to her, the explosion threw her to the ground disorientated her, vision blurry, ears ringing.

A Japanese soldier asked her if she was okay as her hearing slowly returned and the ringing stopped, only to be killed by a bullet to the head.

Her eyes went small in shock. Another soldier tried to help her up but then, a jet of flames lighted him up.

He screamed in pain he tried to put it out.

Flute saw another flame, coming from a soldier wearing a tank with a hose attached to hit. “Burn baby, burn!” The US soldier walked steadily towards the trench, his voice was grumpy, like he had seen some very bad things and he looked with disgust and hate at the imperial soldiers. He fired into the trench, Sato barely avoided it.

Flute couldn’t move, she was petrified with fear as other US soldiers surrounded her. Sato and his comrades saw it but couldn’t get her without hurting her, so they tried to distract the Americans, so they could get Flute to safety.

Osaka killed the flamethrower but he and his friends were the only defenders left of the trenches.

Suddenly, the unicorn heard a loud scream.

Japanese reinforcements with tank support arrived, forced the US-troops to retreat.

Victory! For now. Sato thought relieved. His heart broke as he saw how Flute cowered, eyes closed, hooves covering ears, trembling. She flinched as he patted her.

“Shh, it’s over.” Again, he took her on his arm, she was crying, burying her heart into his chest.

“I-I thought they would kill me!”

“Don’t worry, we will protect you from any harm.”

“Uh, guys, we have a problem. We are supposed to take position inside Suribachi, but the entrance here got destroyed and the next is a few kilometers away,” Chiba realized that it would take some time to get there.

One of the tank commanders opened the hatch and popped his head out.

“No problem, hop on, we bring you there. I’m sure your little friend will like it.”

Sato climbed on the Ha-Go with Flute on his arm. Her trembling stopped and a smile formed on her face as the tank moved.

While being slow for a light tank, Flute enjoying the ride and the wind brushing against her fur, until they arrived at another entrance of the hill.

Inside, Flute enjoyed some rice and let out a yawn as she was tired. Sato tucked her in. “Goodnight.”

“You have done well. Get some rest, Sato, you earned it.” Chiba and his friends were proud.

“Thanks.” He putted his arm around the foal, falling asleep with a smile as he was glad that she had survived and that they could hold off the US-Marines so far. But tomorrow, things would change.

Author's Note

They could hold the US Marines off. For now. THe landing scene is based off the same scene in Letters From iwo Jima.

Chapter 3 The human side in war

Chapter 3: The human side in war

Sato woke up in the morning, yawning and stretching himself.

He heard hoof steps. “Good morning, Sato.” Flute brought him breakfast, a bowl of Rice held by her magic.

“Thanks.” He ate it with great pleasure. “Did you make it by yourself?”

The filly blushed. “Well, as my mother’s best friend is a baker, I learned a thing or two from her.”

“And you did well.” He patted her which she enjoyed with a smile.

While enjoying his breakfast, his friend joined him to discuss what to do next.

“The situation is getting tough. If they break through here, we have to retreat to the HQ of General Kuribayashi. But we have to hold them here, or everything is lost.”

“Do you think we can get out alive of this one too?” Suzuki asked.

“Hard to say, but I’ll do whatever it takes to get you to a safer place, Flute.” He smiled at her.

“Thank you all for helping me.” She was a little bit embarrassed.

“We only to our duty.” She remembered so much of his daughter. He putted his family photo out and kissed it. I hope I get to see you again.

While the unicorn had a happy conversation with Suzuki who told her of his days when he jumped out of a plane, Sato patrolled with Osaka through the caves.

Another soldier walked under a hole, as suddenly, a jet of flame came through it, setting him on fire.

Sato and his friend raised their hands out of reflex to protect themselves from the heat. They tried to put the fire with a blanket out, but it was too late.

The soldier was dead. A grenade was dropped through the hole. “Grenade!” They got away in time.

“What happened?” Chiba asked as his soldiers returned.

“Flamethrower through the sealing,” the young father replied.

Tootsie Flute noticed how a soldier was staring into the direction where the other soldier had died. The empty stare made her nervous, she let out a nervous little whine.

The Japanese slowly turned into her direction. “Are you…scared…COWARD?!” He started to slash out, she backed up.

Another soldier joined him, an angry expression on his face. Fear took over. “S-stop! What did I do wrong?” She asked frantically over and over again as they came closer.

There was the sound of angry screams. “HELP!” Flute screamed at the top of her lungs.

Alerted, Sato and his comrades sprinted to her and were shocked.

A few Japanese soldiers were very angry at the loss of their comrades and wanted to the anger out at her.

She struggled but to no avail as they threw her into a corner to beat her up.

“HEY! LEAVE HER ALONE!” Sato yelled enraged.

Chiba drew his Katana. “By the honor of the Emperor, you will not harm her!” He stepped between the soldiers and the foal. “She is under my protection, if you only harm on hair on her, I will personally punish you!” His sword was raised in a defensive position.

The foal was trembling, crying, hooves covering her face as protection.

The soldier’s anger faded as they saw what they had almost done. “By our honor, we deeply apologize.” They bowed before her.

Sato had to rock with her for a few minutes to calm her down.

“If you’re angry, let it out fighting the enemy, not on a child, got it?” the officer asked.

“Got it.”

Chiba putted his cap on Flute’s head, causing her to giggle.

The radio turned on.

“For General Kuribayashi, and his troops who are fighting bravely four our country. A song will be sung by the children of Nagano, which is Kuribayashi’s home town.” The announcer announced and the song started.

Flute couldn’t help but to sing along it.

“On the waves of the Pacific,

Down south from the Imperial city

a small lonely islands floats.

The fate of our imperial country

Lies in the hands of this island,

Iwo Jima.

As long as we stand,

We shall feel safe,

As the imperial land shall forever be at peace.

We shall fight with pride

and honor at any price,

Our proud island, Iwo Jima.”

Sato’s eyes watered, it remaindered him of his family. His comrades also had a sad expression, Chiba took his glasses of to wipe his tears out of his eyes.

The song was beautiful yet sad.

As Flute had finished, she noticed how Sato had his head lowered sobbing.

“What’s wrong?” She asked before she got it. “It reminds you of your family, right?” She hugged him.

“Thank you.”

The moment was short as the alarm sounded. “Enemies at the entrance! All man on their posts!” a loudspeaker warned.

While Flute stayed here, the soldiers quickly manned their posts.

Osaka deployed the bipod for easier handling and fired at a squad of Marines.

A young Gl was cowering behind a rock as cover. He fired a shot, his rifle made the distinctive metallic ping sound as the empty clip was ejected.

Sato used this to fire, he hit the Gl in the chest. He collapsed but was still alive.

“He’s still alive!” Sato exclaimed.

“Sato, Suzuki, get him into the cave!” Chiba ordered and gave covering fire with the rest of the squad, as they ran to the wounded soldier to get him into the cave.

Flute saw this and carried some bandages and medical supplies to the American, as Sato and the paratrooper patched him up as good as they could.

Sometime later, Chiba asked, “How is the prisoner doing?”

“He is awake, sir,” the SMG gunner replied.

Chiba asked the soldier in English, “Where are you from, Soldier?” The marine looked like he was 18.

“I’m a marine. Baker Company.”

“I meant, what is your home town?” the marine gave no answer. “I am letting care for you. I know a lot about your culture. My teacher was of American descent. He taught me and my friends a lot about it. Tell me, do you like hot dogs?”

The marine smiled. “Who doesn’t? Dallas. That’s where I’m from.”

“Ah, yes, Spicy and hot food, desert, and Wild West. My teacher told me, his father used to live in Texas before he got to Japan. Chiba.” He gave the young man his hand.

“Tom.”

“Nice to meet you. Those are my soldiers and friends, Sato, Suzuki, Osaka and Hiroto.” He introduced them.

“Go to the Gym often?” Tom asked the muscular LMG gunner.

He laughed. “You got to be strong if you want to carry such a heavy weapon.”

The American shook his head once he spotted Flute. “What did you gave me? I see a unicorn.”

“That’s right,” Flute replied, much to Tom’s shock.

“She can talk!?”

“Yep.” She told him about her and they all had a happy conversation about culture and how much they had in common about their likes in it. Flute talked with him about music which he liked too.

The next day, Flute checked Tom. “Tom?”

He didn’t reply. Tootsie shook him, but it showed no effect.

She checked his pulse.

There was none.

No…” she started to cry as he had died.

Sato comforted her while Chiba putted the blanket over the dead body and pulled a letter out of the marine’s pocket.

“A letter. It’s from his mother.” He cleared his throat and read it aloud.

“Tom…I have mailed you a couple of books to read. I hope you like them. Yesterday…our cat ran away to find you. By the time we found her…she had searched everywhere for you. Don’t worry about us. Just take care of yourself and come back safely.

“Remember what I said to you…always do what you believe is right…because it is right. I pray for a speedy ending of the war…and your safe return. Love, mom.”

Flute sobbed. “It’s so sad! He was still so young!”

“Unfortunately Flute, War makes no difference how young or old soldiers are.” Sato stroked her mane, he was sad too.

“The Americans! They have broken through!” a soldier joined them, out of breath.

“Damn, now we have no choice but to retreat! Let’s go!” Chiba ordered.

As they moved out, a part of the celling fell down, knocking Flute out before anyone could react.

She awoke with a light headache. Rubbing her head, she tried to remember.

The retreat…Sato…SATO! Once it hit her, she got up as she was luckily unharmed but the celling was collapsed, trapping her. They do not seem to have noticed it. She thought as neither Sato nor his friends were nearby.

“Miller, clear the cave!” a man shouted.

In panic, Flute tried to dig her way free but it didn’t work.

She heard the sound of a flamethrower coming closer.

No, no, no, no, no. no, anything but that! Her mind raced in fear and panic, as she was trapped and the marines moved in.

Author's Note

Trapped and incoming flamethrower, not good! The scene with the angry soldiers is based on this scene from Letters from Iwo Jima, and the scene with Tom on this scenes from the same movie.

Chapter 4 Meet the US-Marines

Chapter 4: Meet the US-Marines

The filly tried to run but tripped. “What’s wrong Tojo, scared?” the marine asked mocking.

In fear, Flute crawled backwards against the wall, praying that the soldier wouldn’t find her.

Then, the marine jumped around the corner, firing a jet of flames.

To protect herself, the foal used a shield spell. However, as she was still a filly, her magic wasn’t very strong, the shield lasted only for a few seconds against the flames.

As the shield collapsed, she tried to move to the side to get away. While evading it, her left side and hooves were burned, she screamed in pain, tears leaving her eyes.

Miller was shocked upon seeing what he had burned. A filly crying in pain as she looked at her burning fur.

“Miller, what’s going on?” Miller’s commanding officer asked as he walked to him. He was shocked too upon seeing Flute. “My god…”

“Sergeant, is there a problem?” Private Polonsky joined them. As Energetic as he was, he aimed his M1 Garand at the crying filly. “Don’t move!”

She looked up with a very sad expression, “P-please…make it…stop…”

Polonsky looked at her, unsure what to do. “Lower your weapon, Private!” Roebuck ordered and the private obeyed.

“Sir, the only thing we can do, is to put her out of her misery.”

“No Polonsky. She’s a child and I will not her die on this rock. CORPSMAN!!!” Roebuck yelled.

Flute, despite the pain, managed to look up. Miller had brown hair and eyes, Polonsky blond hair and blue eyes, the Sergeant dark brown hair and brown eyes.

“What happened?” she heard a new voice. It belonged to a soldier wearing a medical bag with a cross on it, his uniform had also crosses on it. He had black hair and blue eyes with she mistook as purple for a second.

“Oh my…you poor. I'm here to take the pain away.” The Corpsmen knelled down and got ointment out of his backpack. “Could you hold her?” He asked his comrades which agreed and held her by her unburned legs.

“This might sting a little bit.” She screamed more in pain as the Corpsmen applied the ointment on her burned body parts. The marines held her as she struggled but slowly calmed down, as the pain became less.

“See, my dear? All better now.” He also applied sterile bandages around the affected area with gauze pads which took the pain away. Then, the young Corpsmen took a scissors out to cut of the burned fur which was painful but she only let out cries through gritted teeth.

“Second degree burns. You were very lucky.” He looked at her body parts were blisters had formed.

“T-thank you.” She managed to say trying to suppress tears.

“Sarge, we should bring her out of here to a safer place.” Polonsky recommended.

“I agree kid but the 200 mm makes that impossible. We have no other choice but to her with us. What’s your name?” Roebuck asked the filly.

“T-tootsie Flute.”

“That’s a nice name. My name is James Elliot.” The Corpsmen introduced himself.

“I’m Sergeant Roebuck and these are my men Private Miller and Private Polonsky.”

The privates looked at Flute with a guilty expression. “I’m so sorry for hurting you, I thought you were an enemy waiting in ambush.” Miller was very sorry.

Flute’s reaction surprised them all. “It’s alright, you’re at war, you couldn’t know that.” She tried to stand but fell down with a cry of pain.

“Let me help you.” James shouldered his rifle and gently picked the foal up being careful of her wounds.

“Thank you.” They started to walk along the tunnel.

“So Flute, what does a child like you on this rock?” James stroked her mane.

“It’s kind of a long story.” She told them where she came from, how she landed here and how Sato found her and took care of her. The US soldiers had sympathy for her.

“Your poor child. I promise with my honor as officer, that you will be save and got of this rock alive.” Roebuck smiled sad at her.

“Thanks. This is the M1 Garand, right? Sato told me about it.” She pointed to Polonsky’s rifle.

“Correct. Standard issue for us. Semi-automatic, powerful, accurate and reliable. 8 rounds, loaded via stripper clips. It’s notable for its distinctive metallic ping sound when an empty clip is ejected. It can be reloaded without expending the clip but that’s takes longer and is complicated. As standard issue sidearm, we have the M1911A1 .45 also known as Colt.45. 8 rounds and very good stopping power.

Our squad leader uses the M1918 Browning Automatic Rifle, BAR for short. 20 round magazine. It’s a squad support weapon, used to lay down accurate suppression fire at enemy positions.

Miller is using the M2 Flamethrower. As it name suggest it fires flames. Useful to destroy a well-fortified position.”

Flute trembled lightly. “I-I know, one of your comrades almost burned me before…” She couldn’t finish it as she buried her head into James’s chest.

He patted her. “Shh, no one’s gonna hurt you anymore.”

Flute sniffed. “Thanks.”

“You’re welcome. I use the M1A1 Carbine. Also semi-automatic, lightweight, accurate and compact. Has magazine of 15 rounds. Ideal for soldiers that work behind the front or have to carry heavy equipment like me.”

“Wouldn’t you lose your protection as medic when you carry that with you? My mother told me once about the Geneva Convention.”

“Well, the Japanese do not accept the Geneva Convention and so, also attack me without mercy, so I have no other choice to protect myself.”

“I understand. You have to kill to protect yourself.”

“Yes.” At the exit, James slipped because of the mud. While Miller managed to grab his hand, James lost his balance that Flute fell out of his arms and slipped the hill down into a rotten corpse at some sandbags.

She screamed as she looked at the with maggots littered corpse, into the skull and crawled backwards. Her right foreleg was covered in maggots.

The Corpsmen saw her distress and carefully climbed down to her. “Don’t worry.” He used his knife to shave the maggots of her, she breathed heavily in shock and fear.

The filly had to vomit. “S-sorry.”

“None taken.” He took a cloth out of his pocket, cleaned her, then took her on his arm before climbing up.

Flute could see how Roebuck was writing something in his Diary. He made no effort to hide it.

AA fire from the airfield is knocking our planes right out of the sky. Taking this airfield is our only priority. Whatever the cost.

“Alright men, we regroup with another squad nearby Stay sharp.”

They moved up until they came across Marines inspecting a dead pilot in a crashed F4U Corsair.

“Poor bastard must have been shot down this morning.” James felt sorry for the pilot.

“Fuselage is still smoking...Check for survivors. Be careful of booby traps,” Roebuck warned the marines as he remembered what happened on Peleliu one year ago.

A marine checked the body. “He's all snarled up on something...” Flute heard a clicking sound. “Grenade!” The plane exploded.

Banzai Chargers attacked. „BANZAI!!!”

“BOOBY TRAP!!!” Polonsky yelled.

“Damn!” Miller stumbled from the explosion.

“AMBUSH!! Keep 'em back!” Roebuck fired his rifle as James ran to some sandbags while firing his colt. After putting the filly down, he switched to his Carbine.

Risking a look over the sandbags, Flute saw how every Imperial soldier that tried to charge at Miller was effectively burned. They were running straight into their death.

Polonsky knocked a Charger down and shot him at point blank range, while Roebuck killed another with the butt of his BAR.

A third Imperial knocked James down, he pushed the rifle aside and stabbed the Japanese into the neck before throwing the body off himself. “You’re alright?”

“Uh-huh,” Flute replied lightly scared.

“Can't believe they'd booby trap our dead…again…” the young private was disgusted.

“Me too.” The unicorn shared it.

Another squad of Banzai Chargers attacked. “It’s another damned ambush! They're all around!” Polonsky fired his rifle.

“Keep it tight!” Roebuck covered Miller so he could get in range.

As the area was cleared, they moved up. “Shh…Nothing bad will happen to you.” James patted her. She just pressed her head against his chest.

They came to a bunker. The foal heard a loud metallic “clang.” Polonsky’s helmet was shot off but he didn’t care. The Corpsmen picked it up and putted it on her head. “For your protection.

While it wasn’t her size and hindered her sight a little bit, Flute couldn’t complain about it. Better safe than sorry. She thought as the Corpsmen got her to cover and provided covering fire for Miller.

Miller burned the bunker, it exploded and the soldiers inside screamed. The child couldn’t bear it.

“Good work! Airfield's about a half a mile north.” Roebuck complimented his comrade as Flute heard the sound of an engine.

Looking up, she saw a flaming plane, bigger then the rigged plane she saw earlier, flying down and crashed on the other side of a hill.

“Bastards just took down another one.” James was worried.

“All the more reason to keep pushin'. Every plane we lose makes our job harder.” Roebuck checked his ammo.

Thy came to a trench near a large Japanese stronghold. James dived into the trench to protect her from bullets, the rest followed.

There was a sound of an engine. James spotted 2 Type 95 Ha-Go in the distance accompanied by infantry.

“Those are Jap tanks.” He pointed it out.

“We have to take them out! Miller, use the Bazooka! Polonsky, use Rifle Grenades against the infantry!” Roebuck fired at the Japanese soldiers.

The baby-blue pony saw that Miller switched the flamethrower for a bazooka that was on a crate, while the other private putted a grenade on his rifle, firing it into the air towards the enemy.

Again, she heard the clang sound. James’s helmet got shot off, he grabbed it and putted it back on. “I’m okay, didn’t feel a thing!” He spoke to show he was unharmed.

The marines took the infantry out, while Miller destroyed one of the tanks. James quickly reloaded and fired at a soldier riding on the tank. Direct hit.

Miller fired again the bazooka. He hit the tank’s tracks, immobilizing it.

However, the Ha-Go was still operational. It aimed it’s canon at the Marines. “Fall back!” the Sergeant ordered.

“Oh crap!” James shouted as he picked the foal up. They retreated as the tank fired, the shot missed.

The second shot missed too but threw James to the ground. Flute let out a painful cry as she landed on her injured side. She froze in fear as the canon pointed at her. Tootsie closed her eyes. I’m sorry, mommy… Then, she got blown backwards by an explosion. The foal expected to be dead but apart from the pain caused by the landing, she felt still the wind brushing against her fur. I-I’m alive? Flute slowly opened her eyes, seeing the Japanese tank in flames, realizing that the explosion was caused by something else, not the cannon.

“Damn!” James got up and checked her.

A Sherman tank had destroyed the hostile tank, moved up and fired a round into the building.

“You’re alright?” Flute nodded with gritted teeth to keep herself from crying. He gently picked her up as they moved to the airfield, covered by the Sherman.

She heard how the soldiers let out a war cry.

“Move up and take out the AA Guns! We are taking this airfield today! Miller! Take out that first gun crew!”

“On it!” He used the flamethrower while James stayed in cover with Flute. She covered her eyes from the battle sounds.

Yet, they took all AA guns out. “Nice work, Marines! Let's give Major Gordon the good news.” Roebuck looked at a radioman who nodded.

“Yes, sir. The airfield has been held... Repeat, the airfield has been held.” He spoke into the radio.

“Uh guys… we got a problem.” Flute spotted MANY Imperial soldiers moving in in the distance.

The Sarge grabbed the radio. “Sir, Japanese reinforcements coming in north of the airfield... Request immediate air support. Yes, Sir... understood.”

Polonsky used a green flare.

“Everyone take position. Eyes forward. Stay strong. We are holding this airfield!”

James manned a Type 92 MG, Polonsky another while Miller manned one of the AA guns.

The foal covered her ears from the loud MG and AA fire. Polonsky and James took out the infantry, while Miller destroyed every truck that moved infantry in.

“They're bringing up tanks!” Polonsky yelled.

Miller took them out with the AA gun.

Again, Flute heard the metallic clang sound, this time, her helmet was shot off. She used her magic to set it back on.

The US-marines held bravely their ground until their planes made a bombing run, wiping the Imperial soldiers out.

The radiomen reported in. “Yes, sir. The airfield had been held... Repeat, the airfield has been held.”

“Good work, Marines. Now get some rest. You have earned it.”

The hearts of the soldiers melted as Flute let out a cute yawn. Despite all the battle sounds, she was getting tired, and it became evening.

They all had a good dinner, James tucked their little friend in. “Goodnight, sweet dreams.”

“Thank you.” Flute yawned. “I just hope Sato or his friends weren’t long them.” She sounded worried.

“I’m sure they’re doing fine. I doubt they would attack us upon seeing how good we take care of you and how they were taught of American culture.

Flute smiled. “You’re right, I have to be fate in that. Good that you gave me that helmet, otherwise…I probably hadn’t survived.” She was afraid to die.

James inspected the helmet. It had a dent from a ricocheted bullet.

“You really think this helmet can stop a bullet? It can stop a pistol bullet but that’s it. Those helmets are made to protect us from splinter and fragments.

“But still, it saved my life. Goodnight.” She drifted off to sleep. James couldn’t help but smile as he also fell asleep, to be ready for the next day of this battle.

Author's Note

A little...misunderstanding but her first encounter with the US Marines still went good. And yes, those Marines are Miller, Roebuck and Polonsky from Call of Duty World at War. We know that they fought on Peleliu Island in 1944 and later on Okinawa in 1945 but it was never shown where they fought between those 2 battles, so I thought Iwo Jima would be good to close this gap.

The Corpse scene was based on a scene from the TV show the pacific but unfortunately, the video got deleted. The tank scene was based on this. The chapter was based on the mission Hard Landing from the game.

Chapter 5 Burn 'em out

Chapter 5: Burn 'em out

James woke up in the night by a sound. Slowly opening his eyes, he noticed that the rest of the squad was also awake.

The sound came from Flute. She was whimpering and sobbing in her sleep, lightly trembling.

“Poor girl, must have a nightmare.”

“I hate to say it, but she’s better be quiet or the Japs know we’re here.”

“Sadly, yes Polonsky. Miller, James, quiet her down,” Roebuck ordered, not wanting that she gave away their position.

James and Miller got over to her. “Shh, don’t be scared, we’re here for you.”

As James took his arm around her, she screamed and kicked around.

“No! Please! Don’t kill me!” No, not the horn!” Flute yelled in her sleep, trying to get free as the Marines grabbed her. She had a terrible nightmare.

“Stick her with Morphine!” James obeyed Roebuck’s order and pulled a syringe with Morphine out. Low dose so her heart could take it.

The filly struggled but in the moment the morphine was injected, her struggling stopped, her breathing became calmer and she snored peacefully.

James wrapped his arm around her, so she wouldn’t have another nightmare. “Shh, I’m here for you.”

In the morning, the beautiful morning sun shining on her body.

She let out a yawn, felling something warm around her.

James was still asleep, his right arm wrapped around her.

He cares for me. Flute let out a warm smile.

The Corpsman stirred in his sleep, opened his eyes and yawned. “Good morning, Flute.”

“Good morning.” She got up but let out a cry of pain.

“You shouldn’t put too much pressure on it. Let me help.” He gently picked her up. She couldn’t help but blush.

“It’s nice from you that you help me but you can’t carry me all time.” She was embarrassed.

“I do only what is right to make sure your wounds heal properly and fast.

“Morning.” The others greeted as they had breakfast.

“S-sorry for what happened yesterday in the night. I-I just had a nightmare.”

“It’s okay, it happens to all of us.” Miller took a sup from his canteen.

The filly saw how Roebuck made again an entry in his Diary.

Though we've taken the airfield, the enemy still hold onto most of the inland areas of the island. A maze of trenches and artillery positions run right through this whole Godforsaken rock. The enemy's dug in deep, and we have to get our hands dirty. Flamethrowers. We'll burn 'em out.

James gave her the Helmet and they moved out.

“Can I ask you something, James?”

“Everything.”

Is there a reason why you’re became a corpsman?”

“I used to work in the hospital before the war. Me, Miller and Sergeant Roebuck, we're known as ‘The old breed’. ‘Old’... we're not even out of our twenties. I’m 26.”

“So you’re serving since this war started?” Flute was curious

“Yep, since 1941 when Pearl Harbor was attacked. I witnessed it.” He sounded shocked.

“Must been horrible.” Flute didn’t wanted to imagine how it must been back then.

“It was, but it belongs to the past now. I don't look back, I look forward.”

They came to a trench. The Sarge explained the situation.

“Our tanks are getting hammered by mortar fire! We need to clear these trenches and knock out each mortar pit! Get ready with that flamethrower! Incoming!!!”

“MG up on that hill! It's tearing up our men!” Polonsky pointed it out.

“Throw some smoke for cover! Or it will rip us to shreds!” James crouched to avoid that he or Flute would get hit by it.

“Smoke out!” Miller threw a Smoke grenade.

“Go! All right... let's keep on 'em! This way! Eyes open!” Roebuck watched out for any ambushes as they took a right turn, then a left and the first pit was in sight.

“First mortar pit up ahead!” Polonsky yelled.

“Go clear it out, Miller...” Roebuck ordered, giving covering fire.

An enemy Grenade landed near Flute. “Grenade!” She yelled, James threw it back.

“Back to sender!”

He sat her down behind a barrel. She covered her ears, not able to bear the screams of the Japanese soldier who got burned by Miller.

“One down. Move on!”

“Tenno Heika Banzai!” a Banzai Charger charged at James, he countered it by hitting him with the butt of his Carbine.

“Banzai yourself!” Then he picked Flute up as they moved to the next pit.

A radioman took her in his arms as James vaulted out of the trench to the next, then passed her back.

“There's the next mortar pit!” Polonsky covered Miller as he moved into range.

“Burn 'em!!!!”

Miller did so as told. Flute heard the ping sound as Polonsky reloaded, James inserted a new magazine for his rifle after Flute was in a safe spot.

Her ears ringed as the pit exploded in a giant fireball. “Oh my…” Her eyes went small in shock.

“Don’t look.” James had a fatherly tone, patting her.

Taken out. One more pit to clear. Keep it up.” Roebuck ordered.

“Sniper!” Miller yelled as a bullet flew past him, almost hitting Flute who yelped in fear.

“I got him.” With a short burst of his Thompson, Roebuck had killed him as he was on a bridge above the trench.

At multiple tunnels, 2 Imperial soldiers were standing near explosive red barrels. Polonsky fired two shots at it, making them explode and killing the hostile soldiers with it.

“Get in there and clear those tunnels!”

Miller walked ahead to clear the way.

“Last mortar pit's dead ahead! Move! We're almost done here.”

The last pit was heavily defended but it was no match for the flamethrower.

Flute pressed herself against the Corpsman, praying that Sato was not killed.

“Outstanding!” Roebuck was proud as the reported to command.

“Sir, mortar pits have been neutralized... Tanks are now en route to the point.”

“Tanks are moving up!” Polonsky pointed at several Sherman tanks driving by, followed by infantry. Flute yes went wide as she was fascinated.

“Radio command, tell 'em we've cleared the mortar pits. Good work, Marines...Now only the Coast guns are left and then…You can get off this rock.” Roebuck ruffled her hair causing her to giggle.

Sato was still alive, and so were his friends, but he was worried about Flute.

“I-I can’t believe we left her behind…” He buried his head into his hands as he couldn’t believe it at the HQ.

“Sato…” Chiba tried to find the right words, “I’m sure the US-troops didn’t hurt her and she’s safe and sound. It happened too fast.”

“What makes you so sure?”

“Well, I overheard reports that a corpsman carrying a filly in his arms was spotted.”

“No doubt they will try to get her of this island. But this maybe…could be better for her to be with them then us.” Sato realized that she may be safer with the US troops then with the Japanese.”

“I’m not so sure. I have the feeling that they and we both will regret that.” Chiba looked towards the sea, not sure what would happen.

Author's Note

What could Chiba mean with that? Tootsie having a nightmare was based on this from the pacific As the last chapter, it's based in the mission from COD WAW with the same name. And James's line when he countered the Banzai Charger, that's what I sayed sometimes when I countered them.

Chapter 6 The point

Chapter 6: The point

Later, General Kuribayashi wanted that Chiba and his squad reported.

“Reporting as ordered.” They stood at attention.

“At ease. You’re good soldiers and you did your duty. To be honest, I don’t want that you get killed for Flute’s wellbeing. So, I transfer you to Okinawa. Unlike Iwo Jima, on Okinawa, you should have a better chance to survive. Dismissed.”

That filled all men with unease.

Okinawa served as base for the planes and as shipyard to repair damaged planes.

Also, supplies and Resources were would transported to Japan from there.

Like Iwo Jima, it was a strategic important position for both sides.

This island was the last line of defense that stood in the way of an invasion of the Japanese main island by the Allies. Should the Americans conquer it, they could cut off the Japanese troops in the southern Pacific from the remaining armed forces stationed in Korea, North China and Japan. And the Allies also could invade Japan which must be prevented at all costs.

“As stupid as it sounds, we should surrender to the Americans when we have the chance on Okinawa,” Suzuki suggested.

“It is seen as shame, but I don’t care anymore! What has honor to do with treating POWs so… inhuman?!” Osaka exclaimed. They always gave US POWs food and medicine to show their sympathy and that not all Japanese soldiers were fanatical.

“I don’t know. But if some of our comrades capture Flute and…”

Sato couldn’t finish is sentence as Osaka patted his shoulder. “Relax, if some of our comrades capture her, we will free her.” He looked him into the eyes with an honest expression.

“Thank you. That means a lot to me.”

“That’s what friends are for.”

Despite all this support, Sato prayed by the Emperor that Flute wouldn’t suffer such a fate or something worse.

Right now, the filly was riding with Miller, James and Roebuck on a Sherman tank, as the Sarge made an entry.

Getting this far has been tougher than any of us could ever have imagined. Taking the airfield and the mortar pits showed us that the enemy will fight to the death for every last inch of this rock.

Then he putted it in his pocket and explained what their objective was.

“The 200 mm on the point still has the Beach targeted. We all saw firsthand what that means when we hit shore. Any attempts to bring in reinforcements just leads to the same outcome...”

“A bloodbath...” James finished the sentence for him.

“Yeah... well... Major Gordon's suspended any further landings until the guns are knocked out. Now listen... Tojo's got a network of tunnels and caves running through the whole damn rock... We're trying to flush 'em out with the dogs... but we all know how stubborn these bastards are. Be prepared for close quarter fighting... They'll come at us from all sides. Watch each other's backs... Don't get caught out.”

“Incoming!!!” Miller yelled as the leading tank got destroyed by an anti-tank position.

They all hoped off, Flute got shell-shocked by the explosion.

“Find some cover, fast! GO GO GO! Get to cover, now!” Polonsky yelled. “Japanese infantry!”

Flute’s vision returned to normal as James checked her. “You’re ok?” He asked panic welling in his voice.

“Yes.” He helped her up. She could walk again, but only limping, so James carried her to cover.

“We got artillery coming from the northeast!” Miller fired his captured Arisaka at the enemy. He swapped it for his M1 Garand as it had an abundance of ammunition.

“We need to move up and knock 'em out!” Roebuck fired his Thompson.

James putted the filly behind the destroyed tank as cover.

She carefully peeked around it, seeing how the Marines fought back and moved up. James stayed with her.

The filly heard a cry of pain, a young Marine was hit in the chest. “I don’t wanna die on this Rock…Someone get me outta here!”

“Hang on, you gonna be alright!” the Corpsman applied pressure on the wound to slow the bleeding.

Flute quickly got some bandages out of his pocket with her magic. “Thanks.”

Despite James’s best efforts, the young Marine bleed out too fast. As the body went limp, the Corpsman closed his comrade’s eyes. “We’re losing too many already for this rock.” He took the solder’s dog tags.

The unicorn sniffed. “He was still so young…”

James checked his ammo. The mag was almost empty, so he reloaded. “Yes, so many dead just for this rock. But the faster we take this gun out, the more lives we safe.” He gently took her on his arm as they moved out.

“Miller! Get on that triple 25! Watch that bunker on the left! Make sure it's clear!” Roebuck warned as James and Flute caught up.

“Banzai!” a Banzai Charger charged at Miller, he countered him by stabbing the Japanese into the chest with the bayonet of his Arisaka.

The enemy soldier held his wound in pain before dying. The Miller got on the AA gun and destroyed the anti-tank position.

“There's another one up ahead! Clear it out! So our tanks can move up!” James spotted another one.

He moved from cover to cover. Pinned down, he putted Flute gently on the ground and fired blind.

Yet, the Marines managed to destroy the enemy position. A piece of the anti-tank gun flew towards Flute after the gun exploded, missing her by millimeter, causing her to yelp.

“That was close.” James commented as he picked her up.

“So far so good, Marines! Keep it tight.” Roebuck complimented his men.

The child started by explosions. American planes made a bombing run in front of them.

“Dammit! Do the air force know we're here?!” Polonsky went to cover.

“Heads down! Our tanks should be able to provide some cover as we close in around the hill. But it'll be up to us to clear the caves... Stay in cover till they finish their run!” Roebuck replied as Flute covered her ears from the explosions.

After the bombing run was finished, a standard Sherman and a Crocodile, a Sherman armed with a flamethrower instead of a 75mm cannon moved up.

The filly saw that the standard Sherman had a manned heavy MG mounted on a secondary mount at the top of the main turret.

“Sergeant, get an MG on the roof of this tin can. It's time to shred some Japs!” the tank commander shouted.

“Sarge! Tanks moving up!” Polonsky was glad to see them.

“Move with it! Go! Now! Stay with the tanks! Use them for cover! Watch the fire!... Stay behind the tanks!” Roebuck advised.

James and Flute used the standard Sherman as cover, Miller Polonsky and Roebuck the Flame tank.

The foal was terrified of those powerful weapons.

The flame tank burned every resistance, the Heavy MG and the 75mm gun of the other tank, tore the hostile soldiers apart.

As they reached the entrance, to the caves, The Sergeant ordered, "Polonsky, take the one on the left!”

“I hear you!”

“This is it! Clear out these caves! James, wait here and keep Flute safe!”

“Roger that.”

While the other Marines cleared the caves, the young Corpsman petted the filly. “Once this is over, we get you to a safer place.”

“I hope it will be over soon too.”

After some minutes, Miller came out. “Regroup.”

They followed him to Polonsky and Roebuck who were standing at a coast gun.

“How many Marines did we lose taking this rock?” Polonsky asked relieved that this was over.

“Already too many.”

A radioman reported to Major Gordon. “Relay the message to Major Gordon. The artillery on the point has been knocked out. Yes sir.”

James gently sat Flute down. She couldn’t help but admire the view from the artillery point.

“Tennōheika banzai!”

Out of nowhere, a Japanese officer stormed in, stabbing Flute in her right shoulder with a Katana.

James shot the officer with his sidearm. “No!!!”

Flute fell backwards to the ground, holding her wound in pain, tears leaving her eyes.

“Flute! No... Hold on... You're gonna be okay...” James applied pressure and sprinkled hemostat to the wound. Flute cried in pain, Miller gently held her hoof and whispered comforting words as James bandaged her.

“Damn it! Don’t worry Flute, we get you of this rock.” Roebuck comforted her as James was bandaging her.

Then the Corpsman carried her to a rally point for the wounded.

Polonsky kneeled to her. “Don’t worry, you gonna be fine in no time. Have I ever told you about New York?”

“N-no…” Flute relied as she winced in pain.

“Let me give you something against the pain.” James gave her Morphine which felt good to her.

“Thanks, doc.”

“You’re welcome.”

“Well Flute, New York is a city in the USA at the East coast and is the most populous city in the United States. It has 5 Townships.

Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx and Staten Island. My mother lives in Queens. Also, New York has many signs. The most famous is the Statue of Liberty, I loved the view from the Empire State Building.” He smiled at the memories.

“Manhattan? In Equestria, we have a city called Manehattan.” Flute was surprised.

“Well, I’m sure James will show you it when you’re on leave, right?”

“Sure thing, Polonsky.” The Corpsman gave her his canteen. “Take a sip.”

After she took a refreshing sip, a LVT stopped next to them. “Is this Item Company?” The commander asked.

“No, K-3-5.” Miller replied.

“I gotta get back to Baker-1-7. Do you have any idea where they are?”

“No I don't. I need you to take the wounded back to the beach.”

“No can do, were moving out.” The LVT started to move but James and Polonsky blocked the way.

Miller climbed on it, took his pistol put and knocked on the driver hatch. Roebuck said nothing, he grinned.

Both drivers opened their hatches, popping their heads out.

“Hold here till we load our wounded, then you can move your butt wherever you want.”

“Yes, sir.” One of the drivers replied.

Polonsky and James stepped aside. “Get the wounded onboard.”

The Corpsman took Flute and the other wounded onboard the LVT.

“Hey James, can you send my mother my regards?” Polonsky asked, blushing a little bit.

“Of course.”

Then the LVT drove to the beach. “Thank you, James.” Flute thanked as she enjoyed the ride.

“I’ll only do my duty.” He smiled.

He and she had this bloody battle. And he could not only bring her to a safer place, but also be on leave, getting some peace and rest from the war.

Author's Note

For James and Tootsie, this battle's over. This chapter was based on the Mission with the same name in COD WAW. The last words of the dying Marine are from Rising Storm, ingame US soldiers can say this line when they die. Miller using an Arisaka, I always use an enemy weapon in such games, I never run out of ammo that way, given that more enemies fall than Allies, right? The way he countered the Banzai Charger, I did that sometimes in the game.

Polonsky's Question how many died for this rock, suits more for Iwo Jima than Peleliu, given the US had more losses than the Japanese here, don't you think? The tank commander's line about the MG is from the game Company of Heros. And the LVT scene is based on a scene from the pacific.

Chapter 8 Lyra's past

Chapter 8: Lyra’s past

Lyra Heartstrings was sleeping in her bed, whimpering quietly while tossing, and turning in it.

After her beloved daughter vanished, she had difficulties to sleep peacefully as she had nightmares about Flute’s wellbeing.

This night, she heard her daughter’s voice screaming for help.

“MOMMY! Somepony, HELP!” The unicorn heard Flute in the distance.

“Mama’s coming!” The mint green unicorn ran as fast as she could towards the direction where Flute’s voice came from.

Lyra galloped into a forest and was shocked when she found her daughter.

Her horn was cut off and she appeared like she was beaten up pretty badly and left to die.

Wasting no time, the mare knelled down to her daughter and used a healing spell she had learned from her husband.

“Hold on sweetie, you gonna be alright!” she tried to comfort her daughter.

“M-mommy…I don’t wanna die yet…” Flute was getting tired.

“NO! Sweetheart, stay with me!” Lyra tried to keep her awake.

“I’m so sorry…I let you down…” Flute’s body went limp. The mare looked at her in blood covered hooves and cried.

“Flute…no…my daughter…my only child…”

Then Lyra awoke with a gasp, panting heavily, cold sweat on her face.

“T-tootsie…” I miss you so much, Flute…Sweetheart.” She buried her face into her hooves and cried herself to sleep.

The unicorn awoke after a few hours, very depressed.

Tears rolled down as Lyra feared that her only daughter would die. After Lyra’s husband vanished, Flute was everything for her.

Maybe some sweets cheer me up. While Ponyville had Sugarcube Corner, Lyra’s friend Bon-Bon, also known as Sweetie Drops, operated a small candy shop, which she helped out and Flute enjoyed it too.

So she took some sweets but even that couldn’t help. Why? Why had this to happen? First my dear husband, now my daughter. Oh, Flute, please…I pray to Celestia that you are safe wherever you are.

Resting her head on the table in sadness, as she head that the door was opened.

“Lyra, I’m home!” Sweetie Drops called out. As the earth pony got no response, she walked into the living room and saw her sad friend.

“Lyra, dear, I know how worried you are about your daughter, but eating sweets won’t help you.”

Lyra sighed. “I just have nightmares that she dies or is hurt pretty badly. This time, I found her hurt pretty badly and…her horn was cut off. My gut tells me that something’s wrong. After I lost my husband, and I had to raise her alone, Flute is the only thing I have left.”

“Lyra, you aren’t alone, you have me. And you know that Flute is like a sister for me too. She knows how much you care for her and that we will search her. As your very best friend, you know that you can count on me and that I’m always here for you.” The earth pony hugged her unicorn friend.

“You know, the story how I got my Cutie Mark isn’t interesting. My mother bought me a Lyre at my birthday as I loved such music, I played it once with great love and my Cutie Mark appeared. You?”

Bon-Bon smiled. “The Shop I own belonged to my parents and I invented a new variety of Bon-Bon’s and my Cutie Mark appeared. You never told me how you met your husband.”

“Well Bon-Bon or Sweetie Drops…”

“Call me as you like.

“Bon-Bon sounds better and cuter to me.” The earth pony blushed at this before Lyra took a deep breath and started to tell.

“I can still remember as if it was yesterday…”

Lyra was a grown up mare, living together with her friend Bon-Bon. They were best friends since school.

She was walking through the market to buy something. After she had looked through and was on her way home, she came across some foals playing baseball.

“Watch out!” a colt yelled as the ball flew towards Lyra. The ball hit her left ear, deafened her hearing. “Sorry ma’am, are you ok?” The same colt asked her worried.

“Sorry, what did you say?” Lyra asked before she collapsed and everything went black.

She awoke later in a hospital. “Ah, you’re awake.” She heard faintly a male voice.

The mare saw a unicorn stallion with purple eyes, a black Mane and a dark blue coat. He was wearing a white doctor coat and had a turning for with musical notes as Cutie Mark.

Hello Miss Heartstrings, I’m doctor Helping Heart. You’re brought into my clinic after that accident.”

His voice was lower than other voices.

It was because of the ball who had hit her ear. But after a few hearing tests, like gauging her hearing with a tuning fork, listing to commands, like raising a hoof to see if she suffered hearing loss and checking if she had a concussion, by using a flashlight to check for dilation in the eyes, a x-ray and a MRI and basic movement tests as well as some memory tests to test her memory, she could leave as everything was not as bad as Heart had feared at first.

“Alright Miss Heartstrings, you can leave. I wish you a wonderful day.”

“You too, doctor Heart.”

After Lyra walked out of the hospital door, she couldn’t help but having a strange feeling in her heart towards the stallion.

Helping Heart had the same felling as he looked after the lime green mare until she was out of sight.

“Are you sure she’s ok? Her fascination about humans fills me with concern about her Psychological condition.” His new assistant, a young unicorn with gray mane, white coat and green eyes and textbooks and a chair as Cutie Mark, Psycho Ann asked him.

“Of course, I’m sure, she has the same hobby just like me. In time, you will understand what a good doctor makes, Ann.”

Bon-Bon was visiting her parents on another town while the accident happened, so she knew nothing of that.

A few days later, Lyra visited a concert of Octavia Melody, a new Cellist in town.

The musician liked that kind of some as well as Lyre music.

“Beautiful, isn’t it?” Lyra heard a familiar voice next to her.

Turning her head, she saw Helping Heart.

“Helping Heart, you here too?” She was surprised.

“Yes, I like this kind of music. May I have this dance?” He asked and they danced together.

After the concert, they talked how much they had in common.

“Apart from my work as doctor, I like to play music in my spare time. I tune my guitar often. And I’m also interested in humans,” Heart explained.

“What a coincidence, me too!” Lyra exclaimed. Her heart beat faster as she couldn’t help but feel love and kissed him on his lips which he returned.

“I love you.”

“I love you too.”

Unknown to them, Psycho Ann watched them without being noticed. Oh, Heart, can’t you see how mentally unstable she is? She tries to get you into her crazy mind.

“So, that was how you met Heart. Had I been in town that time, I had knew sooner how you met him. I can still remember how happy you both were at your wedding.”

Lyra smiled. “Yep, the happiest moment in my life. But I will never forget the day he vanished…”

After a beautiful night, Lyra got pregnant. Time passed fast.

“You’re going to be a wonderful father.” Lyra kissed the blue stallion.

“And you a wonderful mother.” They lived in Heart’s house.

He nuzzled her belly, causing the foal to kick. Then they went to bed, snuggling with smiles.

In the morning, Heart woke up and got up quietly, not to wake his wife.

After breakfast, somepony knocked on the door. Who could it be so early in the morning?

To his surprise, it was his assistant Psycho Ann.

“Good morning Psycho Ann, how can I help?”

“Yes, break up with that mentally instable mare.” She was ice-cold.

“Mentally instable? She’s fine, what you’re talking about?” The doctor was confused.

“Don’t you see? Her ‘Hobby’ about humans is not a hobby, she’s obsessed about them!” She exclaimed.

“No, she’s not! It’s just a hobby, I have it too!” He proclaimed.

“For you, but not for her. You will see. I will apply that she’s get into a madhouse!” Heart’s co-worker stomped away angry.

“Who was that, honey?” Lyra was awoken by the noise and came down the stairs.

“Nothing sweetheart, my co-worker was just jealous, she had a crush on me before I met you.” It wasn’t a lie, Psycho Ann had a crush on him but she wasn’t his type.

Bon-Bon visited them. “Hello Lyra, how is my friend doing?”

“Doing well. I can’t wait to be a mother!” the unicorn exclaimed happy.

“I believe you that. Thought of any names for your foal?”

Heart smiled. “If it’s a filly, we name her Tootsie Flute, and if it’s a colt then…wait, we haven’t thought of any male names yet!”

His wife giggled. “Who made an ultrasonic and said it’s a filly?”

He blushed. “Oh…right, I forgot.”

They talked how wonderful it would be and Sweetie Drops couldn’t be happier for her friend to be a mother. She couldn’t help but smile as she leaved and thought how wonderful it must be to have a child.

Psycho Ann was very mad. Her request to send Lyra Heartstrings into a madhouse got rejected. There was no evidence that Lyra was mental unstable.

If the law won’t help me, then I’ll do it myself!

Lyra and Helping Heart were shopping as the white mare approached them.

“Helping Heart! Get away from her, right now!”

He groaned. “What’s the matter with you?”

“What’s the matter? Your ‘wife’ is nothing but unstable! Insane! And as the law won’t help me, I’ll do it myself to open your eyes!”

She threw him to the ground, storming at Lyra, the mint green mare tried to use a defensive spell but she couldn’t do it in time.

Ann threw her to the ground but Lyra caught herself so the unborn foal wouldn’t suffer any damage.

The white unicorn was about to punch her but Bon-Bon shouted, “You won’t hurt my friend!”

The earth pony used her agent training in hoof to hoof combat to overpower the psychology doctor and pinned her down.

“You ok, my love?” Heart offered his hoof to help Lyra up.

“I’m okay, I managed to caught myself, so our foal isn’t hurt.”

“It takes more than that!” Psycho Ann yelled as her horn lightened up and threw the agent off her and knocked the earth pony out.

“Bon-Bon!”

“What have you done!?” Heart was shocked at what he just saw.

“What has to be done!” The white unicorn fired a spell on Lyra.

“NO!” Heart threw himself into the spell. Everypony was blended by a white light as the spell hit him. After the light vanished, he was gone.

Before Ann could do any harm to Lyra, Bon-Bon woke up and knocked the doctor out.

Lyra looked desperate around, trying to understand what happened to her husband. “No…NO! He’s gone!” She cried.

After a police officer and a royal guard arrested Lyra’s attacker, her water broke and she was brought into the hospital.

Nurse Redheart and Heart’s replacement, Dr. Stable were helping with the birth of her foal. Redheart was gently holding her hoof while Bon-Bon was also here.

“It’s so painful!” Lyra gasped heavily.

“Push, Lyra, push!” The doctor ordered as Lyra screamed in pain louder than ever before in her life. Then the sound of a crying baby filled the room.

My goodness…” The earth pony friend cried tears of joy as she gently picked the newborn up and gives it to her mother.

“Congratulations, it’s a filly.” Dr. Stable smiled.

“She has the colors of his father, mixed with mine. Welcome to the world, Tootsie Flute.” She looked with tears of joy and a smile at her baby. It had purple eyes.

A police officer walked in. “Ms. Heartstrings, I’m here to inform you that your attacker has been brought into a madhouse as she is mentally unstable herself. We also analyzed the magic she used and it appears that he…was teleported away and it killed him.”

Lyra started to cry as her friend comforted her. “Don’t cry Lyra, you’re still having me. You can life with me if you want. I’m sure I can help raising Flute.”

“Thanks, Bon-Bon.”

“That’s what friends are for. I see you tomorrow.” The earth Pony leaved and yawned as it was getting late.

Flute also yawned and fell asleep. I protect you from all harm, Flute.

Before Lyra fell asleep, she noticed a medium build earth stallion with brown coat, black mane and brown eyes walked in. As Cutie Mark he had a cigar and a glass of scotch on top of some books outside her room. He wore the uniform of the hospital security guards and his nametag showed that his name was Dust Dunes.

He waved friendly. The unicorn took also notice that he stood on his hind legs for a few seconds waved his forelegs fourth and back, before getting down and starting his patrol.

Unware to them all, Psycho Ann had broken out and wanted revenge.

She managed to sneak into the hospital, waiting for Dusk to have his back to her. Time for Psychological Warfare.

Ann used a spell on his radio, sending a feedback into it.

He held his ears. “Damn it! Buck!” The stallion swore excessively begging for the noise to stop in a state of severe pain.

As he was distracted by this, the mare moved closer for the kill.

However, this had awoken Lyra.

She wondered about the noise but panicked as Psycho Ann entered her room. “Time to end what you started! You’re responsible for his death!” She held a knife in her magic.

Lyra wanted to scream but Flute awoke and her horn glowed. It levitated the knife out of Ann’s reach and threw her to the ground.

Before she even knew what happened, Dusk had rushed in and cuffed her. “You have the right to remain silent, anything you say can be—Ah screws that, an insane mare like you doesn’t need rights. You’re alright, Ms. Heartstrings?” He was worried.

“I’m fine. Shh, calm down, shh…” Lyra rocked Flute until she was asleep again.

After that incident, Psycho Ann got brought back into the madhouse, but she died during a crash. Lyra thanked Dusk for his help, he replied that he only did his duty. While Lyra tried to keep contact with him, it broke away as he got transferred somewhere in the south near Appleloosa.

Bon-Bon and Lyra lived together, the former agent helped to raise Flute well. She was like a sister to her.

“Thank you Bon-Bon, for all your help. May I ask when you did become an agent?”

“Shortly after I was grown up. Maybe some fresh air helps you to get your mind clear.”

“Yeah, maybe.”

Outside, she took a deep breath, she enjoyed how quiet Ponyville was and how everypony helped each other in the time of need. Everypony also greeted her and expressed his condolences. The unicorn thanked in return.

While her walk, Flute’s friends Dinky, Noi, Ruby and the CMC crossed her way. “Hello, Lyra. We’re sorry to hear what happened to your daughter!” they exclaimed together.

“Hello, girls. I know what a good friend my daughter is to you.”

After that, she walked into the park and set down on a bench.

Lyra let out a sign. “Oh Flute…please…be alright. I’m so worried.”

Then, she suddenly felt a stinging pain in her heart, her pupils went small.

“I’m…so cold…” Her daughter’s voice echoed in her head.

She collapsed on the bench, crying her heart out.

“No…NO! No! WAAAHH FLUTE!!! SHE’s DEAD!!”

Author's Note

Poor Lyra. I thought i give my proofreader's pony counterpart again a apperence on my stories. About Sweetie Drops, given that we know that Sweetie Drops is her actual name, I couldn't dicide which name I should use, I'm used to Bon Bon, sounds better to me. What of the two names would you use if you were Lyra in that position?

Chapter 9 The fight for life

Chapter 9: The fight for life

Flute's condition wasn’t getting any better as she was on the ship en route to the USA. James stayed by her side, watched her condition, praying that she would make it,

He stroked her mane. “Flute, I know we knew each other not for long, but since the day on Iwo Jima where I took care of you, I closed you in my heart. Ever since, I swore to myself I would sacrifice myself to make sure you would get off this rock safe and sound.

And, I will never leave your side, whatever happens. Promise.”

He let out a sigh. Oh Lord, why she? Why has she to suffer so much?

A warning tone tore the man out, the fillies heart gave out. “NO! NURSE!” he yelled as he did CPR to get her breathing again.

At once, a nurse and a doctor came in. While being a doctor himself, James had to stay out, so the medical personnel could work without being disturbed.

He buried his head into his hands. “Please Flute…Hold on…Don’t die…”

Flute remained in a void of Darkness. She awoke with a gasp at the sound of a drilling sound and screamed.

Looking around panting heavily, she was restrained on a dentist chair, blood on the ground and walls, she was in a room which looked like a Physician's office. The windows were barricaded.

“All clear, sir.” She heard a voice.

“Roger. Move in!” It was James’s voice.

He moved with two other Marines in. “Flute ... You're okay. Thank God!” The young soldier freed her.

She hugged him tightly. “W-what’s going on?” She asked, her voice shaken.

“I don’t know. We were sent to rescue you out of this Asylum. Whatever happened here, it can’t be good.”

Tootsie stared out into the billowing mist outside

There was something not quite right about that mist.

Looking at it long, she felt...colder...weaker. It was so frightening, so daunting...and yet somehow...

Why did it feel so inviting?

Why did she feel the wish to open the doors, step outside and walk into the mist.

There were shadows in the eerie vapour. Faces. Lights.

Bright yellow, almost gold.

Just like Lyra's magic.

“Lyra?” she whispered “Is that you? Have you come to bring me home?”

Her shaking hoof was inches from the doorknob.

“Uh, guys, we have a problem.” One of the Marines pointed out of the window.

The little unicorn filly was jerked out of her stupor by a nearby yell.

Something was coming indeed.

She peered out of the barricades.

People were walking out of the mist. She saw their eyes long before she saw their full forms.

She'd never seen such bright, glowing, yellow eyes.

A hoarse, gravelly screech outside pierced the silence.

One of the men in the mist had scrambled off the ground, lifting its head to the sky and howling like a wolf. He started to a walk towards the barricades in a slow, stumbling motion but in a Goose Step march. Then it charged, running in a manner unlike anything Tootsie had ever seen.

The man ran as if his legs were moving without the rest of him. His head stayed fixed on the ground and his shoulders swung wildly, his arms outstretched but his legs ran on and on in this sick, jolting fashion.

As he drew closer, Tootsie saw he was not in good condition. His uniform was filthy, matted with soil and blood, rubbery and raw.

So, it seemed, was his body. He was letting loose another howl when the first shot rang out.

She didn't see who shot him but the man went down, his kneecap shattered, sending him crashing to the ground, flat on his face, groaning morbidly. One of his hands raised as he forced himself to crawl.

Tootsie gave a gasp. The man was in such pain.

"Don't worry!" she called out "I'll help you."

She called back to the wounded man, who was nearing the house, pulling himself forward along the soil.

"Don't worry. Help's coming!" she found an opening in the barricade and reached through "Grab my hoof!"

He made an attempt to do so, his head slowly rising as he gave forth another groan.

Tootsie's eyes and mouth opened wide at the horror.

"Tootsie! Get away from there!"

With a scream, the filly was hauled away, scraping her foreleg painfully on the splintery barricade.

She barely noticed. Her eyes were transfixed at the face outside.

The man resembled a corpse. A hungry one. His skin had turned grey in decomposition and, like his hands and uniform, was matted with blood. The most could be found around his mouth. His pale-yellow teeth had sharpened and gnashed and grinded before her as his flailing hand wrestling with the barricade.

As he howled again, he jerked backwards, flesh and bone fragments flying from his head in horrid wet clumps as the Shotgunner fired three shots into his skull. The thing from the mist fell back onto the ground and lay still.

Taking a breath, he held the filly close, his commanding voice struggling not to crack.

"Tootsie," he ordered "Don't touch them! Don't even get near them! If they grab you, you're finished!"

But why?" the filly sobbed, clutching the solder’s chest tight as she fought the visions of the walking corpse out of her mind "What are they?!"

The Marine paused and looked out. More of them were coming, swaying ungainly as they trudged in unison toward their perimeter.

"Soldiers...They were...once." he answered, his voice devoid of emotion, staring blankly at the shuffling horde.

"Wh-what are they now?" Tootsie asked, looking up at him, dreading the answer.

The Marine did not look at her but answered without hesitation.

"Death."

“Uh-oh. Not good.” James realized how bad this was.

“They’re everywhere!” The other Marine shouted.

“Shit!” the first Marine checked his BAR.

“I don’t wanna die!” Flute yelled scared.

James looked around. He spotted closed doors. “We need to get those doors open!”

“Don’t hate me!” The BAR gunner replied.

Flute looked in panic around until she saw a message written on the wall. Power will reunite you.

“We need to get the power on!” she exclaimed.

“Okay, you two, hold them off, we get the power on!” James prepared his Carbine.

“Just hurry up, okay!?” The Shotgunner asked in stress as the Zombies stormed towards them.

James kicked the doors open, the filly followed him while his comrades held the Zombies off. The unicorn wondered what happened here as she heard quiet sobbing from a boy and frequent screams of women, men and babies. The Asylum itself looked like it was heavily damaged by something.

“THEY’RE ALL OVER THE PLACE!” One of the two Marines shouted.

Zombie screams ringed through the foal’s ears after getting a couple of stairs up. Seeing a horde of Zombies after them, James threw a grenade down.

“Watch out, behind you!” She warned as Zombies broke through a barrier to the right of him.

“Damn! He fired at them, aimed for the head. The child saw the door to the Power Room.

She used all her strength to open it. A cut off hand was holding the power switch. “Hit!” James switched it.

A large horde of Zombies approached but they got all zapped by bolts of lightning.

Flute let out a sigh. “It’s over.”

“No. It ain’t over. This is just the beginning.”

“What do you mean, it’s just the beginning?” She was confused, then suddenly, she coughed up blood and her vision flashed red.

“W-what’s happening to me?” She collapsed in pain, her body cramping.

“Y-you’re turning into one of them!” James sounded shocked. “Don’t worry, I make it quick and painless.” He drew his M1911 and aimed at her head. “I’m sorry.” Before she returned into the void of Darkness, she heard a gunshot.

After a while, the doctor came out to speak with James. “We could reanimate her. The Tuberculosis is what troubles her the most. It’s very hard to say if she can make it.”

After that, James was even more worried about her condition. Time passed. Her heart gave out several times more. But she could be reanimated every time. Every doctor and Nurse had sympathy for the young filly and prayed she would make it.

James didn’t care how much time passed. But with everyday seeing her, talking to her, he realized something. Something that he kept secret for years.

“Flute…”He tried to find a way to explain it, “I don’t know if you can hear me, but I have something to tell you.” He took a deep breath.

I know your mother never told you much about your father, but I knew him, as stupid as it sounds. While he disappeared in Equestria, he appeared in another world and started a new life, after he realized he couldn’t go back. I’m your father. Even if you’re still not born after that incident, I never stopped loving you. Even after I landed on Earth.”

After White Heart got hit by the spell, he blacked out. After some time, he awoke with a groan. Where am I? He looked around.

Instead of the streets of Ponyville, he was on a couch in a nice house, a warm blanked covered him. Also, he wasn’t a pony anymore, but a human with black hair and blue eyes. The clothes he wore had the color of his coat.

I’m a human? But how? His mind couldn’t look for answers, as a young woman with brown hair and green eyes walked in.

“Ah, you’re awake. My name is Harper. Harper Elliot. I found you passed out on the street. How are you?”

“A headache but otherwise fine. Your name fits you.”

She blushed. “Thanks. What’s your name?”

Heart was unprepared for this. “My name? I…can’t remember.” He lied.

Harper giggled. “Actually, I know already you’re not from here. You’re appeared in a white light in front of me.”

Heart raised an eyebrow. “This is not confusing to you?”

“It was at first, yes, but I’m interested in supernatural things. And you were a unicorn before transforming into a human before my eyes.” She explained.

“Uh-huh. How can I trust you?” He was suspicious.

“If I meant harm, I had given you to the authorities. But I’m interested in your backstory.” She set down next to him.

“It’s kind of a long story.” He told him about his life in Equestria. She had sympathy for him.

“Poor you. You can stay here.”

“Thanks for the offer.” In return, Harper told him that he was in Cottonwood, a city in the Federal State Arizona in the United States of America, USA for short. The year was 1940. She also thought him about the culture of it and enlisted him for citizenship.

While they were only friends at the beginning, they fell in love with each other and married. They also had a daughter named Victoria. She had brown hair with matching eyes.

They lived on a ranch and Heart named himself James. He became a doctor like he was back in Equestria. He still loved Lyra with all his heart but as there was no point of return, he got used to the human world.

As the USA had compulsory service, he joined the US-Marines as Corpsman. He was deployed at Wheeler Army Airfield when the attack on Pearl Harbor began in 1941. Back then, he went to cover and took care of the wounded.

After the USA entered the war, Harper cried. “Please don’t die. For my and our daughter’s sake.”

He kissed her. “I won’t. Besides, how hard could be the fight against Japan?”

This was a mistake he soon realized when he took part in the landings.

“…And that’s how I became a Marine. Despite all this, I never forgot Lyra or you. But after all what happened, I don’t think that I deserved it to be your father. You deserved better than someone like me. Sato would make a good father for you.” He stroked her mane and started to sing.

When the boys have all come home to stay

And a million bands begin to play

And when we've lit the torch of liberty

In each blacked out land across the sea

And we will give a mighty cheer

When this lovely dream has all come true

He took a deep breath.

Life is still spinning,

And everything I hoped for has been strangely set aside.

Reason for living,

My mind is forgiving.

And destiny is proving to be absent from my life.

I know it, I feel it,

Conscious fulfilling,

The darkness revealing all,

Thoughts and insecurities are shining like the sun...

Your end is my end,

My life is gone.

He suppressed tears at the thought that his daughter would die.

“Please, Flute, don’t die. I don’t want to lose another one I love.”

As he let his tears flow, a tear flow Flute’s cheek down. She sniffed and whispered softly, “Daddy…”

A feeling of Joy overtook the former Stallion. “Doc, I think she’s waking up!”

A doctor came in and checked the filly. “Yes, she’s waking up.

The little foal slowly opened her eyes and hugged her father with sobs. He stroked her hair while hugging her back.

The doctors and Nurses cried also tears of joy.

The waiting game came to an end. A happy end.

Author's Note

Didn't see that coming, did you? Tootsie's nightmare was based on this trailer from COD war in combination with this

The song James singed was a mix between Victory Polka and Lullaby For A Dead Man, one of my favorite songs from the zombie mode of COD WAW.

Chapter 10 Meet the family

Chapter 10: Meet the family

They hugged each other with tears of joy. “I’m so glad you’re survived, Flute!” James cried.

“How long was I out?” Flute asked confused.

“1 month or 2.”

“Months?!” Flute exclaimed in panic and shock.

“Shh, calm down. You’re fallen into a coma but you’re woken up now. Also, your burns are healed and your fur has grown back. You’re in a hospital in the USA. What about I introduce you to my wife and daughter?” the young man offered.

Flute smiled. “I would like to see them.”

“I think that has to wait.” A new voice said.

James turned around and saw a man in a black coat, wearing a fedora. “Who are you?”

The man gave him his ID. “Agent Tanner, Secret service. I’m here for the foal.”

James took a protective stance. “Don’t even think about taking her!” She began to tremble in fear.

Tanner waved a hand. “Calm down soldier, I just have some question for her, that’s all.”

“Fine.” The Corpsman slowly moved aside, watching the agent’s movements closely.

“What do you want to know, Mr. Tanner?” Flute was polite but fear was still in her voice.

“I would like to know about your home, your parents, diet, how you got here and what you learned about humanity.”

Flute answered his question as good as she could. While ponies were vegetarians, James got used to meat and Flute told the agent that she didn’t mind it as her mother told her about it once, knowing that it was important to their survival.

Tanner was impressed how much she knew. “Well, that’s enough. My sympathy for all you been through, Still, I wish you a pleasant stay in the United States of America.” He turned to Heart who still watched Tanner carefully.

“You can be proud of yourself. I’m impressed that you could keep this secret for so long. I would have done the same if I would be father of a filly.” He patted James’s shoulder and left.

While still staying a few days in the hospital, the unicorn heard a conversation between two Security guards of the hospital.

“…But listen, I was watching cartoons and a report about ponies, and it give me an idea.”

“Oh here we go…Okay Einstein, let’s hear it.” The other guard was not happy to hear his co-worker’s idea.

“Uh, listen to this: What about a show…about talking ponies?”

“What do you mean?”

“You know, ponies that live like we do. Chatting, working, drive cars. Maybe even uhh…grab and use items like we can.”

“Have you been sniffing glue? How they’re gonna do that?”

“Listen, I ain’t work that out yet but, they probably have some sort of magic to do those things. Maybe some different races too…”

“Uh, yeah, that’s a brilliant idea, huh. That sounds interesting but it will never gonna happen.”

“Oh yeah? I’m sure someone will figure out someday, and you can mark my words on that!” The first guard exclaimed.

“Uh-huh. Sure they will. Right after a guy publishes a story of a city in the sea.” The other guard chuckled.

The filly’s immune system had won the fight against Tuberculosis, so she got discharged.

Once outside, James spoke proudly, “Welcome to the USA, my daughter.”

They took the next train to cottonwood. The unicorn enjoyed the view out of the window, while her father was taking a nap.

At the train station, they got greeted by Harper and Victoria. “Daddy! Over here!” the girl called out as she ran into her father for a tight hug. “Welcome home! I missed you!”

He returned it. “I missed you too, sweetheart. Harper, you haven’t changed a bit.” He kissed his wife.

“You too. Who’s this?” She asked as she saw Flute. She waved friendly with a smile.

“I’m Tootsie Flute, Mrs. Elliot.” She introduced herself.

“That’s polite but Harper is just fine. And this is my daughter Victoria.”

While the girl was younger then the foal, she greeted her with a friendly smile. Harper didn’t have to ask about James’s companion, she got instantly that Flute was his child from Equestria.

“Let’s drive home.” They got to the woman’s car, a dark blue 1940 Chrysler New Yorker, also called Culver Empire by some people.

Victoria talked with Flute about the city as they all drove home. The Radio played Farell Draper - Held for questioning.

“There it is…Cottonwood. Tell the truth. You miss it?” James’ wife asked as she drove through the streets.

“To be honest, I missed you and our daughter more than the city, but anything’s better than a foxhole.”

“How long has it been, 4 years?”

Actually 2. You remember when I was on leave in 1943, don’t you?”

“Of course I do. I’m just so happy to see you again.”

Flute liked the city. To her right, she saw how a police officer wrote a ticket to a driver, whose car had been crashed against a tree.

As the car reached the Elliot’s home, Flute looked up at the sounds of engines. The filly saw two B-17's flying overhead and looked at them in awe.

James was talking with a man in a newspaper stand. “Hey, what’s the good work?”

“How you doing, soldier?”

“Lot better now that I’m home.”

“You on leave, or home for good?”

“On leave. What’s new around here?”

“Tell the truth, not much. Everybody just wants the war to be over already. Wish I had some good news for you.”

“Yeah, you and me both. Alright, I’ll see you.”

“Catch you later, buddy.“

The unicorn was smiling happy at the furnishings of the house. A telephone and radio were on the living room, plus a TV. “Nice place you have here.”

“Thank you. You can watch TV or listen to music while I and my wife prepare Dinner.” James offered.

Victoria turned the radio on. It played Louis Prima - When you're smiling.

She and Flute danced happy together to the music while James and Harper made Veggies as Dinner.

When you're smiling

And the whole world smiles with you

And when you're laughing

Oh, when you're laughing

Mmm, man, the sun comes shining through

When you're crying

You bring on the rain

Stop your sighing

Won't you be happy again?

When you're smiling

Keep on smiling

And the whole world smiles with you

When you're laughing

You bring on the joy

Be happy, you've got to groove, my boy

When you're smiling

Keep on smiling

And the whole world smiles with you, oh!

'Cause I'm the sheik of Araby

(With your turban on)

Ooo, your love belongs to me

(With your turban on)

Well, at night when you're asleep

Baby, into your tent I'll creep

(With your turban on)

And the stars that shine above

(Jumpin' as a jaybird)

Will light our way to love

And you'll rule this crazy land with me

I'm the sheik-y man, that's who I be!

“She’s like Victoria. How did you found her?” The young woman asked him.

James sighed. “It’s a long story.”

He told his wife how he found Flute on Iwo Jima and through what she had went so far.

Harper suppressed tears as she looked sadly at the happy foal. “Poor child. But I’m so proud of you.”

“Thanks. Well, technically, Flute is Victoria’s half-sister.”

“Yes she is.”

Flute enjoyed the Dinner with a big grin. “Delicious! You’re a good cook!”

The mother blushed at the compliment. “Thank you.”

“Victoria, we have something to tell you.” James took a deep breath and told his human daughter about his origin.

While Victoria was younger than Flute, she still understood everything. “I had a feeling that you’re familiar to me, Flute.”

“Me too.” Flute yawned, showing unintentionally how tired she was.

“Looks like someone is tired. You should catch some sleep. You earned it.” James smiled.

“Do you have a guest room or a sleeping bag?” The filly asked becoming tired.

“You can share my bed, Flute.” Victoria offered. “I don’t mind it at all as you’re my half-sister.”

“Okay.” The filly was too tired to resist as Harper carried her and tucked the two children in.

“Do you want me to sing to you tonight, Victoria?” She asked smiling at her, Victoria looked over and saw Tootsie Flute had already drifted to sleep and smiled at her shaking her head, pointing at her half-sister. “Okay sweetheart, sleep well.” The wife gave both girls a kiss on the foreheads before heading with her husband into bed.

“She looks like an Angel when she is asleep. Goodnight, James. I love you.”

“I love you too.”

In the morning, Flute woke up and stretched herself. She noticed that her human half-sister was already up. “Good morning Flute, I made you breakfast. Victoria walked with a Breakfast Board in. On it were a bowl of oatmeal and a glass of juice.

“Good morning and thank you.” The filly enjoyed her breakfast, smiling.

“I will do anything I can, to make your stay comfortable, sister.”

“I appreciate it, Victoria.”

They walked into the living room. James was wearing a blue suit with hat and a red tie. “Good morning, children, slept well?”

“Yes we did.” They both replied.

“James, what have you planed?” his wife asked him.

“Visiting an old friend. Plus, Polonsky asked me if I could send his mother his regards. Want to come with me, Flute?”

She grinned. “But of course!” she exclaimed.

“Have fun!” Harper called out as they got out.

The unicorn followed her father to the garage where an orange Lincoln Continental Convertible, sometimes called Jefferson Provincial.

The radio played Antoine Domino - The fat man.

During the ride, Flute noticed that apart from the soldiers who were on leave and the GMC CCKW Trucks that drove around, there was nothing that would hint the USA was at war.

James stopped next to a house with a backyard.

He used the doorbell. A man with black hair and brown eyes opened the door. Actually, he had only one eye, as he had an eyepatch where his left eye should be. “Hey, James!” They gave each other a friendly hug.

“Joe, it’s so nice to see you again.”

“You too. Come in.” Then he saw Flute and was confused. “Who’s your little friend?”

“You remember when I told you about my origin back in Wheeler Army Airfield, don’t you?”

“Of course I do. This is your daughter, right?”

“Yes sir, name’s Tootsie Flute.” She introduced herself.

Joe smiled. “Nice to meet you, Joe is just fine.”

In the living room, Joe brought some sandwiches and two cups of coffee with a glass of juice for Flute.

“Where you were? Was it in Normandy like me, huh? No, Africa? Alright, let me guess, uh...” Joe tried to guess

“Iwo Jima.”

“Yeah? What unit were you in?”

“1st Marine Division.”

“You were on Iwo Jima? Was kind of hairy, I heard.”

“Well, it was no picnic, I tell you. I got order to take care of her, so I got sent home.”

“Yeah…any medals?” Joe took a sip from his coffee.

“Yeah. Purple Cross and the Navy Cross.”

“Whoa, you got a cross! Let me tell you, they don’t give those awards out for nothing. I was in Normandy. We hit Utah Beach, that wasn’t no picnic either, but…”

The former soldier told them how he served in the landing in Normandy. He was captured by a small squad of Waffen-SS troops but escaped.

“…I was crawlin’ over the fence surrounding the house they held me in, I poked my eye out on a tree branch, heh. Well, hey, it was good enough for a discharge. How did your daughter land on Iwo Jima?”

“It’s kind of a long story.” Flute took a deep breath and told Joe everything. The veteran had sympathy for her as he ruffled her mane.

“Poor you. But it seems some Imperial soldiers have a heart unlike what I heard. Oh, almost forget, let me show you something, James.” Joe got up to get something out of his bedroom.

He came back with a Luger pistol. “I stole this from the SS-officer. He slept so tight that he didn’t notice it at all.”

“A pistol 08, a favored trophy. Lucky you,” James commented.

“Daddy,” Flute interrupted, “Can you tell me more about your time here before the war?” She took a bite from her sandwich.

“Of course. Good times.” He mumbled with a smile.

He told his daughter how he spent an evening with his wife in the theater, another one in an opera and spent a beautiful evening in the best restaurant in town. He did the same with Lyra. The filly listened to everything with great interest and laughed when James told her how good friends he and Joe became, sometimes pulling off pranks.

“It was nice seeing you again, Joe. if you excuse us, we have a train to catch.”

“Likewise my friend. Enjoy your stay, Flute!” he called out as they left.

On the way to the train station, the radio played Belleville by Django Reinhardt.

This time, Flute fell asleep while the train was en route to New York.

When they arrived, Flute eyes went wide at the city. Wow…I was only once in Manehattan…but this is…beautiful.”

James chuckled. “This was also my reaction when I first was here.”

They took the next bus to Queens. Every commented how cute Flute’s “costume” was.

At a house, James knocked on the door. A young woman with the same eye and hair color as Polonsky opened the door.

“Yes?” She asked before she recognized James. “Oh, James, what brings you here?” She was smiling.

“Hello, Ms. Polonsky, I’m here to send you your son’s regards.”

“That’s nice from you. Want to come in for a cup of tea?” She offered politely.

“Thanks, but I wanted to show my daughter New York.”

The woman saw Flute behind his back. “Aww, aren’t you cute. You can be proud of your father.”

“I am proud of him!” She exclaimed happy.

“I hope you enjoy the tour.” Polonsky’s mother said goodbye.

And Flute did enjoy the tour, especially the sights. She enjoyed Manhattan the most and the great view from the Empire State building.

After the tour, they were on their way home. James and Harper had something special planed for Dinner.

After reaching Cottonwood, Flute noticed how James stopped next to a Restaurant named Stella's Diner. What has he in mind? The baby blue foal wondered as she saw how her father ordered something and got back with four Alufolia where something was packed up. It was warm, Flute could feel the warm from them.

Finally at home, the soldier revealed that he had bought doner for Dinner. Three normal doner for himself, his wife and daughter and one Vegetarian doner for Flute.

“Mhh, delicious!” The foal enjoyed every bite, smiling. Her mouth was covered in garlic sauce. “Never had eaten something like this before!”

Harper smiled. “Glad to hear it. It’s called a doner, a type of Turkish kebab, made of meat cooked on a vertical rotisserie. We thought you would like it to try.”

“And I enjoy every bite!” After having finished, the married couple cleaned the kitchen while Victoria tickled her half-sister until she was lying on the ground, trying to catch her breath. Then they were drawing together.

After the cleaning was complete, the adult’s hearts melted.

The children were asleep on the floor, a drawing between them. Flute had drawn Lyra and Sweetie Drops with the words “Mother, sister” and “I miss you,” Above them. She had also drawn herself with Victoria, Harper and James.

Harper hung it up on the Refrigerator, while her husband tucked the children in.

“It’s heartbreaking how she misses them.” Harper looked sad at the sleeping unicorn.

“I know, but she has us. And she’s safe from the war.”

“That’s right. Goodnight.” They went to bed.

The young man woke up in the middle of the night as he had to use the bathroom. Shouldn’t have drink so much in the evening.

After he had washed his hands, he had to smile, as the children snuggled in their sleep.

The unicorn stirred in her sleep, letting out a yawn. Looking on the clock, it was 10AM in the morning. Victoria also awoke. “Good morning, sister.” The girl smiled warmly at her half-sister.

“Good morning, Victoria.” They got out of the bed, seeing that their parents were still asleep.

“I got an idea. How about we make breakfast for our parents?” Victoria suggested.

“I was thinking the same!” Flute exclaimed with a smile.

Harper and her husband woke up as a wonderful smell came out of the kitchen. Flute and Victoria walked in. They carried Breakfast Boards with toast and two glasses of juice on them in.” Thanks, children.” Harper was pleased that they did such a nice act.

“Delicious.” Flute blushed at this.

“Thank you, James.”

For the rest of the day, the filly helped in the house and the ranch. At first, she was confused that the horses couldn’t talk and such but understood it quickly, having greatest pleasure in helping out. At one time, she fell of the tractor but was apart from some bruises fine.

After a few weeks, the radio had a special report.

“This is a solemn but a glorious hour. I only wish that Franklin D. Roosevelt had lived to see this day. General Eisenhower informs me that the forces of Germany have surrendered to the United Nations. The flags of freedom fly over all Europe.

For this victory, we join in offering our thanks to the Providence which has guided and sustained us through the dark days of adversity. The victory won in the West, must now be won in the East.” President Truman announced.

Hearing that the war in Europe was over, the family celebrated with the crowds on the streets. Flute couldn’t help herself but feel joy and happiness that the war was over, at least in Europe.

But, as the war in the pacific wasn’t over yet, James had to go back there. It made her sad, but she enjoyed the time with him and the celebration.

A few days later, she hugged him in the harbor as he went back. “I will miss you, daddy.”

“I will miss you too, sweetheart.” He stroked her mane one last time before he went onboard a medical ship.

Then she heard the voice of a woman. “Aww, so cute! What do you say girls, should she be our mascot?” She picked the filly up, hugging her happy. It was a nurse of the Nursing Corp.

“Yes!” They replied, smiling at the cute foal.

While Flute liked how they found her cute, she felt unsafe. “Uhh, James...little help, please?" She asked as they brought her onboard, seeing him along the other Corpsmen.

“Hey!” He exclaimed at the sight, “What are you thinking?! Her parents will be worried and you didn’t even ask her if she wants to!”

“Sorry sir, she’s just so cute!” The Nurse let the filly down.

“Don’t worry, we will inform your parents right away!” another leaved for the radio room.

“You could help us carry supplies or can give the soldiers lemonade.” The nurse asked Flute.

“I would like to help. Can I, daddy?” She looked with puppy eyes at James.

“Yes.” Given that she would give lemonade to him and other Marines and carry supplies, he agreed, as she should stay safe this way.

On the way to Okinawa, the women played with Flute and gave her lemonade which she enjoyed.

One of the nurses said to Flute that her father was an officer and told her about the Operation plan of the US-troops. The plan was to take the town Naha. Then Shuri. That way, they would take piece by piece of the island. First south, then north. The planes of the Marine Corps had the task to bomb the enemy airbases and positions to prevent any counterattack by the Japanese.

James was filled with concern about his daughter’s safety.

Suddenly a siren sounded and red lights went on. “Enemy dive-bombers!” a crew member shouted as Aichi D3As dived and hit the ship, causing Flute to lose her balance.

“They hit the engine, we’re sitting ducks!” James helped her up as crewmembers worked on extinguishing the fire in the engine room. It was done fast and they tried to repair it.

A Japanese cruiser drove towards the disabled ship as the radio operator tried to send a call for help. “Mayday, Mayday! We’re under attack by enemy forces! We’re being overwhelmed!”

“That’s it, we’re done for!” a young soldier panicked.

“If they wanted to sink our ship, the bombers had sunk us already,” James replied.

“They want to board us!” one of the Nurses yelled in fear.

The soldiers got their weapons. “Flute, hide somewhere. We will defend you.” James said to her. She nodded scared and hid herself under a bed.

Even the nurses grabbed weapons. “We must not fail! Hold that line!” The Corpsman ordered.

He heard the sounds of boots. “Here they come!”

Bad for them, the Japanese soldiers were not ordinary soldiers but Marines from the Special Naval Landing Forces. They wore light green uniforms and an anchor insignia on the front of their helmets, which indicates their position as part of the Navy.

They were known to be formidable opponents even in one on one situations and as some of the toughest and most capable enemy soldiers.

James leaned against the wall for cover as the hostiles quickly overrun the defenders, making him the only one left.

He trembled in fear as they advanced, knowing he was the only one left and must not fail to prevent the capture of his daughter. He had heard and seen what the Japs did to prisoners and he didn’t want to imagine what they would do to her.

The young soldier managed to kill two enemy Marines before he was hit by a bullet into the gut, then into the chest and fell to the ground.

“Search the filly!” One Marine shouted. Flute cowered in fear as she saw how her father was killed. One of them found her hiding spot and dragged her out.

She screamed in fear before she was knocked out. “Good work. Now let’s get out of here.”

“What about the ship, Sir?” one of the lower ranking marines asked.

“We leave it that way. To show the Americans that the Empire of Japan is an enemy that should not be underestimated.” They left with the knocked out foal.

Unknown to them, James was still alive. “I’m so sorry, Flute. I have failed.” He was sad that he had failed in protecting his daughter.

Author's Note

She got Captured! Given that Tootsie's from another universe, I think you can techically call her halfsister, or what would you say? The Jefferson Provincial and Culver Empire are my favorite cars in Mafia 2 and Joe was based of Harry in the same game. The conversation of the two guards was based on this and the story about the city underwater, it's the first base my proofreader made, I wanted to give him a surprise with that. And the Japanese attack was based on this, Imagine James is the clone medic at the end and you should get what I mean. The Japanese marines are from the Medal of Honor games that are set in the pacific.

Chapter 11 Okinawa

Chapter 11: Okinawa

Tootsie Flute awoke with a headache, groaning and moaning in pain, holding her head.

Where am I? She looked around and found herself in a dirty cell.

Then, she remembered what happened. W-what will they do with me? W-what do they want from me? She trembled in fear, as the filly got a flashback from her nightmare back on Iwo Jima.

Suddenly, she heard yelling and screaming. It scared the foal to death, fearing what they would do with her.

Flute was petrified with fear. The child covered her ears but it didn’t help. The screams went for hours. All she could do was sit curled up in one corner of the cell, trembling.

When they finally ended, she slowly uncovered her ears. M-mommy…D-daddy… I miss you… P-please… someone…save me… She thought, more scared than ever before in her young life.

The screeching sound of the cell door being opened echoed through her ears.

A Japanese officer, escorted by two Marines walked in. “Hello there. You must be Tootsie Flute.” She had a sadistic smile in his lips.

“P-please…don’t hurt me.” She had to cough. “P-please let me go, I-I just want to go home…”

“I’m afraid, you can’t go. You’re a prisoner of the greater Empire of Japan. Now, tell us everything you know about the Invasion plan of the Americans.”

“Please…I don’t know anything…” She whimpered. The officer turned serious.

“You think because you say nothing... You are strong? You are not strong. But maybe…a little cut will make you talk.” He drew his katana. “I always wondered if it is true what they say about unicorns and their horns.” He gently tapped her horn with his free hand, but even such a little touch was very uncomfortable for Flute.

Flute backed up against the wall. NO! The horn was the most sensitive part of a unicorn's body, especially in the body of a youth. When the magic is still growing, so much could be pent up, causing the slightest brush to cause discomfort.

She didn’t want to imagine what great pain it would be, should it get cut off.

“Stop, not the horn! They want to take the town Naha. Then Shuri. That way, they want to take piece by piece of the island. First south, then north. The planes of the Marine Corps have the task to bomb the airbases and positions of you to prevent any counterattack by you! That’s all I know! Please, not the horn!” She pleaded, fearing for her life.

“That’s all I wanted to know. You two, leave me alone. I will take care of our guest.” The Marines bowed and left.

“B-but I gave you information’s! Please, I don’t wanna die!” She screamed as he raised his sword. “No! Not the horn!”

Sato wasn’t very well. His family got killed in an air raid. He had lost his family, his home. Now he had nothing. Nothing but sadness. Suzuki putted a hand on his shoulder.

“I know how sad you are, we all do understand. But you still have us.” He tried to cheer his friend up.

“And what says that I won’t lose you too?” Sato countered.

“Hey, cheer up. I know it’s bad but, if we survived so many things together, we can survive this. Plus, in the USA, you could meet Flute again,” Chiba suggested.

Sato smiled. “You’re right. I still have her. And as long as I live, I will fight for her!” He raised his fist into the air.

Hiroto and Osaka joined them. “Sir, we got orders to watch over a prisoner.” They both reported.

Chiba sighed. “Dear lord, I can’t see them suffer any longer. Let’s go and help those poor men.”

As they went to the cells, they heard the crying of a child. Sato recognized it immediately. “Don’t tell me it’s…”

Flute had curled herself into a ball and cried. The officer was gone for now, as he had order to report to his Supervisor.

Then she heard the sounds of officer boots “Please, don’t kill me!” She yelled in panic but saw it was Chiba and his squad, not the sadistic officer.

“Oh my…Don’t worry Flute, we get you out of here.”

“Nobody gets near the prisoner under any circumstances! She’s well supplied!” The sadistic Japanese had returned. “Keep your men back! That’s my prisoner!”

Flute expected that Chiba and the others would be angry, but to her surprise they stayed calm, showing no sign of anger.

“Your prisoner? For god’s sake, just look at her, she’s scared to death!” Chiba pointed at the hurt and scared foal.

“No, nobody gives her water but me!” The officer took the bread out of Chiba’s hand and stomped it, only to be slapped by him.

“Carry on!” He ordered and walked towards the cell door.

“Are you out of your mind?! Stop!” The officer fired a shot into the air with his pistol.

Chiba turned around and taunted, “Must you really play a hero in front of this poor child, you washout. Sure hasn’t worked out well for you on the front, has it?”

The officer smirked. “This, a child? She’s only an animal that must be put to use for the glory of Japan!”

“If you honestly think this is what Imperial Japan is fighting for, you clearly don't belong in this army! Would you want to be treated this way if you were captured like she was?” Chiba asked in return, feeling sorry for her

"I would not allow myself to be captured like this cowardly creature! I would have died fighting!"

"Look at her! She's not like the Americans or the Chinese! She's not a soldier! She's probably never fought a day in her life! There's no point in doing this! You might as well hate a rabbit for being scared of a tiger!” Sato slowly lost control of his anger.

Chiba looked at his comrades. “Let’s go.”

“Stop!” the officer yelled, pointing his pistol at him, only to see that Sato, Suzuki Hiroto and Osaka pointed their weapons at him.

“Are you crazy? You want to shoot a Japanese lieutenant?” He taunted.

“That’s what you were just about to do!” Hiroto replied, having his sidearm trained on him.

“I’ll bring you before court-martial.”

“Yeah, but before the war is over, otherwise, you’ll be the one hanging at the gallows!” Hiroto countered.

“And you want to be Japanese soldiers? Traitors! Cowards, deserters, that’s what you are!”

Hiroto came closer. “At least not a ‘Hero’ like you, you dishonest sadist!”

I’ll do whatever the Empire tells me to do! I’ll do whatever it takes to maintain honor!”

Sato couldn’t hold his anger anymore, seeing how hurt the filly was. He charged at the officer, knocking him to the ground beating him until he passed out.

Catching his breath, he took the key from him and opened the door.

Tootsie Flute was looking at the young soldier, petrified with fear.

Before anyone could react, she got up and slammed into Sato, crying her heart out. “H-he w-wanted to c-cut my h-horn off!”

He rocked her. “Shh, it’s over now. Let’s get out here.”

He patted her while they walked out, Flute had buried her head in his chest.

They came to a bunker. The foal had cried herself to sleep. Sato laid her gently on one of the cots. “Poor girl. But at least we saved her from this terrible…” He didn’t finish as his officer laid a hand on his shoulder.

“Don’t say it. We saved her and that’s important. For now, let’s get some rest. You have earned it.”

Sato hugged the child as he got to bed, relieved that she was safe.

In the night, the little foal woke up, rubbing her eyes. Feeling something warm around her, she saw that Sato had wrapped his arm around her. She let out a relieved smile, grateful that he had saved her.

Osaka and Chiba had the night guard outside.

They chatted but she couldn’t hear about what.

He startled as there was a sound of beating. Alerted, she tried to wake Sato. “Wake up, we’re under attack!”

He woke and grabbed his rifle. “Stay behind me!”

But before could react, a Japanese Marine stormed in, knocking him and Flute out.

James was slowly bleeding out, holding his chest. “Search for survivors!” a voice echoed in his ears.

A rescue team had arrived. “We got one! Don’t worry soldier, you gonna be alright!”

Despite being hit in the chest and gut, he survived and recovered quickly.

But the loss of his beloved daughter filled him with worry if she was still alive and anger against those who would hurt her.

As he got back into the action, he got reunited with Roebuck, Miller and Polonsky.

“Nice to see you again, James. I’m sorry to hear what happened to Tootsie Flute.”

“And if they’re hurt her, we will make them pay!” Polonsky exclaimed.

“Yeah James, we all have closed her into our hearts. We’re with you, no matter what,” Miller added.

“Thank you, comrades. What are our orders?”

“At the moment patrolling and be on the lookout for the enemy. Let’s move.”

While they walked through the jungle, Polonsky killed a mosquito by smacking it as it was on his neck. “Damn bugs!”

“Annoying, yes, but stay vigilant.” Roebuck warned, not wanting to get ambushed.

While they walked through the endless jungle of the island, they heard Japanese voices. “Stop.” The Sarge made a gesture to stop. "You hear that?”

“Yes. Over there.” Miller pointed to the other side of a bunker where a squad of Imperial soldiers was.

“Fire only on my command. James, what are they’re saying?” Due the magic in Equestria, James was able to understand Japanese.

He translated, “That dishonest pig! First he wants to cut her horn off and then he kidnaps her from us?! When I find him then…”

“Wait, you hear that?” Miller asked as he sound of crying echoed in the distance.

“That’s her, let’s go, men! That must be the soldiers who found and took care of her. Let’s follow them without being noticed.”

“Right behind you, Roebuck.” Miller got his M2 Flamethrower ready.

They followed the enemy squad to a hill that gave a perfect view of a Meadow.

They were shocked. Tootsie Flute was crying and appeared was hurt pretty badly, like someone had beaten her, locked up in a cage, guarded by several soldiers of the Special Naval Landing Forces.

“Oh my god…” James couldn’t believe what he saw.

“Look!” Polonsky pointed at the squad they followed. The officer used binoculars with his left hand, while putting his right into the air, the soldiers took aim.

“What are they doing?” Miller wondered.

Then the Marines saw what the enemy soldiers did as the officer lowered his right hand. They used volley fire to take out the guards.

“They want to free her. What should we do, Sarge?”

“Help them, Polonsky. James, try to talk with them.”

“Yes, sir.” He walked down, his hands raised in the air.

“Sir, an American Corpsman! Orders?” The LMG gunner asked, Type 99 ready.

“Don’t shoot.” The officer switched to English. “We won’t harm you. Got separated from your unit I suppose?”

“No, my unit and I want to help you saving her.” He pointed to the foal and the Imperial soldiers could see that he was honest.

“Very well.”

Roebuck, Polonsky and Miller slowly stepped out of the trees.

“We mean no harm, we only want to help her like you do.” Roebuck explained.

“Let’s do it.” Chiba made a gesture to get to work.

Sato used the butt of his rifle to get the lock off. “Shh, Flute, no one goes to harm you.”

She slowly opened her eyes. “S-Sato! D-daddy!” She exclaimed happy to see them both.

“Yes Flute, I’m here.” The Japanese soldiers looked confused at him, his comrades too. “I’ll explain this later.”

The unicorn was too exhausted to get up by herself. As James was about to pick her up, the Imperial SMG gunner shouted, “Wait!” He pointed to something the filly was sitting on.

“A pressure mine! Damn, we set it off if we move her!” Miller shouted worried.

“Bastards! No offense.” Polonsky’s mouth was faster than the brain.

“Please, I don’t wanna die!” Flute begged.

“I have an idea.” Osaka grabbed his ammo crate. “We can fool it that way.”

“That could work.” Sato hoped it would work.

In the moment James picked Flute up, Osaka putted the crate on the mine. It didn’t explode.

She hugged her father tightly, he stroked her mane. “It’s over now, sweetheart.”

“I don’t think so.” A new voice said in English.

It was the officer who had threated Flute to cut her horn off, escorted by several Marines. “Now it grieves me to inform you that you have earned the same unfortunate fate as this hapless creature...And should any of you cowardly scum move an inch to protect them...I will prepare for you something far worse. Sympathy in reality is the worst weakness for humanity. There is no place for this in the greater Empire of Japan. I knew you couldn’t resist. Now you’re going to die, traitor!” He aimed his pistol at Sato, then at Flute and fired.

James jumped to the side, Sato charged at the officer and tackled him to the ground beating him, the others fought the Imperial marines.

The Corpsman gently sat his daughter behind a rock as cover. She cowered in fear.

He returned fire but saw that the officer had knocked out Sato and charged at him. Getting tackled to the ground, the Imperial officer hit him repeatedly.

“You’re weak just like her!” He raised his katana to stab him but Sato lunged at him.

“Don't you dare...call...her...WEAK! You…dishonest… son…of a SADIST!” he punched him but the officer kicked him off.

Trying to recover from it, seeing that James tried the same, he watched helpless as the officer came closer to the young unicorn who was scared to death.

“No, please! Don’t kill me!” She pleaded for her life as he raised his Katana.

“Mercy is for the weak!” He exclaimed before the filly’s father stabbed him in the back.

“Nobody hurts my daughter and gets away with it!”

“You... Will die... With me...” The officer pulled the pin of a grenade he was wearing on his belt.

Flute tried to crawl away but James tackled the officer into a ditch and she saw an explosion. “DADDY!!” Flute blacked out.

Then, she saw his shadow. “Don’t worry, I’m fine.” It sounded flatly.

“Daddy?” She asked weak.

“You’re fine.”

Her vision slowly returned, she found herself at a campfire with the American and Japanese soldiers. Checking herself, she was bandaged around her chest but otherwise fine. Sato was bandaged around the chest too, her father was still alive, having some bruises from the fight with the officer.

Flute got up slowly, and hugged Heart. “Daddy! You’re alive!” She was relieved.

“Yeah, I managed to get the grenade loose and found cover. For the officer...He got victim of his own trap.”

After getting the grenade loose, James saw that the officer had landed hard with his head knocked out.

Seeing that the enemy would be out long enough to get Flute to safety, he got back to the others.

He was relieved that Tootsie Flute was still alive, the others had defeated the Imperial Marines.

“Intel was not lying, those guys are really some toughest and most capable soldiers of Japan.” Roebuck was breathing heavily.

James checked Flute, she was unconscious.

“Watch out!” The Imperial Rifleman shouted as the same officer charged at the Corpsman from behind.

This time, James managed to block it and threw the enemy into the cage, he slammed against the crate, landing on the pressure mine.

Elliot smirked, pointed at his foot. The officer was at first confused, then looked down and became horrified.

Sato shielded Flute against the explosion.

“That’s impossible to survive.” James took care of the splinters Sato had suffered from it but it was nothing serious and the sadistic officer was screened by the shrapnel.

“Ok, that’s over. Let’s move. I’m Captain Chiba. Those are my men Sato, Suzuki, Hiroto and Osaka.” Sato saluted Roebuck.

He returned it. “Sergeant Roebuck. My men Miller, Polonsky and James.”

After that, Sato told the US soldiers how he and his friend found her as well as their time with Tootsie Flute and James told about his origin and his time with Flute.

“You can be proud of yourself. I’m impressed that you could keep this secret for so long. I would have done the same if I would be father of a filly.”

“Thanks, Roebuck. And I must thank you Sato for taking care of my daughter. I owe you one.”

“You owe me nothing, it’s my duty and honor.”

Polonsky turned a radio on.

As Flute snuggled in her father’s arms, The Imperial soldiers told the Marines what they learned in school due their teacher, Roebuck and Sato talked about officer stuff, Suzuki and Polonsky about sport, Hiroto and Osaka talked with Miller about the culture of Japan and the USA ,while Sato and James chatted how much they had in common in music.

“You’re good men, stay that way.” Roebuck never thought that he would say that to Japanese soldiers, given how known they were to be brutal.

“We will. We never liked the brutality of your comrades.” Chiba replied.

“And I thought all Imperial solders are…” Polonsky cut himself off, not to offend them.

“None taken. The paratrooper smiled.

Sato looked with Flute and James into the night sky and the stars. “The night is always beautiful, isn’t she?”

“Indeed. Say, can you play harmonica?” The Corpsman gave him a harmonica.

“Of course.” The baby blue unicorn enjoyed the music he played until she fell asleep with a yawn.

In the next morning, someone gently shook her shoulder. “Sweetheart, time to wake up.” Her father smiled warmly at her.

“Good morning, daddy!” she hugged him. Then the young filly noticed something. “Where are Sato and his friends?” She looked around.

“They leaved in the night, saying you had a better chance to get out of here with us as them. But they will never forget you.” They all had breakfast.

It was muddy and rainy but it didn’t bother Flute, on the contrary. She jumped into the puddles, laughing as the rain washed it off. Another squad with a radioman arrived.

“There you are. Message from Major Gordon.” He gave Roebuck the radio.

“Status report? The last few months on Okinawa have taken their toll... Morale is low. It's the rain, sir... and the mud. Tanks are getting bogged down. Supplies aren't getting through. We can't even get the wounded out. Yes, sir... Understood.” He gave the radio back.

“We're moving out.”

“What's the skinny?” Polonsky loaded his rifle.

“Major Gordon's ordered another attack on the enemy stronghold, beyond this ridge.”

“Any word on supplies?”

“They're coming.”

“When?” The young private had lost his patience for that.

“Just get up the hill, Polonsky.” They moved out, James carried his daughter due her injury. “We got a heavily fortified MG in that bunker. Spread out...”

Just as they came up the hill, a spider hole opened and grenades were thrown towards Miller and James.

“Spider Holes!!! Return fire! Miller! Burn the grass!!!” Roebuck ordered as Miller threw the grenade back, James dived to the ground to avoid the blast.

He gently sat the filly behind cover before he fired his Carbine at Banzai Chargers.

Due to Iwo Jima, the unicorn was much calmer but still scared, covering her ears.

Defeating the enemy, the Marines and the foal come to said bunker.

“Damn MG's got the area covered!” Polonsky ducked behind cover, Flute and her father next to him.

“Miller, pop smoke!”

“Copy that, Sarge!” Miller used one of his smoke grenades to block the MG’s vision.

“Go! They can't see us! Clear that bunker!”

Flute and the Corpsman waited for the others to clear the bunker.

After it was cleared, Roebuck said, “Through the caves... There's more bunkers up ahead.”

Carefully advancing through the caves, they heard voices.

“I hope Sato and the others weren’t along them.” Tootsie Flute was worried about them. James patted her.

“Given how friendly they are and helped you, I guess they would hesitate to shoot as us. But anyway, I promise with my honor as officer, I will get you of this muddy island, no matter what.” The Sarge was ready to die to protect her.

She smiled weak, appreciating what they did to keep her safe.

As they got out of the caves, Roebuck yelled, “We got three active bunkers... Miller! Flank around and clear 'em out!”

Moving from cover to cover, Miller come into range to burn the weapon crews of the first bunker, threw a satchel charge and detonated it, after getting to a safe distance.

The giant fireball of the explosion filed Flute with unease, fearing that Sato could die, James saw it in her eyes.

“One down, keep on it!” Roebuck reloaded his Thompson.

The second bunker was nearby. “Fire in the hole!” Milled detonated the charge, Japanese soldiers could be heard screaming inside.

Please Sato…be okay. The unicorn prayed on the inside.

“Outstanding Miller, only one to go! Finish the job!” Roebuck complimented him.

Next to the bunker was a bridge. “Other side of the bridge!” Roebuck tried to warn Elliot, as a Banzai Charge charged at him from the left.

Having enough time to sit Flute down, James stabbed the hostile into the rips and pulled his knife out. As the Japanese soldier dropped his weapon and reached for his injury, the American punched him into the face. Due his medical knowledge, he knew exactly the weak spots of the human body.

The former unicorn’s daughter had not seen it, had had covered her eyes, in fear the charge was for her.

She flinched as her father picked her up. “It’s okay, sweetheart, I’m here for you.” The foal gave him a weak smile.

The last bunker was just next to the other side of the bridge. The MG crew inside had no chance to react as Miller detonated the charge.

“Last one's taken out. Good work! Everyone! On me!” Roebuck tackled a door open, after they regrouped.

“What do we do now?”

“We keep moving, Polonsky... Let's go.”

Sherman tanks were moving up.

“Our tanks are moving up... Convoy won't be far behind.” The Sarge was glad to see the tanks but one got destroyed by mortar fire.

“Mortar fire!!!”

“Take cover!” Polonsky yelled but it was too late.

James tried to get to cover but a mortar shell exploded next to him, throwing him to the ground. His ears were ringing and his vision was blurry from the shellshock.

As he stood up, he was shocked.

Tootsie Flute was cowering behind a crate, trapped between the firefight of the two sides. “Help! Daddy!” She screamed in pain as she was bleeding from her gut. She was incapacitated, bullets missed her barely.

No! I will not lose her too!

“Cover me, I’m going in!”

“Roger! Covering fire!” Roebuck acknowledged.

“Coming to your aid!”

While dodging gunfire and explosions, Flute’s father saw also an Imperial soldier from the stronghold coming to her aid too. It was Sato.

The young unicorn was holding her gut, tears leaved her eyes. “The pain…make it stop!”

She was losing blood. She would die without medical attention. “Don’t worry, I have seen worse.” James stopped the bleeding while Sato provided covering fire too. The MG in the stronghold stopped abruptly. The Marines saw that Sato’s friends had turned against their comrades.

While the rest of Roebuck’s squad regrouped at a tunnel, James took care of the wound.

“I have to remove the bullet. Would you hold her to calm her down?” He asked Sato.

The young Japanese took Flute’s hoof and spoke comforting words.

“Daddy… its hurts… so much.”

“Shh, it will be over soon.”

Flute struggled and screamed in pain as the marine pushed the tweezers into the wound. Sato said calming words to her. She slowly calmed down.

The pain was great but her screams of pain reduced to cries through gritted teeth.

The corpsman had finally found what he was looking for, tightened the tweezers and slowly pulled back.

The unicorn let out a final scream as the American removed the tweezers from the wound and held up an almost intact 7.7×58 mm Type 92 bullet.

“See? All better now.” James bandaged her wound.

“You were very brave. It honors you.” “Sato added.

Flute blushed. “Thank you.” They joined the others.

With the help of their Imperial friends, the US soldiers quickly secured the area.

“We got mortar positions above us.” Chiba warned the American Sargent.

James carried Flute, while Sato covered them.

Miller, Polonsky, Roebuck climbed the ladder up to take care of the mortars while the Japanese guarded the filly and Corpsman. “Why did you turn on your own men?” James asked.

“After we saw Flute wounded, we decided to help but the others wanted to kill her, that’s why.” Chiba explained.

“BANZAI!” an enemy shouted as he stormed at them from behind. He knocked James down, he fell on his gut, Flute let out a cry of pain as she hit the ground. The attacker got killed by Osaka and the paratrooper. “Grenade!” Flute shouted as the dead soldier let it fall right next to her.

In an attempt to shield her from the blast, Sato hugged her.

While it only caused James’s ears to ring, Sato and Flute got injured by shrapnel. A mortar round above them exploded, blowing Osaka’s left arm off and throwing him with the back against the wall. He was dead.

Hiroto’s body was laying against the wall, also dead, as his head was lowered, covered in blood. Suzuki was crawling on the ground, trying to reach his weapon as an enemy moved in but died before he could do so.

James was still stunned as the enemy raised his weapon to shoot his daughter, who was still hugged by Sato but was bleeding from her chest. “N-no…p-please…”

A pistol bullet from behind killed him. It was Chiba. He was laying against the wall, bleeding from his chest, his left hand on it to stop it, the Nambu pistol in his right hand. His glasses were broken.

James got up. Man, who should I help first?! Flute had top priority but he couldn’t let Sato and Chiba die too.

The officer smiled, holding out his pistol to the Corpsman. “I know you US Marines take these as a war memorial. Take it. You earned it. I have lived... for my country. Kept my honor… as officer. My task was make sure Flute survives. I can die…with honor.” As James took his pistol, the officer’s body went limp.

“D-daddy…” The filly was trying to stop the bleeding by pressing her fore hooves against it. She had trouble to breathe. James could tell that shrapnel had missed her heart and lungs by inches. Lucky for him, another Corpsman took care of Sato, while he took care of his daughter.

She was still alive but weak. “Dad…just fell off the tractor, that's all…” she spoke weak, repeating the words she said when she fell of the tractor back home.

“Don’t worry, you going to be fine.”

Roebuck climbed down. “Now let's get out of this damn hole and start dealing with our wounded...” Then he saw the wounded foal. “MILLER! GET OVER HERE!” As Miller came, Sato and Flute passed out.

The unicorn came to as Roebuck spoke calming, “Hold on kid, we're gonna get you out of here.”

James carried her to a truck, while Miller and Roebuck carried Sato.

“It's not bad, okay? It's not bad.” Her father said calming as he got her on the truck.

“One... two... three...” The two marines placed Sato on the truck too. He was still knocked out.

Turning her head, she saw a Marine with sunglasses.

“You leavin'?” Polonsky asked him.

“Push ahead and take Shuri Castle.” The sunglasses wearing marine replied. Must be Major Gordon. Flute thought.

“But we're runnin' on empty here!” The private protested.

“You'll have a supply drop tomorrow morning.”

“Tomorrow?!!... How are we supposed to hold out till tomorrow?!” Polonsky asked in disbelief.

“Intel says Shuri Castle is mostly deserted. Look on the bright side... After this, you boys will probably get relieved and be on the boat home...” Major Gordon entered the passenger seat.

“Yeah? That's what we thought after Peleliu and Iwo Jima...”

“Take care, James.” Miller shook his hand.

“I will.”

“It was an honor to have you in my squad, Elliot. Hopefully, we meet against after Shuri Castle.” Roebuck saluted.

“I hope so too.” He returned it.

Sato woke up as the rain stopped and the sun came out as the truck moved out. Seeing Flute alive, he smiled. Then he glimpsed the setting sun and smiled grimly, knowing that the Empire of the rising sun would come soon to an end. And that he had kept the foal he found alive. He had survived and kept his honor.

Author's Note

Tootsie and Sato have survived! I based the ending off the ending of Letters from Iwo Jima. This chapter was passed on the mission Blowtorch & Corkscrew from COD WAW and the part where the Japanese soldiers free Tootsie out her cell was based on this

Chapter 12 The war is over

Chapter 12: The war is over

The three got on a ship en route to the USA. The young unicorn was in a hospital bed, next to her was Sato.

Elliot came in with two Sandwiches for them. “For you.”

“Thanks, daddy.” Tootsie smiled as she took one with her magic and took a bite.

“For keeping my daughter safe, I’m eternally grateful. Without you, she had never survived.” James smiled at Sato.

“I only did what I believed was honorable. I never wanted to be a soldier, never believed in the propaganda. And now, I have lost my family and home.” He sounded sad, lowering his head.

James had an idea. “May I make you an offer? You can live with us. I’m sure my wife and daughter will like your company.”

“An honorable offer. But after all we did, I don’t think that your people will accept me.” Sato had doubts.

“Please, Sato?” The foal asked him with the most adorable smile in the world.

The Japanese’s heart surrendered at the heart melting sight, despite it was dishonorable. “Alright.”

Flute’s smile stayed as her father said, “Let that be my problem with the people.”

To the Japanese’s surprise, every crewmember treated him with respect, telling their condolences for his loss and that he should be proud of himself for keeping the young child safe.

He and the young pony recovered pretty well, Flute told him about her time with her father in the USA. “Sounds like you had a very good time.” The former soldier commented happy as he ate his sandwich.

While traveling across the sea, Sato switched from his uniform to a blue trench coat with matching hat.

Finally seeing the US coast, The Corpsman welcomed the Japanese. “Welcome to the United States of America.”

“I always wanted to visit it. It’s beautiful.” Sato was impressed, leaning on the railing of the ship.

He enjoyed the view of the countryside during the train ride.

Once arrived at James’s home, Harper hugged her husband, smiling, tears of joy. “You’re back!” she was overjoyed.

“Daddy!” Victoria joined. “Tootsie! We were so worried about you!” The young girl hugged the filly who returned it. Sato smiled weakly, it reminded him of his family. His wife and daughter reacted the same way whenever he was on leave.

“May I introduce Sato Haruto to you? He’s the one who took care of Tootsie.” the young man smiled at the young Japanese.

“Hello, Mrs. Elliot. I’m Sato Haruto but Sato is just fine.” He took his hat off, giving a friendly smile.

“Please, Harper is just fine.” The woman replied.

“Welcome, Sato!” Victoria exclaimed happy.

Inside, Sato, James and Tootsie told Harper and Victoria what happened on Okinawa. Oh my goodness…My condolences for what happened to your friends. After everything you did for her, you deserve a second chance. I would like it to have you as part of our family.”

“Me too!” Victoria was happy.

Sato stroked her hair. “A great honor, I accept. Your parents raised you well.”

As it was evening, they had dinner and went to bed. Sato had enjoyed the American food.

The next day, the young man woke up in the guest bed as the two children had made him breakfast. “Good morning Sato, we made you breakfast.” The young unicorn smiled warmly.

“Thank you.” The enjoyed the toast and orange juice clearly. “That was delicious.”

“Glad to hear it.” Victoria replied smiling.

Joining their mother in the kitchen, he said, “Good morning. Where’s James?” The young doctor was not in the house.

“He’s visiting a friend. Can you take care of Flute and Victoria, I have to go shopping.”

“Sure thing.”

“Bye, mommy!” The young child called out.

“So, what do you want to play?” Sato asked both, happy. He enjoyed their company.

“What about-“ Flute tried to say but was interrupted by the sound of a car crash.

Looking out of the window, the young man saw that the young woman had accidently crashed into another car, the driver was very angry. “If you can’t drive, you should stay at home!” he shouted.

“But I…” Harper tried to explain but was scared by the man’s outburst.

“Stay inside kids, I take care of this.”

“Yes, Sato.” Both replied.

Getting dressed in his trench coat and hat, he got outside. Flute and her half-sister watched everything from the window.

“Hey, pal. Knock it off.” Sato tried to calm the angry man down.

“And who are you?” The driver was not calming down.

“Somebody who doesn’t like hearing you talking to a lady like that. So why don’t you calm down and leave while I am still in a good mood, huh?” The Japanese asked in return, lightly threatening.

“What is she, your girlfriend or something, Tojo? Well, if she’s not gonna pay for it, you will!”

Sato grabbed the driver by the throat. “One more word, and you’re gonna need a new set of teeth! Now get out of here!” he yelled.

“I…” The man tried to say, Sato shoved him against his car.

“That was the word.” He taught the idiot a lesson by punching him, dodging every blow, responding with a counterstrike.

After a few hits, the man gave up. “Okay, okay! Fine!” He got into his car and drove away.

“Thank you, Sato.” Harper was grateful.

“Don’t be, it’s a matter of honor for me.”

After that was done, he played with the children, having a good time.

In the noon, James returned, introducing Joe to Sato.

“So you’re the Japanese who found and saved Tootsie. Heard you took a big risk on Okinawa to save her life. You got my respect. Sorry about your friends, though. May they rest in peace.” The former allied soldier smiled proudly at the former imperial soldier.

“In my heart, they’re still alive.”

“Indeed. Well James, the Nambu has a unique style, so watch out you won’t lose it.”

Time passed. Sato enjoyed every minute, helping out on the ranch, playing with the two children and playing music together with James. They all saw him as family member and him too.

They heard that Roebuck was fallen while taking Shuri Castle. It pained James deeply as some officers never earn your respect. Sergeant Roebuck and Tom Sullivan, who died on September 15, 1944, Peleliu Island, Palau, had both his from day one in Boot Camp. He had never survived without their leadership skills.

But at least, Polonsky and Miller had survived.

Polonsky returned to his mother, Miller returned home too after their success on Okinawa. They stayed in contact with the Elliots.

Three months passed. It was now August. The Children danced to Antoine Domino - The fat man.

The radio had news that Imperial Japan had surrendered.

Just like back when the war in Europa was over, the family celebrated with the crowds on the streets.

While celebrating, James grabbed his wife and kissed her tightly on the lips, unaware that the moment was captured by a photographer and that the photo would become famous.

Tootsie danced with her sister, both noticed that Sato had a joyful expression and dance. He was also unaware that he got photographed and that it would become famous too.

Even if Japan had lost, it didn’t bother Sato at all. He was actually overjoyed that the killing was finally over. Peace was restored, it was the beginning of a new era for the world.

Author's Note

The war's over, a new era can begin. Can you guess which famous photos I mean? Sato helping Haper was based on this

Chapter 13 A new start

Chapter 13: a new start

A few weeks after the end of the war, Flute showed signs of homesickness. They all understood her situation, this wasn’t her real home and she missed her mother and friends, even she enjoyed playing with her sister and father. It pained him and Sato to see her so sad.

“You miss them, don’t you?” James and Sato along with Harper and Victoria sat down next to her as they watched the beautiful sunset.

Flute let out a sigh. “Yes. I always watched a sunset or a sunrise with mommy and my friends. They’re so peaceful.”

The girl wrapped her arm around the filly. “I know how hard it is. But don’t give up hope. You have to believe that they will find you. If it’s not too much to ask, how are your friends in Equestria?” Victoria asked curious.

Tootsie gave her a weak smile. “The best friends I could ask for. My friends are Dinky Hooves, Ruby Pinch, Noi, Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom. Dinky, Ruby and Sweetie Belle are unicorns like me, Apple Bloom and Noi are earth ponies and Scootaloo is a Pegasus. Dinky is the daughter of Derpy Hooves, the Mailpony of Ponyville and famous for her muffins.”

The former unicorn remembered her. A bit clumsy at times but a kind pony.

“Ruby is the daughter of Berry who owns a bar in Ponyville.” Heart remembered her too. “I don’t know who Noi’s parents are, but I know she’s the sister of Carrot Top.”

Yep, I remember her too.

“Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom are the sisters of the bears of the Elements of Harmony, Scootaloo is not related but like a sister for the Element of Loyalty.” James never knew of that, as the incident happened before Nightmare Moon returned.

“Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo and Apple Bloom founded the Cutie Mark Crusaders, a club that goal is to help others get their Cutie Mark. They invited me, Dinky, Noi and Ruby. Of course we accepted. I don’t have my Cutie Mark yet, or have Dinky, Noi and Ruby. We don’t care about that much.”

“Interesting. Think I could join too?”

“I’m sure of that. That makes me wonder, daddy, what happened to your Cutie Mark and Magic when you became a human? And if you go back to Equestria, would you be a pony again?” The filly asked her father. He thought for a moment.

“Well, I don’t know if I would be a pony again. As for my magic, it works passive. It gives me better reflexes, a sixth sense so to speak. It also allows me to feel when another magic user is near, that’s why I was able to know you’re my daughter, even if I never saw you before. Your magic signature is similar to mine. My eyes switched to the color of a human as you already know, my coat became my clothes, as I was wearing dark blue clothing when I first woke up. My Cutie Mark, well…” He rolled his sleeve up. His Cutie Mark looked like a tattoo on his arms. “But strangely, it also appears Sewn into whatever clothes I’m wearing. But except my wife and daughter, nobody noticed it.”

“T-that’s amazing!” Flute was speechless.

“I know. It’s getting late. You should catch some sleep.”

Both children yawned. “Yes, daddy.”

As they brushed their teeth, James said to Sato, “This is thanks to you, Sato. Thanks to you, I found someone I thought I had lost.”

“I know.” He smiled, happy that he helped a family and headed for the guest room.

In the morning, they heard a knock on the door. James opened. At the door step stood someone he never thought would see ever again. Princess Celestia and Lyra. His special somepony appeared to be nervous, but not excited.

“Sorry to bother you sir, but we’re looking for unicorn foal, is she here?”

The man blinked to make sure it wasn’t his imagination. They didn’t vanish. “Yes, Tootsie Flute is here. You can call me James.”

As he stepped aside to let them him, Sweetie Drops was behind them, followed by 6 fillies which he assumed were his daughter’s friends.

James entered the living room first. “It’s for you, Tootsie.”

The foal was confused until it saw the mint-green unicorn. “MAMA!” She ran into Lyra for a hug.

“My little Flute, I thought I had lost you.” Lyra let out a tear of joy. “And your friends missed you too.” The foals did a group hug.

“We’re so happy to see you again!” Dinky exclaimed.

“Me too, Dinky.”

James, Sato, Harper and Victoria smiled at the happy sight. Only now they noticed that Princess Luna was here too.

“Lyra, you haven’t changed a bit, you still look like I remember you.”

She was puzzled and blinked. “How do you know me? Wait…Helping Heart?”

“Yes it’s me. And these are Sato, my wife Harper and our daughter Victoria.” He explained what happened years ago after the incident.

The unicorn let out a tear of joy. “I’m touched that you’re still remembering me. But how could this happen?”

Luna spoke up, “I think I have the answer. Teleport magic has a fail-safe mechanism when a lifeform gets teleported. First, it leaves a trail that allows other magic uses to track the teleported lifeform. We used this to search Tootsie Flute but it took some time. But back then when this happened to you Heart, This was still at the trial stage, only after my return, it could be mastered. Second, in case a teleport goes wrong, the same safe-safe mechanism teleports the teleported life form to the nearest civilization, which are the humans. That’s also why you became are human, as at the time, it also was at trial stage.”

“Interesting. But Sato was the one who found and took care of her. He can explain it better than I ever could.”

“Yes, I can, but there are some things, James and Tootsie can better explain that I. can.”

The foal trembled. “What’s wrong?” Ruby asked worried.

“T-there are some things you shouldn’t see.”

“Tootsie, we do whatever we can to help you.” Noi assured her.

“And we crusaders help each other!” Sweetie Belle added.

“Let us try something.” The horns of the Alicorns touched the heads of Flute and Sato. Everything went white.

They found themselves in a forest, transparent. “Where are we?” Scootaloo looked around as she heard a voice.

“I know the Americans want to free the capital but wouldn’t it be better if we were AT the capital instead near it?” They all saw how Sato and his friend walked by.

Then they all saw everything, how the imperial soldiers found Tootsie, Iwo Jima, how she was with the US soldiers, spent time with her father, even the showdown on Okinawa and the aftermath.

After it was over, the foals were shocked but Celestia and Luna comforted them by putting one wing over them.

“Oh Tootsie, I had almost lost you!” Lyra hugged her child.

“Honey, she can’t breathe.” Her husband informed her.

Lyra let go. “Sorry, I’m just so glad to see you again.”

“So, what now?” Sato asked, wondering what would happen now.

“I think, given that a long separated family would reunite, you should come with us to Equestria. Start a new life here.” Celestia suggested with a warm smile.

“But sister, you can’t be serious!” Luna protested.

“Luna, Lyra and Helping Heart can finally be together again. I don’t want to break this family apart again. And Sato here, has lost everything he used to love. And after all you did to keep our subject safe, you deserve a second chance.”

“I’m honored.” The Japanese bowed.

“C-could I be a crusader like you?” Victoria asked a little bit nervous.

“Sure thing!” Apple Bloom smiled at the young girl.

Celestia’s and Luna’s horn glowed and they vanished in a white light.

They found themselves in Lyra’s home, Dry Ice waited for them. He looked like he regretted everything. “T-Tootsie Flute, I’m so sorry. I-I…never wanted this to happen! I lost control over my emotions!”

What he didn’t expect was that she hugged him. “It’s all right, I forgive you. Besides, you helped me finding a lost family member.” She smiled at her father. “And I think that should be celebrated!” She exclaimed happy.

2 months later

Sato, Heart, Harper and Victoria enjoyed their new life to the fullest. They lived together with Lyra and Sweetie Drops. Of course, they said a final goodbye to Polonsky, Miller and Joe, but neither of them would ever forget the cute unicorn filly.

Sato was often making music together with Lyra and James. The unicorn was overjoyed to have her husband again. She didn’t mind that he was married or had a daughter, in fact, she was happy for him. He was able to live the dream she never could live with him, but now she could. Lyra enjoyed Sato’s and Victoria’s company.

James worked in the hospital again. He became a good friend of Doctor Stable, the other hospital personnel that knew him before was happy to see him again. He stayed human but that didn’t bother him. With his hands, he was able to do medical tasks that would be very difficult with magic or hooves. Sometimes, they called him by his old name.

Harper often helped on the farm of the Apple Family out and helped Bon-Bon with her sweets.

Victoria became a good friend of her sister’s friends and a member of the CMC. She was also in school with them.

The human adults talked with their roommates in the living room, as Flute and Victoria came home. “Mommy, Daddy, Uncle, we’re home!” they called out.

“Welcome back. How was school?” Sato asked happy.

“Great! We go with our friends to Sugarcube Corner!” They said and left, singing happy. The adults watched after them until they were out of sight.

The former pony turned the radio on. “May I have this dance?” He asked the mint-green mare.

“Of course.” They danced together with Sato, Victoria and Sweetie Drops.

For Sato, this was his personal victory. A victory of honor. He knew the post years would be hard for Japan, but a new country would rise from the country of the rising sun someday.

But for him was nothing more important to keep his honor. And life in Equestria was honorable for him. He had lost his friends, but they died with honor for Flute’s protection and were now in a better place. He would also live the little unicorn with all his heart.

And as long as she was happy, his honor would be maintained.

Author's Note

End of the line. A seperated family, finally reunited together. I hope you enjoyed the story and thank you for reading.

Chapter 7 Black Cats

Chapter 7: Black Cats

After her injury, Flute was brought to the sickbay on a Fletcher-class destroyer together with other wounded marines.

James brought a vegetarian sandwich. “Thank you.” She took it with her magic and took a bite, smiling how delicious it was.

“You’re welcome. I should show you my home town once we arrived in the USA.” He smiled back.

“I would like to see it but wouldn’t the people freak out when they see me?” She told her concern.

“Let be this my problem, my dear.” He stroked her mane.

While making her recovery, James checked her regularly, bringing her chocolate and other sweets.

She was pleased every time.

A few days later, the destroyer started his journey to the US coast and Flute tried to walk again.

The pain was still there but less than it was before, still, she could only limp.

“Try not to put too much pressure on it.”

“You’re the medical expert, James.”

She favored her uninjured side anyway. Her Burn injuries get also slowly better and her fur started to grow back.

James showed her to the ship, she enjoyed the tour. One of the Crewmen even made a life vest of her size. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

“Flute, I have a little surprise for you.”

She followed the Corpsman into a cabin where he turned a gramophone on.

It played a jazz song. “May I have this dance?” The young soldier asked her.

“Of course!” she exclaimed in joy.

They danced together, smiling happy and enjoying the music. The young man watched that she wasn’t overdoing it.

After this song ended, Flute danced to The Andrews Sisters - Victory Polka.

Like with the song sung by children, she singed along it.

“There's going to be a Hallelujah Day

When the boys have all come home to stay

And a million bands begin to play

We'll be dancing ‘The Vict'ry Polka’

And when we've lit the torch of liberty

In each blacked out land across the sea

When a man can proudly say 'I'm free

We'll be dancing "The Vict'ry Polka’

And we will give a mighty cheer

When the ration book is just a souvenir

And we'll heave a mighty sigh

When each gal can kiss the boy she kissed good-bye

And they'll come marching down Fifth Avenue

The United Nations in review

When this lovely dream has all come true

We'll be dancing ‘The Vict'ry Polka’

Dance, dance, dance ‘The Vict'ry Polka’

Join, join the merry throng

Sing, sing, sing ‘The Vict'ry Polka’

Raise your voices loud and strong

There's going to be a great Hallelujah Day

When the boys have all come home to stay

And a million bands begin to play

We'll be dancing "The Vict'ry Polka"

And when we've lit the torch of liberty

In each blacked out land across the sea

When a man can proudly say 'I'm free

We'll be dancing ‘The Vict'ry Polka’

And we will give a mi-mi-mighty cheer

When the ration book is just a souvenir

And we'll heave a mi-mi-mighty sigh

When each gal can kiss the boy she kissed good-bye

And they'll come marching down Fifth Avenue

The United Nations in review

When this lovely dream has all come true

We'll be dancing ‘The Vict'ry Polka’

We'll be dancing ‘The Vict'ry Polka’”

Then she singed and danced to Praise The Lord & Pass The Ammunition - Kay Kyser.

“Praise the Lord and pass the ammunition

Praise the Lord and pass the ammunition

And we'll all stay free

Praise the Lord and swing into position

Can't afford to be a politician

Praise the Lord, we're all between perdition

And the deep blue sea

Yes the sky pilot said it

Ya gotta give him credit

For a son of a gun of a gunner was he

Shouting Praise the Lord, we're on a mighty mission

All aboard, we ain't a-goin' fishin'

Praise the Lord and pass the ammunition

And we'll all stay free

Praise the Lord (Praise the Lord) and pass the ammunition

And we'll all stay free

Praise the Lord and pass the ammunition

And we'll all stay free”

The last song they danced to was Louis Prima - Che la Luna.

After this sing was over, Flute yawned. “That was fun.”

“Yes it was.” James looked out of the porthole. The sun was setting.

“I think is it time for you to go to bed.” Flute didn’t reply but let out another yawn.

James carried her into her cabin and tucked her in. "Goodnight, sweet dreams.”

He went to his cabin, Flute fell asleep.

While never being to Manehattan before, she dreamed how amazed she was by New York.

She enjoyed the view from the Empire State Building, enjoyed ice cream with James in the park and visited the Statue of Liberty. She couldn’t help but smile in her sleep, as she looked forward it.

In the middle of the night, an alarm tore the child out of her sleep.

“We are under attack! All men to their stations! I repeat, we’re under attack! This is not a drill!” an intercom warned.

It caused her to fell out of the bed, hitting the ground on her injured side.

She let out a sharp cry of pain, as James ran in. “We’re under attack!”

He gently picked her up to avoid that she would be in more pain.

Shortly after James started to make a run to the exit with the scared filly in his arms, an explosion erupted in the ship, causing them to fall to the ground.

“They’re must have hit the Ammunition chamber! The ship's sinking! We've got to go, now!” James picked her up again as water started to flood into the ship.

The floor was littered with crewmembers that died in the explosion or from the smoke. James putted a cloth over his and Flute’s mouth.

Water bursts in, making them lose balance and pipes on the walls began to burst.

“We're almost there!” The Corpsman took a right and reached the exit.

Other crew members were already preparing the lifeboats and putted their life vests on. “You made it! Quick, get your vests on and get in!” a crewmember shouted.

“Watch out!!!” another crewman shouted. Flute saw a Japanese aircraft for a second. It crashed into the destroyer, causing James to lose his balance and Flute fell out of his arms.

Then the ship tilted to the side, capsizing.

Flute almost fell overboard, The Corpsman tried to grab her hoof but it was too late.

Another explosion knocked her into the ocean in shellshock, passing out in the water.

After a while, she felt a burning in her lungs.

Realizing that she was about to drown, she emerged as fast as she could.

Gasping for air at the Water surface, she looked around and was shocked.

Crewmen were floating on the surface, dead or dying as they got shot by the Japanese planes in the sky. Almost all ships the destroyer was traveling with were destroyed, only 4 vessels had survived, James was nowhere to be found.

Then she saw a plane with the American emblem landing on the water.

“Enemy PT boats! Swim for your life!” A survived sailor shouted as Japanese PT boats moved in, also killing the survivors.

In panic, the filly swam as fast as she could to the American plane.

“PLEASE! I DON’T WANNA DIE! HELP!” The child pleaded for help, panicking, not wanting to die.

She saw how the US-plane destroyed hostile planes and boats with his guns while she swam towards it.

As she reached it, the filly tried to climb aboard, but couldn't do it on her own. She missed the strength for it .The gunner at her side pulled her in. After saved she rested in one of the bunks in the crew's sleeping quarters.

“There's more coming! Get me out of the damn water! Get me out!” James’ voice ringed in her ears as he coughed and got pulled onboard by the same gunner.

He looked exhausted; his left arm was injured but only light.

He was glad that Flute had also survived.

“Zeroes!” One of the pilots shouted.

“3 o'clock! High!” The second gunner fired.

“Damn…More PT Boats! 5 o'clock!” The pilot pointed them out.

This is Black Cat Hammerhead 45... The fleet is down. Repeat, the fleet is down! We have multiple casualties in the water! Taking heavy fire from enemy aircraft. Requesting immediate support!” The radio operator tried to call for help.

“John! Any word on that air support?” The pilot asked him.

“I'm getting nothing on the radio.”

“Keep trying... We better pray that they show up! INCOMING! LEFT SIDE! That was close!” the pilot said as a zero smashed into the water next to the ship. The first gunner switched from the right to the left turret, firing at enemy boats and aircrafts, rescuing sailors whenever possible.

“9 o'clock! Take out those damn PT Boats!” The pilot ordered to they couldn’t kill any more survivors.

“Where the hell's that support?” the second gunner shouted in frustration, overlooking that a child was onboard. But Flute was too shocked and cold to hear it.

“There's no response!” The radioman replied.

“We gotta go!”

“Not yet, Jack. We can't abandon our men!”

“9 o'clock! 7 o'clock! 10 o'clock!” Jack warned the other gunner who fired at everything hostile.

“INCOMING! LEFT SIDE! Take out those damn PT Boats!” More PT boats were moving in but destroyed by the gunners.

Hammerhead shook violently by a hit.

“DAMN! We're hit! Jack! Make sure we're not taking water!” The pilot ordered.

“I'm on it!”

“Riley! Take his place on the dual 30.”

Riley moved from the left to the bow turret.

“Port side's pretty torn up, but we're holding!” Jack reported.

“Zeroes!”

“They're all around!” John realized that they were surrounded.

“Keep 'em off what's left of the fleet! Riley! You need to take out some of those Zeroes before I can take us up! Stay on that trigger. It's all on you...”

“I try my best, Lee!”

“1 o'clock!” Lee warned as Riley fired.

“Damn! Ammo's running low! Right 50 Cal.'s almost out!” Jack noticed that they’re almost out of ammo.

“That ain't good!” John was worried.

“Damn... Our right wing's torn up! 1 o'clock!” Jack pointed the Zeros out. He fired but then, his turret made only clicking sounds. “Dammit! I'm out! Right turret's out of ammo! Left 50's almost out!”

The Black Cat crew held their ground for some time, not noticing that Flute was greatly trembling.

“We got fire in the engine! Damn! We're out! Left turret's out of ammo! Lee, we gotta get out of here!” Jack shouted.

“There's too many Zeroes! Let's hope there's enough left on the front! Riley! Make those shots count! 12 o'clock! We got Zeroes! Coming in fast!”

Riley fired but also his turret ran out of ammo.

3 Zeros closed in on Hammerhead but they exploded and fell into the ocean.

3 F4U Corsairs passed over Hammerhead.

“Black Cat Hammerhead 45. Havok 115, coming over you now. We'll take it from here... Get yourselves back to base...” One of the pilots said on the radio as they took care of the remaining zeros.

“John, prep for takeoff! Jack, patch us up as best you can. Okay... Taking her up...”

The Black Cat moved forward and started to fly.

“How did we do?” Lee asked.

“Bunks are full. Thanks to Riley, we got five men and the filly everyone was talking about,” John answered to Lee.

“Okay... Taking us home.”

“I’m…so cold…” Flute got James’ attention by this.

“Flute, what’s…Flute!” She passed out in his arms.

He checked her pulse, it was very weak. “Severe hypothermia, get me a blanket, quick!”

John got one and laid it over the Unconscious foal, James hugged her to keep her warm.

“Hold on, sweetie…please…Don’t die.”

At the base, doctors and a vet took care of the filly, while James waited outside.

After a while, which felt like an eternity, a doctor came out. “How is she, doc?”

“I’m afraid, she fell into coma. Her injuries, the Hypothermia and the Tuberculosis she suffered from the cold, were too much for her immune system.”

“Tuberculosis?” The Corpsman couldn’t believe what he just heard.

“Yes. We administrated penicillin but as she is a child, her chances that she survives or awakes are low. But we warm her up as per regulations. While we have enough supplies, we don’t know if she’s ever gonna wakeup, so, it was decided that she gets transferred to a hospital in the USA where she’s out of danger of a Japanese attack.”

“Can I see her?”

“Yes.”

In her room, James almost collapsed. The poor filly was on life-support, an EKG kept track of her heartrate, the beeping sound filled the room together with the constant pumps and rhythms and hiss of steam of the CPB, a tube in her mouth to supply her with oxygen.

“Flute, I don’t know if you can hear me, but listen to me. You have to be fight to come back. You can do it, I know you can. You gotta tell yourself over and over, ‘I wanna wake up.’ You can do it, I know you can. But you gotta fight to make it happen. I know it’s though. For your life. And your life is everything. Please, Flute. Otherwise, nothing make’s sense.”

Unfortunately, they all had to play the waiting game. They couldn’t do nothing…but wait and pray.

Author's Note

Poor Tootsie, let's hope and pray she makes it. I hope you have spme "Get well soon" cards with you. This chapter was based on the mission Black Cats from Call of Duty World at War.