Blood in the sand

Chapters

Chapter 2 The Ghost of Tobruk
Chapter 3 The Desert Fox
Chapter 4 Tears of a mother
Chapter 5 The Green Knight
Chapter 7 Old friends
Chapter 8 Germany
Chapter 9 Old wounds
Chapter 10 Failure Part 1
Chapter 10 Failure Part 2
Chapter 10 Failure Part 3
Chapter 11 Knights of the seas
Chapter 12 Deep below
Chapter 13 Cursed sands
Chapter 14 The Search
Chapter 15 Raiders of the Lost Foals
Chapter 16 Last stand
Chapter 1 Must be the heat
Chapter 6 Battle Drums
Chapter 17 Homeward Bound

Chapter 2 The Ghost of Tobruk

Chapter 2: The Ghost of Tobruk

At first, it was dark, very dark as Dinky woke up, nothing but sand. Katja and Blau Streifen were next to her.

“Where are we?” She asked the siblings.

“I don’t know but look!” Katja pointed to something in the distance. Smoke, no fire. It was the camp they were found by Konrad and Matteo.

They ran as fast as they could to it, what they saw horrified them.

Bodies tortured in the most gruesome way possible, hung up, the camp was burning.

“W-what’s that?” Blau Streifen saw something coming out of the fire. At first, the creature, looking like an insect but it was too dark to see it clearly, leaped out of the fire, landing on its legs that were at odd angles, the skin pallid, it looked like a unicorn but it resembled more an insect. Bright glowing eyes, a metal mask covered it’s head. Essentially, it looked very dead, like a zombie.

In a raspy voice, it laughed and screamed, “That was fun!”

The children wanted to run, but they were so scared that they froze on the spot. In a blink of an eye, the creature was in front of them.

“Hello kids. Tell me...how loud can you scream?” It’s horn lighted up and very sharp knives slowly rose up, pointing at them. They were too scared to say a word, holding each other for dear life.

“Well… Let’s...Find...Out...” They screamed as said knifes headed for their eyes.

They all woke up panting heavily, cold sweat on their faces.

Konrad and Matteo ran in, worried about their guests, their sidearms drawn, in case of intruders.

“We heard screams, everything alright?” The German asked worried.

As he and Matteo saw how the kids were trembling, they knew that their guests had a terrible nightmare. They holstered their weapons and comforted them.

Matteo walked up and to Dinky and hugged her, Konrad walked up to the siblings. “Shh, calm down, it was just a dream.” The kids slowly calmed down, falling asleep again.

The soldiers nodded at each other, getting their sleeping bags out of their tent and slept on the ground next to the children to make sure they wouldn’t have another nightmare.

Due their friendship, Konrad and Matteo knew each other well, so they sometimes only communicated with gestures and expressions.

They smiled sadly at the sleeping children before falling asleep again.

In the next morning, Konrad woke up and stretched himself, seeing that Matteo was already up and the kids still asleep. His heart melted as the siblings were cuddling in their sleep. He got careful up, not to wake them and to join his Italian friend for Breakfast.

The young unicorn woke up yawning, stretching herself. Dinky smiled as she saw that the siblings were snuggling in their sleep, she and Tootsie did that sometimes when having a sleepover, even Sparkler with her or with Tootsie.

Katja and Blau Streifen stirred in their sleep, letting out cute yawns as they blinked their eyes open.

“Good morning, sis.”

“Morning, brother.” They smiled at each other.

The young filly could understand that they didn’t mind it, given the situation they were in.

They both stretched themselves. “Let’s get ready for the day, shall we?” Dinky asked, even if she met them just yesterday, she already saw them as friends. The siblings nodded.

Katja opened the flap, causing them to cover their eyes from the beautiful morning sun. They took notice that the soldiers prepared the cylinders, placing red boxes next to them.

Matteo walked up to them. “Good morning you three, slept well?”

“Yes.” They replied in unison.

He smiled. “Glad to hear it. Follow me.”

He leaded them to the other side of the camp, where Konrad was sitting at a table in a tent, having bread as breakfast.

“Morning kids, I made you breakfast.” He pointed to some plates with bread and glasses of water.

“Thanks.” They couldn’t complain, they were glad to have something in their stomachs.

While they ate, the young German took notice of something. How can Blau Streifen and Katja be siblings? And why have they German names?

“If you don’t mind me asking, how comes that you are siblings?” He felt a little bit guilty about the question.

Answering his question, Blau Streifen eagerly replied, “Well, Daddy helped Mommy make us with magic!”

I don’t even question the logic behind this. The soldier thought, knowing that some things shouldn’t be researched further.

Before he could reply Katja quickly interjected, "No, they had-“ The young soldier quickly realized what she was about to say and to what it would lead, so he interrupted.

“It’s fine, I don’t need it so accurate. How did you get your names?” He asked to change the subject.

The human sister smiled. “Our father has German and Italian ancestry, so he wanted to give us German names to distinguish our names from other pony names.”

The young colt continued, “Yes. I’m called Blau Streifen as I was born at night and a comet was overhead. It was taken as a sign of a miracle. It was our father’s idea to give is German names but our mother picked for me the name Blau Streifen because of the comet overhead and ponies tend to like color and sugary names.”

The man’s heart melted. “A really nice idea, both names really suit you. What about you, Dinky?” The siblings lowered their heads blushing.

Dinky explained, “There isn’t much to tell. When I was born, I was small, smaller than other newborn foals, that’s how my mother named me Dinky. Dinky Doo.” She blushed.

“Suits you too. Morning Willy, how’s the head gear?”

“It’s done. I hope you like them.” He held two tan colored caps and a white square formed scarf in his hand. “The caps are for you, Dinky and Blau Streifen, while I thought of a shemagh for you, Katja.”

“A shemagh? What’s that?” she asked confused.

Konrad cleared his throat. “Well, it’s a traditional headdress that the people in North Africa and in the Middle East wear, provides protection from sunburn, dust and sand. Also, some of our and the allied soldiers wear it here. We thought it would suit you better than a cap.”

“Thank you.” The children putted their headgear on, the caps and the shemagh suited perfectly.

“Looks good on all three of you.” Matteo commented.

“Thanks for the compliment.” The shemagh covered most of Katja’s head, only her face was visible. Anyone would mistake her for a local, provided her unusually vibrant hair stayed out of sight.

“Oh, almost forgot, I also made this for you.” Willi was also holding two saddlebags, one in dark grey, the other in greyish-blue and a cream-colored backpack.

“I made the color suiting to your characters. The dark gray is for you, Blau Streifen, the other one for you, Dinky. The backpack is for you, Katja.”

“Nice. Why did you make them for us?” Dinky asked as she putted her saddleback on.

“For carrying supplies, food and water. I also putted a canteen in every bag, it’s important to counter the water loss through sweating, so drink a lot.”

“Uh-huh.” Dinky opened her bag with her magic, taking a sip of her canteen before putting it back into the saddlebag.

“If you don’t mind, how do you call those cylinders?” The colt pointed to one that was positioned near the tent they were in.

“That? We call it the Nebelwerfer.” Konrad explained.

“Fog thrower? What kind of name is that? How is that thing supposed to throw fog?” Blau Streifen wondered.

“It doesn’t throw fog at all. The name is a ruse, as the Treaty of Versailles didn’t allow owning heavy artillery but it said nothing about rockets. The Nebelwerfer is actually a rocket launcher, firing six high-explosive rockets. The name created was to fool observers from the League of Nations, who were observing any possible infraction of the Treaty of Versailles, into thinking that it was merely a device for creating a smoke screen.”

“Smart.” Katja commented.

“Yes. It can fire the rockets in 6 to 10 seconds and is very effective.”

An alarm sounded in the distance. “What’s going on?" Dinky asked startled.

“The second battle of Tobruk has begun. Come with me if you don’t believe me.”

They followed Konrad and Matteo to the cliff, the German had used yesterday to take a look at the city. Due the distance, everything that moved looked like ants, but they still recognized humans firing at each other, and metal boxes on tracks joined the fight, firing on the city, only to get destroyed by cannons with some kind of protective shield on them.

“Never saw something like this before.” Dinky spoke in awe yet fear.

“Neither did we.” The siblings spoke in union.

“Let’s go back.” The young Italian suggested and they headed back.

The children saw how the other soldiers loaded the Nebelwerfers by putting the rockets from the red ammo boxes into every single tube until all six tubes were loaded.

“You better cover your ears.” Konrad putted instinctively his hands over his ears, Matteo and Willi did the same.

Their young guests looked at each other wondering why.

The two soldiers that operated the Nebelwerfer crouched, covering their ears.

With a loud, shrill howling noise, the rockets got fired, the kids startled from the noise, covering their ears, also seeing that the rockets leaved long streak of smoke after being fired.

“My ears! Is this loud!” Blau Streifen slowly uncovered his ears.

“Yeah, the allies nickname it ‘Screaming Mimi’ due its distinctive screeches and it’s very effective in scaring and demoralizing them. The long streak of smoke reveals its position but up here, it is not a problem.”

“Let’s hope so.” The young girl didn’t want to imagine what would happen, should the enemy attack them here.

“Don’t worry, we protect you should they attack this camp.” Conti assured them with an honest expression.

“Appreciated. What could we do to help you?” Dinky asked ready to help in any way she could.

“I’m afraid not much. This camp is small, our orders are to barrage the enemy defenses to make it easier for our main attack force to break through. I suggest you get yourself a Shady place and play cards to pass the time, I don’t want that any of you get a Heat Stroke or a circulatory collapse in this heat.” Escher suggested, pointing to the tent where they had breakfasted.

He showed them the card game Mau-Mau, it was easy to understand and to play. He explained the rules, “Each of you gets a hand of cards. Whoever gets rid of all cards first wins the game. You can play a card if it corresponds to the suit or value of the open card. If you can’t play a card, you must one card from the stack.”

“I get it.” Dinky smiled.

“Okay, have fun!” He leaved with Matteo to do his tasks. The German did Maintenance work on the trucks, while Matteo checked how much supplies were left, at their tent, writing everything down on a notepad.

The children enjoyed the game, the tent was not near any of the 4 Nebelwerfers, so the noise didn’t bother them.

They were unaware that they got observed from the distance by someone

Two talking ponies, one a unicorn and a girl, here? Strange, but they pose no threat. I should distract them or sneak past them and if they see me, knock them out before they can raise the alarm.

Dinky finished first. “Mau-Mau!” she exclaimed, having getting rid of all her cards.

“Well played, Dinky. Who do you think will finish as second?” Blau Streifen asked with a smile.

Seeing that both siblings had the same number of cards, she replied, “I don’t know, keep playing and you will find out.”

Looking out of the tent, she could swear she saw some kind of glint in the distance. “Hm?”

“Something wrong?” Katja asked as she saw that Dinky’s horn glowed, forming a yellow circle.

“I thought I saw something. I’ll be right back.” She walked into the direction she had seen the glint, it had stopped but still, she wanted to be sure, the yellow circle still above her head. She walked back to the hill where they had seen the battle.

She looked around, but found nothing. “Must been my imagination.” Dinky spoke to herself, suddenly feeling a quick pain to the head and everything went black.

Katja and Blau Streifen still played, the game seemed not to end fast, both still had the same number of cards, neither of them had an advantage. Whenever one sibling could play a card, the action by the other caused him to draw a new card, it was a stalemate.

“Dinky’s taking long for just checking something.” Katja remarked.

“Yes sis, strange. I think we should check on her.” Her younger brother suggested with a hint of worry in his voice.

“Wouldn’t it be better if we inform Konrad and Matteo or one of the others?” His sister was against it, seeing it as too dangerous.

“Yes but they’re all busy. Maybe she’s hurt.”

“I got your point. We look after her but if she’s hurt, one of us gets Konrad or Matteo.” Katja suggested.

“Sure thing, sis.”

They both started to walk into the direction Dinky had left, wary and worried about their new friend, looking around.

“I check the cave, maybe she’s in there. Dinky, you’re alright?” The girl called out as she walked into the cave, her brother searched outside.

“Dinky! Where are you?” Blau Streifen looked around, gasping as he found Dinky.

She was lying on the ground, not moving, her cap tilted on her head. “Sis, come quick!”

Katja joined him as fast as possible after she heard her brother’s worried call.

“Oh my…” Is she hurt?”

While not being a medical expert, the young colt checked the unicorn filly for injuries, seeing only a slight bump on her head.

“Nothing serious, she seemed to hit her head on something.”

“Thank Celestia! Quick let’s get her back to the tent.”

“I was thinking the same!” Blau Streifen gently lifted the unconscious filly on his back, noticing something.

“Looks like she hit her head hard or someone hit her with something.” On further examination, the bump seemed to be created by a blunt weapon. “This means…There must be an intruder in the camp!” He exclaimed.

“One more reason to get back to the camp.”

In the moment they turned around, they spotted a quite tall man coming out of the shadow he was hidden from, having a muscular build, blue eyes and short brown hair, a small beard, and had a tan, wearing a yellow short sleeved shirt, brown cargo pants and brown combat boots. He also was wearing a pair of goggles around a scarf and had bandages wrapped around his hands.

In his hands was a rifle with a Scope attached to its left side, some kind of SMG on his back and an odd looking pistol in a holster.

They realized instantly that this man wasn’t a German soldier but said intruder as he charged at them, he saw that the yellow circles above their heads had changed to red.

Wanting to protect Dinky, they both took a defensive stance, Blau Streifen stood behind Katja.

Katja opened her mouth to scream as the attacker drew a knife, expertly-crafted, catching the sun as he spun it in his hand and raised it high. The girl tried to punch him, he grabbed her wrist with his left hand, blocking her attack, delivering a punch to her solar plexus, knocking the air out of the girl, causing her to gasp, dropping on her knees.

The attacker tossed the knife in his hand, catching it deftly by the blade, she looked up, it was the last what she saw before a quick pain to the head followed and her vision went black.

Blau Streifen had watched everything, shocked how fast and effective her sister got knocked out, he stared at the prone form of his sister, lying face-down in the sand.

The fearsome man was standing over her.

He knew running would be impossible, calling out for help too.

So, he took the only option. Defend himself and Dinky. A small red stain could be seen on the pommel of his knife. Seeing his sister getting hurt also enraged him. “You’ll pay for that!”

Quickly, yet gently, he dropped Dinky and charged at the intruder.

The last thing he saw was the rifle’s butt before everything went black for him too.

Author's Note

Didn't went well for them. If you're wondering about the yellow and Red circle, in the game Sniper Elite 3 where the fist and this chapter is based on, the German and Italian soldiers have symbols over their heads to show their status. Yellow means they're suspicious, while Red means they're attacking, having spotted the player.

The chapter name is based on a throphy from the same game that you to Clear the mountain pass without alerting the enemy, which is this camp. That being said, I hope you have enjoyed it.

Chapter 3 The Desert Fox

Chapter 3: The Desert Fox

Matteo had written everything down they needed and looked after his friend. “Konrad, you’re doing well?”

The German soldier was changing the oil. “I’m good, It’s just not very pleasant to change the oil in this heat but someone has to do it.”

“Yeah. I checked the supplies,we have still enough of everything.”

“Good. Hey Willi, how’s it going?” Konrad asked as he joined them.

“Besides being bored, I’m good. We really could need something exciting here.”

“I agree with that, think we’ll get the Tommys this time?” Matteo asked, referencing to the failed attempt one year ago.

“I have no doubt we will. Our Nebelwerfers weaken their defenses very good and fast. As soon as our tanks have broken through, they have nowhere to run.” Willi replied, confident they would be victorious this time.

“Always the optimist! That’s what I like about you. How are our young guests?” Konrad asked.

“Was so busy with patrolling that I didn’t have time to check on them. When you’re done with your tasks, why don’t we check on them together?”

“Good idea.” Matteo replied.

The three walked to the tent and saw that was nobody in. “I guess they had finished their game early and did a walk.” Willi suggested.

“I don’t think so.” Konrad was suspicious when he looked at the hoof and foot prints in the sand.

“Better check that out.” Conti reached for his rifle and both Germans cocked their weapons.

Following the trail, they came back to the cave where they had found the kids where the trail ended.

“They must be here somewhere, fan out!” Konrad ordered, searching with Matteo outside, while Willi searched the cave.

“I hope they’re alright.” Escher was slightly worried as they were nowhere to be found.

“Relax, I’m sure they-“

“What?! Over here, quick!” Willi shouted, interrupting them.

He had found the kids, lying on the ground in the shadow, not moving. Checking their breathing, he let out a sigh of relief, “Only unconscious.”

“What a relief, I thought they were dead. Wait a minute, are those bumps on their heads?” Konrad was relieved, yet suspicious.

“I’m afraid so, let’s bring them to safety.” Willi gently lifted the young girl up, Konrad and Matteo took Dinky and Blau Streifen.

They carried the kids to their tent. “There must be an intruder here! Matteo, watch the kids and patch them up, we’ll alert the others.” Konrad said to him.

“You can count on me!”

As the two Germans moved out, they noticed smoke from where the Nebelwerfers were set up. Investigating it, they saw that the rocket launchers were destroyed and flames, the two soldiers, lay beside it, dead from burns, possibly from an explosion. The guards that had been guarding the operators were also dead.

“Not good, seems like the intruder got the Nebelwerfers.” Willi looked at the mess.

“We can’t do anything with them. Let’s gather everyone else who’s still alive, pack up and get out of here.” Escher suggested.

“All in your opinion.” Willi was not father like Konrad and Matteo, but still a caring man, wanting to keep their young guests safe by any means.

From the 16 other soldiers who were with them in the camp, only 3, had survived, Hans among them being on patrol.

There was no reason to be there any longer, so they went forward, packing up supplies and equipment onto the trucks.

The three soldiers gently placed the kids into a truck with a closed roof, to protect them from the sun, Willi watched over them, Konrad took the driver seat and Matteo the passenger seat.

The two trucks moved out to the next Axis base.

Dinky couldn’t remember much. She had been investigating something, then everything went black. The filly felt something soft under her back. Slowly opening her eyes, she found herself in a tent, the siblings on two cots next to her.

What happened? She tried to remember.

The siblings stirred, regaining consciousness. “Uhh, my head…did he have to hit that hard?” Katja got up rubbing her head, her brother did the same.

“What happened?” Dinky asked them.

“Well, we were worried about you, so we started to look for you. When we found you, an intruder attacked us, knocking us out too as we tried to defend ourselves and you.” The colt explained.

“An intruder? I hope Konrad and Matteo are alright.” The filly prayed for their safety.

The flap opened and Konrad, Matteo, Hans, Willi and a soldier wearing awards on his uniform and a peaked cap with googles on it, came in.

“Ah, you’re awake. How are you?” Konrad asked them with concern.

“Except that my head aches, fine.”

“Count us in,” Katja held her head.

“We’re glad you’re otherwise ok. May I introduce my commanding officer, Linus Fischer?” He had brown hair with matching eyes.

“Hello children. After Konrad reported, I couldn’t believe it until I saw you knocked out. My condolences. Men, their safety is now in your capable hands.”

The soldiers saluted. “Yes, sir!”

“Pleasure to meet you but where are we now?” Dinky asked, not recognizing the outside.

“We’re now at the Gaberoun Oasis, a transport hub for our troops. Let me show you.”

Linus lead them outside, a completely different surrounding greeted the children. Unlike the camp at Tobruk, here were many tents set up, some trucks parked, the name giving lake in the middle of it and surrounded by scattered ruins around the Oasis that were partially destroyed, making good cover or ambush locations in case of an attack.

There were also a few Italian soldiers patrolling around and some watch towers nearby.

“I hope you enjoy your stay. If you’ll excuse me, I still have something to do.” Fischer said and left.

“Well, he was nice.” The girl commented.

“Yes and a capable officer. A symbol of authority and competence, German officers are fearless with an appearance that intents to make even the bravest enemy quiver in fear. Linus is like Hans and Willi an old school friend of mine.” Konrad explained.

“Stay alert! Check your weapons!” The officer ordered as he leaved.

“Habit of him.” Hans just said as Fischer saluted a soldier in the same uniform but had a different hat. “This is an Italian officer. Ready to charge into battle, they fight fearless at the frontlines.”

“Interesting to know. I’m sure it was not easy for him to become an officer. “Dinky commented.

“Wasn’t easy for him indeed, but thanks to officers like him, we’ve been successful. We couldn’t wish for a better squad leader.” Willi looked after him until he was out of view.

“Say, what were you before the war?” Blau Streifen asked curious.

“Before the war? I used to be a baker, my products were loved by the town folks. I also had planned to study at the university.” He sounded sad, looking to the ground.

“Do you still want to do that after the war is over?” Katja asked. Willi smiled at her question.

“Of course I still want to do it. I being a baker but I was always interested in Quantum mechanics.”

“Good luck!” Dinky smiled at him before a loud noise she had never heard before rung in her ears.

Looking into the direction where the noise came from, her eyes went wide as her two friends shared the same reaction.

They saw two monsters charging down the sandy road, the roaring sound came from their backs, roaring and small flames spitting out, moving what appeared to be tracks, being rectangular formed with what seemed to be a cylinder being in the middle, several barrels poked out of it.

“W-what is that?” Dinky, stuttered in fear.

“An m-monster!” The siblings stuttered in union.

The soldiers noticed that the kids had never seen something like this before.

“Calm down, the….monsters won’t hurt you. Those are tanks.” Matteo tried to calm them down, seeing the fear in their eyes.

“Tanks?” Katja was confused.

“Yes, did your books say nothing about the technology humanity used in their wars?” The Italian asked.

“Uh, now that you mention it, they did. Originally invented by the British in the First World War to get some movement into the Trench warfare as far as the books said.” The young colt tipped his forehead.

“You are correct.” Conti replied.

“And if my memory serves correctly, in the war that was 1000 years ago in my country, the ponies also used tanks, but those were driven by steam.” The filly remembered some historical facts.

“Steam? Wonder how that works. Anyway, those two tanks belong to Italy.” Matteo pointed to the leading tank. “This is the Carro Armato M11/39, designed as Breakthrough Tank but it’s only good to support the infantry. The designation for the M11/39 is as follows: M for Medio which is Italian for medium, followed by the weight in tons, 11 in that case and the year of adoption which was 1939.”

“Smart idea.” Blau Streifen liked it.

“Yes but with only a 37mm gun and 30mm armor, it’s not very useful against other tanks, at the beginning it could easily defeat British light tanks but became a death wish when the heavy tanks arrived. The quick firing rate of the cannon can balance it weakness out to some degree. In fact, it’s more of an ultra-light tank than a medium tank.”

“I don’t want to be in the crews’ place. Is that an upgraded version?” Dinky pointed to the tank behind the M11 who had a slightly longer barrel.

“Indirectly. This is the Carro Armato M13/40, our main tank. It has a 47mm cannon and 40mm armor, a little bit better than the M11 but the armor is still weak. Some tank crews try to improve the armor by attaching sandbags on it.”

“A good idea, whether it works is another thing.” Katja commented, having doubts about it.

“At least the crew of those tanks has some chance at survival, unlike with the Carro Veloces.” Hans interrupted,

Conti gave him a light glare. “Don’t remind me of that!”

“What’s so bad about them?” The colt asked interested.

Damn it!

Matteo took a deep breath. “Well, the Carro Veloce is a tankette. A tankette is roughly described a small tank, which has roughly the size of a car. It is mainly intended for light infantry support and scouting. They are only armed with machineguns and were only used at the beginning of the war, as their weapons and very light armor makes them a living coffin of a Tank like the M11 crosses your way.

The Italian command failed to see that and…accordingly high were the losses, a catastrophe. The Carro Veloce is fast but that’s it’s only advantage.”

“In that case, let’s not talk about it again. Sorry. ”The young pony lowered his eyes, looking to the ground.

“None taken, it’s just that back then, I realized how catastrophic it would be and tried to warn my commanding officer but he didn’t listen. He led some of the tankettes into battle and his was the first one to be destroyed.”

“That’s why we use the Italian tanks to distract the enemy so the German tanks can destroy them, or use hit and run tactics, that’s the only thing the M11 and M13 are good for.” Willi added.

Another two tanks drove past the kids, they were larger in size compared to the M11 and M13, so they assumed that were the German tanks, as they had iron crosses on them.

Konrad pointing to the first tank with a shorter barrel. “This is the Panzer III one of our medium tanks. It was originally thought as main tank. The Panzer III with its 50mm cannon can take out every British tank, thus making our early victories possible. The British can’t penetrate the reinforced 30mm armor.

The other tank is the panzer IV, our main tank, originally intended to be an infantry support tank. With its 75mm cannon, it can like the Panzer III, take out any allied tank and has an armor of 50mm.”

“Sounds like you’re well equipped. Our father also used to be a soldier before he came to Equestria, carrying some guns at the time. As such, I’m well informed about guns.” Blau Streifen looked to the ground, blushing.

“We assumed that when you talked about your father earlier. Where did he serve?” Escher asked with interest.

“US Airforce as an airman I believe.” Blau Streifen looked up, lightly smiling.

“Interesting.”

Two more tanks passed by, both had their cannon mounted into the hull. “What kind of tank are those?” Katja asked, wondering.

“Those are the Sturmgeschütz III, StuG III for short and the Semovente 75/18. High command early realized that the infantry needed a support vehicle for their own, should tanks not be available. So, on the basis of the Panzer III, the StuG was created, having a 75mm cannon and 50mm armor, it’s very effective against enemy tanks, it’s low height makes it easy to hide and hard to hit. Plus, without turret, it’s cheaper to produce.

The Italian army, after seeing how successful the German StuG was in the French campaign, decided to create their own version, the Semovente 75/18, using the base of the M13. With its 75mm cannon and 50mm armor, it’s the only Italian military vehicle that can survive against allied tanks in a battle, despite it’s weak engine.”

“A smart way to reduce costs.” Blau Streifen, commented, finding it a good way to spare the economy.

The last 3 vehicles that drove past where 2 armored vehicles on wheels, armed with cannons, the first belonging to the Germans, the second to the Italians and one that had wheels on the front but tracks at the back.

“This is the SdKfz 222, a popular and reliable armored recon car. Armed with a 20mm cannon and having 30mm armor, it can effectively engage infantry and light vehicles.

The other one is the Autoblinda AB41, the armored recon car of Italy, also popular due to its advanced design, 18mm armor and a 20mm cannon. A special feature is that it has a MG mounted in the rear for defense from behind.”

“And this is the Sd.Kfz. 250, one of our armored transport vehicles, popular, reliable and extremely versatile. It has 14mm armor and due to the open rear, the soldiers it transports can independently target enemy units with their own weapons.”

“Useful. That reminds me, how did the battle of Tobruk go?” Dinky asked.

Konrad thought for a moment how he could explain it. “Well, we won, Tobruk is ours now along with a large amount of British supplies. I also heard that Lieutenant General Erwin Rommel got promoted to the rank of field-marshal, the youngest German officer ever to achieve this rank. But we lost most of our tanks.”

“That’s bad, I doubt that those losses can ever be replaced. Yet, Rommel can be proud of himself for getting promoted, my congratulations.” Dinky replied.

“Indeed, my dear.” The German replied. “I suggest resuming your game.”

Katja had a different idea. “What about hide and seek? The ruins make an excellent place for that.”

“Sounds good to me, sis. Can we?” her brother asked the soldiers.

“Sure, do as you like. Just watch that you drink enough.” Matteo smiled at them.

“Will do!” the kids exclaimed together before running off to the ruins on the opposite of their tent. Dinky was first, counting to 10.

“…7, 8, 9 10! Ready or not, here I come!” She exclaimed turning around.

Katja and Blau Streifen had hidden themselves in the ruins on the left and right along the street where the Germans had their motor pool, the patrolling soldiers and officers were already informed of them, so they weren’t surprised seeing the children, they smiled seeing them playing together.

The Periwinkle-grey filly systematically searched every ruin on the right side.

Blau Streifen was hidden nearby, giggling quietly.

This is fun! Dinky will not find me so….

Something poked his back. “Got you!” Dinky exclaimed, it was her horn he felt on his fur.

“Indeed you have.” He smiled, enjoying her company.

His sister was hidden in the ruins of the middle in the left side, quiet as a church mouse.

I wonder how long it will take her to…

“Found you!” The filly’s voice ringed in her ears, also feeling Dinky’s horn slightly touching her back.

“Yes, you have.” She had much fun.

In the next round Blau Streifen searched, this time at the other end of the camp where palm trees were scattered around the ruins.

Katja hid in the middle of the ruins where a pillar was, while Dinky hid in the ruins of the back.

While Blau Streifen wasn’t as good as his mother in finding things, he quickly found Dinky first, then his sister.

When it was Katja’s turn, Blau Streifen and Dinky hid in the ruins along the sandy road between their last hiding spot and their tent. Like her brother, she found the two quickly. “Gotcha!”

After their fun game, they all took a cool sip of their canteens in the shadow.

“Well, that was fun! We should do it again sometime.” Dinky said happy.

“Yes, we should.” The young human replied.

“Is that a letter?” Blau Streifen pointed to a piece of paper lying on a box of ammo in a tent next to them.

“Seems so.” Dinky picked it up with her magic, and read it, her friends too.

Axis Account: Reclaiming Tobruk

The re-taking of Tobruk was a grand victory for the Reich. Field Marshal Rommel is a great soldier for whom I have the utmost respect, but now the Führer has sent General Vahlen to oversee the campaign. I don’t know what to make of him. He is no soldier that much is certain and he exhibits a zeal that makes me uneasy.

“This General Vahlen doesn’t sound like a nice guy.” Blau Streifen commented, not wanting to meet him.

“You are correct.” Linus said as he came near them. “General Vahlen was a ruthless advocate of nerve agents in the last war. He may be a capable officer but does not tolerate weakness or doubt. Anyone who questions his methods, or fail to meet his high standards, are disposed of. As such, many dislike him. Every time he or one of his lackeys shows up, we lose more men in the name of orders from Berlin. “

“Then we better hope the he or one of his lackeys won’t show up here.” Dinky sounded slightly scared.

“Don’t worry, if that happens, we’ll make sure they don’t harm you. Promise by my honor as an officer.” He patted her.

“Thank you.” Dinky relaxed.

The officer smiled. “Your welcome. Why don’t you take a look around, get to know the place?”

“Good idea!” While the kids knew some parts of the Oasis already thanks to their game, they wanted to explore the rest of it.

Before they could do so, they saw another officer entering his tent opposite of them, seeing how something fell out of his pocket.

“Excuse me, sir, you lost this.” Dinky called out as Katja picked it up.

“Ah, thank you.” The officer took it, putting it on his table.

“You’re welcome. Mind if we take a look around?”

“Not at all. You can even read the letter you picked up, my life’s over soon anyway.” His voice was one of weariness.

The children looked at each other, before reading the letter.

Discipline and Obedience

General Vahlen demands complete obedience on pain of death. To that end, he has ordered the “immediate dismissal” of Lieutenant Wolf on grounds of a negative attitude. Failure to comply means my own “dismissal” and, worse, the death of my family. I would risk my own life but not theirs. When Wolf gets here, I shall do my duty but I will not be responsible for murdering any more of my men.

Now they understood what he meant that his life would be over soon. “Doesn’t sound good. We better avoid Vahlen should he come here.” The filly gulped.

“Agreed.” Her friends said in union, also slightly scared.

As they walked back to their tent they saw a soldier that was wearing only a white shirt and shorts, also wearing goggles, doing maintenance work on the Panzer III.

He smiled at the kids. “Hello there.” He greeted friendly.

“Hello. I see you like the wind against your legs and arms.” Blau Streifen commented.

“What can I say, I’m member of the tank crew, it gets hot inside a tank. Really hot. You’d do whatever it takes to stay cool.”

“Understandable in the desert.”

On a box of supplies next to the tank was a letter. “Don’t force yourself, kids, I don’t mind it.” The crew member said before continuing his work.

Axis Account: Vahlen’s presence

This General Vahlen’s presence unsettles me. He has the air of a man used to getting what he wants, damn the consequences. There is no doubt he’s determined to go far – but at what cost to the rest of us?

“Given his…tolerance, it makes sense that many dislike him.” Katja was unsettled by this already, the others nodded.

Back at their tent, they saw two letters on a box next to supplies. Curious, they read the first.

Axis War Story: Tobruk’s defense

Our capture of Tobruk has been successful, but nothing could have me prepared for the battle and for the enemy’s bravery. I watched a rag tag group of South Africans hold a point with bayonets, Indians manning machine-gun nests to the last one and Australians who could have been mistaken for demons. Even when the tanks broke through, the infantry were still fighting. They were eventually overrun, but the memory of their fight will endure.

“Wow. That must been a hard and intensive battle. Good thing we were far away, I don’t want to imagine want it would have been like if we had been there.” Blau Streifen shivered at the thought before they read the other letter.

Intel: Vahlen’s Project

The General Major sent by General Vahlen is doing the rounds, waving papers about another idiotic German project.

“Ah, I had almost forgotten that.” A voice with Italian accent sounded behind them.

Turning around, an Italian officer stood at the entrance, his expression neutral.

The children felt guilty. “We’re sorry, we were just curious.” They apologized and looked to the ground with regret.

To their surprise, the Italian was not upset, on the contrary, he smiled. “Don’t be children, it's alright, just be more careful next time okay? I know kids like to explore but this place is no playground. I was just as curious as you when I was your age. Besides, I had forgotten it had I not heard your voices.” He putted the Intel letter in his pocket.

Dinky struggled to find the right response. “…You’re welcome. Wonder what this project could be.”

“I only know it has the name Project Seuche. I don’t want to know what it is.”

“I think it’s best if we drop the subject, given Vahlen’s…tolerance.” Katja spoke with a light hint of fear.

“Don’t worry, we’ll make sure he or one of his lackeys won’t hurt you.” He said sincerely before leaving.

They saw Matteo standing guard at the checkpoint, saluting the officer as he walked past him, smiling at the kids afterwards.

Katja took a sip of her canteen as their Italian friend opened the barrier arm quickly, as a Sd.Kfz. 250 with long antennas drove through. Conti and the other soldiers assembled at the ditch, saluting.

“I guess it’s a high ranking officer.” Dinky assumed by this action.

“I hope it’s not Vahlen or that General Major.” Blau Streifen feared.

The halftrack come to a halt, the hatch and the rear opened and an officer with brown hair and blue eyes stepped out.

Linus saluted. “Greetings Field Marshall Rommel, congratulations on your promotion!” He was slightly nervous yet honored to meet the Field Marshal himself.

“Yes, yes. I thank you all but this is no cause to be losing focus. There is one thing that went badly wrong for us here and that is the loss of the majority of our tanks. This is one thing the enemy will capitalize on should they be given the opportunity. I expect all of you to do your utmost to ensure that does not transpire.”

“Of course, sir! May we offer you some water?”

“No thanks. I just want to plan the next battle and move on, time is key.”

“Yes, sir, follow me.” The German Sergeant led the Desert Fox to a table where a map was placed on.

Konrad used this to get to the kids. “Stay here, until you are told otherwise.” They nodded in response, watching everything in awe as Konrad joined his superior.

“Now that we captured Tobruk we can move towards Egypt, the Allies have only one defensive line left. El Alamein. If we can break through we can advance towards Alexandria.” Rommel explained pointing at the map.

“What’s your plan, Herr Field Marshal?” Linus asked, appreciating Rommel’s tactical talent.

“The 90th Light Division and the 15th and 21st Panzer divisions will attack the Eighth Army lines between the Alamein box and Deir el Abyad. The 90th Light Division then shall veer north to cut the coastal road and trap the defenders of the Alamein box and the Afrika Korps would veer right to attack the rear of XIII Corps.”

“An excellent plan, Herr Field Marshall.” Linus liked it.

“Ahem...excuse me, Mr. Rommel?” The kids saw a man coming out of a tent, wearing a black coat and silk hat, with black hair, that was to be combed over slightly, betraying signs of balding. His eyes were dull grey and slightly sunken.

“Yes?” Rommel asked, obviously annoyed by the man.

“Well, wouldn't it be more appropriate if all our troops attack the rear of XIII Corps? To better demonstrate the magnificence of our armies, of our-“

The magnificence of my armies shall be demonstrated by their victory here at El Alamein. And our victory will be acquired through cutting off the coast road first, then attacking the rear of the XIII Corps.”

“Well, I had simply supposed that you might...appreciate the opinions of one who cares deeply about showing the world the glory of our great leader's ideals.” The man, who had a British accent, countered.

“...Are you a soldier, sir?” The Field Marshall asked, his patience getting shorter.

“Um...I was once. An officer in the colonies. In fact, I oversaw and claimed sterling victory at Gamohana.” The Brite replied.

“Gamohana...Yes, I remember hearing about that. Would this be the incident where a platoon of British soldiers opened fire on natives in the Northern Cape Colony, culminating in the slaughter and razing of three local villages, at the whim of a paranoid officer, leading to the platoon being disbanded and the officer narrowly avoiding a firing squad through his family's influence in the House of Lords?” Erwin asked not impressed in the slightest.

“I...I...Mr. Rommel, I...”

“Field Marshal Rommel!” The German officer yelled, losing his patience.

“Ah...err...” His interlocutor stuttered.

“Or is this a completely different Gamohana I've never heard about?” Rommel asked.

The Brit gave no reply, not knowing how to answer.

“Go back to your tent and let me comprise a strategy to win this battle...That is an order.”

“As you wish.” The men replied irritated, before going back.

“Where was I? Ah, right. An Italian division will attack the Alamein box from the west and another follows the 90th Light Division. The Italian XX Corps will follow the Afrika Korps and deal with the Qattara box while the 133rd Armored Division Littorio and German reconnaissance units will protect the right flank.”

“A brilliant plan, Herr Field Marshal.” Linus praised him.

“Thank you, Sergeant. Is there something you would like to tell me?” Rommel asked friendly as he noticed how nervous Linus was.

“Well, one of my men found 3 lost children.”

“3 children? What’s so special about them?” Rommel wondered.

Konrad, along with Matteo stepped forward. “Herr Field Marshal, allow us to explain.”

“Granted, Private. I‘m listening.”

They told him how they found the children, where they came from and so on in detail, unsure how he would take it.

With a light confused expression, yet maintaining his professional behavior he said, “Sounds interesting. Can I see them?”

“Of course, Sir.” Konrad waved at them. Nervous and a little bit shy, they slowly walked to him.

“H-hello Herr F-Field Marshal.” Blau Streifen stuttered nervously, his right fore leg trembled as he tried to salute.

“G-greetings.” Dinky and Katja stuttered too.

The Desert Fox smiled warmly. “Hello. You’re not in trouble, calm down. It is true what Private Escher told me?” His voice was kind and fatherly.

“Well…yes.” Dinky took the word, explained her background, then her friends told theirs.

The Field Marshal’s expression stayed friendly. “I'm sorry for what happened to you. I promise no-one of my men will hurt you and any injury will be patched up. “Sergeant Fischer, you and your men will be response for their safety.”

They saluted. “Yes, Sir!”

“My congratulations on your promotion, Herr Field Marshall!” Konrad couldn’t help himself but to congratulate him personally.

“Our congratulations, too!” The children exclaimed in union.

“Thank you, kids. I see your parents raised you well. I have to go, inform the other commanders. Sergeant, give them any help you can.”

“Yes, sir!”

“Good. I wish you a pleasant day, children.” Rommel entered his command vehicle, the soldiers and kids saluted as he left.

“I feel honored that we met him.” Blau Streifen looked after the Halftrack until it was out of sight.

“Me too, brother.”

“Count me in.” Dinky added.

“As you can see, Field Marshal Rommel is an honorable man, caring for his men and a tactical genius. Even the Allies respect him deeply.” Konrad explained.

“By the way, who was that man in black he talked too?” Katja asked.

“That guy? Calls himself Upton Gorrister, says he's a British diplomat trying to organize a ceasefire, others say he’s a British expatriate, nobody really knows what he really is. He’s been with us for a while now, always trying to say his opinion on tactics and other stupid things. As such, nobody likes or can stand him. He thinks he’s better in tactics than our officers, I do not believe I know of any man I want to punch in the face more than Sir Upton Gorrister!” He exclaimed angry before calming down. Sorry, Upton just gets on my nervous.”

“It’s understandable. What should we do when the attack starts?” Dinky asked him”

“Well, I suggest you stay here until we return.”

“But…what if you die?” Katja asked afraid.

“Don’t worry, the others will be here for you should I or Matteo fall in battle.” Konrad assured, giving her a smile before walked away to do his unfished tasks.

“I really hope they won’t die. They are close to us.” Dinky prayed they would survive the battle.

“Me too.” Blau Streifen added.

“Anyway, I don’t think Upton isn’t so bad. I think they just misunderstand him.” Dinky thought she should talk with him.

“What makes you think that?” Her pony friend asked with a wondering expression.

“What I’ve learned from my parents is you should always see ponies from the inside, not the outside. I think he just wants to help but doesn’t know how.”

“Could be. We won’t stop you, Dinky.” Katja replied, her friend nodded before heading to Upton’s tent.

“I don’t think we should trust him. Something’s tells me we can’t trust him. What do you think, brother? Brother?”

Blau Streifen wasn’t listening, he looked after Dinky with an amorous look, small hearts over his head. Katja waved a hand in front of him. “Great.” She let out a sigh.

“Hello? May I come in?” Dinky asked politely.

“Come in.”

“Hello Mr. Gorrister.” She greeted after she walked in, seeing how he was writing a letter.

He turned around. “Ah...Hello. You would be Miss Dinky, correct? I must say, when...what are their names?”

“Konrad, Matteo, Willi and Hans.”

“Yes, them. When they returned speaking of these talking foals of theirs, I just assumed they'd been raiding Mr. Rommel's supply of Jagermeister. But seeing you here, in the flesh...What larks. So what brings you to my quarters?” His voice was friendly.

“I thought I should get to know you more. I think they misunderstand you.” She explained, unsure how he would react.

He smiled. “Indeed they do. Such is often the case when men of peace seek to end a war they've grown far too fond of. I am a diplomat sent by the British Parliament and her Royal Majesty to organize a ceasefire here. This being the reason why I wish Mr Rommel to consult me on military matters. I wish this war to end quickly, with as many worthy men still standing. Between you and me, I reckon Rommel's afraid this will end before he's had the chance to cover himself in glory. As to how he speaks to me, huh! No respect. That...incident in Gamohana was a simple act of tribal neutralization, a necessary measure...no matter what you might hear in The Observer.”

“Why are you clothed like that?” She asked curious.

“Well, an anointed British peer must dress in a manner befitting of his status. Can't have them thinking I'm part of the common rabble, now can I? Though, you are quite right, it can get rather stifling. So much so that I must confine myself to quarters during the afternoon. I say, on that note, would you available to do me a tremendous favor? You shan't find me ungrateful?”

“Sure, what do you need?”

“You see...I haven't mentioned this to Rommel or his staff. They're not the sort of people I trust with this information.” His voice sounded worried. “A Nephew of mine...He's a prisoner-of-war, one of the six-thousand captured at Mersa Matruh. I...wished to send him a letter, to let him know the Gorrister family are doing all they can to get him safely home. Would you be so kind as to pass this on to the logistics officer in the communications tent? You can't miss it, it's got radios all about. He distributes mail and packages.” He sealed it in an envelope.

“Sure thing, Sir Gorrister!” She took the letter. “Just like mommy!”

She leaved, bringing the letter to said officer. “I have a letter from Gorrister to be sent!” She exclaimed.

The officer forced a smile as he disliked Upton but liked Dinky and her two friends. “Thank you.”

She walked back to her and her friends’ tent, seeing how the sun went slowly down, it looked beautiful when the sky turned red/orange.

“Dinky, I must say the cap suits you.” Blau Streifen complimented her, causing her to blush as he meant the patrol cap she was wearing.

“Thanks for the compliment. I rarely get compliments, they mostly teased me, some are saying I have an untidy mane and stuff like that.” She replied with a blush.

“Don't listen to them, I think it looks really nice...I mean...your mane...on you...in general...Katja, help me out here.” The colt couldn’t think of the right words.

Katja smiled with her arms folded and chuckled. “You're doing fine, I'm just enjoying the show.”

That caused him to blush, not believing his first attempt went so well.

“Let’s go to bed, I’m tired.” The filly yawned.

Matteo heard this and made them dinner. “Nobody can sleep well with an empty stomach.”

Bread and potatoes, they couldn’t complain, they were just glad to have something in their stomachs. While they ate, they overheard a conversation.

“Have you heard the latest?” Linus asked an Italian officer.

“No, what is it?”

“There’s a SS Division operating in Africa. Some sort of special division for paranormal things.”

“The SS, here? I thought the Field Marshal refused them to be in his corps.”

“He does, they work independently from the Africa Korps.”

“And I thought we get some rest from them.”

“Fortunately they operate in completely different areas than we do. I heard they’re searching something in Ras el-Hadid, so we shouldn’t encounter them.”

“Let’s hope so. Still, I feel bad for the villagers.”

“Me too but there’s nothing we can do.”

The soldiers had told the children of the SS when they got told of the war. The Elite of the German Army, consisting of carefully selected men, brutal and ruthless yet well-armed and trained.

“I don’t want to meet them. They will put us into a lab, for sure.” Dinky shivered at the thought.

The young colt putted an arm around her. “Relax Dinky, Linus will make sure they won’t hurt us. And I will protect you.”

The filly looked to the ground, red as a tomato. “I appreciate it.”

Katja let out a quiet moan. “If father talked like this when he first met mother, I wonder how they fell in love at all.” She muttered.

“Did you say something?” Dinky asked.

“We should hit the hay.” The girl quickly replied.

“Yeah we should.” Her brother yawned, opening the flap for Dinky. “After you.”

“Quite the gentlecolt.” Dinky smiled before she climbed into her cot.

As the siblings climbed into their cots, they and Dinky heard outside an interesting conversation.

“What news?”

“About the Green Knight.”

“Is he in our sector?”

“No.”

“Thank God.”

“Command is trying to downplay what is happening, but I have a friend who works in headquarters, and he says there is real concern about one of our lines crumbling because of him.”

“You know, nobody knows who he is, where he comes from or for whom he works for. But he isn't on our side either the enemy. He helps those in need and punishes those who hurt them. He fights with a bow, deadly at long ranges, some say they saw him with a bolt-action rifle. A deadly Marksman. When using the bow, you only see bright flash of green, but by that time, it's too late. Some report, he's not human, but a animal! His weapons float in midair!”

“I saw it firsthand. I was on a nighttime raid and we suddenly found ourselves with civilians that were surrounded by the enemy. Then, as fast as lighting, the Knight killed them one by one. After they were dead, he checked the civilians and left, while we just stared at just what had happened. I could swear, he watched us from the distance as we walked past the civilians, standing by should we harm them. Some say, he walks on four legs, like some kind of horse, but nobody could get a good look on him.”

“Christ.”

That made the kids wondering. “Green Knight, horse? Sounds like someone Princess Celestia could have sent to look for us.” Katja suspected.

“Could be. My father has many friends. Maybe this Green Knight is one of them.” Dinky had a theory.

“We should think about it tomorrow.” Blau Streifen suggested.

“Yeah, we should. Goodnight.” Dinky replied and closed her eyes, falling asleep. The siblings closed their eyes, letting sleep take over them.

In the middle of the night, Dinky heard a strange noise outside the tent. Still sleepy, she slowly opened her eyes, seeing someone standing over her, but couldn’t see who it was in the darkness. Suddenly, she felt a piece of cloth on her mouth. She attempted to scream for help, but she felt very sleepy, Katja and Blau Streifen had no chance either as two other persons putted also cloths on their mouths, making them feel sleepy.

“Ah...a job well done. Take their things, we don't want to rouse suspicion. No-one goes into the desert unprepared.” The person who had stunned Dinky ordered, lifting her up, also taking her saddlebag, his henchmen took the siblings and their gear.

“You got it, boss.” One of his henchman replied.

“Got what, Raff?” the other one asked.

“It’s a phrase, you blockhead!” the first hissed quietly before they snuck out of the Oasis into the desert,

The boss smiled. “This went rather smoothly, our customer will be most satisfied.”

They walked for some time, until the boss noticed that Dinky stirred.

“Damn it! This chloroform was a waste of money! Get her sedated now!” Dinky could swear she knew the voice, but she wasn’t sure. Realizing what was going on as she came back to her senses, she started to struggle.

The siblings had awoken too, struggling in their captors’ grasp.

Dinky kicked her captor, causing him to let go with a cry of pain, the siblings bit their captors in their arms.

“Ahh! The little toe-rag bit me!” One of the henchmen cried out.

The kids landed hard in the sand, causing them to be disoriented for a moment. “Forget them! Get us out of here! Now!” The leader of their kidnappers yelled, the children couldn’t recognize him in the darkness but the voice was somehow familiar

The bags were lying on the ground, the kids putted them on without hesitation.

“Why did they run?” Blau Streifen asked.

“That's why!” Dinky exclaimed, pointing to something behind them.

A strong wind, a storm was closing in fast, almost upon them, made of sand and dusk.

“There’s No way we can get away in time, we must find shelter!” Dinky yelled, knowing from Apple Bloom what is was.

A sandstorm, also known as Dust storm, created from wind and dirt from dry surfaces. They sometimes occurred in Appleloosa. Deadly if exposed, but not as dangerous as a blizzard.

All three walked aimlessly through the storm, covering their faces from blowing dust and sand. “I can barely see anything.” Blau Streifen couldn’t see a thing.

“I can hardly breathe.” Katja struggled to breathe.

“Stay together! Don’t get lost!” Dinky knew if they got separated, it would be hopeless, although she could barely see. She also felt how the sandstorm weakened her, they had to find shelter fast or they wouldn’t survive.

For some reason, they saw a light coming towards her and the siblings. The light came closer, she covered her eyes from it.

As it was in front of her, she saw a unicorn with a green coat, wearing what appeared to be a cloak with a hood and helmet. The three friends stopped in fear, wondering if that was the Green Knight, afraid of whether or not he was here to help or kill them.

“Please…help us…” Blau Streifen managed to plead as his voice was weak, he was at his limit.

In a swift motion, he used his cloak to shield them from the sand, waving a hoof to stay close.

They nodded at each other, wondering where he would lead them.

After a short while, they saw a cave entrance, he pointed with a hoof to it.

The children entered it, exhaustion slowly taking over.

“We…we made it….. Need water…” Blau Streifen tried to reach for his canteen, collapsing before he could do so.

“Brother!” His sister called out, checking him. After finding out he just passed out, she let out a sigh of relief.

She staggered. “I don’t feel so well…mother…”

Dinky swiftly caught the girl in her magic, gently putting her to the ground.

She turned around to the green Unicorn, seeing that it had removed the hood and helmet. She couldn’t see him clearly but somehow, she recognized him slightly.

In that moment, Dinky’s legs gave out, she fell into the sand, her vision blurry, the Green Knight appeared to leave.

“Please…don’t leave…my friends…need help!” She stretched her hoof out, it went right through the unicorn, the pony vanished before her eyes, fading.

Where had he gone?

Had he been there at all?

The soldiers had called him an Angel of Death.

Was he what ponies saw before they died?

As her vision become weaker, she said with a hoarse voice, “I’m sorry….mommy…”

Author's Note

Who could the mysterious Green Knight be? The Gaberoun Oasis is the second mission of Sniper Elite 3, the letters are found in the same mission, if you're wondering.

Chapter 4 Tears of a mother

Chapter 4: Tears of a Mother

“Mama! Help me!” Dinky’s voice ringed in Derpy’s ears.

“Mama’s coming!” Derpy wasn’t as fast as Rainbow Dash when flying but still fast when she had to be, as she followed the voice of Dinky into a desert and saw a burning camp in the distance.

The young unicorn lay in a puddle of her own blood, a knife rammed into her chest. “Please…make it stop…”

The grey Pegasus landed, carefully pulling the knife out, trying to stop the bleeding. Her heart had almost skipped a beat, seeing Dinky so hurt, afraid that she would die, wondering who would do something horrible to her.

“You’re gonna be alright, Dinky!” Derpy comforted her, trying to keep her daughter alive.

“I’m…getting cold…” the filly’s eyes struggled to stay open.

“The doctors will fix you up! Stay with me!” Tears leaved Derpy’s eyes.

“Tell Daddy…Sparkler…and Tootsie… I love them…” The unicorn’s body went limp.

The mature Pegasus looked at her hooves, covered in blood. “D-Dinky…NO!”

Derpy awoke with a gasp, cold sweat on her face, her breath rapidly.

“Derpy, did you have another nightmare?” Her husband Doctor Whooves asked. Since Dinky vanished, the Mailpony had nightmares and sleepless nights.

“Y-yes, I dreamed she…d-died…” Before she could say another word, her husband hugged her tightly.

“Shh my dear, calm down. You aren’t the only one who is worried about her, I’m too.” She spoke with a calming voice, not hiding his worry about his beloved daughter.

“I know it’s just… after all we went through, I don’t want to lose her.” She replied with tears in her eyes.

“Think positive, we made it through all this, we can make it through this too.” He gave her a convincing smile.

“You’re right.” She sniffed, returning the hug, before falling asleep again, sleeping much calmer.

In the next morning, Derpy made some muffins, Dinky always loved them, Derpy let out a sigh as it made her also sad.

“That smells delicious!” A young voice ringed in the Mare’s ears, it was Tootsie Flute, Sparkler’s and Dinky’s younger sister. She and Sparkler lived at the time together with Derpy and Whooves to give them emotional support and welcome Dinky back. They were also worried about her.

“Good morning, Tootsie. How’s Sparkler?” The brown Earth Pony asked as she joined for breakfast. Tootsie slept in Dinky’s room, Sparkler in the guest room.

“She’s not feeling well.” Her expression was one of sadness.

“This is my Fault! I should have held it back! I don’t deserve to be a big sister! I’m the worst big sister ever!” They heard how the older unicorn blamed herself for this.

All three ponies didn’t like what they heard, so they trotted to the guest room.

The older unicorn had her head buried into the pillow, crying her heart out. “Sis, please…” Tootsie tried to say but her big sister cut her off.

“It is my FAULT! I should have turned away, or held it when I had to sneeze!” She exclaimed, looking at them with a tear filled face.

“Sparkler, listen, we don’t blame you, it was an accident, it wasn’t your fault. You and Tootsie are the best sisters Dinky could ask for.” Derpy spoke with an honest smile.

“Yes, Sparkler, you really are. Now, join us for breakfast, we need to eat something.” Whooves added.

“Yes, I should.”

While they breakfasted, the young unicorn asked, “Are you sure that Fletcher Fray will find her?”

That made the Doctor thinking. Fletcher Fray, a number of the Eternal Knights, the specialists of the Royal Guard, veterans of the Civil War, like the time lord was.

Back then, he and Fletcher were once enemies, so he was sceptic about it as he thought back when Luna suggested selecting him for this task.

As Dinky went missing, her family got called to Canterlot, after Sparkler had recovered.

A Guard leaded them to Princess Luna. They all bowed.

“Arise, my subjects. My condolences for what happened to Dinky.”

“Princess Luna, is there something you can do? I’m worried sick about my sweet daughter!” Derpy exclaimed concerned, “I'll search for her myself if I have too!” They all knew Luna had a plan as they got called here.

“I understand your concern, but we don't know where exactly she is, or how dangerous it could be. That's why I will send Fletcher Fray out for this task. He has experience in that field and can master almost anything.”

The green unicorn with a long blonde mane, and three arrows fired from a crescent moon as Cutie Mark walked into the room, Derpy looked at him with hope, Whooves with mistrust, Sparkler and Tootsie in awe as they saw his eyes. No pupils, they were completely light blue, fluctuating like water, making them wonder if he was even alive, or undead like a zombie.

He bowed respectfully. “Your highness.”

Now they also saw that he was carrying a bow on his back as he turned to them. “I promise you Ms. Hooves, I will get your daughter back safe and sound, you have my word. For me, it is not only a matter of honor, but also something very personal.” His voice was honest, determinated and promising, filling the Pegasus and the two unicorns with hope. It was also embossed by an accent that was lovely, smooth, and melodious. Doctor Whooves recognized it.

If he remembered correctly, Fletcher Fray was born in Farmany, an adjoining land to Equestria that existed at the time of the Civil War. And if his memory about humanity served him right, there was a country called Germany that was the human equivalent to Farmany.

Despite his mistrust, Doctor Whooves knew that Fletcher had a good heart and was the best choice for this task.

“Thank you for doing this.” Derpy was grateful as Luna and Fletcher leaded them to a large room, where they saw two ponies, both Earth ponies, chatting next to a blackboard with calculations on it.

“…If my calculations are correct, assumed by the trail the spell left, Dinky seems to be landed in a desert area.” The pony had a Trottingham accent, a bespectacled purple and white patch-patterned coat, a long messy mane of indigo and silver streaks and matching eyes, also wearing glasses. He also had freckles, hinting that he grow up in the country, a dark blue cloak with a rising golden sun, a symbol of graduation in the field of Pre-Alicorn Studies, a very obscure field of study at the Royal Canterlot Academy, concealed his Cutie Mark.

“I hope you are right, Patch, I don’t want that my relative lands in the wrong place.” The other pony had a green coat, blue eyes and a short blond mane, having a history book with the flag of Farmany, a black Alicorn, wings spread, with a golden mane on a yellow background with a red borderas as Cutie Mark, also having the same accent as Fletcher.

“Relax Wagensroll, I’ve got everything covered.” Patch assured him. “I also prepared suitable clothing.” He pointed to a table where a Bedouin-style cloak and face-wraps for camouflage were placed on.

“That will definitely come in useful. Thank you, Patch.” Fletcher putted it on, along with his armor and helmet.

Be careful.” Wagensroll gave him a friendly hug which he returned.

“I will.”

Two other ponies joined them, one a Pegasus with fiery navy-blue coat with matching eyes and flowing silver mane and a white wolf howling as Cutie Mark, the other one a bat pony with grey coat, a broadsword over a full moon as Cutie Mark and to the filly’s anxiety, pure-white eyes.

They were the other two Eternal Knights, White Wolf and their leader, Midnight Blade.

While the Eternal Knights were known to barely showing emotions, Wolf and Blade seemed to slightly worry about him.

Without warning, White Wolf rammed into Fletcher for a tight hug. “Be careful!”

He gently broke the hug with a warm smile. “I will, Wolf.”

“Good luck.” Midnight added.

“Thank you. All of you.” After he had picked up the trail, his horn lit up.

“Now, it’s important that you focus primarily on the portal until you feel your hooves touch solid ground and the magical concentration fade around you almost completely. Too often ponies just think they're done once they see their destination before they actually reach it. In fact, during the First Discordian Crisis, Lady Bright Bramley earned the unique accomplishment of being the first pony to turn herself completely inside-out while trying to reach the realm of...”

“Patch...Not helping.” Wagensroll interrupted, Fletcher’s horn stopped to glow.

“Ooh...” Patch glanced around, seeing that everypony had a rather unsettled expression. “Ahem...Sorry. Not to worry, there are a lot more protective measures nowadays. Just remain focused and patient and accidents are... slightly less likely.”

“Define 'slightly'...and 'accidents'...” Fletcher demanded.

“Well…if focused too little can cause you to land in the wrong place, or…even kill you. Staying focused can minimize this risk but it’s not out of the question.”

“Thanks for the advice.” Fletcher lit his horn up again, everypony was blended by a white light and he vanished after the light faded.

“Now…we can only wait…and hope for the best.” Patch hoped for the best, his friend did too.

“We will inform you when he returns” Wagensroll informed them. As they leaved, Tootsie noticed that he slightly trembled, barelynoticeable. “If he survives, that is.…” She heard him mumbling.

I should stop thinking in the past and look into the presence. Fletcher and I were enemies but that’s belongs to the past. Makes we wonder why it’s personally for him.

Doctor Whooves thought before he noticing how Derpy looked sad to the ground.

“If I may make a suggestion my dear, go get some fresh air.” He tried to cheer her up.

She looked at him with a weak smile. “Yeah, I should. Do you want to come along?

“I have something to do, I join you later.”

“We come with you, Derpy.” Sparkler and Tootsie said in union.

“Thanks.” The young Pegasus appreciated it, as they trotted out of the house.

The brown Stallion watched them until they were out of sight. He let out a worried sigh. “Please Dinky…I hope you’re okay.”

Suddenly, he noticed what appeared what to be a statue of a pony covering its eyes in the corner of his eyes. In a joking tone, he asked, “Did I ask for your opinion?”

Derpy, Tootsie and Sparkler walked through Ponyville, everypony greeted them, telling their condolences. That was what they liked very much about Ponyville, everypony helped each other in the time of need, no matter what. Once upon a time, some ponies got kidnapped, only for the entire town to save them, showing how much the citizen cared for each other. As such, the news of Dinky vanishing touched everypony.

Dinky was so nice to everypony. The entire town was concerned, yet tried to make hope as good as it was possible.

Dinky’s friends, the CMC, Ruby and Noi crossed their way. “Hello, you three.” Derpy greeted them.

“Hello, Derpy, Sparkler and Tootsie! We're sorry what's happened to Dinky. We hope she'll be okay!” They all said together, their voices sounded slightly worried.

“Appreciated, girls. I know how much of a good friend Dinky is too you.” Derpy smiled, as Dinky was once very sick, the CMC had once gone on to say she sets an example for the rest of the foals back then.

“Are there any new news?” Ruby asked Tootsie with hope.

“Unfortunately not, but I’m confident that she’s alright.” The young unicorn replied to her friend.

“I hope she is alright. She’s way a too good friend to lose.” Noi added.

“Indeed, Noi. And a great sister.” Tootsie smiled lightly, appreciating it as her friends walked away.

The Hooves continued their walk through Ponyville, Doctor Hooves caught up to them. “Sorry for being late, a…friend held me up.”

“It’s okay, I’m just glad you’re with us.” Derpy kissed him on the cheek.

As they came to Sugarcube Corner, they saw Pipsqueak walking out, his head lowered with a worried expression.

His mood slightly rose as he spotted Tootsie. “Oh, hello. Everything new yet?”

“Not yet, Pipsqueak, but we’ll let you know when we have new information.” Tootsie replied.

“I’m….I’m just worried about her.” He sniffed, about to cry, only to be hugged by Flute.

“Pipsqueak, you’re one of the best friends I and Dinky could ask for. It’s okay to be worried.”

“I know… I just don’t want her to die!” He exclaimed worried.

“None of us want her to die Pip, you aren’t the only one.” Sparkler spoke in a calming voice.

“I’m just so worried about her!” He replied.

They all knew how much Pipsqueak cared for Dinky and she for him. A few days before the wedding of Shining Armor and Cadence, something terrible happened to him, Dinky risked her young life to save him.

The young colt couldn’t remember what happened but was glad she helped him.

The fear of Dinky dying was deeply in all, they prayed she would not.

The Doctor had lost many friends over the years, he did not wanted to lose his beloved daughter or any other member of his family. Appreciating how Pipsqueak and Dinky were friends, best friends in his opinion, he had an idea how he could comfort the young colt.

“Pipsqueak, calm down, we must have hope. I was in many bad situations that I survived just by having hope.” The Doctor said to him.

The small colt smiled. “You’re right, I have to believe in it! Thanks, doc!” He hugged the brown stallion.

“You’re welcome, Pip.”

The young colt walked home, leaving the Hooves family alone.

The four ponies saw two familiar ponies in the distance, walking towards them.

“Wagensroll, Patch, are they back already?” Derpy asked with hope.

“Sadly, no.” Patch replied, hating it to disappoint the young mother.

“We’re here to get some peace and quiet from Canterlot when it is really busy. Ponyville is so quiet, perfect to get some rest, reminds me of my hometown.” Wagensroll explained. “But also to look after you. I allowed myself to buy Tootsie a little present.” He took out a paper bag out of his saddlebag and Tootsie grabbed it. She pulled what appeared to be a type of baked bread product, shaped into a twisted knot out of the bag.

“Thank you!” The filly exclaimed taking a bite, enjoying it with a smile.

He smiled. “You’re welcome. It’s called a pretzel, a very popular pastry in Farmany, I bought it from a bakery in Canterlot.”

While Wagensroll was not married, he cared for children deeply, that’s what Patch liked so much about him, the green Earth pony had also sympathy with Dinky’s family due to that.

“We wish you a good stay.” Sparkler smiled, seeing how happy Tootsie was as she took another bite.

On their way back home, the little unicorn had finished her meal. “That was delicious!”

“Glad to hear it, Tootsie. You and Dinky have very good friends, you can count on them.” Her big sister appreciated it.

“Um-hmm.”

The Doctor was lost in thought, wondering if he could find Dinky with the Tardis, bumping into his wife.

She stood there, frozen. “What’s wrong?” He asked, concerned.

Sparkler and Tootsie also stopped, concerned about Derpy.

“No….” The mare’s voice was quiet. She collapsed, tears leaving her eyes.

Before the doctor could proceed what was happening with his wife, he felt a stinging pain in his two hearts, like they were about to give out. “I’m sorry….mommy…daddy…” echoed in his mind, causing him to collapse too beside Derpy.

“This can’t be…NO!”

It took the two unicorns only a moment to process what happened.

Tootsie started to cry hugging her big sister for comfort, Sparkler patted her back.

“She can’t be gone! SHE CAN’T!” Tootsie wailed.

“Shh…I’m here for you…” Sparkler comforted her, letting her own tears escape.

“DINKY!!!!” Derpy exclaimed in tears.

In another universe

“Help! Mama!” The voice of a young girl echoed in Ruby’s ears.

“I’m coming!” The grey mare followed the cry for help of her beloved daughter, following it into a desert, her special talent to finding things made it easy to track it down as she came to a burning camp

Katja was lying with her back against a wall in her own blood, a knife stuck in her chest. “Mommy…hurts…”

Ruby carefully removed the knife, then tried desperately to stop the bleeding. “Hang on, Sweetie! You’re gonna be alright!” It pained her to see her daughter like this, begged for her not to die, it made her also wondering who would hurt her child like this.

“Tell Mitta…Daddy…I love them…” The girl managed to say before succumbing to her injury.

The mother looked at her hooves, they were covered in her daughter’s blood. “Katja…” She mourned her child, her unique, beloved daughter, she had her life yet ahead of her. Her smile, her eyes, it always had made Ruby happy seeing her happy smiling.

Then, with a sob, she noticed that Blau Streifen was not next to Katja or anywhere near the mare’s view, giving her an amount of hope that she could at least save him.

Then, she heard a strange moan and hoof steps behind her.

Turning around, she saw her son stumbling around, the darkness made it hard to see why.

“Blau Streifen! Are you hurt?” She exclaimed worried of losing her second child, galloping towards him.

The fire of a tent made it possible to see him fully, she stopped dead in her tracks in shock.

His eyes were completely red, his coat black and grey, some bones were visible.

Ruby took a step back, trying to process what happened to her son. “No…Not you…” She muttered in shock.

With another terrifying moan, the colt lunged at his mother, knocking her to the ground, trying to feast upon her, she struggled against it.

“Blau Streifen! It’s me, Ruby! Your mother! Fight against it, sweetheart!” She pleaded.

It was all in vain as he went for her throat.

With a gasp, the middle aged mare awoke, cold sweat on her face, her breath heavy.

“Honey, you ok? Another nightmare?” Her husband, Konrad asked with concern in his voice.

Since Katja and Blau Streifen had gone missing, their mother suffered nightmares about their wellbeing, often not able to sleep.

“Y-yes. They…” Ruby trembled before her husband pulled her close for a tight hug.

“Shh, don’t say it, my dear. I know you are worried, I’m and Mitta are too.” His voice was calming, yet his worry could be heard clearly. As she looked into his blue eyes, she calmed down as they had a calming effect on her, despite the worry they also showed.

“I just don’t want to lose them. They’re everything to me.” She replied concerned.

“Ruby, they’re everything to me too, don’t forget that. And with your special talent, I’m sure we will find them.” His voice had now a confident tone, it give her hope.

“You’re right, with my special talent, we will find them!” She hugged him back.

With a smile he replied, “That’s the spirit.”

Ruby could sleep much calmer this night.

In the next morning, the mare awoke by a delicious smell. Getting out of the bed, trotting into the kitchen, she saw that her husband had made breakfast.

A yawn ringed in their ears, Ruby’s mother Mitta joined them. “Good morning.”

“Morning.” Both greeted her.

While they breakfast was delicious, Ruby let out a sigh, head lowered.

“Ruby, I know you are worried about them but you need to eat something.” Her mother said with concern, seeing that she barely ate any breakfast.

“I’m just worried about my children, that’s all.”

It was rare that Mitta saw and heard her daughter so depressed before. “I suggest you get some fresh air, Ruby.”

“A good idea, mother.” Letting out another sigh, she told her and Konrad what she had dreamed tonight.

“Oh my…that doesn’t sound good.” Mitta covered her mouth in shock.

“More like terrible. Yet, I doubt that this happened to them.” Konrad said.

I hope.

A knock on the door interrupted them, Ruby answered it.

Outside stood a unicorn filly with Periwinkle-grey coat, black mane and blue eyes.

Blissley, Katja’s and Blau Streifen’s school friend.

“Hello, Mrs. and Mr. Ford.” The filly greeted them, her voice low and regretful.

“Hello, Blissley, what brings you here?”

“I-I want to apologize for what happened to Katja and Blau Streifen…I’m s-sorry…” She choked on her guilt, tears leaving her eyes.

Without hesitation, the middle-aged mare hugged her. „Shh, stop blaming herself, it was an accident. It wasn’t your fault.”

“We don’t blame you, Blissley, it was an accident. You’re a friend anypony could ask for. How about a cookie?” Mitta asked.

“I-I would like that.” The filly replied through her tears, calming down.

With that as answer, the light grey coated mare walked into the kitchen and retrieved a large chocolate chip cookie. The young unicorn ate it with glee.

While smiling at the young filly, the middle-aged father thought with a slightly lowered head. There must be a way to finds them. I feel kinda useless. I would search every corner if Equestria if I could.

“Did you come alone here?” Ruby asked Blissley, tearing him out.

“Well, yes. Since your husband made a safe route between Sunny Town and Ponyville, I could get here by myself.” The filly explained.

“Do they know you went by yourself?”

“Yes, I asked them.”

Suddenly, the man felt not useless anymore. He could help another family feel better. “Blissley, do you mind if I take you home?”

She grinned. “Not at all.”

Then, Konrad remembered that he had forgotten where he had putted his car keys. “If I could remember where I putted my keys…”

His wife raised her right hoof, pointing to a drawer. “Ah, thanks, Ruby.”

“You’re welcome.” She gave him a weak smile.

As her husband and Blissley walked out, Mitta cleaned the house.

The married mare walked past the rooms of her children, talking a look inside. Her son’s room was filled with pictures of comic book covers on the wall, soccer items on the bookcase beside his bed, and drawings most likely made by him, while Katja’s room was typical of a young filly's room. It pained the mare to see it empty.

As she got outside, she took a deep breath of fresh air before hearing how the engine of her husband’s car came to life and drove away. She looked after it until it was out of sight.

Before she could even move a hoof, the town leader, Grey Hoof crossed her way. “Good morning Ruby, how are you doing?” He asked friendly.

Letting out another sigh she replied. “Not good. Have you heard anything new?”

“Sadly not, but I will inform you as fast as I can should I hear something. And throw a welcome back party for them.”

“Thanks Grey Hoof, I appreciate it.”

“Your welcome, Ruby.”

As she walked through the town, the other citizens, like Starlet, Roneo, Gladstone, and Three Leaf greeted her, telling their condolences, she thanked them in return.

Not only it was quiet in Sunny Town, everybody helped each other without hesitation, as it was a small community founded years ago. That were two things she liked about it.

The worried mother decided to walk to her favorite spot from her foalhood. An elevated spot that overlooked the entire town that she used to sit upon watching everypony go about their daily lives, like she did right now to feel better.

Her mood slightly increased as she watched her friends, taking a deep breath of the air. Even as adult it was still fun to watch them, sometimes, she did even play spotting games.

Then, she saw how her husband came back in his car, parking it and stepping out, Mitta came out of the house and welcomed him home.

Was he really so fast, or did the time pass faster due as she watched the town? She didn’t know or cared about it.

“I hope you two are alright.” Ruby spoke her thought out loud, letting a single tear escape her eye.

A light stinging pain invaded her chest, she ignored it, assuming it was a cramp. It got stronger, she held her chest in pain, wounding why her chest started to hurt.

“I don’t feel so well…mother…” The voices of her children echoed in her head.

It took only a few seconds to realize what that meant.

“No…Please…no…”

Ruby collapsed, crying uncontrollable.

Despite her tear filled eyes, she could see in the distance how her mother and husband also collapsed.

“NO! MY BABIES!!!” Ruby cried out into the sky.

Author's Note

Being worried about someone you care is always hard to bear.

Chapter 5 The Green Knight

Chapter 5: The Green Knight

Many who had heard the legend and rumors of the Green Knight, wondered who he really was or who he was working for.

They all knew, however, that he was not with the British, nor the German or Italian troops. He was fighting those who caused trouble, and helping those in need.

As the children had suspected, he was from Equestria.

The Green Knight was a unicorn by the name of Fletcher Fray, an Eternal Knight of Princess Luna, princess of the night in Equestria.

Born in the city of Stutegart in the country of Farmany, he was of very noble blood. His father was an excellent archer and caring ruler, and his mother, wise and tender-hearted, doing much for those under their domain. Fletcher Fray had inherited his father’s bow skills and strong sense of wrong and right, while his caring, friendly side came from his mother.

Having gotten his Cutie Mark at the age of 11, he quickly got as skilled as his father with his bow. Unfortunately, he lost his parents the same day but that filled him with determination to help others not to have the same or familiar fates like he had.

When he had joined the Eternal Knights and fought in the Civil War, he leaded his soldiers with care for their lives like his father did, having a strong sense of principles that helped to choose what target was a worthy foe or a needless kill.

After Dinky vanished, he volunteered to get her back. Luna had also selected him for this task. He still remembered it.

“I promise you Ms. Hooves, I will get your daughter back safe and sound, you have my word. For me, it is not only a matter of honor, but also something very personal.” He had said to Dinky’s mother and father.

It was very personal for him for a reason. Back in the civil war, there was a filly he and his fellow Knights cared for, it got killed in a terrible event, despite their attempts to save it. It hadn’t even got it’s Cutie Mark. That memory never leaved his head, and he wanted to make sure that no other filly would suffer the same fate. He had sworn it to himself the day it happened.

There was also a second reason why he did this. Dinky and her family had suffered from terrible things too much already, and whenever he saw the young unicorn from a distance, her smile and happiness warmed his heart, sometimes reminded him of himself when he was her age.

At such, he was determinated to prevent that Derpy and Doctor Hooves would lose her, he had seen the grief of parents losing their child already, too many times.

Still, the loss of his parents belonged in the past, he never looked back. Even in death, they and the friends and comrades he had lost over the years were in his heart, supporting him to the end, always by his side.

“I will keep my promise, you will return home safe and sound, Dinky.” Fletcher spoke to himself as he walked through the desert, the sun shining down on him.

He was used to the heat in the Desert, he had did a classified operation in Appleloosa once and the clothes Patch had made for him were suiting perfectly.

At first when arriving, he was disoriented and very exhausted.

It was all Fletcher could do not to collapse.

Every nerve in his legs felt numb, his hooves jittering on the ground, shaking up the sand. It hurt to move his neck, having seemingly stiffened over hours. His eyes blurred, his mane stood on end. He could smell smoke and taste copper.

For a moment he was certain he hadn't come through alive.

Fighting not to retch, his last meal welling up inside his throat, he stood up, shut his eyes tight and reopened them.

Everything about him resembled the deserts of Northern Africa, looking strangely similar to the dunes of Antelopia or Camaala.

Groaning loudly and stretching his back and forelegs like a great cat, he gathered his senses and set about searching as soon as he found his hooves again.

He silently promised himself.

“Soon as this is over, I'm taking up meditation again.”

It was not the first time he has been on earth, some time ago, he landed in a different timeline due a failed portal spell. Then he helped a filly that was, like Dinky, separated from her home.

A memory that made him determined to find Dinky. Of course, he didn’t travel aimlessly. He followed the trail that the spell had left, it tracked Dinky wherever she was.

He also carried some supplies in his saddlebag bread and water, even an Eternal Knight couldn’t fight with an empty stomach and as it was very hot in the desert terrain, about 4 liters of water were necessary everyday to counter the loss through sweat.

But Fletcher was born with an interest in exploration, so he had a lot of experience when it came to travel. He knew he could find additional sources of water by watching for bends on a dry streambed and digging along the concave bank. There was often water below the surface. And he could watch for the flight of birds, particularly at dawn and dusk as birds circled waterholes.

He had read once that if he should run out of food, he should keep an eye for the Desert Gourd, a vine that runs along the ground. He could chew its moisture rich shoots and eat the flowers and fruits should food and water unavailable.

He had never eaten a Desert Gourd before, so he wondered how it would taste.

As he came to a hill he noticed smoke in the distance. “I should take a look at that.”

Using binoculars, he saw something he didn’t like. Some men in tan colored uniforms with red armbands holding civilians at gunpoint, torching what looked like a palace, while an officer without an armband argued with the officer that was apparently in charge of this.

Fletcher knew who the armband-wearing men were, he had overheard conversations. Those were members of the Waffen-SS, generally known as the elite forces of the German military, who had a reputation for brutality.

“Not on my watch, pal.” The green unicorn took aim with his bow, the SS squad in his sight.

He exhaled and fired, his arrows rarely missed - scoring headshots on the entire SS squad. The Wehrmacht soldiers were unharmed.

With a smile Fletcher watched as the Wehrmacht officer looked into the direction his arrows had come from with a light, scared expression before ordering his men to put the fires out and free the prisoners, then left with his troops.

Then he looked for a way down, looting the bodies for anything useful. While he preferred his bow over any other long range weapon, it took a lot of magic when firing powerful or very long shots, limiting his magic abilities to basic spells like levitation until regenerated, which could take some time. So firearms could balance it out.

He took the Luger pistol from the officer he had taken out, admiring the toggle-lock action, which used a jointed arm to lock, as opposed to the slide actions of almost every other semi-automatic pistol. During his travel, he had made himself a holster, should he use a sidearm. “Now I get why the allied soldiers love to have it as trophy. The toggle-lock action is unique.”

He put the ammo in his saddlebag, also taking a MP40 from one of the bodies and a scoped K98 from a SS sniper, the former for close range, the latter for sniping when he couldn’t use magic and his bow.

“MP40, standard SMG for the German troops, low rate of fire but easy to control. Ammo shouldn’t be a problem for me. And the K98, standard rifle for them, low rate of fire but that shouldn’t be a problem for me. I must admit when it comes to quality, they’re best.”

As he shouldered both weapons he mumbled, “Guess listening to Wagensroll when he talked about human history and weapon pays off. Never thought I would need that.”

Quickly taking a sip of his canteen, he carried on to the east, where the tracking spell showed Dinky’s last known position.

He traveled until the sun was setting, the sky showed it’s beautiful red-orange color, also signaling that the Green Knight should find a good place to rest for the night.

He found it at a small Oasis, making a campfire and watching at the sun until it was no longer visible. He enjoyed every second of it.

Fletcher briefly admired the stars before getting comfortable in his sleeping bag and falling asleep.

He woke up in the middle of the night by a strange movement he couldn’t identify. Looking around, he couldn’t see anything, except for something small in the distance.

Lighting up his horn, he saw a small filly in the distance. “Dinky? Is that you?” He asked, he couldn’t see if it was really her in the darkness.

Suddenly, fires flamed up all around him, he startled for a second, trying to figure out what was happening. Then dark, almost crazy laughter echoed. Fletcher froze in fear as he recognized it. “No…this can’t be…”

“It is said that foals are the embodiment of innocence. And what better act of innocence is there...than punishing the guilty?” the voice echoed.

Dinky stepped into view.

“I am a holy servant of the sacred sun. I am a flame of justice that burns away the night's evil.

Celestia demands victory.

All victory demands sacrifice.

All pleasure demands pain.

All forgiveness demands punishment.

All harmony demands power.” She said this totally unemotionally with a completely blank, dead-eyed look on her face, explosives strapped across her body.

“D-dinky? No...” Fletcher stared in shock and disbelief as she came closer through a path that opened through the fire while he was still trapped.

“Thus is justice delivered unto the unrighteous and unholy.

Thus are the flames of Celestia's sun appeased with the final screams of the heretics.

We burn their tainted flesh, we boil their tainted blood, we steal their tainted breath and banish their tainted souls eternally to oblivion.” She was now only a few meters away from him.

“Dinky, snap out of it!” Fletcher pleaded slightly in panic.

“Now we adorn ourselves in bronze and glass, our fires burning bright for the world to see.

Life and Death mean naught. Only the fire is real.

We live, we die, we live again. Reborn as a flame of justice.

I live and die for the Celestia. For Solomon. For the flames.”

In the moment she had reached him, he covered himself from the explosion, a powerful blast of white and flames.

The unicorn gasped, breathing heavily with cold sweat on his face as he awoke from this nightmare, looking around.

Fletcher took a deep breath of relief. “Just a dream…” The campfire had died long ago, only the sounds of crickets filled the quiet and peaceful night.

“Maybe, I should ask Princess Luna about this when I’m back, she’s the princess of dreams after all.” With a sigh, he fell asleep again.

Solomon. That name still sent a sharp sting through Fletcher's very core to this day.

It was by his hoof that the Lunar Republic's advance was ended, nearly wiped from the face of Central Equestria.

To Canterlot and most of the cities and villages that flew Celestia's banner, he was their champion, their saviour, sometimes revered greater even than their own Princess.

To the Republic however, he was the true nightmare incarnate, burning a swathe of terror and carnage through the realm, seeing every stallion, mare and foal under Luna's cause as nothing more than traitors deserving nothing more than total annihilation.

His fires had consumed all in his path, his chief weapons were his cunning, ruthlessness and sheer raw power.

Until the day his zeal grew too great even for those who loved him.

Fletcher had crossed him on more than one occasion.

It rarely ended well for him and those beside him fared far worse.

He shook his head at the memory.

So few friends escaped the flames.

Fletcher slept peaceful for the rest of the night, breakfasting in the morning, as he was an early riser.

He enjoyed the sunrise before moving on. The spell still led him east.

While the rifle had a weight of 4kg, the MP40 3.97 kg and the Luger pistol a weight of 871 grams, making 8.84 kg in total, was not a problem for him at all, he was used to carrying heavy equipment from the civil war.

As yesterday, it was a hot day, the heat hardly bearable, but Fletcher saw it serenely.

“Well, I used to train with my father even in such hot days and enjoyed some cool Applemilk after that - good times, good times.” He smiled at the memory. “Better than to train on cold days, I can still remember how the arrows were literally frozen on the targets. I wonder how Dinky tolerates the heat.” A feminine scream of help tore him out of his thoughts and he wasted no time to respond to it.

Coming to a hilltop, he discovered what seemed to be a British camp, some soldiers were chasing a young Arab woman into a trench, one of them pinned her down on the ground.

Fletcher knew exactly what they intended. “Oh no, you don’t!” In a swift motion, the stallion had his bow drawn, the harassers in his sight.

Exhaling, the arrows flew towards their targets, all headshots.

Satisfied, the Green Knight watched as a young soldier gently helped the woman up before looking into the unicorn’s direction with a scared expression before getting back on his post.

“Quite the gentleman I see.” Fletcher commented before moving on himself.

The rest of the march was quiet, only sand as far as the eye could see, he took regular breaks in the shade, drinking some water.

In the evening, he made a campfire at another small oasis, refilling his canteen, watching the sunset, cleaning his firearms.

“Too bad I can’t take them back to Equestria, would look nice in my trophy room. If I had one.” One of the Eternal Knight's vows was that they never bring foreign weapons to Equestria or Equestrian weapons (Other than their own) to foreign lands.

Watching the sunset and stars once again, he yawned and settled down to rest beneath a rocky outcrop.

A bad smell entered his nose, causing him to wake up. “'What the hay is that?” He covered his nose, noticing that some kind of gas covered the area, it was more like a thick cloud of cyan mist.

This looks familiar…where have I seen it before?

He tried to remember, but his mind couldn’t get any answer.

He walked through it, trying to find an answer, the mist blocked his view like a sandstorm.

Suddenly, he spotted Dinky in the distance, having her back turned to him.

“Dinky! Are you okay?” He called out but she didn’t react.

He was about to walk up to her to check if she was hurt, as something forced him to stop moving, like he was frozen.

“What the…”

“You look well-rested, Eternal Knight.” An echoing voice spoke to him, he knew it from somewhere but he couldn’t remember where. And there was nobody here, safe for Dinky.

“…My, my, how you’ve changed. You became a volunteer for little tasks as that? Well, I’m sure you’ll see the bigger picture eventually. If you get out of here alive.”

As the voice said this, Dinky turned around, facing him. She had deathly pale skin, whitened pupils, blackening around her eyes and mouth, slight sores near the neck, enlarged veins, and several small blue orbs emitting from her head.

“Rest in peace this time.” The voice added before Dinky broke out into a sprint, knocking him down, trying to feast upon him.

He struggled against it. “Dinky, don’t!” He pleaded before she went for his throat.

“NO!” He yelled at the top of his lungs as he woke up, his breathing rapid.

He rubbed his head. “Two nightmares in a row can’t be good. I should definitely ask Luna about this when I get back.” With that, he fell asleep again.

The next day, a small sandstorm blocked his view, as it cleared, he saw something that made him freeze on the spot in shock. “Dear Luna…”

At first, he thought he had found a graveyard, bodies of dead soldiers everywhere, some beheaded, their heads pierced on spears. Then, he noticed it wasn’t a graveyard, it was a massacred camp with bodies hung up, tortured and put through horrors he had never seen before. Yet, it was still somehow familiar to him as he saw one body hung up on a wall, his chest open, the heart missing. He was placed on a symbol, due the body blocking Fletcher’s view, he couldn’t see what it was exactly.

Whatever that was, it’s brutal and strong. This is Butchery…No, more than Butchery.

“I sense something, a presence I've not felt since...”

“Hey, isn’t that the Green Knight?” Fletcher heard a voice in the distance.

“I better get out of here.” He fled the scene quickly.

“What could have caused this?” He wondered.

Author's Note

What could it be?

Chapter 7 Old friends

Chapter 7: Old friends

At first, the children had thought they had died, feeling cold and numb, but then warmth surrounded their bodies, causing them to wake up.

Slowly opening their eyes, they found themselves at a campfire, it was night, only crickets and the crackle of the fire filled the air, making them wonder if the battle was over and how long they had been out cold.

“Looks like we were lucky, again.” The colt held his forehead, it ached still a bit.

“Seems so. Where are we and were are Konrad and his friends?” Dinky wondered, worrying for them.

“Over here.” Katja saw that Konrad was with them, lying next to the camp fire, knocked out.

The children wondered who could have brought them there and made the campfire; Konrad was out of the question. “Maybe it was William or one of Konrad’s friends?” Dinky suspected.

Neither of the siblings could reply, then the German stirred, regaining consciousness.

“Uhh, my head. What happened? Where am I?” He was still disoriented.

“We don’t know where we are but a plane almost crashed on us.” Dinky explained.

“Ah, I remember now. Looks like someone got us to safety, question is who.”

It made them all wonder who it could be that had brought them here. It was strange why their savior was absent and not with them.

The sound of footsteps tore the children out of their thoughts, seeing the silhouette of what appeared to be a man coming closer.

Before they could say anything, Escher had already drawn his sidearm, having it trained on the unknown man who had a revolver aimed at him.

“Drop your weapon and step into the light where I can see you!” Konrad shouted, but the unidentified man did not reply.

After a few seconds of holding each other at gunpoint, they lowered their weapons, much to the kid's confusion. “William, it's been a long time since we saw each other.” Konrad smiled.

“You too, Konrad.”

“You...know each other?” Dinky asked confused.

“Long story. Come, join us William.” The Wehrmacht soldier waved a hand.

Konrad showed her a picture. It showed both men, smiling for a photo behind a building which looked like an Embassy. “What a nice relationship you have here!” she grinned.

“Yes, we befriended each other at the Berlin Olympics in 1936. I was supervising them as ambassador.” William explained, smiling at the memories.

The siblings also noticed that a third man was on the photo, it was only black and white but they could see that the third man, who was posing between the German and Brit, looked similar to their father. A relative of him or just acoincidence? They didn’t know.

“I haven’t seen you since the Olympics. How have you been?” William asked, happy to see his friend again after 6 years.

“Apart from the war, I’m doing fine. You?”

“Good.” The Brit smiled warmly.

“How did you survive?” Dinky asked, curious to know.

“Well. I got knocked out by a Stuka. The enemies thought I was dead, so they ignored me as they advanced. Woke up in the middle of the night, no sign of my comrades, probably regrouping, so I decided to find shelter. I’m glad to see that you are fine too.”

“We are happy to see you, too.” They replied in union.

Then, the three friends listened to William’s and Konrad’s conversation about old times, what had changed and happened throughout the years.

“Well, well...two soldiers on opposite sides protecting the same thing. Maybe this war will end sooner than expected.” A new voice interrupted, it sounded German to the two soldiers.

Out of instinct, William and Konrad drew their sidearms, trained into the direction where the voice had come from. “Halt! Not another step!” The private yelled.

Quick as a flash, their weapons got enveloped in a green color and thrown away, out of their hands.

“I'd rather you didn't do that, it's rude.” The voice said, a silhouette came closer, looking like a pony. Once it was in view, they saw what seemed to be a unicorn, wearing a cloak with a hood and helmet. The pony looked exactly like the one who “saved” them in the sandstorm.

“That magic...you're a...a unicorn!” Dinky exclaimed.

“You're...you're him, aren't you. The Green Knight.” Hill figured out, feeling a bit uncomfortable but did not show it.

“Is that what they're calling me? I thought you guys were supposed to be poetic.” The Green Knight replied. His voice showed no sign of emotion and his hood concealed his face.

“What are you doing here?” Curiosity got the better of the German.

“I'd like to know likewise. An answer for an answer, you first.” The Knight replied.

“We're both charged with protecting those civilians and escorting them home.” The private explained.

“Very kind of you. But I'll hazard a guess as to say you don't quite know where her home is or how to get there.” The unicorn replied, knowing that the latter was impossible for the soldiers to do.

“We've answered your question. What are you here for?” Escher asked him, having a guess.

“...the same.” The unicorn removed the hood revealing a green coat, a long blonde mane and, what scared the kids a bit, completely light blue eyes, having no pupils and fluctuating like water. “Fletcher Fray. Eternal Knight. Sworn sword of her highness, Princess Luna of Equestria and her Moon. She charged me with locating a missing citizen of Ponyville and bringing her back home.”

“So...you're a unicorn?” William asked after thinking for a moment to make sure he got this right.

“Yes, I believe the phrase is used among your people as well as mine.” Fletcher replied, sounding not surprised at all about the Captain’s reaction.

“So why are you green?” Hill had never seen a pony with a green coat before.

“...Pardon?” The Knight did not understand.

“Well...they don't say anything about unicorns being green.” William replied, not able to come up with a different reply than this.

With a light, irritated voice, Fletcher asked, “Well, how many unicorns have you met before, buddy?!”

William paused, trying to understand. With a shrug he replied ”...Fair point.”

So...are you a relative of Dinky?” Konrad wondered.

Fletcher looked him into the eyes. “Look, just because I'm a unicorn doesn't mean I'm related to every unicorn in the world.”

“I didn't mean it like that, I just...never mind.”

“Mr...Fray?” Dinky looked at Fletcher, hoping he could help. “Are you here to take me home?”

“That's what I'm here for. Happy to meet your acquaintance. Glad I got the right portal, it would have been a real pain in the flanks if I wound up in 1st Century Lotharingia with Heinrich I's Dark Knights chasing after my fetlocks...again...” He shuddered for a moment.

“I can imagine.” The German replied, knowing who Heinrich I once was.

The young unicorn had heard about the Eternal Knights, being the bodyguards of Princess, the specialists of her Royal Guard. Some rumors said they were more of an Elite of the guards.

Yet, she was still curious about his eyes. “Mr. Fray, what’s wrong with your eyes?”

With a light hint of confusion, Fletcher asked, “My eyes? Oh, right. You see Dinky, we Eternal Knights swore a vow. To not rest until we placed Princess Luna on the throne of Equestria. After Princess Luna returned, that vow could never be upheld, so we thought we should be her Bearers. Back then, medicine wasn’t as advanced as it is today, and a deadly sickness was wandering around. As such, I tried with a friend to invent a cure for it. Nanomites.”

“Nanomites?” The filly asked confused, having heard of it but couldn’t figure out how they were supposed to be curing a sickness.

“Yes, Dinky. They are natural organisms, similar to Paraspites. They live in nests and are drawn to decaying flesh. Nanomites produce chemicals that dispel bacteria and viruses from the flesh they consume which makes dead bodies decompose a lot slower, but when they feed on a live body it heals and repairs the area they leave the chemicals on. The sickness, we called it Ceraporosis, it causes decay in the hooves, wing membranes and horns, so nanomites work to repair the deteriorating flesh. One simply opens a wound on the area near the infected hooves, wings or horn and brushes it against the nanomite nest, but it requires constant exposure to the nanomites and often, the virus can build up an immunity. So, we both worked to create a magically-enhanced breed of nanomite that can be let into the bloodstream similar to injection. They are injected as eggs so once they hatch, they treat the body like a nest and work to repair any sign of deterioration, even those that come from old age.

This is risky as it can cause the horst to go into shock or cause a heart failure. Despite this risk, I volunteered to test them, had to remain in a state of meditative repose for almost half a year to stop the nanomites causing my body to lock down. In the end it worked, although I was the only test subject who has lived this long.”

“So, I guess the nanomites are what caused your eyes to be like this?” Dinky tried to connect the dots.

“Yes. Nanomites affect the pigment in a pony's eyes, coat and sometimes mane. That’s why my eyes are that way but my vision is unaffected by it. Thanks to them, wounds regenerate, as long as I’m not too badly wounded.” Fletcher explained.

No, the children and soldiers noticed that his coat had dark stripy pattern around his back and shoulders, his horn also had a dark shade.

“That’s fascinating. If you don’t mind Mr. Fray, where are you from?” Blau Streifen asked curious about it.

The green unicorn smiled at him. “Well young colt, I’m not actually from Equestria but from Farmany. As far as I've been informed, Farmany is by way of being Germany's equivalent. But as our cultures go, there's still quite a few differences and not just because we're of different species. I'm only about as German as anyone born in, say, 15th Century Lotharingia. Our world and yours have many more differences besides the number of legs we walk on.I don't like to brag but... I’m of very noble blood. My father was an excellent archer and caring ruler, and my mother, wise and tender-hearted, doing much for those under their domain.”

“So, you are German like me.” Konrad figured out.

Fletcher was caught off guard by this. “Uhh…technically, yes.”

“Mr. Fray, if you are here to bring Dinky home, can you help me and my brother get home too?” The girl asked him with hope.

Well, my job just got a whole lot more complicated. The Green Knight thought but smiled.

“Of course, I help you to get home, can’t leave two young Equestrians behind, can I?” He asked, joking.

Then, he realized something. “Sorry, did I...did I hear you right?” He pointed to both siblings. “You are aware that...different...and...” He just shrugged, dropping the subject. “Alright.”

“So…I assume you were the one who brought us here?” Escher asked him.

“Well, yes.” And so, Fletcher told what happened.

His eyes widened in fear, the plane was about to crash right on the children!

No!

Quickly without thinking about it, the unicorn concentrated, his horn glowed, enveloped the damaged wing of the British Bomber, slightly changing its course, so it wouldn’t crash on them.

The plane didn’t crash on them, but flew towards them, making him fear that he made it worse, seeing that they tried to run away, and then the plane exploded, blasting them away.

Without hesitation, the Green Knight rushed to them, seeing that the fighting sides were too busy to pay attention to him, and that the soldiers that had escaped the crashing plane, resumed fighting.

Upon reaching the ditch, the unicorn saw that the children had barely escaped death, since a blade had been broken off the Bomber, sharp as a knife and, lying inches away from their throats.

“That was a close call.” He was relieved, checking the wreck for survivors, but the pilots were hanging bloodied in their seats, dead.

Then he checked the children, glad to see that they were only knocked out. While he was there to get Dinky home, seeing another foal and a human girl with hair that would be only common for a pony got him curious, they could be only from Equestria too, and he couldn’t leave them there.

The Unicorn also checked the soldier who had helped them, wondering why he did so.

“I better get you to a safer place.” He spoke, seeing that the defenders held the attackers off, but they kept trying, putting each other in a pat situation, but neither side seemed to gain the upper hand.

While the children were no problem for him to carry, the soldier took some effort of the Knight. “Friend, you’re heavier than you look.”

The unicorn carried them to a small oasis he had found nearby, far enough away from the battle before gently putting them down.

He stayed with them, waiting until they would wake up and keeping them safe from anyone who could harm them. Of course, he could bring Dinky home right away but it would break her heart to be not able to say goodbye or she would be more confused upon waking up at home, a risk he didn’t want to take.

Plus, he was a bit interested in the story of the two other children and the soldier.

As it was getting late and the sun was already setting, the green pony made a campfire to keep them warm, enjoying the view of the stars.

After a while, the young unicorn started to stir, so Fletcher moved away to avoid startling her and the others, not knowing how they would react towards him, given the stories the soldiers had told about him.

“Thank you!” The kids hugged him, grateful that he saved them, he was surprised about this, yet smiled.

“I only did my duty, children. What are your names?” He asked the siblings.

The girl grinned. “My name is Katja.”

“And I’m Blau Streifen.” The colt replied.

“Nice names, they suit you both.” Fletcher liked their names, causing them to blush slightly.

“Thank you. Did you also save us in that sandstorm?” The young colt asked him.

Thinking for a moment, trying to find the right words, Fray replied, “Yes, I did, in a…unusual way.”

As Fletcher walked through the desert, he suddenly felt a stinging pain in his heart, wondering why, until he used the tracking spell.

Dinky’s life sign was fading as he used his tracking spell.

Knowing that he hadn’t much time, he looked for a place where it was unlikely to get attacked, then concentrated to cast a very old spell.

After his horn stopped glowing, Fletcher found himself in the middle of a sandstorm; Dinky’s location was close. The spell he had used was a mirror spell, creating a “Ghost” of himself, able to be at two places at once so to speak but only for a short time. He could move and touch things but not speak.

Using his horn as flashlight, he walked towards Dinky’s location, discovering a cave along the way.

It didn’t take long until he crossed her way, seeing a colt and a human girl with her, staring at him in fear, which was understandable due the reputation he had made for himself.

“Please…help us…” The colt pleaded with a weak voice, close to collapsing.

With a swift motion he used his cloak to shield them from the sand, waving a hoof to stay close, leading them to the cave, while his tracking spell located a British patrol closing in.

They would be safe from the sandstorm, and the patrol would find them, he was sure of that, having no other choice to hope for it as the spell started to wear off and he could feel how his “ghost” slowly faded.

“Please…don’t leave…my friends…need help!” Dinky pleaded, stretching her hoof out, going through him as the ghost faded, causing him to return to his actual body.

Such spells took a lot of magic, so Fletcher was a bit exhausted after returning. “I hope they find them and take care of them until I can catch up. I don’t want to…no, don’t think of that, think positive.” He talked to himself, hoping for the best.

“I guess we owe you our lives.” Blau Streifen was grateful.

Fletcher waved a hoof. “You owe me nothing, children, I only do what I can to keep you safe. I’m convinced that Princess Luna will find a way to get you home.”

And if she can’t, the doctor could find it with his Tardis.

“Thank you!” Both hugged him again.

With a warm smile, he asked, “Do you want to tell me about your home?”

The siblings grinned. “With pleasure!” And so, they told him about Sunny Town, their father, family, and how they got here.

It was interesting, yet confusing, given that most ponies regard humans as a myth, in much the same way as any human would regard unicorns.

His brain tried to process it, making sense of it, as it confused him greatly and felt very awkward about it, a human living in Equestria. Yet the two children were proof that this was the reality in the Equestria they came from.

Believing it ,as they were right in front of him and not wanting to think at the moment about how a pony could have a human child, “He replied, “I’m sorry to hear what happened to you, but you have my word, I keep will you safe. You can be proud of yourself for having such good parents.”

“Of course we are proud, he’s the best dad we could ask for!” The Earth pony exclaimed proudly.

“I believe you, young stallion. Oh, almost forgot, what are your names?” The Knight asked the two soldiers.

“Well, my name is Konrad Escher.” The German replied.

“And I’m William Hill.” The Brit replied and both told the Green Knight how they found the children and took care of them.

“You have my thanks for keeping them safe. I will pass it on to the princess and their families.” Their efforts had made some things easier for Fletcher and he appreciated it.

“And we thank you, children. Thanks to you, I got reunited with an old friend. “Konrad smiled at them.

They blushed. “You’re welcome.” Their voices sounded in union, slightly embarrassed about it.

“Even if you melt like butter out here, the view of the stars is beautiful, isn’t it?” William asked as he looked up to the sky, enjoying the view of the stars.

“Yes, they’re so close.” Konrad replied, enjoying it too, Fletcher nodded.

As the children listened to the crackle of their fire, they could hear faint ghostly voices they couldn’t understand. Turning around, the three friends saw ghostly imagines of Soldiers in White/tan uniforms passing by. They appeared to be armed with the same weapons the German used. Some of them wore similar helmets as Konrad had in white/ sand color, some others had what appeared to be the same headgear as Katja had, made out white fabric, either, having it tied behind their head with googles on it, or wearing it like a hood. Both variants looked similar yet somehow different, like they were two different kinds of hat.

The march seemed endless. Maybe it was their imagination. Maybe not. The soldiers faded.

A deafening noise rang in their ears, sounding like a train horn or a fog horn. Looking down at the ground, the kids realized they were standing on ghostly tracks. The noise grew louder, a train came closer fast. But this train was something they had never seen before. It was armed to the roof with cannons of all kind. The children covered themselves and screamed as the train reached them.

“Children, you’re alright?” Konrad asked concerned about them. Slowly uncovering themselves, rapid breathing and lightly trembling, the children noticed that the image was gone.

“I-I could swear I saw ghostly imagines of soldiers and a heavily armored train!” Dinky exclaimed.

William, to her surprise, replied, “I think you saw soldiers of the Ottoman Empire, my grandfather fought them in the Great War. They used an armored train called 'Canavar' which means ‘beast’ in their language against Arab rebels. Grandfather used to say: Whatever you call these Ottoman Turks, do not call them weaklings. They must have marched across the whole bloody desert to attack us. And that in 10 days.’ Impressive if you ask me.”

“Yeah.” The German agreed.

Only the crackle of the fire and the crickets filed the quiet night, and the night was still young as the children warmed themselves at the campfire.

“This reminds me when I did some camping trips with my family and friends. We always enjoyed the view of the stars, telling stories.” Dinky said, smiling at the nice memories.

“I believe you that. How many stars do you think are out here?” The young colt wondered, trying to count the stars.

“Millions of them I suppose, but they never fail to amaze.” His sister replied, her voice full of admiration.

“What about some campfire stories to pass the time?” Konrad suggested.

“I would love that.” Dinky grinned.

“Me too!” The siblings exclaimed together, smiling.

“I wouldn’t mind it, my friend. Do you mind it, Mr. Fray?” William asked the Eternal Knight.

“Not at all, and Fletcher is just fine.” He replied, eager to hear what the German had in mind.

“I don’t know how much they have taught you in school about humanity but have you ever read about the Red Baron?” He asked into the crowd, the children shook their heads.

“Well, then let me tell you. He was a German pilot in World War I. His real name was Manfred von Richthofen. He served in the Cavalry until he wanted to serve in the Luftwaffe in 1915. That was where his legend began. Being a clever tactician, he managed to bring every advantage on his side in a dogfight. His famous nickname ‘Red Baron,’ was created by a new tactic he developed: The flying circus.” Konrad explained.

“Flying circus?” The children did not understand.

“It’s actually very simple. Manfred’s squadron was the elite of the Luftwaffe back then and was sent to the focal points of the battles and had to move between those fast. For this purpose, the aircrafts were disassembled and loaded onto trucks together with the required material. Thus the squadron could be moved within a very short space of time, similar to a traveling circus, to the corresponding areas of application which were mostly located in the immediate vicinity of the front. Unlike the other planes, his squadron had no camouflage but was colorful, while Richthofen’s plane was red.

Due to the precise maneuvers, dogfights looked like acrobatic art pieces under a circus dome. As Richthofen was a Baron, his noticeable red plane got him the nickname Red Baron and rightly so, as he scored 80 kills, more than any pilot of the First World War. He was respected by his men and the enemy as well. He once stated: ‘Everything in the air belongs to me.’”

The children were fascinated and impressed by this story. “Wow! Sounds like someone Rainbow Dash and the Wonderbolts could look up!” Dinky exclaimed, her eyes full of fascination.

While he did not know who Rainbow Dash or the Wonderbolts were, he didn’t want to know at the moment. “I believe you, Dinky. Sadly, the Red Baron did not survive the war but to honor him, the Jagdgeschwader 2 has his name.”

“That sounded really cool! But it’s sad that he didn’t survive.” Blau Streifen liked it, but had sympathy for the Red Baron.

“Yes, it’s a pity.” His sister added, having sympathy too.

“Yeah, but his legend will live on forever, inspiring other pilots.” Konrad turned to his friend. “What kind of campfire story do you want to tell, William?”

The Brit thought for a moment. “Well, my uncle had a fair few to tell. He went round the world, you see, as a soldier in the Royal Brigade.” He smiled proudly. “Britain has the world's largest and...well...one of its greatest empires. From as far North as Canada and Newfoundland, as far East as India and Hong Kong, and as far south as Australia and New Zealand. We don't like to brag...well, actually that's a dirty great lie, of course we do, but what's the point of having an empire if you can't be proud of it? But we didn't get it as easily as some assume. I remember one such struggle my uncle saw was the Zulu War in 1879. Looking at men in beast-skins still using swords and shields, one wouldn't see a credible threat to a world-spanning empire...but appearances, as we know better than most, can be misleading. We won the war in the same year, but we learned an important lesson: Don’t underestimate the Enemy, even if he looks primitive.

The Zulus. Warriors, no truer definition. Trained since the peak of manhood. My uncle told me of them, how they fought on the borders of Natal. They numbered in the thousands, a great tide of spears clanging against their cowhide shields, chanting and roaring, their charge like thunder down the safari drift. 'Oh, it doesn't matter' we thought 'Let them come. We have bullets'...But they kept coming and coming and coming. Bullets run out...And those bloody spears don't. At Isandlwana, the Zulus came at us, eighteen-hundreds of our lads versus nearly five thousand spears, and once they breached our lines, there was no hope. They killed nearly every man posted there. We learned another lesson. When you camp in Zululand, build high walls and big guns.” William said, his voice a bit uneasy.

“H-how did your uncle survive?” The young unicorn asked a bit scared, slightly trembling.

“Well, he told me it was luck, but never told me exactly how he actually survived, but it left its scares on him. What about you, old Mr. Fray. What tales have you to tell us this night?” He asked the Green Knight who had a neutral expression but seemed to tremble slightly.

“Well...Don't take this the wrong way but I've probably seen more stories that any of you have seen days in your life. But...what you were saying about the wars and...how they changed...It reminds of the day I learned that...Have you kids ever heard of Mondelin?” He asked the children, they shook their heads. “Not too surprising. Mondelin was once a magnificent city, nearly an equal to Canterlot. Kind of the Republic's answer to it, in a way. During the war, it was our center-point. From there, we would hold out in Equestria. It was one of the greatest cities ever built, its walls strong, its towers tall. Guarded by our best troops, millions strong...Now all that's left is ash and ruin.

War changes over time. And the warriors that don't change with it don't live through it. Celestia had a very loyal and very dangerous warrior. A warrior who liked changing the rules.

Mondelin would have made a wondrous prize...if it could have been taken. A million ponies could have marched upon those walls and become a million corpses before the week's end...But we didn't get a million ponies. Instead, we got beasts of war and instruments of slaughter the like of which nopony could ever comprehend. This warrior...to him, Mondelin wasn't a prize...It was a demonstration.

Only a hoof-full still live who saw it...But we will never forget.” His voice was steady, yet clearly uncomfortable.

“Oh my… I’m sorry to hear that.” Without any warning, Dinky hugged Fletcher in an attempt to comfort him.

With a light smile, returning the hug, the Knight replied, “It’s okay Dinky, it’s in the past. And Fletcher is just fine.”

This woke an unpleasant memory in the young private. “My grandfather was fighting in the first World War, also known as the Great War. He said to me: 'So many of us thought this war would be our rite of passage, our great adventure. Let me tell you, it was no adventure. Instead of adventure, we found fear, and in war the only true equalizer is death.’ I learned that the hard way when we invaded Poland. My first day as soldier of the Wehrmacht... it was exciting, it was frightening, chaotic. Nothing at all like the drills. Of course that's pretty much the way it was for all of us, wasn't it? All that Propaganda, all those years of training... it doesn't really prepare you for all the screaming or the blood, does it? Frankly I'm still amazed I ever made it through the first hour, never mind the first day.”

“I can relate to that. My father told me he never saw an airplane in his life before going to war. He was at first amazed by them as they flew over him, admiring the daring pilots who flew them, but soon realized that most of these planes and their pilots would crash down to their deaths into 'twisted smoking wrecks'. They said it would be 'The War to End All Wars'. It ended nothing. But it changed the world forever.” William added, also feeling uneasy about it.

“No, it was. The War to End All Wars. That's exactly what it was...Because war, as we knew it, was over...and its place, something we could barely have imagined. No more colonial conflicts, no more squabbling empires or uprisings. No more fighting over who gets whose land and money and power. Now...it's who gets to live. It's who fires first and who's left to fire back. No-one's safe, at the front or at home. This is what happens when two great forces grow and grow and finally meet. In a way this was inevitable but...god, has it ever been this grisly.” Konrad added, knowing how much it changed warfare.

“If you don’t mind me asking Konrad, what happened to your father? Did he…die…” Blau Streifen couldn’t finish, feeling guilty to ask it.

“Die in the war? No Blau Streifen, he didn’t. In fact, he took part in it as medic but never fought on the frontline like his father had. I have knowledge of the First World War from my grandfather but some medical knowledge from my father.” The man ruffled the colt’s mane.

In that moment, the children started to yawn, showing how tired they were.

“You should get some rest, children. We plan out the rest tomorrow.” The private suggested, the kids just nodded, getting comfortable next to the warm fire, drifting off to sleep.

“And I suggest you take some rest too, you both have earned it. I’ll take the night guard.” The Green Knight said to them.

“If you insist, Fletcher. Then, I wish you a goodnight.” Konrad didn’t mind it.

“And a goodnight from me too.” William added before both soldiers went to sleep.

While being an early riser, Fletcher could actually stay awake for a considerably long time, so it was no problem for him to stay guard.

The unicorn’s heart melted as he saw how the children were cuddling in their sleep, giggling, making him wonder about what they dreamed.

Then, he covered his mouth, having to yawn, feeling a bit tired himself.

I guess the after-effects of the portal spell are still weighing on me. He thought, never feeling so tired before.

His eyes felt heavy, slowly closing before they shot up and he shook himself, trying to stay awake.

Maybe a short nap won’t hurt. Despite having the intent to have a short nap, exhaustion took over, causing the Green Knight to drift off to sleep, resting quite peacefully.

Dinky found herself on what seemed to be the backseat of a blue box on wheels. If her memory was correct, humans called those cars. Katja and Blau Streifen were next to her on the backseat, smiling and enjoying the ride. The filly could see the back of the driver, he had brown hair, probably the siblings’ father, driving through an rural environment with trees and farms filling the background alongside fallen leaves covering parts of the road, hinting it was autumn, a beautiful view for the children.

The truck drove past a set of twin covered bridges, the kids saw another truck parked on a resting place, it was green-colored with a yellow star on the doors, a light bar on the roof.

Said truck turned its lights and siren on after the blue car had driven past. “46 to country, in pursuit of a blue Ford Bronco by the covered bridges.”

“All units be advised, unit 46 in pursuit of a blue Bronco.” The country acknowledged, alerting nearby units.

Seeing the police car in the mirror, the father pulled over, having a lot of respect for police officers and didn’t want to endanger the lives of his passengers.

The children could see from the mirror how the cop stepped out of his car. To the siblings’ surprise, it was their mother, wearing a blue uniform, hat and sunglasses.

The mare walked towards the driver side, looking her husband into the eyes and just said, “You're lucky I'm in a good mood. I'm giving you a warning, but I'll be WATCHING for you!” In a serious tone, seeming not to recognize her husband or children.

After the warning was given, an odd looking blue colored sports car, with its engine visible in the middle of the hood, raced past them.

“Not on my watch!” Ruby got into her car, with blaring siren and squealing tires, the Land Rover Discovery pursuing the odd looking car.

“46 to country, in pursuit of a blue sports car, at the Crystal Lake Turnoff, he’s going more than one hundred.” The children could strangely hear what Ruby said through the radio.

“Do you think he gets far?” Dinky asked the siblings.

“I guess we will see.” The colt replied.

“46 to country, I’m gonna need some help here, at the old town city limits.”

“37 to country. Joining the pursuit of the sports car at the old mill.” A second voice reported. It was female and the siblings knew the voice but couldn’t tell who it was.

As the Bronco reached the town, another unit reported in. “20 to country, the spike trip is deployed on the left, at the Interstate Underpass.” The voice was male and it was familiar to Dinky but she also couldn’t say who it was.

Leaving the town behind, the truck came to the Interstate Underpass and they saw the sports car with punctured front tires, a flat built car in black-white, with flashing lights on the roof. Diagonally on the road, next to the spike trip, a second police car was standing behind the blue sports car with the Land Rover.

Dinky could get a view of the inscription in the back of the diagonally car: Chevrolet Corvette C5.

To her surprise, Fletcher, wearing the same uniform as Ruby, stepped out of the car, the siblings saw how their grandmother stepped out of the other Corvette, while Ruby stood at the driver’s window of the blue sports car.

“I don't know what your malfunction is, but you can think about it in jail.”

As the blue truck drove past, Ruby made a gesture at the siblings’ father, pointing her hoof to her eyes, then at him.

“Guess she meant it literally that she’ll be watching for him.” Dinky commented, a bit afraid of the stern look the mare had.

In the morning the Eternal Knight was awakened not only by the sun, but also because he felt something warm around him. Slowly opening his eyes, Fletcher had to smile seeing that the siblings were sleeping peacefully.

But then he realized what the warmth around him was.

Dinky was snuggling with him in her sleep, having her forelegs wrapped around him.

It was a cute sight, yet a bit embarrassing for him, so Fray tried to get slowly up, not wanting to wake her, only for the young unicorn to tighten her grip, preventing him from getting up.

What the...This kid's got a grip like a pair of dragon jaws!

“I love you... Mr. Teddy…” The filly mumbled in her sleep.

Teddy? Oh, great, she hugs her teddy bear in her sleep, but I’m the plushie.

Konrad woke up, seeing how the filly hugged the older unicorn, causing him to smile and the Green Knight to blush. “I think she already likes you.”

“Maybe.” Fletcher replied, his voice sounded very embarrassed about it.

In that moment, the children and William woke up, yawning and stretching themselves,

“Good morning, Fletcher.” Dinky said, completely oblivious that she had cuddled him in her sleep.

“Morning.” This time he managed to hide the embarrassment in his voice, sharing his supplies with the others for a good breakfast. After all, even if the journey back to Equestria was just a short teleport, no foal should go home with an empty stomach and he could concentrate better with a full stomach.

“Okay, get close to me and I’ll cast the spell that will bring us to Equestria.” Fletcher said and the children said goodbye to Konrad and William.

“Thank you for helping us!” They thanked the two soldiers, being very grateful.

“We both only did our duty, children. Have a nice safe trip home.” Konrad replied, smiling as he knew they would be home again, but sad on the inside, having enjoyed every second of the time they were with him, William shared the same feeling.

Fletcher lit his horn and it glowed stronger and stronger, causing both humans to cover their eyes.

Then it slowly faded, making them hope the children were back home, safe and sound. Once it was gone, both soldiers uncovered their eyes, to see…

They all were still there.

“Uhh, Fletcher, something wrong?” Dinky asked confused, looking at him for answers; the siblings too.

“I’m pretty sure I did it right, it wasn’t supposed to fail like this.” Fletcher tried it again, his horn created a spark but nothing more. “Okay, that’s very strange. I suppose something is blocking the teleport spell, it’s the only possibility I can think of, as all other spells are working normally.”

The young friends let a sigh. “Does that mean we’re stuck here until you’re could find the source that’s blocking it?” Blau Streifen asked, trembling lightly.

“I hate to say it, but yes. I’m afraid you have to stay a while longer here on Earth.” Fletcher deeply regretted it, but there was nothing he could do about it at the moment.

“No…” Dinky sniffed. Katja tried to suppress tears, looking at the ground.

It pained William and Konrad to see the children so sad and disappointed, wishing they could do something to cheer them up.

The German remembered something that might be helpful. “Maybe I can help. I was supposed to get leave, provided I survive the battle of El Alamein, which I have, thanks to you, Fletcher. Dinky, Katja and Blau Streifen could go with me to Germany, safe from the war while you take care of what is disrupting your spell that to bring you home.”

It was a generous offer, but still, the Eternal Knight had doubts about it. “It’s a nice idea for keeping them safe but with all the surveillance in Germany, it won’t be easy to keep them hidden and I don’t want to endanger your family.”

“I live in a small town where the surveillance is quite low, so that shouldn’t be a problem.” Konrad replied, confident that it would work.

“It’s worth a try, Fletcher. We could learn a bit more about humanity. We would be safe from battles, be in a cooler place than the desert, and you could take out that interference without needing to worry about our safety.” Dinky tried to give him a reason.

“I know but wouldn’t Britain be better?” He asked William, who shook his head.

“Sorry but I'll be here for a while before I get granted leave, so I would take the offer.”

“Alright but what about you?” The Knight asked with a hint of worry.

“Don’t worry about me, I know the desert well, I’ll find a way back to my line. I wish you a pleasant stay in Germany. The Germans are very hospitable, I can tell you.” He spoke from his experience when he was in Germany back in 1936.

“Thank you.” The children said as the Brit walked into the desert.

“Well, I guess we should travel to Tobruk. From there we should get a ride to Germany, but we can never make it in one day and our supplies are limited. I would suggest we travel to the Halfaya Pass and rest here.”

“A good idea.” Fletcher liked it and they moved out.

“Konrad, what’s the Halfaya Pass?” Dinky was curious.

“As its name says, it’s a pass located in Egypt, near the border with Libya, a 180 high escarpment that extends south-eastwards from the Egyptian-Libyan border at the coast at as-Salum, with the scarp slope facing into Egypt. The Halfaya Pass is about 3.2 km inland from the Mediterranean and provides a natural route through. It has great strategic importance, as the only ways westwards into Libya are to assault the pass or to out-flank it to the south. We occupied the pass back in ‘41 to besiege Tobruk and the Allied troops tried to recapture the Halfaya Pass several times only to get parried by us, making them suffer great losses. This made them nickname the Halfaya Pass the ‘Hellfire Pass’.” He explained.

“I can imagine that.” The filly replied, not wanting to know how bad it was for the Brits, convinced that the nickname made his name an honor.

Blau Streifen could get a look at Fletcher’s Cutie Mark; it was 3 arrows fired from a crescent moon. “Fletcher, is that your Cutie Mark?”

“Yes it is, why do you ask?” The Knight replied.

“How did you get it?” The colt asked with curiosity, wanting to know.

Fletcher had to think about it, the story of how he got his Cutie Mark was not a story a young colt should hear, despite having a heroic scene in it, so he quickly came up with a lie that wasn’t actually wrong.

“Well, my father was an archer and the best of his time, and so was his father, so it isn’t surprising that I’m an excellent Archer too. I trained often, quickly getting better and one day, there was a championship in archery. I got the first place, earning my Cutie Mark with it.” The unicorn explained.

“Cool!” The colt exclaimed impressed with a smile. “I hope my Cutie Mark will be as awesome as yours when I get it!”

With a warm grin, Fletcher replied, “Keep trying and you will see.”

“If you don’t mind Fletcher, could you tell us about Farmany?” The young girl asked.

“Sure.” And so, he told the children about his homeland. While Farmany was like Germany in the 15th Century, and both countries had many things in common in terms of culture, like food and festivals. He also told them about his hometown and parents, leaving the dark parts out of it.

Konrad noticed that the Green Knight told everything with a smile; his voice sounded happy, his expression showed joy.

The group travelled through the desert for a few hours, taking regular breaks in the shadows.

At one moment when they rested at an oasis, the children were fascinated by Fletcher’s stories about his homeland and his family.

“So you’re the son of a ruler, Fletcher?” Dinky asked, and he confirmed it with a nod. “So you are a prince, and royalty like the princesses.” Dinky figured out.

“Well, yes, but not in the way as Princess Luna and Celestia are. I found court life dull and immoral and I always had a knack for exploring, so I became an archer like my father and my grandfather had done before me.”

They got interrupted by the sound of a loud engine coming from the sky.

Looking up, they saw a German plane flying by, identifiable by the Balkenkreuz on its long wings, the main landing gear legs hung down, giving the aircraft the appearance of a long-legged, big-winged bird.

Konrad know this plane: a Fieseler Fi 156 Storch, one of Germany’s recon planes, designed to be a Short-Take-Off-and-Landing plane. So much so, that with low landing speed, the Storch would occasionally appear to be landing vertically (or even backwards) in a strong headwind.

The private waved into the air to get the plane’s attention as it flew past them.

“Do you think he saw us?” Katja asked, hoping the pilot had seen them.

The aircraft turned around, wiggling its wings as it flew past to show it had seen them.

“And now, we wait.” The German smiled, leaving the children to wonder how he could be so sure.

After around a quarter of an hour, they all noticed a large dust cloud in the distance, coming slowly closer. At first, they thought a sandstorm was closing in but as Fletcher used his binoculars, they knew it was no sandstorm but a German truck escorted by two armored cars, heading for them.

The convoy, upon reaching them, stopped and the truck driver leaned out of the window. “A recon plane spotted you, need a ride?” He was completely unaware of Fletcher.

“Silly question, of course. I got separated from my squad, I was heading for the Halfaya Pass to get to Tobruk.” The private explained.

“It’s your lucky day. I got dispatched from the Halfaya Pass. Hop in.”

The group climbed into the closed back. “Lean back and enjoy the ride.” The German said as the convoy started to move.

Only then, Dinky noticed that Fletcher was not only equipped with his bow, but also with a rifle, a SMG and a pistol. “Uh, Fletcher, why do you carry German firearms with you?”

“Oh, that? Well Dinky, I can use my bow also very effective at close range as well as at very long range, but it requires a lot of magic for me to do so. As such, I took these to balance this out, should my magic need to regenerate, making me unable to use my bow. The rifle at long range, the SMG against multiple enemies at close range and the pistol against single enemies at close range.

I can transform my bow into a spear for melee attacks but that also takes some magic, so, I borrowed a knife from one of my friends. As for why I took German weapons, it’s the good quality.”

The filly smiled. “Makes sense.”

“We have arrived.” The driver said and they got out, being greeted by a sight of said escarpment, some palms and bushes, looking very impressive.

The children also saw a large cannon surrounded by sandbags. “What’s that?” Dinky asked curiously.

“That’s the 8.8 cm Flak, commonly called the eighty-eight: an anti-aircraft gun that can also be used as artillery. Unlike most of its contemporaries, it’s possible to depress the muzzle below the horizontal, making it capable to attack ground targets. At such, it’s well known to be also used as an anti-tank gun.” The German explained.

The colt raised an eyebrow. “Using an anti-air gun against tanks? That sounds very…strange and unpractical.”

“Well Blau Streifen, when we invaded France, our standard AT guns could not damage the heavy armored tanks of the French and British Armies. Rommel had the idea to use the eighty-eight against them, due its high caliber, with high success. The 8.8 cm Flak in the anti-tank role is arguably most effective in the flat and open terrain like Africa, where it can really shine, if I may say so. It was one of the many reasons why this pass is called Hellfire Pass.” Konrad told the young colt.

“I’m no expert but it’s sounds like a good idea to improve.” The girl added.

“Indeed it is.”

“Well, sometimes you need to improve, I have enough experience from this.” Fletcher recalled some memories from the civil war.

“Konrad? Thank god, you’re alive! I thought we had lost you!” Matteo along with Willi and Hans were relieved to see him again in one piece.

“Yeah, we survived thanks to the Green Knight. Where’s Linus?” Escher asked his friends.”

“He got injured from the crashing plane and is in Tobruk, waiting to be transferred to Germany for further treatment. We got disoriented after escaping the crashing plane, getting back to our own lines without noticing it.” The Italian explained.

“I understand.” Then Konrad told his friends how the Green Knight helped him, how he met his old friend again, who the Green Knight was and why he was there.

“Glad to hear that you met an old friend again. It’s an honor to meet you in person, Mr. Fray. You have nothing to fear from us.” The soldiers saluted him, being slightly afraid, but doing their best not to show it.

Fletcher waved a hoof. “Fletcher is just fine, you have my thanks for keeping the children safe.”

“It’s a matter of honor for us. And between you and me, I think you did us all a favor of getting rid of the SS.”

“I wasn't about to let them continue. I've seen too much of their bad doings.” Fray replied.

“Isn’t that the Green Knight?” Other soldiers started to gather around, surprised and afraid of seeing the famous Green Knight here.

“Konrad, what is he doing here?” One of the other soldiers asked him.

“Relax, he’s here to keep our young guests safe until he can bring them home.” The private assured his comrades.

“If the Field Marshall hears this, we all are screwed! What were you thinking bringing him with you?”

“Well, you could go off and tell the Field Marshall...And I could tell him who's been sneaking his Jägermeister.” Escher countered with a grin.

“We…understand.” The others replied, going back to their work.

“Nice counter.” Matteo liked it.

“Thanks.”

“Konrad, do you mind if we take a look around?” Katja asked him, wanting to get to know the place.

“Do as you like.” He smiled at them.

“Would you like to come too, Fletcher?” Dinky asked the Knight with a smile, hoping he would go with them.

With a shrug he said, “Sure, why not.”

And so they explored the Halfaya Pass, seeing a few building that had seen better days and sandbag defenses with supplies. Overall, the Germans were well equipped and organized for defense.

“I wonder how old those buildings are.” Dinky mumbled.

“Several years, that’s for sure.” Blau Streifen replied, seeing how some parts of the plaster were missing.

“They seem to have seen better times.” Katja added as she saw it too.

“But still, they maintain their beauty. I wonder if this is really coming from age or from the war.” Fletcher commented upon taking a closer look.

Then, the filly took notice of smoke in the distance, pointing to it. “Looks like something’s burning.”

“I’m pretty sure it’s just a camp-“ Before Fletcher could finish, the children were already investigating it. “…fire.” He went after them. The unicorn couldn’t blame them for being curious, that’s how children were. He was as curious as them when he was a colt.

The Eternal Knight caught up to them at a dead end of a rock face where a campfire was located, next to it a letter that was not closed.

Axis Account: Security concerns

General Vahlen may very well be a military genius, but his constant demands of supplies and men are hampering my efforts to maintain the security of our recent gains. None dare question or speak against him.

“That doesn’t sound good. We should definitely avoid this General Vahlen.” Dinky spoke with fear, still having the letters from the Gaberoun Oasis in her memory.

“Don’t worry Dinky, if we have to face him, he must go through me if he wants to hurt you.” The green unicorn said to her in a calming manner, with an honest expression.

The kids smiled at him. “Appreciated.”

The group walked back to the artillery place, seeing how Konrad and his friends carried shells to the AA gun, maintaining it also.

The sun shone down on the group, blinding them, so they entered the building next to their left for some shade, finding another letter on a small table.

Missives from home

Dear Ernst,

The papers are full of news from the African front. We are proud of you that you are doing your bit for the Reich. Old Mrs. Ehrlich was most vigorous in her praise of Field Marshal Rommel and our fine boys (your mother glowed with pride). She passes on her regards and asks that you give the British a good thrashing from her!

Your loving father.

“That sounds like they are really proud of her son.” Blau Streifen commented after having read it.

“Yeah. Fletcher, were your parents proud of you when you went exploring and such?” Katja asked him.

“Of course they were. Just because I didn’t like court life, doesn’t mean they couldn’t be proud of me for other reasons.” He replied, enjoying their company, he couldn’t say why.

Hans joined them. “Could you do us do a favor?”

The filly grinned. “Sure, what do you need?”

“We have some letters that need to be sent, could you bring them to the postman? He’s currently at the motor pool.”

“With pleasure, Hans!” Blau Streifen exclaimed happily as Dinky took the letter.

The three friends and their guardian moved to the motor pool, seeing what seemed to be a fuel tank and several tanks parked next it.

There was also a loudspeaker. “Stay alert! Keep your eyes peeled!” came out of the speaker, along other lines that were incomprehensible due the speaker squeaking loudly at times.

Katja asked one of the soldiers, “Have you seen the postman?”

The Italian pointed to a building where the speakers were connected to it. “I last saw him in the communication building.”

“Thanks!” The kids thanked him, moving into the building, towards the basement where the radio and two radio operators were.

“I hate being on tannoy duty. It’s a job for idiots.” One of them complained.

“Better here than out there. Have you heard how loud those things are?” His co-worker asked him.

“Excuse me, have you seen the postman? We were told he was last seen here.” Dinky asked kindly.

“You just missed him. I saw him going out just a minute ago.” One of the radio operators replied, a bit surprised to see them.

“You should look on the bright side, better here than on the front.” The colt tried to make the two Germans think positive.

“Plus, there are worse jobs in the military than this.” Fletcher added.

“Yeah. Can you give him this letter too when you see the postman?” The first Radio operator held up a letter.

“Of course!” The young girl took it.

Walking out of the building, they sealed the letter, having it also read as it was unfolded.

Allied War story: Delaying tactics

These may be dangerous thoughts, but today I felt respect for the Germans. On the approach to Benghazi, we had a German squad on the run. The only problem was a mad Sergeant on their side. He hunkered down with a few men and held us up so the rest could escape. Even when he was the only one left, he didn’t surrender. I threw the grenade that got him in the end, but I didn’t feel like much of a hero.

“I don’t know if this can be called a sacrifice for the safety of others or if this Sergeant was just crazy.” Dinky trembled a bit.

“I guess a bit of both, I have seen such things before.” Fletcher said as they got outside.

“I believe you, Fletcher.” Blau Streifen had respect for the Eternal Knight. “I hope we don’t-“

Bang!

“Take cover!” The Stallion quickly got them behind some sandbags for cover, slowly peeking out to find a shooter.

Bang! Bang!

The young Equestrians covered their ears from the loud shots, scared of being attacked.

“Find the damn shooter!” One of the soldiers yelled.

They and Fletcher peeked out of cover every now and then, trying to find out where the shots had come from.

Bang!

This time, Fletcher could track the sound, coming strangely from one of the trucks parked at the house.

The driver got out. “Sorry guys, truck’s been backfiring.”

“Guns down. False alarm.” The others went back to their posts, the children let out a sigh of relief.

“Sorry children, didn’t want to scare you.” The truck driver apologized to them.

“It’s okay. Do you know where the postman is? We have some letters that need to be sent.”

The German smiled. “He is right in front of you. Thanks.” He put the letters in his bag. “I wish you a pleasant day.” Then the postman got into the truck and drove away without backfiring.

The Archer looked at the sun. It was setting, the beautiful red/orange color ruled the sky, signaling it was evening.

A yawn entered his eyes, seeing that the children were tired. “You should eat something then hit the hay, it was an exhausting day for you, children.”

“Yeah, we should.” Blau Streifen tried unsuccessfully to suppress a yawn.

They dined, enjoying it very much; going to sleep with a full stomach was always a good thing.

The young unicorn yawned again, barely able to stand. So the Green Knight levitated her on his back before walking to the sleeping quarters.

Upon reaching their destination, Konrad and Matteo smiled. “We both wish you all a pleasant sleep. You should catch some sleep too, Fletcher, you have earned it. We’ll take the night guard.”

“Okay Konrad, we’ll see you tomorrow.”

As Fletcher walked into the tent with the siblings, Katja giggled, pointing at Dinky.

The filly had fallen asleep on his back.

Fletcher smiled, gently placing her on the cot. “Sleep easy, Dinky...Dream of home.”

After he got comfortable in his own cot, the siblings said in union. “Sleep well, Fletcher.”

With a smile he replied, “You too.”

In the next morning, they breakfasted and got with Konrad and Matteo into an Opel Blitz headed for Tobruk.

During the ride, Katja asked, “Isn’t it too hot with that armor?”

“Not at all Katja, my armor is designed to offer good protection as well as flexibility. “Plus I’m used to the heat due my previous…adventures.” He told her, careful of his choice of words.

“You said you are an Eternal Knight. How many Eternal Knights are there?” Katja’s brother asked curious.

“Two, young stallion: a Pegasus mare called White Wolf and a bat pony called Midnight Blade. Wolf is our melee specialist and Midnight is the leader of the Eternal Knights.”

“If they had gone with you, what kind of nicknames do you think they would have been given?”

Dinky’s question caught Fletcher off guard, causing him to think about it. “Good question. As I get called Green Knight, they could have been called the blue and gray Knight respectively. Or maybe Wolf Knight and Bat knight? Just a thought, can’t think of anything better.”

“We’re here.” Konrad informed, stepping out of the driver cabin.

The children and Fletcher were fascinated upon seeing the town, some of the building at the front wall and the wall itself was damaged but otherwise, there was no damage at all, only the remains of sandbags and barbed wire hinted at the battle that had taken place some time ago.

An officer with a bandaged left leg in a wheelchair greeted them. “Welcome back, Konrad. I’m glad and relieved that you and our young friends are still alive and in one piece.”

“Yeah, thanks to our new friend. May I introduce: Fletcher Fray.”

The officer saluted him, having been informed already that Fletcher was with Konrad and why he was there. “Greetings Mr. Fray, I have heard much about you. I’m Sergeant Linus Fischer.”

The Knight returned the salute. “Pleasure. You have my thanks for keeping Dinky and her friends save.”

“It’s a matter of honor for me.” Linus replied. The other soldiers seemed to ignore the unicorn but were a bit nervous having the Green Knight around them.

“The ship that is supposed to bring me home arrives tomorrow, I suggest you pass the time until then.” The private suggested to the children.

“Good idea!” Dinky liked it as, suddenly, several soldiers in green-grey uniforms surrounded Fletcher, having their weapons trained on him, but he stayed calm.

A man in an officer’s uniform stepped forward, holding a hand up to signal the soldiers to lower their weapons.

“The Green Knight, Sagittarius. For the murder of German soldiers, we should kill you. For the murder of Allied Soldiers, we should honor you.” Field Marshal Rommel stepped in front of his soldiers, they all saluted him, his voice sounded friendly and respectful towards Fletcher.

"General Erwin Rommel, the Desert Fox. Famous for leading the ghost division. It's an honor to meet you in person.” Fletcher replied, having respect for the high-ranking German officer.

“Likewise. I, for one, shall be content with a pleasant talk over lunch if you are willing.” The Field Marshal offered.

Blau Streifen’s stomach growled, causing him to blush, looking down in embarrassment.

“With pleasure, I and my friends could use something in our stomachs, Herr Field Marshal.”

They got led by the Desert Fox to a room with a table where they sat down for lunch.

While eating, enjoying the food, Erwin asked Fletcher, “So, it is true what I heard about you, Mr. Fray?”

“Well, yes, I got dispatched to get Dinky, Katja and Blau Streifen home, by any means necessary.” Fray replied, being honest, knowing there was no good in lying.

With a smile, the Field Marshal said. “I suspected that your appearance had to do with them, you do a great job at it. Mark my words. Don't fight a battle if you don't gain anything by winning.”

“Thank you and I will, Herr Field Marshal. You are an honorable man yourself.”

“I know. I was ordered to kill you on sight should my troops encounter you, but I knew in the moment I heard how you helped people in need, taking care of some of the SS here, that you are an honorable soldier, so I ignored that order.”

“I do what I believe is right. I just couldn’t tolerate what they did to those civilians.”

Rommel raised his glass. “Just like me. I despise orders of killing civilians or anyone who is suspected to be a Jew. Do you know why I don't conform to such ideals? Among all else, it's unproductive and entirely unnecessary. We're at war. If we wasted time hunting down and killing every German with non-German blood in them, we'd probably end up with a national army that barely numbered a thousand-strong and that's long before we were even finished. Over a third of the brave Germans who died fighting for their fatherland in the Great War, a war I was fortunate enough to survive, were of non-German origin. I will not dishonor their sacrifice by believing every one of them traitors. It's little more than an exercise in arrogance, believing you are better than someone else for how you look and who you are related to. Achievements one does not need to earn. I knew several people who thought like that in my academy years. None of them ever rose to the rank of Generalleutnant.”

“I know, you have my respect for this. I also dislike killing unarmed people. In my opinion, anyone who does kill unarmed prisoners or civilians has no honor, being a disgrace.” The Knight spoke with a clear hint of disgust in his voice.

“Exactly. In fact, you remind me a lot of the Italian Bersagliere. They are capable soldiers, like you. The German soldier has impressed the world, however the Italian Bersagliere soldier has impressed the German soldier. Private Conti is a good example.” While knowing that Rommel had high respect for the Italian soldiers, Matteo had to blush at this compliment.

“But their officers are non-cooperative. They denied their own logistical corps from supplying German soldiers even though I ordered Germans to do it for Italians. Had their supply convoys reached me, we would have won the battle of El Alamein.”

“Are the Italian commanders really so bad?” Blau Streifen asked, not able to believe that.

“They are, although it was not the fault of the Italian soldier. The Italian is willing, unselfish and a good comrade, and, considering the conditions under which he serves, having always given better than average. There is no doubt that the achievement of every Italian unit, especially of the motorized forces, far surpassed anything that the Italian Army had done for a hundred years. Many Italian generals and officers won our admiration both as men and as soldiers. The Italians are brave and capable soldiers, like the Australians and New Zealanders are. If I had to take hell, I would use the Australians to take it and the New Zealanders to hold it. But no soldier can fight efficiently without a good officer and we officers are the brains of the military.Sweat saves blood, blood saves lives, but brains saves both. Winning the men's confidence requires much of a commander. He must exercise care and caution, look after his men, live under the same hardships, and-above all- apply self-discipline. But once he has their confidence, his men will follow him through hell and high water. I’m sure you can relate to this.”

“Of course. Back in the Civil War, I cared for any pony under my command.”

That reminded the young friends of what Matteo had told them about the officer and the Tankettes, making them realize that the Field Marshal was right about the Italian command.

“That proves to me that you are the right soldier for keeping the children safe. Be an example to your men, in your duty and in private life. Never spare yourself, and let the troops see that you don't in your endurance of fatigue and privation. Always be tactful and well-mannered and teach your subordinates to do the same. Avoid excessive sharpness or harshness of voice, which usually indicates the man who has shortcomings of his own to hide. I heard you wanted to go to Germany, is that correct?” Rommel asked.

“Yes sir, I was granted leave. So we thought we could keep the children safe from the war.” Konrad explained to the commander of the Afrika Corps.

The Field Marshal smiled. “An excellent idea, private. Don’t worry about the Gestapo, I’ll make sure they don’t bother you. As for you, Mr. Fray, your actions honor you, let’s drink on that!” They all clinked glasses.

“If I could, I would award you with the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross, as you have really earned it in my opinion.” Rommel said with pride to Fletcher who was a bit surprised about it.

“I know to appreciate it but I only do my duty as every other soldier would do.”

“And you do a very good job at this.” After having filled their empty stomachs, the Field Marshal stood up. “If you’ll excuse me, I have to check on the other bases. Keep those children safe, that’s an order. Especially you, Mr. Fray.”

The soldiers saluted. “Yes, sir.”

As the high-ranking commander left, Dinky commented, “You should feel honored to have met him, especially to be respected by him.” She sounded proud of Fletcher.

“I am honored, just a bit…caught off guard by him wanting to give me an award.”

“Who are those men in green?” Blau Streifen asked, realizing that those men weren’t regular soldiers.

“Those men are our Fallschirmjäger. Don’t let the uniform fool you. The German Fallschirmjäger are efficient and ruthless hunters, whatever the weather. Thanks to those brave men, the German military was so successful in the beginning of the war. They are known as the ‘Green Devils’ due their uniform, famous for their willingness to give every effort unwaveringly even in the grimmest of situations. The last major Airborne operation was in 1941, but after that, Airborne operations were no longer feasible. But as they are prized for their combat abilities, they now act in a ‘fire brigade’ role as roving elite infantrymen. And let me tell you, you don’t want to mess with those guys.” Konrad explained.

“I believe you, they look very intimidating.” The colt replied, having already great respect for the Elite soldiers.

“We Eternal Knights, along with our loyal Dark Horse squad, fought also where situations were not looking good, being also in a ‘fire brigade’ role.” The battle brother said subconsciously.

“Do you mind if we play some games guys to pass the time?” Katja was bored, not knowing how to kill the time.

“Not at all, have fun, you’re earned it.” Linus smiled at them.

“Let’s play tag!” Dinky exclaimed, running away with a smile, the siblings chased her laughing.

Konrad, Fletcher and Matteo sat down on chairs at a shady place, watching the playing children with smiles, every other soldier that saw the playing friends had to smile too, even the Elite soldiers.

“It warms my heart to see them happy together.” The German’s heart melted.

“The Eternal Knights are known for rarely showing much emotion but…” Fletcher tried to find the right words, “The children grew to my heart. And I would do anything to make sure they get home safe and sound.”

“Me too. Say, ever been in the desert before this?”

“Not directly. Just a…cleaning operation in Appleloosa.” Fray played down what he did in Appleloosa.

“I see. Sunsets and sunrises in Africa are beautiful, don’t you agree?” Konrad asked.

“Indeed. Just because I I'm on Luna's side doesn't mean I don’t enjoy a sunrise or sunset too. But the stars are the most beautiful. By the way, what time is it?” Fletcher asked him.

Konrad looked on his watch. “A little after 1PM.”

Music sounded in the distance. “Battle formation. Another formation. This is getting old.” He complained as he got up. “Can you give me a hand?” He asked the knight, pointing to his Sergeant.

“Sure thing.”

“Careful.” Linus warned him as he lifted him up with his magic.

“Where’s my cap?” The soldier asked as Dinky gave it to him while Blau Streifen carried his rifle, safety on, his sister carried his canteen as he had taken his gear aside to be more comfortable while sitting.

At a large backyard, he told them, “Wait here.”

They watched everything from a balcony. Several soldiers were standing in formation, Konrad corrected his cap as he joined, the music stopped.

An officer spoke up, “Men. High command commends you, for your fighting in the Africa campaign. You played a large part in driving the English, back to the Nile. I’m awarding you with a medal from High Command, for your important role, in the heavy and glorious battle at El Alamein. Those to be decorated, step forward!” He ordered, and Hans, Willi, and Konrad did as ordered. “Battalion, attention!” The Battalion did as told.

The officer rewarded the men with the Iron Cross, a small black cross, the emblem of the German forces. It had the foundation date, which was 1939 on the front and the number 1813 on the backside, which was the date of the first created iron cross, awarded in the Wars of Liberation in 1813 to 1814. Outfitted with a black and white red ribbon, the officer pinned the awards in the second buttonhole of the uniform jacket of every to-be-decorated soldier. “Battalion, at ease! Dismissed!”

After it was over, the children and the Eternal Knight greeted him with proud smiles. “You can be proud of yourself, Konrad.” Fletcher sounded proudly.

“Congratulations!” Dinky congratulated him.

“The iron cross looks cool!” Blau Streifen commented.

“And looks good on you.” Katja added.

“Thank you. If I may ask, did you get any rewards in the civil war?”

“I never cared much for awards but yes a few of them. Order of the Nightingale, awarded to those who defended cities or communities, the Order of the Black Orchid, awarded to those who delivered information on the enemy that saved lives and won battles, and the Order of the Astral Chariot, warded to those who succeeded in rescuing prominent prisoners from the enemy.”

“I see, a highly decorated soldier. How come you don’t wear those anymore?”

“As I said, I don’t care for those and after the war was over, I didn’t see any reason to wear them still.”

“Make’s sense. Now, let’s enjoy the day.”

For the rest of the day, the children played together, having much fun, until it was evening.

The children and Fletcher had some bread for dinner. “Have a good rest, children. We have a big day tomorrow.”

“Thanks.” The young friends said in union before falling sleeping and dreaming about having a wonderful time in Konrad’s hometown.

Even Fletcher let out a yawn. “Catch some sleep too, Fletcher. You have earned it.” Matteo said to him. “We take the night guard.”

“Okay. Staying up 24-7 is Midnight's job. Eternal Knights need to sleep too, you know.” The unicorn made sure the safety of his firearms was on before going to sleep.

Due his injury, Linus went to bed too.

“I really can’t wait to see my family again. It’s been so long.” Konrad looked at the sky, enjoying the view, being happy to meet his wife and children again.

“Then, enjoy every second of it when you arrive back home.” Matteo was happy for him when suddenly Willi sprinted around the corner, completely out of breath.

“What’s wrong, forget to turn off the oven?” Hans joked, knowing that his friend was a baker.

“Guys, I have heard…that…the… Führer is…going to visit Tobruk.” He managed to catch his breath, the news caused his friends’ eyes to widen, not believing what they had just heard.

“What? Really? Why would he leave Berlin for this?” Hans asked, trying to make sense of it.

“Sounds more like a double for me.” Konrad commented.

“Then you better take a look at this.” Willi held up a letter, his friends read it.

The Führer’s visit

It’s true, the Führer is on his way. The timing is less than ideal, but we will be ready.

A few of the officers laughed derisively at the news. A couple dared to suggest it would be one of his rumored doubles. Some men arrived earlier after seeing him elsewhere, but their opinions are divided. I don’t really know what to believe. Perhaps Kuhn’s messenger will have the answer.

“Sounds serious. We should read the perspectives, then the letter from the messenger to be completely sure.” Escher suggested, not knowing what to believe.

“Agreed.” His friends replied.

They looked through the buildings, finding one letter in a table.

Perspectives: Unshaven Führer

You owe me 2 Reichsmark, Lucas. I was in a camp to the west when the Führer arrived for a surprise inspection late in the evening yesterday. And guess what? He had an untended smear of stubble over his jawline. This man cannot be our Führer. He would never visit our troops unshaven.

“Could be that he was in a hurry and forgot to shave.” Hans theorized

“Maybe. Let’s check the other letters to be completely sure.” Matteo suggested.

In another building, they found the second letter.

Perspectives: Vegetarian leader

It’s a good thing I stumbled into the kitchen earlier. The men were busy preparing an extravagant meaty stew. We can’t afford such carelessness. The look on the Führer’s face yesterday when someone dared put a steak in front of him chilled me. I’m surprised he didn’t have the man hung and quartered for negligence.

“It has to be a double, the Führer is a strict vegetarian.” Konrad was sure of this.

“Or he was in a good mood to spare the cook.” Willi suspected. “Then again, he's never in a good mood.”

“Anyway, let’s find this messenger so we can be completely sure.” Konrad suggested, seeing said soldier walking into a tent and putting the last letter on the table before walking out.

The group walked to the tent, taking a look.

Observing the Target: Preparations

This is madness. The Führer can’t be on his way to Tobruk, of all places. Why would he leave the safety of Berlin? No one else thinks to question this, so now we must prepare a feast and find wines worthy of him. Then again, I’m pretty sure he doesn’t touch alcohol.

Never mind. If no one else is going to ask any questions, neither I am.

“Sounds like a dead end to me. The only possibility I see is to wait and see.” Konrad was a bit frustrated at this.

“Do we have a choice?” Willi asked him.

“I guess we don’t. Let’s prepare for his arrival.” Konrad replied and they helped to prepare everything for their guest.

After an hour, a desert colored Mercedes-Benz W31 type G4 arrived at a café or restaurant, the soldiers couldn’t really tell due the damage it had taken from the battle. The Führer, wearing a white suit, was sitting in the back of the car. A soldier opened the door, being very nervous and an officer and a Fallschirmjäger saluted the Führer as he stepped out, sitting down in a chair.

Konrad was nervous too as he stood guard, wondering if it was the real Führer or not.

Would he really travel all the way to Tobruk? It boosts moral, no doubt but I can’t imagine he would…

A loud metallic “Clang’ tore Escher out and someone yelling, “Watch out!”

“Konrad!” The Italian pushing him away, Konrad landed hard on the stone ground, another loud “Clang” caused his ears to ring, disoriented.

Fletcher was sleeping peacefully, when suddenly, a loud noise tore him out of his sleep, falling out of the cot. “Ouch! What the?”

“What’s going on?” Dinky and the siblings were startled by the noise.

“I don’t know, wait here while I check!” Fletcher grabbed his weapons, running out.

Despite his order, the children got out too, worried about their friends.

They saw Konrad lying on the ground along with Matteo, slowly getting up, a body crushed under a bell next to them.

Konrad wondered what had happened as his hearing returned as someone yelled, “The Führer is dead!”

Author's Note

The sources vary about the Führer being a double or not, gess we gave to wait and see.

Little reference to Need for Speed: Hot persuit 3, one of my favorite games back then.

Chapter 8 Germany

Chapter 8: Germany

“He can’t be dead!” One of the younger soldiers exclaimed in shock and disbelief as several soldiers removed the bell of the body.

As the dusk cleared, Konrad whispered, “Dear god…Oh god…” as he was still a bit in shock. The body looked barely injured on the outside, but the private knew that the internal injuries would be the most concerning, most likely fatal.

He didn’t want to imagine what would happen to his home, should the Führer be dead, despite never believing in his messages.

The Führer was checked for a pulse by Konrad, all hoping he wasn’t dead as the soldier finished.

“He’s gone.” There was no pulse.

“This can’t be! We can’t win without him!” The same young man exclaimed, fearing that they would lose the war.

“Calm down, soldier! We still have capable leaders that will lead us to victory and the Führer will be with us even in death.” The officer who had saluted the guest pointed to Konrad and Willi. “You two, take care of the body.”

“Yes, sir.” Both replied, taking care of it.

The children stared in shock as Fletcher tried to comfort them. “Don’t look.”

Matteo joined them, Dinky asking him, still in shock, “Is he…is he dead?”

With a sad expression, regretting to say this, he replied, “I’m afraid yes. Don’t worry, we’ll keep you safe, children.”

They just nodded and went back to bed. Fletcher went too, making sure they were comfortable before heading back to bed himself.

The soldiers stayed on alert for the rest of the night. Konrad, Matteo, Willi, Hans and Linus wondered if the real Führer got killed. The Intel they had read suggested it was a double. Not that they’ll ever know for sure. Then again, history might disagree.

In the morning, they all breakfasted, enjoying the morning sun.

It didn’t take long until a transport ship of the German Kriegsmarine arrived in the harbor, being Konrad’s ride home.

“Konrad, can you do me a favor?” Matteo asked.

“Sure thing, my friend.”

“Could you send your wife my regards?”

Escher smiled. “Of course.”

Hans and Willi helped the sailors to get Linus on board, while Konrad got with Fletcher and the children on board. “I hope that none of you get seasick.” He said with concern.

“Nah, not me!” The colt shook his head.

“Me neither.” His sister replied.

“I don’t get seasick either.” Dinky added.

“And I did this before.” Fletcher assured.

The children shared a cabin with Fletcher, they didn’t mind it, they enjoyed his company and he enjoyed theirs.

Konrad shared a cabin with Willi, Hans and Linus.

The crew of the ship, wearing blue colored uniforms most of the time, while the officers had midnight-blue double-breasted reefer coats with ten gilt buttons and matching peaked caps as uniforms, were not bothered at all by their guests, treating them with respect and making sure they had a comfortable stay.

The sailors were even so nice as to make life vests for them, thinking better safe than sorry.

There was, of course, a danger of being attacked by allied planes or submarines from Malta, and even if they had used a plane, there was a risk of getting attacked. Both risks that had to be taken into account if the soldiers wanted to get home.

During a calm day, the children enjoyed the view, despite the fact that there was only water as far as they could see.

“The sea air is just beautiful.” Blau Streifen took a deep breath of it.

“Yes. By the way, where is that ship heading?” Katja asked Konrad.

“Italy. From there, we take the train to Germany.” He explained.

“Say Konrad, how big is your navy?” Dinky was curious about it.

“Well, when the war began in 1939, our navy had some good battleships at its disposal, the biggest ship in the Kriegsmarine was the Bismarck, the jewel of the German navy, named after the German Chancellor Otto von Bismarck. It also has a sister, the Tirpitz, named after the State Secretary in the Reichsmarineamt Alfred von Tirpitz.

The Bismarck was sunk by the British in 1941, and thus, our U-boats and fast attack crafts became the main force of our navy, commanded by Admiral Karl Donitz, a caring commander like Rommel is.” He explained being well informed about it. He actually had got a friend that had served on the Bismarck, who had lost his life as it sunk.

“I see, sounds like a very dangerous position to be in a U-boat.” Dinky didn’t want to imagine.

“Some say it is the most dangerous job in the military. As such I have deep respect for those brave men.”

“I believe you.” Dinky replied, feeling sorry for the men who would crew U-boats.

One night Escher couldn’t sleep, so he walked outside, leaning on the railing and enjoying the view of the stars and the moon.

“Can’t sleep too?” Fletcher’s voice greeted him from behind, the unicorn joined him, leaning on the railing too.

“Yeah, kinda nervous how my wife and children will react to you and our young friends.” Konrad told him with worry in his voice.

Fray smiled slightly. “I’m pretty sure they will understand, knowing their company. About me, I go back to Africa to take out this interference once Dinky and the siblings are in Germany with you.”

“I like your optimism about it. You should stay too, you have earned some rest.” The German replied.

Fletcher raised one eyebrow, confused. “Appreciated, but why should I stay? I should take care of that interference as soon as possible.”

“Yes, but I think the children would feel more comfortable if you stay. Plus, did you Eternal Knights never get granted leave or some spare time?” The young man asked in return.

“I guess you got a point, some rest from all the fighting would be nice.” Fletcher let out a sigh. “I couldn’t sleep because of the thought how worried their parents will be, which will worsen the longer it takes me to get their children home.”

“I can understand that.” Konrad looked at the calm sea, having to chuckle.

“What’s so funny?” Fletcher wondered.

Grinning, the soldier replied, “Oh, nothing. Just had a funny thought. One of the ships in the Kriegsmarine is the Prinz Eugen, a heavy cruiser, named after Prince Eugene of Savoy, an 18th-century Austrian general. Did you have a navy? Couldn’t help but think that one of your ships would be named after the princess or after you and your fellow Eternal Knights.”

The Knight looked into the water, blushing slightly. “Well, that would have been pretty embarrassing. We had a small navy in the war, our greatest ship was the Astralcraft, a silver-plated battleship that could come close to the Bismarck. Our naval command ship was the Polar Dryft, named after the father of Prince Artemisia, a very kind ruler. But what would be equivalent to the Bismarck and Prinz Eugen in terms of names would be the Fabelhart, a masterfully designed Farman Ironclad Warship, named after my father, I was in command of it.”

“Must been a great honor for you to command a ship named after your father.”

“Of course it was, I wasn't the best captain on the seas but nevertheless a capable captain.”

“Well, in my opinion, you’re one of the most capable soldiers I have seen. And you really earned a break from the fighting.” The private smiled.

“Thanks for the compliment. I must admit that that this conversation was very…nice.” For some reason, it helped Fletcher feel better.

“You and me both.” The soldier replied with a smile before they both went back to their beds.

One day, Fletcher had a conversation with Dinky. “I know your father, the time-traveler.”

“Yeah, he's the best dad ever! Are you one of his nice friends from long ago?” The filly asked him, proud of her father.

Fletcher felt ashamed for saying this. “Actually I was ordered to kill him...twice.”

Dinky’s eyes went wide in shock, trying to process what he had just said.

“We...had a bit of a misunderstanding...” He tried to explain, feeling awkward about it, fearing he might have lost Dinky’s trust and respect.

The filly stayed quiet for a few minutes before breaking it. “I guess you also volunteered to atone for it?”

“Yes, despite that it is in the past now.” The Eternal Knight replied a bit embarrassed about it.

Dinky’s response surprised him. “It’s okay Fletcher, I don’t blame you. Mistakes happen.” She gave him a hug to show she was honest.

He returned the hug, relieved it didn’t upset her. “Glad to hear it.”

The next day the ship reached the Italian coast and its passengers got off board, taking the next ride to the train station and then the next train to Germany. They would have to change the train due this train ending at a Trainstation close to the border.

During the ride, the children chatted about what they could do in Germany, enjoying the view of forests and fields.

“Before I forget it how do you want to make sure the people won’t freak out when they see me or Dinky?” Fletcher asked Konrad, still a bit unsure about the idea.

“To be honest, I hadn’t thought about that yet.” The private put a hand to his chin, thinking, trying to come up with something. “Maybe, we could say that Dinky and Blau Streifen are children in costumes and you are their big brother?”

Fray raised an eyebrow. “That’s the best you can come up with?”

“Can’t think of anything better at the moment. Do you have a better suggestion?” The German asked in return.

Fletcher tried to get up with an answer. “No.”

“Well I guess if you both don’t use your magic, it could work.”

“It’s worth a try, Fletcher.” Dinky liked the idea, Blau Streifen nodded with a smile.

“Well, I’m experienced in acting, so that should be problem for me.” The mature unicorn shrugged.

Once at the train station where they had to change trains, they strangely found that there was no train at all.

“Shouldn’t’ there be a train heading for Germany?” Linus asked confused, looking at his watch as the train should have been there already.

A conductor came up to them. “Sorry but the train is delayed.”

“Delayed? How much?” Konrad asked him.

“About an hour, but it could be more.” The conductor replied and then left.

The private let out a sigh. “Great. Just great. And to think that I could have been reunited with my family today. Looks like it will be tomorrow given the travel time.

The children hugged him. “Don’t be sad, you still have us.” The young girl said to him, trying to cheer him up.

Escher smiled. “I know, it’s just that my family would have picked me up, but now that will be in vain. And I informed them that I would bring some guests.”

Fletcher felt pity for him, but this also meant it would take longer to get the children to a safer place and he didn’t want them in too much danger. Unless…

“Maybe I could help. I could teleport them and you to the train station at your home. All I need is the name and its location.” He offered.

“Didn’t you say something blocks your teleportation spell?” Hans asked.

“Yes, but only the teleport spell that brings me and the children back to Equestria, teleporting here is still working.” Fletcher explained.

“I guess it’s worth a shot. I live in Volkach, a town in the district of Kitzingen, Lower Franconia, Bavaria, I bought my watch in a shop here if It helps you.”

The green stallion, smiled, mumbling,” Kitzingen…a relative of mine lives near its equivalent in Farmany. Anyway, that helps me very well to pinpoint it.” He scanned it with his horn.

Before the soldier could ask about his friends, Linus said, “Don’t worry about us, we’ll take the train. You have earned it.” The officer smiled warmly, Hans and Willi didn’t mind it at all, since they weren’t married like Konrad was.

“Dinky, would you be so kind to assist me in strengthening the spell?” Fletcher lit up his horn.

“Of course.” She wasn’t experienced in such spells but still could cast levitation spells or help others to strengthen their spells.

Before they vanished in a white light, Hans mumbled, “I hope the Field Marshal can really keep the Gestapo away.”

“Oh, I think he will be very successful with that. Something tells me he will.” Willi replied with a smirk, imagining the look on the Gestapo’s faces upon getting told by Rommel.

Meanwhile, somewhere in North Africa

The famous desert Fox was just about to plan the tactics of his next battle, when a man wearing a black trench coat with flipped-up collars, a fedora, and glasses walked to him.

“What do you want?” The officer asked with disgust at being interrupted.

“We have heard that you collude with the Green Knight. This cannot be tolerated.” The agent said in a slightly threatening tone.

“The Green Knight is not an immediate priority. He is presenting himself as a neutral. That is all that should concern us.” Rommel replied calmly, not impressed by the agent.

“Would you care to take it up with the Fuhrer?” The member of the secret police had clearly lost his patience.

“Would you care to take it up with his men?” The Desert Fox pointed to his troops, who all looked quite murderously at the Gestapo agent who just smirked.

“Excuse me but which one of us is a senior member of Hitler's hand-picked task-force?”

“Better question, which one of us is outnumbered?” Rommel countered.

With an expression of shock the agent replied, “You wouldn't dare!”

“Wouldn't I? I am known to be a daring man, I'm quite famous for it.” Erwin now smirked.

After some minutes of silence, the agent said, “If I do not report in time, they will take the Knight and the children anyway.”

“We are a long way from Berlin, sir. Anything can happen.” Rommel remembered his interlocutor.

Knowing what Rommel meant, the Agent replied defeated, “...Very well, we shall not interfere...but we expect progress. The Fuhrer is not a patient man.”

“I'd advise teaching him some. Patience is a virtue.” Rommel now smiled, proud of his little victory.

Back in Germany

Quick as a flash, Konrad and the children found themselves at the Trainstation of the soldier’s hometown, with no people in sight.

“Good that nobody is around, I was worried that we would appear in a crowd, that would have been pretty awkward.” Konrad said in relief.

“I got that covered as you see, plus, I made sure we’re on time. As Patch would say: on time to the tea, he-he.” The stallion laughed as the private looked on his watch, they were here exactly at the time the train was supposed to arrive.

The loud whistle sound of a train startled them for a moment, as said train arrived on schedule, much to their surprise.

Willi and Hans got out. “Wasn’t this train delayed?” Konrad asking his friends.

“Well, yes, but turns out it was a misinformation, the train was only a few minutes delayed. Ah, there they are.” Willi pointed to the road, two cars pulled up.

The first car was a red BMW 326, the other car a dark blue Mercedes-Benz W 143.

A woman with black hair and green eyes, along 2 children, who also had black hair, the girl had blue eyes, and the boy green eyes, visible as they stepped out of the red car, while a young man with brown hair and brown eyes stepped out of the other car.

“Daddy!” The children exclaimed happy, hugging their father, Fletcher, Dinky, Katja and Blau Streifen smiled at the heartwarming moment.

“I missed you too, children. Kerstin, you haven’t changed a bit.” The private kissed his wife, his friends watched the moment with smiles.

“Hey, Tim, long time not see.” Willi hugged the man, who returned it.

“Indeed, I missed you, Willi.”

“Konrad, you said you would bring some guests with you.” His wife was eager to meet them.

Nervously, he said, they’re standing right in front of you.” He pointed to his friends, Fletcher gave a short wave, while the younger unicorn, along the colt and girl waved with smiles.

“Do…do I see that right?” The mother asked confused, blinking and shaking her head, but what she saw wasn’t vanishing. Her children and Tim shared the same reaction.

“It’s a long story. But may I introduce them to you?” they nodded as Konrad continued, “Fletcher Fray, Dinky Hooves, Katja and her brother Blau Streifen.”

The stallion said in a friendly voice, “Greetings.”

The 3 children said in unison, “Hello.”

The family members remained silent, surprised for a few seconds. “Did the ponies just…talk?” His wife asked, not able to believe this.

“Well, yes. Can we talk about it at home?” The young father asked, a bit embarrassed and scratching his head.

“Of course. My name is Kerstin.” The woman introduced herself, still trying to understand.

Her children were still curious about this. “Hello, my name is Nico and this is my sister Anny.”

“And I am Tim, Willi’s nephew.” Tim introduced himself.

“Has anyone seen Linus?” Escher asked, now noticing that only Hans and Willi had got off the train.

“He got sent straight to the next hospital.” The tailor explained.

“Pity, I was looking forward to celebrating my homecoming.” The man let out a sigh.

“Hey, cheer up, we can celebrate a second time after he’s recovered. I hope you took good care of my bakery, nephew.” Willi turned to Tim, waiting for an answer.

With a smile, he replied, “Of course I did, it’s exactly like when you left.”

“Good.”

“I don’t want to interrupt the happy moment, but, uh, how should we get there? It could get very tight in the car.” Dinky saw a problem in means of transportation.

Konrad thought for a moment. “Got it! Dinky, you could drive with me, Fletcher, you and the siblings could drive with Willi.”

“Sounds good to me.” The filly smiled.

“Good idea, what do you think?” The stallion asked the 2 siblings.

“Agreed!” They both replied with smiles.

“I still have something to do, I’ll join you later.” Hans said to them.

“Okay, see you later.” Willi said goodbye as his friend left.

Then they drove to the bakery. Dinky chatted with Konrad’s children, also enjoying the view of the town. Volkach may be a small town but the sights like the old town with two city gates made in the 16th century, the marketplace with a fountain, while next to it was the town hall, build in 1544 in the Franconian style,characteristic for it was the basement.

The siblings enjoyed it too, even Fletcher, the buildings of the 16th century reminded him of his hometown.

The bakery was located just next to the market place, a big pretzel with the name “Willi’s bakery” as sign as on the roof.

The baker smiled proudly at his nephew. “It’s exactly like when I left. I knew you could do it.”

“Hey, if it wasn’t for you teaching me, I could never have done it.” Tim replied as he unlocked the door, letting them in.

“It feels so good to be back!” Willi went behind the counter to serve his friends, in his assortment were like it was typical for a bakery, bread, buns, croissants, pretzels and other kinds of baked goods, and there were also some sweets like cake.

“What can I get for you? It’s on the house.” Willi awaited the orders of his friends.

Fletcher took a coffee with a croissant, Konrad and his wife took also coffee and cake. Dinky took a glass of lemonade and a pretzel, her friends too, while Nico and Anny had croissants while drinking some juice and chatting with their young guests.

Konrad took this moment to explain to his wife why he brought Fletcher and the three children and their origins, which the unicorn confirmed.

The mother looked with sympathy at the three children, who were happily chatting with her own. “Poor children, they don’t deserve this. But I’m proud of you, Konrad. Mr. Fray, you can be proud too, for getting them home.”

“I’m just doing what I know is right, Mrs. Escher, and Fletcher is just fine.”

“Please, you can call me Kerstin.”

The door opened and Hans joined them. “I hope I’m not too late.” He said with a smile.

“Just in time, my friend. What do you want?” Willi asked, happy to see him.

“A pretzel and a cup of coffee.”

“Coming right up!”

Hans took a bite, enjoying it. “As good as back then!”

Willi smiled at the compliment. “It pleases me to hear this.”

After having enjoyed their meals, Fletcher, Dinky, Katja and Blau Streifen took deep breaths of the fresh summer air; warm, but not as hot as the desert before they got into the cars, saying goodbye to Tim and Hans.

The cars drove past a hospital, over a small bridge where a river was located under it, and a park next to it.

Kerstin drove into a housing development on a hill, stopping into a carport of a house with a terrace connected to a garden.

“I’ll see you later. Fletcher, for you and your young friends, a meal at my bakery is always free for you” Hans drove home after his passengers had stepped out.

The furnishings of the house had a nice and relaxing effect, a telephone and radio in the living room, and several pictures hung at the wall. “Looks very comfortable.” Dinky liked it.

“Thanks. Make yourself comfortable, children while I make dinner.” The young mother left with her husband for the kitchen.

Nico turned the radio on and it played Lili Marlene, a German love song, it was very popular.

It wasn’t Blau Streifen’s taste, but still he enjoyed the song as he danced with the others to it.

“Mind if I help you with making dinner?” Fletcher asked politely.

“Not at all.” Kerstin smiled at him.

They made a potato meal together, as potatoes weren’t as muchaffected of rationing as other foods.

“Didn’t know you can cook so well, Fletcher.” Konrad was a bit surprised by it.

“Just because I grew up in a noble family doesn’t mean I don’t know how to make a good dinner.” The Knight replied, a bit embarrassed about it, yet enjoyed helping out in the kitchen.

After they had everything prepared, the family along with their guests had dinner, Dinky and Fletcher enjoyed it, and Katja and Blau Streifen ate with manners they were raised with, not wanting to upset their hosts, and enjoying their meal too.

“That was very delicious. You are a very good cook, Mrs. Escher.” Dinky complimented Konrad’s wife with a smile, while her friends nodded in agreement.

“Glad to hear it Dinky, and you all don’t need to be so formal with me, Kerstin is just fine.”

As it was already evening, the young colt struggled not to yawn but it was in vain.

“You should catch some sleep, you have earned it. Konrad, would you to so kind?” His wife asked.

“Of course, my dear. Follow me.” He replied with a smile, leading their young guests to the guest room.

The guest room had only one bed that Dinky and Fletcher had already decided where to sleep.

“I’ll take the couch. The bed is yours, children.” Fletcher said, thinking that the kids should have the comfortable bed.

“Konrad, do you have a sleeping bag? I think Katja and her brother should have the bed.” Dinky asked, which surprised the siblings and Konrad.

“Of course, let me get one for you.” The man left the room.

“We appreciate it, but why?” Katja was confused.

“The bed has only room for two, and you shouldn’t be separated from each other.” The filly explained.

“I guess you have a point.” Blau Streifen replied.

As Konrad returned with a sleeping bag, the three children took their bags and headgears off before climbing into the beds. Katja took her shoes and socks off, and thought the feeling of an actual bed was very comfortable and welcoming, compared to the cots for both siblings.

“Goodnight, Fletcher. Goodnight, you two.” Dinky snuggled herself into the sleeping bag, it was way more pleasant than the cots in Africa.

“Goodnight, Fletcher and Dinky.”

“Goodnight, children.” Fletcher replied, heading for the couch in the living room, hearing how Konrad also wished a goodnight to his young guests before heading to Fletcher.

“Are you sure? I can get you a sleeping bag ,too.” He offered.

“No, thanks, the couch is enough for me.” The stallion politely declined, taking his gear and armor off and climbing on the couch.

“Okay, goodnight.” The father brought his children to bed.

The living room had also a pendulum clock that rang nine times, showing it was 9PM. It didn’t bother Fray at all, he loved those kinds of clocks.

The couch was also more comfortable than the cots, causing the knight to let out a relieved sigh as he fell asleep.

As the parents tucked their children in, they told them the origins of their guests.

“Sorry to hear that, daddy. We’ll make sure they have a comfortable stay with us.” Nico said to his father.

“Fletcher sounds like a brave and honest soldier like you are, dad.” His daughter added.

“Thanks, Anny. Goodnight.”

“Night, daddy!” the siblings exclaimed as their parents went to bed.

“I love you.” His wife kissed him.

“I love you too.”

In the morning, Katja stirred in her sleep, slowly opening her eyes, still a bit sleepy, and seeing that her brother had one leg wrapped around her, his chest lowering and raising before also stirring in his sleep, waking up.

“Good morning, sis.” He smiled.

“Morning, brother.” She smiled too.

Dinky in that moment, yawned, rubbing her eyes. “Good morning.”

“Morning, Dinky. Slept well?” The colt asked, still sleepy.

“Like a stone. You?”

“Can’t complain.”

The door opened, and Nico and his sister walked in, bothcarrying Breakfast Boards. The boy’s had two bowls of oatmeal and two glasses of juice, while the girl carried only one bowl and glass. “Good morning, we made you breakfast.” Nico greeted them.

“Good morning.” Dinky greeted back, then they all enjoyed their breakfast.

“You’re welcome.” The girl was happy to see that their guests enjoyed it.

They walked out, seeing that Fletcher was still asleep on the couch, and the parents also still in their beds, and the children had a wonderful idea.

“How about we make breakfast for them?” Blau Streifen suggested, and the others nodded with glee.

“Great idea, brother!”

Fletcher awoke to a delicious smell coming out of the kitchen. “Good morning Fletcher, I made you breakfast!” Dinky’s voice sounded happy as he opened his eyes. The filly was standing in front of him with a breakfast board with toast and a glass of juice, having a very happy smile on her face.

It pleased him to see such a generous offer from her. “Thank you, Dinky.”

As he breakfasted, he saw the others walking towards the bedroom of the married couple, the human siblings carried breakfast boards with toast and juice.

“Good morning, we made you breakfast”. Katja smiled as she opened the door, the adults were smiling at this nice act.

“Thanks.” Kestin smiled as she and her husband breakfasted, enjoying it.

As the two got ready for the day, Fletcher and his three friends took a look at the pictures on the wall. The first picture showed Konrad and Kerstin at their wedding, both smiling very happy. The second and third were showing the woman with a newborn baby in her arms, her husband smiling proudly. The next picture was showing Konrad in his uniform, next to it was a picture of a group photo of him and several other soldiers, one of them was wearing what seemed to be a pilot uniform, and another was wearing a navy uniform.

Then they took notice of 3 other pictures. The first showed a soldier in an older uniform, his helmet having a tip and a rifle with attached bayonet, being almost twice as large as the man himself. The other picture was a man in medic uniform and the last one was a group photo of both and other soldiers. They noticed that one of the soldiers was also wearing a medic uniform, looking almost identical to the pilot in the other group photo.

Konrad came in with his wifewearing a blue suit with matching hat and red tie. “What about we show you the town today?” He suggested.

“Good idea, Konrad. That must be your father and grandfather, right? They look very good in those uniforms.” Dinky pointed to the pictures.

“You are correct.”

“Can’t imagine that such a long weapon is easy to handle. And why does his helmet have a tip?” Blau Streifen asked.

“Indeed, it was very unwieldy in the trenches with those, thus the SMG got invented. As for his helmet, its origin is from the time when fights were fought with sabers. The tip had the function to distract attacks to the side. However it was outdated when the First World War began. It was called the pickelhaube.” He explained. “To solve this, it was removed later or it could be unscrewed.”

”Makes sense. Had you such problems, Fletcher?” The colt asked, interested.

“Not that I can remember.” The unicorn replied.

“Anyway, let’s enjoy the day, shall we?” Kestin asked everyone with glee, seeing the beautiful morning sun.”

“Agreed!” The children exclaimed with smiles.

Fletcher nodded, leaving his armor here and firearms there, and putting his bow into his saddlebag to avoid suspicion. They walked, enjoying the weather.

Being a warm summer day, he, Dinky, and the siblings enjoyed the tour of the town. It was maybe a small town, but still had a lot of interesting sights to offer, like the office of the prince-bishops, named after Prince Bishop Julius Echter of Mespelbrunn, the Catholic church of St. Bartholomew and the evangelical church St. Michael, just to name a few.

At first, Dinky and Blau Streifen were a bit nervous, afraid Konrad’s idea wouldn’t work but everyone who saw them and Fletcher commented how well made their costumes were, raising their confidence in the idea.

What they all noticed, apart from propaganda messages about saving resources, some banners, soldiers on leave and some military trucks driving around, there was almost nothing that hinted of war.

“It’s so peaceful and quiet here.” It reminded Dinky of her home.

“Yes, it’s a quiet town, that’s why I like it here so much. I was born in Würzburg but it was a too busy town for me to live. If you don’t mind Fletcher, where were you born?” Konrad asked.

“Well, Stuttgart as you would call it here.” The Eternal Knight replied.

“I see.” Seeing the bakery, the young man had an idea. ”What about some ice cream?”

“Great idea!” Dinky exclaimed happy.

All the kids took chocolate, which wasn’t surprising, since chocolate was loved by children after all.

He took strawberry for himself, his wife banana and Fletcher took apple.

They walked to a small park where the adults sat down on a bench in the shade, watching the children as they enjoyed the ice cream to the fullest.

Blau Streifen had finished his, only the waffle was left, when he tripped over a stone. “Ow!”

“Are you hurt?” Dinky asked with concern, helping him up.

“I’m fine.” He replied, noticing that the waffle had landed on his forehead, making him look like a unicorn.

“Look sis! I'm a pretty unicorn!” He made a heroic pose, causing Fletcher and Dinky to suppress a giggle before he took it off and ate it.

Then they took notice of a large truck passing by, much larger than the military trucks.

“What’s that?” Katja asked, pointing to the truck.

“A talkie car, they bring movies into towns that don’t have cinemas and also the… news, so to speak.” The husband explained.

“News?” Dinky asked, not understanding.

“The Deutsche Wochenschau. It shows the successes of the military and is a compulsory program.”

“Great.” Blau Streifen complained.

“Let’s go.” Kerstin said and they walked back to the marketplace. The truck had pulled up there, and the crew already was setting up everything and a crowd was forming up to watch it, the family and their guests with them. The other people didn’t notice the ponies at all, too focused on the movie.

The intro started, showing a War reporter who supplied the front shots before it actually started.

First shown were how Axis troops attacked the British lines at Bir Hacheim and the Gazala line at the end of May, with Rommel being on the front line, personally giving the final orders before the attack started. The pictures changed to prisoners and destroyed vehicles and guns. The announcer said that in the first 10 days, the British had lost over 10,000 prisoners, 550 tanks, 200 guns and several hundred vehicles.

The outcome was hinging on the fate of Bir Hacheim, showing an aerial view from Axis planes flying towards it. In the first days of June, the Germans and Italians surrounded the fortress, seizing it on June 11. Right after the capture of the fortress, the retreating British troops got surrounded, every attempt to break out towards Tobruk repulsed with heavy losses. After breaking through the Gazala line, the fate of the Allied troops was sealed, with over 6,000 prisoners, 224 tanks, 85 artillery pieces and considerable military captured.

On June 18, the fortress of Tobruk was totally encircled. It was the strongest in North Africa, with Anti-tank ditches, wire barriers, concrete bunkers, AA guns and minefields protecting the vital port. After hundreds of attacks by German and Italian bombers and Stukas, the assault started in the early morning of June 20, shown by Axis artillery fire.

Rommel was shown in his command vehicle, conducting the battle on the front line, then showing prisoners. The announcer said that at the evening of the first day of the assault, most key fortifications were in Axis hands. Dinky and the siblings were impressed by it; most impressive had been the aerial view of Bir Hacheim so far. Even Fletcher was a bit impressed, yet showed a neutral expression.

After showing a few destroyed British tanks, the camera showed the Field Marshal inspecting a dugout casemate, then how German flak destroyed from the beach of Tobruk small British vessels trying to escape, in vain.

In the early morning of June 21, the Allied commander capitulated, and the announcer praised how the Luftwaffe supported the ground forces in a true show of military comradeship, contributing greatly to this glorious victory, showing an aerial view of lines of prisoners and Tobruk, also showing sunk ships.

Then the announcer said that the enemy had unusually high losses, with over 1,000 tanks destroyed or captured. Hundreds of guns, vast amounts of war material and supplies of all kind fell into Axis hands. 33,000 prisoners were made by German and Italian troops.

“Can’t say I’m a fan of it, but I must admit, it all looks very impressive and well made.” Katja commented.

“Yes, the German propaganda really knows how to impress.” Konrad replied, feeling proud for some reason, seeing their success in Tobruk.

“We also used propaganda in the wars I fought in. but nothing of it could top that.” Fletcher added upon having seen everything.

The next scene showed how the German troops moved out to the border in pursuit of the remaining enemy troops, then something that surprised the family along with its guests.

“The Green Knight talking with our troops boosting their moral.” The announcer said, the scene showing Fletcher as he talked with the German and Italian soldiers at the Halfaya Pass, and the Eternal Knight stood there, stunned upon seeing himself in the German propaganda.

“Wait…wha- what?” He stuttered, not believing his eyes, completely shocked, while his friends were also shocked.

The scene changed, now it showed him, talking with Rommel, the kids couldn’t be seen anywhere. “The Field Marshal and the Green Knight chatting together, the Knight swears to watch over all trueborn sons of Germany and will hunt down any who stray from the cause.”

Then the show moved on the Attack on Sevastopol on the Eastern Front, the family slowly recovered from their shock.

“Okay…how had they managed to do that?” Konrad asked first.

“And how did we not notice it?” Dinky wondered.

“However they managed to pull this off, the one responsible for this will hear from me.” Fletcher’s voice was slightly disgusted and had a hint of anger.

“Well, I think it must be the local Propaganda minister; he’s in charge of everything regarding propaganda here. He is mostly seen in the town hall.” Kerstin pointed out.

“Thank you, I’ll be right back.” The unicorn moved swiftly towards the town hall, unnoticed by the crowd.

“I guess we should leave, something tells me this will be…not going well for the minister.” Konrad said with a hint of fear, the others nodded, keeping their distance from the marketplace.

The Eternal Knight entered the town hall, seeing a young female secretary on a reception counter. “Excuse me, where can I find the propaganda minister?” He asked, friendly.

The young woman reacted a bit confused upon seeing him, blinking several times to make sure it wasn’t her imagination. “Just upstairs, sir.” She replied, confused.

“Thank you.” He replied, walking upstairs, and seeing two doors on the right side.

“I don’t know what I should think of this; it’s a good way to play down the deaths of the SS troops in Africa but…the Green Knight won’t like this.” A young voice sounded from the door on the right.

“Orders are orders, it will be in our benefit, that is all that counts.” A second voice replied.

Bingo.
Knowing that he was right, the green unicorn opened the door, a man sitting at a desk, another standing in front of him, appearing to be scared, having blue eyes and blonde hair, seeming in his early twenties. The other one was surprised, but showed no sign of fear. Fletcher judged he was the major.

“What do you want?” The major asked in an aggressive tone.

“I think you know what I want. I wasn't informed that I was a star in your propaganda projects...probably because I would have said no.” The Knight countered in a light angry tone.

The young man held up his hands in surrender. “I had no other choice, the order came directly from Reichsmarschall Goebbels! I never intended to…”

Fletcher cut him off, “You probably think you've made me angry. You haven't. Just slightly annoyed. With that in mind, I strongly suggest you stop while you're ahead. Otherwise I really will get angry...and people will die.” His voice was slightly threatening.

Out of the corner of his eyes, he could see that the major reached slowly for his pistol, a mistake, as Fletcher quickly levitated it out of his hand. “Don’t even think about it. I hope my message is clear.”

Nervous, the young propaganda minister replied. “O-of course, sir Green Knight.”

Seeing a picture of the Reichsmarschall on the wall, Fletcher mumbled with a disgusted expression, “I always wondered what humans would look like if you sucked all the moisture out with a straw.” He turned back to the two men. “Would you be so kind as to send Goebbels a message?”

“O-of course, we can do that.” The minister replied stuttering.

The family and guests saw Fletcher coming out, looking very satisfied. “I took care of the propaganda, let’s go home.”

The others agreed and nodded, not wanting to imagine what Fletcher had done to stop the propaganda of him.

They took a walk through the park they had seen at the river. The children played tag while the three adults sat down on a bench, watching them with smiles until the church bells rang, seven times, showing it was 7PM, so they walked home.

After dining, the children got ready for bed while Konrad had a chat with Fletcher. “If you want to do a walk or some errands, there is a second house key on the key board.”

“Good to know.”

“And if you don’t mind, what have you done to make them stop using you for propaganda?”

Smirking, Fletcher replied, “Just talked to them and sent a message to Goebbels.”

As it was late, the father said, “Okay, goodnight.”

The married couple and the children had all the same thought as they went to bed and fell asleep. Wonder what the message is.

Berlin, Reich Ministry of Public Enlightenment and Propaganda

The Reichsmarschall was sitting at his desk, doing paperwork as someone knocked on the door. “Come in.”

A messenger walked in. “Herr Reichsmarschall, a telegram for you.”

“Put it on the desk.” The massager did as told.

Goebbels read the telegram, shocked upon seeing who the sender was.

To Herr Reichsmarschall Paul Joseph Goebbels.

I'm writing to you from El Alamein. I have just seen your take on me and the undertones you've taken the liberty of drawing for yourself.

I'm asking, politely I trust, for you to stop.

Much as I would normally be touched by such a statement, your hand in it is making me feel incredibly unclean.

I do not support your Fascist doctrine, nor do I ever intend to. So please stop using me as a mouthpiece for such a creed.

I am writing to you as formally and politely as I can.

I hope you understand that, should you continue perverting my name and all those beside me, the collective force of Churchill, De Gaulle, Stalin and Roosevelt will be the second greatest threat to the Third Reich.

While I exercise such courtesy, however, you are quite safe.

But that will end swiftly and violently should you or your subordinates harm me or those I love in any way.

You have no comprehension of the powers at our Princess's disposal. I say with certainty that we are capable of wiping you off the map.

Do not tempt us. Do not cross us.

Wishing you the best of luck in the war to come.

Sincerely,

The Green Knight

It was at this moment that made him know that he shouldn’t have done that. “How am I gonna explain this to the Führer?”

In the morning, Fletcher stretched himself as he woke up, the pendulum clock ringed seven times: it was 7AM in the morning.

Seeing that the others were still asleep, he decided to visit the bakery for breakfast, taking his bow just in case, concealed of course, and put the house key in his saddle bag, also writing a note to let the others know where he was.

As it was early morning, the streets were empty, as most of the people were still asleep, only the wind and the singing of the birds could be heard.

Fletcher enjoyed it as he walked through the park towards the bakery, the rising morning sun was a beautiful sight.

Upon reaching the bakery, Willi and Tim greeted him with smiles. “Good morning Fletcher, what can I bring you?” Will asked, happy to see him.

“I think I take a pretzel and a coffee please.”

“On the way!” The baker replied, giving his customer his order.

The unicorn took a bite of his meal and a sip of his coffee. “It tastes very good, you really understand your work.” He complimented Willi, who blushed slightly at the compliment.

“Glad to hear it. My family has been in the bakery business for years and this bakery is the best in town, so say most people.”

“I think they are right with that.” The Knight couldn’t remember the last time he had eaten so well in a bakery.

“Hello!” a new voice called out, Fletcher turned around, seeing a man in a SS uniform came in, rather boisterously.

While Fletcher couldn’t see the rank of the SS member exactly, the peaked cap hinted that it seemed to be a commander.

The stallion went back to his breakfast, trying to keep a low profile as the commander walked up to the counter.

“You! A coffee, please.” He said to Willi, who did as told.

Then the German turned his attention to the Eternal Knight. “Oh, I hope you don’t have to hunt someone down back there. If so I’ll come back another time.” He joked with a laugh.

“I’m sure that can wait, Herr Kommandant. One coffee, coming right up.” Willi prepared the drink.

“I recognize your face. Very Aryan face it is, too. While I wonder why they use a unicorn for propaganda, they suited your appearance very well and you can act well.”

Fletcher didn’t reply but understood what the SS member meant. He thought that Fletcher was the actor for the Propaganda regarding the Green Knight.

“There you go, Kommandant.” The baker handed the coffee over.

“Oh, thank you.” The SS soldier took a sip, enjoying it clearly. “I love coffee. There’s nothing better to drink in the morning than a good waking coffee.” He said to the two bakers, turning back to the stallion again. “Do you have any ID? I would like to know who you really are.”

Fletcher stayed quiet. “Speak up.” The Kommandant added.

“I’m afraid he can’t speak, he’s hoarse and I heard it’s to be held secret who he really is.” Tim interrupted quickly, trying to get Fletcher out of this.

“I see. A pity about old Sergeant Metzenberg. I knew him from school. I never liked him but he was good at his job. Shot with a bow and arrow according to the records. Probably one of the local tribes. The Skorpion will soak their sands red for that.The whole town's been talking about it. The unicorn appears, out of the storybooks and now here in the Third Reich. A sign perhaps. If there is a master race of the animal kingdom, I can't think of a better choice.” The officer took another sip suddenly, as a lower ranked SS soldier came in.

“Kommandant, you are needed at the HQ.” The soldier reported.

“Can this not wait? I am enjoying my coffee.” He took another sip.

“I’m afraid not, Kommandant. Your presence is needed at the HQ immediately.”

“Affirmative. On my way.” The Kommandant replied, finishing his coffee as the other SS soldier left.

The officer then walked out too.

As Fletcher finished his coffee, he didn’t notice how his bow got loose, falling to the ground with a loud thud and getting the officer’s attention.

He turned around, seeing the bow. “Oh my god…” He inspected the bow, before looking at the unicorn. “Oh my god, it’s you…It’s you!” The officer attempted panic-stricken to draw his gun, but Fletcher quickly lit up his horn to defend himself before Tim hit the SS soldier with abaking sheet on the head, knocking him out.

“Thank you.” Fletcher said, casting a spell on the knocked out man, since nobody was outside that could see it.

To the bakers’ surprise, the officer woke up and stood up, grabbing his cap as Fletcher spoke, “This is not the unicorn you're looking for.”

“This is not the unicorn I’m looking for.” The officer repeated in a neutral voice, like he washypnotized.

“It's a prank from the soldiers. You know unicorns aren't real.”

“It's a prank from the soldiers. I know unicorns aren't real.”

“You're going to forget this ever happened and move along.”

“I'm going to forget this ever happened and move along...yes...that sounds sensible.” The officer left, having completely forgotten what had just happened.

The ponysat down, rubbing his forehead with a hoof and breathing slowly, then smirked. “Mind trick spell. Useful to get out of trouble or avoid it.”

“Nice one. That was the local SS Kommandant, he caused me trouble sometimes but now, I don’t think he ever will make me problems.”

“Your welcome, Willi. I’m curious, who is that Scorpion he mentioned?” Fletcher asked as he made sure that his bow was secured this time.

“Oh yeah, him. Axel Zornhauff. He's trash, even by SS standards. Word is, Zornhauff and Rommel used to be academy rivals. But Zornhauff never made it big. So, when Hitler started handing out fame and glory to anyone who'll kiss his backside, guess who jumped at the chance. Now he's placed in Africa to keep an eye on us. He's a wanna-be. A fraud. Just because he's SS, he thinks he's equal to Rommel but he's just a Sturmbannführer, technically not much higher than a Major. He has this scar across his cheek and he likes people to think he got it in battle. He got it a bordello and anyone who tells you otherwise is lying. And when Rommel got the name 'Desert Fox', Zornhauff needed a name as well. So he started calling himself the 'Scorpion'. Pathetic, clownish pretender, nothing more. Of course, his men worship him but only one in ten of them have the wits God gave a sheep. But he has the Fuhrer's ear so while Rommel does the work, he tries taking the glory. That's if he finds anyone who believes him. The leader of the SS squad you took out was his confidant. Can’t tell how glad we are you took care of him.”

“I see, he’d better be on his guard when I get back to North Africa. By the way, has Konrad something planned for today?”

“Well, while you were talking with the minister, I, Hans and he agreed to meet each other at the gun club today to practice; would you like to come too? I can drive you there,” Willi offered.

“Sure, why not.” The pony replied after finishing his pretzel.

And so, Willi and Fletcher got into the car, driving to the gun club of the town, hearing some gunshots from inside as they arrived.

The Eternal Knight stepped out of the car only to be greeted by three very happy children. “Fletcher!” They exclaimed, hugging him.

Fray smiled at Dinky, Katja, and Blau Streifen. “Glad to see you, too. Where are the others?”

“Inside. Follow us!” Dinky hopped ahead, followed by the siblings, Willi and Fletcher, seeing how Konrad and Hans were shooting air guns on targets, wearing earflaps.

They took them off to greet their 2 friends. “Hello, glad you could come. Want to try too?” Konrad asked.

Willi grinned. “With pleasure!”

“Thanks, I’ll pass.” The Knight replied, not interested at the moment. Instead he, along with Kerstin, watched the children play outside in the grass where the shooting range for Archers was. It pleased him to see them so happy; it reminded him of when he was a colt.

“You seem to enjoy their company.” The woman noticed, smiling as he leaned against the wall, watching her children.

“Yes I do. It warms my heart to see them so happy.” He replied, smiling too.

“I think you would make a good father, despite the things you went through.”

Fletcher never expected that someone would say something like that to him. “You…really think so?”

“Yes. The way you care for Dinky and her two friends, just like a father. I can tell.” The mother sounded proud of him.

Looking down to the ground, feeling embarrassed, Fletcher said, “Thanks.”

The children stopped to play as a Kübelwagen stopped in the parking lot as two men stepped out. The passenger was wearing a black suit with matching hat and red tie, having brown hair and eyes, while the other one was wearing the same suit and hat. Konrad, having blond hair and blue eyes, Dinky, Katja and Blau Streifen noticed that he looked very similar to the pilot and medic on the group photos.

Escher just finished his practice as a new voice greeted his ears. “Konrad, nice to see you, how are you doing?”

Turning around, he saw 2 old friends. Jessie Günther and Frank Lange, also members of the Africa Corps like he was.

“I’m doing good, what about you?” He asked Jessie, who was a Stuka pilot in the Africa Corps and a loving husband, also a veteran of the Great War, visible by the Iron cross with the date 1914 on it, having also the current iron cross on his suit, having earned it in the battle of Britain. As far as Escher knew, Jessie was actually a German-American born in Texas in the USA but immigrated to Germany where he fought as a medic and as a Sniper due his excellent marksmanship. He was named after a Cowboy named Jesse James. Most people nicknamed Günther as James. Konrad had also heard once that James suffered an accident with Poison Gas, but how he survived it was a mystery to him.

“I’m doing well too. How are your wife and children?” James asked in return.

“Fine, how’s your wife?”

“My wife? She’s doing her job in the hospital, working tirelessly to treat the patients.” His wife was a nurse. “How’s the business, Willi?”

“It’s going well as can be. Frank how are your wife and daughter?” Frank had been along with the men who got awarded with the iron cross, being a husband and father of a young daughter, being in theresupply troops of the Africa Corps.

“They’re fine.” Lange replied.

Due their roles in the military, Konrad, Hans and Willi doubted that James and Frank had heard of the Green Knight.

“I hope your marksmanship hasn’t gone rusty from being a pilot.” Hans said.

James smirked. “Watch this.” The children and Fletcher watched from the outside, seeing how James drew an odd looking pistol, a Mauser M712, firing at several targets with great accuracy. The recoil was no problem for him, firing short controlled bursts. Then he blew the smoke of the barrel, spinning his pistol before holstering it. “Does that answer your question?”

“Yes.” Hans replied, being impressed.

“Want to join us for some target practice, Frank?” Willi asked, only for him to shake his head.

“No thanks, once my leave is over I get transferred to the Eastern front, so I want to spend time with my family.”

“Okay, enjoy it. Give your family our regards, Frank.”

“Of course. See you later.”

“Bye!” Konrad, Willi and Hans called out as their friends left.

Katja, her brother and Dinky were also impressed, James had some things in common with Fletcher, and it made them wonder if he could be a human counterpart to Fletcher.

“Excuse me?” the voice of a young man tore them out, turning around.

The man was carrying a bow in his hand. “Care to put your skills to the test, good sir. I find so few challengers in this particular field.” He asked Fletcher, friendly.

Being a bit taken back by being asked that question, the archer hesitated. “Uh, sure.”

“Thank you.” The man prepared his bow, firing an arrow on the target that wasfurthest away, scoring a hit on the red area. “Think you can beat that?” He showed off with a grin.

Fletcher just sat down, grabbing his bow with an unimpressed expression and fired a shot, his arrow landed directly in the middle of the yellow area.

The young archer dropped his jaw in disbelief. “I can’t believe this!”

“Can you beat that?” Fletcher asked in return, smiling.

The man shook his head and left, muttering something they couldn’t understand.

“Nice shot, Fletcher.” Konrad joined with Willi and Hans. If you’re wondering, this guy was the best archer in the gun club, often showing off, although I don’t know his name. Nice to see you beat him.”

“What can I say, I’m one of the best archers in Equestria, runs in the family.” The unicorn replied proudly.

“I knew I'd find you here. You always loved this place...ever since you were a young boy.” A new voice caused everyone to turn around, seeing an elderly man with green eyes and grey hair, having the same cross from 1914 as James on his clothes.

“Dad!” Konrad exclaimed surprised, not expecting to see his father.

“I heard of your award, so I thought I should congratulate you on it. I’m also very proud of you, Konrad.”

“Grandpa!” Nico and Anny hugged Konrad’s father with smiles.

“Glad to see you too, children.” The elderly human replied with a smile.

“Where is mother?” The young man wanted to know.

“I’m afraid she couldn’t come but sends her regards. Who are your new friends?” His father asked upon noticing Fletcher, Dinky, Blau Streifen and Katja.

Taking a deep breath, the North Africa veteran said, “It’s a long story. Please, keep this a secret.”

While the former soldier wondered why, he listened with patience to what his son told him, Fletcher and the 3 children confirmed it.

The grandfather stayed quiet for a few minutes, trying to process everything. “Well my son, sounds like I have one more reason to be proud of you. You did the right thing. Sorry to hear what happened to you, children.” He turned to the Eternal Knight. “Heh...Old soldiers, eh? I reckon you've a tale or two to keep the kids quiet.” He joked.

“Yeah, I do have some stories.” Fletcher had respect for the veteran.

“I can tell that you’re a good soldier, like my son is. You seem at home in that armor. Wear it with pride.”

“Thank you sir, and I will.”

Before Konrad’s father left, he said, “It’s always nice for me to meet another veteran.”

As the day was still young, the family enjoyed the warm sun, spending the day mostly outside until it was evening.

After dinner, Fletcher spoke with the family. “I don’t know if I can return to Germany once I took care of the interference. If I can’t go back, I will cast a portal spell, so they can reach me and I can bring them home, so don’t be surprised if a portal suddenly appears in your house.”

“I understand. That way, we can also say goodbye to Dinky and her 2 friends.”

“Yes, Kerstin, that was exactly my thought. Are you okay with that?” Fray asked Nico and Anny.

“I think that’s a good idea, Fletcher.” Dinky smiled at him.

“Us too!” Her friends said happily in union.

“Glad to hear it.” It pleased him every time to see them happy.

As the children brushed their teeth to get ready for bed, Konrad took his suit on. “Do you have plans to spend the evening somewhere?” The stallion asked, not expecting him to go out so late.

“Well, I, Willi and Hans wanted to go to the local tavern to enjoy ourselves. And guess what, it’s in your name.”

“What? You make that for me? Why?” Fletcher was quite surprised about that. Why would they do something like this for him?

“Because if you hadn’t saved me too from the crashing bomber, I wouldn’t be standing here now. I owe you something. And we all think, given how hard you work to keep them safe and bring them home, you should enjoy yourself too.”

The stallion blinked, trying to understand. “I guess that makes sense.”

Before they could go, faint crying could be heard from the guest room. Fletcher took a look, opening the door. “Children, are you ok? I thought I heard crying.” Fletcher asked concerned, noticing how they had their heads buried into the pillows.

Dinky slowly raised her head, not looking at him. “We’re…f…fine, Fletcher.” Her voice sounded very sad, close to breaking down, betraying her attempt not to show it.

Fletcher could tell what was wrong. “You can talk with me about it.”

The 3 friends looked up, their eyes were filled with tears. “We miss them!” Katja exclaimed, being homesick.

The Archer knew how hard it could be, suffering the same feeling after having lost his parents and home. Fray wasn’t the best at comforting but they needed somepony.

Using his magic, he levitated them up, causing them to laugh as he moved them to him for a group hug. “I know your feeling and how hard it can be. I met many foals in my childhood but no foal was as nice and friendly as you are. It may take some time, but I promise I will get you home, no matter how long it takes.”

The 3 children sniffed, before returning the hug with light smiles. “Thank you!”

“Now that’s better. Catch some sleep now, it’s late.” He said with a smile of his own.

“Yes, Fletcher.” They replied, climbing back into their beds, falling quickly asleep.

Kerstin had watched everything, smiling proudly at him. “You would make a great father, I just know it. And I think I might have an idea how to help them against homesickness.”

“Something tells me it will be quite a surprise for me, too.” Fray mumbled as he got outside with Konrad.

The full moon was a beautiful sight as they walked to the bar, Fletcher enjoying the view until the bar was in sight, a beer mug with the word “Techtel” was on the roof.

In the moment Konrad opened the door, Fletcher saw Willi and Hans along many other soldiers; he recognized most from his stay in the Halfaya Pass and Tobruk, they were all happy to see him.

“Glad you could come, Fletcher. What would you like to drink?” Willi asked as the stallion sat down at the counter with Konrad.

“One alcohol-free beer, please.”

The barkeeper gave him one. “Guess you want to be a role model for the children, right?”

“Yeah.” The unicorn took a sip, enjoying it, it tasted exactly like the beer in Farmany. The soldiers chatted to each other or played cards, while one soldier played a piano.

I am not going to question the value of their activity.

They even chatted with him, treating him with respect, like he was one of them.

While never being so much social before, he understood that they wanted him to enjoy himself and for some reason, he did.

“To Fletcher Fray, the Green Knight!” Escher raised his mug, speaking a toast on him, the others raised their mugs too.

Hans gave the piano player a tip. “Yeah, I know that one.” He practiced before playing.

Everybody, even Fletcher starting to sing, he felt a joy he hadn’t felt in a long time, it reminded him of the old time of celebrating with his friends back then.

They had so much fun until they went home, but Fletcher had lost track of time, maybe it was midnight or even past it, he couldn’t tell. “And, did you enjoy yourself?” The German asked him, hoping he did.

With a smile the pony exclaimed happily, “you bet!”

As home was insight, the two could see that the light in the living room was still on.

Kerstin was reading a book as her husband and their guest came back. “Welcome back, I hope you enjoyed the party.”

“Of course we did.” The unicorn replied.

“Ah, before I forget it, there is something you both should see.” She pointed to the fridge in the kitchen.

Two drawings were hung on it. The first showed Dinky’s family: her Pegasus mother Derpy with her grey coat, yellow eyes and blonde mane, her Earth pony father, having a brown coat, with a dark brown mane and blue eyes, and her two sisters. Sparkler had a magenta coat with violet eyes and matching mane. Tootsie had a baby-blue coat, a lavender mane, and purple eyes. Under them were the words “I miss you.”

The other drawing showed Katja’s and Blau Streifen’s parents and their grandmother. Their mother Ruby had a grey coat, yellow eyes, anda light blonde mane with lighter orange highlights. Their father had brown hair and blue eyes, looking very similar to a good friend Konrad had once met at the Olympics in 1936. Ruby’s mother Mitta had a light grey coat, red eyes and a dark red mane. The words “We miss you” were written under them.

“They are very well drawn draw by them.” Konrad’ commented, liking it.

“Indeed, made from the heart.” Fletcher replied before they headed to bed.

In the next morning after breakfast Kerstin saw this as a good moment to show her guests what she had made for them. “Dinky, Blau, Katja, I have a little surprise for you. Close your eyes. Applies also for you, Fletcher.” The kids did as they were told. Fletcher wondered why but also closed his eyes.

The woman walked out of the room, coming back after a few minutes. “Open your eyes.”

The 3 children were very happy when they saw the surprise. 3 plushies looking like a pony with green coat, blond mane and blue eyes, with a crescent on the right flank and a small horn on the head. They resembled Fletcher. “Thank you! They exclaimed in joy, hugging the woman.

“Glad to hear that you like them. I hope you won’t mind, Fletcher.”

He waved a hoof. “Not at all.” While he was okay with it, knowing that this could help them against homesickness, he thought, Oh, the second Wolf sees this I'll never hear the end of it.

“I thought it could help you 3 against homesickness after I saw your pictures.” Kerstin explained, pointing to the drawings.

Dinky let out a sigh. “I just miss them so much.”

“Yes.” The young colt added, looking to the ground, his sister too.

Nico and Anny looked at each other, nodding before approaching her three friends without saying a word. The girl started to tickle Blau Streifen, her brother tickled Dinky, and both ponies broke out in uncontrollable laugher, their pleads to stop where unheard. Fearing she might have the same torture, Katja backed slowly up before the sound of magic reached her ears, stopping her dead in her tracks, seeing Fletcher having a mischievous grin. “Where do you think you’re going?”

She was at his mercy as he removed her shoes and socks, placing her gently on the ground, then the young woman started tickling her feet, causing the girl to break out in laughter too, unable to beg for mercy.

The tickle torture went on for several minutes before the 3 friends were granted mercy, trying to catch their breath. “Always works when you need to cheer someone up.” Konrad commented with a smirk.

After having caught their breath, Dinky looked at her 2 two friends, then at Fletcher with amischievous grin. It took him a few seconds to understand what the kids had in mind.

Uh-Oh.

He took a step back but Blau Streifen rammed into him, throwing him to the ground and pinning him down, while the other children gathered around him, tickling his hooves and chest.

“HAHAHAHAHA!!! PL-PL-PLEASE!!! STOP!!!” He begged at their mercy, unable to contain his laughter.

It went on for several minutes before they stopped, letting him catch his breath.

“There’s nothing better to start the morning than a good laugh.” Konrad joked, smiling.

The day was quiet. Fletcher and the 3 children helped out in the house as well as they could to reciprocate the Escher’s hospitality.

At noon, Dinky and her two friends were drawing something. “Look Fletcher, we drew you!” The filly exclaimed proudly, the picture showed him smiling with his bow by his side, the words 'I'm here to Help.’ and Fletcher is awesome!’ were written under it.

The stallion smiled. “That looks very nice, children.”

“Glad to hear you like it.” Blau Streifen was happy to hear this from him.

In the evening, Konrad looked at the calendar. “It is already that time again?”

“What time, Konrad?” Dinky was curious.

“The wine festival of Volkach. It’s held every year on the second Friday of August until 15th August. I go there every year with my family, would you like to go with us?”

The filly grinned. “I would love too! What about you?” She asked her 2 friends with glee.

“Count us in!” They replied together before looking with Dinky at Fletcher.

He just shrugged. “I don’t mind coming with you.” Yet, his voice had a small hint of eagerness for it.

“Nice.” The German smiled.

The family led Fletcher, Dinky, Katja and Blau Streifen to the marketplace, the music could be heard in the distance as they walked to it.

Once arriving, the eyes of the three children went wide. There was a stage for a band playing music, several stands selling food and drinks scattered around and benches for the visitors.

“Reminds me when my parents took me to the wine festivals in Farmany when I was a colt.” The Eternal Knight smiled at the memories.

After having found a free bench, the children ate pretzels, while the adults took salad for dinner, enjoying the music.

Konrad’s father, Willi, and Hans joined them. “Good evening.” The WW1 veteran greeted.

“Hello again, nice that you could join us.” Fletcher was happy to see them.

“The pleasure is all mine. If you don’t mind me asking, what is the symbol of the Eternal Knights?”

“A silver Harvest Moon in front of a platinum white point with a black border. Why do you want to know?”

“Just out of curiosity. A silver moon…” The elderly man tipped his forehead.

“Is something wrong?” Fletcher asked, confused by this action.

“It’s nothing. I was part of an excavation back in the Great War and we found remains of Knights from the Crusaders, the symbol on their armor was very similar to yours.” The veteran explained.

“Really?” Fletcher was bewildered.

“I can’t remember exactly, it’s been so long. Maybe I remember it wrong.”

“Could be.” Still it made the unicorn wondering if those Knights could have been a counterpart of the Eternal Knights.

Blau Streifen looked at the stars. “The music really suits this beautiful night, don’t you think, Dinky?”

“Yes it does. That reminds me when I had fun with my friend Pipsqueak, always knowing a way to make me happy. Little guy but a big heart.” She mumbled.

At this moment, the world seemed to stop for the young stallion, his hopes of getting close to Dinky was crushed, hearing she had already a colt friend. Yet, he had to be strong, like his father.

I’m a big colt, I can handle it!

Taking a deep breath, he mumbled, “It was worth a try in any case.” His sister smiled proudly at him.

“But that doesn't mean you're no good friend Blau. In fact, you remind me of him, being like him.” Dinky kissed him on the cheek, causing him to blush.

“R-really?” It had caught him completely off guard.

With a warm smile, the unicorn filly replied, “Yeah, you're a great friend and that means a lot to me. Now come, dance with me.” She grabbed him by his hoof.

“W-wa-wait!” He exclaimed as the filly dragged him away to dance with him.

After a few moments of gathering himself, nervous about it, he danced together with her, enjoying it, Katja looked happy at him.

“May I have this dance?” Nico asked politely.

And so, the children danced together, Fletcher, Kerstin, Konrad, Willi, and Hans joined shortly after, enjoying every second of it. Due to his age, the veteran of the Great War watched them with a smile.

Later in the evening, Nico and Anny enjoyed cotton candy, while the 3 ponies and Katja enjoyed apples covered with chocolate.

“If I may ask Dinky, who is Pipsqueak?” Blau Streifen asked her.

“Well...I have a lot of friends but...” The unicorn shifted nervously, trying to find the right words. “You know you spend a long time worrying if you'll lose your friends if you mess up...But then you meet somepony who you know will never stop being your friend? That's what Pipsqueak's like. He's a pinto colt from Trottingham but he goes to Ms. Cheerilee's in Ponyville. He's like me, came out really small, still is actually. And he's really cute. Every time I smile at him, his cheeks turn really pink and he kind of babbles right until the school bell rings. I think you two would make very pretty good friends.”

“You think so?”

“Yes, he’s kinda like you actually, Blau, being a good friend.”

“Thanks for the compliment.”

Back home, Fletcher yawned, since the festival had cost him a lot of energy. “I haven’t had so much fun in a long time. “Goodnight, everyone.” He climbed on the couch, falling asleep immediately.

Katja grabbed a blanket which her brother and Dinky put over him. “Sweet dreams.”

Then they went to their beds, hugging their new plushies as they fell asleep.

“Fletcher, wake up, we’re almost there.” Midnight’s voice echoed in his ears.

“Hm? Ah sorry, I dozed off for a moment.” He replied upon waking up, finding himself in a carriage with the bat pony and White Wolf, dressed in dark blue coats with hoods.

“It’s okay, just stay sharp. Here it is – the Ponysec arena. This DJ Pon-3 is the biggest show it’s seen. Let’s make sure it goes down in history.” The carriage stopped in front of a huge arena, it was very impressive. They stepped out.

“If we can get through this quietly, we should be able to just melt away with the crowd.” Midnight said over the radio as they moved towards the lower levels where the supply closets were located. They masked up behind a wall by putting the hoods up. A unicorn wearing avest with SECURITY written on the back walked past, belonging to a security company instead of the royal guards.

“Okay, we need to find the supply closets marked with a red X. That’s where the C4 is.” The bat pony explained as they moved towards it, avoiding guards along the way.

“Okay, Fletcher, you look here, I and Wolf look on the upper levels.”

“You got it.”

Avoiding a patrolling guard, Fletcher looked around, seeing two closets next to each other, both market with a red cross. My lucky day. He lock picked the first door, searching the cartons for the explosives. After having found it, he waited until the guard passed again, before doing the same with the other closet.

“I found them, what’s your status?” He asked Wolf and Blade over the radio.

“We found the explosives too. Get down to the garage. Our Inside pony has marked up where the C4 must be placed.” The stallion replied.

Getting down to it, he saw that the mare had already taken care of the 2 guards down there, waiting for his friends.

It took only 30 seconds for them to arrive. Midnight pointed to a camera overlooking most of the garage. “See that camera over there? Loop it, so we can get to work.” The unicorn casted a looping spell on it, so his comrades could place the C4.

“Now, to mask the explosions, we need to time the concert pyros. Get up to the booth and patch me in. We wait here to collect the money after it.”

“Roger, Midnight.”

The only way to it was through the public areas containingstore-fronts that led also into the backstage areas but due to his experience, he could easily get to it without being spotted.

Unfortunately, there was a guard blocking the entrance to the pyrotechnics booth, so Fletcher had no other choice but to take him out, firing a silent arrow at the guard, then hiding the body in a dark corner before getting in.

The pyro technician held his hoof in surrender, trembling as he spotted the masked unicorn. “Down, I don’t want to kill you.” The scared pony obeyed, Fletcher tied his hooves before hacking into the console.

“The crowd is heaving tonight. Let’s give them a great show. I’ll guide you through, and time it with the C4.” Midnight informed as the hack was in progress.

“Answer the intercom.” The DJ’s voice sounded through it, Fletcher answered it. “Alright, let’s do this!”

Midnight told Fletcher which of the 3 buttons he had to press, the show was very impressive, showing a flaming Alicorn. Fletcher couldn’t help himself but to dance to the music, bopping his head as he pressed the buttons when told to do so. “DJ Fray is in the house!”

The ground rumbled, making the Unicorn know the first explosion happened. “That was outstanding!” Vinyl Scratch liked the show.

Then the second part started, same steps, DJ Pon-3 cheered, “Great work! Those foals are gonna remember this as the greatest night of their lives.”

After the last scene and explosion, the crowd cheered. “And *that* is how you put on a great show. Great work!” The mare praised after it was over, and the stallion made his way to the basement.

“Money, money, money! Lots of money! In a rich mare's world!” Wolf sang over the radio as she and Midnight got the cutters to work.

After the cutters were done, two plastic-wrapped blocks of cash fell from every hole, making 18 in total. “That chute there can transport the loot to the back rooms of…Capitol Hill Candy!” the bat pony explained as all 3 filled the bags, throwing them into said chute, then moved to adesignated closet, where they could throw in the bags into the overhead vent in order to secure it. Fletcher opened the end of the chute, causing all bags to spill out of it.

Piece of-

“Freeze!” The yell of a guard tore him out before a knife landed between the guard’s eyes.

“Nice throw, Wolf. Once all bags are in, we let our inside pony know when we’re ready to de-mask. He’ll move the loot.” Midnight threw a bag into the vent.

After all bags were secured, Fletcher took the call from the panel outside the door, to let the inside pony know they were leaving and stepped inside the closet to de-mask.

“Okay, blend in with the crowd and we won’t have any issues. The carriage is waiting outside.” Midnight said as they walked out. Lines had formed around merchandise stands that belonged to different companies and guards had formed walls, forcing the Knights to navigate around it to get to the exit, which was no problem.

“Great work, my friends, great work!” Midnight cheered after they had made it.

Dinky woke up in the morning as the sun shined on her, she yawned and stretched herself, seeing the siblings were still asleep, cuddling their plushies.

Getting up, walking towards the kitchen for breakfast, she saw Fletcher sleeping peacefully on the couch. It was 9AM, so she decided to wake him up by gently shaking his shoulder. “Fletcher, time to wake up.”

The older unicorn turned his back to her. “No mother, five more minutes…” He mumbled in his sleep.

She shook him harder, causing him to slowly open his eyes. “Oh...right...Morning, Dinky...” His voice was still sleepy as he got up.

“Morning, Fletcher.” She replied as they walked into the kitchen, the others joined them shortly, greeting them.

After breakfast, the phone rang, and Konrad answered it, letting his guests wonder who was the caller.

“Good news! That was Linus. His recovery is going well and he should be able to leave the hospital soon. My friend asked if we would like to visit him in the hospital in Berlin.”

“I wouldn’t mind that, he must feel pretty lonely in the hospital. Plus we should wish him a good recovery.” Dinky suggested.

“Agreed!” Katja and Blau exclaimed.

“I wouldn’t mind it too, but as Berlin is the capital of Germany, wouldn’t that be too dangerous?” Fletcher had doubts about it.

“Well, he told me that he would like to see you again and as nobody has bothered us here, I don’t think they would attempt to do this in Berlin.”

“I guess you have a point.” The Knight replied in defeat.

They took the next train to Berlin, it was a long ride, taking several hours, arriving at noon in the capital of Germany, Willi and Hans joined them.

Dinky, Blau Streifen and Katja looked in awe at the buildings, the city was very busy, not as quiet as Volkach was, as they followed Konrad to the hospital.

At the reception desk, the young man asked, “Excuse me, in which room is Linus Fischer?”

The young woman replied, “Room 115, sir.”

“Thank you.”

The group took the stairs, looking at the doors until they saw the door labeled 115, Escher knocked on the door. “Come in.”

Inside was the young officer, lying on a white bed in a white room, his leg still bandaged. He smiled. “Glad that you could come.”

“Nice to see you too. How are you?” The private asked.

“Apart from literally having to pass the time by staring at the ceiling, I'm good. From time to time, I’m allowed to get outside but that’s it. But as comfort, I got awarded with the Wound Badge.” He pointed to it, it was a highly innovative pin badge. The edges of the front side showed a laurel wreath on both sides, which is united at the center with a loop. In the middle of the front, on the model of the wounded badge of 1918, a stylized steel helmet of the German Wehrmacht was placed, resting on a pair of crossed swords in the background, worn on the lower left breast of the uniform, being black in color.

“It pleases us to hear that you are better.” Dinky said to him.

“Well, I should be out in a few days. What did you experience so far?”

“A lot of fun!” The three children exclaimed, telling him what how much fun they had in the last days, warming his heart.

“Glad to hear how much fun you had with him and his family. Pity I couldn’t join. Kerstin, you and your children haven’t changed a bit.” He said, happy to see them too.

“You haven’t changed, either.” The woman replied.

They all chatted happily for a few hours before the visiting hours were over and they had to go, the sun slowly going down, as it became evening.

Fletcher just walked with Konrad out first as the sound of server engines sounded in their ears, seeing a convoy of armed motorcycles escorting a black limousine.

It was the same car the Führer was known to use and to their surprise…the Führer was sitting in the backseat, alive and well.

Konrad stood frozen in place, shocked to see the Führer was alive, he had seen him dying in Africa. It can’t be! Unless…this is a double or the Führer in Africa was a double.

His brain was a storm of information; the news would never mention that the Führer died for the sake of the war and morale but he couldn’t be sure if this was the real Führer or just another double.

Even Fletcher’s brain tried to get up with an explanation, as the car stopped in front of the hospital, a soldier opened the door for the Führer and he stepped out.

He saw Fletcher and asked, confused, “Do I see this right, a unicorn?”

Kerstin stayed with the children inside to avoid trouble, they all looked out worried.

“Apologies, mein Führer...that's my horse...Wagner.” Konrad quickly came up with an explanation.

“...Your horse?” The leader couldn’t believe what he just heard.

”Yes, sir.”

“...Why is he green?” The Führer wanted to know.

“Well...you see...he's...dressed up in celebration for our victory in Africa. Haven't you heard? Those are the colors of the Green Knight, the Guardian of El Alamein. So we dress up our horses in his colors. Isn't that right, Wagner?”

The Eternal Knight quickly understood what Konrad was trying to do and played along, neighing in response. Neighing was a rare sight in Equestria, mostly as a form of battle cry.

“I…see. Carry on, soldier.”

“Yes, sir!” The private saluted as the Führer went into the hospital, seeming not to notice Kerstin and the five children as he walked past them, they used his cluelessness to get out of the building.

Upon having reached some distance from the hospital, the green pony let out a sigh of relief. “I literally cannot believe that worked!”

“Well, he isn’t the smartest. Look at the battle of Moskau and how it went, thanks to him.”

“Makes sense. Wagner?” Fray asked irritated.

“Reckon I had to say something, couldn’t think of anything better at the moment. Could you think of anything better?” the young man asked in return.

Fray thought for a moment. “Probably not.”

“We can consider ourselves lucky that this worked at all.” Katja commented, having been afraid what could have happened if it had failed.

“Yeah.” Dinky replied, being relieved too as they walked back to the train station, not wanting to miss the train, as the sun was almost down. Dinky saw a very large building made out of concrete, looking like a fortress. “Wow! What is that?” She asked in awe.

“That? It’s a-“

Suddenly, the street lights went out, large spotlights illuminated the sky, sirens sounded. “What’s going on?” the filly asked, scared, as explosions illuminated the sky as well.

“Air raid. Quick, follow me!” They followed him and the other soldiers to the fortress-looking building, seeing other civilians entering it as well as they got there. The soldiers and the woman led the kids and Fletcher to one of the many accommodations.

“Just in time. Now, this is a flak tower, Dinky.”

“Flak tower?” She asked confused.

“Yes. Hitler loses a battle, he bombs London. Churchill loses a battle, he bombs Berlin. Now they sit back in their hiding-spots, watching their own cities burn, and seeing who wears out first. This is what war has turned into, making a vicious circle out of it. To protect the civilians in Berlin, the flak towers got built, offering protection from air raids having their own electricity and water supply. With walls and ceilings made of reinforced concrete up to 3.5 m thick, and several heavy AA guns, these flak towers are some of the safest places in Berlin and an engineering art.”

“Did…did your town get bombed?” Katja asked.

“No, Volkach hasn’t any war important industry as Dresden or Hamburg have.” Funny how things can turn out. Goebbels said once: ‘If ever a bomb falls on Berlin, you may call me Maier.’ And you see what happened.”

Blau Streifen snickered. “Bad for him, not that I feel sorry, since it was his own fault.”

“Yeah. I suggest you catch some sleep, it will be a long night. Tomorrow we go home, provided the train station still stands.”

“Okay.” The children yawned, climbing into the beds, falling asleep quickly.

“I think I’ll catch some fresh air; do you want to join me?” Konrad asked Fletcher who just nodded while Kerstin, Hans, and Willi watched over the kids.

They walked to the room, past the radio room. “Bomber coming from the west. Redirect all guns.” The commanding officer ordered.

The loud shots from the AA guns were deafening, but Fletcher and Konrad were used to it. The German walked up to a railing, leaning on it, looking into the city. Parts of Berlin were burning, some bombers got shot down, crashing into the woods. “If it continues that way, nothing but ruins will be left of Berlin.”

Fletcher sighed. “Yes. That reminds me of Mondelin. The city got completely destroyed, burning to the ground, nothing left but ruins. But I must say the construction of the flak towers is very impressive. Yet, I doubt if we have had something like those towers, that Mondelin could have been saved.”

The city still had some beauty combined with the night. “I’ve seen things you wouldn’t believe. Swarms of troopers storming Paris, the power of the Blitzkrieg…a beach made fortress. The beauty of the war machine has subtle power.”

“Yes, it has, I have also seen many things in the wars that could be seen as beauty of the war machine.”

In the morning they could leave, seeing the destruction: houses partially or completely destroyed, rubble blocking streets, but luckily for the kids’ sake the bodies had been already brought away of those who had died, with helpers and firefighters worked tirelessly to clean everything up.

“Oh my…” Dinky couldn’t believe it.

“That is what we get for killing civilians, our punishment for Birmingham, Liverpool and London.” Konrad patted her as they walked through the city, even Fletcher was uncomfortable at the sight.

To their surprise, the train station was completely undamaged and the train home ready for departing. Upon getting in, Katja asked, “How long do you think will it take until the Führer realizes that you were lying to him about Fletcher?”

He thought for a moment. “I dunno but sooner or later he will figure out.”

Meanwhile in Berlin

“I didn't know Berlin had its own Mounted Division.” The Führer said to Goebbels who replied dismally,

“Nobody ever tells me anything.”

Time passed, Katja, Blau Streifen and Dinky enjoyed it in Volkach, it reminded them of their hometowns, quiet and peaceful. The plushies helped well against homesickness, and Nico and Anny made sure they were comfortable and Linus, along with Hans and Willi, came regularly to visit, while even Fletcher enjoyed his time in the German Town.

In October Konrad’s leave was over so he had to go back to Africa with his squad mates, and Fletcher joined them to take care of the interference. At the train station, Konrad’s children gave him a final hug. “Be careful, daddy!”

“I will, children.”

Dinky and her two friends said goodbye to Fletcher. “We will miss you! Be careful!”

“I will too and careful is my middle name.” He replied before he and the others got on the train.

“This time, we will use a plane. Have you been in a plane before?” Linus asked, wanting to be sure should the Green Knight be afraid of heights.

“Well, I’m a proud owner of an airship, does that count?”

The officer thought about it. “Kinda. I hope you enjoy the flight.”

At the airport, the transport plane was fueled and ready to go, its propellers spinning.

The group walked past a radio as it suddenly came to life. “*static*...examination results showed extreme damage to the...*static*...repeated suicide attempts over a long period of...*static*...function significantly impaired...*static*...ect regained consciousness during the...*static*...ject showed massive resistance to death...*static*...help us all. *static*”

What in the?” The radio operator wondered as he checked the radio but found nothing. “I guess it was a small malfunction, or someone did a prank.”

Fletcher however stopped in surprise. “That… I think I have heard it before but I can’t remember where.”

“I guess it’s nothing important.” Hans shrugged as they got into the plane, Fletcher followed while lost in thought, trying to remember why that was so familiar.

“I heard this transmission before but…where?”

Author's Note

Even a Eternal Knights needs to have a good R&R to be effective in the next mission. My longest chapter of this story, hope it was worth the wait.

Chapter 9 Old wounds

Chapter 9: Old wounds

In the base of the Eternal Knights, Sunless Isle, the capital of the Lunar Republic back in the civil war, White Wolf meditated, it helped her to relax. Her mastery of the druidic arts had made her skilled scryer and farseer. Visions came to her in her moments of focus. Visions of the past, present and future. She found herself in a desert, hearing fighting sounds in the distance. The mare decided to investigate it.

But what she saw now, terrified even her as she saw the fight. Fletcher Fray was fighting against some kind of beast, she couldn't see what it was exactly but Fletcher was losing against it. The beast threw him to the ground, ready to impale him. “Now, you will pay for what you did to me!”

“Stay away from him!” White Wolf grabbed one of her knifes, throwing it towards Fletcher’s attacker, the knife stopped in midair, falling harmlessly to the ground.

Wolf was shocked upon seeing that, yet quickly charged at the attacker in an attempt to save her friend but the unknown beast swiftly blocked her attack, throwing her back before raising a knifeover his head to bring it down with considerable force.

“Fletch!” Wolf screamed before she woke up from her meditation, heavily breathing, cold sweat on her face.

“White Wolf, what's wrong?” Midnight Blade asked worried, hanging upside down when sleeping. Due getting torn out of it from Wolf's scream, he lost his balance, landing on his head. “Ouch!” He rubbed his head, getting up.

“Maybe you should put a mattress under your sleeping place.” The Pegasus advised, her voice still shaken.

“Yeah, I should. What's wrong?”

Wolf took a deep breath and told him what she saw. “Sounds like somepony we know.” Midnight suspected, but he wasn’t sure.

“Could it be…Prisoner Epsilon? I hope not!” The blue pony exclaimed in fear.

“If it’s really him, question is how in Tartarus did he wind up there? This is going to be chaos back at the Royal Palace. Sending Fletcher was risky enough but now we've got a stallion like him running around where Dinky could be?” The bat pony replied, wondering of it could be possible.

“I just hope Fletcher and Dinky will be alright.” Wolf sounded worried, her expression concerned.

“Let's hope so. He vowed to get that filly home even if it killed him. Sad to say, with this new turn of events, that just became a whole lot more likely.” Midnight was sure, his expression showed slightly fear.

“Me too, I don't want to imagine how much worried Dinky's family is about her.” She had seen how worried they were when Fletcher departed, having sympathy for them.

“I agree, I still remember how desperate Derpy was when Fletcher promised he would bring Dinky home. The accident was very unfortunate for all of them.” He had also sympathy with the filly’s family, still remembering how they hopeful looked at Fletcher.

A quiet sobbing reached his ears, noticing that White Wolf was looking at the ground. “Are you crying, Wolf?”

The mare looked away. “Just having something in my eye.” She replied with a shaken voice, the bat pony noticed a tear falling down from her eye.

While Midnight wasn’t the best at comforting others, Wolf and Fletcher were like a family to him. “Wolf, you can talk with me about this, you know this.” He spoke in a gently tone.

“No, I'm not crying! I'm just...” Wolf hastily replied before looking at Midnight with tear filled eyes. “I'm worried about him!” She exclaimed.

The stallion wrapped his forelegs in a hug around her. “Shh, calm down, I know you are worried and I am too. Right now, we can only hope and pray for the best.” His voice was comforting.

“It’s been a few weeks since then! We're supposed to be a team. We've never been separated like this since Saracen and Domino went missing. Supposing he dies out there...Alone...Unprotected...In another world...No-one will know who he is or where he came from. This last vision was shorter and darker than the last...We're losing him. If he stays in the world Dinky is suspected to be any longer, I won't be able to look in on him. If we lose him...we may never know.” The Pegasus replied, afraid if this could happen.

“Mom? Uncle? Are you alright?” 3 young yet robotic voices asked worried, 3 foals walked in, one a unicorn, the second a Pegasus and the third a bat pony, resembling the Eternal Knights when they were foals but looked like robots.

“We are alright, Wolf Cub, we just talked about Fletcher’s mission.” Wolf replied.

“When is daddy coming back? Is he alright?” Fletcher’s counterpart asked worried.

“I don’t know, Fletcher Junior, right now, we can only hope for the best.” Wolf replied with a concerned voice.

“He’s gone for weeks! We miss him!” Midnight’s counterpart named Mid-Mite exclaimed, missing him terrible.

Without hesitation, White Wolf walked over to the drones, comforting them. “Shh, don’t worry, I’m sure he will return safe and sound. Now, back to your beds with you.” She spoke with a motherly voice as she got them to their beds, Midnight looked at this with a warm smile.

Some time ago, Fletcher had been accidently landed in the human world due an accident, those robots were a…gift he was allowed to take home. While he, Midnight and Wolf cared greatly for those “children” after getting used to them, Midnight wondered sometimes how Fletcher could let convince himself to accept this.

“The kids are in their beds again. I don’t know why but I enjoy their company.” The mare blushed slightly looking down to the ground.

“Me too, helping us keeping our home clean, bringing us breakfast, I’m fascinated sometimes how advanced their Al is for being ‘foals’ not to mention capable of showing emotions.”

“Yeah, quite impressive. Now, how can we be sure it’s not…him?”

“There’s only way to find that out. To the secret lab!” the stallion exclaimed, raising a hoof into the air, before they moved to a wall where a crescent was mounted on it with two wings, one to the left, one to the right of it.

“Pull the lever!” the Bat pony pointed to the right wing.

“This lever?” Wolf asked in return, as Fletcher had once accidently hit the wrong lever, causing a…embarrassing situation for Midnight.

“I worked out the bugs.” He replied proudly.

“Just checking.” The mare pulled said lever, a turntable got activated, bringing them to the other side, being placed into a rollercoaster. White Wolf raised her hooves, screaming in joy as it went down to the lab.

As the cart reached a looping, it stopped in it, causing them to be in the air headfirst. “What's the point of this rollercoaster again?” Wolf wanted to know.

“Just for fun. And it throws off intruders...sometimes literally.” Midnight replied to her before the ride continued.

the roller-coaster ended at a buffer, both ponies got thrown out, landing gently on the ground, now wearing white lab coats and goggles, doing a bro-hoof.

“Okay, let’s check the files of him.” Midnight pressed a button on the grand scrying pool in the House of the Rising Moon which acted as tactical map and database.

A small contraption, looking like a female goat’s head out of wood activated. “Master Midnight, Master Wolf, how can I be of assistance?” It asked with a robotic but feminine voice.

“Search the database for anything regarding Prisoner Epsilon, Nanny.” Midnight replied.

“Commencing search.” Nanny did as told. She was an android Fletcher had been kept from his father along his bow and an airship.

A view of the database appeared, switching between different files until Nanny had found what she was looking for. “Search complete. Prisoner Epsilon, former trainee in the Knights Academy, having earned a reputation as a bully, being a member of the Prowlers in the civil war. Due committing several war crimes, he was sentenced to be a test subject for project Ashfrost Studies. He broke out during the experiment and vanished shortly after. Status unknown, extremely dangerous.”

“While I couldn’t see the creature directly, the way it attacked Fletcher was very similar to Prisoner Epsilon. If it is really him then…Fletcher is in great danger!” Wolf realized, now, even more worried about him.

“Affirmative. Calculations of current factors dictate that Fletcher Fray has a 50% probability of success.” Nanny replied, having an unusual concerned tone in her voice.

“I hope he comes back safe and sound. Thank you for your help, Nanny.” The bat pony thanked the android.

“You’re welcome.” Nanny replied before she deactivated.

“I think we should report this to Princess Luna. If Prisoner Epsilon is really out there, it could be very dangerous for Dinky.” Midnight suggested

“I agree with that.”

The princess of the night arrived as fast as she could after being informed that Midnight and Wolf had to talk with her.

“Your highness.” Both Eternal Knights bowed.

“Rise. I came as fast as I could. What is your urgency?” Luna asked kindly.

“Your highness, I had a vision regarding Fletcher.” Wolf explained what she had seen.

The Alicorn listened to everything with interest and patience. “Oh my…if this vision turns true, then Dinky is in great danger. But sadly, there’s nothing we can do but to wait and hope for the best. I know how much you care for him but it had taken too much magic to teleport you all to the world Dinky got located. I’m also worried for his safety, it’s a great risk he took but also a brave act of him. I really wish myself there would be a way to help him.”

“We understand.” Midnight replied before the Princess left.

“I don’t think I can take it if he dies.” Wolf told with concern, looking to the ground.

“There’s nothing we can do right now but to think positive. Any good visions lately?” Midnight asked curious.

The Pegasus, smiled, then chuckled. “Yes, I have. I saw in one vision, that Fletcher returned with Dinky, having grown on her. As such, he became her Uncle, even you and I became a part of the unicorn’s filly.”

“How’s that?” The stallion asked confused.

“Well, Pinkie Pie threw a party to celebrate Dinky’s return and due her habit of welcome new ponies in town, we were invited too and due Fletcher’s new status as hero, we got kinda loved too, even Dinky’s family wanted us to became a part of them.”

“Okay…”

“And not only that, that filly Scootaloo had a great interest in me, finding my fangs cool.”

“Well, given that you two have some things in common, it wouldn’t surprise me. And Rainbow Dash?” He asked, imagining she would be quite jealous about it.

“She got along with me, often having races. And you befriended Apple Bloom.”

Slightly blushing, Midnight said, “As she wasn’t afraid of Zecora, that makes sense.”

“And, we all 3 had with, Dinky, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo and Apple Bloom the same kind of race you did with Luna when she was a foal.” The mare smiled.

“And who won?” Midnight asked interested.

“I woke up before the race ended, but I had said a draw.”

“I see. Now, we can just wait and see what vision becomes reality.” Midnight replied to her, wondering what would happen.

“Right.” Wolf replied, letting out a sigh, both had the same thought.

Please Fletcher, be alright.

At the same time in Canterlot

Purple Patch was breakfasting, having a toast and tea, enjoying it as the door opened and his good friend and assistant, Wagensroll walked in. “Good morning, my friend. I hope you have slept well.”

The Earth pony looked rather like the opposite, appearing to be very tired, letting out a yawn. “Do I look like I had slept well? I’d like to see how you’d try to stay calm if your relative would be away in another world.” Wagensroll replied, making himself a glass of juice and a bowl of oatmeal.

Patch held his hooves up in surrender. “Sorry, didn’t mean to upset you.”

With a guilty expression, Wagensroll replied, “No, I need to apologize. Since Fletcher departed to find Dinky, I sometimes have nightmares about his wellbeing.”

“Well, speaking as somepony who's ancient ancestors...as far as I know...died long ago, I can't say I know how you feel. But speaking as somepony who's examined Fletcher Fray's life, deeds and legend, I can safely say he's still got a good chance of survival, wherever he ended up. Try to think positive. We both know how experienced he is. What happened to your confidence?” Patch asked, trying to cheer him up.

“It’s still there but that doesn’t mean that I’m not worried.” The green stallion let out a sigh.

“Understandable. We can only hope for the best. And I will inform you as soon as possible when Fletcher returns.”

His friend smiled. “Thanks; I appreciate that.”

“That’s what friends are for.”

There was a knock on the door. “Wonder who could that be so early in the morning.” Wagensroll answered it.

As he returned, Patch asked, “Who was it?”

“A message from Princess Luna.” He sounded worried, his expression was showing concern. “It says, Fletcher may be hunted by a so called Prisoner Epsilon.”

“That doesn’t sound good. I hope he will be alright.” The librarian got uncomfortable at this, Wagensroll too, but the latter could swear he had heard of that before.

“Epsilon...I think I heard that name somewhere before.” The green pony walked to bookshelf a looking through the books. “No, nah, nope…”

He threw the wrong books away, Patch dodged them as good as he could. “What are you looking for?” He asked curious.

“Ah, there it is. Ashfrost Studies, A project to create immortal warriors by using prisoners of war, one of them had the codename Epsilon as prisoner. He went berserk and broke out, leaving a trail of destruction.”

“You mean it is the same guy?”

“I have no doubt about it.” Now, Wagensroll sounded confident again.

“Any information about what this guy was like before what happened to him?”

Wagensroll looked over the notes and replied grimly, “Let me put it this way. He was captured at the Battle of Wainfall.”

“You mean...he was with the Prowlers?” Patch figured out, shocked to hear this.

“Yeah.”

“...curd.” Patch shook himself at this thought.

“My thoughts exactly. By all accounts, he wasn't an entirely harmless individual even before joining the Prowlers and in both his old life and new, there was nothing he liked more than killing.”

“Then I hope Fletcher can defeat him.” Now, even Patch was worried for Fletcher.

“He's a highly experienced veteran and has survived many things others wouldn’t survive. I actually feel honored to be related to him.”

“As would I, my friend, as would I.” Patch smiled before the bookshelf behind him creaked and an enormous tome fell out, he quickly dodged it. “Ha! I saw you that time. You'll have to do better than that, big guy.” He exclaimed at the book, putting it back where it belonged.

Wagensroll rolled his eyes, Patch had the habit of talking to his book, that was one of the many things the green stallion liked about his friend.

“Now, let’s enjoy the day and do our work.” Wagensroll suggested and Patch nodded.

“Righto, my friend.”

As they got started with the day, Wagensroll let out a barely noticeable sigh.

I really hope you don’t run into that pony, Fletcher.

Author's Note

Let's pray he does not.

Chapter 10 Failure Part 1

Chapter 10: Failure Part 1

The flight back to Africa was peasant, Fletcher couldn’t complain, he leaned back into the seat, enjoying it.

“Hey Fletcher, would you like to hear a joke?” Hans asked him.

“Sure.” Fletcher smile at the soldier.

“What do you call a Gestapo buried up to his neck in sand?”

He paused for a few seconds to let Fray think until he replied, “I have no idea.”

“Not enough sand!” Hans exclaimed and everyone laughed.

“That was a good one. I have to remember this!” Linus liked it.

It’s been a long time since I have heard such a good joke.” The unicorn added.

As the plane reached its destination, they all got out, Matteo greeted them friendly. “Welcome back, I hope your leave was relaxing and pleasant.”

“Glad to see you too and yes it was. How are you?” Konrad asked in return.

“I enjoyed my leave too. The children are safe and sound at your home I assume?”

“Yes they are. My wife and Children make sure they are comfortable.”

“Glad to hear it. Even if it’s autumn, the heat here won’t go down.” The Italian complained.

“Yeah. You wouldn’t believe what we experienced while I was on leave.” Then he told his friend what he, his family and new friends had experienced while he was on leave.

The Italian was quite surprised and fascinated. “So the Führer isn’t dead as we had feared. Not that I’m happy about it. I actually suspected that the Führer we saw in Tobruk was a double.”

“I had a feeling of that too. That radio transmissions was kinda…creepy…” Escher shivered a bit as he said that.

“I agree. I could swear I have heard that somewhere before, but I can’t remember where.” The Eternal Knight tipped his head, trying to remember but his head stayed empty.

“I’m sure you will remember it later, Fletcher. For us, the luck has turned. The Allied forces managed to defeat us at the battle of Alam el Halfa, turning the tides in their favor. But I’m sure Rommel will find a way to balance this out and turn the tide in our favor again.” The Sergeant was confident in the Field Marshal’s abilities.

“Yeah, his plan was very good but the lack of resources and the allied air superiority were the cause for our failure.” Willi added.

“Agreed. Being superior in numbers doesn’t mean you win. The right tactic is critical to winning a battle. But even if you have that, nothing works if morale is low and supplies are lacking. Supplies are critical to keep the troops fighting and keep the moral high. Most critical to win a battle is a high moral.” Fletcher said to the soldiers, speaking from experience.

“That’s right, you can buy as much weapons as you want, crucial for victory is a high moral.” Escher replied, having already great respect for the Eternal Knight.

“Indeed. I still can remember the battles where we Eternal Knights raised the moral with our presence.” Fray smiled proudly.

“I believe you that. We’d like to go with you to help getting rid of the interference but orders are orders.” Linus felt a bit sorry for not able to help him.

“It’s okay. I’ll let you know when it’s done.” Fletcher checked his firearms, making sure they were loaded, spinning the pistol before holstering it, earning some surprised looks by his friends. “What? I saw your buddy James doing it, thought it would look cool.”

“Never mind, it’s just rare to see somebody doing it so well on the first try.” Hans explained.

“I see. Until we meet again.” Fletcher moved out, the soldiers scattered to do their tasks.

The Knight stopped at the exit of the Axis base as he spotted a symbol of a house wall. It showed a hellish-looking wolf's head, grinning morbidly, it's lower jaw dark red with blood and a drop of blood was in his eye. “No…it can’t be…” Fletcher muttered in shock and disbelief.

“What have you got there, Fletcher?” Konrad asked as he saw him, then noticed how the stallion was staring with a blank expression at the symbol. “Fletcher?” He asked with worry.

“No...It couldn't be...If he's out there...” The unicorn mumbled still in shock.

“Fletcher, what's wrong?” The private asked still worried before the pony grabbed him by the shoulder, his eyes wide with dread.

“Konrad, I need you to think hard. Do you know of any force in the world who could have this mark as their symbol?” He asked with a shocked voice, almost panicking.

The German looked at the mark, never having seen anything like this before. “No, not to my knowledge.”

“Is there any chance at all?! Any?!” Fray shouted.

Escher struggled to find the right words. “I-I-I can't imagine there would be? What's wrong, Fletcher? Do you know did this?”

“I have a good guess...I just pray I'm wrong.” The green pony sounded worried.

“Why?” The man was still confused, not able to understand.

“Because we're going to be next!” Fletcher exclaimed with worry.

“Next? By who? Please, try to calm down.” Konrad tried to calm his friend down.

The unicorn let go of him and took a deep breath. “Sorry, I just… was shocked to see this mark again after so many years. It belongs to the Prowlers. They were a unit in the war that was famous for their brutality. I never thought I would see them again. Ever.”

“I see. If that interference is caused by one of its members, then I wish you good luck. And proceed with caution.” The young private knew that of this was true, that said enemy wasn’t to underestimate.

“Thank you and I will.” Fletcher appreciated it as he leaved, wondering who of the Prowlers it could be.

Using his tracking spell to locate the interference, he travelled through the desert for one or 2 hours, not caring how much time had passed.

Then a sand storm appeared.

Or that was what he first thought. “Is that…Gas? No, looks more like…mist.” He realized, it was a thick cloud of cyan mist, like in the nightmare he had once before.

“It can’t be him? Or can it?” He asked as he got his bow ready. He could swear he saw something moving in the mist but he wasn’t sure. At first, he saw a silhouette of a unicorn in the distance, walking in a slow, stumbling motion, yelling “Fletcher” in a raspy tone. He also saw 2 green glowing eyes, before it vanished in a blink of an eye, like it had teleported.

Is it…him? The Eternal Knight wondered before the creature he believed was a unicorn landed in front of him.

Now able to see it fully, Fletcher recognized the creature, being a unicorn like him.

Yet it was different. A metal mask covered the muzzle, only the green glowing eyes and the forehead were visible, its legs were at odd angles, the skin pallid, the place where it Cutie Mark should be was skinned and burned, exposing muscle, it’s breath slow and heavy.

“Prisoner Epsilon, or should I say, Quince?” The Knight took a battle stance, ready to fight.

“Doesn’t matter! I knew you'd remember. I am, as you see, unrecognizable. But you, of all ponies, should know who I am...What you've done to me...And how I can repay you!” Quince’s voice sounded raspy yet angry before the archer fired an arrow, which the former Prowler stopped in midair with his magic, then charged at the Eternal Knight with fluid, skilled strikes.

Fletcher switched just in time to his spear, blocking every strike, throwing Quince back.

“You still got it, I give you that.” Quince said, in a half annoyed, half impressed voice.

“Lots of training.” Fletcher replied before he did some strikes of his own, Quince blocked every single one of them, responding with crazed slashes, trying to throw Fray off.

The Eternal Knight didn’t gave in, barely breaking a sweat, even as his opponent switched between both fighting stills to weak Fletcher but the adrenaline kept him strong.

As he made another strike, Quince blocked his attack by locking blades with Fletcher's spear, dragging it upwards, effectively leaving his opponent open for an attack.

He head-butted him with his metal jaw, causing Fletcher to stumble with a groan of pain.

In the moment Fray recovered, he felt a sudden stabbing pain in chest.

A piercing chill shot through him.

His eyes went small, groaning in pain before looking down.

Quince had rammed his knives into Fray’s chest, the Eternal Knight let out a cry of pain, grabbing one of the knives in shock as he dropped into his knees, before the former Prowler dragged it deeper into his chest, causing him to scream in pain.

“I’m going to enjoy every second, seeing you die slowly and painfully. After that, your friends are next. Accept it, you have failed!” Quince taunted and forcefully pulled the knife out, Fletcher let out another painful scream, collapsing on the ground.

He struggled to breathe, his vision was red, tunnel vision, hearing his heartbeat, Quince looking over him in victory. NO! I can't fail! Not die...yet...

Normally, the Eternal Knights didn’t fear death but in that moment, it felt so natural for him, fearing to die and fail his task to bring the children home.

Everything went slowly black. I’m…sorry….children…

A loud whistle followed by an explosion caused his vision to come back, seeing how Quince stumbled, stunned.

Out of the corner of his eye, Fray could see a small force of the Free French Forces in the distance, including a tank which had opened fire on Quince. He couldn’t see what kind of tank it was.

It fired again, Quince got thrown back by the explosion. “This isn't over!” He screamed before retreating.

The French troops were closing in. Grunting in pain, the Eternal Knight managed to get up, using his last strength to use the portal spell that the children were supposed to use to get to him. Overcoming the pain, he gathered enough magic to cast the spell, the portal appeared in front of him.

After having success in this, he grunted in pain again, pressed his hooves on his wound to stop the bleeding, struggling to breathe. His vision startled slowly to blur, close to passing out or even dying. His vision became grey and he could hear his heartbeat, getting cold.

“You were the last of our line, Fletcher. You were meant to survive. That's what we do.” The voice of his father echoed in his head.

“How long have you suffered, my child? How long must you suffer?” His mother asked.

“Does a knight keep fighting after their king has fallen? For how long?” His best friend wanted to know.

“What comes first, Fletcher Fray? Honor or Peace?” The Princess of the Night followed.

“I told you, boy, the day your father ruined me! Mine would be the last face you saw!” The murder of his parents yelled.

“However old you get, until the young can fend for themselves, your fight never ends.” Another voice echoed in his mind.

“This is a monster you helped create. No-one survives that.” The voice belonged to the creator of Quince.

“Why do the innocent always die first? It's never their war to fight.” Another voice asked with sadness and pity.

“Monster Slayer. To the end. There's a reason they never grow old.” He couldn’t tell to which this voice belonged to

“Those who are dead matter as well as their hopes and dreams. That's obvious. But what's also obvious is that the same can be said for the living. Which one matters more to you? Which would you rather be?” The father of Dinky asked.

Fletcher groaned in pain as his vision slowly started to fade, he got colder.

Tears started to run down his eyes. “Mother…please…please… help me…” He whimpered in a childlike voice before everything went black.

Dinky, Katja and Blau Streifen were helping out in the house, having their bags and head gears prepared for their journey home when Fletcher would cast the portal spell.

Just as they finished cleaning the kitchen, a humming sound greeted their ears, seeing the portal at the doorway.

“Guess that’s means it’s time to say goodbye. Thank you for your hospitality.” Dinky was grateful, smiling at Kerstin.

“Please, it was nothing.” The mother replied.

Her children gave their guests a goodbye hug. “Goodbye, have a nice trip home!”

“Thank you!” Katja and Blau Streifen replied before they and Dinky walked towards the portal, covering their eyes as it went brighter the closer they got.

Their senses got overpowered as they went through it.

Nico and Anny were happy that their guests could now finally go home, to their parents and friends. “I would like to have a costume that looks like a pony.” Anny mumbled.

“I’m pretty sure I can think of something.” Her mother replied with a smile, after all, nothing was impossible.

The 3 children could see nothing but white, before the heat of the desert greeted them, feeling a bit dizzy from the portal. Dinky staggered before regaining her senses and balance. “Well, we are here. Are you okay?” She asked her friends.

“A little bit dizzy but fine.” Blau Streifen held his head.

“Count me in. Where’s Fletcher?” Katja wondered, not seeing him anywhere.

“Maybe he just-“ Dinky cut herself off once she saw the stallion lying in the sand in his own blood. “FLETCHER!” She yelled, running towards him in shock.

The siblings gasped in shock, yet didn’t hesitate to help their friend.

Due having made a first aid course in school once, they knew how to treat his wounds, quickly getting bandages out of Fletcher’s saddlebag while Dinky checked for a pulse, hoping it was not too late. Please, don’t be dead!

There was nothing.

Tears leaved the unicorn’s eyes. “N-no…”

Their only way home had died, they would be stuck here forever.

Then, the filly felt something in her hoof tip as her hoof was still on Fletcher’s neck.

A Pulse.

It was very weak though. “By Celestia, he’s still alive!” Dinky exclaimed relieved.

Her 2 friends were also relieved, bandaging his wounds as good as they could, they knew they had to be fast, worried if he would survive. Blau Streifen got the bandage, his sister made sure it had the right length, while Dinky with her magic wrapped the bandages around Fray’s chest with skill and precision only unicorn magic had.

“Oh my god…Get a medic, quick!” They heard William’s voice. Turning around, they saw him together with some other British soldiers, also a few French soldiers along them.

The kids were glad to see him, Fletcher needed medical attention to survive, they had only basic first aid skills.

A medic and William loaded the wounded Knight onto a truck, the kids got in too.

“I thought already I would see you again when I saw the portal Fletcher casted.” The Captain said to them, seeing the worry in their eyes.

“Who would do this to him?!” Katja asked still in shock.

“I don’t know but we saw him fighting with some sort of creature I can’t describe.” He replied.

At the base, the medics got the Eternal Knight into the field hospital, the children waited outside, hoping he would make it. He wasn’t only the one who could bring them home but also a friend for them.

After what seemed like hours for them, William came out with a medic. “How is he?” Blau Streifen asked, fearing the worst.

With a relieved expression, William told them, “He’s stable, but not out of the woods yet. If you hadn’t acted so quickly when you saw him, he’d been dead by the time we got there.”

“That’s a relief.” Dinky sighed, happy their efforts hadn’t been in vain.

“Still, he has lost a lot of blood, he needs a transfusions to survive. As there isn’t much time to find someone with matching blood type, we think you’re the only ones who have matching blood types due being from the same world as him.”

The children looked at each other, understanding what he meant, their answer as clear.

“We’ll do it. For Fletcher.” They spoke in unison, determined to save him.

“Okay, follow me.” The medic leaded them, they saw Fletcher lying on a stretcher, his bandages freshly changed, still unconscious, his chest slowly rising and lowering.

The medical soldier, together with a young nurse, having brown hair with matching eyes prepared everything. “Are you ready?” He asked, the children nodded. “Alright, I will begin.”

They hissed in pain as the medic injected them with the peripheral lines necessary for it.

They hoped it would save him, there was nothing they could do but hope and pray for the best.

Author's Note

Only the dead have seen the end of the war.

General Douglas MacArthur

Chapter 10 Failure Part 2

Chapter 10: Failure Part 2

The Eternal Knight awoke with a gasp, breathing heavily, trying to remember what had happened. He found himself in a severely damaged facility, an alarm was ringed through the hall, a dead pony in a white scientist lab coat was lying on the floor a few meters away from him, a fallen over generator was burning.

“Attention. Security personnel to Sector C immediately.” A female intercom voice announced.

What the hay happened here? Fletcher wondered, getting up with a groan of pain, checking himself. His chest was bandaged and ached but otherwise fine.

I need to get out of here! Whatever happened, it can’t be good! He realized how bad this was.

Fortunately for him, a Med Kit was lying next to the dead scientist, Fletcher patched himself up with it. “Much better!”

His bow was right next to him, so he wasn’t unarmed should he be forced to defend himself.

Climbing over the fallen over generator, he came to the other side of the corridor, removing debris from an elevator to get to the next level, hearing two familiar voices.

“Why didn’t they listen?!? I…I tried to warn them!” He heard Patch’s voice, appearing to be shocked.

“I never thought I’d see Resonance Cascade…Let alone, create one!” Wagensroll exclaimed in shock as the elevator arrived on the upper level.

Fray was relieved to see that both were unharmed, his relative was sitting against the wall, his head lowered, then looked up. “By Luna’s moon! He’s alive!” Fletcher’s relative exclaimed relived upon seeing him.

“Fletcher! You need to get to the surface and get help. There’s no telling what kind of danger is out there.” Patch said to him.

“Of course. What the hay happened?” Fletcher asked him.

“I don’t know. I was just doing some checks, then everything rumbled and I blacked out.”

“Be careful.” Fray’s relative hugged him, he returned it.

“I will.”

As he headed out, he heard Patch mumble, “My goodness…What have we done?”

The Unicorn made his way through the damaged corridors that were partially in flames, bloodied, or scattered with corpses.

What happened here? What’s a Resonance Cascade? He wondered as he reached a control room that was also partially in flames, the door to the floor was stuck as a crowbar was jammed into it.

Fletcher grabbed it with his hooves, trying to pull it out, with success as the door opened. “A crowbar, both a useful tool and weapon, may come in handy.”

Just as he had said this, a terrible scream greeted his ears, coming from the corridor.

“Contact…” A distorted voice sounded at the end, Fletcher could see a pony but it was too dark to see more. As he came closer, the unicorn could see that the pony was wearing starry-patterned hooded cloak, black sap-silk, having it’s back to him. The clothes meant the pony was a member of the Dark Hose squad, the personal unit of the Eternal Knights. “Soldier, are you okay?” Fletcher asked but got no response.

“Sector is...” The soldier breathed heavily. “Not Secure...”

“Soldier?” Fletcher asked again, getting worried before the pony turned around with a terrifying moan, raising its fore hooves which were now claws, his head was tan-colored, no, his face no longer visible. “Holy Luna!” The unicorn exclaimed in shock and surprise, ducking to dodge the swiping claws.

Fletcher knew instantly that this pony wasn’t itself anymore, trying to shoot an arrow at its head, but he felt pain as he tried to do so, making it impossible to use his bow.

As the creature charged at him with outstretched legs, he quickly swinged the crowbar into the creature’s head, killing it instantly, it fell backwards towards the ground.

Now he could get a closer look and was horrified. The uniform was covered in blood stains, the tan-colored head was actually a crab-like creature that had fallen off the pony’s head by his attack, revealing that aside from the lower jaw and a small lower portion of skull, the head was missing, making it impossible to identify the Dark Horse member. “Damn it…I hope you can rest in peace now.” Fray mourned his comrade, checking the bag for anything useful, noticing that a MP40 was next to the body, the bags of it had several magazines for it.

“Why would they use German WW2 weapons?” Fletcher wondered before he realized something. “If the Dark Horse squad is here…then Wolf and Midnight must be here too!” He exclaimed, worried they could have the same fate.

A portal sound came from behind. Turning around, the Eternal Knight saw one of those crabs coming out, jumping towards his head with a shriek, only to be hit with the crowbar, dying instantly after hitting the ground with a dying groan. “You won’t make a zombie out of me! Or however you could call those…things.”

He made his way down the corridor, fighting more of those crabs and more of those zombies like creatures. Unlike the Dark Horse member, those poor ponies let out terrifying screams and moans like they tried to call out for help. Also, their ribcage was open, their rips broken. As he managed to rip the crab of its victim, it horrified him to see that the head was bent abnormally upwards, the mane was matted with blood, and the face was pale, with eyes shut and mouth open in a frozen scream.

“Dear Luna…Poor souls…” He said in pity before moving on.

Upon coming past a storage room, a teleport sound resounded behind the closed their, Fray stopped, taking aim at the door as something tried to break through.

As the door got destroyed an alien somewhat humanoid, with two legs and two arms and an additional third arm protruding from the chest came out of it, having mottled green-brown skin, sharp teeth, and clawed hands and a large eye with a maroon Sclera and a Heterochromic red-yellow iris with a yellow pupil, surrounded by three smaller eyes. “Die!” It yelled, taunting at him, charging up what seemed to be an energy attack as green lightning formed at its claws.

Fray quickly used the wall as cover as the alien fired, then fired a short burst at his head, taking it out, yellow colored blood sprayed from the alien’s head. “Could it be that… they accidently created a portal to another world?” It was highly possible but it wasn’t important right now to think about it, he had to reach the surface.

The next corridor was fortunately free from any hostile, a sign saying “Surface access” made him smile, relieved that he would soon be out of here.

Then, he saw a blood strain on the ground, causing him to follow it carefully, until he saw a badly wounded Lunar guard on the ground, crawling towards what seemed to be a door.

As Fletcher decided to help him, the door opened and 2 ponies wearing black jumpsuits and night vision googles came out, armed with silenced weapons.

Something told the unicorn that those weren’t friendly, so he stayed out of sight.

To his horror, he witnessed how one of the armed ponies aimed at the wounded guard who held his hoof up to beg for mercy. “Why do we always have to clean up a mess the Eternal Knights and their Squad can't handle? Sooner or later they are gonna figure it out.” One pony said to its partner with an angry voice.

“No…please…” The guard pleaded before the pony fired, blood sprayed from the Royal guard’s head, the body becoming limp.

Fletcher was shocked upon seeing this, Luna would never order something like this. Celestia used to be the Eternal Knights’ enemy but even she would never do this. Regardless, he quickly aimed at the Black clothed ponies, scoring headshots before they could react.

A clean-up crew? That isn’t good! That was another point to find his friends and to get out of here.

Quickly getting through the door, he found himself in another lab that was surpassingly not damaged at all. There was a tank in the middle of the room, a trapped alien inside it, looking very similar to the humanoid alien he encountered earlier, but was larger, equipped with metallic armor around the groin and shoulders, as well as metal helmets and shoes, strangely leaving head and torso exposed.

“Okay, what in the hay went wrong with…whatever happened here?” Fletcher spoke out loud as the large alien tried to break out with no success.

Another door opened, a group of black dressed ponies came out, opening fire on the Eternal Knight which dived behind a desk for cover. In the crossfire, the bullets had damaged the glass of the tank, the alien roared, attacking the hostile ponies.

Peeking carefully around the corner, Fray saw that the Alien was using some kind of biological weapon on the right arm, firing what seemed to be hornets, homing in on targets.

As such, the ponies didn’t stand a chance against it, getting killed quickly, one of them dropped wounded on its knees, the Alien punched him, making him flying against the wall.

Then it turned around aiming at the Eternal Knight who fired on the Alien’s head, managing to take it out before it had a chance to attack him. Fletcher breathed heavily, reloading his weapon after the alien was down, taking some ammo from the dead ponies as they used silenced MP40s.

“Okay…Guess we accidently went into war with aliens…” Fray commented as he went through the door the Black clothed ponies had taken to get in.

He was relieved to see that it leaded outside, being greeted by cool air, the warm sun and a rocky mountain like surrounding.

“Okay, I’m at the surface. Now, let’s find the others so we can safe anypony in need and get out of here.” He spoke to himself as he moved down the dusty road that were deserted, no aliens or ponies for that matter.

The road led to a couple of warehouses, one of them had a damaged roof due a fallen down radio tower which was still running, so Fray deactivated the power at the power switch nearby and used the tower to get to the roof, so he could enter the building.

A scientist was in the toom where the roof had a hole. “You’re heading for the next entrance, aren’t you?” He asked Fletcher.

“Yes, why?”

“I was heading there myself until I wound up here, and, well…” The scientist laughed nervously. “Simply lost my nerve! Take one look through that door and you'll see what I mean. I'm just going to wait out the catastrophe in here. If you intend to go on, then I beg of you, for all our sake, proceed with extreme caution!”

“Okay.” Fletcher wondered why until he came into the storage room, it was filled with explosives, trip mines everywhere. “Are you kidding me?!” He asked in disbelief.

He spotted the elevator in the middle of the room. Checking his magic, he could gather enough to teleport to the elevator, noticing a torn apart alien on it, its biological weapon intact as he rode the elevator down, coming down to a tunnel, a military truck parked on the road.

“Hey! HEY! Get these guys off me!” He heard a pony calling out for help and shots, seeing a medium build earth pony stallion with brown coat, black mane and brown eyes, running towards him, 2 members of the “Clean-up” crew in pursuit.

Fletcher aimed for their heads and pulled the trigger, saving the stallion. “Thanks. I thought my butt was cooked.” The security pony thanked him, armed with a revover, wearing a bulletproof vest.

“You don’t need to thank me, I help anyone in need.” The unicorn replied, checking his ammo. He had still enough in reserve but to his magic being low, he was practical defenseless at long range and he could run out of ammo at one point.

“Don’t take this the wrong way buddy, but you’re the best thing, I’ve seen all day.” The guard said to him, Fletcher looked at his nametag. Dust Dunes.

“It’s okay.” Having seen the abilities of the Hive mind, Fray saw some use in it, picking up with his magic, cautiously examining it. “I apologize for this.” He said before inserting his right fore hoof into its rear end, to which the weapon squealed in protest against it, before twitching and freezing for a second as his hoof was fully in.

Dust just said, “You want a cigarette? Not you, the hand.”

“I don’t think that creature smokes.” Fletcher replied. “I guess you want to get out too?”

“Yes. I got your back.” Dusk replied and they moved out along the tunnel.

“Hey, me and a buddy of mine were looking for some kind of weapons lock-up here. Least ‘til we got ambushed. With any luck we’re close to it.” Dusk informed him.

“Good to know.” Fray replied, he could refill his ammo and equip some other weapons too.

Getting out of the tunnel, a group of armored aliens teleported in, the sound of a plane engine greeted the ponies’ ears, seeing a plane dropping bombs on the aliens, clearing the way for them and a group of guards that arrived on the other end with an IFV. “Commander Fletcher, glad to see you are okay. Wolf and Midnight are further ahead.” One of the guards reported.

“Thanks, soldier.”

The armory was just around the corner, taking the stairs up, a small officer was at the end of the corridor.

“Freeze!” A guard yelled, hidden in the office.

“Whoa! Whoa! Hold your fire.” Dusk tried to calm his coworker down.

“Dunes? Good Celestia man, how many lives do you have?” the guard asked, Dusk chuckled.

“None if it wasn’t for my new buddies here. Hey, buzz us in, will ya?”

“Oh yeah…” The guard pressed a button and the door opened. “Go ahead.”

The Eternal Knights let out a whistle. In the Armory were all kind of firearms, grenades and Med Kits.

“Holy Luna!” Fletcher was lost for words.

“Not bad, huh?” The guard asked with pride.

“Not bad! You hit the motherlode!” The Earth pony was impressed.

“What can I say? I got expensive taste.”

“Dammed if I’m not glad to see a familiar face. What say you, me and the soldier here grab what we can, and get out of dodge?”

“Well…we should wait for a while. Let things die down a bit.”

“Well, I could take a break.” Dusk sat down on a crate. “Head out if you’re want buddy, but make sure you’re stocked up. I don’t think it’s getting any easier from there.”

“Thank you.” Fletcher took some grenades and a pistol as backup weapon, before leaving the armory.

His way led him through a partially destroyed and collapsed building, fighting his way through more of those Zombie-like creatures.

His way out led to what seemed to be a parking lot, a radio and several dead guards next to it where here.

“Any station, any station, this is Luna-5-Crescent. Are there any available air assets able to provide support in Sector 8? Any station, any station, this is Luna-5-Crescent. Are there any available air assets able to provide support in Sector 8? Is anyone reading this?” The radio buzzed.

“Thunderclap, this is Luna-5-Night. We need fire support, how copy?”

“This is Thunderclap-1. No longer in a position to assist. We're moving to LZ Dark.”

“What the Tartarus are you saying? We're freakin' surrounded over here!”

“Push out to the nearest LZ, and await further instruction!”

Sounds like they are in deep trouble. I hope you are okay, Wolf and Midnight. Fletcher thought with concern.

He moved on down the street, hearing gunfire in the distance, coming to another radio.

“Any station! Any Station! This is Lunar 4! I have sixteen wounded, seven dead at LZ Owl! We have multiple X-Rays all around us! We cannot take off, we are grounded. Is anyone out there? We need support now!” Desperate and panicking screams of wounded filled the background.

“Lunar-4, this is Hellhound 3. Reading you loud and clear. ETA, one mike. Sit tight guys.”

That doesn’t sound good. Fletcher’s concern about his friends grew.

Walking down the road and up the stairs, he reached a partially destroyed security office with a dead security guard inside it, overlooking a LZ with a tiltrotor transporter being surrounded by several small and large aliens, a small guard force tried desperately to defend itself but got slowly overwhelmed by the aliens.

Fletcher assumed that this was Lunar 4, spotting a fuel truck next to the helicopter. Some bullets hit it, causing it to explode, destroying the helicopter in a big explosion and killing all remaining guards.

In that moment, an IFV which the unicorn assumed was Hellhound 3 busted through a gate, followed by a squad of Lunar guards.

The guards never stood a chance, the IFV managed to mow some of the aliens down before it exploded by the attacks, it’s turret blown off, leaving only a burning wreck.

Then the aliens spotted Fletcher. He quickly dived behind the wall for cover, knowing that the SMG was useless at this range. Let’s see how this living weapon works.

He fired the “hand” behind his cover, it’s hornets homing in on any alien they could find, even the big guys who used this weapon themselves fell quickly.

His “hand” shook violently as if it lost its breath, he took notice that the hornets seemed to regenerate. Homing ability and unlimited ammo? That will come in handy for sure!

He climbed down, looking at the mess. “I guess everything’s getting out of control. I should hurry.”

Fray decided to walk through the tunnel the IFV had come through, using the cat walk, as the street was blocked by burning trucks, spotting a dead Royal Guard lying against the wall.

Coming towards the end of the tunnel, he heard gunfire and screaming, then roaring and another scream. “CRRAPPP! HUNGGH!”

A Dark Horse member got punched through the wall by one of the large aliens.

The Eternal Knight just had regenerated enough magic to fire a powerful arrow at the Alien’s head as it faced him, killing it instantly.

Then Fletcher turned to the soldier, he was still alive but dying as blood came through his black iron mask. “You've got the get out of here. Listen to me, Fray. Those things... they'll kill all of us...” He warned the unicorn before succumbing to his injury.

“Rest in peace, comrade. I need to get out of here, fast!” He realized that this battle was lost before moving through the created hole in the wall. It was an office, several dead guards and Dark Horse members were scattered around it, the walls bloodied.

“Note to myself: Avoid close combat with those big guys at all costs.” He made a note as he took the stairs up.

Again, the sound of battle greeted his ears, now overlooking a large area of Lunar Guards and Aliens fighting each other. A tank moved up, looking similar to a Tiger Tank used by Germany in WW2.

“This is Nightmare 1. Multiple targets in the open. 3 o'clock! 50 meters, on the way!” The tank commander yelled as the gunner fired at the Aliens.

The battle raged on for a few minutes before the commander yelled, “Enemy air incoming!” as a flying Alien entered the battle, Fletcher almost mistook it for a tadpole with its head and tail. His eyes went wide in shock as a very powerful orange beam of energy came from it’s belly, moving towards the tank.

“Back up! Back up! BACK THE-“ The tank commander yelled but the driver reacted too slow as the beam reached the tank in the moment it reversed, blowing it’s turret off and destroying it, leaving only a burning wreck. The infantry got overran within seconds.

“Dear Luna…” Fletcher muttered in shock before he took out the remaining Aliens with his biological weapon.

After all hostiles were down, he climbed down. “This is way behind out of control.” The Eternal Knights and the Dark Horse squad had fought many battles that looked lost, yet won, encountered many powerful enemies but this seemed to surpass everything they had experienced so far.

His way led him to another tunnel, scattered with bodies of Lunar Guards.

He came to a radio that buzzed to life. „Any Station, any station, this is Luna-3-Cresent. My team…ambushed…I am injured. I’m losing a lot of blood here…left leg.” A Guard reported with a labored breathing.

“Luna-3-Cresent, this is Luna-5-Midnight, I need you to tie a tourniquet a hoof’s length above the wound. Get one of out your IFAK now.”

“IFAK’s gone.”

“Say again?”

“My IFAK’s gone… I’m uhh…” The Guard’s breath was weaker, cutting off.

“Ok, you’re gonna need to find another pack, and get a tourniquet out of it.” Luna-5-Midnight advised. “Are you still there? Luna-3-Cresent, can you hear me?” Then screams in the background before there was only static.

“Way behind out of control!” The Eternal Knight was shocked and horrified before he moved on.

A loud roar echoed through the tunnel, causing Fletcher to almost lose his balance. “That doesn’t sound good.”

He came to what appeared to be a junction, a gate to his left and front, the latter was blocked by a fuel truck. “Now, Now, NOW, NOW! Blow it! Damn!” 2 Lunar guards came running out of the front gate, making Fletcher wonder what the guard was meaning.

“Run, Goddamnit!” The other yelled as Fray got his answer.

A six meters tall, mostly blue in color Alien with one red eye and two massive pincers, as well as a pair of vestigial legs below the trunk, rammed through the front gate, throwing the truck at the guards, crushing them.

Fletcher was horrified yet wasted no time to run through the gate to his left, the Alien close in pursuit, emitting flames from its pincers.

The tunnel led out into the open, the stallion saw a tactical map on a platform, using an alien-like Trampoline to get on it. A radio was next to it, buzzing.

“Come in Wolf! Do you copy? Wolf, do you read me? Forget about Sunset! We’re abandoning the base. If you have any last bomb targets, mark them on the tactical map. Otherwise, get the hell out of there!” Explosions filled the background. “Repeat, we are pulling out and commencing airstrikes. Give us targets, or get below! Over!” Fray heard Midnight on the radio before there was static.

He quickly marked the gate for an air strike, pressing the fire button on the moment the Alien came out, the explosion tore the Alien apart.

Relived, Fletcher sat down, breathing heavily as he was exhausted, noticed several military gunships and transport helicopters leaving the facility, also an air raid siren sounded.

The Eternal Knights would never leave a comrade or each other behind. Then he remembered, the message Midnight sent was for Wolf, but he hadn’t see her. Knowing her, she probably did mark targets and got out of here before the message had come through, she was known for her rapidity in completing her mission tasks.

That gave him hope that she was still alive.

She has to be still alive! She can’t be dead! Fray however slowly realized that this might be not the case, given the heavy losses he had seen.

And then…

“NO!”

White Wolf was lying with her back against a box of ammunition next to the radio, bloodied. There was nothing that could hint how she had died.

“Wolf…” Fletcher started to cry, mourning his friend. “You didn’t deserve this….”

Sure, the Eternal Knights didn’t feared death but cared for each other. They rather preferred to die together in battle than separated. The only thing Fray could hope that Wolf had died quickly without pain and that Midnight Blade was still alive.

“Help!” a young voice of a girl exclaimed, Fletcher recognized it instantly.

Katja! He jumped down from the platform, running into the direction her scream had come from.

As he spotted the young girl, he couldn’t believe his eyes. Katja was crawling backwards until she was trapped against a wall, her attacker was Dinky, controlled by one of those crabs, her forehooves mutated to claws. Her ribcage open, making the same noises as the other Zombies, making him wonder if she was dead or still alive, trying to call out for help.

Taking a deep breath, he aimed for the crab with his MP40 and fired a short controlled bust, putting her out of her misery. It wasn’t easy for him. “So sorry, Dinky. It wasn’t supposed to end like this. You deserved a better fate than this.” He mourned her, trying not to throw up due how terrible her body looked like due the crab, a bit relieved that the crab stayed on her head, not able to take it how her face would look like.

“Are you hurt?” He asked Katja, who was trembling heavily, having covered her face with her arms as protection.

As she slowly uncovered herself, he saw that she multiple scrapes and scratches but was otherwise fine. “F-fletcher? Is it really you?” She asked with a shaken voice.

“Yes. What happened?”

“I don’t know. As this…invasion happened, the guards attempted to evacuate me, my brother and Dinky but the evacuation chopper got shot down. When I regained consciousness, I saw Dinky being controlled by those…things. My brother…Brother!” She exclaimed, pointing behind Fletcher.

Turning around, he saw the crashed chopper, bodies of the guards scattered around. His eyes went wide upon spotting Blau Streifen.

The colt was trapped under debris, one of those crabs on his head, his body twitching, his hooves were still normal and his ribcage was also not ripped open, meaning there was still a chance to save him.

Knowing he had to act fast, Fray galloped over, taking his crowbar and ripping the crab off with a strongwhack.

Blau Streifen started to gasp as he sucked in as much air as he could, then coughed. He had also scrapes and scratches, blood was running down his head from the crab.

The Eternal Knight saw the body of a medic in the wreck, taking his Med Kit to patch the young colt up as good as he could, bandaging his head.

“Th-Thank you…” Blau managed to say, being much weakened.

Katja was relieved that Fletcher had saved her brother, smiling happy at both of them before her expression became one of fear, pointing at something behind Fletcher. “Zo-Zo-Zom-Zomb-Zom-ZOMBIE!”

Fletcher turned around, hearing a loud wail and something pinned him to the ground, dropping his firearm.

He struggled to get free, seeing that his attacker was White Wolf, being controlled by another of those crabs, her forehooves now claws, her ribcage open, letting another wail out.

No! Not like this!

Several gunshots ringed in his ears, the mare’s body and head got perforated by bullets, allowing Fletcher to throw the body off him.

Turning into the direction the shots had home from, he saw that Katja was his savior, the SMG in her hands, shaking, eyes closed. She had fired the entire mag, proved by a clicking sound.

She then dropped the weapon, breaking down crying. Without hesitation, Fletcher hugged her, the girl’s brother tried to do the same, managing to gather enough strength to do so.

“It's okay. It's okay...But just for future reference, please don't close your eyes when you shoot anything close to me.” The unicorn spoke in a comforting and calming voice.

It took her a few minutes to calm down. “I…there was no other way to save you…” Katja’s voice was shaken.

“It’s okay. Now, let’s get out of here. I promise I get you to safety.” For Dinky, any help was too late but at least he could save the siblings from having a horrible fate.

Blau Streifen tried to stand up and walk, his legs wobbled, showing he was in no condition to do so.

“Let me help.” Fletcher levitated him on his back. “Let’s get out of here.” The children nodded as they entered another tunnel that was next to the crash site.

As they walked through, it rumbled and debris fell down, Katja screamed, covering her head, Fletcher reacted quickly, teleporting himself and the kids to the other side before they got squashed.

“Thank you…” The young pony was grateful.

“Just doing my job.” Fray replied as the corridor led to a security office with a radio and a dead security guard. The radio buzzed.

“Forget about Sunset! We’re cutting our losses and pulling out! Anyone left down there now is on his own! Repeat: If you weren’t alrea--- What? Oh shit! No! No---“Indiscriminate screams of impending doom followed by radio static was heard.

The tunnel which seemed now like an underground car park, rumbled from airstrikes. “No…” the siblings’ eyes started to tear up, breaking down crying, Fletcher felt how his fur got wet from Blau Streifen’s tears. Not that he minded it. Their young minds couldn’t take this pressure, the airstrikes and everything was too much for them.

“Shh, calm down, I promise I get you out of here alive.” He tried to calm them down, it took several minutes until they stopped, looking at him with tear filled eyes.

“B-but… we got left behind with those…things!” The girl exclaimed in fear.

“Yes, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t another way out of here.” He was optimistic about it trying to make them hope.

With a weak smile, Blau Streifen said, “You’re right, we can still get out of here.” His sister nodded, smiling also weak.

The sound of hoof steps reached his ears, coming from the doorway that leaded deeper into the car park. Fletcher trained his weapon on the door as it opened. He was glad to see a familiar face.

“Midnight, you’re okay!” The bat pony was covered in blood, pony and Alien by the looks if it and looked very exhausted, breathing heavily, his left wing bandaged.

“Glad to see you’re fine too. Where’s White Wolf?” He asked Fray which lowered his head with a sad expression.

“She…didn’t make it.”

Midnight’s eyes went wide in shock, staring for a few minutes before exclaiming, “Damn it...Damn it damn it damn it damn it damn it DAMN IT!” He punched a metal wall with great force, a great groaning filling the room as Midnight fell to his knees, holding his head in his hooves.

“No…we all survived so much, I can’t believe she died here…” He started to cry, having a breakdown.

“I’m sorry, I wish I had other news but I found her dead at the tactical map.” Fletcher had pity for him, the Eternal Knights were famous for surviving situations others wouldn’t survive.

After a few minutes, the stallion managed to pull himself together. “She was an Eternal Knight...She knew the risks...” He took a deep breath.

“What happened?” Fletcher asked him.

“Well, we got sent it to rescue any survivors and eliminate the threat, but we realized there was no stopping this disaster, as the Aliens kept coming, no matter how many we killed. As you now know, it’s woefully incomplete. My team got ambushed by those Black Ops guys as we tried to evacuate, I was the only survivor, missing my evacuation in the progress.” He explained with a shaken voice.

“Looks like we’re in the same boat now. May I introduce Katja and Blau Streifen to you?” He pointed to the kids, they looked at Midnight Blade with hopeful smiles.

“Hello there, nice to meet you, although I wish we had met in a friendlier situation.” The bat pony greeted with a smile, turning back to Fletcher. “Let’s get out of here.”

“Agreed. Take this Med Kit.” The unicorn levitated it over to his friend, who patched himself up with it.

In the moment, Fletcher tried to step out, several of those small and larger Aliens teleported in. Midnight spotted a switch for 2 celling turrets in the office, activating them to eliminate the hostiles, while Fletcher helped out with his new weapon until the hostiles were all taken down before deactivating the turrets and moved on.

The tunnel led to a junction with a left and right turn, the left way was no option, as it had collapsed, the right one was blocked by some kind of biological mine, hanging in mid-air at the center of a corridor near web-like structure completely barring the way, apparently hanging from the ceiling with some sort of yellow energy thread. Two purple rays randomly emitted from it.

“What is that?” Katja asked.

“I don’t know and I don’t wanna know.” Midnight replied.

“Stay back.” Fletcher fired a round from his MP40, detonating the mine from a distance, small, 5 beetle-like creatures with four legs, a single green eye, and a thick, dark red, segmented shell came out of it, rushing towards the 2 knights, bouncing around madly, trying to bite them with their sharp beaks.

The 2 Stallions had no problem to take them out however, swiftly hitting them with their weapons.

“Okay, the area is clear.” Fletcher took the lead, both Eternal Knights were exhausted and at their breaking points but they had to carry on to get the children to safety. They wouldn’t rest until the siblings would be safe.

“Attention, all military personnel, Evacuate Black Mesa research Facility. Renegade Sunset Shimmer is not your objective.” The intercom buzzed through the carpark.

The carpark was littered with bodies of dead Lunar Guards. “We lost so many in this battle. Say, what do you think who sent those Black Ops guys?” Midnight asked his friend.

“I suspect it could be Cascadius. It kinda suits him.” But then again, Fray had overheard the Black Ops remarking about the Eternal Knights and the Dark Horse squad, saying they would have to clean up a mess the Eternal Knights couldn’t handle. As such, it was more likely that the Black Ops got sent by somepony aware of the skills of the Eternal Knights. Somepony of the government. As much as Fletcher hated it to say, it could be that the Black Ops could be sent by Luna.

“Could be.” Midnight looked at him, Fray saw something in the bat pony’s eyes he never saw before. Fear. “The princesses would never order something like this. We are Luna's bodyguards, she would never betray us like this, leaving us behind. Right? Right?” He asked with fear, not believing that Princess Luna would order their deaths.

It was a difficult question to answer, everything hinted that the Princess could have ordered this. “I hope so.” It was the only reply Fletcher could think of.

After a short walk through the carpark, eliminating 4 of the smaller Aliens, they reached a staircase to the surface.

At it, they saw it was evening as a beautiful sunset ruled the sky, military planes and glider drones were dogfighting Alien aircrafts, transport helicopters leaved the facility.

One of the blast doors opened and a squad of lunar guards came out. They were glad to see the Eternal Knights. “Lord Commander, what the hay is going on here? Nobody told us about Black Operations in the mission briefing.” One of the guards asked.

“If I knew that. What’s the situation?” Midnight asked.

“It's good to see you, sir. It's a real mess out there. I mean these... things are coming out of the damn walls. Ain't no way around them either. They just keep coming! We've got no choice but to fight our way out!”

“Understood.” The blast door on the other side started to creak, meaning that somepony was about to open it. “Take defensive positions, now!” The guards did as ordered, Fletcher brought the kids behind sandbags for cover, they trembled in fear.

As the door was fully open, a squad of Black Ops came out, opening fire, the Knights and Guards returned it. Fletcher managed to hit one Black Ops operative into the leg, he refused to yell in pain.

One of the hostiles charged at Midnight, using martial arts kicks and punches, throwing him to the ground. As the Black Ops attempted to stab him with a knife, he quickly sliced him with his name giving Blade, throwing the body of him.

“Fire in the hole!” One of the Royal Guards threw a grenade, taking almost the entire group out, Fletcher took the last Black Ops with a clean headshot out.

“Let’s move.” Midnight ordered after all hostiles were down.

The way led to another security office, agonizing screaming could be heard from a Royal Guard that was attacked by those beetle creatures. He was on the other side of the room, so they couldn’t help him. “Poor guy.” Fletcher had sympathy for him.

They continued to walk along the corridor which seemed endless, suddenly, several Aliens, small and large teleported from behind in.

The Guards opened fire but it was clear that this was a battle they couldn’t win. “Let’s make a break for it!” Fletcher yelled, sprinting towards the end of the corridor where a door was, Midnight and Katja close behind, the Guards tried to buy them time but got overrun in seconds, green lighting missed Fletcher by inches.

In the moment they made it through, Midnight slammed the door shut, both Eternal Knights breathed heavily, trying to catch their breaths, the siblings did the same.

“Freeze, Rambo!” Somepony yelled, aiming a pistol at the Knight’s heads, they just turned their eyes surprised towards the voice, seeing an overweight security guard holding them at gunpoint.

He made a gesture to slowly come over and lower their weapons on a nearby table, they obeyed, noticed that the room was a small lab.

“You can come out, my friend.” The guard said and a scientist revealed himself behind a desk.

“Well done. Wait, you aren’t Black Ops, you belong to the Royal Guards, right?” He asked.

“Yes, we try to get those children out of here.” Midnight explained.

“Then you are lucky, the North entrance is not far from here.” The scientist replied before his stomach growled, he twisted his face in pain. “No, not again….Must go to the bathroom.”

He quickly ran for the door on the other side, stopping in fear as he opened it. “What’s wrong?” Blau Streifen asked.

“Don’t shoot! Don’t shoot!” The scientist begged before bullets perforated him, Fletcher grabbed Katja and dived with her behind the desk for cover, Midnight did the same with Blau Streifen.

“One clear!” A new voiced yelled.

“Two clear!”

“Three clear!”

The Scientist was still alive, twitching before getting finished off with a shotgun blast. “Four, real clear!”

The children were trembling, the bat pony tried his best to calm them down, Fletcher carefully peeked over, a Black Ops squad of 4 ponies moved in.

Midnight hugged the children to keep them calm and quiet. The unicorn accidently touched a tool, the sound alerted the Black Ops.

“Freeze! Get outta here!” One of them yelled, the 2 Eternal Knights and siblings slowly went up, holding up their hooves/hands in surrender.

“Sorry pal, you know the orders.” The Black Ops’ hooves went slowly for the trigger.

The Lord Commander raised a hoof. “Listen...we're not here to fight...we'd like to speak to Princess Luna.” He demanded, trying to save the kids.

“I'm afraid that's impossible for a variety of reasons.” The Black Ops with the shotgun replied cold, apparently an officer.

“I am Midnight Blade, Lord Commander of the Eternal Knights, Luna is practically my family! Why wouldn't she want to speak to me?!” The bat pony yelled, not believing what he just heard.

“I didn't say she didn't want to, Lord Commander.”

That confused the Eternal Knight. “...What do you mean?”

“There's been a...slight change in leadership. Leadership that is of the opinion you and your Knights are no longer needed in Equestria.”

“Who...Who are you working for?! And what have they done with Luna?!” Midnight yelled now in rage and disbelief.

“That's all you're going to hear from me...” The officer raised his shotgun. “In this lifetime.”

“At least spare them! They still children!” Fray begged, seeing the fear in the siblings’ eyes.

“Sorry, orders are orders. Nothing personal, kids.” The officer was cold, not showing any emotion.

“Please! I don’t wanna die!” Katja exclaimed, crying, her brother did the same.

It can’t end like this! Not like this! Fletcher thought desperate, the kids had their lives still ahead of them, they didn’t deserve to die here.

A charging up sound greeted his ears, he turned his eyes into the origin of the sound, the Black Operatives did too, seeing how the security guard was holding an experimental energy weapon in his hooves, it sparked, the guard grinned. “Yippee kay yay!”

A powerful white-hot beam got fired from the weapon, knocking the guard back, one Black Ops pony got torn apart by it, another one thrown against a desk.

The weapon of the torn apart hostile was hurled towards Fletcher, he took it as the second hostile fired his sidearm at the guard, every shot missed.

The guard fired the weapon in return at his attacker, his head got torn apart by the beam.

The officer and the other Black Ops were stunned by the first shot, shocked at what they saw as they recovered. “Breach!” The officer yelled before Fletcher fired at him, causing them to retreat into the corridor while Midnight got the kids to cover.

As the operative pulled the pin, a group of Zombies broke through the door behind him, tearing him apart, dropping the grenade in the process. It rolled towards the officer who had taken cover at the wall next to the lab, gasping in shock as he spotted it.

“Grenade!” Fray yelled, diving for cover, shielding the children with his comrade from the explosion.

Coughing from the smoke, they saw that all Zombies and Black Ops had died in the explosion, the guard sadly too.

“Your sacrifice won’t be forgotten.” Midnight commented before they moved on.

An alert ringed through the corridor but apart from that, it was silent, no aliens or Black Operators. As they came past a security office, the unicorn took notice of a man in a suit with a briefcase watching them from it, completely untroubled by the chaos at hand, making the Eternal Knight wonder how this guy could stay so calm in a situation like this.

After a while, the group made it to a small security checkpoint, the kids and Fletcher stepped to the other side, while Midnight watched their backs.

As they were out, he stepped in, a hopeful smile on his lips. “Looks like we make it out of here after all!”

“Hey, together, we can survive everything.” Fray replied with a smile of his own.

“Indeed, if we survived so far, we can survive the rest of it too.” Midnight exclaimed with hope.

A teleport sound greeted their ears behind them, a beam hit the control panel, closing the door, effectively separating the Eternal Knights. “Go on, I’ll find another way out!” Midnight said before a roar came from his side.

“You won’t take me down!” The bat pony yelled, ready to fight before he started to scream in pain as he got savagely beaten by something, the ground shook with every punch, blood poured through the door.

Fletcher flinched at every punch, covering the siblings’ eyes. “Don’t look.”

It went on for a minute before there was silence. Panic raised in Fletcher. “Midnight? Midnight!” He bangedfrantically at the door for a response.

There was none.

The bat pony had been his leader, his mentor, one of the best ponies he had known.

“No…NO! MIDNIGHT!” He exclaimed collapsing. Sorrow, sadness, pain went through his head, feeling alone, crying. The siblings looked at him in shock and pity, then nodded at each other.

Fletcher couldn’t believe that his friends had died. They were more experienced than him and that scared him. If they got killed by the Aliens, how long would he survive here? Wolf and Midnight had helped him to free his home from corruption, one thing he was forever grateful.

They had been through so much, surviving even battles that had been next to impossible to survive. How should he keep up the legend of the Eternal Knights, their honor and traditions?

Then he felt something warm.

Opening his eyes, he saw that the kids hugged him in an attempt to cheer him up. Now it became so clear for him. He had to get them out of here, Wolf, Midnight and Luna had wanted it so. Midnight’s death wasn’t in vain, he had tried to buy time for his unicorn friend and the kids.

I know he doesn’t fear death but he didn’t deserve such a painful death.

As they moved on, Fletcher knew he was now the only one left, having to get the kids out of here but it was aconsolation that Wolf and Midnight were now in a better place than this.

It was quiet, no hostiles were met by them which was a nice change, yet Fletcher stayed alert for any signs of trouble.

The corridor leaded to another car park, everything was quiet. Too quiet. “Something’s not right. Stay behind me.” The unicorn told the kids, they nodded.

Screaming could be heard in the distance. Coming slowly closer, they saw several Black Ops fighting another of those giant blue Aliens in vain, screaming in pain as they got burned one by one.

“Run!” Fletcher yelled as the Alien headed for them, he hadn’t to tell this twice.

Their escape ended at a dead end in a generator room. “We’re done for!” Blau Streifen panicked.

“No we’re not!” Fletcher yelled as he used a switch to start the generators, the electricity fried the Alien in a giant green blast that overpowered Fletcher's senses.

When he came to, he found himself in one of the helicopters, apparently flying through space at immense speed, a man appearing to be middle-aged, with a tall, thin physique, pale skin, a prominent widow's peak, black hair styled in a crew cut, and pale green eyes, dressed in a gray-blue suit, facing him.

“So, Commander Fletcher Fray, we meet at last. Please, don't think that I've been avoiding you, a great many matters require my attention in these... troubled times.” The man said in a slow, commanding manner, with a certain accentuated low-key moroseness to his tone, bordering on the cryptic. Something told Fletcher not to interrupt him.

“I took the liberty of relieving you of your weapons; most of them were government property. I admit I have a fascination with those who adapt and survive against all odds. They rather remind me of myself. I am impressed.” He also had an odd habit of placing unusual stress on syllables, stressing the wrong parts of words, making unnecessary pauses and awkwardly changing the pitch of his voice and a tendency to elongate consonants, especially the "S".

“That’s why I’m here, Mr. Fray. I have recommended your services to my employers, and they have authorized me to offer you a job. They agree with me that you have limitless potential. You’ve proved yourself a decisive stallion, so I don’t expect you’ll have any trouble deciding what to do. If you’re interested, just step into the portal and I will take that as a yes. Otherwise...well...I can offer you a battle you have no chance of winning. Rather an anticlimax, after what you’ve just survived.”

As the Eternal Knight was about to ask what happened to the siblings after he noticed that they were not with him, the man added, “Don’t worry about your young friends, I assure you they are safe.” One of the doors of the helicopter opened and a green portal appeared in it. “Time to choose.”

For Fletcher, there was nothing left. His friends were dead, the princess he had sworn his service and loyalty probably too. The only thing he could do was to make sure the siblings were safe. So he stepped into the portal if it would guarantee their safety, everything went black but he could faintly hear the man, „Wisely done, Mr. Fray. I will see you up ahead.”

Author's Note

Subject: Fray
Status: Hired
Awaiting assigment

Chapter 10 Failure Part 3

Chapter 10: Failure Part 3

Slowly, his vision became white but his body felt numb and a voice called faintly out, “He’s coming to!” He couldn’t recognize it.

As his vision returned, everything was blurred and he groaned in pain, 4 persons were around him.

It became clear, very happy smiles of 3 children were first in his view. “Fletcher! You’re awake!” Dinky hugged him with her friends, causing him to grunt in pain. The children let go. “Sorry.”

“It’s okay.” Looking around, he was on a bed in a field hospital, his chest bandaged. William looked at him with a relieved expression.

“I’m happy to see that our efforts to save you weren’t in vain. They never left your side, even donating their blood to save you.” The Brit explained.

The unicorn smiled at the children. “For that, I’m very grateful.” Then he turned to William. “How long was I out?”

Uncomfortable the soldier replied, “For quite some time. I’m afraid it’s been one month.”

The Eternal Knight didn’t panic as he feared, rather calm about it. “Could have been worse. What did I miss?” Fletcher wanted to know.

“Well, we forced the Axis forces to retreat to Tunisia and we got reinforced by US troops.They're good for something, I suppose. It looks like the war in Africa is almost over. I’m eager what comes next after it.”

“Guess the only thing you can do is wait and see.” The stallion tried to use magic, only to hiss in pain, almost falling over but William caught him.

“You’re still much weakened. I suggest you rest until you’re fully recovered.”

“I appreciate your concern but…” Fletcher took a deep breath. “Quince. I knew, I knew that disturbance had to have come from something but...I never thought…”

“Slow down, man, explain. What's Quince?” William did not understand, the kids were also confused.

“Not what, who. Quince is...an Equestrian war criminal.” The Eternal Knight explained.

William paused for a second, trying to understand. “Sorry, did I hear you right? He's a...”

“A unicorn, like me. In fact, he went through the same Nanomite procedure. Difference was, they were meant to control him. Instead they just made him worse. He disappeared after the Civil War, nopony heard from him since.”

“You mean, he's been here the whole time?”

“I'm not sure. But one thing is certain, he wants me dead.”

“You said the war was over. Can't he be reasoned with?”

“No. Quince is a different sort of monster, one that makes most others look tame. He's a butcher, a sadist, countless, countless ponies have died simply to satisfy his lust for violence. He's utterly deranged and adept with forbidden magic. William, I cannot stress this enough...You're in for the toughest fight of your life.”

The British soldier stared, trying to process everything. “That sounds very bad but…if that’s the risk to get your friends home, I’m in.” He sounded determined.

“I’m glad to hear that you want to help.” Fletcher smiled, appreciating that William was with him.

“Was Quince the one who did this to you?” Dinky asked with fear.

“Yes, he caught me off guard. When I saw that mist, I knew at once it was him.”

“Mist…” The Brit mumbled, “One of our men came back pretty shaken, the only survivor of his squad. They were on patrol. But all of a sudden, visibility got real bad. It was no sandstorm. The point man gave this strange report. He said he could see something like a skull in the mist. The next moment, he went silent. They scrambled into formation, right before his arms and legs came raining down on them. All of them veterans. They were calling out to each other, but one by one their voices just went dead. Whatever happened to him, he lost consciousness before he knew it. He came to in our field hospital. I guess that was Quince, we got also reports of camps getting completely wiped out, with strange symbols covering them, looking like a Wolf head.”

“Not Wolf, Warg. I don't know if you have those. They're bigger, crueler and far more dangerous. It's the mark of the unit Quince served in.” He shivered for a second.

“What’s wrong?” Katja asked with worry.

“While I was out, I had a terrible dream.”

“What happened?” The Brit asked the Eternal Knight.

“I don't want to think about it. I was in a facility overrun by Aliens, killing everypony in sight. Then, a clean-up crew appeared, killing Aliens and ponies alike.” Fray told with a shaken voice.

“At least it was just a dream. It's all over when you wake up.” William reminded him.

“True.”

“When you think about it, the fact that you can imagine a situation worse than the one you're in now means life can't be all that bad.” The man figured out.

“I sure hope so.” Fletcher replied with concern.

“Is there anything we can do for you, Fletcher?” Dinky asked him.

He thought for a moment, his armor and weapons were lying next to him. His throat was a bit dry though. “Could you bring some water please?”

“No problem!” Dinky exclaimed with a grin and galloped out of the tent towards the supply tent to refill Fletcher’s canteen.

Once she had refilled it, she went back to the field hospital, spotting a man in black clothes leaning against a wall, arms crossed, head lowered. “Haven’t seen you in a while.” He said, looking up, causing her to stop.

It was Upton and he looked not too pleased. “My nephew didn’t receive the letter I gave you.” His voice was not angry, rather disappointed.

The young filly knew that she couldn’t escape and had to answer. “I assure you it got sent. Maybe it got delayed by an Axis attack or even lost.” It was a lie and she hated it to do, but there was no other way to get out of this. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed how her friends were giving the letter to William, raising her moral about it.

“It could be. The letters I sent afterwards all reached him.” He countered with a cold voice.

“It’s only one letter, what’s so important about it?” The unicorn wanted to know.

“Simple, even one missing letter can discover me, you, your friends. Do you understand?” He asked Dinky nodded.

“All quiet?” They got interrupted as a soldier asked his friend. “Have you heard the latest? Our officers finally could find out how this traitor informs the SS. They are sure that they will get him soon.”

“Good to hear, I can’t wait to see how this traitor gets what he deserves!”

The foal could see fear in the Brit’s eyes, like he wasn’t expecting that they would discover him so fast. The young unicorn was actually happy, this all would soon end and many lives would be saved.

His fear quickly faded and he started to grin at Dinky, something told her that this wasn’t good.

“She's the spy! I suggest we punish her at once!” He yelled at the soldiers.

Dinky blinked, trying to process what he was trying too de, shocked at his action. “What?! NO! Please, let me explain...”

“There is no explaining, admit it, you're the spy!” Upton yelled, trying to bring her to confess it.

“It's a misunderstanding...” She tried to explain but got cut off.

“Liar! William, punish her, she betrayed you, your trust, everything!” He said as the Captain with the siblings walked over to him, William looked very disappointed and disgusted. Did he believe Upton’s lie? Had she lost his trust?

“I won't.” William replied, surprising both. “Why? I haven't the authority to sentence anyone to firing squad without trial, particularly on evidence so flimsy it's almost...suspicious.” He explained, cheered Dinky a bit up by knowing he was on her side.

“Doesn't matter!” Upton quickly interjected, “It's bloody obvious, you dolt! She was seen coming and going to and from the German camp!”

“I'm aware. It must have been very convenient for you.” The Captain countered.

Upton’s Face turned crimson with rage. “Just what are you implying, you insolent gene-freak?!”

William’s eyes blazed by this insult. “I'll pretend I didn't hear that. And to answer your question, I'm not implying anything. I say what I mean straight out like an honest man! I don't expect you to appreciate that but then again, puffed-up double-dealing Fascist worms like you rarely ever do!”

“I beg to differ.” A new voice said from behind.

“Who wants to...” Upton turned around, surprised who was standing before him. “The Green Knight?!”

Correct. And I know who the one who forced her to do this was.” He putted Dinky on his back, she trembled in fear. “You, Upton. As Dinky brought a letter, you were near, overlooking her.” His voice was calm, showing no sign of anger.

Now, Upton was slightly scared, shaking nervously. “Nonsense! I suggest we put her before a firing squad at once!”

“NO!” Dinky yelled, starting to cry, Fletcher felt his neck getting wet as the little filly had a nervous breakdown. “You can’t, you can’t…” she whimpered muffled.

Seeing Dinky crying her heart out, made Fray’s anger boil. “Because of you, Dinky isn't feeling well.” He stabbed his hoof at Upton's chest, causing him a gasp for air. “You're the spy, we know it, it's your handwriting. I took the liberty to investigate the letters and compare them. The handwriting is identical, it's yours. Now, we only need to know why you did that.” His voice was calm yet slightly threating.

“I did what I had to do. To keep my country clean. To give it a leader who could put the filth back in their place for good!” Upton defended himself.

The Eternal Knight took a deep breath. “Right...I want you to know something.

Dinky is not like you.

She has a mother who has fought a serious mental condition and the ridicule that comes with it nearly all her life.

She has a father who has travelled to worlds and fought cosmic horrors I don't think anypony in Equestria can even comprehend.

She goes outside into Ponyville each day with a simple goal. Make their days a little better. A goal she completes each day. Whether she joins the Cutie Mark Crusaders in their escapades or whether she helps little Pipsqueak fit in or whether she gives anypony around a helping hoof or even just a hug, she's made a difference.

She is, quite honestly, a joy to know.

And you tried to take that joy and turn it into a weapon you could use to harm others, without caring if or how it would scar her or anyone else.

Words cannot describe how much you have hurt her by tricking her this way.

And I promise...I will do very hardest to ensure you experience the same pain you made her suffer. Take him away!”

William drew his revolver, other soldiers trained their weapons on Upton who was stunned. “With pleasure. Bloody Traitor, forces a child to do your work, you're nothing but a coward!” He took him away.

Fletcher gently took Dinky of his back, she was still crying. “Dinky, listen to me. Please. You were scared. No-one can fault you for that. And, in truth, it would be hard to fault you for not supposing people would lie to you.

Dinky, if there is one thing I'm dreading more than this war, it's finding a way to bring you out of it.

You don't deserve this. You should never have had to experience this madness.

I promise, to you, to your parents, to everyone you know and love, I will get you home and I will help you put this behind you.

But in order to do that...you're going to have to trust me.”

“Dinky, you aren’t to be blamed, Upton forced you, blackmailed you to do this. We are friends and friends stay together.” Her friends spoke in union.

The young filly sniffed, looking up. “I trust you, Fletcher. And I appreciate your help, you two.”

“That’s what friends are for.” The siblings hugged her, she returned it, Fletcher joined too.

William came back. “I thank you all for helping us to find and arrest this traitor. It will save many British lives.” He smiled at them.

“You are welcome, after I heard how he abused Dinky for this, I couldn’t leave this unnoticed.”

“I agree with that. I suspected he might be behind this for some time. Anyway, you should stay hidden, as the Prime Minister is going to visit us and he’s not very pleased about your actions.” Hill explained.

“I’m aware of that. I just couldn’t let anyone harm civilians. It’s a matter of honor for me.”

“I know and I respect that. And I’m behind you.” He promised Fletcher.

“Appreciated.” Just as Fletcher had this, the same black limousine the kids had seen at El Alamein drove up.

Fletcher used this to get back to the field hospital to rest as Lieutenant Cutting opened the door and Churchill stepped out. “Welcome, Prime Minster!” The Captain greeted him.

“Thank you, Captain Hill. You all did excellent work at El Alamein. With the help of the Americans, we will push the Axis out of North Africa once and for all!” he strode in with a warm smile, proud of his soldiers.

The soldiers cheered at his words. “Anything to report, Captain?” He asked William.

Hill thought for a few seconds, trying to find the right words. “Well…yes, sir. Do you remember the Green Knight?”

“Of course, did you capture him alive?” The minister wanted to know, getting curious.

“Not exactly. We found him mortally wounded in the sand, managing to save him. He’s here to get the children home my squad found.”

Churchill seemed to be surprised. “Is he responsive?”

“Yes, he is. Follow me.” The soldier led the Prime Minister to the field hospital, his 3 friends greeted Churchill friendly.

“Hello again, children.” The elderly man greeted back as he entered the tent, Fletcher got up as he saw him.

“Prime Minister Winston Churchill. Famous for leading Britain through nearly the entirety of WWII. Proud soldier, dedicated statesman and man of dry wit. A pleasure.” The unicorn held his hoof up for a shake.

The minister refused the shake, looking rather serious. “Can’t say the same about you. You killed British soldiers, what do you have to say in your defense?”

“I only try to protect the innocent as good as I can. They suffer enough already.” Fray replied honest.

“I see. Normally, something like this wouldn’t go unpunished but as I heard you saved one of my brave soldiers, I look the other way.” His expressed changed to a friendlier look. “I mean, a bloody talking green unicorn taking pot-shots at dodgy buggers between both trenches...Just when you think you think you've seen it all. Sit down, sir. I should like to know who you are and what brings you here...and to share some of this truly disgusting wine.” Churchill pointed outside to a wine bottle on a table.

“It would be a pleasure for me.”

“Captain, would you please join us?”

“Of course, sir. Children, you mind leaving us alone?”

“Not at all.”

The 3 children went to one of the tents, playing cards.

“I must say this wine tastes not bad.” Fletcher said after having taken a sip. He now saw the rest of the British base, apart from the field hospital, there were many tents for the soldiers, crates of supplies were carried around, MGs, anti-tank guns and AA guns were placed around the base for defense.

“No? Well, each to their own I suppose. Personally, I think it's the heat. You can't drink champagne in the bloody desert. What you need for that is some good brandy but we've just run out of that, damn it all. The port is quite good though, I'll send for some of that if you like.” The Prime Minster offered.

“Thank you, but that won’t be necessary.” Fray replied, then told Churchill about his origin and mission.

“I'm a soldier myself. Used to be, at least. I remember how eager I used to be...to see my first battle...kill my first foe. Course, that was back when war was still seen as such a glorious thing.” Churchill eyed his nearly-empty brandy glass. “Yes, it's been a long time...But I still remember every face. Do you remember your first?” He asked Hill.

“Of course, sir.” William still remembered as it was yesterday.

“Good man. Who was it?” The elderly minister wanted to know.

“A Dervish. At Somaliland. Never got his name. All I remember was that he was riding a large, black camel. I'd never seen anything like it. He looked important so I thought in our best interests to him down to earth.” He seemed to have no regret in his voice, or remorse in his expression.

“You actually saw some action at Somaliland? Ha! Cheapest war we've ever fought!” Churchill couldn’t believe it.

“It was a fairly non-eventful conflict by all accounts. But I went ahead beside the Kings African Rifles. They were sent into the pass and did what they do best, held the line.” Hill told.

“Ah yes. Good chaps, the African Rifles. How did you kill him? The Dervish on the black camel.”

William shrugged. “Shot him in the head. Wasn't much to it. He was drawing a lot of attention to himself.”

“Ah...quick one. Lucky for you. Mine was some Pashtun tribesman at the Marakand Frontier. I'll never forget it. There were fifteen of us, scouting ahead, with a few-dozen Sikhs marking the path. Saw them massing in the valley and opened fire. Then they came at us. Hundreds of them, swarming like flies. By the time our captain had realized we'd wandered into an ambush, they'd got him in the chest. Four of us carried him but the buggers just kept coming. They had bombs of sorts, must have done. The soil gave way, the grit and pebbles spurted up at us like sea-spray. I must have blacked out. When I came to, one of the lads, Benfred-something, I don't quite recall his name, and one of the Sikh boys dragged me to safety but our poor captain was left in the dirt, reaching out to us helplessly, bleeding from the mouth. Then I saw him. Rising up like a wraith, swathed in bloody cloth and a scimitar the length of a man's arm raised above him. And he brought it down. And again and again, carving up our captain like a beast on a butcher's table.” The minister stared into blankness, having no emotion as he continued.

“There and then, I forgot everything else at this moment except a desire to kill this man. We had to pull out. The brave old Sikhs bid us enough time to gather ourselves and head back but we caught a few out in the open. There I was, trudging over the hills, the rest of the platoon lost in the mist when I see him again, running at me with that damn scimitar, screaming and yelling, this wild, shrieking fiend. I didn't have time to line up a sight so I let him have it with the bayonet. Happened before you could blink. God, I was strong then. Stabbed him right through the gut, probably punctured every organ in his belly. I stood over him, rifle in the air. Right before I opened his throat, he shouted something...I didn't speak a word of Pashto, I had no idea what he said. And by the time I'd returned to camp, I couldn't, for the life of me, remember how he'd spoken and who to ask for a translation. Could he have been pleading for mercy? Cursing my name and kin? Praising my courage and keenness? I have no idea. Perhaps I'll get the chance to ask him in the next life. Wouldn't that be something?”

He sighed, “Stupid old man. The Pashtuns were quiet after that little spat. He could have lived. He could have just stayed at home and minded his own business...till the day the officer and the chaplain came to drag him and his brothers off to fight the cruel, foreign men with guns and tanks and gas...Damn it all, I need more brandy.”

Peter refilled his glass.

“Tell me Mr. Fray, who was your first kill, not including any dragons or manticores or any of that lot. The first kill that really gripped your art and made you realize 'This is war'?”

Fletcher had think much about it. “Ah...My great-uncle.” He replied swiftly, emotionless.

“..What?”

“Your...great-uncle?” Both Brits couldn’t believe their ears.

“Yeah. My family, the House of Armbrust, was betrayed with all the Oberfurst's loyal retainers when the Gildenpakt, a congregation of plutocratic conspirators, assassinated him and his family. My great-uncle, Count Grollen Von Nahkampf-Messer, was no friend of the family. He'd treated his step-daughter, my mother, abominably in her childhood and when my father vied for her freedom in a tournament, he tried to have them both killed. After he was banished, great-uncle Grollen must have thought it would be a good idea to betray us all. Led the Gildenpakt Mercenaries through a secret tunnel into Armbrust Castle and had...massacred everypony they found.” He told them in detail, remembering it very clear to this day.

“Oh...sorry, old chap.” Churchill smiled sad at him, showing his sympathy for the Eternal Knight.

“So...you found him and killed him? How?” William wondered.

“I'd found my father's spear...I hadn't used it yet. As I ran to and from every room I knew, finding nothing but corpses, I saw him. Standing over my mother's body, mocking her, kicking her, stabbing her. Then he saw me. I was still a foal. I'd barely got my Cutie Mark. But he lunged at me, sword in the air. There wasn't much to it, I just held the spear out and he landed on it. I felt the spear jump in my grasp, shudder in mid-air and then just sort of...slide in. The sound...like a bursting fruit, wet and fleshy...as he ran himself through, right through the chest. Right before I landed the final blow...he spoke.”

“What did he say?” The Captain asked.

“Wait. He held up his hooves, pleading as he bled out on the floor and shouted 'wait'.” Fletcher paused to collect his memories. “That was when I knew he had to die. He'd betrayed my family, butchered my parents and tried to kill me without a word...And now he was begging for mercy. Whatever he had to tell me, whatever he wanted from me, I wasn't interested. I put the spear through his open mouth...and held it there until he stopped writhing. Then I ran...and never looked back.” The unicorn looked at the stunned Brits. If that's all, sir.”

“I’m gonna get you!” Blau exclaimed as he played tag with Dinky and his sister, interrupting their conversation. The adults smiled happy at the kids seeing them having fun.

Suddenly a terrifying scream could be heard in the distance, causing the 3 friends to stop dead in their tracks.

“W-what was that?” Katja asked scared.

William drew his revolver. “I don’t know. Fletcher, stay with the others while I and Cutting check it out.”

“Okay.” He was understood with that due being weakened, in this state he wasn’t able to fight.

The 2 Brits moved as fast as they could to the origin of the screaming, seeing Duffy in the distance, crawling backwards on the ground, completely terrified of something.

“Stay back! Stay back!” He yelled in panic. At first, there was a shadow of a man, making them think that this was nothing to worry about as they came closer.

A terrifying groan showed them that they were wrong and the man stopped slowly into sight, making the 2 veterans very nervous, their hands started to shake.

Said man with very pale skin and whitened pupils, blood covering his head, having a hole in it, looking like he has been dead for weeks, stumbled towards the terrified man in a stumbling motion.

Duffy lost his nerves, firing his sidearm at the man, he shrugged the bullets off like it was nothing before breaking out in a animalistic sprint towards the two men.

He knocked down Cutting and struggled with William, trying to feast upon him. The Captain punched him several times into the head, causing his attacker to let go.

Both soldiers were also terrified but more experienced than Duffy, managing to stay calm, despite having never seen or experienced something like this before.

Before Hill had a chance to react, his attacker charged again at him, also knocking him down before sprinting away towards his 4 friends and the Prime Minister.

What is that thing?! Hill wondered as he and his friend tried to catch up before it would reach the kids.

The 3 children wondered what was going on, while Fletcher and Churchill tried to calm them down. “Don’t worry, I’m confident they will be safe.” The elderly man was confident of his men.

“I may be weakened but can still fight should it be necessary.” Fletcher assured him.

Katja pointed to something behind him with a terrified expression. “W-watch out!” She yelled.

As he turned around, something throw him to the ground, he instinctively struggled against it, seeing that a human was his attacker, trying to feast upon him.

While the Prime Minister was just as shocked as the children, he took a protective stance in front of the children. “Stay behind me.” His fighting days may be long behind him but that doesn’t meaned he could still fight if he had to.

While Blau Streifen was completely terrified, seeing that what appeared to be a walking corpse attacking Fletcher, Dinky couldn’t’ watch this, she had to help him.

Sparkler had shown her once a defensive spell that would stun the target. As she had never used it before, she hoped and prayed it would work as she casted it, taking effort into it.

In the moment the stallion managed to punch the attacker off him, the young filly shot the spell at the man, he twitched and jolted, almost paralyzed, being stunned but not completely out.

The Prime Minister despite his age, made a dash towards the attacker, punching him into the face, knocking him out. “I haven’t felt such adrenaline since…forever.” He breathed heavily.

“Are you okay?” She asked with concern as she noticed that he was bleeding from his left fore hoof.

“Just a flesh wound, Dinky.” He replied as William and Cutting arrived.

“Everything alright, Prime minister?” They asked with worry.

He waved a hand. “I’m fine, thanks to the fast reaction of Dinky. What happened?”

“We don’t know, when we arrived, one of our men got attacked by this…thing.” Peter explained to him, trying to catch his breath.

Fletcher took a closer look at the body. “I have seen this before. It’s necromancy, forbidden magic.”

“Are you sure?” Cutting asked unsure.

“I have no doubt about it. You should lock the body up, just in case it rises again.”

“You have heard him, take care if it!” Churchill ordered, not wanting to take any risks.

“Yes, sir.” The 2 soldiers replied, Duffy also helped as he joined them, while Fletcher headed for the field hospital to treat his wound.

For some reason, the kids couldn’t help but follow the Brits to the cell blocks where captured POWs were held.

Just as they reached it, they saw the man slowly standing up with a moan. He wasn’t attacking, just stared empty out of his cell. A nurse, having brown hair with matching eyes was with them, the same that had helped to patch Fletcher up, her nametag showed that her name was Wendy Thwaites as they could now see.

“What in the world is wrong with him?” Hill wondered.

“He has an inch-wide hole punched clean through his skull.” The nurse said after having examined it.

“Which, ideally, would kill a man. It's done so enough people since now. So why is he standing here?” Churchill added.

“I just checked with the quartermasters. His name is Ricky Hanson, was killed some time before El Alamein was attacked.” Duffy explained.

“Any details?” His Captain asked him.

“They said sniper bullet but when I looked over the records, I found mention of a name.”

“The Green Knight.” Dinky figured out.

“As far as I can tell, Hanson had been trying to have his way with some local rough, er...ahem, beg your pardon,” He corrected himself, “indecently assaulting local females. The Green Knight, evidently, didn't take kindly to that. His death was written off as death in the midst of desertion.”

“Huh. Refuse. What's he doing skulking home like a slab of cat's vomit, I wonder? You in there, are you going to answer your Prime Minister or would you prefer the firing squad?” The elderly man demanded but Hanson was not responding to anything, even finger snapping wasn’t working.

“Maybe he's in some kind of a trance.” The young unicorn suspected.

Like on command, the diseased soldier suddenly looked up, staring straight at Dinky. “Dinky...Doo...” His voice was echoing, sounding like multiple people speaking at once.

Wendy gasped. “Oh...goodness.”

William shielded Dinky, fearing that Hanson would might try to attack her. “How...does he know your name? This man was dead long before you showed up.” He asked her with concern.

“Ahem...young one. Could you try talking to him? He seems to respond to you. Don't worry, we'll see to it he doesn't try anything.” The minister assured her.

Dinky was quivering. “O-o-okay...” She gulped in fear, her 2 friends putting their hand/Hoof on their shoulders to give her courage, despite being as scared as she was. The unicorn nodded with a weak smile before clearing her throat speaking timidly, “Hello? Mr. Hanson?”

“Hanson...Gone...Hanson...Mine.” The former soldier mumbled.

“Perhaps he's...undergoing some form of gross cranial trauma...though I've never seen anything like this.” Wendy was fascinated and disturbed at the same time.

“He's been dead for weeks. That's simply not possible.” Hill relied, knowing that this was impossible.

“Hill...Bucknell...Hill...” Hanson said, now staring at him.

Unsettled, he replied, “...yes?”

Hanson grinned widely. “You're...next...” That caused William to take a step back, trying hard not to show his unnerve.

“Alright...either we're looking at the biggest case of not-quite-dead syndrome the world's seen since or...” Duffy trailed off.

“Or what?” Hill asked him for an answer.

“Do you read the Bible? The bit with Legion?” Duffy asked in return.

“Oh dash it all, Sergeant, there's enough madness in this war already!” The minister exclaimed in frustration. Dinky, keep talking, we're getting somewhere.”

Dinky tried to find the right words. “...What do you mean...Hanson's Gone...and Mine?”

Hanson was still grinning, staring directly into Dinky's eyes. “Fletcher...kill...Hanson...” He poked a finger right through the hole in his skull. “Arrow...Leave...Mark Mark...I...Seek.” The man took the finger out and sucked on it a moment, causing Wendy and Duffy to take a step back, wincing.

“Dear god.” Churchill mumbled quietly, getting unsettled by this too.

“Fletcher...Killed...Hanson...I...Kill...Fletcher...” The former British soldier continued in his unsettling voice.

Wendy’s face went pale. “I can't take much more of this. This is ghastly.”

Dinky: started to shake. ”Wh-wh-who...who are you?”

“I...Am...Quince. Fear...Me...” Hanson replied before his veins flashed bright green and his body blackened, burned and disintegrated before them.

For what seemed like hours, mostly the heavy breathing of the 3 kids could be heard before the elderly minister said in a distinctly unwell tone, “I need a sodding drink.”

Fletcher joined them, seeing the fear in everyone’s eyes. “Did I miss something?”

“Well, we just got confirmed that this was Quince’s work indeed, being not only after you but your 3 friends and me as well.” Hill replied with a shaken voice.

This also unsettled Fray a bit, trembling a bit. “As I had feared. But, I promise I’ll do anything I can do to take him out as soon as possible.”

“I know to appreciate your bravery, Mr. Fray, but in your current condition, you wouldn’t survive another fight against him. Captain Hill, you said you were about to go on leave, am I correct?” Churchill asked.

“Yes, sir. Why do you ask?”

“Because I think your new friends are much safer in Britain and you too, Fletcher, until you have recovered.”

They all understood what the Prime Minister had in mind, guaranteeing their safety.

“A good idea, sir. I’m sure my family won’t mind it. Do you mind it, children? Fletcher?”

“Not at all.” The 3 friends replied in unsion.

“Do I have a choice?” The Green Knight asked in return.

“I think not. Now, if you’re excuse me, I have to inspect the other bases too and think of a way how to deal with this Quince.” The Prime Minister said goodbye and left.

The group walked down the hallway, past to soldiers guarding a cell, they saluted the captain. He stopped upon noticing that they were guarding an empty cell. “Where's Upton?” He asked them.

One of the soldiers sighed. “I really wish you hadn’t asked, sir.” Before anyone could process this, the same soldier knocked Hill to the ground and putted a knife to his throat.

The sound of somebody running was behind the group. Before Fletcher could even react, someone knocking him down and he heard a scream.

Quickly getting up, he had to see that Upton had been freed by the 2 soldiers, having Dinky grabbed with his left arm, holding a knife closer to her throat, she struggled in vain, Katja and Blau Streifen slowly backed up, seeing the fear in her eyes, not wanting to endanger her life, Duffy did the same.

“Stay back or she’s dead!” Upton threated, “That damn child and her friends have to be punished for selling us out!”

“You forced her to do this! Stop with your nonsense!” Blau exclaimed angered for being blamed for this.

“You shut up, you with your German names, that marks you as traitors!”

The Eternal Knight knew he had to save Dinky, yet negotiated in a calm but serious tone. “Sir Upton...let her go...please.”

“Ha! You're begging for her life now, is it? You can’t save both of them.” The traitor taunted.

“I'm begging for yours.” Fletcher said in a calm yet slightly threating voice, “Because I promise you, whatever you do to Dinky I shall do to you a hundredfold. You've no clue, no comprehension of the nightmare you shall suffer if that filly is harmed at all by your hand. And I have no wish for anyone, least of all these foals, to witness it. Because I don't want to prove them wrong. They think I'm harmless but I'm really not. I'm not like the others. I was raised to fight and kill. I was brought to Equestria to slay creatures of Tartarus and hunt down the worst ponies alive. I'm one of the few ponies in Equestria who the Princess relies on when she needs something hurt or killed. Dinky's death by your hand will guarantee you the former in abundance. The latter? Well...I'll get to it eventually.” Fray countered.

Upton stayed quiet, not saying a word but his threating expression stayed for a few minutes.

“Let her go, Sir Upton, this is your last warning. I really do not want to get angry in front of the foals. My anger is something none of us will remember fondly.” Fletcher warned frank, the threating tone became clearer, feeling he had enough magic for this, the captain also struggled in vain.

“...I think you're bluffing.” Upton taunted with hesitation, showing a small hint of fear in his eyes and voice.

“Then you're not a good thinker.” Fletcher replied calm, lighting his horn up, shooting a non-lethal spell at Dinky’s captor, at the same time, Duffy hit the captain’s captor from behind with the butt of his knife, knocking him out, then did the same with the other soldier.

Upton screamed in pain before falling backwards, allowing the filly to break free, running into the Eternal Knight’s arms. “Shh, it’s over now.”

“T-thank you for saving me!” The filly was very grateful

“No need, it’s my duty to keep you save.”

The two soldiers putted Upton and the 2 other soldiers into the cell, locking it. “He won’t escape a second time. Either he bribed those men or they are his henchman, but honestly, I don’t care. Well done, Duffy. A good solid clout.” He praised his comrade with a proud smile.

“Aye, takes me back to sports days.” He replied, smiling at the memories.

Hill looked at the knocked out men. “I don't want to know where you went to school.”

For the rest of the day until the ship would arrive, the children played together to pass the time, while Fletcher and William exchanged tactics. “We have already a war to fight, dealing with Quince will be another problem to deal with. How do you think our forces could defeat him?” William asked, hoping that Fray had some answers.

“Well, like me, he can regenerate from injuries as long as they aren’t too serve. If regular forces have to deal with him, explosives, like grenades, artillery, heavy firepower like tanks and machineguns could do the trick. Even…” He shivered at the thought, “Flamethrowers could do it. But as I never fought him in this state before, I’m can’t say it will work.”

“I hope it does, otherwise the war will be our smallest problem.” Hill told with concern having a worried expression.

The rest of the day was quiet, the children and Knight helped out on the base as good as they could as the ship would arrive later.

In the evening, Dinky asked Fray, “If you don’t mind Fletcher, how do you and your friends help the princess? I mean, 3 ponies can’t be enough.” It made her curious.

Fletcher thought for a moment how he could explain. “We have a personal squad completely made out of volunteers, called the Dark Horse squad. They are trained to stay undetected in the field. They use all manner of techniques to remain inconspicuous in the field. If you EVER saw one, they'd have some serious explaining to do.”

Blau Streifen giggled. “I can imagine that.”

After dinner, the ship arrived, William took them to their cabin. “I wish you a pleasant sleep. I’m sure my son will like you. Goodnight.”

“Goodnight, William.” They all replied.

Katja and Blau Streifen climbed into their cots, falling fast asleep.

Fletcher tucked Dinky in “Goodnight, Dinky. Sweet dreams.”

He was about to leave as he had an own cabin but Dinky said, “Wait. You remind me of my father. Could you please stay with me?” She asked with a hoping expression.

Even an Eternal Knight couldn't resist that. “If you like Dinky, I don't mind it.” He putted his weapons on the table.

William walked in to check on the guests, what he saw, warmed his heart. Dinky was sleeping peacefully, hugging Fletcher Fray who was sleeping beside her. The Green Knight had a smile in his face, like he hadn't experienced such company or joy in a long time.

You earned it, Fletcher. You are a good soldier. He thought as he went for his own bed, happy to see his wife and son once again.

Author's Note

A close call for Fletcher, but how long will it last?

Chapter 11 Knights of the seas

Chapter 11: Knights of the sea

Dinky woke up, trying to move, only to find out she couldn’t move at all. Opening her eyes, looking around, she found herself in a room, her hooves tied together with duct tape, her mouth was also covered with duct tape, making her unable to scream or call out for help, her 2 friends and Fletcher weren’t in the room.

“I think she’s awake.” An unknown voice greeted her ears, seeing 2 ponies dressed in dark grey hoodies walking in, their faces concealed by white masks.

The foal couldn’t help but whimper scared, backing up against the wall, her heart soared as the ponies looked at her.

“Don’t be scared little one, you won’t be harmed as long as the princess complies to our demands.” One of them said in an evil tone.

It scared her even more, faintly, she could see a shadow moving behind the 2 ponies, becoming a silhouette of a pony. Suddenly, the 2 ponies twitched, blood flowed down their necks and they collapsed.

The silhouette came closer to her, it was a pony dressed in a starry-patterned hooded cloak, black sap-silk, it’s face concealed by a black iron mask. “Shh, don’t be scared, I’m here to get you out.” The pony had a comforting yet distorted voice, making it unable to hear if it was a mare or a stallion, cutting the duct tape with a knife.

For some reason, Dinky couldn’t help but think that this could be a member of the Dark Horse squad Fletcher had told about. “Thank you! Wait, where are my friends?” She asked in panic.

“Don’t worry, my comrades are getting them out as we speak.” The pony assured her.

“How’s your status? Respond!” The radio on one of the dead ponies buzzed. “We send a team to investigate!”

“We must get out before they arrive!” Dinky exclaimed in fear.

“I got this covered, it’s too late for them.” Her savior was calm as the sounds of several hooves came from the doorway.

“W-why?”

“They forgot the first rule of survival.” There was an explosion and blood splattered on the walls. “A real hunter always watches where he steps.” The Dark Horse member said, his distorted voice made it difficult to hear out any emotion. “Follow me.” Dinky didn’t hesitate to do so, just wanting to be out of here.

As Blau Streifen opened his eyes, he found himself restrained in a room, 2 masked ponies where next to him, placing what appeared to be metal walls on the normal walls. “Let’s see how those Dark Horse clowns want to go through this!” one of them taunted.

“Looks like our friend has woken up. Forget about hoping that somepony will save you, nopony will get through here!” The other one yelled at him. The young colt tried to stay brave but fear controlled him, causing him to gulp as his sister and friend were nowhere to be seen.

A strange noise invaded his ears, seeing how the metal wall behind the 2 ponies started to glow, like someone using a torch on it. Then it exploded, causing his ears to ring, closing his eyes from the flash.

Slowly opening them, he saw that the 2 ponies had been killed by the explosion, the wall had a hole, another pony wearing a Black iron mask and a fuel tank on its back came through the hole.

“I hope I didn’t scare you too much with my firework.” The pony said, cutting Blau’s restrains. “Don’t worry about your sister and friend, they’re safe.”

While being worried for his sister and Dinky, the young colt could only ask, “How did you do that?”

His helper chuckled. “When you mix fuel, metal oxide and metal powder in just the right way, it burns at 2000 degrees Celsius. Hot enough to cut through nearly any barrier known to pony. Throw some C4 into the mix, and you've got one Tartarus of a combination.”

“I believe you that.”

The young girl stirred in her sleep, feeling she was not able to move anything. Opening her eyes, she realized that she was tied up in a room with only one window to her right, several masked ponies in another room next to her. “We deployed barbed wire in the doorway and barricaded the door and windows, there is no way those Dark Horse guys get in without us noticing!” One of them exclaimed in triumph.

A faint drill sound echoed in her ears, before several explosions occurred in the room where the ponies were, causing her ears to ring and closing her eyes from the flashes.

As the ringing stopped, Katja slowly opened her ears, the group of masked ponies were lying dead on the ground, another pony swinged through the window, wearing a black iron mask.

“Don’t worry, I’m here to help. My comrades are freeing your brother and friend at the moment.” The pony explained, cutting her free.

“Thank you. What was that?” She asked.

“Cluster Charge, very effective in clearing rooms.” the pony explained with a chuckle. “My personal favorite in clearing rooms.”

She followed the pony to what appeared to be a living room, 2 more ponies came out of a room to her right and left respectively, her brother and Dinky following them.

The masked ponies have each other greeting gestures. “We found them save and sound. Let’s get out of here.” One of them said, the kids hugged each other, glad that they would be out of here.

Then, a very slow and heavy breathing sound, greeted their ears, making them wonder from where it was coming.

“Bomber!” One of the Dark Horse members yelled as a white masked pony having bulky attire consisting of heavy body armor strapped with explosives and flashing red and blue lights, came from behind.

“You won’t leave this place alive!” It yelled, pressing a detonator, the explosives glowed red, making a beeping sound, the kids covered themselves as protection from the blast.

The 3 friends got torn out of her sleep by a loud explosion that almost caused them to fall of the bed but Fletcher caught them with his magic. “I got you!” He placed Dinky on his back and collected his weapons as William ran in.

“The ship's sinking! We've got to go, now!” They moved out as water started to flood into the ship. Water bursts in, making them lose balance and pipes on the walls began to burst.

Just as they made it outside, the ship tilted to the side, capsizing. They all five fell overboard, the children screamed as they hit the water. The impact was hard enough to stun them, yet they felt how a magic aura surrounded them and pulled them up. The kids gasped for air at the surface.

“I've got you, children!” It was Fletcher who had clutched what appeared to be debris of the ship.

Dinky looked around and regretted it. Around them were corpses, the ship was burning, it exploded in a giant fireball. Some crewmen were still on the ship, burning, jumping into the water but died as they did so. “Oh my...” She was shocked. But then, she realized that someone was missing. “Where's William?! Is he...”

“I don't know. I lost him out of my sight as I pulled you up.”

“N-no...” she cried into his fur.

The siblings started to mourn him too, they could only hope he died without suffering.

But then, the filly spotted something into the distance. Dinky couldn’t see what it was exactly, but it appeared to be responsible to the sinking of the ship and headed right towards them. “T-they want to finish us off! We're done for!” She panicked, not wanting to die, her 2 friends trembled in fear.

“Something is telling me it's the contrary.” Fletcher stayed calm as it came closer, he wasn’t an expert in naval warfare but knew that such maneuvers meant a ship crew was about to save castaways.

The ship, that was he assumed was supposed to be one, stopped right next to them, lifebuoys got thrown into the water.

They wasted to time to grab them, getting pulled onboard the ship. A man in a coat made a gesture to get in, pointing to a ladder.

They got in, noticing how tightly it was in the ship, realizing it was a U-boat of the German navy, the man that had pointed at the ladder was the captain of it, having a beard, green eyes and black hair. “Are you hurt? Do you need medical attention?” He asked with concern as the children were shivering.

“E-except being cold, I’m fine.” Dinky replied.

The Captain led them through his ship to the infirmary, the other crew members looked at the castaways with pity as they walked past.

In the infirmary, the combat medic, a young man with blond hair and brown eyes checked them, relieved that they were just undercooled. “Get some blankets and some hot chocolates.” the doctor ordered, which the captain obeyed.

Fletcher could tell that this was because of the cold water, shivering a bit too, noticing that Katja seemed uncomfortable about it. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing, I-I…just have nothing to…change…” She said with a shaken voice, being also colt from her wet clothes.

Fray understood what she meant, having to undress would be pretty embarrassing and awkward for her. But he had an idea as the Captain came back with some towels, another crewman carried hot chocolates.

After getting dried, Fletcher said to the young girl, “Don’t worry, I know a spell that can help you.” His horn lit up and his aura surrounded Katja, after a few seconds, her clothes were completely dry. “A drying spell I have learned.” He smiled proudly.

“Thank you. Why do you have this spell?” She asked surprised and grateful.

“Well, during my time in the war, we sometimes infiltrated enemy navy bases by swimming to the shore and the drying spell was very useful to avoid traces.” He explained.

The hot chocolates were very refreshing and warming for all of them, enjoying every sip.

“I’m glad to see that you all are alright. I’m Captain Lars Steinhaus, commander of this U-boat and I apologize for putting you into danger.” The officer was very sorry, yet seemed not surprised at all about talking, magic casting ponies.

“And we thank you for saving us, Captain.” The young children were very grateful before starting to yawn as it was still night.

“You are very welcome, children. Catch some sleep, you can have my cabin.” Lars offered, leading them to his cabin, it looked very fancy, a shelf with some books, a carpet and 2 beds, one most likely for his second-in command.

“Goodnight.” He said, closing gently the door.

Dinky and Fletcher shared one bed, the siblings the other. They fell asleep with relieved sighs, glad that they were still alive. Fletcher knew that rest came first, questions and introduction could wait until tomorrow.

In the morning, the group awoke, having slept pretty well, despite the incident. “Good morning, Fletcher.” Dinky greeted him with a smile, looking on the watch on the wall. It was 8 AM. They all wondered if this was correct due being at sea.

The door opened and the Captain with some crew members walking in, bringing them bread and juice for breakfast. “Good morning, I hope you could rest well.” The Captain said with a voice that showed how sorry he felt for them.

“Thank you, Captain.” His guests enjoyed their breakfast to the fullest.

After having finished, Captain Steinhaus asked politely, “May I ask what your names are?”

The stallion took the word. “I’m Fletcher Fray and those are Dinky Hooves, Katja and Blau Streifen.” He then told the captain and his men why they were here and what his task was.

“I’m terribly sorry to hear that, Children. You already have been through a lot.” The officer sounded guilty and regretting. “Yet…It is true what I have heard.”

“What do you mean?” the filly asked confused.

“Well, your presence is well known in Africa, I may be a U-boat Captain but even I heard about you four.” Lars explained.

It sounded stupid to ask but the young colt couldn’t help himself. “Why did you rescue us?”

“I am abattle-hardened veteran but still could never live with myself letting children drown in the cold sea. As for you Mr. Fray, can’t leave their only possibility to get home behind, can I?” He asked him.

“I guess you have a point. We all owe you something.” The Eternal Knight was grateful.

“You owe me nothing, it’s a matter of honor and respect of the maritime law, regardless what the admiral orders.” His guests could tell that he was a good-hearted and sympathetic sea veteran. “Anyway, what about a tour of the boat for the start of the day?” He offered with a smile.

“I wouldn’t mind that, sounds interesting.” Dinky grinned.

“Sounds like a good idea.” Her 2 friends said in union, also grinning.

“Sure, why not.” Fray also didn’t mind it.

“Okay, Boatswain Weber, get to it.” Lars ordered an officer next to him, having brown hair with matching eyes.

“Yes, sir. Follow me.” Weber saluted and the guests did as told.

The man led them to a storage room where several long cylinders were stored. “Here, we’re maintain and store the torpedoes.” He explained the other crew members greeted them friendly.

“Come on, follow me.” Weber pointed to a door in the wall to their right. “That’s the bathroom for the entire crew. We actually got a second one but that’s full of provisions.”

“Well, sometimes you have to sacrifice something to gain a better thing.” Fray commented on it.

Right next to it was a small bench, making it look like a small living room. “Here’s the chief petty officer’s quarters. My second home. And the war room is right next to it.”

“You have it really cozy here.” Blau Streifen liked it.

“Indeed. This is the radio room and hydrophone shack.” Weber told the guests as he came to a ladder, the same they had used to get in. “The control room, the boat’s command post.” He posed proudly against the periscope before moving through a small hatch, Fletcher banged his horn on it due the narrowness. “You okay?” The Boatswain asked with concern.

“No worries. I don't think anyone built this to accommodate a unicorn.” The stallion replied as he moved through without hitting his horn, coming to several bunks, 2 crewmembers were sleeping.

“Wake up, you two. We’ve got company.” The man said and they woke up, smiling at their guests.

“Good morning.” They greeted friendly.

“Morning.” Katja replied politely.

“This is where the petty officers bunk. 12 men sleep here. It means two men have to share a bunk. One sleeps while the other’s on duty. And if you don’t mind, could you stay still for a moment, so my friend can take your measurements? For life vests and escape sets, safety first.”

None of them minded it, better safe than sorry.

Weber led them to the end of the corridor to a steel door. “This is our galley.” Then he pointed to the door. “And here’s Hannes, our ghost.”

“Who?” Dinky asked confused.

The navy soldier opened the door and the loud sound of engines greeted their ears, seeing the engine room and another man in officer uniform checking them, having his back to them. “Well, Hannes. Everything in order?” Weber yelled due the noise, Hannes turned around, having green eyes and blond hair, smiling at his comrade.

“Ah, before I forget, the Captain has planned a practice drill for today, so don’t be scared when the alarm goes off.” Weber warned.

“Thanks for the information.” Fletcher replied, the kids nodded.

They helped the crew to carry supplies around, seeing it as a way to repay them for being saved from drowning.

In the command room, a young officer asked, “Permission to come up?”

“Yes.” One of the officers keeping watch on the tower replied and the crewman climbed the ladder up.

“Alarm!” The same officer yelled, causing the crewman to fall the ladder down. “Stand by, main vents!” The crew did as told, waiting no time, their guests knew what would come know. “Starboard exhaust valve! All men forward!”

The crew members sprinted to their posts. “Come on! Come on! Up! Up! Up! Faster, faster! Keep going! I wanna see steam out of your butts! In case you didn’t know, it’s an alarm! You’re not a pleasure cruise! Get into diving positions!” One officer yelled orders to the men.

The stallion and children also went into position, better get to know the routine.

As the U-boat dived into the water, one of the officers started to grin. “April, April. Practice makes perfect. Don’t get rusty.”

“Practice drill.” Weber laughed.

“Take her down. Let’s see how the valves and seals hold up.” One officer said to the Chief Engineer who gave the order further.

“Bow plans down 15, stern up 10.”

Fletcher and the kids looked on the depth gauge, the green area ended at 90 meters, the yellow area was from 100 to 160 meters and the red area ended at 260 meters. The needle was at 90 meters.

“The shipyard rates a boat to 90 meters. But of course, we can go deeper.” Weber explained to his guest, a groan echoed through the boat, causing the kids to hug Fletcher for comforting as they got nervous.

“Of course, there’s a limit. We can only take so pressure before the boat…” He pressed his hands together. “…will be crushed.” This made Dinky hope the crew knew what they were doing as the needle reached 120 meters in the yellow area.

“Check hull valves.” The officer ordered.

Weber leaned over to Fletcher as the groaning continued. “The pressure.”

“Yeah, sure.” It made even him a bit nervous.

“Deeper.” The crew got ordered by their superior. “140 meters. She must take this depth. 150. 160 meters.” The officer watched the depth gauge before a deep groan caused him to flinch.

The Chief engineer grinned at him, tipping his cap. “That’ll do for now. Surface.”

The children let out a relieved sigh after this was over, not expecting that it would be so exiting.

After the drill, they continued to carry supplies to where they needed, Dinky noticed a crewmember writing a letter in his bunk. “Your friend?” She asked friendly.

The man, having brown hair and green eyes replied, “Yes. I’m engaged with a French woman. Unofficially.” He showed her and her friends a picture, showing a young woman smiling.

“She looks very nice. What’s wrong?” The filly asked upon seeing that the German was worried.

“She’s pregnant. If the Resistance ever finds out that she has a German baby…I’ve told her, but…She wants to have it.”

The unicorn understood what he meant. “I see. A difficult time but still congratulations, Mr.…”

The man smiled. “Thomas, Dinky and thank you. If you don’t mind me asking, Mr. Fray, do you have a girlfriend?”

“Well, yes but not in a romantically way, just friends. White Wolf, a Pegasus mare, caring but can be very unpleasant if you harm somepony close to her. I couldn’t ask for a better friend than her and Midnight Blade. Good luck with your fiancée, Thomas.”

“Thank you.”

At noon, Fletcher, Dinky, Katja and Blau got invited to lunch by the Captain. “I hope you don’t mind the sauerkraut, due having a long shelf life and being source of vitamins B, C, and K, it’s very good for long sea journeys like we do.”

“It’s fine, we’re happy to have something in our stomachs.” Katja took a bite of her bread, enjoying her meal despite the sour taste of the cabbage, her brother couldn’t complain, enjoying it too, Dinky and Fletcher were no exception.

The radio hat the daily news, praising the navy for sinking several British ships, causing Steinhaus to comment, “So we are bleeding the enemy, aren’t we?”

“Takes a sharp knife to bleed a whole country dry. Especially if it's Britain.” Fletcher added, the navy members all looked at him. “What? Have you seen how rainy it is in Britain?” They continued to look for a minute before laughing.

The news changed to a taunting speech of the Führer about the Prime Minister.

“Our masters in Berlin spend all their time finding Churchill clever new nicknames. What’s their latest creation?” Lars thought for a moment. “Drunken pig. Fat-ball. Paralytic. I must say, for a drunken paralytic, he’s putting up a damn good fight.”

“Boars tend to do that. One thing they are is territorial. Even the fat ones.” Fletcher took a sip of his drink.

“You’ll see. We’ll cut the swine to shreds. That is my firm belief.” The 1st Watch Officer said, being a by-the-book officer.

The Captain leaned over. “Listen to me, smart guy. He’s a long way from shreds, Mr. Churchill. I’d like to know how many of his ships are getting through us right now, while we sit on our behinds waiting for orders. Our patrol planes, where are they? Answer that one, Herr Goering. The British has plenty of them.”

He took a sip of his tee. “Talking big is he’s good for, that fat slob.” He sounded disappointed, showing also he was openly against the Führer’s believe, and embittered and cynical about the war. “Big heroes. Nothing but hot air. All of them.”

The Führer could be heard talking about how the Germans had been always superior against everyone else, which confused the young unicorn. “I don't get why some ponies or people have to think they're supreme. What's wrong with just being good at different things. If you're good at everything...what else is there to learn?”

“One of the many things you'll never hear answered on that damn radio.” Steinhaus replied before he smiled. “Music we need. Think our number one might put on a record on for us?” He asked, looking at the 1st Watch officer.

The young officer stood up to turn on the music. “The ‘Tipperary’ song, if you have no objections!” Lars called out then chuckled with his fellow officers and the music started to play.

As the crew started to sing, the Eternal Knight and children joined them, enjoying the song, the 1st Watch officer came back with an unpleasant expression. “A simple record won’t make you into the king of England, number one.” Lars said to him.

“I'm sure I heard some ponies singing something like this in Shireland.” Fray commented as the song was somehow familiar to him.

After the song was over, the 4 guests stayed with the officers in the chief petty officer’s quarters as the day was quiet, Fray noticed that the Chief Engineer was looking at some photos. “Must be snowing back home.” He mumbled as the Captain took a look.

“Very funny. It’s been years since I’ve seen snow.” Lars grinned at it.

“Can I look?” Fletcher asked politely the Chief Engineer.

“Sure.” He gave him the photo, it showed the Oberleutnant with a woman in the snow during what appeared to be a skiing vacation.

“Your wife?” The stallion asked, having to smile at the photo, the German nodded.

The kids smiled at it too. “That reminds me of something. Once Pipsqueak got his tongue stuck on a pole, fortunately, I and Tootsie could help him with a bowl of warm water and a towel to get him free painlessly.” Dinky told them all.

“Poor little guy, I had how uncomfortable this is, happened to me once.” Blau Streifen commented.

“We are en route to La Rochelle, our home port. I recommend you 4 get of board once we arrive.” The Captain said to his guests.

“A good idea, Captain Steinbach.” Fletcher agreed, the children would be safer that way.

“Please, as my guests you don’t have to be so formal to me, Lars is just fine.”

“Say, Fletcher do you know, Mau-Mau?” Dinky asked with glee.

He grinned. “Of course I do, I love that card game!”

And so in the cabin of Steinhaus, they played cards to pass the time, having fun.

While playing, they overheard how the crew chatted about their plans once they would return home, the men looked forward it.

“Now hear this. La Rochelle’s out. Sorry. We’ve orders to a new port of destination. La Spezia. That’s an Italian naval base in the Mediterranean. First we’ll pick up fuel and supplies at Vigo in Spain. That’s all.” Steinhaus informed via the intercom.

Now the group could hear how the crew complained about it, that their Christmas was ruined.

“I feel sorry for them, they really earned a break.” The young colt commented with sympathy.

“Sadly, this happens a lot during war times. I can’t count how many times I had got crushed my earned breaks during the civil war.” Fletcher knew that feeling only too well.

As the evening ruled the sky, the Captain watched the sunset, his guests joined them. “You wanted to see us?” Fletcher asked as he leaned in the railing, enjoying the sunset with the children.

“Yes. When we reach Vigo, you go ashore, Fletcher. You all and the Chief. I’ve already made the decision. I’ve got to find me a replacement for the chief. Our agents will smuggle you out of Spain somehow. Dressed up as gypsies for instance. It’s all been settled. It’s easier to get a group out than a single man. We have agents that bring you out. I really believe the chief needs a break. He must go home.”

“Thank you for your hospitality.” The 3 friends thanked the veteran.

He smiled warmly. “Your welcome. Being onboard a U-boat is considered one of the most dangerous jobs in the military and I don’t want to engager your lives longer than necessary. The sooner you get ashore, the better.”

As they got back into the U-boat, Fletcher talked with Thomas. “We leave when the U-boat reaches Virgo. If you like, we can deliver your mail for you.”

“Yeah, that would be great!” Thomas gave Fletcher his letters. “There’s quite a bunch of them here.”

“Well, it’s quite a romance, isn’t it?” Fletcher asked with a slight smile, it had been the idea of the children, Thomas nodded in response.

As the U-boat reached Vigo in the late evening, it had become night, the crew led it’s guests to the SS Weser, an interned German merchant ship.

As the doors got opened, the stallion and his young friends, as well as the crew was quite surprised to see an opulent dinner prepared for them in an elegant dining room.

The crew of the Weser warmly greeted them. “Gentlemen. Three cheers on our gallant U-boat men.” The Weser’s Captain said as he walked up to Fletcher who stood next to Lars, shaking his hoof. “You are most welcome, captain lieutenant. I guess you have an interest in the Green Knight, since you’re well-made costume looks like him?”

It was awkward for the unicorn, Blau Streifen suppressed a giggle. “No, no. Please. Not me, this is the commander.” He pointed to Lars.

“My apologies, sir. I…A pleasure to have you onboard the Weser, captain lieutenant.” Lars and the Weser’s captain did a handshake. “A hero. I’m delighted to be so honored.” He turned to his men. “Gentleman, here they stand, our heroes of the deep. The Grey Wolves.” He shook the hands of the U-Boat crew. “Our humble ship is honored, on a momentous occasion such as this is. Captain, lead the way.”

He led Steinbach to the table, the other members of the Weser’s screw shook hands with the rest of the U-boat crew. “Welcome onboard.”

“Nice clean tugboat you have here.” The Chief Engineer commented.

“So here are we, captain. As you can see, we’ve done what we can in our modest way. I hope it’s to your taste. Quite a table. Just like home. Fresh bread, cakes from the ship’s bakery, a bit of fruit, fresh sausage, our chef’s specialty. Well, we’re waiting to hear your news. Can’t imagine what it means to us.” The captain of the merchant ship wanted to know.

“It isn’t easy here, despite what people say. It’s very frustrating. Sure, there’s plenty to eat. Fuel supply’s no problem. Torpedoes are tricky though. Very tricky. Never mind. You’re all set up.” He assured Steinbach. “The Spaniards tolerate us, but you couldn’t call them enthusiastic.” He told Lars before offering biscuits. “Christmas Stollen. Now, tell us, how many ships have you sunk? Now, let’s see. I guess about…”

A crewman brought the champagne, interrupting the conversation. “Oh, champagne. How forgetful of me. Take a glass. Gentlemen, raise your glasses. Drink to our heroes. We’re proud of you. To the German U-boat service, and to our beloved…” One of his men cleared his throat. “Oh, yes. We’re not exactly at home, if you understand what you mean. Toast. All the best.” They all clinked classes, the children had lemonade instead. “And now, plenty for everyone. Come on.”

Fletcher enjoyed some bread and fruits, the kids enjoyed the cake.

“Now tell us all about it, captain. Continue. We’re bursting with curiosity. And who are your friends?” The Captain of the Weser asked.

“Castaways we saved. As for the hunt…This time we very nearly had it.” Steinbach replied in an emotionless voice, felling uncomfortable about it.

“See, gentlemen, that’s the stuff heroes are made of.” The commander of the Weser told his men, as a man wearing a brown coat with matching hat walked it.

“Herr Hambrecht, we’ve been expecting you. Captain, over here. Hello. Representative of our naval attaché here.” The Weser Captain introduced him to Lars.

“Hello, Captain. I have news for you from Berlin.” The envoy gave him an envelope. “First, the documents for the breakthrough. And then…” he reached for a note, “this came for you.”

Lars read it, not happy about what it said. “Chief. Fletcher, Children.” They knew what he meant, joining him. “We are going for some fresh air.” The U-Boat Captain said to his hosts.

Outside he informed the Chief and guests. “Denied. Our request has been denied, Chief. There’s no replacement.” Lars hated it to disappoint him.

“I guess it’s just well. Who knows what kind of idiot they’d sent you. One of those newfound warriors who’s all wind and smoke.” Weber saw it from the bright side.

“Could be right.” Lars replied at Weber’s word, it might be better that way.

“What about us?” Katja wanted to know.

Steinbach had an unpleasant expression. “Well, you can go offshore by HQ but since Spain is neutral, you have to go offshore either on German soil or one of its allies. Which means, you also have to stay. I’m sorry.” He told them with regret.

The young friends let out a sigh. “And I thought we could see a bit of Spain.” Dinky was a bit sad, then smiled weakly. “But on the bright side, we can enjoy your company a bit longer.”

“Indeed.” The veteran replied, hoping everything would go well.

After that, Fletcher and the children helped to carry the supply onboard the U-boat. “Hurry up, get this chart table cleared. I can’t navigate on bananas.” The navigator demanded as bananas covered his work place.

The guests followed the Chief Engineer to Thomas, stopping at the depth controls. “Are you crazy? Get that fruit out of here. Move it! The depth controls must stay free.”

As they moved on, the Engineer asked a crewman, “Is that a Christmas tree?”

“What do you think it is, camouflage for the bridge?” His comrade countered.

“We’re staying onboard. We’re sorry, Thomas.” Fletcher gave the letters back, regretting it to disappoint him.

Thomas said nothing, he just nodded sad.

They then watched as the captain looked at the map, analyzing the enemy defenses. “Seven miles from coast to coast. Bit narrow, huh? Here, the British dockyards. The only ones the British have in the western Mediterranean. So they are very heavily defended. The place will be crawling with patrol boats. Anything that floats will be in the water. And this is where we have to go. That’s the situation.” He turned to his men. “We’ll move in under darkness. On the surface. We’ll see if we can slip through their cordon. As near to Gibraltar as we can get.” He stroked his beard, thinking.

“Then we dive and let ourselves drift through. A simple trick, we allow the surface current to pull us through the strait. Quiet as a shadow and we burn less fuel.”

“Clever trick, Captain.” Fletcher commented due his experience, liking it.

“Glad to hear it. Since it’s getting late, you and your young friends should catch some sleep, but have the escape gear ready, just in case.”

The colt saluted playfully. “Yes, sir!”

And so, it begun in the cover if the night. While the children were sleeping peacefully, Fletcher couldn’t fall asleep, being afraid how he could get them out of here if the U-boat got discovered and attacked.

The Captain and the navigator stayed on the bridge to give orders. Lars looked through his binoculars, seeing many British ships. “That’s half the British fleet out there.” His navigator spotted a destroyer in the distance but he was heading away.

“That’s good.” He then spotted another destroyer heading in their direction. “Right full rudder! All ahead full! Be quick!” He shouted down to his men. “Damn! Damn!” Lars cursed before calling out, “Navigator.” He pointed into the distance. “Gibraltar.” The coast was in sight, everything went well so far.

Fletcher watched nervously the watch, it was 11PM now. Maybe, I worry too much, if everything is going well so far, it means we almost made it.

“Alarm!” Steinbach exclaimed down as a British fighter plane opened fire on the U-boat.

An explosion tore the children out of their sleep. While startled by it, they wasted no time to get their escape gear on, Fletcher too.

“Don’t dive! The captain’s still on top! Don’t dive!” One crewmember yelled.

“Navigator wounded!” Another yelled, Fray rushed into the control room, seeing that the navigator was bleeding from his left shoulder, helping he medic to treat him.

“Stand by escape gear! Ready to abandon ship!” Lars ordered. “Both engines, maximum power! Hard, starboard!”

Explosions were all around the U-boat as it came under heavy fire. “Faster! Faster!” Steinbach yelled down.

“Chief to captain, we have to stop port engine!”

“Maintain full power, chief! All the power you got! All the power you got!”

“What is he doing?” Katja asked one crewmember.

“Due south. Heading directly for the African coastline.”

Realizing that the enemy fire was too much, Lars cursed, “Damn it! Damn it!” There was only one possibility left. “Flood!”

“Ready to dive! All hands forward!” The 1st Watch officer yelled, the kids wasted no time to get into position.

The crew followed the orders of the captain.

“Bow planes are in action!”

“Switch to manual!”

“The bow plane is jammed! It's on a dive! Two crewmembers tried to turn it without success, even the Knight tried it with all his strength, in vain.

“All engines stop!” An officer ordered. “All men go aft! All hands aft! All hands aft!” The crew did as told, the kids were still in shock from the explosions above.

“Auxiliary pumps out of action!”

“With air!” The Chief Engineer turned the circular handle by the officer's orders. It had no effect.

“We're still going down.” Fletcher started to sweat.

“We've got to lose some weight!” The Captain said to the engineer.

“Pump out 1000 liters!” the officer added. But the problems became more.

“Main ballast pump out of action!” a crewman reported.

"Permission to blow?” The Chief asked Lars.

“Both engines hard to stern full!”

“Hard to stern full.” the crewman repeated as he pulled the switches.

“No effect.” The needle of the depth gauge was now in the yellow area.

“Blow!” The captain shouted, the Crew engineer did as told.

“Stay put. Now. Now! Stay put now!” The officer pleaded in Despair, sweating as the depth gauge was almost in the red area.

“For Luna's sake, come on!” The Knight pleaded in Despair, trembling, sweating.

“Oh, god!” the officer exclaimed, as the depth gauge reached the red area. “We can't hold the boat."

Dinky, Blau, Katja and Fletcher flinched by a bang, as the pressure was high. More bangs followed.

“My god.” Lars was shocked upon seeing the depth gauge.

“By Luna's moon.” Even Fletcher Fray was shocked as he saw how deep they were.

The U-boat hit something hard, causing them to fall over and the lights went out, Blau Streifen caught Dinky out of instinct, both blushed as he helped her up.

The Captain breathed slowly yet heavily. “A shovelful sand. The merciful God's left a shovelful of sand to keep us up.”

A small light filled the corridors. "Fletcher, are you alright?” Dinky asked as she and her friends came in, using her horn as flashlight.

“I'm fine.” He lit his horn up to look at the depth gauge. His expression was horrified.

“Oh my...” Dinky's horn went out, her face became pale as well as her friends as they saw it too.

280 meters.

Author's Note

Let's hope the lord has mercy on their souls. Inspired/based on the movie Das Boot.

Chapter 12 Deep below

Chapter 12: Deep below

280 meters below the sea. 280. The children couldn’t believe what they saw, wishing the depth gauge was wrong.

This must be a bad dream! This can’t be happening! The young unicorn thought in shock, not able to believe her eyes.

Her 2 friends had the same thought, staring at the depth gauge, wanting to believe that this wasn’t reality, just a dream or their imagination.

Fletcher breathed heavily, trying to process this, that they were trapped deep in the sea, with no point of escape. This U-boat could become their grave, something he didn’t wanted to imagine.

Lars shined a flashlight at the depth gauge to get a better view. “280 meters. And she’s still in one piece.” Even he wasn’t able to believe this, stunned that his U-boat wasn’t already crushed by the pressure.

The Chief Engineer and Hannes checked the engine, they were also stunned to be still alive. “It’s a miracle we aren’t dead yet.” Hannes said with a shaken voice.

Suddenly, several pipes burst and water leaked in. “Torpedo hatch taking water! The Torpedo hatch is taking water!” He shouted.

In the entire U-boat, more pipes burst. “Motor room’s taking water now, right-“ Another pipe bust above the crewman, cutting him off.

“Captain, taking water!” Another crewmember yelled.

It was for much for the young children they broke completely down. “I don’t wanna die! I don’t wanna die!” Dinky screamed in panic.

“Mama!” The siblings exclaimed.

Fletcher couldn’t blame them, they were still young, their minds weren’t able to take this, he had probably reacted the same had he been in their place as colt. Right now, he had to calm them down.

“Children, calm-“ He wasn’t able to finish as a pipe above bust, water rained on him like a waterfall into the face, he covered it, to no avail.

He never imagined that his death would be to drown in a downed U-boat, the water pinned him down, unable to move.

“Come on, come on!” Dinky’s voice sounded as the water became less, allowing him to uncover himself, seeing how she and her friends tried to stop the leaks, he wasted no time to do the same.

“What do you need?” Steinbach asked one of his men.

“Some timber for sawing.”

“It’s in the bow compartment.”

“I need a wrench, damn it!” The Chief Engineer cursed.

“Give me damage reports.” The captain demanded.

“Water coming in around the peripheral.” Hannes yelled.

“Where are the tools?!” The chief asked him as Blau Streifen carried the tool box with his sister to him, Dinky and Fletcher tried to seal or slow down leaks with their magic, so the crew had more time.

“Main motor switchboard’s out of action. Engine room completely wrecked.” Hannes reported to the captain.

“I want some proper damage reports!” Lars shouted at his crew.

“We can’t stop the flooding!” A crewman shouted desperate.

“If saltwater gets in the bearings, we’ve had it.” Another commented.

“Where’s the most damage?” Lars asked the Chief Engineer.

“The shaft stomping boxes, below the decoy.”

“Check damage at number-two battery. Quickly!” He ordered 2 other crewmen.

“Toolbox to the engine room! Hurry up!” The siblings quickly carried it where it was needed.

“There’s a leak in the cooling system!”

Dinky and Fletcher just helped Lars to stop a leak as the Chief Engineer reported to him. “We’re taking water very fast. The two hull valves burst. The mast’s only water system blocked. And on top of that, compressors are dislodged. Shaft stomping box has begun to leak, sir.”

“Damn it. What about fuel leaks? Any tanks been punctured?”

“Can’t tell yet.”

“What else, Chief?”

“The battery cells, many of them have cracked. How many, I don’t know.”

“Fletcher, Dinky, help to check on the battery cells.” He ordered, they nodded.

The stallion checked for acid with a dipstick. “Look’s it’s red. Acid in the bilge. Someone get lime. Quickly!” The chief yelled, Dinky did as told. “See how many cells have cracked.”

Fray checked the batteries, the result was not good. “Twenty-four cells have cracked.”

“God almighty. What a mess.” The Chief couldn’t believe it, then went down to the cells.

“He’s got to bridge all the live cells. It’s our only chance.” The 1st Watch officer hoped it would work. “Without batteries, we’ve had it.”

“The water is up to the torpedo pipe. It’s still rising.” Hannes reported.

The chief came back up. “Wire. I need wire to bridge them. Thick wire!” The crew searched but couldn’t find any.

“We got plenty of fancy torpedoes, all right? Each one for 25,000 mark. But no damn wire. All they forgot is 50 pennies worth of old wire.” Lars complained as the 1st Watch officer reported. “Now what?”

“Captain, the draining pump’s jammed. Won’t even extend manually.”

“That’s great.” Steinbach deadpanned.

“Captain!” Katja and Blau Streifen exclaimed. “We got some wire!”

“Terrific! Better than nothing.”

“Captain.” Hannes reported, looking pretty exhausted. “All the leaks have been stopped, sir.”

Lars smiled. “Good, Hannes. That’s good.” He putted a hand on his shoulder. “Now change your wet things, man.”

As all the leaks were stopped, the next step had to be made. “We must get rid of the water. There has to be a way. Into the control bilge, and then outside.” He said and the crew, along Fletcher, Dinky, Katja and Blau formed a bucket Brigade for this task.

“How does it look now?” Lars asked the Chief for a status report.

“Almost finished. Three cells to go, sir.”

After the bucket Brigade was done, the 1st Watch officer gave a damage report. “Captain. All of our compasses are out of action. And we may have lost sounding gear too. And radio contact sees dead.”

“First-rate condition.” Lars knew this was bad.

“Do you think we still have a chance sir?”

Steinbach thought for a moment. “Good question. A bit of air must be still in the ballast tanks, from the blowing. It could help us. If we use every ounce of high-pressure air that’s left…We’ll try. The boat has to be light. We’ve got to get the water out. We must.”

Hannes and the chief talked with the officers about it. “It could just work. By hand into the trimming tanks, then with ballast pump and high-pressure air, we could force the water out.” The chief was optimistic about it.”

“The ballast pump?” Lars asked.

“We’re fixing it.”

“Then we gamble on one card. One blast and…”

“There won’t be a second chance.”

“When?”

“When all repairs are completed. In about eight hours, sir.”

“CO-2 percent?”

“1.8 percent.”

“Will the oxygen last?”

“No.”

“Escape sets for all men that are working. Crew off watch, turn in.”

“Aye, aye, sir.”

Fletcher and the kids walked to him, looking very exhausted and wet but they didn’t care. “Is there anything else we can do?” Dinky asked, ready to help.

“You’re worked hard enough, get some rest. You all did a great job. Put on your escape sets.” He smiled at them.

“Thank you, sir.” The Eternal Knight and children thanked, going to their bunks, resting.

Fray woke up after some time, seeing that a few hours had passed, the kids were sleeping peacefully. He got up, looking at them with sympathy. “Dinky, Blau, Katja, I promise you won't die in here. This won't be your grave, I will make sure you will not die 280 meters under water.” He couldn’t help himself but stroking gently Dinky’s mane before noticing the Chief Engineer, sitting depressed with his head lowered in his bunk.

The Chief breathed heavily, looking at Fletcher. “They were crazy ordering us through the strait. It was bound to go wrong. He knew it. The old man, he knew it. From the moment the radio signal had come through, he realized the risk. That’s the reason he ordered us ashore at Vigo. He knew there was little hope. He wanted you and the children to be spared from this.” The crewman took a sip from a bottle of water. “He tried to fool us. ‘Quite simple,’ he said. ‘An easy trick.’ Dive and drift with the current, and…” He paused for a minute. “Quite a clever trick. But it has to work.”

“Do you think we ever get out of this?” The Eternal Knight wanted to know.

“I really don’t know.” The Chief Engineer replied, stood up and left.

Fray went back into his bunk, falling asleep, yet prayed they would get out of this.

After another few hours, he woke up again as someone entered, it was the Captain who had a guilty expression. “I’m sorry I got you into this.”

“I don’t blame you, you did what you could. Do you think its hopeless now?”

“It’s been 15 hours. I’m sorry.” Lars told with regret.

If even the Captain had lost hope, that the situation was very bad, Fray knew it. Yet, he had been in many situations that seemed hopeless and he had survived them. So why shouldn’t he survive this too? He still had faith that he and the children would make it.

The Chief Engineer joined them. “Situation report, sir. Motors in order. The ballast pump clear. Accumulated water can now be pumped into trimming tanks, then outward with high-pressure air. Compasses in order. Echo sounder clear.”

That pleased Steinbach. “Good, chief. Good, good. Go and take a rest now.”

“Just a few small problems left, sir.” The chief left.

The unicorn smiled, there was still a chance that they could get out of here, Lars breathed heavily. “You have to have good men. Good men, all of them.”

Later the crew and it’s guests waited for the end results. “All right, now listen, men. We’re going to blow out the water, and see if we can get our rear out of the sand. If we make it to the surface, it could still get pretty rough. Traffic’s heavy up there. There’s only one thing left. Then we pray the engines start, so we can get out of this mess. Get out of the funnel, and straight home. If we make it, It’s half a bottle of bear for each crewmember and lemonade for our guests.” This earned him a smile from the 3 young friends, the Green Knight appreciated it too.

“There’s one thing on our side. They won’t be expecting us. Well, men, all set?”

“Aye, aye, sir.” They all replied.

“Surface contacts?” He asked the sonar controller.

“Nothing new, captain.”

“Get ready to surface. Stand by escape gear. Switch onto red light.” Lars ordered, his crew did as told. “Let her blow.” The Chief turned the handle.

They all watched anxious the depth gauge, the needle twitched but wasn’t moving.

A metallic groan could be heard, then the U-boat rumbled for a second. Please work, please work, please work! Dinky prayed for the best.

The groaning continued, the needle twitched, then it slowly moved up.

“She’s rising!” They all cheered in relief and enthusiasm.

“Easy, men, easy.” Lars calmed everyone down, not wanting to be caught by sound.

“270 meters. 260 meters. 250 meters. 240 meters. 230 meters. 220 meters.” The chief watched the depth gauge, Dinky, Katja and Blau Streifen hugged Fletcher with happy smiles, very glad they would make it, he returned it, barely able to believe his own eyes.

Steinbach opened the hatch, climbing up. “Startup engines?” The Chief asked him.

“Both main engines.”

“Well, this is it, boys.” the chief said, walking to the engine room, Hannes made the final checks, grapping the lever to start them, looking at the Chief. “Yeah.” With that as answer, he pulled the lever.

With a hiss, the engines rumbled for a second, then came fully to life. “I think…they’re running. I think they’re running!” He exclaimed in enthusiasm.

“Well, who says that jam gives no strength!” The Chief laughed.

“They’re running! They’re running!” The crew exclaimed overjoyed.

“Yes.” The Chief added, not able to believe their luck.

The Captain and his number one, were watching out for allied ships. “They won’t catch us this time! Not this time!” Lars exclaimed confident as a wave plashed into his face.

“Keep going and bring us back! That’s an order!” Hannes yelled at the engines.

Another wave hit the bride, some water splashed into the command room, on the kids and Fletcher, they didn’t minded it, they were happy about it. “Gee, that’s good!” Dinky exclaimed in glee.

“They haven’t spotted us! They’re all snoring in their bunks. You know what?” Steinbach asked the 1st Watch officer. “They’re drinking in the bar, celebrating our sinking! Not yet, kameraden! Not yet!” He called out into the night.

In the next morning, the crew and its guest happily sung Long Way to Tipperary.

“Here’s to home!” One crewmember said a toast.

“Here’s to home!” the other cheered in union.

Fletcher and the children lay in their bunks, resting, yet happy they would be soon ashore.

“Let’s pray the engines hold out. With a bit of luck, Heinrich, we’ll make it back home.” They heard Lars speaking to his solar controller, also very relieved that they had made it.

Pale and weary, the crew and it’s guests reached La Rochelle, a band played music as the U-boat drove into the port. “The 3rd Submarine Flotilla welcomes it’s comrades!” A crowd of high ranking navy officers saluted the U-boat, others threw flowers at the U-boat.

“Both engines stop! Stern line out!” Lars ordered. After the U-boat came to a stop at the berth, Fletcher and the children got ashore, helping to bring the wounded navigator to a waiting ambulance.

As the ambulance brought the navigator away, they saw a navy officer in trench coat walking over to the U-boat as an air raid siren sounded.

“Incoming!” Someone shouted as Allied planes came into view, bombing and strafing the facilities, Fletcher and the kids sprinted to the U-boat bunker, bullets and explosions all round them.

As they made it into the bunker an intercom sounded, “Gun crew 3, man your stations at once.”

Dinky, Katja and Blau hugged Fletcher for comfort, he returned it to calm them down, the explosions and screams of the wounded were disturbing, the bunker rumbled from the explosions, some crew members managed to get in too.

It went on for what seemed like hours before there was silence.

Slowly, they leaved the bunker, getting greeted by death and destruction, destroyed or damaged buildings, fires, burning trucks, many of the crew were dead or wounded.

To their horror, they saw that Thomas, the 2nd Watch officer and Hannes were also along the casualties, their bodies lifeless lying in the debris.

What they saw next was shocking as well as tragic.

Lars was grabbing a pole, badly injured by shrapnel, watching his U-boat slowly sinking at the dock.

In the moment the U-boat disappeared under the water, Steinbach collapsed.

Author's Note

A dramatic ending for the movie but not for the story.

Chapter 13 Cursed sands

Chapter 13: Cursed sands

Dinky, Katja and Blau Streifen stared in shock, the man who had saved them and tried to keep them alive was dead, the U-boat they had repaired to get home destroyed.

“He hasn’t deserved this….” Dinky sniffed, tears leaving her eyes, wrapping her forelegs around Fletcher, her friends hid the same.

He tried to comfort them. “Sadly, this is how it is in war times. But, he will be always alive in our hearts.” Fletcher spoke with a comforting voice, having respected Steinbach.

It took a few minutes for the children to calm down. “You’re right, in our hearts, they will be always alive.” Dinky wiped a tear out of her eye, walking over to Thomas’ body, looking for his letters. They were still intact. “Let’s send them, he had wanted it so.”

The others nodded, walking to the post office, which was undamaged by the attack.

After the letters were submitted, Blau asked, “What should we do now?”

Fray thought for a second, his injuries were mostly healed but with Quince looking for them, he couldn’t bring the kids to Equestria. Maybe, bring them back to Konrad’s wife and children but with Quince being able to rise the dead, it might be too dangerous to leave them alone.

“There you are! After I saw the allied planes I feared the worst.” To their surprise, they saw Konrad joining them.

“Konrad? What are you doing here?” Katja asked, “Shouldn’t you be in Africa?”

“Well, yes, but after I heard that Steinbach saved you out of the water, Linus said I should pick you up once you would arrive. Pity about Lars thought, I never knew him personally but he was one of the best U-boat captains in the entire navy.” He told with sympathy.

“Good to know. If you allow, I have enough magic to use the teleport spell I used to get to the train station, that way, we save time.” Fletcher offered.

“Go ahead.” The private said and the unicorn lit his horn up, the group vanished in a white light.

In a few seconds, they were at Tobruk, seeing how soldiers loaded trucks with supplies and equipment. “Here we are, end of the line.” The Eternal Knight announced.

“Just in time, I was expecting you.” Linus greeted them. “Due the defeat at El Alamein, we abandon Tobruk and retreat to our bases in Libya. My squad unfortunately got reassigned to assist the SS troops in Ras el-Hadid.” He told with displease.

“Just great.” Fletcher deadpanned, the kids nodded in fear.

“Get in, I’ll explain on the way.” Konrad said as he got into the back of the truck with Matteo and Hans, Willi drove.

“The SS troops at Ras el-Hadid are under the command of Axel Zornhauff, also known as ‘the Scorpion’, a ruthless man with no regards of safety for the locals or civilians in general, only caring for his men. As far as I know, he and his men are belonging to the SS Paranormal Division, looking for something in Ras el-Hadid. I’m sure the She-Bear of Krasnodar would love to get her hands on those guys.”

“Bear of…who?” Blau Streifen couldn’t made sense of it.

“Let me explain. The She-Bear of Krasnodar is a nickname from the soviets for one of their Colonels, her name is Katyusha Kallistrovich, a woman with good leadership and determination to drive us out of her home on the Eastern Front. But…” He paused to get the right words, “Her nickname doesn’t come from that, but from her brutality. If you’re a fought honorably, or are good-hearted, she repays the honor, sparing you. But if you’re a member of the SS, she makes your death slow and painful in the most unimaginable ways possible. I have heard the last SS officer that tried to defeat her…went home in a soup can.” He told with fear in his voice. “Her reputation is also well known here, we call her ‘Bloody Katya’. No offense.” He said to the young girl.

She waved a hand. “None taken.” Her voice was scared.

“I’m glad that I’m here and not on the Eastern front, I don’t want to encounter her and I think even you would have a bad time with her, Fletcher.”

While the stallion’s expression was neutral, his voice sounded slightly scared, “I have encountered many ponies that were like Katyusha and created stories similar to her about White Wolf in the war to scare enemies, so I’m not unfamiliar with such people. But thanks for the warning.”

“You’re welcome.”

“We are here.” Linus interrupted as they had reached the town, stepping out. It was an Egyptian village, about 30 SS-soldiers were in the village and strangely a few villagers, but some of them were armed with German guns.

“What’s going on?” Dinky wondered as the German squad led them into the village.

“Ras el-Hadid is a small Egyptian village, far enough from the Nile to be of little interest to the Allies, and Intelligence reports indicate that the they won't have enough forces in the region to mount an assault on this location. The village has an adequate water supply and the SS troops are confiscating food for the research team. A large portion of the inhabitants have fled to larger cities in the area and the small occupying force has little trouble subduing the locals, being authorized to use any means necessary to control the remaining local population. They live in fear. The armed locals are Egyptian Mercenaries, hired for their knowledge of the area, and keeping a watchful eye throughout the village, alerting the SS of any potential situations with the local community. Despite this, the SS doesn’t trust them.” The officer explained.

Now the kids saw that the SS soldiers were wearing red armbands on their right arms on their tan-colored uniforms, the only way to distinguish them from the regular soldiers. The SS men didn’t seem to pay attention to the children and Fletcher, having cold, emotionless faces, scaring the kids a bit. The locals strangely weren’t also paying attention to the 3 ponies, doing their daily tasks.

One of the villagers tripped, falling to the ground, dropping some water on a soldier. “Get up, now!” The SS-member shouted aggressive. The villager got up scared, trembling. “Do that again, and you’re dead.” The SS-soldier threatened with a cold voice, anger in his eyes, the villager nodded before leaving.

This upset Fletcher but he knew if he would try to interfere, he would be gunned down the moment he tried.

While the children got scared by that, Dinky asked, “Is there anything else?”

“Yes. There are ruins in close to the west end of the village, and a distant airfield lies beyond the rocky terrain of the ruins. Supplies can be ferried into the village by an access road leading from the airfield. The ruins area leads to a labyrinth of tombs, which remain largely untouched due to superstitions held by the locals, the research team is looking there for something as far as I know.” Linus explained.

He led them to a small tent, where Rommel was apparently taunting a bald SS officer with pale blue eyes that were bloodshot and had a prominent set of scars across his cheek. “You'd better take care, old friend. The Fuhrer doesn't like it when his beloved Schutzstaffel fall short of his 'ideal'. You know what'll happen then, don't you, Axel. You'll be sent to Krasnodar. Against the She-Bear.” The Field Marshal warned.

“Tch! What...Wh-what have I to fear from that ridiculous Slavic woman?” Axel countered, slightly afraid, failing to hide it.

Rommel smiled, “Quite a bit, old friend, quite a bit. And before I forget, the children are under my protection, if you or one of your men harms them, you will regret it. And the Green Knight is not to be harmed, as he is their friend, you got me?” He asked, now sounding very serious after spotting them.

“Yes, my old friend.” Axel replied in a defeated and annoyed tone.

“Gentlemen, ladies.” Rommel smiled as his soldiers, the Green Knight and children as he walked past, leaving.

The SS-Sturmbannführer turned to them, his expression neutral. “Okay, Sergeant, you and your men assist the research team in the tombs, your…friends can help too if they want, just make sure they won’t get it my way.” The man left for the tombs.

Willi chuckled. “Serves him right.”

A loud engine sound got the kids’ attention, seeing a German tank driving behind Rommel’s Halftrack, at first they thought it was a Panzer IV due the front being the same but then noticed it was far larger and the barrel longer.

“What is that?” Blau asked in awe.

“That’s the Panzer VI, called ‘Tiger’. It got designed to battle the heavy soviet tanks on the Eastern Front. Armed with the same 88mm gun we use for Anti-aircraft fire, it can destroy any allied tank and with heavy armor, their anti-tank weapons can’t damage it. I have heard that it strikes fear into the allies wherever it appears, being a true legend.” Escher explained.

The colt whistled. “It’s design alone looks frightening and deadly.”

“Indeed. Now let’s get to the tombs.” Linus said and they moved out.

The ruins were quite fascinating, seeming to be built in the time of Ancient Egypt, the walls having hieroglyphics on the walls.

It was narrow in the upper tombs, so the Rifleman switched to their sidearms, while Fletcher switched to his bow, making sure the MP40 and P08 were loaded, something told him that something bad rested down there, as the air got colder the more they advanced.

They came to a lift, seeing Axel talking to a scientist. “And, what have you found?”

“I just finished translating thehieroglyphics we discovered yesterday. I think we have located the tablets.” The scientist replied.

“And why we’re still here?” Zornhauff demanded to know, being impatient.

“It must be careful, not to disturb the tombs.” The scientist replied scared.

“The Reich doesn’t care about the tombs!”

“These writings, that they are protected by a terrible curse, only-“

“I can assure you that keeping Himmler waiting will be more terrible than any curse. Hurry, I have a plane waiting to get me back to Castle Wolfenstein.”

“As you wish.”

As they all took the lift down, the Wehrmacht soldiers, children and Eternal Knight looked at each other. A curse, could it be true what the locals had said?

In the lower tombs, they helped to carry supplies, while the scientist and SS-officer went to one of the tombs. “Open it up at once!” Axel ordered.

“But-“

“Open it!” the Scientist did as told, trembling. Inside was a skeleton, holding said tables. “Ah, Herr Himmler will be very pleased.” He attempted to grab them.

“No, you mustn’t!”

The Children were admiring the beauty of the Ancient Egypt, as the tombs started to rumble, causing them to cover their heads. “W-what just happened?” Katja asked scared.

“I don’t know.” Fletcher replied, looking around with the Germans for trouble as a terrifying scream echoed through the tombs.

“That doesn’t sound good. Let’s get out of here.” Linus suggested scared, the others nodded, slightly trembling.

They made their way back to the lift, noticing a dead SS-soldier, his body torn apart, meeting 3 other SS soldiers. “It's like a slaughter house in hier!” One of them said to his comrades.

“I know! These things are EVERYWHERE!” One of them exclaimed.

“....What are they? Where do they all come from?!” The third soldier asked.

“Don’t ask me, no one ever tells me anything!” The first one replied before more screams could be heard.

“Mein gott! Did you hear that?” One of the other SS soldiers asked.

“Ja, and I wish I hadn't!!”

“We have to get out of here, follow me back to the lift!” The second soldier said, the group followed them, only to find the lift destroyed.

“What? The lift, it’s destroyed!” Konrad couldn’t believe what he saw.

“They’re sealed us in here!” Matteo realized, not liking it as more screams echoed through the tombs.

The SS-soldiers took defensive positions, Fletcher and the Wehrmacht soldiers too, placing the scared kids behind them.

One SS soldier cocked his MP40. “Get ready! They’re coming!” It made the children wonder what he meant.

The answer was terrifying as they head a moan. 4 skeletons came from the hallway the ponies and humans had taken, in a slow, stumbling walk, having mottled, burnt-looking flesh with sickly, noxious tones, 2 of them had glowing green eyes, wearing suits of armor, armed with swords and shields, the last one was a bandaged corpse.

The soldiers opened fire, the 2 unarmed walking corpses quickly collapsed from the concentrated fire, the armed corpses ducked behind their shields, reflecting some bullets, killing one SS soldier as the bullets hit his head, blood splattered from it as he fell dead to the ground.

Realizing that bullets wouldn’t help as long as those undead warriors used their shields, Fletcher charged at them with his spear, striking them with it several times until they collapsed too.

One SS-soldier inspected the corpses. “The undead…” He then turned back to the others. “If we team up, we might have a better chance to get out of here.”

“Agreed.” Hans replied.

Suddenly Dinky shouted, Watch out!” but her warning came too late. The 2 unarmed undead stood up, one of them hit the soldier with its fist at the neck, killing him instantly as blood sprayed from it, the mummy was lunching ghostly skulls at the other 2 SS soldiers before they could react, they twitched before falling lifeless to the ground after the skulls reached them.

Konrad quickly rushed to the mummy, kicking it, causing it to disintegrate and return it to the dust from whence it came from, Fletcher hit the other undead with his spear, destroying it for good.

“Okay, kicking and attacking them with melee attacks works perfect against them, now let’s move!” Fray took the lead.

They walked past a closed gate to their left, hearing shots, seeing how a SS-member was running backwards, firing his SMG until it made only clicking sounds. “Damnit!” He screamed scared as he ran out of their view, two undead after him, then a horrible scream after they were out of view too. Willy had sympathy, the SS soldiers may be aggressive and sadistic, but even they didn’t deserve something like this.

The group walked down some stairs, deeper into the tombs, seeing an undead feasting on a dead Mercenary. Hans threw a grenade at him, destroying it.

In the moment, Matteo was about to move, the wall next to him collapsing, a zombie came through, the Italian quickly reacted with a kick, disintegrating it. “They really can come from anywhere. Watch your backs.”

Up ahead, shots followed by screams echoed through the hallways, meaning that the other trapped soldiers and mercenaries hadn’t a chance against the undead.

For some reason, Fray couldn’t help but like the MP40 due it’s easy handling, making it perfect to use down here and ammo wasn’t a problem as they moved on.

Another undead warrior broke through a wall, Fletcher took care of it, coming to what seemed to a bridge. It started to crumble as they made their way across, causing them to run making it but Dinky tripped. “Hurry, you can make it!” Blau yelled but it was too late.

The bridge collapsed, the filly screamed as it fell down. “Dinky!” Fletcher yelled down.

The young unicorn landed with a hard thud and a cry of pain on the cold stone ground. Lucky, nothing was broken, despite her body aching. “Dinky? Dinky! Please, say something!” She heard Fray calling down to her in a worried voice, meaning she hadn’t feel fallen so deep.

“I’m okay, Fletcher!” She replied.

“Thank Luna! Hang on, we-“

Another terrible groan interrupted him and shots were the last thing she heard from above.

She was scared, yet knew she had to stay calm if she wanted to be out of here alive. I must be brave. Like daddy.

The tombs she walked through weren’t any different than the tombs above. “Stand and fight, you cowards! You fear dead men?! You're a disgrace to the Aryan ra...” Zornhauff’s voice echoed through the corridors. “Oh god...Get out of my way!”

What scared the little foal the most was that one of those terrifying creatures would jump out and eat her at any moment, seeing the dead bodies, some of them, half eaten.

The way led to 2 gates, the left one was a dead end, the other one had an undead feasting on a corpse. Scared, Dinky walked backwards into the other gate, tripping over something, the corpse of a SS-officer, his luger next to him.

This had alerted the zombie, he looked in her direction, standing up, slowly stumbling towards her.

She knew she had to defend herself but she disliked killing, but there was no other choice if she didn’t wanted to end up as zombie meal. Trembling, she picked the pistol up with her magic, aiming at the zombie. She remembered seeing how it was used at El Alamein, making the same actions, then pulled the trigger.

She missed, the bullet flew past to the right of the undead, another shot flew past to his left. Then she managed to aim at his head but couldn’t bring herself to pull the trigger this time. She never wanted to kill, her father was just like her, but if she wouldn’t, she would die, so she closed her eyes, pulling the trigger.

Click.

Realizing the Luger was out of ammo, she dropped the pistol, covering her head. She was going to die, never seeing her parents and friends again. P-please remember me.

Bang!

A loud shot made her flinch, hearing how the zombie was falling into pieces. Slowly opening her eyes, she saw that Matteo had shot the undead with his rifle, the barrel smoking. “You’re okay?” He asked concerned.

“I’m- f-fine…” She replied shaken, then noticed a wet feeling between her hind legs, looking down. “I wet myself…I wet myself…”

“It’s alright. You're not the only one. That happens also to us.” The Italian replied in a try to calm her down.

“Where are the others?” She asked worried.

“Well, as you could hear, we got ambushed by a group of those things, getting separated through this labyrinth of tombs. I heard that there is another entrance at the airfield, we should go there, I’m sure the others will go there too.” He suggested.

“Okay.” She was scared, hoping the others were alright and still alive.

In another part of the tomb, Katja hoped she wouldn’t get ambushed by more of those horrible creatures. After barely escaping the group of undead with the others, she got to another corridor that collapsed, separating her from the group.

She could defend herself but knew she wouldn’t have a chance against the undead, not wanting to end up as food for them.

The corridor seemed endless as she walked through it, scared that at any moment, an undead would attack her out of nowhere, the corpses were hinting that this could happen.

Her way led to another gate, to the left was a dead end and to the right a tomb. “Guess I have to go through here, I hope it won’t be a dead end.” She spoke to herself.

Just as she had said this, a cracking noise sounded, at first faintly, then increasing, becoming louder, making her wonder of the celling would come down, covering her head as it got louder and stronger, like something was about to collapse.

The tomb next to her broke apart, a mummy came up, causing the girl to scream in fear, falling on her back, crawling backwards until she was trapped against the wall, seeing the corpse of a SS soldier next to her.

The girl never wanted to kill but knew it was now the only option to defend herself from becoming a zombie snack, grabbing the pistol in the soldier’s holster, cocking it as she had seen at El Alamein, taking aim at the mummy with a shaking hand.

The first shot missed completely, the next shot went past the mummy’s head to the left.

As Katja aimed at the Mummy’s head, she closed her eyes, not able to see what she would do now.

Click.

As the pistol was out of ammo, the girl dropped it, covering her head, making a final prayer for her parents as her life was about to end. Please don’t forget me…

Bang!

A third pistol shot startled her, hearing how the mummy fell apart into pieces, Slowly uncovering herself, she saw her brother was the one who had fired the shot, holding a Luger pistol in his mouth, his eyes filled with terror, trembling, a small yellow puddle under him. Blau Streifen took the pistol in his hoof, staring at it.

Most of the time, ponies held things with her mouths, but the magic allowed them to grab things like with hands if they wanted to. Both never understood how that worked.

The young colt dropped the weapon, running with tears into his sister’s arms, she patted his back.

Then both noticed 2 shadows at the walls, coming slowly closer, causing them to tremble, holding each other for dear life. “I don’t wanna die, sis.” Blau Streifen said in a shaken voice. They both closed their eyes, waiting for the inevitable to happen.

“Thank god, you’re alive!” A German voice exclaimed relieved. Before them stood no undead, but Konrad and Fletcher.

Seeing the fear in their eyes, the unicorn said in a comforting voice, “Let’s get out of here. Don’t worry, we’re protect you, Hans has found another exit at the airfield.”

The siblings just nodded, not able to say anything, they just wanted to get out of here.

Linus, Hans and Willi waited at the exit they had found, blocked by a door with no visible switch or anything to open it, hoping that Konrad and Fletcher would come back soon after they left to investigate a scream. They was a loud noise in the distance, they couldn’t hear what it was exactly, it sounded like a undead had broken through a wall, stones crumbled as echoes down the hallway.

“What was that?” Willi asked startled.

“I don’t know, but I’m not gonna check it out.” Hans replied scared.

“I’m not either! I think we should find some cover!” The officer suggested.

“Ja, agreed.” Willi took cover next to the wall with Hans to the left of the corridor, Linus to the right, preparing themselves for whatever would come down the hallway.

Several steps came closer, followed by shadows, the soldier’s fingers went slowly for the triggers, about to make their final stand.

“Don’t shoot, It’s me and Fletcher!” Escher called out, coming into view with Matteo and the children.

His friends lowered their weapons, relieved. “Can’t say how glad I am that you’re alright, children. Now, we have to get this door open somehow.” Linus explained.

The celling started to crumble, making all pray it wouldn’t collapse on them. They couldn’t die now, not after being almost out of here.

2 small holes got created as the celling collapsed, 2 undead fell out, Willi and Hans quickly kicked them, turning them into dust.

“Okay, let’s see…” The Eternal Knight mumbled, inspecting the wall next to the door, noticed a brick poking out of the wall. Pressing it, the wall on the other side of the room removed, revealing two levers. “That must be it, pull the lever, Dinky.”

The filly pulled the left lever, what happened next surprised everybody.

“Wrong lever!!!” The stallion screamed as a trapdoor under him opened, causing him to fall. The filly’s eyes widened with dread, fearing she might had killed him.

There was the sound of splashing water, a few seconds later, he came back through the same hallway, wet soaked. “Why would the Egyptians even have that lever?!” He asked, shaking himself like a dog to get dry.

“Sorry, Sorry, Sorry!” Dinky exclaimed, filled with guilt, fearing he might be mad at her.

Fray…smiled. “It's okay. In fact, that reminds me of something. Once, Midnight wanted me to pull the lever that led to his lab and the same happened, he wondered why he even had that lever.”

“Did he and you found out?”

“...Nope.”

This lighted up everyone’s mood for a moment as Escher pulled the other lever, causing the door to open. “Let’s go.”

The corridor led to some stairs going up, gunfire could be heard in the distance.

The now reunited group came to a large room where several columns were at the other end of the room, a small campfire between the columns, and a door at the other end, a SS officer closed it, the other gates closed too, trapping them.

In that moment, terrifying groans came strangely out of the walls to their left and right, they broke apart, 3 undead came out of them, Linus kicked the 2 on the right, creating bills of bones, Hans kicked the one of the left, noticing a lever in the wall the undead had come out after it was no more. “That must be the lever to open the gates.” He suspected.

“B-b-big pr-problem!” Blau Streifen pointed to the camp fire, it became larger and larger, like something was about to came out of it, taking the form of a burning skeleton as it emerged from the fire.

The creature let out a terrifying moan, spewing fire at them. “Get back! Get back!” Linus yelled to avoid the flames.

Fletcher fired his MP40 on the flaming undead, the bullets seemed not to harm it as it slowly advanced towards them.

Knowing that they would be dead should it reach them, Fray lit up his horn, concentrating, it became brighter and brighter, a powerful beam made the undead bust into pieces, causing the Eternal Knight to breathe heavily, he huddled in his cloak, sitting down with a blank-eyed stare.

Dinky waved a hoof in front of his eyes. “Fletcher, what’s wrong?” She asked worried as he did not react.

“Huh?” He blinked. “Oh, it’s just, large fires remind me of the bad things in the war.” He replied with a shaken voice. “Anyway, let’s get out of here.” He used his magic to open the door, light greeted them.

They all covered their eyes from the shining light, being relieved that this was the way out, seeing that it was still day.

“It would've been nice to know there'd be zombies!” Konrad commented out of breath.

“Indeed. That was... unexpected.” The stallion replied calm.

“I’m a coward…” the young unicorn started to sob. “I wet myself in there, like a baby…”

Fray didn’t liked it that the young unicorn was blaming herself, having been in a similar situation once, trying to calm her down. „You're not a baby, Dinky. You were scared. Anyone would be in their first taste of battle. I certainly was and I and several others needed a change of armor after the Battle of Dewdown Pass when the firebombers flew down and rained smoke and flame from the sky down upon our rapidly failing shields.”

Dinky looked up, sniffing. “Okay...How old were you?”

Fletcher thought, hoping his memory was right, he said,” ...Twenty-One.”

For some reason, the kids couldn’t help but to giggle, suppressing it.

“Oh you think it's funny, huh? Well, I'd like to see you, or anyone for that matter, come out dry after the ground quite literally caught fire beneath your hooves! 'Putting out the flames' they called it in the mess hall. Sweet Luna, Domino never let me hear the end of it.” Fray replied irritated and embarrassed.

“Hey, you’re not the only one. When the order to attack Poland came, we’re also wet ourselves in fear of being killed, as we were inexperienced back then. If you don’t mind, who’s Domino?” Linus asked.

“Domino used to be an Eternal Knight, just like me, being a very…adventurous mare. She went missing during the war if I remember correctly.” Fray explained.

“Sorry to hear that. Say, was there a moment where Wolf and Midnight wet themselves?” The grey colt wanted to know.

“Not that I knew of. And if they did, Midnight would kill me for saying so and Wolf would do something far worse.” Fletcher shivered at the thought.

“I’m sorry to interrupt this moment but we got a problem!” Hans pointed you to the inner city of the village, Zornhauff along with 4 SS-soldiers were rounding up the villagers, looking very angry.

“Not on my watch.” The Eternal Knight said in a very dark tone, trotting towards them.

“Should we help him?” Konrad asked his officer.

“No, something’s telling me he can handle this alone.” Linus replied.

“For trying to seal us in with the undead, you will pay with your blood!” Axel exclaimed at the villagers, children and woman along them.

“Sir! Look!” One of his men pointed to something in the distance. “It’s…”

“…The Green Knight.” The officer finished, seeing the unicorn trotting into the village, looking not too pleased, the SS-members stared in shock and fear at him.

The stallion grabbed his MP40 with his magic as he stopped at the Fountain. “Luna mit mir.”

Just in that moment, the officer drew his sidearm, opening fire with his men, Fletcher dived behind the fountain for cover. 2 soldiers had SMG’s, the other 2 rifles.

Spotting a grenade on one belt of a SMG wielding soldier, Fletcher aimed down sights of his rifle, exhaled and fired, the explosion killed both, Axel gasped in shock upon seeing this.

Bullets flew past the unicorn or hit the stone cover, then a click sound invaded his ears, knowing that one rifleman had to reload, using this to emerge from cover, firing a short burst from his MP40, scored a headshot, running dry himself. “What are you doing?!” The officer couldn’t believe his eyes.

The other rifleman used this to charge at him with a bayonet, Fray quickly drew his Luger, shooting his enemy into the head, making him fall over into the fountain. “You’re all useless!” Axel exclaimed in disbelief.

A shot missed him by inches, noticing a sniper glint on a balcony. The stallion switched to his rifle, aiming down the scope, exhaled, pulling the trigger, his shot went right through the sniper’s scope.

“Die, you mongrel filth!” Axel screamed in anger, lunging with a dagger at Fray, which turned out to be a fatal mistake.

The unicorn quickly swinged his spear, impaling the SS-officer right through the heart, the Scorpion flinched for a moment, before becoming limp, the dagger fell to the ground, his face an empty stare.

The villagers cheered on Fletcher, he blushed not only from the applause and praise but also as it remembered him of something. “Just like when I earned my Cutie Mark…”

“Didn’t you say you earned your Cutie Mark in a championship in archery?” Dinky asked, catching him off guard.

Knowing there was now no point in lying to then, he took a deep breath. “No, that was a lie, out of fear it would shock you too much. When I was a colt, Equestria and its surrounding neighbors were dangerous countries with creatures out of your nightmares. At the age of eleven, I saved orphans from such creatures with my bow, that’s how I actually earned my cutie mark. I can still remember how all foals cheered my name as I left.” He explained a bit embarrassed about it, looking to the ground.

That awoke a memory in Dinky. The history books she read barely mentioned the Eternal Knights but when they did, it was said that the Eternal Knight were bad ponies, serving Nightmare Moon to unleash the Eternal night. Fletcher was one of the Eternal Knights, but he wasn’t a bad pony, on the contrary, he helped those in need as good as he could.

She and her 2 friends gave him a hug. “Fletcher, no matter what other ponies say about you, for us, you are a good pony, and one of the bravest and friendliest we’re met.” Dinky told with him an honest smile.

“It pleases me to hear this.” He replied, touched at what they thought of him.

“HQ to research team, what’s going on? Over.” The radio in the tent buzzed.

Knowing that alarm would be raised, would there be no response, making things worse for the villagers, Fletcher answered it. “Uh... we had a slight... weapons malfunction, but uh... everything's perfectly alright now. Situation normal.”

“Copy that, just make sure that won’t happen again. Out.”

“You should get out of here, we take care of the bodies.” One of the villagers said to them.

“Yeah, we should. We could travel to the Siwa Oasis, a supply outpost, it isn’t far from here.” Fischer suggested.

“Sounds good to me. Farewell.” Fletcher and the others got into the truck they had used to get here, the kids closed their eyes to rest a bit, Fray smiled at them, they had earned it after what they went through at the village.

He, Hans, Matteo and Willi also closed their eyes, trying to get some rest.

Around noon, they arrived at Siwa, it reminded of a medieval castle the way the town was designed, some walls and buildings at seen better days, but it was still a nice sight as they had lunch in the town, enjoying it, Fletcher used this to tell the Germans about his encounter with Quince and how he and the kids ended up on Lars’ U-boat.

“You were very lucky back then. It’s really sad about William, he was a very good friend.” Konrad let a tear escape his eye. “But I will do anything I can to keep you save from this Quince, children, you have my word.” He added with determination.

“So do we.” His comrades added.

Another officer joined them. “Nice to see you safe and sound after what happened at Ras el-Hadid. I won’t miss the Scorpion but I have heard that his superior,Commander Marwald Metzburk, shall take his place instead.”

That shocked the German Squad. “Marwald Metzburk? God help us, and just when we were done with the Scorpion. That man's completely off his head, even his colleagues in the SS think so! When we took France, he rounded up the prisoners from the French Colonies in Africa along with their families. The SS and their 'theorists' have quite some unpleasant feelings for the African people and Metzburk made those feelings known. He did things to those poor men I can't even talk about and worse things to the women and children!” Linus exclaimed disgusted.

“These butchers cannot be Germany's future...otherwise I don't know what we're fighting for.” Konrad added, shocked of hearing those news.

“I do, and you'd best remember. Focus, men! I need your minds on the war at hand. And don't bother yourselves worrying about the SS or their future. Monsters only last so long...before they meet the monster-slayer.” To everyone’s surprise, Field marshal Rommel walked in, rather calmly, hinting to Axel’s fate.

“Of course, sir.” Linus saluted with his men.

“That’s the sprit! I’d to stay for a chat, but I’m needed elsewhere, I wish you a pleasant day, children. And Fletcher, you’re doing a great job.” He smiled at them before he left.

“I guess your reputation got you Rommel’s respect.” Willi suspected.

“I guess so. Anything planned for today?” The unicorn asked.

“No, everything’s quiet. I suggest you take a walk through the town with your friends, get to know the place.” Fischer replied, Dinky smiled.

“Sounds like a good idea. What do you think?” She asked her friends.

“Count me in.” Blau Streifen replied.

“Me too.” His sister replied.

“I don’t mind it.” Fray added and they took a look around, Matteo, Hans and Willi leaved too to do their tasks.

As Escher was about to walk away too, Linus stopped him. “Wait. I have to tell you something.

“What is it?”

“Me and 2 other officers aren’t happy about Vahlen’s activities, we fear he might overthrow Rommel. We have arranged a meeting for later to see where of us is going to Berlin tonight to give the Führer Vahlen’s notebook as proof. If I should be the one, you shall be in command of the squad.” Linus told him.

“Thank you. I won’t disappoint you.” Konrad was honored, while he, Willi and Hans were all equally experienced, Linus trusted Konrad the most with being second in command, knowing he would make an excellent officer.

“I know you won’t.”

The children and Fletcher explored the town, there were fountains scattered through it, German soldiers patrolled around, greeting them, 3 AA guns were keeping Spitfire planes at bay.

The young unicorn found a letter lying in the sand in a small tower, near one AA gun. “Looks like someone lost it.”

Missives from home

Dear Ernst,

It is with sad heart that I write you today. Oma Elsa died in an air raid last night. If only she had agreed to live with us, but she was always so stubborn. We heard twenty to thirty bombs fall about a mile or so away and prayed she had gone to the shelter.

Your loving father.

It filled the 4 with sadness, realizing the soldier named Ernst may have had thrown the letter into the sand after having read it in sadness or even anger. “That’s sad to hear.” Katja commented with pity, looking to the ground.

“Yes, I know from experience that losing a family member is never easy.” Fletcher spoke to them in a sad tone, knowing it only too well.

On a balcony in the distance, a Sniper was watching the area for trouble, the kids couldn’t help but waving at him, which he returned with a playfully salute.

The group then decided to explore the other side of the town, finding a letter in a small storage room.

Axis war story: Assassination attempt

I can’t believe how brazen the enemy has become. A group of commandos turned up behind our lines in an attempt on Rommel’s life! They must have run nearly 20 kilometers to get to Beda Littoria from the shoreline undetected. One was killed, but the rest are being held securely. It’s lucky we prevented them from doing too much damage, though perhaps doubly fortunate that Rommel was in Italy at the time.

“W-would the allies really do this to an enemy that is highly respected by them?” The young colt asked in shock.

“I suspect that the attempt was a lie by the commandos to hide their actual goal I suppose but there is no way to tell the truth.” Fray replied, having learned from experience that such messages are often ruses but still, Rommel was a great threat to the allies, so it was understandable if they tried to assassinate him.

“It’s very hot today, let’s find a shady place.” Katja suggested, wiping the sweat of her forehead, then took a sip of her canteen.

The others agreed, entering the room they had used for lunch, seeing a letter on the table.

Axis Account: Missing in action

No one dares to criticize Vahlen openly now. In the mess the other day, Wilhelm loudly cursed the General, despite my protestations. His outburst attracted hostile stares from certain quarters and now I haven’t seen him in over a week. Re-assigned, they say. I fear for his life. The General will not tolerate a piece of grit in his well-oiled machine.

“That doesn’t sound good. Konrad and the others should be careful.” Dinky commented with a hint of fear, not wanting to lose any of her friends.

“I’m sure they are careful as they can be, Dinky.” Fletcher replied in a convinced tone.

“I hope you’re right.” Blau Streifen was doubtful, yet hoped for the best.

“Schwarz, Weiss & Who?” Matteo’s voice sounded outside, getting their attention, seeing how he and Konrad chatted.

“Fischer. Schwarz, Weiss & Fischer.” The German soldier explained.

“Oh. ‘The three musketeers?’”

“Yes, them. Turns out they aren't happy with Vahlen's portraits everywhere, or his grand base on the Mountains. One of them is off to Berlin tonight with Vahlen's precious notebook.”

“Which one is going?”

“Ich weiß nicht. I overheard them arranging a meeting later. Perhaps to decide who gets to present the notebook as proof to the Führer.” Escher replied as they walked out of sight.

“It might sound risky, but by doing that, Vahlen’s doing may be end, saving some lives.” The Eternal Knight suspected.

“I guess we can only wait and hope for the best.” The young girl figured out.

The group then continued to look around, noticing another letter in the sand.

Axis Account: Desert Ghost

As usual, the Allies nip at our heels from the deep desert, but there is a new rumor, one of an allied sniper. Men say he’s like the desert sand – he gets everywhere. Wüstengeist they call him, the Desert Ghost. Some fear him more than General Vahlen, myself included.

“Well, I don’t want to encounter this guy.” Blau Streifen commented with a hint of fear.

“If we do, I’ll protect you, children, promise.” Fletcher assured them.

“Maybe, we should ask Konrad if he knows anything about this…Desert Ghost.” The filly suggested.

“Sounds reasonable.” Fletcher turned to Matteo who was patrolling near them. “Have you seen Konrad?”

“Yes, in one of the supply depots I believe.” The Italian replied.

“Thank you.”

Before they could move on, they saw how Linus had his meeting with the other 2 officers, having his left hand bandaged.

“Are the preparations complete?” He asked the other officers.

“Yes. Which one of us goes?” The second officer asked.

“I'll do it.” Fischer replied.

“Will you tell the Führer that we did this together?” The third officer asked him.

“Of course. We'll all share the glory of ending Vahlen's treachery.”

“Then get going. You'll find his journal where we agreed.” The second officer said before they walked away in different directions.

They moved to the depots, their friend wasn’t in the first one, so they looked in the second depot for him, finding large shells stored in it, the stallion recognized them. "Naval ammunition? What’s this doing this far from the sea?”

“Good question.” Escher’s voice came from behind, startling them. “Sorry for the scare. I think it has something to do with this project Vahlen is working on.”

“Uh-huh. Say, have you heard of the Desert Ghost?” Dinky asked him.

His eyes went wide. “The Desert Ghost? Of course I have heard of him. His sniping skills earned him his nickname, he was the one who destroyed our Nebelwerfers at Tobruk, infiltrated the Gaberoun oasis, destroyed our Flak 88s in the Halfaya Pass, and even managed to free a prisoner in one of our POW camps in Africa. I suspect he might be equal to you, Fletcher.”

“Most likely.” Fray said as there had been only few ponies that had been close to his archery skills in the civil war.

This made the children realize that the man that had knocked them out at the camp had been the Desert Ghost and they had been very lucky back then.

An explosion in the distance startled everyone. ”What was that?” Katja asked in surprise and fear.

“I don’t know, let’s check that!” The private reached for his rifle, the green unicorn followed him with the kids close behind.

As they arrived, they were shocked at the sight. They saw a burning truck in a small dead end, Linus was lying in the sand, his body bloodied and covered in splinters, probably from an explosion. “I knew this would happen!” Konrad exclaimed in shock before checking the officer, hoping, praying he wasn’t dead.

There was no pulse.

The private held his head, then let his arm hang loose in shock and sadness. “No way...no way…”

“No…” Blau Streifen started to sob, his sister and friend did too, hugging Fletcher for comfort.

“We heard an explosion is-“ Matteo asked concerned as he arrived with the others, cutting himself off upon seeing Linus dead. “Oh god…”

In rage, Escher slammed a fist into the sand. “Damn it! I told them to not put those explosives into the blazing sun! But did they listen?!”

His 3 friends had rarely seen him in such rage, knowing they had to calm him down. “Konrad, please, calm down, it was an accident. No one could have seen this coming.” Willi said in a calming voice to him.

“Yeah. It’s just…he and I were best friends since school, knowing each other for so long, he hadn’t deserved something like this. But at least, he’s in a better place now.” The Private let out a sad sigh. “May you rest in peace, my friend.”

“Peace…I don’t think he will have this in hell.” A new voice sounded, causing them to turn around, seeing a thin man in SS uniform, limping hunched with blonde hair standing on end, wide-sunken blue eyes, hinting she was very old, escorted by several other SS-soldiers.

The Wehrmacht soldiers recognized the SS-commander, it was Marwald Metzburk. “What do you want?” Escher asked suspicious.

The elderly man opened his mouth to speak, revealing dirty, grey teeth that were constantly grinding. “General Vahlen sent me to overlook things here and to report any sign of betrayal. While the death of Sergeant Fischer is tragic, he was suspected to be part of a betrayal towards Vahlen.”

The soldiers and children realized what he meant, Linus had taken Vahlen’s notebook, it was seen as betrayal, knowing that this was very bad. “Do you have evidence?” Willi asked in return, as there could be no court-martial without enough evidence.

“Private...Escher, is it? A word of advice for later times...When a member of the Schutzstaffel graces your camp to deliver the Fuhrer's justice upon traitors and undesirables...You never, ever ask for evidence. Anyone that are or were in contact with the suspected betrayers are ordered to report at the General’s HQ for questioning.” Marwald replied cold, not showing any emotions.

Konrad, Matteo, Willi and Hans knew they had no other choice to keep the children and Fletcher safe from Vahlen’s methods of revenge, even if it meant their own lives. “We understand, we move out at once.” Escher said before Dinky hugged him tightly.

“Be careful.” She feared for his safety, her 3 friends nodded.

He stroked her hair. “I’m always careful.” He assured her then took the driver seat.

Fletcher and the kids watched after the truck until it was out of sight.

Fray noticed how the SS soldiers looked at them with interest, causing the children to step behind him in fear, trembling a bit. “Before you ask, we have nothing to do with this.” He said calmly, yet slightly threatening.

“The General begs to differ.” The commander replied cold before the Eternal Knight felt something hard hit his head, causing him to fall on the ground with a headache but still awake.

“Stay back!” Blau Streifen yelled as one soldier attempted to grab him, struggling, the man was too strong for him, his sister and Dinky tried to resist too before the SS-members hit them with the butts of their weapons, knocking them out.

As Fletcher recovered, he heard the engine of a truck, seeing how the unconscious children got brought away on the truck. “Oh bick!” He cursed, bick was the equivalent of the word buck in his mother language.

In the moment he was about to reach the gate leading outside, several sniper shots hit the ground next to him, forcing him to take cover behind some sandbags, noticing that a man with blue eyes and short brown hair, armed with a sniper rifle too, also taking cover next to him.

They looked at each other with neutral expressions, then nodded, peeking around the corner to find the snipers, not able to see anybody, suspecting the enemy snipers might be wearing Ghillie Suits to blend in with their surroundings.

Suddenly, a truck broke reversing through the gate, causing both to aim at it in surprise, only to see it were British soldiers coming to their aid, one of them was manning the MG on the back of the truck while the driver and co-driver jumped out, their Sten SMGs ready.

The unicorn quickly found at the location of a German sniper, seeing the scope glint in the distance, aiming down the scope of his rifle, exhaled, and pulled the trigger, the bullet went right through the scope, his temporary ally took a second sniper out.

The 3 British soldiers concentrated their fire in a third sniper as they saw the glint, it took only a few seconds before a body fell out of a building.

“I’d say that makes us even old chap, don’t you?” The MG gunner asked the sniper.

“If you say so.” He replied as Fletcher noticed that the co-driver was Duffy while the driver was someone he never thought would see again.

“William, you’re alive!” Fray was very glad and relieved.

“Yeah, an allied ship was nearby, getting me out of the water, I thought you and the children were gone until I heard about your actions at Ras el-Hadid. You surely have a lot to tell, hop in.” He offered, Fray wasted no time, knowing he had to find the children before it was too late, telling what happened as the Captain drove to the next British Base, thinking restless what about to do next, he knew, the allies may be his only possibility to find the children, becoming worried about them, hoping they wouldn’t be executed on the spot.

At the base, they got out of the truck, William used this to talk with Fletcher as they rested.

“Sorry to hear that, Chap but I promise we will find them. This is intelligence officer Brauer.” He pointed at the man who had manned the MG as they arrived, having brown hair with matching hear and short beard, he seemed eager to see the stallion.

“Pleasure. I’m honored to meet the Green Knight in person.” Brauer shook his hoof with a smile.

“Likewise.” Fray replied, able to tell that Brauer was upbeat, and quite sarcastic.

“And this is Karl Fairburne, American OSS agent, also known as the Desert Ghost by the Axis troops.” Willian pointed to the other men.

“Thank you for the help back there.” Fray held up his hoof for a hand/hoof shake, Karl just folded his arms with a neutral expression, the unicorn could tell by this that Fairburne was a bit of a loner, and not very sociable, very dedicated to his missions. It reminded Fletcher a bit of himself, Wolf and Midnight. He also noticed Karl’s clothing. A yellow short sleeved shirt, brown cargo pants and brown combat boots. He also was wearing a pair of goggles around a scarf and had bandages wrapped around his hands, having a muscular build.

“We have no time for introductions right now. I have stop Vahlen. You can help me, or either get out of my way.” The Desert Ghost said with a neutral voice. Fletcher’s answer was clear.

“I’ll help you.” Fletcher replied, not for the allies but to save the children from Vahlen’s grasp. If the reports and rumors about him were true, he didn’t want to imagine what he would do to them should they be “found” guilty.

Author's Note

At least they made it out of the tombs in one piece

Chapter 14 The Search

Chapter 14: The Search

Dinky, Katja and Blau Streifen woke up, finding themselves in Willi’s bakery, seeing how Tim was working.

Tim held back a sneeze as he brushed the loose flour off the breadboard. Watching it all slowly float down to the floor, he sighed.

His uncle had always been better at this sort of thing. He could whip up a dozen pastries seemingly out of thin air. All Tim knew how to do properly was make bread. It was good bread, Willi had always said so and the customers seemed to agree, but he needed more lessons, more time.

Every day it seemed less likely his uncle was going to come home for them.

Tim's docile ears suddenly pricked as the mellow creak of a door sounded behind him. Turning, he found himself looking at a young soldier, tall and weathered-looking but unmistakable.

“Uncle Willi!” he cried happily “I...I had no idea you were coming back! I've made a cake. Came out more like bread but it's good” he chuckled awkwardly, looking him over. His uniform was torn and matted with dirt, which made them worried.

And something else.

Willi's twitching hand was bleeding. Drops of it were spattering onto the doorstep.

“Uncle, you're hurt” Tim managed to say, rushing over and holding the bleeding hand “Let me see if I can patch you up. I have some bandages. I'll need a closer lo-“

He was cut off suddenly, unable to speak, his breath stolen.

The hand that had bled had now seized him by the throat and, with inhuman strength, was now slowly lifting him off the ground.

The kids gasped in shock, trying to move over to him but they couldn’t move, like something held them back, forcing them to watch everything.

Tim's legs kicked and jerked as he felt the tight, dry fingers, of which there seemed to be only two, constricting around his neck like a pair of tongs. Spluttering out incomprehensible pleas, he stared in horror as his Uncle Willi looked up at him.

The soldier's face was rotting. Grey, blood-spattered skin had dried and cracked all over his visage, exposing muscle and bone, his emotionless lips torn open at one side to reveal his teeth like a grisly leer. His eyes were pale, almost entirely colorless, yet there was no uncertainty that they were staring straight at him.

Willi didn't speak. He couldn't seem to do so any more than his suffocating nephew.

Yet a voice rang in Tim's head.

“I told you I'd get you home.” It was low, hissing, as if spoken through a metal tin, and strangely merry.

A bizarre-looking horse made his way through the open door. He too looked as dead as Willi with the one exception of his eyes. They were a piercing blue, tiny black dots darting around like some maddened vortex given life. And his mouth was hidden by some crude metal mask yet there was no doubt that was where the voice was coming from.

And like Fletcher Fray, he had a horn between his eyes, gnarled and twisted and glowing a dark green. The children stared in shock, realizing who that must be, remembering the nightmare they had about it.

“You don't have to be quite so rough, Willi, my boy.” he chuckled, “I want to hear what the little one has to say.”

Tim felt the fingers loosen slightly, enough for him to speak. With watering eyes, he coughed and spluttered violently before pleading.

“Wh-Who...Who are you?! What have done with my uncle?!”

The horse raised one eyebrow and paced in a stilted fashion over to the oven, examining the various appliances with interest.

“I could tell you...” he said disinterestedly. “But I think it would be a lot more fun to show you.” He sighed, “A shame you're not a butcher. I'd have more variety. No matter.” A pair of tongs glowed the same dark green as his horn and levitated upwards, holding themselves in the fire.

“Your uncle didn't have a woman in his life, did he? Wife? Girlfriend? Sweetheart? I'm not fussy.”

“N-N-No...” Tim whimpered.

The unicorn tutted.

“Curd! Just my luck to get the loner! Oh well.” He shrugged as he the tongs whisked themselves out of the oven, red-hot and hissing “I suppose you'll have to do.”

“Wh-wh-what do you mean by that?!” the boy wailed "Who are you?! What have you done to my Uncle?!”

“Shh-sh-sh-sh...” the noise he made behind the mask was like rustling reeds, “Don't talk. I said I'd show you. Here's how it started." He nodded to Willi who grabbed Tim's hand and slammed it down on the breadboard as the unicorn stepped forward, his terrible eyes twitching with menace as the tongs hovered over one finger.

Tim's weeping eyes widened with horror as he realized just what the beast was planning.

“No...” he whimpered “No...”

“Leave him alone!” Blau yelled in shock, trying to break free before something them them out of the bakery.

The tongs snapped open over his little finger as the unicorn gave a giggle.

“And this little piggy went...”

Snap!

Tim's screams echoed across the bakery, then seemingly across the street before the door slammed shut.

In that moment, they awoke gasping, cold sweat running down their faces, breathing heavily as they looked around. It was a relief for them that it had been only a nightmare, being in a prison cell was not a good sign however.

The cell seemed to be in some kind of factory, seeing several kinds of productions lines with busy workers working on them. “W-where are we?” Dinky asked confused.

“At the Mides Canyon.” A new voice greeted their ears, seeing a man with blonde hair and blue eyes in a uniform of a Field Marshal, escorted by 2 soldiers, walking up to the cell.

Dinky couldn’t help himself but to whimper in hear, Katja gulped, Blau Streifen managed to gather some courage. “Whoever you are, you won’t hold us long, the Green Knight will free us!”

“The Green Knight? Ha! He won’t have a chance against German Steel, against the Reich. And you will have a crucial role in that.” The man said emotionless but confident of victory, walking away, past a worker who was working on what seemed to be a track, taking a bit long for it. Without any warning, the officer hurled the worker into the void, the scream carried on for an age before it ceased.

“C-could be this Vahlen we have heard about?” Blau’s sister asked, fearing for the worst.

“I think so...Don't worry. Fletcher's gonna' find us...Don't panic. It's gonna' be okay.” Dinky tried to make her friends hope with a weak smile.

“You’re right, he won’t stop until he has found us.” The young girl also smiled.

“That’s the spirit! Vahlen won’t know what will hit him!” Her brother grinned at her, knowing that Fletcher would make anyone pay who dared to harm them. They hoped for the best.

It turned out that Vahlen’s notebook had revealed the location of his personal HQ: An outpost in a mountain pass. Early recon showed a large force stationed here and tank wrecks suggested that a Tiger division may be operating in the area. It was clear for Fletcher and Karl that Vahlen must be paranoid about security. After the betrayal in Siwa, it would be probably justified. Though it would make the task of infiltrating his HQ and tracking him down a little more changeling. He had set up shop in the ruins of an ancient monument dug into the mountain wall.

Still, that Karl had Vahlen’s notebook made it clear to Fletcher that Linus’ death hadn’t been an accident, Fairburne had killed him to get the notebook, to find Vahlen. It was understandable for Fray, this was how it was in war.

William, together with Duffy and Cutting brought him and the Desert Ghost to their mission, Fletcher used this to talk with his new ally. “Linus Fischer was a good man.” He said, not blaming Karl, but still wanted to hear what he had to say about this.

“I don't doubt that. But when I'm sent to kill someone, I don't let their moral spectrum get in the way of my bullet.” Fairburne replied in his neutral tone.

“So you feel nothing then?” The Eternal Knight asked in return.

“Don't give me that. How many have you killed? You say you're a soldier, a knight. I assume you've done some slaying. Does that ever bother you in the midst of battle?”

“Sometimes. The enemies are just soldiers like we are, fighting for their families, what they believe in.” Fletcher replied, referencing to his strong sense of principles.

“So you'd be happy to let them win?”

“No, I don't think I would.”

“Good. You'd be a pretty lousy soldier otherwise.”

At the pass, Brauer assisted them. “Take the high road. You can spot targets for us.” Karl said to him. Brauer climbed up to get a better look.

“No turning back now.”

“Getting cold feet?” Fairburne asked.

“What? In this heat? Hardly.” Brauer looked through binoculars. “I can see plenty of work for a sniper!”

“Good.”

Karl and Fletcher moved through the wrecks of British tanks and trucks. “There’s one. Over there.” Brauer pointed a lone soldier out, standing at the end of the lines of wrecks, Karl sneaked up behind him, grabbing him by the mouth to silence his scream as he got stabbed into the neck, Fletcher hoped it wasn’t Konrad or any of his friends.

They sneaked through a Stollen, hearing an officer ordering his men to stay alert, leaning against the wall at the exit. The American got behind the officer, breaking his neck. The sound of an engine came closer as a Halftrack drove past, not noticing the two, Fairburne placed a mine in the road. “Let’s wait.” He said, his ally nodded.

After a few minutes, the Halftrack came around again, driving over the mine, getting destroyed in the explosion. “Let’s investigate that!” The guards got distracted by it, giving the snipers an opportunity to move past them.

As Fletcher stepped outside, his archer sense warned him of being targeted by someone in form of an rising sound in his ears, quickly turning around, firing his bow at a sniper in a tower, eliminating him before he was able to fire and alert the others.

Karl stopped as he saw smoke in the distance, a Nebelwerfer was firing, positioned on a small hill in the direction of Vahlen’s HQ, Fray noticed another one in the opposite direction at the end of the road, explosive red barrels around the Nebelwerfers. They both nodded, readying their rifles, Karl aimed at the Nebelwerfer near the HQ, Fletcher at the other one.

A plane was flying past them, the engine sound was perfect to mask their shots, destroying the Nebelwerfers in 2 small explosions, making life for allied troops operating in the area easier.

The distraction had caused that only 4 soldiers were guarding the HQ, the unicorn recognized them. “Wait, Karl.”

“I guess those are your friends you mentioned? Go ahead, I’ll wait here.” the OSS agent replied, waiting in the shadow, as Fletcher moved the stairs up to talk with his friends, who were quite surprised to see him.

“Fletcher? What are you doing here?” Matteo asked him.

“Long story short, after you moved out, the SS commander kidnapped our young friends on Vahlen’s orders, I try to find them.”

“What?” Konrad exclaimed in shock. “That…bastard! After we told him that Linus only said to us we would travel to Berlin, we got placed under his command to ‘prove’ our innocence and loyalty.” He let out a taunting laugh. “He just wants to be sure we won’t betrayal him. Kidnapping the children is crossing the line!” He said in anger before calming down, pointing to a letter on the table. “This might help you to find him.”

Fray didn’t hesitate to read it.

Note from Vahlen: In my absence

Seuche needs my attention. I will be at the facility to oversee the final stages of construction. Oberst Johann has command in my absence. Report to him in the event of enemy incursions. He will also have the combination to the safe if its contents are required.

“That helps definitely, thank you.” Fletcher walked out, informed the OSS member about his found and they moved out, the Archer stopped at a small hut to check for supplies, finding another letter.

Axis Account: Dangerous Ambitions

Hitler does not know what he has unleashed. Vahlen has his sights set beyond Africa and even Europe. I have heard him refer to the Führer's methods as inefficient and crude. I think he has dangerous ambitions.

That sounds very much like Solomon. Fray shivered at the thought before catching up with Karl, seeing the officer in the distance in a small hut, guarded by 2 Elite soldiers and a sniper on the roof, the unicorn quickly took him out with his bow before he could spot them.

Again, Karl and Fletcher timed their shots with a plane flying past them, masking their shots, the officer did not notice anything, allowing Fairburne to sneak in and take him out, checking the combination with Fray.

Note from Vahlen: Code combination

Johann, watch over this place while I’m away. I have a bad feeling that trouble might be approaching. The combination for the HQ safe has been attached if its contents are needed. Guard it with your life. Alert me if the Desert Ghost is near – help will be on his way.

“Okay, we got what we need, let’s regroup with Brauer.” Karl suggested.

They moved down the road to a high tower, Fairburne called out, “Brauer? Brauer!”

The intelligence officer revealed himself on the tower. “You were right.” The American said to him with a barely noticeable smile.

“You see, didn’t I tell you-“ Brauer suddenly turned around before looking back with a horrified expression, followed by an explosion, destroying the tower.

“Brauer!” Karl and Fletcher drew their rifles, seeing a Tiger tank rolling down the road.

“Hide here until I shoot.” Fairburne ordered, Fray wondered what he was up to but agreed still, hiding behind a wall, seeing how Karl climbed up on the room of the building where the officer had been in the distance.

The tank drove past the unicorn, not noticing him, towards Karl. As the Tiger was about 100 meters away from Fletcher, Fairburne fired and Fray heard how the bullet hit something inside the tank, followed by the scream, the Tiger stopped abruptly.

Killing the driver and immobilizing it, smart idea. The stallion thought impressed, as the commander hatch opened, seeing a familiar face.

Metzburk. He was looking around, trying to find the shooter, being exposed to enemy fire.

“This is for the children!” Fletcher aimed down the scope and pulled the trigger, the bullet went right through the commander’s head, blood sprayed from it as the body fell back into the tank, it’s turret slowly turning into Fletcher’s direction.

Knowing it might take several shots to penetrate the grill without armor-piercing rounds, the Green Knight switched to his bow, charging up his arrow, exhaled and fired, the arrow went right through the grill damaging the fuel tank, causing the Tiger to go up in flames.

Despite this, the remaining tank crew opened the hatches, climbing out of the tank, the snipers picked of as they did so, the wreck exploded after the crew was taken care of.

“Okay, now that that’s taken care of, let’s see what’s in the safe.” Fletcher mumbled as he joined Karl.

Another Halftrack was driving towards them, Fairburne quickly aimed for the grill and fired, as he had loaded Armor-piercing rounds, the bullet went right through it, damaging the engine, causing the halftrack to explode into pieces.

Almost at the temple, a truck stopped at it, and Elite soldiers were about to step out as the Desert Ghost fired at the fuel tank, the truck exploded, taking it’s passengers with it.

Konrad and the others opened with Fletcher the safe, ignoring the American as the unicorn putted a film-dose out of the safe and into the projector, showing pictures of a giant tank.

“The Tiger tank. The pride of the Afrika Korps. A formidable weapon, feared by the Allies. With more impenetrable armor with bigger armaments, it would be unstoppable! This is the latest Wunderwaffe, the Ratte P-1000. It is armored by nine inches of hardened steel. The primary turret is modified from a naval heavy cruiser turret and there are four secondary turrets mounted with anti-tank and Mauser MG guns. With a battalion of these, we would crush the Allies in North Africa and from there, Europe. One thousand tons of unstoppable steel to herald in the Thousand Year Reich!” Vahlen’s voice explained in triumph as the film ended.

“That’s his project? That is crazy that will never work!” Hans was shocked to see this.

Good thing that Solomon never built something like this. Fray thought in shock and awe.

“Okay, we know where Vahlen is and what his project is, our work is done. Would you help me to bury Brauer?” Karl asked, showing that he wasn't without friendship.

“Of course.” As Fletcher stepped out, he noticed 2 scope glints in the grass, seeing that 2 snipers waited for him and Karl. An idea popped into the pony’s head.

Lighting up his horn, he used a special combat ability, called shadow strike, allowing him to quickly strike down multiple targets in quick succession with melee attacks but took a lot of magic. “Hostiles neutralized.” He announced heavily breathing as they moved on.

On the way to Brauer’s body, Karl took care of another sniper, waiting on the building he had used to kill the driver of the Tiger tank, Fletcher took care of another sniper on a hill at the tower.

Brauer’s body was bloodied and covered in splinters but still mostly intact. The 2 snipers and the German squad gave him proper burial, leave an improvised grave. Fray noticed how Karl took a round from Brauer’s gun.

“Well, we are leaving, there’s nothing else we can do here. Still, we support you in any way we can to help find the children, Fletcher.” Konrad said as he and the others took a truck, driving away.

After that, Fletcher and Karl went back to base to plan their next move.

So Vahlen’s mission in Africa was to develop a super-tank: The Ratte. It was hard to imagine the destructive power if it’s ever deployed, still Fletcher wondered how they could get the fuel for such a giant thing. But the tide of the war was turning; the Allies had retaken Tobruk and thinned Vahlen’s supply lines. He was desperate to finish the Ratte before losing favor with Hitler. A combination of that desperation and allied Intel had helped them locate the construction facility. This would be the last stop on the way.

With the help of the Long Range Desert Group, they’re to disable the Pont du Fahs Airfield and completely sever Vahlen’s supply route. They would move in from the west and set up near the south gate, proving covering fire when the LRDG would begin their attack.

Both snipers knew that all hell would break loose when the LRDG would show up, so it would be a smart to take out the communications tower and cut down reinforcements. Either way, it would get loud.

They both moved in under the cover of the night, the sandy way split up into two ways. The right leaded to the airfield, the left to the control tower. “I suggest we split up, I take the right way, you the left.” Fairburne suggested.

“Okay.”

As they moved out, both could overhear a conversation between 2 Elite soldiers. “Have you heard the latest stories about the ‘Desert Ghost’? They’re nonsense.”

“No, they’re not. You think you’re safe and then…BAM! Your head’s gone. Just like that!”

Wouldn’t surprise me if they tell such stories about me too. Fray thought as he sneaked past 2 soldiers warming themselves at a campfire.

“That eastern ridgeline makes me nervous. Are the snipers up there?” One guard, being an officer asked the other soldier.

“Yes, sir!”

“Good. We need to be careful. The damned LRDG have been doing raids nearby. I want to be prepared.”

With that in mind, the Eternal Knight watched the ridge as he moved towards the control tower, seeing that the 2 snipers weren’t looking in his direction, also noticing an SdKfz 222 patrolling the area.

In the tower was an officer, relaxing in a chair with his legs on the table, the stallion got quietly behind him, putting a hoof over the German’s mouth to prevent him from screaming and slit his throat to make it quick and painless.

Seeing a letter on the table, he decided to read it.

Allied War story: Last defense

The men are drinking to Second Lieutenant Phillips. I can’t bring myself to do it. The whole scene keeps playing in my mind – all the other anti-tank guns were destroyed, so we were forced to retreat, Phillips stayed behindwhile we ran, waiting for the Panzers to come into view before firing the last gun. He got one. I could have sworn he was smiling when the Germans hit the ammunition stack and killed him.

Sometimes, you have to sacrifice someone to save the others. The stallion knew this all only too well, having seen it many times.

Using his binoculars, he could see how Karl stood near a malfunctioning generator, using it to mask his shots as he destroyed a spotlight on a watch tower, killing the operator too, firing a bullet at the grill of the armored car, destroying its engine, causing it to explode into pieces and took out the snipers on the ridge too.

Then Fray watched as the American moved to the 3 bomb depots, seeing how Fairburne used flint and steel at one of the explosives, then got to a safe distance and threw a grenade into the second depot, the explosion took out all depots at the same time, the unicorn looked in awe at it at it was a pretty big one, a giant fireball, big enough to cause the guards to investigate.

This should limit their defense against vehicles.

With that done, they both meet at the radio room, Karl shot the radio operator in the hand with his silenced sidearm, it was called Welrod if Fray remembered correctly, then moved to the bunker entrance, where the American hit the switchbox with his elbow, causing it to spark and the doors to open.

“Assigned soldiers are to report to the cells for execution of the prisoners.” An intercom buzzed.

Not on my watch! The unicorn thought in disgust, as they moved into the bunker to find a map with the location of the Ratte factory and to free the prisoners, seeing Hans and an Elite soldier up ahead.

“Why are we executing these men?” The Wehrmacht soldier asked.

“Vahlen’s orders. He wants all intruders eliminated. No risks.” The Fallschirmjäger replied and walked away.

The stallion used this to show himself to Hans. “Missed me?” Fray asked, having already suspected he would see his friends here.

“Not at all, we already thought you would come.” Hans replied as the others joined him, happy to see him.

“I guess you want to free the prisoners? Just down the hallway to the plane fuel depot.” Escher pointed to it, they followed him and Karl to the cells, seeing 3 British soldiers sitting on the bench with lowered heads. For some reason, they were familiar to Fray but he could see their faces to their lowered heads, hoping they weren’t too badly wounded as one of them had a bloody cut on his left arm.

As Fairburne opened the door, the creak of it, caused the soldiers to look up, filling Fletcher with happiness and relief as he looked the officer into his hazel eyes, smiling at him.

Duffy, Cutting and William. “Thank you. I thought we were done for.” Duffy was grateful.

“Entering the battle like most Americans, I see.” The captain commented with a neutral voice and expression.

“Fearless?” Karl asked unimpressed.

“Late.”

“Fashionably late.”

“Girls, stop bickering. We got to find this factory.” The Green Knight reminded them. “How did you end up here?”

“Got caught while doingreconnaissance for you. I guess I owe you something, Konrad.” Hill said to his German friend with a grateful smile.

“You owe me nothing, I won’t let on old friend die.” Escher replied with a smile of his own.

“Yeah, let’s get out of here.” The Allied soldiers sneaked their way out.

Cutting groaned quietly in pain, holding his wounded arm.” Sodding hell. Broken out of prison by a Yank, a Kraut and a Talking Bloody Unicorn! We'll never live it down!”

“Oh stop bellyaching. We're all in this together, let's make the most of it.” William reminded him.

“The map is just down the hallway on a table.” Willi pointed down the corridor, true to his words, the 2 snipers found the map to the factory.

“We will leave the airfield and go to the Ratte factory, assisting you to get the children to safety. Kidnapping them was a bad mistake from Vahlen.” Konrad said in an uncharacteristic dark tone, causing Karl and Fletcher just to nod as the squad left.

“We have what we came here for, now let’s get to the sniper point to cover the LRDG.” Fairburne said and he moved with Fray to a small hill where they had a perfect view if the airfield. The pony noticed a letter on a stone.

Axis Account: Desperation

The airfield is operation at maximum capacity. With the fall of Tobruk, Vahlen has to filter all supplies through here, although he is becoming desperate. His much-vaunted efficiency is slipping from his grasp and no amounts of threats can increase the productivity of this airfield. Not that it stops him trying.

The enemy is more dangerous when he gets desperate. Fray knew it all too well from Solomon.

After this, he got into position with the Desert Ghost and just in time, as the LRDG broke through the south gate with a light armored car, firing at the defending soldiers, driving back and forth, the 2 snipers shot at the Germans with their rifles.

They fought waves of Elite soldiers, the LRDG destroyed one plane after the one on the airfield with they pass they made, soon, Elite soldiers with anti-tank rifles joined their comrades, the snipers took care of them first, to avoid that the LRDG would get destroyed.

Fray lost count of how many Elite soldiers he and Karl took out, it felt like there were endless waves of soldiers.

It stopped as he was close to running out, using the moment to refill his ammo at an ammo crate next to him.

Fairburne noticed a glint on the tower he had taken out the spotlight, taking out a sniper, shooting right through the scope.

The Eternal Knight noticed a large dust could in the distance, using his binoculars to check it.

One SdKfz 222 and a Panzer IV were moving in, Karl had already the driver of the armored car in his sight, shooting through the vision slit, stopping it dead in its tracks, Fray aimed for the tank, noticing that the commander was looking out of the hatch with binoculars, seeing someone he recognized.

Metzburk?! I thought I killed him! Must have mistaken the Tiger commander for him.

He aimed for the driver and fired, the tank came to a halt as the bullet hit the driver.

Then he aimed for the SS commander. As the unicorn pulled the trigger, Metzburk ducked down to give orders to the remaining crew, yet the bullet found it’s target in a different way.

The sniper bullet hit the binoculars, causing it to spay into Metzburk’s eyes, he screamed in pain. “Sir!” one of the crew members shouted, checking the officer’s injuries.

I can’t see! Light up a flare!” The officer shouted in pain, seeing only black. “Where is it?”

“Right in front of you, sir!” The crewmember replied, holding a flare in front of him.

The SS soldier stared at it, not able to process what had happened to him for what seemed like hours before letting out a scream of anger, realizing what had happened.

He was blind.

“Give me a blindfold!” Metzburk yelled in rage, donning it after the crew member gave it to him, shouting, “I’m the Führer’s sword of justice! The death bringer to all enemies of the Reich!I am the Herald of the Black Sun! The Brazen Talon of the Reich Sadler! Cleansed be the Fuhrer's Soil! Cleansed be the Reich! Purge the Unclean! Purge! Erase! EXTERMINATE!” firing a Luger pistol and a MP40 randomly in a fit of insane rage.

Karl used this moment to destroy the armored car with a shot to the engine, it exploded in a small fireball. Smoke got popped around the tank as the remaining crew but Metzburk who was still shooting in a blind rage, abandoned the tank.

“Go to the evac point, I finish this and join after this is over!” Fletcher yelled, running towards the smoke, the OSS agent didn’t hesitated to sprint to the middle of the airfield where the LRDG and William with his men waited for him, having a feeling that Fray knew what he was doing.

They all watched worried as the unicorn vanished into the smoke, the gun fire continued for a while before there was an explosion, making the captain hope that his friend had survived.

It seemed like hours until they noticed that something was coming out of the smoke, aiming their weapons at it.

Slowly, the silhouette of a pony became visible, the Green Knight came out, covered in blood, carrying a peaked cap with his magic, looking very exhausted.

He dropped the cap in front of the soldiers, then reached for his canteen, breathing heavily.

“Are you hurt?” Duffy asked concerned, the Eternal Knight got a little startled by that, looking in all directions for the sound, apparently deaf and a little shell-shocked. “You’re bleeding.”

“That’s not his blood.” William realized, which seemed to cause a weak smile from Fletcher.

“Now, let’s get to this factory and get the kids to safety.” The stallion spoke in a monotone voice.

“Right. We will be nearby to get you and your friends to the closest town once you’re out of the factory.” Hill offered.

The only response from Fletcher was a simple nod as the unicorn got with the Desert Ghost into the back of a captured Opel Blitz, driving off.

This would be it. End of the line. The Ratte construction facility, dug into the sides of the Mides Canyon. An odd place to build a tank, but the sheer drops would help with hiding bodies. It was time to destroy the Ratte and the entire facility. The Reich couldn’t be allowed to build this again.

They’d had to take out the production lines on the way through. And then, when’s that done, they’d deal with Vahlen once and for all.

At the factory, a lone guard enjoyed the view, drinking from his canteen. “That’s a long way down.” He commented.

Suddenly he felt a hand over his mouth...a knife shoved into his back, a quick sharp pain and everything went black.

The American threw the body over the cliff before he and Fletcher moved on.

“Hello? ECHO? Nothing.” Another soldier was in their way, Karl took him out with his Welrod.

As they walked down they could see the factory, dug into the canyon on both sides, connected by metal bridges, stopped behind the wall as two workers had a conversation.

“The production line is too unstable. Vahlen will have our heads if there’s another failure.”

“You might want to look at the main transformer, if that goes down, everything stops working.”

With that as information, Fairburne made a sign for Fletcher to take out the transformer on the side they were on, while he would take care of the other one on the other side, which the stallion acknowledged with a nod.

All workers were too focused on their work, so Fletcher could easily sneak past them, the noise of the machines was loud enough to mask any of his sounds, as he took out guards that blocked his way with his knife, making it quick, hoping that his friends weren’t along them.

“How long till it’s done?” He heard a worker asking him co-worker.

“Can’t be more than a day or two. Then work starts on the second one.”

“I want every station manned at all hours – double-shifts for all.” An intercom buzzed, Fray assumed the voice belonged to Vahlen.

I’m pretty sure Solomon was exactly like this with his tank factories, or do I remember it wrong? Doesn’t matter, focus on the mission.

At the end of the production line, he saw the transformer, a red explosive barrel standing next to it. The unicorn casted a spell, similar to flint and steel, creating a fire and a delayed fuse, getting quietly to the other side.

“If I see one man not pulling his weight, I’m halving rations for everyone!” Vahlen added on the intercom as the barrel exploded, causing some guards to investigate, Fletcher was already on the other side.

In a small office, he noticed a letter, using it to hide from the guards, reading the letter as they were distracted.

Axis Account: completing production

We have done everything the General has asked of us and more. We are working around the clock to complete production of the Ratte, but the Allied disruption of our supply routes is hampering our efforts. Perfectionism is one thing, but his demands are becoming unreasonable. I watched Vahlen deal with a worker who'd taken too long with a track link. He just hurled the man off into the void. The scream carried on for an age before it ceased.

Dear Luna…poor guy, Vahlen seems not to mess around, just like Solomon. It shocked the stallion to read this.

“Work fast and efficiently. Your lives depend on it.” Vahlen reminded on the intercom as Fray noticed a second letter on the table, it’s content was alarming.

To General Franz Vahlen

Hello Mr. Vahlen.

I hope my message was received in good time.

Much as I am sure you would enjoy pleasantries and congratulations for your promotion, I am a busy man so I shall come straight to the point.

I have been hearing about these newcomers your garrison have captured.

This young unicorn and a human-horse siblinghood. From another world, apparently.

I'd like to know more. In fact, I'd like to know everything.

I'd make some sort of threat but I know that's unnecessary.

You already know who I am and what I can do.

Please reply soon.

And make sure to kill the messenger.

Sincerely

Totenkopf

That doesn’t sound good. The Green Knight put the letter in his saddlebag, moving to the ammo cache of the Ratte as Karl destroyed the second transformer.

“You are working for the glory of the Reich!” Vahlen reminded, causing the Eternal Knight to shake his head.

More for their own lives.

“Think how the Americans will feel when they see it.” He overheard 2 guards passing by, the other started to laugh.

“They’ll probably piss themselves and hide.”

Well, if Solomon had ever build such a thing, I definitely had wet myself upon seeing it, pretty sure Wolf and Midnight would too when first seeing such a giant tank.

Reaching the ammo cache, Fletcher saw that the Desert Ghost placed a satchel charge on the wall and had placed a tripwire at the cargo elevator leading to the canyon base, better safe than sorry.

Just in that moment, a whirring sound greeted their ears, as the elevator moved up to their level, 2 Elite soldiers stepped out, triggering the tripwire, the explosion left their bodies covered in blood and splinters.

The unicorn saw an empty cell at the corner of the room, suspecting the children must have been brought into the canyon base, where the Ratte tank was, about to enter it.

“Ah. The Desert Ghost himself?” A voice and the sound of weapons getting cocked caused them to stop and turn around, seeing a man in officer uniform, escorted by a squad of soldiers, two of them aimed at the snipers, the others held the children at gunpoint. Dinky and the siblings trembled, Fray could see the fear in their eyes.

“The man who single-handedly tore through Halfaya, stole into Siwa, dueled with a Tiger in Kasserine...and crippled our supply lines. I'm an admirer of our work. We are the same, you and I. We are both soldiers, workers of war. We love our work.” The officer said with a grin, both snipers assumed it was Vahlen, looking at him with neutral expressions, his soldiers grinned evilly.

Vahlen turned to Fletcher. “And you must be the Green Knight…Well then...I was not informed there was going to be another of you. I must inform Himmler his sources need...revisiting.”

“You'll be saying nothing to no-one.” The Eternal Knight replied.

“Double negative.” The General pointed out.

“Shut up, I've already have seen enough grammar freaks in my life.”

“Very well, what would be your incentive for a safe and cooperative surrender?” Vahlen pointed to the scared kids, the soldiers’ fingers slowly went for the triggers.

There are none, I'd trust an SS stooge to honor.” Fray replied calm, despite being angered to see the children like this.

“You seem very hostile to my way of thinking yet in the end we are not so different. And this accomplishes little.”

“Excuse me?”

“Sir Upton Gorrister was not our only contact. All over Europe, Britain, as far as the Americas, there are people who cry out for us, praising us as liberators against the Red tide threatening to destroy our society. Once we end such a scourge, the world will look upon us as heroes, saviours, and will accept our way of life as gospel, we having proven our righteousness in bloody conflict.”

“You won't be proving anything here. And you and I are nothing alike.” The stallion countered.

“You are a soldier. A sword for your ruler and nation, cutting down any who pose it a threat.

“You and I disagree on what makes a threat, Mister Vahlen. Genocide, insemination, doomsday projects, you would set your nation aflame if you felt like it. Your way of life spits on life itself.”

“That is where you are wrong. We are the most primary way of life, the first and truest of orders, birthed when society itself was still young.

“Yeah, I know. Humanity at its lowest form. Proud, violent apes. And you act like this is something to aspire to. I'm not even sure you're worth my arrows.” Fletcher said disgusted as Karl pointed at Vahlen with a light angered expression.

“We are not the same. One big difference, General Vahlen...You're a lot slower.”

With that said, Fairburne and Fletcher made a dash for the elevator, the unicorn also lit up his horn, teleporting the kids into the elevator as the charges exploded, throwing Vahlen and his soldiers screaming to the ground.

A fire alarm sounded as the elevator moved down, the green pony checked the kids for injuries. “Are you okay?” he asked with concern.

Slowly going out of her shock, Dinky replied with a shaken voice, “W-were fine.”

“There has been an incident in Lift Shaft 3. Do not be alarmed. Continue with your work.” An intercom announced.

As the lift came closer to the end, the Ratte come into sight, Fletcher’s and the childrens’ eyes went wide in shock and awe, seeing that the tank was about 11 meters high and 14 meters wide, as long as several train cars, almost complete, only one part of the left tread was missing and the right barrel of the main turret was incomplete.

Fletcher whistled. Now that is a big...tank...I guess...I-I-I got nothing.

“The charges will barely put a dent in that. If those pillars go, maybe we can bury it.” Karl suggested pointing to the pillars around the giant tank.

They also noticed a squad of soldiers waiting at the end of the elevator shaft, seeming very relieved to see Dinky, Blau and Katja. “Nice to see you had success, Fletcher, we already thought you’re the cause for this incident in Lift Shaft 3.” Escher smiled at them.

“Yeah. We’re about to destroy this tank.” The unicorn explained.

“We won’t stop you, it might be better for us all if this thing never gets deployed. We keep the children safe while you do this.” The private offered, getting weak smiles from the kids.

“Sounds good to me.” Fletcher liked it.

Karl looked at the Ratte. “Alright…time to take this beast down.”

Dinky, Katja and Blau Streifen waited near the gates where’re the exit was, watching with worry over Fletcher, hoping he would be alright.

Karl took the pillars at the ground level, Fray the 2 at the upper level.

There were only few guards on the catwalks, the workers focused on their work, so it was no problem to sneak past them, placing the first charge on the pillar.

“Do you smell that?” A worker asked his friend.

“What?”

“Victory.”

The only thing I smell is fuel and smoke from the blowtorches. The Green Knight climbed from the catwalk next to the tank, on it to place a charge on the pillar above it, taking silently 2 workers with his knife out.

As this was done, another gate opened, a halftrack and 2 elite soldiers entered the hanger. Fray switched to his bow and aimed for the grill of the vehicle, firing a charged shot at it, the arrow went right through it, damaging the engine and the Halftrack exploded, taking the 2 Fallschirmjäger with it in a small fireball.

Karl waved to show that the charges at the bottom where in place, pointing to the turret to place a charge on it, Fletcher nodded, climbing the ladder up and placed it.

That’s it. Time to get out of here. Just as he thought this, an alert went off, making everyone wonder what was going on.

As he and Karl reached the others, the MGs of the Ratte started to fire at the exit. “The Ratte is about to fire.” An intercom warned.

As there was no other way through, they made a run through the MG fire, Fray casted a shield spell to protect the children from it, bullets missed them by inches. “Three…Two…One…Fire!” The main gun fired, hitting the canyon wall, creating a small hill, the force of it was strong to enough to make them almost lose their balance as they made it through the gate, escaping the hanger.

“Stop them!” a squad of Fallschirmjäger intercepted them, Fairburne manned a mounted MG, mowing them down before they had a chance.

Karl and Fray walked up the small hill, aiming at the cables of a crane, carrying shells of the Ratte, positioned above the turret where the charge was placed, firing at the same time with their rifles at the cables.

The general arrived in the hanger, wondering what was going on.

The shells hit the charge on the tank, Vahlen stared at it in shock, seeing his life work getting destroyed. Impossible! This can’t be! How did they even…

The explosions created a large chain reaction, he gasped in shock before him trying to escape the doomed hanger, losing his balance, screaming as the blast caught him in the moment he got up.

The smoke and dust cleared slowly, the Eternal Knight had casted a shield around himself and his friends. “Everyone okay?” He asked.

“I’m fine.” Blau Streifen coughed from the smoke and dust.

“Help me.” Vahlen’s voice sounded weak, being trapped under debris, Karl walked up to him, taking his Luger, putting the round he had taken from Brauer’s gun in the chamber. “I’m nothing like you. I remember who I kill.”

He aimed at the general’s head, Vahlen looked in shock and fear at him for what seemed like hours before Karl pulled the trigger, killing Vahlen as blood sprayed from his head.

The Desert Ghost then threw the pistol away, walking up to Fletcher and the other soldiers. “From now, we go separate ways. It was an honor to work with you.” He saluted, the other returned it.

“It was an honor for me too.” Fray replied.

The kids hugged Karl. “Thank you for saving us!”

“Just helping out. You kids take care.” He seemed slightly to smile before walking into the desert.

“So, what now?” Matteo wondered as the sound of an engine greeted their ears, turning into the direction it came from, seeing a truck driving towards them.

The Axis soldiers took defensive positions upon seeing that it was a British Bedford MWD truck, Fletcher just grinned, realizing who this was.

The doors of the driver cabin, 3 British soldiers stepped out´, their heads lowered, making it impossible to see their faces. One of them looked up, seeing the burning factory, shaking his head and chuckled “I can't leave you blokes alone for five minutes, can I!” The kids hugged him happy upon realizing who he was.

“William! You’re alive!” They exclaimed in union.

“It takes more than that to bring down a Hill, as my old father used to say.”

Konrad giggled. “...Oh, I get it. Hill...Like an actual Hill.”

William just rolled his eyes. “Yes, well done. Get in, we bring you to the next town, I explain on the way as it is a long story.” He was also happy to see them safe and sound.

The children and soldiers got into the back of the truck.

Vahlen was dead and the Ratte was destroyed. Maybe Fletcher had prevented a coup d'etat or that the war would get worse than he already was. Or maybe it had made it easier for him to keep the kids safe, he didn’t care about it, just glad they were safe and sound. But one thought refused to leave his head.

Who's Totenkopf?

And what does he want with the foals?

Author's Note

One less problem in the word, but the most dangerous is still out there.

Chapter 15 Raiders of the Lost Foals

Chapter 15: Raiders of the Lost Foals

The ride was mostly quiet, William told his young friends how he had survived, they were happy to hear this. The Axis soldier and Green Knight wondered what they could do now, the tide of the war was turning, but Quince was still out there, looking for them, and wouldn’t stop until he had found them, being a great threat for all of them.

As the kids chatted with William, Escher noticed something. “Uh, Fletcher, can I ask you something?”

“Shoot.”

You can you actually understand us? I mean, when we first met you, you spoke German but how could you understand the British troops? Not much of us speak much English.”

With a light confused expression, Fray said,” Oh, that? Well, I used a translation spell to communicate with both up you, simple.”

“I see. But how you can then understand us, Dinky?” The private asked her.

“I never understood it, but apparently the magic of Equestria allows ponies to passively understand some languages.” Only now, William noticed that she had a British accent in her voice, for the Germans, it sounded like she spoke their language but with a British accent, same was for Matteo’s language.

“We also wondered how this is supposed to work.” The young girl commented, the men noticed now that she had an American accent in her voice.

“Yeah, I actually never cared much about it, due only being at home and in the town where our school is most of the time.” Her brother added, also having an American accent.

“Okay. By the way, Fletcher, since we took Upton into custody, we strangely got no longer reports about destroyed camps, allied nor Axis.” William explained, surprising the unicorn.

“That’s strange, Quince is known to never stop until he has done his work…” Fray mumbled, wondering why this was the case.

“Maybe the heat got him dehydrated, or somebody killed him, getting killed himself in the process.” Hans suspected.

“It sounds plausible but I can’t imagine this.”

“This reminds me, shortly before you and Karl arrived at the factory, we got reports that some vehicles got stolen from one of our vehicle depots.” Konrad changed the subject.

“That doesn’t suit Quince at all, I suspect it was an allied commando.” Fray replied, what advantage had it for Quince to steal military vehicles? It wasn’t his style and in his condition, it was unlikely he could drive one.

“Maybe, I don’t think we will ever know.” Escher replied, “I think you did us all a favor in taking care of Vahlen, as you know, many couldn’t stand him, costing us a lot of good men.”

“Yeah, I agree with that. He reminded me of Solomon a bit, he cost us also a lot of good ponies, can’t say how glad and relieved I was when he died.” The stallion told with a shaken voice as the memories flashed before his eyes.

“I hear ya, say, it is true what happened to Metzburk?” Escher was curious.

“Yes it is true, I took care of him too.”

“Good. That brings us some rest from the SS troops, without him and the Scorpion, they have no longer reason to stay in North Africa. I’m sure Rommel won’t miss them.” The private was relieved to hear this.

“I can imagine that. I don’t want to know what would happen if the Scorpion and Metzburk would be still alive.” Fray shuddered at the thought. “Which reminds me, who is your commanding officer after Linus’ death?”

Konrad shrugged. “There is none, I’m temporary in command until a replacement is selected, which will take some time. What was your rank in the military?”

“Commander. If I remember correctly, it’s equivalent in your army and the British army is Lieutenant colonel, right?”

“Yes it is.”

“If you don’t mind me asking, William, how did you earn your rank as captain?” Fletcher asked.

“There isn’t much to tell, my service as diplomat for my country was the reason for it. Reminds me, due your experience, shouldn’t you all be promoted to Lance Corporal at least?” William asked the Axis soldiers, knowing that Lance Corporal was the next highest rank after private, being called, “Gefreiter”, (Exempted).

“Should be, especially after getting the Iron Cross, but the paperwork is generally slow these days. Wouldn’t surprise me if this takes until next year.” Konrad said with disappointment.

“In my opinion, you have earned it!” Blau Streifen tried to cheer him up, smiling.

“Thank you.” It pleased him to hear this from the young colt.

“I wonder what will happen now, as Vahlen’s dead and the tide of the war turning…” Hans mumbled.

“We do our duty, getting to the next base, keeping our young friends safe until Fletcher took care of Quince, doing our best to survive this war.” Konrad replied, knowing it wouldn’t be easy but they had to try.

Hans smiled. “You’re right, Linus had it wanted so. I wonder how the Führer will react to Vahlen’s death.”

“It’s a good question, but that isn’t our concern. Still, given what Vahlen had planned, I’d say he would be relieved that the general is dead, yet enraged when he hears that his loyal SS troops are dead.”

“Yeah, I don’t want to be the massager.” Willi commented on this.

It’s a bit strange for me. Vahlen was a ruthless advocate of nerve agents in the last war, I had expected that his project would have to do with gas, due its name.” Matteo couldn’t understand it.

“I thought so too when first heard of it, I wondered how Vahlen expected to transport and supply this thing, I mean, it would be nearly impossible to transport due it’s size, not able to be deployed in urban areas and extremely vulnerable to aerial bombardment and artillery fire. The desert would be the only place where you could deploy the Ratte. From a practical view.” Escher theorized.

“Not to forget the costs and time to produce it, the one we destroyed must have taken a year to construct at least, maybe even longer.” Fletcher added.

“We are here.” Duffy pronounced as the truck reached the outskirts of town.

The townsfolk seemed to be busy, doing its daily tasks, apparently not paying attention to the military truck, the ponies and soldiers as they got out, which surprised the group quite a bit.

“We search for means of communication, if anyone should get lost, the truck will be our assembly point in about…” Konrad looked on his watch. “15 minutes.”

“Sounds good to me.” William liked it.

They walked through the town, noticing there were no other soldiers of any side, suspecting that neither side had a presence in the area.

The crowds got close, the men struggled to stay together and keeping up with Fletcher and the children, eventually losing them out of their sight in the crowds.

Upon noticing that the others had lost them, they waited at a small alley. “I hope they don’t got lost in the town.” Dinky said with concern, looking for her friends.

“If we don’t see them, we just wait at the truck as Konrad had suggested.” Fray reminded her.

“F-fletcher, we got c-company.” Katja said scared, pointing to a group of armed men in white clothes, armed with swords started slowly to surround them, looking not very pleased.

The children went behind the Knight, scared. “F-Fletcher....W-what do they want from us?” Dinky asked trembling.

The Green Knight transformed his bow into a spear, which fascinated the children. “Stay back.” He ordered calm yet lightly threatening.

They charged but him, but he had no trouble taking one guy out after another. Even the recruits in Celestia's army were better than those guys.

“Children, get out of here!” he yelled, defeating another one.

He hadn't to tell them this twice. The 3 friends used the chaos to escape, making their way to the other side of the alley, getting intercepting by 3 bandits.

“Got you, you little brat!” One of them said as he grabbed the colt who struggled in his arms

“Let me go!” Blau Streifen yelled angry, as his sister and Dinky struggled too.

“FLETCHER!” the filly yelled at the top of her lungs before she got knocked out with her friends.

Her cry alerted him after he defeated the last one. “Damn it!” He cursed as he came to a marketplace, calling out for her and the siblings. Suddenly, the marketplace parted to give way for a black-robed man with an over-sized scimitar. Giving a small laugh, he began displaying his skill with his weapon to intimidate the Knight.

The stallion had an expression that said, “I don't have time for this”, lighted up his horn and blasted the swordsman off his feet without moving, the onlookers cheered Fletcher's' action.

Despite this, he wasted no time to look for the children, eventually meeting Konrad and William as he ran through the town. “We heard a scream, is everything alright?” The captain asked worried.

“Some of the locals kidnapped the Dinky and the siblings! We have to find them!” Fray exclaimed, shocking the men, their mouths wide open, pupils small.

Cutting ran up to them, looking very concerned. “Sir! You need to see this!” They wasted no time to follow him, being led to a small hill, overlooking the road at the outskirts of town.

“We have no time, they are about to bring them into a truck!” Peter warned.

“Truck? What Truck?” Fletcher asked confused until they saw an Opel Blitz, escorted by an armed motorcycle and an armed Kübelwagen coming to a stop, a crowd gathered around it, being held back by armed locals. They loaded the tied up and still knocked out children on the truck, the Arab crowd tried to save them but one bandit fired a warning shot into the air to scare them off.

“Well, now we know who raided our vehicle depot.” Konrad commented, not able to get how up the locals could have done his.

2 men, one being tall, the other one having an average build chatted next to the truck, William recognized them.

“Hey, I know those 2 guys, they were the soldiers helping Upton! I think their names are Rafford and Chiswick.”

“Then he must be behind this!” Duffy suspected as the tall man made a gesture, taking the backseat of a normal Kübelwagen, while the other took the driver seat of the armed one.

The normal Kübelwagen took the lead as the convoy moved out.

“Not on my watch. Try to intercept them at the next town. I'm going after that truck.” Fletcher sounded calm but lightly angered.

“How?” William asked.

"I don't know, I'm making this up as I go.”

Retrieving some form of bundle from out of his cloak, Fletcher unraveled it and slung it over his back, adjusting it with a set of belts and straps.

It was a saddle, black boiled sap-leather with metal inlays. Two thin steel panels atop it folded out and set to its sides like an open book, both with large slots at the ends.

William had never seen anything quite like it.

Fletcher gazed down at the bottom of the cliffs and spoke, “How many seconds would you say it took to hit the bottom?”

William glanced down, no fan of heights at the best of times and gave a rough estimation. “Uh...eight or nine?”

“Right.” Fletcher seemed ready to leap off like some great pouncing cat.

“Um...Mr. Fray,” William piped up, pale in the face “This...doesn't look safe.”

Fletcher gave him a deadpan look. “Have you ever seen a pony try to fly, Captain?” he asked, “It's not meant to look safe!”

And with a mighty bound, he was gone.

Hurtling down to earth, his horn lit up.

One....

The steel panels whirred into life. They began extending, out of the slots producing new panels, each at a slight angle.

Two...

With a series of clicks and scrapes, the panels had produced what would appear from an observer to be a great crescent atop his back.

Three...

The crescent twisted, its two points tilting up and down.

Four...

It twisted hard, as if flapping, as Fletcher's fall turned slightly more forward, the ground rushing closer and closer.

Five! Now!

The assembly was complete. Fletcher swooped upwards in a complete vertical U-turn as the mechanical wings worked their magic.

In theory, impractical. In practice, hazardous. But by no means useless when handled correctly. The wings required magic to keep them active. Spells could not be cast while airborne and however high or fast they could take the wearer depended on their magical prowess.

To Fletcher Fray, it would serve.

As he shot high into the air, the crowd cheered wildly, stunned and amazed at the spectacle.

William put a hand on his brow and shook his head, grinning. “Bugger me, the oddness never ends!” he exclaimed, “Alright then, chaps, you heard him. Cut them off at the crossroad. Let's get cracking!”

Fletcher quickly caught up with the convoy, the gunner of the armed car opened fire, the bullets missed but he ceased when his bullets got dangerously close to the bandits guarding the children. Fletcher landed on the roof, grim-faced. “I'm going to have to ask you to pull over.”

“Wha...That's cheating!” The bandit on the passenger seat yelled.

“Say the guys using an armed convoy to kidnap three children.”

The passenger and driver glanced at him, then at each other before the passenger drew a pistol and fired but the knight blocked it with a shield spell. “Wow...Real mature.” He threw the passenger into the sandy road, then tackled the driver.

They grappled with each while also trying to control the vehicle. The driver hit the brakes, the truck decelerated quickly, causing the armed car to rear end the truck, causing Dinky who had woken by the fight almost to slid out but Blau Streifen bite her tail to prevent her from falling out as he and his sister were now awake too.

Fletcher in return hit the accelerator, pushing Dinky back and causing it to knock a bandit out of the back, through the windshield of the armed Kübelwagen. During the fight, Fray gasped as the truck was about to hit a building under construction. Working together to maintain control, the truck destroyed several scaffolds of a building under construction, causing several Arab workers to fall and jump to the road. One of the workers fell into the front of the truck, although he hurled himself from it quickly. Faced with a comic situation, Fletcher and the driver laughed before Fray punched him out the driver's door.

Now in control of the truck by himself, Fletcher rammed the leading Kübelwagen. “Perhaps you didn't hear me! I said pull the buck over!” The car was forced off the road but the driver quickly recovered, pulling ahead of the truck.

“Behind you!” Dinky yelled in the back as the armed car tried to pull along the right side the truck, so it’s gunner could open fire, but Fletcher saw the car in his mirror and knocked it off course. The motorcycle at the tail of the convoy tried to pass the truck on the left but Fletcher saw it in the mirror too. Letting out a devilishly evil grin, the stallion nudged the bike into a pool. The driver and passenger scrambled out and cursed after the truck.

“Watch out, the armed car!” Katja warned as the armed Kübelwagen had caught up and tried to pull alongside again so the gunner could shoot the Eternal Knight.

With the same devilishly evil grin, Fletcher shunted the car off the road again. This time, however, the car went flying over a large cliff, Chiswick screamed in terror, the Gunner, not secured in the vehicle, fell out of the car as it went over the edge.

“Get out there and kill him!” One bandit in the back ordered, and 4 men climbed along the sides of the truck. But the Eternal Knight saw them in his rear-view mirrors.

“Hnnm!” The pony ran through the trees, which knocked off the two men on each side. But the last remaining man managed to climb towards the cab, drawing his pistol, scoring a hit on Fletcher's left shoulder. He grunted in pain for a second before kicking the passenger door to get the bandit off the side. The knight had success as the door fell off, the man with her.

Now finally in control, Fletcher caught up to the normal Kübelwagen in front of him, knocked it off the road and into the dirt. The town was insight but the adrenaline subsided, causing him to held his wound in pain with his left hoof, but he could feel that the nanomites were already working on it.

“Idiot! Idiot!” Rafford yelled at the driver before the hired man managed to get the car going again.

In the town, Konrad and William had set up two MG nests, consisted of a Vickers MG and a MG 42, to take out any pursuer as the truck entered the town. Fletcher drove the truck into a garage which the soldiers disguised as a fruit market stall, hiding the truck. In the moment the Kübelwagen entered the town, he was perforated by bullets, crashing into a wall, the horn went off.

The Axis and Allied soldiers then moved slowly towards the crashed car, checking for any survivors. Rafford's face was covered in blood, a bullet planted squarely between his eyes. The other passengers hadn't fared any better.

“I guess we won’t get out anything of him.” Konrad commented before taking a look at Fletcher’s injury, bandaging it. “Stray shot, you were lucky.”

“Yeah. The nanomites should have taken care of it in an hour.”

After William had cut the ropes, glad that the kids were unharmed, Dinky noticed Fletcher’s wings. “Do you want to be an Alicorn?”

That question confused the green pony. “What makes you think of that?” In response, the female unicorn pointed to his wings. “Oh, that…That...is a bit of a giveaway, isn't it? No, Dinky it’s nothing like that, a friend of mine designed them for me back then so I could keep up with Wolf and Midnight when they were flying.” He explained as he took them off and put them back into his saddlebag.

“Still, they look cool!” Blau Streifen was fascinated by them.

“And look good on you.” His sister added.

Fray chuckled. “I’m pleased to hear that.”

The Italian looked at the sun, seeing it was setting. “Already evening? Time passes fast. I suggest we rest the night here and tomorrow, we move on.”

“Sounds good to me.” William replied as their young friends started to yawn.

The town was deserted, probably because the residents fled in fear of Allied or Axis troops, the men got their sleeping bags out, making a campfire for the night, everyone was fast asleep.

In the middle of the night, Willi awoke by a strange noise he couldn’t figure out, seeing the others were still sleeping.

He grabbed his MP40 to check it out, switching his flashlight on. “Hello?” He asked as he looked around for a few minutes, finding nothing suspicious, just the howl of the wind was sounding.

I just imagined things.

“Report unnecessary.” He spoke to himself, turning around.

“Are you really sure about that?” A raspy voice asked from behind before he felt something hard hitting his head and everything became black.

He came to with an aching head. Ugh, my head…where am I?” He looked around noticing he was restrained in a cave.

“About time you woke up.” The same raspy voice greeted his ears, seeing something he couldn’t have imagined even in his worst nightmares.

A pony, having a pallid skin, its legs were at odd angles, the flank where it Cutie Mark should be was skinned and burned, exposing muscle and a mask covered the forehead, making only the forehead and the eyes visible, which glowed a terrifying green color. It also had a horn on its head, being a unicorn like Fletcher.

The young man had seen a lot of combat like the others, being experienced and able to stay calm in battle, but pony’s appearance terrified him to the bone.

“Let's play a game...Which body-part do you need the lease...I just love the human body, so many things can be snicked off and broken and they still survive.” The pony sounded very cheerfully

“...please...” Willi whimpered, more scared than he was ever before in his life, trembling at what it would do to him.

The stallion raised an eyebrow. “...Please is not a body-part.”

“I never...I never hurt anyone...” Willi whispered in fear.

“Pretty rubbish soldier then...”

“What...whatever you need to know...” Willi managed to ask, hoping he would be spared.

“I don't need to know anything. I do my research. You come from El Alamein, a climactic battleground in the war for Africa. One of you fights for a brutal fascist dictatorship, the other fights for an ineffectual elitist plutocracy...only I get confused which is which. In any case, humans are killing humans, what else is new? That's pretty much all they do, buck each other, kill each other and die, not always necessarily in that order. Boooooooring! One good bit though...Three little children, running around looking for their mummies...Won't that be a hunt to remember. You failed but...I'm a better hunter than you.”

The soldier’s eyes widened as he stared in shock at him.

“How about your little finger? Humans don't use those for much, do they?” Willi couldn’t bring out a response. “No? Good! Let's start with that!” The stallion turned around to prepare things with his magic, Willi couldn’t only think of torture instruments.

“You've been wondering why you're here, haven't you. Where I came from, who I am, why I'm doing this to you...So guess...If you guess right, I'll tell you. By the gods of your world and mine, I swear it. You win the game if you can figure out who I am and why I'm torturing you...And I win the game if you beg me to cut off your finger!” The pony exclaimed as it turned around.

“...If you win...you'll let me go?” Willi asked, close to breakdown.

“Heh...If you think this has a happy ending...You haven't been paying attention...”

It became too much for the German, he broke down. “...please...”

The pony used his magic to lower one of Willi’s eyelids, and drew a knife, holding it under the soldier's eye. “You say please again and you'll wish you hadn't.You first...Where did I come from? The foals told you what it's like back home, didn't they? Where's my home?”

“Equestria...” It was obvious to the man, given the stallion’s appearance.

“Too vague.” The stallion replied disappointed.

“...Canterlot?” Willi guessed as Fletcher had never told him more about it.

The pony giggled “...terrible guess!” He slowly slicing the soldier's finger open, Willi screamed at the top of his lungs in pain, tears leaved his eyes, begging for it to stop. “Now...where?” It demanded after the German had stopped to scream.

“A-A-Appaloosa?” The private managed to say through the pain.

“Oh for...Do I Look Like A Bucking Apple To You?!” The stallion shouted irritated as he slightly peeled the soldier’s finger.

“P-P-PONYVILLE?!” Willi shouted in pain, being the only location he could think of.

His torturer stopped and eyes him curious. “Ponyville? How did you know that?”

“I didn't, I...It was just a guess!”

“Very good, Private. And who am I?”

“Doctor Whooves...Dinky's father...” Willi knew it was wrong what he had just said, it just slipped out as he fought the pain.

“Er...no...He's at home keeping his googly-eyed little wife company while she blubs and cries into her muffins.” The torturer replied.

“No, you're...you're the Prowler...You're Quince…”

The Prowler slowly walked away and sat down.

“You swore to tell me th-“

Impatiently, Quince replied, “You're right...So why am I doing this to you?”

“Dinky, Blau Streifen and Katja went missing...Fletcher has been sent to get them back...That's why you're torturing me... …He has survived his last encounter with you…” It felt so wrong to submit but all Willi wanted was to live.

Quince stared at him for what seemed like hours before saying slowly, “I see...That's very good to know...You win...” He eyed his knife, hovering it before his face, then suddenly stood up, brightly and cheerfully, which scared Willi even more than he already was. “But of course, you forgot to ask me one very important question. You forgot to ask...if I'm a liar.”

He used his magic to slowly pull the flesh of the finger away from the bone, peeling it completely as Willi screamed. “I'm afraid I am…” He twisted it and squeezed it like a child's toy, clearly enjoying every moment. “Every word I've ever told you is a lie.” The soldier writhed and twisted, searching for any way to cut himself free. “This isn't happening to you for any reason. Well, one reason.” The Prowler turned to him. I enjoy it.”

“PLEASE CUT IT OFF CUT IT OFF CUT IT OFF CUT IT OFF PLEASE!” Willi screamed in pain, his screams echoing through the cave.

Quince stopped, turned, looking him in the eyes.

“I win...”

Fletcher, the children and soldiers awoke in the morning, rubbing their eyes. “Good morning, children.” The Green Knight smiled at them.

“Morning, Fletcher.” They replied.

“Hey, has anyone seen Willi?” Konrad asked as he looked around, not seeing him anywhere.

“No, I guess he took a look around.” Hans suspected as they breakfasted.

Regard of what they suspected he wasn’t with them, they all started to look around, calling out for him, not finding him anywhere.

“That’s strange…He wouldn’t leave us like that…” Konrad mumbled, wondering where his friend had been gone.

“I think we have to worry about that later.” Duffy commented, pointing to something in the distance.

Using binoculars, William saw a group of heavy armored Egyptian Mercenaries ran towards them, being 1000 meters away from them. “Those guys just won’t quit! Take defensive positions!”

The soldiers went into good cover positions, Fletcher brought the kids behind a stone wall for cover. “Keep your heads down.” They nodded, slightly trembling.

The defenders opened fire as the mercenaries came into range, mowing a few down, before getting forced into cover, noticing that those guys were far better trained that the others from the convoy.

Thanks to his Shadow Strike ability, Fletcher managed to take about 5 hostiles out, before another charged at him, throwing him to the ground.

Fray struggled with him, managing to draw his Luger, firing through the Egyptian’s heart at pointblank range, throwing the body of him as blood splattered from the wound.

Dinky and the siblings watched in horror, the battle raged on with neither side gaining ground, the Egyptian Mercenaries were putting up a good fight.

As a few bullets flew past their cover, the 3 friends decided to look for a better location, crawling on the ground towards an alley to avoid getting hit, then stood up as they got far away from the danger.

Dinky came to a halt with a screen, causing her friends to crash into her. “Why did you-“ Blau cut himself off as he saw several of the local mercenaries standing in front of them, weapons trained on them.

Behind the armed men, Upton stepped out, smirking arrogantly. “Well, well...Fancy meeting you here.”

In the moment he had said this, 3 of the armed men stepped forward to grab them, they all tried to resist, Blau Streifen tried to bite his captor, his sister kicked and punched, while Dinky tried both in combination with using magic, everything was in vain as they got knocked out.

“Ugh…not again…” Blau Streifen mumbled as he regained consciousness, holding his head in pain, finding himself, his sister and Dinky in what seemed to be a cave.

“Sis, Dinky, wake up!” He gently shook them, causing them to regained consciousness too.

“That…hurt…” Katja mumbled as her head ached, the young filly got up to take a look around, as they strangely weren’t restrained at all.

Dinky froze in fear upon peeking out of the cave. “G-guys…” She whimpered.

The siblings were about to ask what’s wrong, also freezing in fear upon peeking out.

Outside were Upton and his hired men, but that wasn’t scary to them, it was his interlocutor.

A pony with a pallid skin, its legs were at odd angles, a skinned and burned flank where it Cutie Mark should exposing muscle and a mask covered the muzzle, making only the forehead and the eyes visible, which glowed in green ,giving it a terrifying appearance, the same pony they had seen in their nightmares.

“I brought you the children as you wished. A pretty young thing like Katja is worth a lot of money in the right market.” Upton said to the stallion with satisfaction.

While Katja was young, she still understood what Upton meant, terrified to hear this.

“About time. I see my warning not to fail me again after I broke you out was clear enough.” The pony had a raspy voice, making difficult to understand.

“I promised you I wouldn’t fail you again, I have done my part, now, do your part.” Upton replied, apparently a bit scared, trembling slightly.

“What part?” The pony asked in a taunting voice.

“You promised you'd give me whatever I wanted.” The Brit reminded him with a demanding voice.

“No, Sir Upton. I promised I'd give you whatever you deserved.” The pony replied cold, causing Upton to take a step back in fear.

“Pay attention next time. Oh...silly me...” The pony grabbed him by the throat, he struggled in vain, his mercenaries pointing their weapons at the pony, before knives landed in their heads in a flash, falling twitching to the ground. “There ain't gonna' be a next time.” the pony said as a crack could be heard, Upton’s body became limp and fell to the ground.

It terrified the kids completely, startling to tremble, their hearts racing. The pony slowly turned into their direction, causing them to step back as it slowly walked towards them until they were trapped against the wall. “P-please…don’t hurt us….” Dinky whimpered, not able to control her fear, cowering.

Blau and Katja held each other, whimpering.

“So you are the children Fletcher wants to get home.” The stallion said, his raspy voice cold, unemotional, the young friends wondered if this was Quince.

The stallion turned to Dinky. “I'm curious...If I took out of your mother's googly little eyes...would the other one stay the same or would it even out? What do you think? Maybe I'd do her a favour.” He said with a sadistic voice before looking at the siblings. “I heard, you’re from Sunny Town. The incident in Sunny Town, eh? I heard about that. You poor children must have been mortified. And so young. How lucky of you to escape with your lives. I suppose it takes a lot to top something like that. I sometimes find survivors, frail things that escaped or endured the most shocking of horrors...And with them, I usually like to take my time. Trust me, young ones, by the time I'm done, you're going to be wishing the two of you were nothing but blackened bones in that fireplace.”

It confused them, wondering what he meant with incident.

“Not that it matters.” The pony commented as it’s horn lit up, casting some kind of gas.

It caused them to cough and they collapsed as their bodies started to cramp, also gasping for air, everything faded slowly black.

Their visions were blurry, the last thing they heard was the raspy voice. “Good…Very good…” Then they blacked out.

Author's Note

Uh-oh. Fray you better hurry! And can you spot the references?

Chapter 16 Last stand

Chapter 16: Last stand

The Allied and Axis soldiers, together with the Eternal Knight managed to finish the last mercenaries off, winning this battle. “Glad that's over. These buggers seem to be harder-shelled than the ones we're used to.” William breathed heavily, reloading his Sten.

“Yes and our friends are safe for now.” Hans added relieved that they had won.

“Speaking of them, where are they?” Matteo wondered as he looked around, not seeing them anywhere.”

“I guess they took cover somewhere else, let’s look around.” Escher suggested, the others agreed.

“Dinky! Where are you?” Fletcher called out, hoping she would reply.

“Katja! Are you alright?” Duffy called out for the young girl.

“Blau Streifen! Are you there?” Matteo shouted, praying for any kind of response from him.

Unfortunately, there was none, which made them all worried what had happened to them.

“You...you don't think they were the target? Like putting those boys up to keep us busy while they...they...?” Duffy figured out, fearing for the worst.

“I’m afraid so. But with my tracking spell, we can find them.” Fray was confident, yet also hoped it wasn’t too late.

To everyone’s surprise, a Kübelwagen came into view in the distance, the Brits aimed their weapons at it as the car came to a stop and the town, four Gestapo agents stepped out. “Drop your weapons, you are surrounded!” One of the agents yelled, pointing his Luger at them.

Konrad stepped forward. “Wait, this is a misunderstanding. We both got separated from our allies, working together to survive out there.” He tried to explain.

The leader of the secret police looked cold at the private. “If that what you just said is true, I might refrain from reporting you as deserter. We are looking for Upton, have you seen him?” He asked the Axis soldiers.

“No sir, but we believe he has kidnapped the children we were ordered to keep safe.” Escher replied, getting a strange reaction from the agent of the secret police, his eyes twitching for a few seconds.

“That imbecile! Never trust a goddamn island ape! Stick to the plan, I said, keep quiet, deny any accusation! He could have blamed the Cornishman, the Ethiope King or who knows who else. But no, he had to get greedy! Right. I want a squad with jeeps sent after him immediately to silence him. He must on no accounts fall into British hands. He knows far too much to be considered safe.” The black dressed man sounded angry, if there was one thing the others could agree with the Gestapo, it was that Upton wouldn’t get out alive of this situation, no matter what.

As the agents were about to move out, one of them tripped over something in the sand. “Ouch! What the?” He wounded as he looked over what he tripped, hearing a strange, yet terrifying moan.

Three men rose from the sand, their skins very pale, having whitened pupils, one of them was wearing a black suit and hat, the others had local clothes, their heads covered in blood. Fletcher and his friends immediately recognized the black clothed man as Upton.

“Stay back!” The Gestapo agent yelled in panic, firing his Luger at the man. Upton shrugged it off as he slowly stumbled towards the terrified German, swinged his hand at the agent’s throat, blood sprayed from a wound as he fell dead into the sand, the undead henchman sprinted towards the other Gestapo members, who fired their weapons in an attempt to stop them, in vain.

The mercenaries quickly killed them the same way as Upton did, then they all stared at the unicorn and soldiers who had their weapons trained on them. The Germans, stallion and Italian knew from the tombs how to deal with the undead, the Brits from their encounter with Ricky Hanson. A bullet to the head should do it.

The men and stallion opened fire as the undead charged at them, Gorrister, managed to get a hold on Hill, trying to feast upon him, the captain quickly drew his revolver, shooting Upton in the head at blank range, executing him as blood sprayed from it and he let go, falling backwards to the ground, the former hired men got also defeated from the combined firepower.

“Okay, that’s over. Now-“ Matteo got cut off as several moans greeted their ears, seeing several more of the mercenaries raising out of the sand, ten to twenty at least.

In the moment the soldiers aimed their weapons at the undead, a loud and rapid firing sound echoed in their ears, seeing how the mercenaries got perforated by bullets, struggling to stand with bullet holes all over their bodies before falling into the sand.

Turning around, everybody saw how Hans had manned the MG42, the barrel was smoking. “1.500 rounds per minute is something fine, isn’t it?” He asked proudly.

“Yeah, it really earns its name, the buzz saw.” Escher replied as Hill looked over Upton’s body with an expression of sympathy.

“I admit I never quite liked him, that he wasn’t a good man, but even he hasn’t deserved something like this.” As William had said this, Gorrister’s body, as well as the bodies of the mercenaries disintegrated before them in a green flame.

“It’s all Quince’s work. We have to find, the children before it’s too late. Follow me!” Fray used his tracking spell, locating them not far from here in the north, the others wasted no time, worried about them.

After a few minutes, they saw a cave in the distance, and a man, lying in his own blood. They stared in shock upon seeing who it was. “Willi!” Konrad explained, rushing towards him, kneeling down.

The baker was barely alive, with eight of his fingers missing. “Quince…” He managed to say in a weak voice.

“You’re okay, you gonna be okay!” The private tried to comfort his friend, despite knowing there was no chance of survival for him.

“He wants...The Green...Knight...” Willi added weakly, his eyes slowly closing.

“No! No! Stay with me!” Konrad yelled but the baker’s body became limp, succumbing to his injuries. Escher held his head, then let his arm hang loose. “Damn…damn….” He mumbled in sadness, then exclaimed in anger, “Quince will pay for this!”

“While I didn’t know him much, I’m with you, Konrad.” Hill assured, also angered by this loss.

“Oh, he will pay, definitely!” Conti added.

“We’re with you.” Cutting and Duffy added.

“No. We’re found the children, and we will end it, we can’t afford more loses. Hans, you, Peter and Duffy bury Willi and go back to the town, organizing our ride.” Konrad said to them, now calmer yet oriented.

“But…” Hans was about to protest.

“No buts, that’s an order!” Konrad yelled.

“Yes, sir!”

Konrad, Matteo and William followed Fletcher to a small hill near the cave, nothing but a strange mist around it, also hinting they were close. “Fletcher!!! I have your whelps! Come out and die at the hooves of the immortal one!” They heard a raspy voice, seeing Quince coming out of the mist, despite his terrifying appearance, the men showed no sign of fear.

“No, Quince. We've talked about this. We're ageless. Not immortal. And unless you let them go, right now...You will know the difference.” Fray replied calm, yet threatening.

“Look at me...LOOK AT ME! You did this! You did this to me! Now I'll make you suffer for every moment of it!” The Prowler yelled in rage.

“You should thank me, Quince...It's an improvement.” Fletcher replied calm.

“And you will pay for what you did to Willi!” The German exclaimed, his eyes burning with anger.

“I see you've found yourself some pets, Fletch.” Quince wasn’t impressed by this.

The Eternal Knight turned to the private. “Konrad, I told you, he's too strong for you!”

“I'm sorry, Fletcher. But I'm not letting this monster get away with what he did, even if it kills me.” For Escher it was now personal.

Ah, I thought I recognized the uniform. You knew my last toy, didn't you...heh...You know why I practice on soldiers? They're a better challenge. Civilians break down instantly, that's no fun, I like someone who starts off all tough and fearless and then fold, beautifully, as they slowly realize how much curd they're in! Though that what’s his face Timmy Two-Fingers I caught didn't last long, how many years did he have on the force?” The unicorn taunted.

“...He was a young man...in his early twenties.” Fray replied.

“Really? I would have put it closer to ten when he started screaming for his mother. No joke, he really did, it was spectacular! No wonder they're building machines to do the fighting, they sure aren't getting far with their men!” Quince carried on.

“Where are they?!” William demanded before they heard a strange moan in the mist, seeing the silhouettes of the children, strangely stumbled out of the mist.

Fletcher and the others became shocked as the kids got fully visible.

They all had deathly pale skin, whitened pupils, blackening around their eyes and mouths, slight sores near the neck, enlarged veins, and several small blue orbs emitting from their heads. The Eternal Knight had heard about this once but never saw it before.

Puppet soldiers, forcibly locked into mindlessly violent, zombie-like trances through the gases a certain spell released.

“Here they are, safe and sound. Oh, did I say safe and sound? Sorry. What I meant to say was, under my thrall and ready to rip you to pieces. And you know what else. After I let them go, they're going to remember that. Think of all the lovely little nightmares they'll have, watching helplessly as I made them tear you open and feast on your twitching flesh!” The Prowler shouted with joy.

The Green Knight switched to his spear. “This will end today.”

Quince drew his knives in response. “At last...something we agree on.” Hecharged at Fray, the children broke out into an animalistic sprint towards the 3 soldiers, Katja flailed her arms as she ran towards Hill.

He, Escher and Conti quickly putted the safety of their weapons on, they didn’t want to kill them or accidently hurt them.Dinky attacked Konrad, Blau Streifen Conti, his sister went for the Brit, violently swatting at them, the men could evade the attacks with effort, Fletcher managed to block every attack of Quince, responding with counterattacks, which his enemy also blocked with ease, like a classic sword fight.

The young girl managed to get a hold in William, trying to feast upon him, he punched her in the solar plexus, causing her to let go, enabling him to throw her to the ground, which should instantly knock out a soldier, the German and Italian did the same move, hoping to take them out without hurting them too much.

To their horror, the kids stood up just by planting their feet/ hooves on the ground and then bending forward, hinting it wouldn’t be easy to take them out with non-lethal weapons.

The prowler blocked Fletcher next attack by locking blades with his spear, dragging it upwards again, but this time, Fray ducked as his opponent tried to head-butt him, effectively avoiding it, leaving Quince open for an attack.

As the Eternal Knight raised his spear for a strike, a moan came from behind, the filly lunged at him, knocking him down, trying to bite his throat.

He hated it to hurt her, so he just lifted her back with his magic, throwing her off him, just in time to avoid a finishing strike by Quince, rolling out of the way, just getting grazed in the left shoulder.

As Dinky stood up again, Blau Streifen charged at William, knocking him to the ground, his sister charged at the Italian, knocking him also down with twisted superhuman physiology.

They realized that the kids would eventually overpower them, the soldiers agreed with nods to take out Quince first.

Matteo managed to throw the colt off him, reaching for his knife as Quince was about to attack Fray again, charging at him.

The former prowler quickly turned around, blocking the attack with his knives, then blasted the soldier back with his magic. In the moment Hill got Katja of himself, getting up, Matteo crashed into him, causing both to get knocked out.

Escher recovered, seeing that the siblings now attacked Fletcher, he managed with effort to get them off with his magic, barely evading another strike by Quince.

The former prowler was lost in his anger, fighting the archer, that he couldn’t see it coming as Konrad rushed from behind, stabbing him into the back, then turned him around, locking blades with him, using all his strength to drag them upwards, managing that Quince lost his grip of his knives.

As the German was about to stab him into the chest, the stallion used his magic to throw him to the ground, stabbing the private into the chest with his own knife, Escher blacked temporarily out.

Konrad woke up,seeing horrified that Quince and Fletcher had now a hoof fight, the Green Knight held his ground but Quince punched him down, hitting him into the face repeatedly, the children stumbled aimlessly around, stopping to walk to bend forward like they had to throw up, holding their heads for a few moment, making him wonder if this was a sign of resistance or awareness of their state.

Looking at the knife in his chest, Konrad gripped it firmly and began to pull it out. The knife slowly came out of his chest, blood gushing from his wound as he angrily groaned in pain, his vision flashing red. He pulled harder, straining his last bit of strength with both hands until it finally came out.

He twisted the knife in his hand, looking at Quince, muttering “Quince!”, as he threw it in the moment Quince looked up. The knife landed in Quince’s left eye, he stumbled as blood gushed out of his face.

Despite the hits Fray had taken, he quickly recovered, grabbing his spear, striking Quince with it, throwing him back with every hit.

His final strike was aimed at the prowler’s chest, penetrating his heart, Quince screamed in pain, struggling not to collapse.

It was in vain, falling into the sand in his own blood as Fletcher forcefully pulled the spear out. Fray breathed heavily before looking at the wounded soldier. “Konrad! Konrad!” He rushed over, casting a healing spell and bandaging him. “That should help.” He helped him up.

William and Matteo woke up, coughing as they got up. “Are you alright?” Matteo asked worried as he saw the bandages on his friend.

“I will make it, don’t worry."

The children still stumbled around but made no attempt to attack as the 4 soldiers walked over Quince, despite his injuries, he was still alive, his eyes still glowing green. “Is it over...Is the nightmare finally over...” His voice was weak but filed with regret.

With sympathy, Fletcher replied, “Yes...yes it is...You can rest easy now...” And made the killing blow to the head, blood splattered and a loud crack could be heard as Quince finally died.

As the glow in his eyes ceased, the children started to stagger, Fray used his magic to catch them, lying them down gently, checking their pulses. “They’re unconscious but otherwise fine.” He said relieved as they twitched a bit but were reverting to their normal state.

“Captain, are you alright?” Cutting asked worried as he arrived with Duffy and Hans, seeing the scene. “We got scared as you didn’t come back.”

“We’re fine, lieutenant. Fletcher, it may sound wrong what I’m going to say, but I think we all did Quince a favor.” William said to him, hoping it wouldn’t upset him.

“It’s okay, I blamed myself for what happened to him, so I’m glad that he’s released from his suffering. Let’s get the kids out of the sun and take Quince’s body, nobody should be allowed to discover his abilities.” Fletcher replied.

“Agreed.”

While unconscious, the minds of Dinky, Blau and Katja’s minds were still working tirelessly.

Dinky and her human friend woke up in field grey uniforms in amountain area, wearing a pair of crutches on their backs.

The sound of a young voice laughing greeted their ears, seeing the young colt wearing the same uniform running towards them. “That was fun!” He exclaimed in joy.

“I know you enjoy it, but could you please a bit more careful?” Dinky pleaded.

“Where’s the fun in that?” He asked before an explosion occurred near them, caused by a tank. “Excuse me a minute.” Blau said before charging at the tank, yelling, “Who’s next?”

“And there he goes again.” His sister commented before another explosion occurred. “And he’s dead.” Katja reached for a Syringe with an adrenaline injection out of her pocket and stabbed her brother, reviving him. “You blew yourself up again, didn’t you?” She scolded him.

“Yeah, I kinda did. Guess I really…blew up his day.” Blau Streifen joked.

The sound of an airshiphorn got their attention, looking up into the sky, the airship stopped above them, and 2 ponies jumped towards the ground, the first one was Fletcher, also having medical equipment, the other one a female Pegasus they had never seen before, armed with a SMG with attached bayonet.

“White Wolf, please…”

“No risk, no fun!” The mare replied to Fray before charging forwards, getting killed in an explosion.

The unicorn sighed. “Here we go again.” He revived her with his syringe. “You know, you would make my job a lot easier if you would be more careful.”

“Who are you, my father?” Wolf asked in return.

The kids suppressed giggles, then noticed how everything started to fade, feeling something warm around them.

With aching heads, they awoke, seeing that Fletcher and the others were sitting around a fire in the shadow. “Ah, you’re awake. How are you feeling?” Fletcher asked with a weak smile.

“My head aches but otherwise, I’m fine.” Dinky got up, then froze, her pupils went small as she noticed something in the fire. “Is that….a body in the fire?” She asked terrified.

With an unpleasant expression, the stallion replied, “Quince's. It’s the only we can be sure no-one ever makes another one like him,” also throwing a letter into the fire.

Upon hearing his name, Dinky hugged Fletcher tightly, crying, Katja hugged Escher, Blau Streifen Matteo. “I’m so sorry! I never wanted to...to…” The little unicorn buried her head into his chest, he rubbed her back.

“Shh, calm down, it’s alright, you had no control over your actions, I don’t blame you or your friends.” He spoke in a calming voice.

“Hey, look!” Duffy pointed to the fire. They saw a unicorn slowly rising out of the fire, looking like a sprit. It was Quince before this horrible experiment happened to him. He looked at them, being…calm. He waved at them with a peaceful expression before walking away, fading.

“I guess he finally found his peace.” Konrad suspected, feeling kinda relieved for him.

“Yes, his suffering finally ended.” Even Fletcher was relieved about it.

“How long were we out?” Blau Streifen asked him.

“A few minutes, five at least.”

“We had a strange dream.” Katja explained what they had been dreamed while they had been unconscious.

“That would be White Wolf. And yes, she can be that reckless...sometimes...but nothing's killed her yet. She must be doing something right. I wouldn't take what you saw all too seriously.” The stallion replied, founding it strange how their minds could get up with such a dream like that.

“Where’s Willi?” Dinky asked as she didn’t saw him with the others.

With a sigh, the Eternal Knight said with pity, “Quince...got to him first. There was nothing we could do.”

It took the kids a few minutes to process this, then sniffed as they all placed a hoof/hand on Willi’s improvised grave. “You were a good friend. At least you’re in a better place now.” They mourned him.

“It won’t be easy telling Tim. He saw Willi as a father and big brother.” Escher added with sadness. “But it’s a consolation that you are alright.”

“Yes, thanks to you, your friends, and Fletcher.” Blau wiped a tear out of his eye.

“Before I forget, I managed to get in contact with Rommel. He greatly appreciated your bravery in keeping the children safe and fighting Quince. As such, he thinks you earned an award.” Hans reached for a small box next to him.

“Same message from Churchill.” The lieutenant also reached for a box next to him.

In the box Hans opened was a small black cross, also outfitted with a black and white red ribbon like the normal iron cross but was bigger and had an oval jump ring at the top of the small round eyelet.

In the box Peter hold was a bronze cross earing a crown surmounted by a lion, and the inscription FOR VALOUR. Fletcher recognized both awards, the first was the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross, the other one the Victoria Cross, both the highest awards in the German and British military respectively, awarded for military valour.

“I appreciate it but I can’t accept this, I’m no member of your armies.” He was a bit embarrassed about it, looking to the ground.

“They thought as a way to remember the good times and to be honest we all think you’re earned them.” Hans replied.

“I guess you have a point and if they insist, I take the awards.” Fray replied in defeat.

The children hugged the soldiers one last time. “Goodbye, thank you for everything.” They spoke in union.

“Goodbye, children. We enjoyed your company.” Matteo replied as they gently broke the hug, the kids gathered around Fletcher, the soldiers saluted him, Escher struggled due the pain but succeeded still.

“Farwell, it was a pleasure and honor to fight with you.” The unicorn said as he caused the spell, causing the humans to cover their eyes as it grew brighter, until it faded, the Eternal Knight was gone with the kids.

William looked at the sky, the sun was setting. “Well, that’s the end of that.”

“Yeah, but they’re finally home here they belong, reunited with their families.” Matteo added.

“Do you think our American friend would believe this if we would tell him?” Konrad asked his British friend.

“Not until he would meet them himself. Still, something tells me we will meet them again.” William looked at the sunset, enjoying it.

Author's Note

MIssion suceessful! Only one task left.

Chapter 1 Must be the heat

Chapter 1: Must be the heat

North Africa, June 1942

Konrad Escher, an infantryman of the German Afrika Korps at the age of 31 and father of a daughter and son, was stationed at a small camp near Tobruk, a Libyan seaport on the Mediterranean. The Second World War was going well for Germany.

France was defeated in 1940, thanks to superior tactics and equipment, only England was left as the only allied force that fought against Germany. What England lacked in good equipment, they recouped that with an unbroken fighting spirit that could not be broken with anything, Konrad respected the British for that.

He himself was a veteran of the battle of France, well experienced.

After the battle of France, Germany’s ally, Italy, was determined to defeat the reaming British troops in North Africa, where both sides had colonies.

The Italian troops fought with little success against the allied troops, so Germany saw himself forced to support Italy by sending troops out to Africa. This was the birth of the Afrika Korps under the command of Lieutenant General Erwin Rommel, one of Germany’s most capable commanders. Back in France, he led his tanks with much success, despite having no practical experience in the management of armored units. The unpredictability and speed of his operations irritated not only his opponents, but also the German high command. It brought its division the nickname "Ghost Division", as neither the enemy nor friend knew where Rommel’s division really was or showed up where it was least expected.

This also got Rommel much respect, from foe and friendly alike. Konrad respected him very much, unlike Hitler. Like many others, he believed in a swift victory but never believed in Hitler’s messages, he only followed orders to protect his family.

The task of the German troops in Africa was to support Italy in Africa. While not having an important meaning in the strategic planning of the German command, the front in Africa had only a subordinate meaning, yet, the Suez canal was connecting Britain with its Empire and Middle Eastern oil, making the war in North Africa crucial for the allies. So, capturing it would be a major blow for the allies.

The British and Axis Armies faced each other across the Libyan-Egypt border, the frontline swinged like a pendulum across the Western desert, a harsh unforgiving strip of land between the Mediterranean and the Sahara. Mechanized Warfare had come of age. Here, tanks were king.

Because Britain was dominating the Mediterranean Sea by the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force, its adversaries were constantly faced with the problem of securing their supply over the Mediterranean. As such, the Axis troops suffered of a lack of supplies.

Tobruk could solve this problem, as the Germans and Italians could improve their supply runs, while cutting the British from their supplies.

Rommel tried to siege the city back in 1941 but the Allies managed to defeat him during their counterattack called Operation Crusader, forcing him to retreat.

But now in June 42, the Axis forces were once again sweeping across the Western Desert. Their goal: Capture Tobruk.

The camp Konrad was stationed, had the task to bombard the allied defenses with Nebelwerfer artillery, that’s why it was secretly made on a hill overlooking the city. The attack would start tomorrow. It was a ramshackle site, mountains of sandbags huddled in droves the base's equipment, built into the rock and ruins. It was built in haste and wasn't expected to do much in the long run but it would serve for now, as long as they kept a watchful eye.

Konrad helped his grandfather often on his farm, so he was used to the heat in the desert. The nights were cold but he loved the view of the stars at night.

Like any other soldier, he was wearing a tan colored uniform. His preference was rolled up sleeves and a cap as protection from the sun. As Primary weapon, he used the K98 bolt action rifle. While the P38 was the actual standard sidearm of the German Army, and should replace the pistol 08, also known as Luger, as it was expensive and complicated in manufacturing, the P38 could never fully replace the Luger, so the unit Konrad was in, used completely Lugers as sidearms.

The Luger pistol he used belonged to his grandfather, who fought in the Great War, so it was very special for him.

Right now, Konrad was at a part of the cliff where he had a good view of the city, overlooking it with binoculars.

“Hey Konrad, found anything yet?” A friendly voice in English with an Italian accent asked him.

“Not really, Matteo.” Matteo Conti, was a veteran of the Italian invasion of Egypt, he served here since the beginning of the invasion. Like Konrad, he was father of two kids. Also, he never believed in the messages of the Duce and disliked the Blackshirts, which were the paramilitary militias of Italy, who were known for their brutality. He and Konrad got to know each other when the Germans first arrived in North Africa and were best friends ever since. Matteo could English as he learned it in case he would get captured, Konrad could speak and understand English as he befriended a Brite during the Berlin Olympics in 1936. They also spoke sometimes in Italian or German to each other.

Like other Italian troops, Matteo used the Carcano M91/41 bolt action rifle. The Carcano rifles were considered to be less reliable and not particularly accurate. The Carcano used weak caliber that was outdated but nevertheless a strong weapon if used correctly.

During his service, Konrad deployed a hate for the Waffen-SS, the brutal elite force of the German Military, also known to be especially reckless when in battle. Fortunately for him, Rommel refused the SS in his Afrika Korps.

The young German head black hair and blue eyes, while his comrade had green eyes and black hair.

Matteo let out a sigh. “It’s so boring being the only Italian around here.”

“Hey, you have me. And we’re the only ones who use rifles, all other soldiers in this camp use MP40s.”

“True. How are your wife and kids?”

Konrad smiled. “Doing well. I can’t wait to see them again. You?”

“Same here. I’m a little bit excited about tomorrow.” The Italian was slightly nervous.

“I’m pretty sure will be conquer Tobruk this time.” Konrad gave Matteo a convinced smile

“If you say so. I just want it to be over, so I can get home.”

“Me too. Let’s go back to the others.”

“Sure.”

As they walked back to the middle of a camp, they came across a cave. Konrad stopped and Matteo could swear he saw a yellow circle above Konrad’s head.

“What’s wrong?” Matteo asked confused.

“I could swear I heard crying, coming from that cave.” He pointed to it.

“You probably imagine from the heat.”

“No, I do not. Listen.”

Now, Matteo heard it too. Three voices of children, two female, one male, scared, calling out for their parents as far as he could tell.

"Mommy?! Can you hear us?!” The male in unison with the female voice called out.

"Daddy?! Where are you?!”

“Strange. I can hear it too but are you sure, we aren’t only imagining it?”

Konrad shouldered his rifle. “There is only one way to find out.” He walked into the cave, Conti close behind.

It was dark, but they could still see a little bit, following the voices until they saw 3 silhouettes, one appeared to be a human girl, while the other two seemed to be ponies, one had a horn.

Both soldiers looked at each other, unsure if they saw that right but gave each other a nod, ready to face what they saw.

Once they could fully see what the silhouettes were, they became shocked, shaking their heads in disbelief.

A human girl, a young colt and a young filly. The girl had yellow and orange striped hair, blue eyes and was wearing a simply white t-shirt and skirt on the same color as her hair, she and the colt that had a brown mane, yellow eyes and a grey coat, hugging each other. The filly had a horn on its head, Periwinkle-grey coat, blonde mane and yellow eyes, curled up in the corner. They all were trembling, scared and apparently shocked from something.

Both soldiers shook their heads to get a clear picture. Impossible! Must be the heat! They thought in disbelief but what they saw, seemed not to be their imagination.

“P-please can you help me? I’m lost.” The filly whimpered scared, tearing them out of their shock.

“C-can you help me and my sister to find our mommy?” The colt asked terrified.

“Y-yes, we’re lost.” The girl added.

Due being fathers themselves, the men had sympathy for them, they slowly approached the scared children.

Konrad knelled down to the filly, Matteo to the colt and girl. “It’s okay, my dear, we won’t harm you. Here.” The German reached for his canteen.

“Thank you.” What happened next fascinated both. The filly’s horn lightened up in a yellow color, the canteen too, and it got levitated from Konrad’s hand to the filly’s mouth and she took a sip.

Konrad and Matteo were surprised and fascinated as they saw that. That’s…incredible!

The Italian give his canteen to the siblings, the girl took it, taking a sip, then the colt. They and the filly relaxed, weakly smiling. “Thank you.”

“Where am I?” The unicorn asked confused.

Konrad took a deep breath, realizing they could not be from here or Earth at all. “North Africa. Libya.” He told them with concern, unsure how they would take that information.

The eyes of the unicorn’s eyes went wide. “A-Africa?” It asked confused.

“I'm very sorry. It gives me no joy to tell you this but, as far as we can tell...you are a long...long way from home.”

The kids stayed quiet for a moment, trying to process the information. The unicorn sniffed, trying to hold back a sob, while the colt and girl huddled together as they realized how far away from home they were.

Again, the soldiers looked at other and nodded. Konrad took the filly on his arm and patted her back, while Matteo hugged the girl and colt.

“Shh, calm down.” Both men spoke in unison, gently patting their backs, even rocking back and forth until the lost kids stopped crying, slowly calming down.

“Thank you.” The unicorn smiled.

Konrad gave her a smile. “You’re welcome. What’s your name?”

“Dinky. Dinky Hooves.”

“I’m Blau Streifen and this is my sister Katja.” The young colt introduced himself and his sister.

While Blau Streifen was a strange name for a pony, Konrad replied, “Nice names you have.” Not to offend them it sounded nice, especially for a young girl, like Katja was.

“Thank you. Who are you?” She asked him in return.

“My name is Konrad Escher and this is my friend Matteo Conti.”

Blau Streifen’s eyes went wide. “Konrad? Like our father! Could you be related to our daddy? He has the same name!” He asked with hope, Katja also had a hopeful expression.

Taking another deep breath, knowing it would disappoint them.

“I’m sorry to say this but I’m not related to him, that’s what I suspect, unless you can tell me more about him.”

The colt’s eyes sparkled as if he was proud of his father. “Well, our daddy’s the best dad ever! He’s awesome! The best father in the world!” He exclaimed before his sister cleared her throat.

“I know you look up to our father, brother, but this Konrad is definitely not related to him, I can tell.” She pointed out.

The young colt blushed in embarrassment. “Right…Sorry, sometimes, I get very proud of him.”

Konrad smiled. “It’s fine. I and Matteo are father’s ourselves and you remind me of my son, he’s similar to you.”

“Really?” Blau Streifen asked curious.

Dinky, who had watched this with a light smile, spoke up, “Can we please go to a more comfortable place than this cave?”

“Sure.” Konrad gently set her down.

Matteo had doubts. “What about the other soldiers? They will probably freak out when they see them.”

The German private realized the problem. “I admit I hadn’t thought of that. I guess we have to risk it.”

“I guess you have a point. Follow us, kids. Don’t worry, our comrades will not harm you. And cover your eyes from the sun when we reach the exit of this cave.”

The children nodded and followed them outside. The warm sun of the desert caused them to cover their eyes, compared to the cool cave, the heat hit them instantly.

“It’s hot out here.” Dinky remarked as the warm wind brushed against her fur.

“That’s Africa. The day’s hot and the night’s cold like in the fridge.” Matteo commented.

During the short walk, the children quickly took notice of the sandbags, supplies and tents that made out the camp, as well as some kind of cylinders on wheels, that got pushed or drawn by soldiers into positions at the far ends of the camp, by holding long trails, that severed as stabilization, where they had a good view of a city in the distance. They appeared to be made of metal in tan color and were striped smaller than an average adult human.

The other soldiers were busy, not noticing the children as they carried supplies, patrolled, chatted or wrote in notepads as they checked if they needed more supplies or how much was left.

The two fathers led their guest into the shadow in the middle of the camp where a radio was, they sat down on some chairs.

By this time, the other soldiers had done their tasks and noticed the children.

They stared at the kids, shaking their heads. “Do I see that right?” A soldier wearing a pith helmet, jacket and trousers asked confused.

“You do see right, Willi. Could you please stop staring at them and give them some space, they’re still a little bit shaken.”

Konrad’s comrades nodded and did as told. Now, Dinky, Katja and Blau Streifen noticed how different the attire of each soldier was. Some of them wore a cap like Konrad, others a pith helmet like Willi, while others were wearing a normal helmet. Some soldiers also were wearing shorts instead of normal trousers.

“So, where are we?” Katja asked.

“As we told you before, North Africa, Libya.” As Katja was a human girl, Konrad suspected where she, her brother and Dinky came from, humans would also live there. Despite this, he told them where they were exactly, which year it was, that he and the others were soldiers and what the Second World War was, without going too deep into.

Dinky was surprised and horrified. “That’s terrible. Where I am from, there was only one war that was 1000 years ago. And humans are only a myth.”

“And where we’re from, our daddy is the only human. He never told us much about humanity. But there was something in the books about a World War, also called the Great War and a Second World War. Our world is called Equestria.” Katja explained.

Dinky‘s perked up. “Equestria? That’s my home world too!”

“For real?!” Blau Streifen blinked confused.

“Yes. Now that you mention it, I can’t remember that I ever saw you two before.”

“Neither did we ever see you before.” Blau Streifen added.

Willi cleared his throat. “I think I have an explanation. You come from two different Equestrias. Parallel universes as the theory says. Can you follow me?” The kids slowly nodded.

“I studied that before the war. For me, it would be interesting if there are other universes of Earth. Like if the war never happened or ended sooner.”

“Enough, Einstein, don’t break their minds with your theories. Do you want to tell us more about Equestria? Konrad asked, hoping it would not make them sadder.

“Who should tell first?” Katja asked into the round.

Dinky gave her and her brother a smile. “After you.”

“Okay. In Equestria, ponies live together in Harmony. There are Earth ponies like my brother, Pegasus ponies and Unicorns like Dinky. As you have seen with her, unicorns can use magic, while Pegasus can manipulate the weather. The Special Talent of a pony is represented by a Cutie Mark on the flank, which my brother hasn’t got it.”

“Me either. Can you have a Cutie Mark?” Dinky asked curious.

“Well, I don’t know, but I I’m good at inspecting gems. As we told you before, our father is a human. He also never told us how he got to Equestria. Our mother is an Earth pony named Ruby. We live in a small town named Sunny Town. The town leader is an Earth pony Stallion named Grey Hoof. Almost forgot, our grandmother Mitta, lives with us. We never knew our grandfather, he died when our mother was a foal herself.” The girl explained as her brother continued for her.

“Equestria is ruled by Princess Celestia and Luna. They’re Alicorns and control the sun and moon.”

“Interesting. Here, sun and moon raise and lower on their own. How about you, Dinky?” Matteo asked.

“Well, I was born in Ponyville, a village in Equestria. My parents are a pegasus pony called Derpy Hooves and an Earth Pony named Time Turner, some ponies call him Doctor Hooves. I also have two sisters, both are unicorns, Tootsie Flute and her big sister Sparkler. Sparkler is also the reason how I got here. She was sick and I visited her. Whenever a unicorn or an Alicorn gets sick, there’s no telling what their magic will do, especially when they sneeze. Their magic can get totally random.

So, as I wished her a speedy recovery, she had to sneeze and a blast of magic hit me and I passed out. After I wake up, I found myself in this cave. What about you two?” She asked the siblings.

The young colt spoke up, “Well, one of our classmates, a unicorn named Blissley, got sick and we visited her to make her feel better. She’s a polite and friendly filly, our best friend. As we brought her some sweets to cheer her up, she sneezed and a blast of magic hit us too.”

Dinky had sympathy. “Sorry to hear that. How does she look like?”

Blau Streifen grinned. “Now that you ask, she has the same coat color like you but blue eyes and a black mane. A friend anypony could ask for!”

The filly smiled. “I see.”

“Yes, she always has a friendly chat with us on our lunch break.” Katja added with glee.

This caused the German soldier to smile, they all three reminded him of his children. “What’s that on your back?” Blau Streifen asked curious, pointing with a hoof to his rifle.

“That’s the Mauser Karabiner 98k, the standard issue rifle of the German Army. Bolt action, 5 rounds, loaded with a stripper clip. Due the bolt-action, it has a slow rate of fire, but very reliable, accurate and quite packs a punch.

Matteo uses the Carcano M91/41. It’s the standard issue rifle of the Royal Italian Army, having a 6 round magazine and is like my rifle, very powerful but uses weak caliber that is outdated and the Carcano is considered to be less reliable and not particularly accurate.

“This,” He pointed to his holster, “This the pistol 08, called Luger. Magazine of 8 rounds and high rate of fire. It was the standard sidearm for German soldiers in the Great War and is reliable and accurate. Sidearm of choice for our officers. This one was used by my grandfather in the Great War, that’s why I use it. The P38 is our actual standard sidearm, originally meant to replace the Luger, which is expensive and complicated in manufacturing. The P38 could never replace the Luger, so some units like this one, still uses the Luger as standard sidearm.

My comrades use our standard submachine gun, the MP40. 32 round magazine, low recoil, easy to control and very popular with the soldiers. As Germany and Italy are allies, many Italians also use it. It’s also the weapon of choice as Primary weapon for our officers.”

“Cool!” The colt’s eyes sparkled.

He’s really like my son, being fascinated by it. Given that his father is the only human in Equestria, it makes sense.

“Interesting. I’m hungry, I haven’t eaten since breakfast.” Katja’s stomach growled.

“How about broads and potatoes?” Konrad suggested, knowing that ponies were vegetarians.

“Sounds good to me. You, brother?”

“Count me in.”

“Me too.” Dinky added.

“Okay, follow me.” Konrad leaded them to the dining tent that was right next to the tents the soldiers used for resting. The children enjoyed their meal.

While they ate, Matteo asked him. “We should make them something to protect their heads, not that they get a heatstroke or something.”

“Right. Hans, can you take care of that?” Konrad asked him as Hans used to be a tailor before the war, he was wearing the same uniform as Konrad but with a cap instead of a helmet.

“Sure thing." Hans took out a measuring tape. After a few moments of measuring the kids he said, “I’ve gotten all your measurements down, and it shouldn’t take me long to make this.”

“Why?” Blau Streifen asked confused.

“You need something against the sun.”

“Ah, I understand.”

Dinky started to watch the sunset “A sunset always looks beautiful, isn’t it?”

“Indeed.” Katja replied her brother nodded with a smile, enjoying it too.

Konrad smiled. “I think it is time for you to hit the hay.”

“But I’m not *yawns* tired.” the young earth pony protested.

Matteo smiled, finding it cute. “Only with rest, a soldier can fight.”

“You have a point.”

The two friends leaded their guests to a tent that was right next to theirs. They were set up right next to the carpool they had used to get here, consisting of Opel Blitz trucks, the main transport vehicle of the German troops.

“We only have two cots, do you mind sharing one?” Konrad asked.

“We have our own rooms back home but we don’t mind it.” Katja climbed onto the cot on the left, helping her brother in, Dinky took the right.

“Goodnight. Our tent is to the left if you need us.” Konrad closed the flap and headed with Matteo to his own cot.

“Goodnight you two.” Dinky wished a goodnight.

“Goodnight, Dinky.” The siblings replied. All kids fell asleep with a weak sigh, as they missed their parents and friends already.

Author's Note

Hello again, a new story, set in North Africa, my most favorite war theatre in WW2 history with my favorite Background Filly Dinky. Katja and Blau Streifen belong to HumanSVD, thank you for allowing me to use them. If you want to read his two stories where they appear, go here and here. This story will be a crossover of several WW2 games set in North Africa.

Chapter 6 Battle Drums

Chapter 6: Battle Drums

The apparently non existing Green Knight was the last what Dinky had seen before everything went black.

She couldn’t move, everything was numb and there was nothing but blackness.

Then slowly but steady, feeling returned to her body.

With a quiet groan, her eyes opened, slowly getting up.

I’m alive? Looking around, she was in a tent with her two friends in cots next to her. They were breathing to her relief, as their chests slowly rose and lowered, their gear on a table beside them.

Katja and Blau Streifen stirred, regaining consciousness. “Where I am?” The colt asked a little bit disoriented.

“You’re okay!” Dinky cried out happy.

“I guess so. Where are we?” Katja asked as she got up.

The flap of the tent opened, revealing a man wearing a pith helmet, rolled up sleeves and shorts, with dark brown hair, hazel eyes and a broad face, appearing to be in his late forties.

“Ah, you’re awake. We found you very dehydrated in a cave, a minute later and it had been too late.” The kids noticed that he had a Trottingham accent, Equestria’s equivalent to England.

“Where are we? And who are you?” Dinky asked him curious.

You’re at El Alamein at our base. We were on our way here when we found you. Oh, how rude from me, my name Hill. William Bucknell Hill, at your service.” He introduced himself, his middle name caused Dinky to gasp, Blau Streifen to giggle and Katja to cover her ears.

“What did I say?” William asked with confusion.

“That's a really bad word!” Dinky exclaimed.

“What is?” The Brit was still confused.

The unicorn looked around, then mumbled, “The B-Word.”

“What, Bucknell?”

The young colt giggled again.

“Well...the first half, yeah.” Dinky replied, a bit embarrassed about it.

“...I see...What does it mean?” The man asked curious.

Um...I don't really know but we're never allowed to say it. I heard Sparkler yell it out a lot trying to open that jar of peanut-butter...And she also once said my parents do it a lot. That was when mommy whacked her in the face with a pillow.” The filly giggled.

Slowly, William got what the word meant.

“...Ah... I know what you mean, but that’s how I got named, you can’t change that. Also, I have never seen someone like you before in my life. So, what are your names and where are you from, if you don’t mind?”

Dinky spoke for them. “I’m Dinky and those are my friends Katja and Blau Streifen. As for where we are from and how we got here, it’s a long story.”

William listened with great interest as the kids told their story.

After they were done, he was fascinated. “Well...If this doesn't make the Observer, nothing will...Oh well, I'll take your word for it. Anyway, I’m sorry to hear what happened to you, children. I allowed myself to refill your canteens as they were almost empty.”

The children checked their canteens, William was true to his words, they were refilled. Happy about it, the three took a big sip. “Thank you. How long were we unconscious?” Dinky asked.

“A few days. Come, I’ll show you around.” Hill opened the flap, the kids looked at each other, nodding. they could tell that William was honest.

Once outside, the kids were greeted with the sight of busy troops, soldiers preparing defenses, officers giving out orders, trucks driving around. There were also soldiers that looked different from the British soldiers, also wearing tan uniforms.

“Who are those?” Dinky asked William.

“Those men are soldiers of Free France. After the defeat in France, we evacuated some French soldiers along with our own. After they arrived in London they continued to fight along us against Germany to free their country. Like us, they fight with determination.” Hill explained.

A younger soldier with brown hair with matching eyes joined William, saluting. “Sir, reporting, the preparation of the defenses is going well.”

“Good.” William turned to the kids. “This is Peter Cutting, my second-in-command: sterling, tough, dependable, honest, brave and true.”

“Thank you, Captain.”

With a chuckle, the Captain replied, “Come now, Lieutenant, you know I don't mean a word of it. Peter, those are Dinky, Katja and Blau Streifen.”

Cutting smiled warmly. “Pleasure to meet you all.”

“Likewise.” They replied. The three friends took notice that William had what appeared to be a SMG on his back, it seemed to be the same the intruder at Tobruk was wearing on his back. His sidearm had a drum in the middle, a revolver, if their memories were right from human history lessons.

“If you don’t mind us asking, Mr. Hill, What were you before the war?” Katja asked.

“Before the war, I used to be a diplomat, traveling around, mostly in commonwealth territory and Africa, so I’m used to the heat here and multilingual. My sidearm is the Webley Mk. VI, I used it during my time as diplomat for self-defense and was the standard sidearm in the Great War.

The British army still uses revolvers for a few reasons. First, the Webley and Enfield revolvers were known for their popularity and indestructibility and second, we have a deeply rooted tradition to revolvers. The Webley has high recoil, but as I’m experienced, I can handle it.

My and Cutting’s primary weapon is the Sten gun, our standard SMG. When we were defeated in France in 1940, we had to reckon an invasion of Britain, having high material losses at Dunkirk in the retreat. An effective yet cheap fully automatic weapon was what we needed. That was the birth of the Sten Gun, cheap and easy to make, yet an effective weapon in battle.”

William stopped, seeing how a fellow soldier armed with a rifle smoked near some fuel canisters. “Duffy, fuel, and are you smoking a bloody cigarette, you pillock?!” William called out, Duffy quickly put his cigarette out.

“No, sir!” He replied, startled.

“Good. Now back to your post.” The private obeyed.

“That's Douglas 'Duffy' Price. Pleasant chap but about as dim as a visually-impaired sloth. He is using our standard issue rifle, the Lee-Enfield No. 4 Mk. I it was also our standard rifle in the Great War, a reliable rifle. Though I'm surprised he hasn't shot himself in the foot with it yet.”

“Sounds like you’re well equipped.” Blau Streifen commented, before the sound of and engine and tracks entered his ears. The kids turned around, seeing a British Tank driving through, looking similar to the Panzer III and IV.

“That is the A15 Crusader, our main tank in Africa, very mobile but weak armor and can only be equipped with a 40mm cannon, it won’t do much in combat but Italian talks can still be engaged effectively. Plus they often suffer technical problems. And the lack of high-explosive shells makes it difficult to destroy enemy anti-tank guns. But they’re better than nothing.”

“Shouldn’t they have those shells by standard?” Blau Streifen asked, finding it strange.

“As far as I know, the Crusaders are not supplied with it.” Hill replied, knowing it as he asked one men of the supply convoy’s once about it.

Another sound of a tank engine sounded in the ears of the children.

Dinky saw a big brown tank, completely different from the German ones. The tank stopped abruptly, struggled to move again, then drove a few meters before stopping again. The soldier talked with the driver, a fuel truck next to them.

“But hello, if it isn't it my old pal!”

“Exactly, but I have a tight schedule.” The tank driver replied.

“No time to talk?”

“No, but can you fill my queen?”

"Of course, nice name for a matilda.” The truck driver liked it.

“Indeed, Can take a lot but drinks more diesel then I drink tea!” his friend replied.

“Without diesel, nothing runs. Same as tea, really. And those bloody eighty-eight blow the turrets off like butter.”

“A rather unpleasant experience.” The tank driver didn’t want to imagine it.

“Sorry, old chap. Here’s your diesel. Good luck!” He refueled the Matilda tank.

“As you could hear, this is the Matilda, as it’s best known, it’s actual name is Infantry Tank Mark II. With its 78mm thick armor, it was largely immune, but not impervious to German tanks and anti-tank guns back in France but also very slow. Armed with a 40mm gun, it was comparable to the German tanks at the time, the 88 mm anti-aircraft guns were the only effective counter-measure.

Here it could easily defeat the Italian tanks, dominating the battlefield, earning the name ‘Queen of the Desert’. But like the Crusader, we lack High-explosive shells for it. Plus when the Germans arrived with new and more powerful tanks, the Matilda became less effective. But if you need heavy cover, the Matilda can be your best friend.” The Captain explained.

“Good to know.” Dinky commented.

“And Matilda is a nice name.” Blau Streifen added.

“Say, have you a family?” Hs sister asked the former diplomat.

“Of course, I’m married and father of a boy. I still remember, when we got beaten in France, he had nightmares about Germany invading England. I suffered the same nightmares, one was how London had fallen and one last radio transmission came out. ‘Not with bombs, not with guns, not with tanks, not with a thousand years of tyranny will the spirit of England be broken. We will fight to the last-‘

Then it cut off. The second dream was a victory speech of Germany, I can remember one certain part of it as it was yesterday. ‘It shall be an age of order and disciple. Germany has assumed her rightful place on top the world.’”

Dinky trembled. “Sounds scary.”

“Yes it was. Then, there was the battle of Britain. It was like...watching a football match but knowing that if your team lost, you'd be next. It would be impressive if it wasn't so frightening, knowing death was in the skies, watching it flying over your homes and families, and knowing the only things that could stop them were careening around the clouds, trailing smoke. I don't think I've ever held my breath so long in my life. During the battle, I saw something very impressive, something I will never forget.” He spoke with a mix of fear and awe.

“What was it?” The colt asked, eager to hear it.

“Well, the Germans used their dive bombers, the Junkers Ju 87, also called Stuka. It’s famous for its wailing sirens when diving. During this battle, many got shot down by our fighters, as the Stukas were slow and vulnerable without escort. Some of our pilots said the Stukas were sitting ducks or that they were easier to hit than a barn door, that it was like shooting rats in a barrel. But…there was one Stuka pilot that managed to shoot one of our planes down, by doing a looping to get behind it. I don’t know if this pilot was an ace or if it was just luck but…this pilot got my respect for achieving that.”

“That sounds really impressive.” The young colt was impressed by that. “I’m sure that was not easy.”

“Definitely. After we won the battle, Germany started to bomb civilians. The Blitz, we called it...It means lightning...Night after night of it...Nights of lightning...Nights of horror. Waking up at night, hearing the sirens, the explosions, what I will never forgot was how scared my son was, afraid to die, afraid of losing his parents. Fortunately, we survived and he got sent away to the countryside for his safety.” Eventually, the Germans stopped as they focused on invading the Soviet Union. But the memory of the killed people and destroyed houses will never leave me.”

“A horrible sight, I can imagine, sorry to hear that Mr. Hill. My father told me, I should not look back into the past but in the future.” The young unicorn felt sorry for him, her friends too.

“I see your parents raised you well. And William is just fine.” He stroked her mane.

“First name basis is fine by me, William. But at least you have friends you can count on.”

“Make no mistake. We're all that's left. France and Poland and all the rest, they keep fighting in the shadows and God bless them all. But Britain's the last great land about that remains truly free, fighting in the sun for all to see. No matter how many bombs they drop on us or many poisons they put in our water or how many ships they wall us in our own seas with...we cannot give in. If the Swastika flies above the Union Jack...The world will know that age they dread has come at last...and may never end. If Hitler has a continent to call his own, he'll have it till his dying days as will those that come after him. We can't let that happen.” The soldier had a hint of determination in his voice.

“Sorry to interrupt, Captain, but we got visitors!” Peter interrupted, noticing a black limousine escorted by two trucks transporting soldiers.

“Wait here.” William assembled with his comrades as the car came to a stop, the children wondered if this was a high ranking person, yet it couldn’t be a military officer, as it was a civilian car, not a military one.

Cutting opened the door, an elderly man, visible by his white hair and with brown eyes, stepped out.

“Welcome, Prime Minister Churchill. What brings us the honor of your visit?” Hill greeted him, honored, yet nervous.

“Thank you, Captain. I’m here to inspect the defenses as well to keep morale high.”

“Of course, sir. Let me show you around.” William together with Cutting, led the Prime Minister around, showing the defenses.

Barbed wire, MG nests, anti-tank positions and trenches, all organized into several defense lines.

All Allied soldiers knew: This was the last line of defense between their oil and the Suez canal, they had to stop the Axis forces here, or everything would be lost.

“You did well, Captain.” Churchill praised Hill before turning to the other soldiers, who waited in formation.

“Soldiers of Britain. You stand assembled here, gathered from every corner of our great nation. Some of you grew up in the streets of London or the villages of York, on the moors of Scotland or the valleys of Wales or the fens of Ireland. Some of you were rich, some of you were poor, some of you were educated, some of you can barely read. Yet look at you now! Brothers in arms, social boundaries put aside in an instant as we stand united against the foe that dares bombard our lands and slaughter our people! That sirs, is a sight that makes an old buffer like me, proud to call himself a man of Britain! Wouldn't you agree?!”

The men cheered.

“Now in times of peace, nothing so befits a man as the gentle charity and tranquility of the Lamb of God that once graced England's pleasant pastures. But in times of war, we must emulate the spirit of the lion! The mighty beast that marks our royal arms with fang and claw! We stand, lions in heart and spirit! And like the lion, we must defend our pride, our majesty and all those we hold dear from the scavenger! There, soldiers of Britain.” He pointed into the desert. “Out there stands the scavenger!

We know what sort of men they are. We know who leads them. They call him the Desert Fox...Hah! As if that struck terror into the heart of a British Soldier. Tell me, soldiers of Britain, by what means does the fox prevail against the lion?!”

The soldiers cheered again, louder than they did at the first time.

“These men believe we will simply bend over and let the product of the heresies that Hitler calls 'The New Order' have their way with us! We will teach them the error of their ignorance by whatever means necessary! Prove to them that the lion rules the desert, the green, the empire, unchallenged!”

Again the soldiers cheered loudly before manning their positions, in case the enemy would attack sooner than expected, intel could always be wrong.

“Into the battle with you, brave lads one and all! Any man who returns with a full magazine is no worthy soldier! To arms, Soldiers of Britain, to arms and victory!” Churchill exclaimed with pride.

“Before I forget, I heard reports about a ‘Green Knight’, is this correct?” He asked Hill with curiosity.

“Yes, sir. According to reports, he seems to be a unicorn, fighting with a bow, some report they saw him with a bolt-action rifle. The enemy, as well as we lost some men to him if we didn’t…behave to put it that way.”

With an expression of curiosity and a bit indignant, the minister asked, “Behave? How? And by what means does he plan on making us?”

“Well, he isn’t directly hostile to our forces but if one of us tries to harm a civilian, the Green Knight makes sure that won’t happen.” Hill tried to explain through the reports he had heard about it.

“Then we're going to have a problem with this Green Knight. No matter what kind of people he's killing or for what reason, no-one takes the life of a British soldier and does not answer for it. British soldiers have a duty and responsibility to show the innocent people of the world courage and kindness. If that duty is shirked then they must be punished, nothing else will do. But it will be us that judges them, not this wandering archer or any other like him. If he's found, do your utmost to bring him here alive. But should he prove too volatile...well...I think you'll know what to do. He shall answer for the lives he's taken, my way or his.” Churchill demanded.

“Of course, sir. We’ll inform you at once when we have him.” William replied, not sure if the Green Knight could be captured alive at all.

“Something else I should know, Captain?” Churchill asked, noticing how nervous Hill was.

“Well, we have 3 guests here, lost children we found.”

“Children? Local people I suppose?” The prime minister asked, wondering why Hill was so nervous about it.

“Allow me to explain, prime minister.”

“I’m all ears, captain.”

Still nervous how Churchill would take it, Hill, together with his lieutenant, told him where they found them and where they came from in detail.

The minister still had a light confused expression, yet friendly. “Sorry to hear what happened to those young kids. Can I meet them?”

“As you wish.” William waved at them. While they could see that the prime minister was a friendly man, they were still shy and nervous like with Rommel as they walked to him.

“H-hello, Mr. prime minister.” The children greeted together. Churchill was suspect, hearing two ponies talk but he wanted to know if it was true.

Churchill smiled warmly. “Hello young ones, it’s a please to meet you, I’m terribly sorry to hear what happened to you. Come, have a seat.” He pointed to a shady Oasis with a table where they sit down. William poured Churchill a glass of Brandy. “Tell me, it is true about your home?” His voice was friendly.

“Yes it is.” Dinky replied, confirming everything, her friends did too.

“Sounds like you are a long way from home. But don’t worry, the people of Britain will keep you safe.” He watched the view of the desert.

“So, young one. You say back home you have a queen of sorts ruling your kingdom? Well, it's a small world. We had a queen once. People still mourn her back home. Had the honor of saluting her in person outside Buckingham Palace back in the regiment. Fought with her name on my lips back in Sudan. 'God Save The Queen!' we all cried as we charged into the raging sands.” He told Dinky.

“So...what was your queen...like?” Dinky asked after processing the information.

“Pardon my choice of words, kids. She was… fat...is what she was. More like a barrel in a black dress than anything else. And god’s teeth, she was stern. Even in the photos, the way she glares at you, seeing right through your mortal soul. Like you’re most dreaded aunt.”

“I have a grandaunt, I wouldn’t say she’s dreaded, but not really polite either.” Dinky replied, not sure how her grandaunt could be explained.

“We don’t have an aunt, but a grandmother called Mitta. She cares for us deeply and everypony who wants to harm us has to go through her. I can still remember, there was a colt in school who bullied us both because of our father. After Mitta showed up and…scolded him, he never dared to bully us or any other foal in school again.” Blau Streifen added.

The proud Brit smiled. “Ha! Well for that, I envy you. Mine were a collection of the most hideous hags in all of Britain. And that's up against some pretty stiff competition.” He laughed.

If Dinky’s memory was right, the capital of Britain was London, it made her curious. “Is there anything really interesting in London?”

William grinned. “They’re very rarely isn't. Just last month when I was on leave, I took my son to visit Madam Tussaud's Waxwork museum where lifelike clay effigies of long-dead politicians’ stand rigid and silent day and night.”

“For a moment there, I thought you were describing the House of Lords.” The minister joked amused.

“And right next to it is the Chamber of Horrors, Britain's most feared foes and criminals surrounding visitors with cold, empty gazes.”

“Or as we call it, the House of Commons.” Churchill chuckled.

Dinky smiled. “Sounds scary but the Waxwork museum sounds like fun.”

“It is I can tell you that.” William replied, remembering how happy his son was about it.

“We believe you that.” The siblings said in union.

“Well, it was nice meeting you, children, but I have to go. Captain, keep them safe.” Churchill ordered.

“Yes, sir.”

It took him a moment to realize to what he just agreed.

“Wait, what?!” William couldn’t believe what he heard.

“You heard me right Captain, you’re responsible for their safety.” Churchill repeated, heading to his car, the Captain let out a sigh, rolling his eyes.

While accepting it, Hill mumbled, “I'm a civil servant, not a bloody babysitter.”

It wasn’t unheard by the minister. “They're basically the same thing except the baby doesn't wear a dinner jacket. Good luck, soldiers.” He got into his car, Cutting closed the door and the convoy moved.

“Right, listen. I like to think of myself as a reasonable man but there are three things I simply do not put up with on any circumstances. Fascism, cold toast and crying infants. We're going to get out of this in one piece but you'll need to do so with as little fretting as possible. Clear?” He asked the kids.

“I'm a foal, not an infant!” Dinky replied, slightly upset by it.

“Neither are we infants!” Blau Streifen added in an offended ton, his sister just shook her head with an upset expression.

“Well, I'm sorry, I'll ask for your certificates next time. My point is...you're lost, we're in a war, there a people over that desert who want to murder everyone here...don't expect hugs and kisses if you get scratched. There's a time and place for that sort of thing and the battlefield isn't it. And for the love of God, keep your heads down and your eyes open.”

“Tell us straight away. Anyway, I think you are a good leader, William.” Dinky praised him.

He tipped his helmet. “Righto. If you’re excusing us, we need to discuss tactics.” The two men walked away, leaving the children alone.

“Have you heard the latest?” the conversation of two soldiers interrupted got their attention

“No, what is it?” the other one asked, wanting to know.

“Those SS troops that are operating here, they took another of our outposts out, no survivors.”

“Christ…How do they know?”

“Our officers are looking into it.”

“I hope they find it soon before we lose more good men.”

That made the kids wonder who the traitor could be and how he sends the information.

“That doesn’t sound good. If he informs the SS about us…” Dinky feared.

“Even if he does that, there’s no way they could sneak in here without getting noticed.” Blau Streifen reassured her.

“What about the man who tried to kidnap us? Do you think he’s the traitor?” Katja asked.

“Maybe, we should stay vigilant.” Her brother replied, Dinky changed the subject.

“So, what could we do now?” Dinky wondered.

“Well, I figure we should help them put up those defenses. We owe them that much and it looks like fun.” Blau Streifen suggested, not able to think of anything better to pass the time.

“Sounds like a good idea to me. Hey, isn’t that Upton?” Katja pointed to a man in the distance, wearing the same clothes as him.

“I think so. But, there’s only one way to find it out.” Dinky walked towards the man, the siblings watched, both felt that something wasn’t right, they couldn’t figure out what it was.

“Sir Gorrister?” Dinky asked, the man turned, startled, before his expression became a smile.

“Oh, it’s you. Nice to see you again.”

“Me too, did your nephew get the letter?” She asked with hope.

“Of course he did, he was very happy about. If you’re wondering why I’m here, I was about to report about my progress.”

“And?” The filly was curious.

He sighed, “Nothing actually. They are so busy with planning that they won’t give me a chance to speak. But I will not give up.”

“That’s the spirit! If I may make a suggestion, Captain Hill could assist you, he was a diplomat before the war.” The unicorn had no doubt that William was very cleverly in his diplomatic skills.

“Captain Hill?” Upton had a hint of disgust in his voice. “He is a good diplomat, I give him that but…the Parliament is suspicious of William's loyalty, saying he might be a spy and that with a good reason.”

Dinky couldn’t believe what she heard. “A spy?! But...but he is so nice! Wh-why would they think he's a spy?”

“Well...a number of reasons. Firstly, he's only a captain of His Majesty's Armed Forces and yet he is constantly interrupting war councils to edge his own opinions in. All of our senior officers have been accounted for but he is not. Secondly, Rommel knows of our orders from back home long before even we receive them. It has to be someone involved with civil affairs as he is. And thirdly, and most importantly, his kind knows no other lifestyle.” Gorrister explained, knowing him exactly to the detail.

“His...kind?” The child didn’t understand.

“Cross-breeds. Miscegenations. Freaks of nature. I assume he told you of his background, his origins, as if they were something to be proud of?” He asked in return.

“Well...yes. He said he's a bit of Welsh, a bit of Cornish, a bit of...” She tried to explain.

“Jewish and Gypsy, yes? That's four races of so-called mankind who have long presented themselves as sworn enemies of civilized society. You can't trust any of them. They're fit only for treason. And those crossed with others are the worst of the lot. It doesn't matter how much English blood he may have. His is tainted, impure. Those who have no pure origins are loyal to themselves.” Upton cut her off.

“But...back home, there are loads of ponies that have…” Dinky thought if the word sounded right, “…'crossed' breeding.”

Upton became confused. “What do you mean?”

“Well, take me for example. My daddy's an Earth Pony, my mommy's a Pegasus, but I came out a Unicorn. And Mr. and Mrs. Cake are both Earth Ponies but their babies are a Pegasus and a Unicorn.” She replied.

“And no-one...pointed this out?” His expression was clearly one of distaste.

“Well...sometimes. And some ponies make fun of us.” The memories of bullying came back into the filly’s mind.

“Exactly. As you make fun of your entire species.” He countered.

It sounded offensive, but still, the young pony was still confused. “...I don't understand.”

“Why not, it's very simple. Its simple protocols of nature. Oldest and truest rule of the species. The higher races should keep themselves pure. They shouldn't 'mingle'. When a white pig and a black pig breed to create patchwork horrors, they are ostracized from the rest of their kind. What works for animals works just as well for humans. My job is to ensure our current Prime Minister, or the next one, realizes this. We all have our allotted place in life...” He quietly added, “And Bucknell's is in the ground.”

The mind of Dinky couldn’t process it, William, a spy? It made no sense, he was so polite, father and husband, he could never do something like this.

“I have heard that our officers have an idea how this traitor informs the SS.” Two soldiers talked, interrupting them.

“Really? What have they found out?” the other one asked, wanting to know.

“Well, apparently, this traitor seems to communicate via means that are barely suspicious.”

“That means?”

“Our officers have suspicions that the SS get somehow informed via letters but it isn’t confirmed yet.”

“Well, they better find it soon before we lose more men.”

That conversation made Dinky realize something.

“You...you've been sending the letters to them. You're the reason those men died.” She pointed her hoof at him.

Gorrister just folded his arms, smiling smugly. “Am I? I never set foot inside that camp. Who was it that did? There are many who saw you bringing a letter. And many who saw the absence of the letters when you were gone. If I am discovered so are you, you tubby little nuisance.”

“Wha...” Her eyes widened with horror as she realized, “But...but...you tricked me...”

“Well yes, but do you really think you'll have time to prove that before they put a bullet in your skull? Whether under the Union Jack or the Swastika, traitors are shown no mercy in war-time. That oaf, Churchill, won't listen to you or that Cornish upstart, Bucknell. They'll be smiling as the firing squad tightens their trigger fingers come sundown. Not only on you, but your friends as well.”

“What?! Leave them out of this!” Dinky protested.

“You don’t understand, do you? If someone is discovered as traitor the authorities will also look how much his friends know. As you were mostly seen together, the squads will also come for them.” His voice was cold, blackmailing her without remorse.

Dinky just stared, unsure what to do.

“I think we understand each other, don't we.” He made another letter. “Now...would you be so kind as to take this to my nephew? I've been missing him terribly.”

The filly just nodded, taking the letter.

Upton was unaware that the siblings had watched everything.

“This…This….” The colt couldn’t bring out the word he was looking for, due his disgust and anger.

“We must help her, we can’t let him get away with this.” His sister replied, also disgusted how he abused Dinky for his work.

“We should tell William straight away.” Blau Streifen suggested.

“No brother, we need evidence, so he will believe us.” Katja thought for a moment. “Got it! The letter! We need to get it before it’s sent.”

“Good plan, sis.” Her brother complimented her.

Dinky walked towards the communications tent; it wasn’t right but she had no other choice. She only did it to protect her friends, yet she was filled with guilt and regret.

The officer wasn’t at his post at the moment, so she just put the letter on the table.

Then she walked back to the tent, her head lowered, sniffing.

It pained Katja and Blau Streifen to see Dinky like this, they knew they had to get that letter to prove that she had nothing to do with this.

“I get the letter, you watch for the officer, sis.” Blau Streifen entered the tent, seeing radio equipment in every corner. “Ok letter, where are you?”

Outside, Katja was keeping an eye for the logistics officer, knowing she had to warn her brother or to distract the soldier should he come back.

Unfortunately, she saw him in the distance, walking to the tent.

“What are you doing here?” The logistics officer asked her as he came back.

“Just looking around, getting to know the camp.” Katja nervously lied, sweating not only from the heat.

“Okay, it’s a good idea.” He replied, about to go in.

“Wait, I have a question.” She asked, trying to buy her brother time.

“Sure, shoot.” The officer smiled.

“I have read that you Brits love tea to drink for breakfast, what kind of tea do you like?” It had just popped into her head, but she had read that it was a typical for the British people.

The soldier let out a happy laugh. “Girl, tea is an integral part of our drinking culture, even during the battle of Britain, the observer were drinking relaxed their tea while watching the battle. No Brit starts the day without his early morning tea, often drinking it in his bed. We mostly drink it un-flavored, although the well-known Earl Gray tea is named after a British. Strong varieties are preferred, not necessarily the highest quality. Even our workers drink tea in their break time. We always drink with cup and saucer.”

Blau Streifen heard the conversation, using it to go out unnoticed.

“Thanks, I always wanted to know about British tea culture.” Katja thanked the soldier after her brother had managed to get out.

“You’re welcome. It was a pleasure for me.” With a smile, the logistics officer got back into his tent.

“Easier than getting to the cookie jar.” Blau Streifen came out, holding a letter in his mouth, putting it into his saddlebag

“You sure that’s the right one?” His sister asked, hoping it was the letter Dinky had brought.

“Was the only letter in the tent, it has to be the one. Still, that was a close call. Let’s get back to Dinky.” Blau Streifen let out a breath of relief.

In their tent, Dinky was lying on her cot, filled with guilt, not knowing what to do.

Her friends walked in. “Please, leave me alone, I don’t feel so well at the moment.”

“Dinky, we overheard what Upton did to you.” Blau Streifen said, which caused the unicorn to look up.

“You did?” She asked surprised.

“Yes we have. And look what we got.” Katja replied and her brother showed the letter.

Dinky’s eyes widened in fear. “The letter! What were you thinking, they will-“

Before she could finish, the colt gave her a tight hug. “Calm down, Dinky, we are friends and friends help each other. We took it so we can prove your innocence. We will give it to William when the moment is right.”

“That could work. That way we save lives and can prove that Upton is the traitor.” The filly smiled again.

“Yes. We both had a feeling that he couldn’t be trusted.” The girl was glad that they could cheer Dinky up.

“Hey children, how’s it going?” William entered, completely oblivious of their conversation.

“Doing good. If you don’t mind, what do you think of Upton?” Dinky asked.

William’s expression was neutral.

“The man's a quasi-martinet. A man who likes to see war and discipline and glory just for the fantasy of being part of it himself. Do you know why they're sending him to negotiate with the Germans? Because he's close to being one of them, in philosophy anyway. You see, back home, there's a group of rather nasty bu...err...blighters who like the way Hitler does things. The Blackshirts of London, or the British Union of Fascists as they call themselves. The Gorristers have been part of the Union since its birth. Word is their leader, Oswald Mosely, is running for PM. If he wins, God forbid, Britain will be fighting arm in arm with the Nazis, so they say. Though I'm surprised he'd be negotiating with Rommel. It's Himmler or Mengele he should be conferring with, Rommel can't stand him.”

“Good to know. Can we help you with the defenses?” Blau Streifen asked.

“Of course, follow me.” William made a gesture for them to follow.

The children helped to carry ammo and sandbags to where they were needed.

It was evening when they were done. “Those sandbags are heavy!” Katja wiped the sweat off her forehead.

“Yes, but nothing stops a bullet more effectively than a sandbag.” Hill replied, knowing how effective a sandbag wall could be. He pointed to a trench at the very back of the defensive lines. “See that trench? Once the attack begins, you will stay in that trench. Don’t worry, we thought everything through. This trench is for the radio support at the very end, you will be safe in there from the fighting.” His voice was honest, showing that he cared for them.

“Appreciated.” All three said together before they dined and went to bed, the siblings sharing a cot.

They overheard a conversation between two 2 soldiers.

“He's out there. The Old Green Knight. Sagittarius, they call him. They say he's a good omen to the pure of heart and death to the wicked.

I thought they were pulling my leg at first but then I sees what he can do! It was back when a group of them dodgy SS bastards found a Synagogue not far from Sallum. They were all set to torch the place, as they do, and had the poor sods inside lined up for slaughter when there's a bright flash of green, like nothing you've ever seen before And before you can blink, the boys with red armbands are dropping like flies. But you see, their leader was arguing with some other German, army captain by the looks of it, proper professional-like. I couldn't hear them, but the captain and his crew didn't seem happy about what the black-coats were doing. We hear this sort of thing happens, never hear it back home but that's war for you.

Well, this captain doesn't even get scratched. Apart from the SS wankers giving soldiers a bad name, no-one else is dead. Well, captain's not standing around there long so he tells his lot to put out the fires, tells the prisoners to leg it while they can and then buggers off. Can't say I blame him.

But we don't have it any better. We need to behave ourselves when he's around. There was this sergeant, Ricky Hanson, nasty piece of work. I disassociated myself with the fellow most of the time but then I heard he and some other iffy buggers have chased some young Arab woman into the trench, intent on things best not spoken of. I was all set to put a stop to it when, quick as you like, Hanson and his boys are put down like bloody dogs in another green flash. The message was pretty clear. He doesn't like that sort of thing.

And he's there, miles off on some sandy hill, overseeing the whole thing. I see him as clear as I see you now.

I swear his bloody bow was floating in mid-sodding-air. It ain't natural!

We're on one side, the Germans on the other. In between, miles of sand. They say there's no laws out there but they're dead wrong.

The Green Knight? The archer on the hilltop? He's the law in these parts. Judge, jury and executioner.”

Whoever he is, I don’t want to be his next target.” The other soldier replied, fearing the Green Knight-

Even the children wondered who the Green Knight could be, the disruption sounded like a unicorn from Equestria, but they weren’t sure, so they decided to think about it the next day.

Knowing that the siblings helped to prove her innocence, Dinky could sleep peacefully that night, despite being slightly nervous about the upcoming battle.

In the night, she was awakened by whimpering. Sleepily, the filly opening her eyes, she heard the whimpering coming from Blau Streifen. “Mama…Papa…” he called quietly out in a scared voice, tossing and turning. Katja in her sleep, wrapped an arm around him, calming her brother down.

Dinky smiled at the warming sight, remembering how Sparkler did the same with her and Tootsie when they had a nightmare.

In the morning they had a quick breakfast before going into said trench with the radio operators, William was in another trench at the front, looking for the enemy with binoculars. He spotted a large dust cloud in the distance. “Here they come.”

German and Italian tanks in combination with halftracks transporting infantry closed in.

The tanks opened fire, William got down, yelling out orders. “Anti-tank guns, fire!” The tank fire was deafening but he was used to it.

The weapon crews obeyed, firing on the tanks, destroying or immobilizing them, forcing the crew leave their tanks. The halftracks got destroyed too but the infantry managed to get out, trying to assault the trenches, but the combined firepower of rifles, SMGs and MGs made this attempt futile.

The Axis retreated. “Rommel, I read your book!” The Captain exclaimed, seeing them retreat, knowing that the tactic of combined weapons was very effective if used correctly.

“Enemy aircraft!” A fellow soldier yelled as German and Italian planes did ineffective strafing runs on the allied positions, the trenches protecting Hill from the MG fire.

Shortly after, British planes intercepted the enemy, engaged in brutal dogfights.

The children prayed that William would survive as well as their Italian and German friends, they were scared from the gunfire and explosions in the distance but felt safe in the trench, watching in awe at the dogfight as no side seemed to gain the upper hand.

The radio operators informed the HQ. “The enemy has engaged us! Held them off so far! Requesting artillery support! Over!”

A loud wailing sound came from the sky, causing the children to cover their ears, looking up with the radio operators.

Two German planes fired their MGs on the trench, causing the kids to duck, bullets missed them by inches, Dinky out of instinct casted a shield spell to protect herself and her two friends, that was all she could do with her magic due being still a foal, it was not very strong.

As one of the planes was over the trench, it dropped something, the children couldn’t see what it was before an explosion threw them against the wall, blacking out.

With a blurry vision, Dinky came to, coughing from dust, looking at her left fore hoof, it was bleeding from some cuts, her horn was still glowing, her friends also regained consciousness, coughing.

“That…hurt…” Blau Streifen rubbed his head, apart from some cuts, he was fine. “Are you okay, sis? Dinky?” He asked worried.

“I’m fine, brother. If it hadn’t been for your spell, we probably would have died, Dinky.” Katja replied, seeing that the British soldiers hadn’t survived, their bodies lying lifeless and bloodied in the trench, it was a horrible sight for them.

“Poor guys.” Dinky felt tears run down her muzzle as she stared at the near-shapeless remains of human bodies, wondering whether or not she'd ever seen them in life.

The sound of an engine rang in their ears, then several clicks. “Don’t move!” A German voice ordered.

“P-please…don’t….” Dinky was so scared that she couldn’t bring out another word, trembling, the siblings hugged each other, seeing several barrels of guns pointed at them.

Their hearts beat fast in fear of dying, never seeing their parents again, but then, the weapons were lowered.

“Dinky? Katja? Blau Streifen? You’re alive!” It was Konrad’s voice, happy to see that they had survived. He, Matteo and Willi helped them out of the trench, patching up their wounds.

Knowing there was no time for explanations, Linus, armed with a MP40 and wearing a helmet instead if his cap, said, “Use the tank for cover!” pointing to a Panzer IV next to them.

The children just nodded, having noticed that the defenses were overrun and hoped that William’s death had been quick and painless.

Before they moved up, Escher noticed a glare of a scope in the distance on a hill. He could swear he saw what appeared to be a unicorn, overlooking the battle. To be sure if he saw this right, the man blinked, only to see a gust of wind and sand. It made if wonder if he just had seen the Green Knight, and if so, if the Knight was here to kill him.

“Push up, we are almost through!” Linus ordered as only the base defense was left.

The German and Italians moved to the base, the Allied troops had MG nests, anti-tank guns and their tanks as last defense.

The German tank stopped, aiming at a MG position so the infantry could get through, using him as cover. An anti-tank gun fired, the shot missed, hitting the ground to the right of the tank.

Konrad aimed at the loader of the enemy weapon crew as they reloaded, firing as the loader was exposed, the bullet hit him right into the head, blood flowed down and the Brit stumbled before falling over, the German’s squad mates took the rest of the crew out.

With an explosion, the MG nest was history, a Crusader tank moved up, aiming at the Panzer IV as the crew reloaded the main gun, already aiming at the enemy tank.

A Panzer III flanked the Crusader from the right, firing into the side, the shot went through and the British Tank exploded in flames, probably because the shot hit the ammo rack.

Then a Matilda moved into range, its main gun could not penetrate the armor of the German tanks, but neither could they damage the Matilda.

As the Matilda was busy with the German tanks, a Semovente 75/18 and M13 used this to flank the heavy tank, shooting on its rear. Like the Crusader, the Matilda went up in flames in an explosion, burning.

“So much for the queen in the desert!” The officer cheered before a comrade yelled, “Hurricanes!”

The British fighter-bombers flew towards the Axis tanks, dropping their bombs on them.

The explosion of the Panzer IV knocked the children over, their visions blurry, their ears ringing.

In the moment they recovered and were about to get up, a loud clang startled them, making them flinch.

The turret of the Panzer IV had been blown off, missing them by inches.

In the distance, the Green Knight watched the battle, keeping an eye on the children, slightly worried for their safety. The battle of El Alamein reminded him of a similar battle of the civil War, the battle of Riverroll, where Celestia’s troops used their Steam tanks in a similar manner as the Germans did here.

Brauron once asked me what could possibly be worse than a shameful, disorganized retreat?

I answered.

“When the enemy don't let you.”

A loud engine echoed in his ears. Looking into the sky, he saw what he assumed was a British bomber flying over him towards the battlefield, one of the engines smoking.

The engine caught fire; the bomber was going down. The eyes of the Green Knight widened in fear.

The children recovered as someone shouted, “Watch out!” a big shadow covered the ground.

A plane was going down, coming right at them, their eyes went wide in fear. “Run!” Konrad yelled and they all wasted no time as the bomber crashed into the sand, sliding towards them.

The burning wreck exploded, the blast threw them in a ditch, the kids rolling several times, trying to catch their fall, to no avail.

When Dinky finally could catch herself, spitting some sand out, she could see that her friends were knocked out as they had landed head first into the ditch.

The filly heard screams and felt the heat from the flames, her vision starting to get blurry, she could swear she saw a silhouette of a pony before everything went black again.

Author's Note

Is the Green Knight real or just her imagination? William's dreams are based on those two videos from the 2004 RTS game Axis and Alies

Chapter 17 Homeward Bound

The spell had overpowered Dinky’s senses. Her head was aching as she slowly came to her senses, with a groan, the filly opened her eyes, finding herself in a comfortable hospital bed, Fletcher and the siblings in beds next to her, still unconscious.

3 voices echoed in her ears, coming from the doorway, sounding excited and overanxious but were incomprehensible, yet familiar to her.

Then the door, opened and 3 fillies walked it, an earth pony, a Pegasus and a unicorn, standing completely still and silent, utterly shocked as they had entered. It seemed like hours until the yellow filly broke the silence. “How are you, Dinky?”

Forming a weak smile, Dinky replied, “Except from an aching head, I’m feeling great, Apple Bloom.

“Glad to hear it. We came as fast as we could after news spread that you were back.” Scootaloo smiled at her.

Several hoof steps followed as a Pegasus mare with grey coat, an earth pony stallion, a magenta unicorn mare, a baby blue unicorn, two Alicorns, a white and blue one, and 2 fillies, one a yellow earth pony, the other one a pale rose unicorn entered the room. All looked with happy expressions at them. She almost overlooked a small coat with piebald coat, having the same expression.

“MOMMY! DADDY!” The unicorn exclaimed as her parents hugged her with tears of joy.

“My little muffin, I can’t say how glad I am that you are alright.” Derpy smiled.

“We are too and we brought you some gifts.” Ruby putted a big basket filled with sweets of all kind on the nightstand.

“Thank you, Ruby. If it hadn’t been for Fletcher, neither I nor my new friends would be here right now.” Dinky pointed to them, in that moment, they regained consciousness, rubbing their heads.

“Ugh, I really wish that wouldn’t affect the head so much…” Fray mumbled before a quick lighting flashed through the room and a Pegasus with fiery navy-blue coat with matching eyes and flowing silver mane had hugged him tightly.

“Fletcher, you’re okay!” the mare exclaimed in joy, before noticing that everypony looked at her, letting go, chuckling in embarrassment.

Fray just smiled. “I’m happy to see you too, White Wolf.”

“I’m also happy to see that you had success. What took you so long?” A bat pony with grey coat and pure white eyes asked as he walked in, followed by a green earth pony and another bespectacled purple and white patch-patterned earth pony.

Taking a deep breath, Fletcher replied, “Well, what was supposed to be a simple search mission turned into an adventure in the desert of North Africa on Earth, the human world. A long story.”

“Yes, it is,” Dinky confirmed, then pointed to the siblings. “May I introduce my new friends to you all?”

“Hello, my name is Blau Streifen and this is my sister Katja.” The young colt greeted, still it was strange for them as this Celestia and Luna weren’t’ the rulers of their home, but at the same time they were.

“Hello young ones, I’m princess Celestia and this is my sister Luna, it’s a pleasure to meet you.” The princess of the sun smiled warmly at them.

“I’m doctor Whooves and this is my wife Derpy.” Dinky’s father introduced himself.

“And I’m Sparkler and this is my younger sister Tootsie Flute.” The unicorn mare said to them.

“Ah’m Apple Bloom and those are mah friends Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo. Together we are the Cutie Mark Crusaders, helping other ponies to get their cutie marks.” The country filly introduced herself and her friends with a friendly smile.

“I’m Ruby Pinch, and those are my friends Noi and Pipsqueak, all good friends of Dinky too.”

“I’m Wagensroll, a distant relative of Fletcher and this is my friend Purple Patch.” The green earth pony smiled at them.

While the Eternal Knights weren’t very social, they knew it would be impolite not to introduce themselves. “My name is Midnight Blade and this is White Wolf, we’re best friends with Fletcher Fray.” The bat pony greeted friendly.

Luna walked over to Dinky. “I guess you have much to tell.”

The filly trembled a bit. “Yes, but there are things my friends shouldn’t see.” The siblings nodded in agreement.

“Dinky, you helped me in a dangerous situation, let me repay the favor, I’m with you.” Pip said to her with determination.

“And we Cutie Mark Crusaders always help a member in need!” The CMC exclaimed.

“You’re our friend and friends help each other.” Noi and Ruby said in union.

"Dinky, we are family, I help you no matter what.” Tootsie added.

“If it’s difficult to tell, let me try something Dinky, I promise it won’t hurt.” Luna spoke in a calming voice as she touched Dinky’s him with hers, casting the same memory spell she used to look into dreams, everyone was transparent, finding themselves in the desert.

“Is this a camp?” Tootsie looked around until she saw two humans. “Is this how humans look like?”

“Yes, Tootsie. Those were the ones who found us, Katja and Blau, taking care of us.” Dinky explained as it continued on.

Upon seeing Fletcher’s interaction with the kids after the battle of El Alamein, Derpy had to smile. “I see my daughter has quite grown to your heart.”

Scratching his back, Fray replied embarrassed, “What can I say, her company is quite pleasant.”

“Meeting the Desert fox in person must been have quite an honor for you, Fletcher.” Wagensroll commented on the memory of the meeting.

“Yes, it was.”

As the memory of the stay in Germany got shown, Midnight commented, “I see you had a very pleasant stay.”

“What I was supposed to do, decline such an offer and make him upset?” Fray asked in return.

“I had done the same in your case.” Blade replied with a smile, Wolf giggled upon seeing the plushies of the stallion, the Green Knight prepared for the teasing.

“I must say this was quite a nice idea from Mrs. Escher.” Her comment was surprising to Fletcher.

“You really think so?” He asked.

“Yes.” The Pegasus’ expression changed to shock as Quince almost killed Fletcher, Sparkler covered her sister’s eyes, Luna and Celestia putted a wing around the other foals. “Oh my…so my vision got almost reality…” She muttered in shock.

“Luckily for me, Dinky and her friends saved my life.” They smiled at him, Whooves smiled proudly at his daughter as he saw how they bandaged Fletcher and donated blood to save him. “But that dream…I won’t forget it so fast.” He spoke with fear as his nightmare got shown.

Upon seeing the Alien Grunt, the bat pony said with a hint of fear, “If I ever meet such a thing in real life, I keep my distance.”

As Patch saw how the group fought its way out of the tombs, he said terrified, “You were very lucky.”

“Yeah, and if you and Wagensroll ever plan to get to the tombs in South Equestria, you have to drag me into these!” Fletcher replied.

“Duly noted but I can assure you we won’t have such a trip planned for the near future.”

As Midnight saw the swordsman, he said, “That’s impressive for sure but also his doom.”

“As long as you don’t make the same mistake someday.” Fletcher replied, causing Midnight to chuckle.

“Fletcher, you know that I don’t believe in showing off.”

After seeing the final fight with Quince and Dinky being controlled by him, Sparkler hugged her tightly after they found themselves in the hospital again. “I’m so sorry, Dinky that I brought you into this!” She felt guilty but Dinky patted her back in response.

“It’s okay Sparkler, it was an accident. Besides, if this hadn’t happened, Fletcher hadn’t been dispatched to find me and Katja and Blau would have been trapped with no point of return.”

The mare understood Dinky’s point. “I guess you’re right.”

“I’m very grateful that you brought my daughter back safe and sound, Mr. Fray. We all owe you something.” Derpy thanked him with a smile.

He waved a hoof. “You owe me nothing, I did only my duty. Reminds me, I forgot to get rid of the weapons, what happened to them?”

“Well, they are intact but the ammunition is depleted, I guess the lead can't travel through portals.” Midnight explained.

“If that’s the case, they can’t be used here. If you don’t mind, I keep them, they could come in handy later.”

“Do as you like, I don’t mind that at all.”

“Don’t worry children, we’ll do anything we can to get you back to your family.” Celestia promised the siblings with an honest smile.

“And you can stay with us until then, I’m sure Dinky would like that, right?” the brown stallion his daughter who grinned at him.

“I was thinking the same, daddy!” She exclaimed with glee.

“We would like that.” Katja accepted the offer, her brother nodded.

“For now, rest, you’re earned it.” Luna said to Fletcher and the three children before they all left, save for Apple Bloom and Scootaloo who looked rather fascinated at Midnight and Wolf.

“Something wrong, kiddo?” The blue Pegasus asked.

“It’s just…I really like your fangs!” the orange filly exclaimed in excitement, causing White Wolf to cover her mouth with one hoof, unlike other ponies, she had small set of canines (or fangs as she called does on occasion) in her upper and lower jaws, the lower set were rather smallish, and not very noticeable when she's talked normally. The upper pair was a completely different matter, being long enough that when she had her mouth completely closed, their tips peeked out from beneath her upper lip slightly. This was something that she was very extremely self-conscious about... to the point that she tried not to call attention to them, being uncomfortable to talk about it.

Still, Scootaloo was still a child, being curious, Wolf couldn’t blame her for that and it was very rare that somepony complimented her fangs. Being surprised, White Wolf replied, “My fangs? ...Thanks...for the compliment.”

“And Ah really like your wings and eyes, Mr. Blade. They look cool and mysterious.” Apple Bloom said, it didn’t surprise him as he knew that Apple Bloom wasn’t afraid to talk to equine-like creatures that other ponies were afraid of, like it had been the case with Zecora, a Zebra.

“Thank you.”

“I like your mane! And your eyes, they kinda nice too.” Sweetie Belle complimented Fray, causing him to smile.

“Pleased to hear it.”

Then the CMC walked out, having a conversation with Wolf and Midnight who seemed to enjoy it.

For the rest of the day, the three got visited by ponies that welcomed Dinky back, bringing her gifts, thanking Fletcher for bringing her back, saying he was a hero, (much to his embarrassment) and told their condolences to the siblings. Something told Fray that his actions could change the view on the Eternal Knights positive.

After they got released from hospital, Pinkie Pie threw a party at Sugarcube corner to celebrate Dinky’s return and to welcome her new friends and the Eternal Knights to Ponyville.

While the children danced together, Fletcher, Wolf and Midnight watched them with smiles from a table, enjoying some cake. “I had never thought something like this could happen to us.” The bat pony mumbled in disbelief.

“Yeah, but the cake is good.” Wolf enjoyed every bite.

After having finished their dance, the three friends walked up to Fletcher. “Would you like to dance with us?” They asked him with smiles.

“Sure, why not. Want to join us?” He asked his fellow Knights.

Midnight shrugged. “I don’t mind it.”

While White Wolf wasn’t much of a dancer, she didn’t want to disappoint the children, given that they had much fun right now, taking a deep breath. “If you insist.”

Dinky’s parents watched happily as they saw how the Eternal Knights enjoyed themselves as they danced with Dinky, Katja and Blau Streifen.

They all had much fun until it was evening and they went home, Derpy tucked her daughter in, the siblings used the guest bed. “Goodnight Dinky, sweet dreams. Good night, you two.”

Goodnight, mommy.”

“Night, Mrs. Hooves.” The siblings said as they were comfortable.

“Please, you can call me Derpy.”

“Sleep well, you three, I see you tomorrow.” Fletcher was about to leave as Dinky called out,

“Wait. Could you please stay with us?” He could tell that she enjoyed his company, he did too.

“If course, would you like to hear a bed time story?” He asked.

The children grinned. “Yes, please.”

He sat down next to them. “Alright, here is one my mother used to tell me when I was a colt.” He cleared his throat.

“It was many, many years ago, longer than most can remember. The alicorns were still young and far away from where this story takes place...In the old kingdom.”

“Which old kingdom?” Dinky asked curious

Fletcher had a puzzled expression as he replied, “Well...it’s just what we call nowadays. I imagine they called something different in those days but a lot of the names are forgotten over the centuries. Anyway, to the east of the kingdom, there lived an Archer. This Archer was part of a noble family who the king admired and valued a lot. Now, this Archer was a very skilled archer.”

“He’d have to be for him to be called that.” The colt commented, already liking it.

“Well, exactly. Now he often visited the west of the kingdom where there lived a Maiden. This Maiden was of a much richer and more powerful family than the Archer’s but he didn’t care about that. The Maiden was kind, wise, caring and gentle and these things the Archer loved. But the Maiden’s father, the Grey Lord, was none of these things. He was cruel, bad-tempered and utterly selfish.

And one day, the Archer paid a visit to the Maiden and found that she and her mother were locked in a dungeon to be executed. The Grey Lord had discovered that the Maiden was not in fact his daughter and that his wife, who he mistreated and scorned, had been seeing a dear friend who she had grown to love.”

“How were they married if they didn’t love each other?” Katja wondered.

Fray thought for a moment, as he himself has always wondered this “...I suppose things worked rather differently back then. But anyway, the Archer told his father, the Green Lord, what was about to happen and so the Green Lord met with the King and all the other lords and pleaded that the Maiden and her mother be spared. But the Grey Lord held the most power with the king and the court could not be swayed. So instead, the Archer challenged the Grey Lord. If the Archer won, the Maiden and her mother would go free. If the Grey Lord won, not only would the Maiden and her mother be executed but all the Green Lord’s lands would go to him. Being a most greedy stallion, the Grey Lord accepted. But you imagine that he felt pretty silly upon hearing the challenge would be an archery tournament.”

“So I suppose he wasn’t a very good archer?” The filly concluded.

“Nope. He could barely hold a bow. But he was allowed to choose his champion if he couldn’t compete. So he invited the Explorer. Now, the Explorer was a prince who lived in another kingdom far away much different to the Old Kingdom. And the Explorer was also a champion archer, no other pony had ever defeated him and there was nothing he liked more than testing his skills against others ponies saw as the best for he always won.”

“So...was he a better archer than The Archer?” Blau asked.

“Well, that was the question, wasn’t it. The tournament began and continued day after day until at last, only the Archer and the Explorer were left. But that night, the Archer and the Explorer shared food and drink and talked of the contest to come. The Archer told him about the Maiden and her poor mother and the cruel fate they’d meet if he’d lose. The Explorer hadn’t known about this, you see, and he felt a lot less eager to challenge and win if two mares would be killed for it. Then again, the Archer could have just been lying to make him give up. But then, the Grey Lord met the Explorer and told him that, should the Archer prove too much of a challenge, he was to shoot the Archer through the heart, promising that he would get him out of any punishment.”

The children gasped.

“It was then that the Explorer knew that the Grey Lord was as cruel and untrustworthy as the Archer had told him. So, on the day of the final challenge, the Archer and the Explorer notched, drew and fired one after the other, on and on until the Archer was finally winning. The Explorer knew that, either he fire a perfect bulls-eye, not impossible for him but certainly a challenge, or shoot his opponent through the heart. And so, the Explorer drew his shot, fired...and missed the bulls-eye. The Archer had won.”

“Did...Did the Explorer let him win?” The filly was confused.

The stallion chuckled. “Some say that. Others say the Archer was just the better pony, on that day anyway. Overjoyed, the Maiden rushed for the Archer and embraced him, declaring she wanted to spend the rest of her life with him. Furious, the Grey Lord leapt forward, brandishing a knife for the Archer and the Maiden but the Explorer, the Green Lord and the Maiden’s mother stepped in and the Grey Lord was arrested for his conspiracy. The Explorer bid the two farewell and continued his search for worthy opponents across the world and the Archer and the Maiden were married.”

“...That was...a lovely story...What’s the moral?” Dinky smiled.

“Well, I suppose it’s up for you to decide. But one thing it does teach us. The Old Kingdom was very unlike modern Equestria. In fact, it has more in common with this earth we live in now. Wars were common, tyrants rose and fell, danger lurked around every corner and many foals didn’t live to see their Cutie Marks...Yet, even then, good could still triumph if there were ponies willing to fight for it. There are some who say that the Magic of Friendship and Harmony didn’t just appear one day. It grew stronger and brighter when ponies realized its importance over centuries of learning. That’s how the world improves. It’s slow but it works. Goodnight, kids.” He was about to get to his sleeping back as the filly asked,

“Fletcher? The Archer...was that you?”

The stallion smiled, “No, Dinky. That I can say for certain...Even I'm not quite as good as he was.”

“Anyway, it was a nice story, Fletcher.” Dinky yawned and she fell asleep with her friends.

He smiled as he prepared his sleeping bag, noticing that Derpy, Doctor Whooves, Wolf and Midnight stood in the doorway, smiling at him.

“You really grown to her.” Midnight said to him.

Blushing, the unicorn replied, “Yes, I quite enjoy her company, can’t help but think she sees me as family member. I mean, technically I am already due having her blood from the donation.”

The grey mare giggled. “I think Dinky would love to have you as family member. What about being her uncle?”

“I would like that.”

“And I think she would be pleased to have you two as members of our family too.” The doctor looked at White Wolf and Midnight Blade, who were quite caught off guard by this.

The grey stallion thought for a minute about it. “Well, I took care of Luna when she was a foal and I sometimes miss the good times, so, yes I would accept, provided Luna agrees.”

“Count me in.” Wolf added. “Reminds me, what about showing the kids our home?”

“Sounds like a good idea to me. I can prepare everything.” Midnight liked it.

“One step at a time, we should ask then tomorrow.” Fray reminded them.

“Of course. Goodnight, Fletch.” Wolf and Midnight leaved, the married couple headed to their bedroom, the Eternal Knight was fast asleep.

In the morning, Blau Streifen and Katja awake as a delicious smell invaded their noses, coming out of the kitchen.

As they got out of bed, Dinky and Fletcher got out of their room, yawning. “Good morning.” The unicorns greeted them, still a bit sleepy.

“Morning.” The siblings replied as they all entered the kitchen, seeing that Derpy had made muffins.

“Good morning, I hope you all have slept well.” She greeted, her daughter and guests nodded as they breakfasted.

“They are very delicious.” Katja said after having eaten one of the mare’s muffins.

Derpy smiled. “Glad to hear that.”

“I and my friends thought we show you our home if you like.” Fletcher offered, waiting for their response.

“Sounds like a good idea to me, when would you like to go?” Dinky asked.

“Now if you like, Midnight has already organized everything.”

“In that case, have fun.” Derpy didn’t mind it as they left.

Outside, they saw Midnight talking with Apple Bloom and Applejack. “Ah, hope you aren’t a fruit vampire.” The country mare was suspicious.

“Neither that nor the blood drinking variant, I swear.” The stallion was slightly nervous as the orange pony stared at him for what seemed like minutes before smiling.

“Ah can tell if somepony is lying. And if mah sister likes you so much, I can tell Ah can trust you. If you like, you could help us with the apple harvest.”

“It would be a pleasure to me.” The bat pony replied.

White Wolf was chatting with Scootaloo and Rainbow Dash. “You one of the Bearers then? And a Cutie Mark Crusader?”

“I'm Rainbow Dash and she's Scootaloo.” The blue mare introduced herself and her little sister with pride.

Wolf smirked. “I'm gonna' call you Crash and Chicken.”

Rainbow Dash just said calmly, “Your funeral.”

Wolf stayed silent for a minute before slowly smiling. “You got courage. I like you.”

“Thanks.”

“Do you two need some alone time?” Fletcher asked his friend.

The mare rolled her eyes. “Wise-flanks. Are you ready for the tour?”

“Of course.”

The Eternal Knights led their young friends to a boat dock with a ship, driving across the sea for some time, until heavy thick clouds and fog could be seen in the distance. “Uh, Fletcher, are you sure we are heading into the right direction?” Dinky asked unsure.

“Trust us, children, we know what we’re doing.” Fray calmed them down as the ship entered the fog, making it impossible to see anything.

As the fog slowly faded, a large castle came into view, looking very majestic, yet also frightening with its fields full of night-blooms and luminous crystal peaks.

“Welcome back, Eternal Knights.” Two guards wearing dark blue armor, completely concealing their faces, greeted them as they leaved the ship, seeming not to pay attention to the guests.

The sight of the castle itself was fascinating for the children as the Eternal Knights led them inside. “Welcome to Sunless Isle.” Midnight said as he led them through the corridors, it was dark, the kids got startled by the service personal, who was wearing obscuring clothing, making them almost impossible to see, yet got greeted friendly by them.

Fray showed them his room, a bed, some pictures on the wall, as well as some books of his country. “Looks very cozy.” Katja commented before spotting a picture on the wall, showing a female and a male unicorn, together with a young unicorn colt, all smiling. “Are those your parents?”

“Yes, they are.” He replied with a smile.

“I’m sure they would be very proud of you for helping us.” Blau Streifen said to him.

“Of course they would and I’m pretty sure my mother had loved it to meet you three.”

After he had said this, several hooves steps came from the corridor and in a flash, Fray found himself hugged. “Daddy! You’re back!” Three young voices were very happy to see him again.

Dinky, Katja’s and Blau Streifen’s expressions became confused upon seeing that Fletcher was hugged by 3 foals that looked like him, Wolf and Midnight, being robots. “Uh…Fletcher, do I see that right?” Dinky blinked to check if she saw that right.

Fray thought for a minute how he could explain this, without breaking their minds. “Yes, your eyes don’t deceive you, Dinky. You see, my search for you wasn’t my first visit to Earth. Some time ago, I accidently landed on Earth in a different timeline.

Here, I found out that our world was a TV show for human children.” The kids looked even more confused at him. “I know, I was just as confused as you when I found out. Anyway, here, I helped a foal that was separated from its home to get back to its family as I did with you. One of the human militaries created a project that used drones based on us. Me, Wolf, Midnight, and many others, even your mother had a drone counterpart, Dinky. The mastermind of this project gave me those three drones as present and as way to prove my experience to my friends.” He explained.

It took a few minutes until Blau Streifen asked, “Was there also a counterpart of our mother or grandmother?” He sounded curious about it.

“Well, I read about a model designed to be a recon unit, also able to detect traps but got scrapped. I guess that was the model based on your mother.” He could faintly remember, having read about that in the reports. “Anyway, their names are Fletcher Junior, Wolf Cub and Mid-Mite.”

Dinky was the first to stretch out her hoof for a shake. “Hello…I guess…”

The robotic unicorn shook her hoof with a smile. “Pleasure to meet you.” It had a young, yet robotic voice.

Mid-Mite and Wolf Cub greeted the siblings, it was a bit awkward for them.

“Anyway, let’s introduce you to Nanny.” Fletcher said as he led them to wall where a crescent was mounted on it with two wings, one to the left, one to the right of it.

“Pull the lever!” the Bat pony exclaimed, Fray hit the right lever this time, a turntable got activated, bringing them to the other side, being placed into a rollercoaster.

The children raised her arms, screaming in joy as it went down, the roller-coaster ended at a buffer, everyone got thrown out, landing gently on the ground, now wearing white lab coats and goggles.

The young friends looked at themselves, then did a high-five/brohoof.

“Welcome to the secret lab.” The bat pony announced.

“And keep quiet about it, or I eat you!” The Pegasus threated, causing the children to tremble before smiling. “Just kidding, but please, keep quiet about it.”

“Duly noted.” They replied as Fletcher pressed a button on what looked like a grand scrying pool.

To Dinky’s, Katja’s and Blau’s surprise, a small contraption, looking like a female goat’s head out of wood activated on it. “Welcome back master Fray, it pleases me to see that you were successful.” It had a robotic but feminine voice.

“Is this Nanny?” Dinky asked.

“Yes, she’s an android I have kept from my father along his bow and an airship. Say hello, Nanny.”

The android smiled at the young guests. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, children.”

“H-hello.” The little unicorn brought shy out, a bit uncomfortable about speaking to an android.

“Greetings.” The siblings said in union.

“There’s no need to be afraid of me, young ones. I’m terribly sorry to hear what happened to you but I promise, I assist in any way I can to help reunite you with your family.” She looked at the colt and girl with an honest expression.

“Appreciated.” They both replied.

“And the best comes last.” Fray announced as he led his guests to the hanger where his airship was. The eyes of the children went wide in awe, It was an impressive specimen, slim and sleek, gleaming mahogany brown with brass inlay between two thin gyro-engines with crystal-powered boosters. “An airship flight through Equestria. Come aboard.”

“Oh, this is going to be fun!” Blau Streifen was eager, his sister had more doubt about it.

“I hope we don’t crash.”

“Don’t worry, I’m a very skilled pilot, Katja.” Fletcher calmed her down as they got onboard, it wasn’t a passenger ship but the cabin could take a small number of passengers.

Nanny activated, giving a status report. “All systems green, we are ready for takeoff.”

“Good.”

The gate opened and the airship, slowly climbing into the air. “And here we go.” Fray steered forward, the children enjoyed the view as he navigated through clouds and mountains.

“I hope you enjoy the flight.” The unicorn said with a smile.

“Of course we do. It’s so nice and so…calm.” Dinky looked out of the window.

“Indeed, flying with an airship is seen as of the most relaxing means of transportations. Next stop: Canterlot. Princess Luna and Celestia have invited us for lunch.” Fletcher announced as Canterlot was in sight, landing at one of the docks.

“Right on time.” The Alicorns picked them up.

“Your highnesses.” The group bowed respectfully.

“Rise. Welcome in Canterlot.” Luna greeted as she and her older sister led their guests, leading them to the dining hall. While Dinky had been before in Canterlot at the wedding of Shining Armor and Cadence, she was still fascinating by the town, her two friends were even more, due never having been in Canterlot before, looking at it in awe.

For lunch, the ponies had some hay burgers, while Katja had some warm potatoes, enjoying their meals.

After lunch, Luna placed a large photo album on the table. “Like you, our childhood was filled with much happy moments.” The blue Alicorn opened it, there were many pictures of her and Celestia as foals, often together with a unicorn mare and a earth pony stallion. The stallion was somehow familiar to the kids, reminding them of Midnight.

“Midnight, is this you?” Dinky asked, surprising him.

“What makes you think of that?” He asked a bit nervous about it.

“Well, the stallion on this picture looks just like you, or do you have a brother?”

The bat pony took a deep breath. “Yes, that is me in my originally form, I had to sacrifice it to continue my service under Luna.” He explained embarrassed.

“You do look very nice as Earth pony. If you don’t mind me asking, do you miss your old form?” The young Earth pony was curious.

“Sometimes. While being a bat pony, deep within, I’m still an earth pony. I’m a bat pony, but kept my earth pony strength.”

“So, you are a hybrid?” Katja wanted to know.

That caused the stallion to think, never having thought of that before. “Technically, yes… I think.”

Celestia cleared her throat. “There is also another reason, why we invited you to lunch.”

“And that is?” Fray asked.

“The Grand Galloping Gala is in a few days and we thought we should invite you it.”

The children liked the idea, Fletcher and Midnight didn’t mind it, they had taken part in such events before. Only Wolf had doubts due her fangs, disliking it to be with large crowds.

“I would like that, after my parents told me about their evening at the gala years ago, I always wondered how it would be.” Dinky grinned.

“We were never at the gala before but our parents took part in it once, during their early marriage.” Blau explained.

“I know to appreciate that but I don’t think it would be a good idea for us.” Wolf replied uncomfortable about it.

“Fears can be defeated White Wolf, and we thought you could spent more time with your new friends.” Luna countered, causing the Pegasus to sigh.

“I guess you have a point.”

“Rarity offered to make you suiting clothes.” Luna added.

“Thank you.” The Eternal Knights replied in union as they left. Dinky knew who Rarity was, a good friend of her parents, having made Derpy’s dress for the gala after she was born.

Back in Ponyville, the doctor asked his daughter, “And, how was your trip?”

Dinky grinned. “Great, daddy!”

“Glad to hear it, because, we have something to tell you.” It made Dinky wonder what he meant as Fletcher took the word.

“Dinky, during the time I had with you on earth, you grown on me. Would you accept that I…become a part of your family?” He asked, awaiting her response.

The filly just stared at him, blinking a few times before slowly, a smile formed on her lips and she hugged him. “I would love to!” She exclaimed in joy.

“We would also like to become part of your family, Dinky.” Midnight spoke with a small hint of embarrassment and nervousness.

With glee, the little unicorn exclaimed. “Welcome to the family!”

“We can expand our house, it’s no problem.” Derpy said to the Eternal Knights with a smile.

Fray waved a hoof. “That won’t be necessary, we can regularly visit you, like Tootsie and Sparkler do.”

“That sounds nice. Now, you should go to Rarity for the clothes.” Derpy replied.

“Of course.”

At the Carousel Boutique, the white unicorn welcomed them. “Welcome to Carousel Boutique, how can I be of assistance?”

“Good day, we are here in need of some suiting clothes for the gala on recommendation from Mrs. Hooves.” Fray replied.

“Ah, yes, Derpy informed me, come in right. You are Fletcher Fray, White Wolf and Midnight Blade, right?” They nodded, she smiled at Dinky. “It’s nice to see you again, Dinky, I’m confident I can make something for you like I did for your mother all those years ago.”

Then she looked at the siblings with a smile. “You are Dinky’s new friends Katja and Blau Streifen, right? My little sister Sweetie Belle told me a lot about you, I’m terribly sorry to hear what happened to you. Your parents can be very proud of having such wonderful children.”

“Thank you.” They replied.

“Now, come in.” She led them inside, levitating some tape measures and fabric samples so she could begin.

“Uh…do you really think you can make something for me?” Katja asked a bit unsure due not being a pony.

“Of course. I made a tux for my friend Spike once, he’s a dragon, being bipedal like you, this isn’t a problem for me, darling.”

“I don’t want to upset you Ms. Rarity, but I’m not the mare who likes dresses.” Wolf told her as she measured the Pegasus.

“No problem, my friend Rainbow Dash isn’t also the dress wearing type, so I know what could suit you.” Rarity was very confident, making Wolf wondering what the designer had in mind.

After she had all measures the unicorn mare worked on the clothes, their customers were eager to see what she had in mind.

Dinky was first, getting out on the catwalk, wearing a cyan Cinderella-esque dress. “Looks good on you, Dinky.” Fletcher liked it.

“Glad to hear it.” She smiled at him.

Blau Streifen was wearing a grey tux. “You look great, Blau. Like the gentlecolt you are.” Dinky complimented him, causing him to blush.

“Thank you. You look great too.”

His sister followed, wearing an orange dress with a small ruby gem on it, impressing her brother and Dinky. “Wow! You really look beautiful, sis!”

“Thanks for the compliment.”

For Fletcher and Midnight, Rarity had made dark blue tuxes with small crescents on the collars. “They look really nice.” Midnight liked them, it showed their connection to Luna.

Then White Wolf came slowly out of the shadow, her appearance caused Fletcher’s and Midnight’s jaws to drop.

She was wearing a dark blue dress, decorated with small crescents, one above her right ear. She chuckled. “Like what you see, boys?”

“I think Rarity surpassed herself. You look really beautiful, Wolf.” Fletcher replied in awe.

“I’m pleased to hear this. I guess you are very impressed, Midnight?” Rarity pointed to his wings.

They were wide open, causing him to blush in embarrassment. “This is one of the moments I wish I stayed an earth pony.” He mumbled, causing everyone to chuckle.

Despite this small incident, they moved on as it became evening and the gala was about to start. Derpy was wearing a shimmering turquoise and bronze dress, her mane fashioned into a curly tumble over the side of her shoulders. The same Rarity had made for her years ago. Her husband was wearing a top hat and bowtie, they looked with smiles at the children who chattered excited and nervous what they could do on the gala.

The Eternal Knights followed behind, also excited and nervous, Wolf was also apprehensive due her fangs. “I can't believe we’re going to the Gala. Did any of you ever go to something like that before?”

“While Luna was still a foal, we had to attend it. Can't say it was bad but kinda boring at times.” Midnight replied.

“As for me, the music was good and I enjoyed it to dance and the music but otherwise, there wasn't much to enjoy. But see it from the bright side, Luna wants that we enjoy ourselves after this all, so, why not? Besides, we can't disappoint our friends, can we?” Fray asked in return.

“I guess you have a point. I'm kinda impressed how Rarity made our clothes. Suit the Gala and us, never expected she could manage that. Don't get me wrong Wolf, but you look gorgeous. Could mistake you for a baron.” The bat pony really was impressed.

“Thanks for the compliment. You should watch out that you won't be the next James pony with that suit.” The Pegasus warned, due the bat pony’s spy abilities.

“Neither shaken nor stirred.” He joked in return.

At the entrance, the eyes of the children went wide upon seeing the main hall, never having seen something astonishing as this before.

The princesses came down the stairs, Celestia wore pink and purple gown with the sun motif and her famous crown, Luna a dark blue gown with the moon and her crown.

“Welcome, everypony, and thank you all for coming to this very special night. Once again, we celebrate the Founding of Equestria and the Birth of Harmony among ponies.”

Everyone applauded.

“Now please, make yourselves welcome among the festivities. On behalf of all of Canterlot, I hope you enjoy the Gala and may the blessings of the founders be showered upon you all.” Celestia finished.

Before the group could move, the princess of the night walked up to them. “I’m happy to see you came. I must say the clothes Rarity made look very good on you all.”

“Thank you, Luna.” Midnight replied.

“You’re welcome. Now, enjoy the evening, you have earned It.” the Alicorn smiled.

“We will.”

“Doctor, Derpy, nice to see you again.” a dapper white stallion with a blue moustache and a monocle, accompanied by an alabaster unicorn mare with primrose mane moved to them.

“Fancy Pants, Fleur de Lis, it’s a pleasure to see you again.” The brown stallion was happy to see them.

“The pleasure is all mine. It pleases me to see that you are alright Dinky, I hope you have fun.” Fancy said to Dinky who grinned at him.

“Of course I do!”

“Glad to hear it. I must say, Rarity really can be proud of her work she did to make your gala dress, it looks simply wonderfully on you. And you are your friends Katja and Blau Streifen, right?” He asked the siblings.

“Y-yes, this is our first time at the gala.” Blau was a bit shy to speak with him.

“Well then young lad, enjoy it. Also, Rarity’s work looks also wonderful on you.”

“T-thank you, Mr. Pants.”

The blue-maned gentlecolt turned to the Eternal Knights. “You are Fletcher Fray, the one who got Dinky back?”

“Yes I am, pleased to meet you.” They shook hooves. “And those are my friends White Wolf and Midnight Blade.”

“Pleasure. M’ lady.” Fancy took Wolf’s hoof and kissed it, she wasn’t a fan of such things but stayed quiet as she knew it was a sign of courtesy, not wanting to upset him as he turned back to Fletcher. “You are a member of the Armbrust household, am I correct?”

Fray was surprised by this question. “Uh, yes. Why do you ask?”

“My ancestors were good friends of them, as such, I feel honored to meet a member of it personally. It was a very brave act from you to get Dinky back, you have my thanks and respect. And every friend of her parents is a friend of mine.”

“I’m…honored to hear that.” It was a bit embarrassing for Fletcher, trying not to blush.

“Hello Dinky, nice that you are here too.” A young voice greeted, the three young friends saw Pip joining them, wearing a dark blue blazer with a matching tie and a small wide-brimmed hat with a blue ribbon, his mother was wearing a flowery blouse.

With a warm smile, the filly replied, “Hi Pip! I'm so glad you could be here. You look so cute in that uniform. It really suits you.”

He blushed from the compliment. “Thanks, your clothes Rarity made for you three look also good.”

Fancy Pants looked at Wolf. “I must say Ms. Wolf, Rarity has quite outdone herself with your dress, you look simply gorgeous. And your canines look nice, it’s rare to see ponies with such canines, I find this very fascinating.”

Slightly blushing, Wolf replied, “Thank for the compliment, I appreciate it.”

The band started to play a song. “I know this song, quite a nice and relaxing piece of music. May I have this dance, Ms. Wolf?” Fancy Pants asked politely.

Again, Wolf wasn’t much of a dancer but it was a polite offer and didn’t wanted to be rude, so she replied, “Yes,” and took a deep breath.

I got this, I got this.

Fleur de Lis asked Fletcher to dance with her, he didn’t refuse, Midnight watched them with a happy expression.

Blau Streifen looked to the ground, taking a deep breath. “D-dinky…would you…would you like to dance with me?” He asked shy and nervous.

She grinned. “With pleasure.”

Katja asked Pip, “May I have this dance, Pip?”

He never expected this, trembling nervously. “You would like to…dance with me? But I’m too…”

“Pip, your size doesn’t matter for me.” The young girl replied, taking his hoof. He was nervous, but still managed to enjoy the dance.

Due being a human, some ponies looked confused at the young female child but that was quickly replaced by warm smiles as the children had fun.

After having enjoyed the wonderful dance, the small colt went to the drink stand, drinking some lemonade as he watched Dinky and Blau Streifen chattering together, then shared a laugh, causing him to sigh.

“What’s wrong, Pip?” Tootsie asked as she joined him, wearing a horseshoe-pattered lilac dress.

He looked to the ground. “It’s nothing… I just….” He took a deep breath. “I really like Dinky but…I don’t think I deserve her… Blau Streifen looks more like a good colt friend to her.”

Tootsie hugged him. “Don’t say that, Pip. Listen to me, I know Dinky, she would never give up on a good friend like you are. Blau Streifen, he and she as you saw, went through something terrible, this is their way of getting over it. I think they have earned it to enjoy this evening together.” She said with a friendly expression.

The small boy smiled. “You are right Tootsie, thank you.” He hugged her in return.

“You’re welcome, I think you and he would make also good friends. So, can I dance with you?”

“Of course.”

After Fancy and Fleur had finished their dance with Fletcher and Wolf, the married couple now danced together, Derpy and Whooves did the same, the Eternal Knights watched them with smiles.

“For somepony who barely dances, you did well.” Fletcher said to the blue Pegasus.

“Well, Fancy Pants is quite a nice pony.” She replied, having enjoyed it.

As Fray saw the married couples dancing together with the kids watching them, he asked, “Wolf, would you mind to dance with me? I kinda feel out of place by just standing around with everypony else dancing.” He blushed a bit, hoping that White Wolf wouldn’t get it wrong.

“I'm not much of a dancing mare but...since it’s a special occasion. I suppose it's either you or Midnight and I'd feel like I was dancing with my dad with him.” She replied with a neutral voice.

“Well, you said Fancypants was nice.” He countered.

“Yeah, but I don't fancy the competition.”

He looked at her. “Would the beguiling Miss Fleur-de-Lis be a match for you?”

“Fletcher...That mare took down Cascadius with a single spell...” She pointed out.

“...Fair point. How could he have survived this anyway?” The unicorn wondered.

“Beats me but we can think about it later. Just don’t get any ideas, Mr. Fray.”

“Wouldn't dream of it, Miss Wolf.”

“Yes, he would, he's dreaming of it right now.” A new voice came from behind the curtains, belonging to a female deer with silver-white coat and long grey mane, wearing a cloak, Wagensroll and Patch were behind her, wearing black tuxes.

“Thank you, auntie. I'll keep that in mind.” Wolf replied.

“DAWNWIND?! DO YOU WANT HER TO KILL ME?!” Fletcher yelled in fear, luckily it was not noticed by the other guests

Dawnwind just shrugged. “It would make this thing more entertaining. Now, enjoy yourself.”

Despite this awkward moment, the unicorn and Pegasus danced happy together.

“I know you aren’t the dance type like Wolf, but don’t you agree it would look awkward if everypony dances but us?” Wagensroll asked the deer nervous.

“As much as I hate to say it, yes. I’ll make an exception for this, Wagensroll, don’t disappoint me.”

“Of course, Dawnwind.”

“You look nice in the blouse, Nancy.” Patch complimented her.

“Thank you. I should probably thank my stars that Pip's in with the right crowd. Never dreamt I'd be standing here on the night of the Gala...”

“Well, you can be proud of you son, he’s quite a friendly boy, always ready to help others, despite his size, having a big heart. Not surprising due…” The mare putted a hoof on his mouth, stopping him from talking, smiling at him.

“Oh, let’s stop faffing about. Mr. Patch, will you indulge me with a dance?”

“Uh, sure.”

As everypony was now dancing, Midnight watched them with a sad smile, sighing. I wish you would be here to see this, Gusty.

The clearing of a throat tore him out, seeing that Sparkler, wearing a star-pattered teal dress, stood in front of him. “Since everypony is busy or already has a partner, would you like to be my dance partner, Midnight?” She asked politely.

With a grin, he replied, “It would be a pleasure.”

And so, everypony danced together, Blau Streifen danced alternately with Dinky and Tootsie, Pip with Dinky, Tootsie and Katja.

They all enjoyed this evening to the fullest.

Shortly after the dance, Fray took notice of two unicorns, one a yellow mare, the other a gray stallion, looking disapproving at him. If he remembered correctly, their names were Upper Crust and Jet Set.

“So, you are Fletcher Fray, member of the Armbrust household?” The grey unicorn asked in an unpleasant tone, unsettling the Eternal Knight.

“…Yes, I am.”

The mare huffed. “I guess the princesses have no standards when it comes to ponies that pretend to be noble but are corrupt, thieves, liars, thugs, extortionists and boasters! You Armbrusts have no honor.”

This caught the attention of the others, looking concerned at Fletcher, who had a neutral expression, taking a deep breath. “Mind if I speak with you in private about this?” He asked the two unicorns.

“If it must be necessarily.” Jet deadpanned as Fletcher led them away, Dawnwind grinned at the sight.

“Oh, this is gotta be good.”

“Or not.” Concerned, Wolf, Midnight, Patch and Wagensroll followed them, Dawnwind close behind, seeing how Fray vanished in a room with the other unicorns, locking the door, it glowed green for a second, probably a soundproof spell. The two Eternal Knights pressed their ears against the door.

“What the Bick did you just bicking say about my family, you little Nag? I’ll have you know I graduated top of my class in the Talforesters, and I’ve been involved in numerous secret raids on cults, and I have over 30000 confirmed kills. My father saved my mother in a fair archer competition. I am trained in guerilla warfare and I’m the top archer in the entire Farman armed forces. You are nothing to me but just another target. I will wipe you the Bick out with precision the likes of which has never been seen before on this planet, mark my bicking words. You think you can get away with saying that curd about my family? Think again, bicker. You’re bicking dead, stallion. I can be anywhere, anytime, and I can kill you in over seven hundred ways, and that’s just with my bare hooves. Not only am I extensively trained in unarmed combat, but I have access to the entire arsenal of the Farman army and I will use it to its full extent to wipe your miserable butt off the face of the continent, you little Quark. If only you could have known what unholy retribution your little “clever” comment was about to bring down upon you, maybe you would have held your bicking tongue. But you couldn’t, you didn’t, and now you’re paying the price, you idiot. I will Quark all over you and you will drown in it. You’re bicking dead, you two, if you ever insult me or my family like this again. AM I CLEAR AS I POSSIBLY BE?!”

It took his friends a few minutes to process everything. “I can’t remember the last time I saw him that angry.” Midnight was stunned.

“Surpasses even me on a bad bay.” Wolf added.

Then the door opened, Fray walked out breathing heavily, Upper Crust and her husband both stand in the room, stunned, not blinking or moving.

“Well, with that being settled, let’s enjoy this evening.” Fletcher said calm, walking back to the main hall.

“I can’t blame him, he’s very serious to keep the family’s honor and dignity clear.” Wagensroll whispered.

“I’d probably react the same way if my family gets insulted like that.” Wolf replied.

Despite this minor incident, the evening was quiet and nice. Late in the night, the children became tired, even the Eternal Knights showed signs of fatigue, yawning.

The princesses offered a guest room with a large bed, the two foals and girl fell asleep the moment they were in the bed, cuddling in their sleep.

“Sweet dreams.” The Farman unicorn whispered before trying to walk out, staggering. In the moment the stallion would have hit the ground, he got caught gently by Luna with her magic, catching his fellow Knights too as they fell asleep, carrying them to the next guest room, gently putting them into the bed.

“Rest well, my loyal Knights, you have earned it.”

Midnight Blade woke up in the morning with a yawn, not able to remember much. What happened? Then he noticed something warm around him.

Wolf was lying to the right of him, Fletcher to the left, both having wrapped an arm around him. Oh, this is embarrassing!

As if it couldn’t get any worse, the door opened and Princess Luna walked in, having a neutral expression. “This isn’t what it looks like!” The bat pony tried to explain.

Luna started to smile. “I know, I brought you here after you fell asleep.”

The unicorn and Pegasus stirred in their sleep. “Good morning, Wolf.”

“Morning, Fletch.” White Wolf replied before both stared at each other upon realizing their situation. After what seemed like hours, the blue Pegasus broke the science. “I guess the gala was quite exhausting for us.”

“Yes. I strangely dreamed I was Ruby Pinch’s father.” Fray admitted, blushing.

“I dreamed I had to pretend to be a couple with either your or Midnight, I can’t remember exactly, having to kiss to avoid blowing our cover.” Wolf looked down in embarrassment.

“If we ever have to do that, It’s nothing personal, Wolf.” the grey stallion assured, looking at Luna who raised her hooves in defense.

“Don’t look at me, I would never mess around with your dreams.”

Blau Streifen and Katja quickly befriended Tootsie, Ruby, Noi, Pip and the CMC, the two colts became more buddies, enjoying playing pirates and Masterclass Dungeon Duels of Doom, a fantasy role play, while the doctor together with Fletcher searched for the Equestria that was the siblings’ home with the Tardis.

“With the magic signature you and Nanny provided me, I should be able to track it down.”

“Good, I don’t want to imagine how worried their family must be.” Fray said as a screen started to blink.

“I think we got something. It’s weak but worth a try.” the time lord pushed some buttons and levers, then walked up to the door to open it.

“Hel-“ He cut himself off as a pony stood before him, staring at him with blood red eyes, having a black and grey coat, some bones were visible. “Okay.” He slammed the door shut, returning to Fletcher.

“Wrong universe?”

“Wrong universe.” The brown earth pony replied as the screen blinked again. “This signature is much stronger. Fletcher, take a look at this.” He pointed to it.

It showed an earth pony mare with grey coat, yellow eyes and a light blonde mane with lighter orange highlights, sitting sad and depressed on a couch, being comforted by a human with brown hair and blue eyes, and another Earth pony mare with light grey coat, red eyes and a dark red mane, both having wrapped an arm around the depressed pony.

“That’s it. That’s the siblings’ home.” Fletcher said, being sure.

“That could be anything, Fletcher.” The doctor protested, yet checked the signature, not believing his eyes.

It was very strong, identical with the magic signature Fletcher had identified. “That is the universe. Let’s pick the kids up and bring them home.” Fray said to the time lord who nodded.

“Righto, Fletch.” The brown colored pony steered the Tardis back home. “We’re back!” He called out, seeing how his daughter played with her new friends.

“Daddy! Uncle Fletcher!” Dinky exclaimed in joy, hugging both stallions.

“Good news, we have found your home.” Fray told the siblings, causing them to smile.

“Finally! I cannot wait to see daddy, mommy and grandma again!” the young colt exclaimed as the doctor led them to the Tardis.

“Are you sure we all gonna fit in there?” Katja asked due the small size.

“You’ll see.” The brown earth pony said proudly, the eyes of the siblings went wide upon entering it.

“It’s bigger on the inside…” They mumbled in awe.

“Eeyup. Enjoy the flight.” the doctor said, as his wife and daughter, together with Wolf and Midnight entered the Tardis.

The middle aged mare just sobbed, her mother’s and husband’s efforts to comfort her helped a little to make her feel better, but it had been a few weeks now since her beloved children had gone missing.

There was a knock on the door. “I’ll answer it.” Ruby said, getting up, walking to the door, forcing a smile as a brown Earth pony stallion stood before her. “Hello, can I help you?”

“Hello, Mrs. Ford I presume?” He asked, Ruby nodded in return. “I have someone here who'd really quite like to see you.” He stepped aside, revealing two very happy children.

“MAMA!” Katja and Blau Streifen exclaimed, hugging her mother.

“Katja! Blau Streifen! My babies! I thought I would never see you again!” She cried tears of joy.

“Hey, what about me?”

“DADDY!” The siblings exclaimed, hugging their father followed by their grandmother, the brown stallion watched with a smile.

Their mother looked grateful at the stallion. “Thank you Mr.…”

“Whooves. Doctor Whooves. I’m not the one to be thanked, I’m just the Chauffeur.” He pointed to a green unicorn. “This is the pony to be thanked.”

“I’m Fletcher Fray, I found your children and kept them safe.” The unicorn introduced himself.

The middle-aged mother shook his hoof. “I’m Ruby, this is my husband Konrad and my mother Mitta. We are very grateful for keeping our youngest family members safe.”

An earth pony stallion with grey coat and black hair joined them. “I’m Grey Hoof, town leader and celebration planner extraordinaire. In the name of Sunny Town, I thank you for bringing them back. Now, you surely have a lot to tell, so why don’t you make yourself comfortable and introduce your friends?” He offered.

“Thank you. Those are my friends White Wolf and Midnight Blade, Doctor Whooves, his wife Derpy and daughter Dinky.”

“Pleasure to meet you all and welcome in Sunny Town.”

Fray, together with the children told the residents the story, earning quite some shocked gasps. “Dear Celestia…you truly went through a lot, but still, we owe you something.” Mitta was grateful.

Fletcher waved a hoof. “You owe me nothing, I only did my duty.”

“Katja! Blau Streifen! You are okay!” A young voice interrupted as a unicorn filly, looking almost identical to Dinky but having blue eyes and a black mane, hugged them. “I’m sorry! I never wanted to bring you into this!”

“It’s okay, Blissley, it was an accident, don’t blame yourself.” Blau Streifen replied.

“Indeed, my young subject, there’s no reason to blame yourself.” A new voice added as Princess Celestia and Luna arrived, causing everyone to bow.

“Greetings, Mr. Fray, we have overheard your conversation and we wanted to give your thanks too for our young subjects safe.” The princess of the sun of this universe smiled at Fletcher.

“Your highness, I know it’s difficult but can we maintain our friendship with Dinky?” Katja asked, knowing it would be near to impossible due being in two different universes but neither she nor her brother wanted to lose contact to Dinky.

“I see no reason why your friendship should cease to exist. It pleases me to hear how close friends you became with her.”

“If you allow, your highnesses, the princesses of the universe my family is, had the idea that I could use the Tardis so my daughter can regularly visit her new friends. They’d also like to meet Katja’s and Blau Streifen’s family, if that’s okay with you.” The doctor explained.

“Well, I and my sister always wondered if there are alternative universes of Equestria and it’s quite fascinating to know that this exists.” Luna replied.

“It sounds like a good idea, but couldn’t that bring the space time continuum out of balance?” The father of the siblings asked concerned, scratching his back.

“Not at all, your children spent a few days in my universe and everything’s fine.”

“And we have time to prepare the party.” Grey Hoof added.

“I guess you have a point. What’d you say, honey? Mitta?” He asked his wife and her mother.

“I like this idea.” Ruby replied with a smile.

“Count me in.” Mitta agreed.

“Okay, get in.” The doctor entered first, Blissley and the others wished the Ford family a pleasant stay, it was fascinating for the three adults that the Tardis was bigger on the inside. “Next stop: Canterlot.” The time lord announced, in a matter of seconds, they found themselves on a balcony in the capital.

The princesses welcomed their guests. “Welcome in Canterlot, Mr. and Mrs. Ford, your children told us a lot about you, you can be proud of them.” Celestia smiled warmly.

“Thank you, your highness.” Konrad replied politely, feeling a bit awkward as this weren’t the Celestia and Luna of his universe.

Ruby took notice of a yellow filly chattering with Dinky, galloping over. “Hello, Apple Bloom. It pleases me to see you are doing well.” She smiled at the foal, who titled her head in confusion.

“Sorry, should Ah know you?”

The grey mare blushed in embarrassment. “Sorry, I thought you were somepony else.” The doctor had a guess why Ruby acted that way towards Apple Bloom but kept it for himself.

“Would you like to join us for some tea, telling us about yourself?” Luna asked the siblings’ parents and grandmother.

“It would be a pleasure.” Mitta took a seat with her daughter and son in law.

Midnight had an idea. “Children, would you like to race? Just hop on.” He lowered himself with his fellow Knights, Apple Bloom and Katja climbed on him, Blau and Scootaloo on Wolf, while Dinky and Sweetie Belle climbed on Fletcher’s back.

“Ready! Set! Go!” He yelled as they took off, racing neck-and-neck, the children laughed , causing him to smile.

Just like old times.

The others smiled at the happy children, this was the begin of a new friendship, a friendship that would never be broken.

Meanwhile in Berlin, Earth

The Führer got the latest report from his generals.

“This Green Knight they speak has caused chaos on the frontier. Rommel swears he's heard nothing but the rumors are everywhere. Gorrister is dead and the Afrika Corps seems prepared to abandon El Alamein.” The general of the infantry, Hans Krebs informed.

“A temporary inconvenience. Let the Desert Fox run off with his tail between his legs. We have the Skorpion, Axel Zornhauff, with his SS camped just beyond the field. They'll put an end to this freak of nature and then push forward to do what Rommel could not.” the Führer was confident, not bothered at all.

“...Mein Führer... Zornhauff...”

“This afternoon, a message came through from the Afrika Corps. The Green Knight had infiltrated the camp soon after his arrival. Sturmbannführer Axel Zornhauff was killed along with his entire battalion, the camp burnt to cashes.” General Alfred Jodl finished for his comrade, causing the Führer to take his glasses off, pausing for a few minutes.

“The following stay here; Keitel, Jodl, Krebs and Burgdorf.” Everyone except the named generals, Goebbels and Reichsminister Bormann leaved, closing the door.

“They were Schutzstaffel! They were my hand-picked legion, superior soldiers of the Nazi Regime! You tell me an entire battalion of my best troops was laid to waste by a single soldier?! By a unicorn with a bow and arrows?! Do you take me for a fool?!” The Führer shouted in rage, clearly audible outside the room, the staff listened with unease.

“Is this what it came to? My armies are being slaughtered and humiliated by fairy-tale creatures! My officers are scared to death by a work of fiction!”

“Mein Führer, they have seen the Green Knight in action, the entire Afrika Corps-“ Burgdorf tried to defend the men.

“Do not speak to me of those cowardly military-rejects!”

“Mein Führer, you cannot possibly believe these men are-“

“Cowards, fools, liars and madmen, claiming to see unicorns killing my Schutzstaffel!” The Führer threw a pencil across the table.

“THEY DID IT! ISN'T THAT OBVIOUS?! ROMMEL'S MEN DID IT! Do they believe I do not hear them insult the ideals of the Third Reich, that I do not know of the poisonous envy they hold for the trueborn Aryan Germans that make up my Honor Guard?! I know what they're up to! Rommel and Stumme and Von Thoma and all the rest of those impudent, lowborn scum! I should never of sent him to Afrika! I should have had the SS lead the front in the first place! I should have sent Rommel to be cut apart by that mad woman in Krasnodar and by now, Zornhauff would have brought me the Green Knight's head on a plate!”

He paused to catch his breath.

“Churchill believes he can scare us with this talk of killer-unicorns. How can my armies be duped so easily? Morons! I have morons fighting my war! How could the German people stoop so low under my rule? I will not suffer it. No-one is to mention this talk of unicorns! Anyone who dares is to be shot!”

Outside, Secretary Traudl Junge tried to comfort her fellow secretary Gerda Christian, who was weeping. “Do not worry, Gerda, I'm sure the Green Knight is simply the name of a commando unit or...a weapon...there's nothing fanciful going on.”

“I knew I could never trust Rommel. And now I can't even keep him watched. So be it. I'll deal with him another day. Speak no more of Africa. It was a lost cause from the start.” The Führer sighed. “In the meantime...I should like to know what Dr. Strauss has been up to…”

Author's Note

Done. Safe and sound, fiinally home. I hope you all did enjoy it, it was a pleasure and a honor to use your OCs, human SVD, I hope you liked it.

But...what could Straus be up too?