Chapters Chapter 1 Squeaking Through The Snow
Chapter 1: Squeaking Through The Snow
Ardennes , Belgium, 15th December 1944
Thomas König, a man of the age of 34 was patrolling with his friend, Otto Krause through the endless snowy terrain near the border of Germany and Belgium.
The situation in Germany was the same militarily and politically; bad.
The German forces suffered only defeats and heavy losses in the west since the Allies landed in France back in June and on the Eastern front, the Red Army gained similar successes, causing costly defeats for the German forces.
Overall, the Wehrmacht was severely battered, thinned out and barely in possession of heavy weapons. Chronic fuel shortage led to a loss of mobility, which was particularly strong due to the Allied air superiority.
But this all had a surprising disadvantage for the allies.
The western Allies had advanced faster through than the Allied and German High command had anticipated. As such, the Allied soldiers suffered from fatigue and their supplies ran dangerously low.
The German high command decided that this could be used for a surprise attack through the Allied lines in the Ardennes forest, where the enemy had battle-weary troops and new recruits, thus expecting the least to be attacked there.
The goal of this attack was to capture the Port of Antwerp, a supply point for the allies. Not only would the capture cost the allies precious resources, it would also split their fronts and forces in two. With this, the Führer hoped to make a peace with the allies and be able to fully focusing on the Eastern Front.
The timing was well chosen as the cold weather prevented the Allies from using their superior air forces, so the German ground forces could take advantage of that in their upcoming attack.
But it was not without risks.
The Wehrmacht would use everything that was left for this, failure would cause the Reich to collapse.
Thomas himself was a hardened veteran, having fought in Poland, France and Africa. But his spirit was low. In Sommer 1943, his family, consisting of a wife had son, had died in a bombing raid, having been everything he had, fighting to survive so he could see then again. Now, he his only motivation to fight was to end this war, so that not more civilians would lose their lives in this bloody conflict.
“Hey, Thomas, think we will get them this time?” His friend asked.
“Hard to say, it’s a lot at stake. With the loss of my family, I have nothing left to fight for or to look forward to see when this war is over.” The former father and husband pointed out with a hint of sadness in his voice.
“Sorry, didn’t want to wake bad memories. My friend, Harry got sent to the Eastern Front, I hope he doesn’t encounter the She-Bear of Krasnodar.” Otto replied with fear. “And that Josef survives too with his wife.”
“I get ya, still, as Harry is a private like we are, he shouldn’t have anything to fear from her and Josef’s guarding Factories and fuel depots behind the front, that’s pretty much safer than the Eastern front and we have also better chances at the Western Front compared to our comrades in the East.” König pointed out.
“Yeah. By the way, how do you like your StG 44?” Otto asked him, causing him to smile slightly.
As Thomas inspected the sides of his weapon he replied, “Very much. Compact as an SMG but with the stopping power of a rifle. Plus the low recoil makes it easy to control.”
“Indeed. But the MP40 s also easy to control.” Otto replied, inspecting the sides of his weapon. “Say, what do you think of this operation Skorzeny will be commanding?”
Thomas thought for a moment. “Well, it’s risky. Not only are they risking being executed as spies by the allies should they get caught in the enemy uniforms but this whole thing resembles a house of cards: If not a single goal is achieved, everything that follows is also almost impossible.”
Both men did not know much about this operation. They only had heard rumors. It was named Operation Greif. German soldiers, wearing captured British and US Army uniforms and using captured Allied vehicles, were to cause confusion in the rear of the Allied lines but the actual goal was not known to many. One rumor was that those commandos intended to capture General Dwight Eisenhower and his staff.
“Yes. I wonder though how disguising Panther tanks as M10 Tank Destroyers will work. They look similar but the distinctive box drive is what can tell them apart.” Otto added.
“Yes, another risk. I wonder how they will get along with US infantry weapons, and vehicles, like the Sherman and Greyhound.”
“Guess we will know when the reports come in. While all are English speaking volunteers, some…Eternal Knights would be perfect for this job.” Otto suspected.
Thomas raised an eyebrow in confusion. “What in the world do you mean?”
“Well, imagine it like members of the Führer’s bodyguards, specialized in stealth operations.”
“Uh-huh. Frankly, I think they will need much luck for this to work and the element of surprise. It will be hard not to blow cover and not to be attacked by their own forces.”
“Yeah, but I’m sure Skorzeny has this worked out. I must admit I’m a bit nervous about tomorrow.” Otto’s hands trembled slightly.
It was understandable. He was also experienced but unlike Thomas, he had only fought in the Netherlands during Operation Market Garden and in the Battle of Hürtgen Forest, but otherwise, not seen much action.
“Me too, me too. Just use cover as good as you can and keep moving to avoid being an easy target and by working as a team with my squad mates. Sometimes, it was just luck. Experience is the best teacher. What makes me a bit uncomfortable, are the forests, deep valleys and narrow roads. It makes it hard to advance quickly. And the shortage of fuel is also a big problem.” König told with concern.
“Indeed. We only have a chance. We can’t fail. And I’m pretty sure our paratroopers can help us out in this battle.” Otto sounded confident.
“I sure hope so,” König replied, knowing due to the high losses that most pilots and paratroopers had little to no experience for this, the offensive would be their first deployment.
“If I may ask, had you ever thought of what you do after the war is over? I haven’t thought about it yet.” The SMG gunner asked, being curious.
“Not really. Before my family died, I thought of them welcoming me back with smiles. But now…I don’t know. Wait… Do you hear that?” He asked his friend.
“Hear what?” Otto asked before hearing it too.
A faint cry coming from the woods.
“Stay back! I don't take good!” It sounded like a young boy, having strangely a British accent instead of a Belgian, fearful but filed with tenacity.
“Let’s take a look!” Thomas yelled, trying to locate where the sound was coming from.
“Wait a sec, our orders are-“
“I don’t care! I won’t let a child die here!” Ever since his family’s death, Thomas had sworn to himself to let civilians suffer the same fate as he did, sprinting towards the source of the cry.
They both saw a Wolf standing in front of a small den, too small for him to reach, growling at it, where the child seemingly was hiding.
Both soldiers made sure the safety of their weapons were on, not wanting to alert possible enemy patrols nearby.
Thomas raised his bayonet. “Hey! Wolf!” He yelled, the wild animal turned around, growling at him, apparently famished.
With another growl, combined with a howl, the wolf charged at him, the soldier parried the wild animal by swiftly swinging the butt of his rifle towards the head.
The Wolf let out a painful whine as he got thrown back and retreated into the woods.
König quickly swiped the blood off his weapon, then asked the boy in English, “Are you hurt?”
“N-no. I’m f-fine.” The child replied still a bit shaken, coming slowly out of his hiding spot.
The men looked confused at each other as strangely, the shadow of a small pony became visible.
The next sight was the shock of their lives.
Out of the den came a small pony, having a spiky, mahogany tail with matching mane and hazel eyes. Showy was that the pony had patches of dark brown on a piebald coat, smiling weakly at them.
“Thanks a bunch. If you hadn’t come, I had ended as snack for the Wolf.” The colt sounded grateful.
None of the soldiers could get out a word, their brains trying to reboot at the impossible sight.
“Can you help me to get home?” The foal asked with slight concern.
Author's Note
Thought I should make a crossover of the famous battle of the Bulge.
Chapter 2: Frontline
Both men looked at each other, thinking it was just their imagination.
But blinking and shaking heads had no effect, the colt was still there, waiting patiently for an answer. For Thomas, there was only one reply.
“Of course we will help you.” Odd at the situation was, the colt couldn't just be left alone for any other hunter, man or beast.
The pony started to smile, hugging the German’s leg. “Thank you.”
“No need. Thomas is my name and this is my friend Otto.” He patted the foal’s mane.
“I’m Pipsqueak. But my friends all call me Pip.” The pony replied.
While both men could already tell that this pony wasn’t from Earth, the name was kinda nice. “Nice name, kinda suits you.” Thomas smiled, Pip somehow reminded him of his son.
“Uh, Thomas, what should we do with…him?” Otto asked clueless.
“Wat we supposed to do, report it in.”
“Are you sure? You know what our orders regarding-“
“I do and I don’t care, I have nothing to lose. Besides, our commanding officer is non-supportive of this order.” König reminded him with an annoyed tone.
“Sorry, I just don’t want to be executed, that’s all.” The SMG gunner replied ashamed.
“Orders?” Pip asked confused before starting to tremble slightly.
“I tell you that later.” The Rifleman gently took the colt in his arm and wrapped him into his coat to keep him warm from the cold weather as they made their way back to the camp.
The young boy admired the endless snowscape, for him, snow was always a beautiful thing.
After a short walk, the camp was in sight, Pip’s eyes went wide at the big machines he saw, looking threatening, yet somehow majestic.
“There you are. What took you so long?” A new voice tore him out, seeing a middle-aged man in officer uniform, having dark black hair and blue eyes, also wearing a few awards on the chest in form of black crosses, his face rather round.
“Well, we have something to report…” Thomas said with uneasy, making Pip look up to him, making it possible to get a closer look on his face, which was broad.
Thomas had dark brown hair and light green eyes, Otto light black hair and light brown eyes and a long face. All three had an average build, comparable to a normal stallion like Dinky’s father, the officer, however, had a scar across his left cheek. It looked very old but appeared not to be deep.
As the officer saw Pip, his eyes and those of the other soldiers went wide in confusion. “Uhh, do I see that right?”
“Yes, they saved me from a hungry wolf.” The boy explained, earning shocked expressions.
“It can talk?!” The officer exclaimed.
“Uh, yes, everypony can where I’m from.”
The officer started for a moment before shrugging. “Oh well, I have seen a lot of crazy things at the front, let’s hear it.”
“Well, for start, my name is Pipsqueak but Pip is just fine. The world I am from is called Equestria I’m an Earth pony, there are also Pegasus ponies that can control the weather and fly, and there are also unicorns, which can use magic. All three races also have Cutie Marks on the flank, which represents their special talents.
I haven’t got my Cutie Mark yet, but it doesn’t bother me. And our rulers are Princess Celestia and Luna who controlling the sun and moon.”
Thomas looked at the colt on awe. “Fascinating. But shouldn’t you be afraid of us?” Otto pointed out.
“Oh, that…Well, Humans used to be only a myth, but after some incidents in the past, foals were separated from their families and landed in different universes were human took care of them until they returned home. Those humans then lived as part of the foals’ family since then. As such, I’m familiar with humans.” The colt explained in his cute accent.
The soldiers looked at each other, not sure what to say for a moment.
“Well, that definitely sounds interesting, Pip. Where do you live exactly?” Thomas asked curiously.
“Ponyville, a small town. Before that, I lived in Trottingham.”
“I see. I imagine this is the furthest you've ever been from home, Pip.” König replied, and told him where he was exactly and which year it was.
It took the young pony to process everything. “Well, bad luck to be landed here but it could have been worse, like on a planet filled with monsters trapped in a crevice. Wait…” The colt’s breath quickened, his tiny hooves shaking. “I-I-I have to get home! M-My mum! Everypony…”
“Calm down! Calm down!” Thomas gently picked him up as colt gasped for air rapidly before slowing down, crying.
“I wanna’ go home...”
“Shh, it’s okay…” König rocked the little colt back and forth, having already sympathy for him.
It took a few minutes until Pipsqueak calmed down.
“Don’t worry, kid, I’m sure your friends and family will look for you. Until then, we’ll take care of you.” The officer said in a comforting voice to cheer him up.
Pip wiped a tear out of his eye. “Thank you, mister…”
“Sergeant Walter Gerber, at your service. But you can call me Walter.”
“Okay. Is this a…tank? I read once about them but never saw one before.” Pip pointed to the big machine he had first seen at the camp, it was 3 meters high and 10 meters long, having a 6.24 meter long barrel.
“You are correct. This model is the Tiger II, nicknamed ‘King Tiger’ by the allies, is one of our most armored and deadliest tanks, able to deal effortlessly with the heaviest Allied tanks. It’s the replacement of the Tiger 1, which was a legend to the enemy and the King Tiger does carry on the legend but consumes a lot of fuel.” König explained.
Pip let out a whistle. “Sounds impressive, I wouldn’t want to fight such a thing. And you are soldiers, right?”
“Yes, we are Volksgrenadiers.”
“Does that mean you are Volks and you have grenades or you use the grenades on the Volks?” Pipsqueak asked confused.
“Well, it’s intended to build morale, appealing at once to nationalism and Germany's older military traditions. The German Military took heavy losses during the invasion of the Normandy, the Volksgrenadiers were created, economized on personnel and emphasized defensive strength over offensive strength. They are reformed from hardened veterans, recovering wounded and new recruits. Older men who would have been considered too old or too unfit for the peacetime army and teenagers are also a common sight.”
“I see. For such a unit, you look very well equipped.” The boy commented upon seeing König’s weapon.
“Yes, we are, having a higher proportion of submachineguns and light automatic weapons and thus rely more on short-range firepower than in standard German Army infantry units. And the StG 44 or MP 44 as some use to call it, is really perfect for this. Compact as an SMG but with the stopping power of a rifle.”
“Uh-huh.” The colt replied before having to yawn as it was getting late.
“You should get some sleep, it was an exhausting day for you after all,” Gerber said.
“Yeah, I should.” The young colt ate some bread for dinner, happy to have something in his stomach, then got brought to the tent of Thomas and Otto, falling instantly asleep on the cot.
“Poor boy.” The Rifleman gently ruffled Pip’s mane.
“Yes, and I’ll do anything I can to keep him out of harm’s way.” Gerber sounded honest as he smiled at the sleeping colt. He and Thomas had served in the same squad since the beginning of the war, being the only original members left, all others had been either been killed or captured.
Thomas couldn’t remember where Gerber got his scar, but was a father to those under his command, showing compassion and loyalty to them above all else, always put the lives of others over the missions, doing what was right rather than focus on the mission. He knew he could trust his sergeant.
“And so will we.” A new voice greeted them as they turned around, seeing three men at the entrance.
The first one was a muscular man in a Fallschirmjäger uniform with an FG42, brown hair and matching eyes on a square-shaped face, the second also a man with a muscular build, armed with an MG42, having blond hair and dark blue eyes. His face pinched and the third man was a sniper, armed with a scoped K98. He had an average build, his face mostly covered by a face cloth, making only his dark green eyes visible.
The paratrooper was Keller, a veteran of the invasion of Crete, having been deployed in France after that, now serving together with Gerber, Otto and Thomas. Like many other members of the Fallschirmjäger, he was giving every effort unwaveringly when in battle, but still caring towards his comrades and civilians.
The MG gunner had the name Huber, a rather calm soldier in battle, always ready to give covering fire when needed.
The Sniper was only known by the name Fischer, he never talked much, being a quiet man but his skills were unmatched.
“Thank you, I appreciate it.” Thomas replied, grateful he could count on them.
As he and Otto climbed into their cots, Pip started to hug him in his sleep, causing the former father to smile.
“Hey, Thomas, you don’t have an excuse to play lone soldier anymore.”
“Why do you say that?”
Otto pointed at Pipsqueak before pointing back at him. He hadn’t to say anything to make Thomas understand. König now had something to fight and live for again, protecting the little colt at all costs.
The Rifleman nodded in response, earning a smile from Otto before he said “good night.”
Before König fell asleep, he took notice how adorable Pip was curled up next to him.
He didn’t want to count how many hours of sleep she had before a noise woke him.
Sleepy, the soldier opened his eyes, using the dim light to look around.
A small sniffle.
He only needed a few seconds to realize it was Pip. He was tossing and turning frantically in his sleep.
“No…Please… No!” The boy yelled in a fearful voice before waking up with a gasp, trembling. “S-s-sorry...” He mumbled, feeling guilty for waking Thomas up.
“It’s okay, it was just a bad dream.” Thomas gave him a gentle hug and the colt rested his head on the pillow again, falling asleep with a sigh.
In the next morning, Thomas awoke, seeing that Pip was still asleep, his chest rising and lowering before he stirred and yawned. “Good morning.” He smiled.
“Morning, Pip.”
They then breakfasted, Keller, Huber and Fischer introduced themselves to the little foal, the MG gunner also took Pip’s measures down. “Why do you need them?” The boy asked confused.
“It’s cold out here and we can’t let you freeze out here, can we?”
“Righto,” Pip replied, understanding what Huber meant.
After a few minutes, he came back with a white coat and brown winter cap, letting Pip try it on. “Suits perfectly, thank you.” He smiled at the soldiers.
“You’re welcome.”
There was a whistle I the distance, making Pip's ear twitch before it turned into an explosion, making him jump into the air in surprise, followed by several more whistles and explosions as everyone turned into the direction it came from.
“What’s going on?” Pipsqueak asked in alert.
“Artillery fire, to weaken the Allied defenses,” Gerber explained as the tank crews manned the three King Tigers, the engines roaring to life as the officer briefed his men.
“We’re engaging in a surprise attack to break through the frontline, deep into enemy territory. But we must move quickly or the enemy will destroy the last two bridges and trap our forces. Escort our tanks and break through the front line towards the bridge. Thomas, Otto. You escort Anton. Keller, you and I escort Berta. Fischer and Huber, you escort Caesar. Pip, you stay here until it’s safe.”
“Okay.” He replied while the soldiers saluted and moved out.
Thomas took position to the left of the tank, Otto behind it. The Allies were still trying to organize a defense, so the two Germans barely encountered any resistance through the logging road.
One enemy Rifleman tried to flank them from the right but Otto was faster, firing a short burst, the American stumbled backward as blood splatted from his chest and hit the ground.
Shortly before the Allied encampment, a hedgehog was in the tank’s way, forcing it to stop.
In a blink of an eye, a loud echoing sound invaded their ears and the head of the gunner of the mounted MG on the tank snapped violently back, blood splattered and he fell into the tank. “Sniper!” Otto yelled as he spotted a scope glance in a trench ahead, an MG emplacement pinning them down.
Thomas threw himself upon the ground, ducking out of view from wherever the bullets were coming from, crawling towards the hedgehog and planted TNT on it, setting the time to 5 seconds.
In the moment the barricade exploded, the tank blasted the MG emplacement to pieces, killing the sniper too.
Behind the trench was the camp, meaning Anton’s escort was successful. Shortly after, the officer and paratrooper joined up with Berta, together with the Sniper and MG gunner. “Caesar’s engine broke down,” Huber reported to the Sergeant.
“Damn it. But we’ve broken through the front line! Keep moving towards the bridge!” He ordered, reloading his MP40.
König saw Pip coming behind a group of other soldiers, trembling slightly but had a brave expression. The former father could tell the boy was scared but tried to stay brave. Frankly, Thomas hoped Pipsqueak would survive all this.
Both tanks made some strange noises as they entered the camp, Gerber could tell why. “Our tank is running low on fuel. Steal fuel from the enemy or our attack will stall.”
The leading tank pushed a truck parked on the road out of the way but a Sherman tank parked on the side of the road managed to hit the track, disabling it but was unable to target the second before getting destroyed, leaving a burning wreck.
“An enemy tank disabled one of our tanks! We only have one tank left!” Walter yelled, “We’ve destroyed their ambush, but our last tank is almost out of fuel. Steal fuel of the enemy!” He manned the mounted gun of said tank, Pip went to cover behind a stone wall next to it.
The Rifleman and SMG gunner assaulted the fuel depot to the left of the camp, the former planted TNT on the wall to get in. Disoriented by the explosion, the defenders got quickly overwhelmed by them.
König shouldered his rifle and grabbed a fuel canister and made his way back, having his Luger drawn, covered by Otto.
Upon reaching the tank and refueling it, Huber and Fischer returned with another canister from the other depot.
As the second canister was delivered, they took defensive positions around the tank as the defenders came from all sides.
Pip covered his ears from the loud gunfire, hoping it would be over soon.
As he dared to peek over the wall, he saw a young soldier, not older than 18, carrying a third canister towards the tank.
“I got it! I got-“
He stopped abruptly, flinching before blood flow down his head, struggling to stand before falling backward.
The colt stared, not able to look away. A young life had been taken before his eyes, the others were pinned down, not able to do anything.
Pipsqueak tried to process what had just happened, trying to calm down. He knew the Germans needed the fuel but this wasn’t his war. But, if they would fail, he would be trapped too at the mercy of the Allied troops. Sure, he knew from Tootsie’s father who had served as Marine in the Pacific due to a magic incident, that the Americans weren’t bad people, but the thought of ending up in a lab refused to get out of Pip’s head.
Taking a deep breath, he knew what he had to do.
The young boy made a dash for the fuel through the gunfire, picking it up and brought it to the tank, bullets missing him by inches.
He may be smaller than an avenge foal but was still as strong as a normal earth pony foal.
“We have stolen enough fuel. Our tank can advance and capture that bridge!” Walter yelled as the tank started to move out and the defenders retreated.
“Move fast and escort our last tank across before the enemy can destroy the bridge!” The officer ordered his soldiers as the Tiger II moved out.
Thomas noticed how the little colt was shaking, trying to catch his breath. “I…I…”
“It was very brave from you, but please don’t do that again, for your own safety. Stay behind us.” The soldier said in a comforting tone, the boy nodded in response.
The German troops encountered barely Allied troops on the way to the bridge, making them realize the Allies were focusing their defense on the bridge.
Pip saw another bridge in the distance, it exploded into pieces, he looked at it in awe and shock.
“They detonated one of the bridges! There’s only one bridge left now. We have to move quickly before the enemy destroys it.” Gerber yelled as said bridge was in sight in the distance.
As the tank was getting closer to it, the remaining defenders opened fire with all they had left, forcing the Germans to use the tank as cover.
“Fischer, do you have a clear shot?” Otto yelled as a US soldier was manning the mounted MG on a parked Sherman tank on the side of the bridge.
“Yes!” He peeked out of cover, aimed down the scope and fired, blood splattered from the American’s head as he jolted backward and fell into the tank.
Realizing it was too hot, Otto threw a smoke grenade on the bridge, then used with Thomas and Keller a scaffolding on the left of the bridge to flank the defenders, taking them by surprise, allowing the tank to move forward.
“We’ve won! The bridge is ours! Now our forces can advance and destroy the enemy!” The officer exclaimed as the tank had reached the bridge and the defenders surrendered.
“It is over?” The colt asked as he uncovered his ears.
“Yes. For now.” Thomas patted him to calm him down.
A grunt of pain reached Pipsqueak’s ears, seeing a captured allied soldier, wearing a bowl-shaped helmet got knocked down by a German, crawling backwards and got up as other German soldiers escorted other captured soldiers away and a convoy of several trucks crossed the bridge behind the tank.
“They are lucky, given our orders,” Huber commented as they moved on, it reminded Pip of the orders Thomas and Otto had mentioned before.
“What do you mean?” The pinto colt asked with innocence.
König took a deep breath, trying to get up how to explain this. “Well, Pip, we actually got order to only take prisoners when the ‘tactical situation’ allows it. Otherwise, no quarter is to be granted, no prisoners taken, and no pity shown towards Belgian civilians. That was also why Otto was against helping you at first.
The foal’s eyes fell in fear. “That’s horrible.”
“I know but we don’t follow that order. You will be safe with us, promise.” The soldiers gave him honest smiles.
“I appreciate it.” Pip returned a smile.
“Hop on.” The soldiers helped the colt on the tank and they left the bridge behind, Pip, couldn’t help but enjoy the ride through the snowy landscape.
“Man, I’d love to be home and eat a Bratwurst.” The tank commander mumbled as he watched for trouble ahead, spotting smoke in the distance.
Pip’s eyes went wide as they drove past a bomb crater with dead Americans and a destroyed halftrack and jeep, still smoking. “They never stood a chance,” Fischer commented on it.
“I'm guessing ‘no’ to the open casket,” Huber added.
“That's somebody's son.” Thomas pointed out, showing that he had respect for the enemy.
“Naw, it's a Yankee!” The tank commander replied, showing little sympathy for the US soldiers.
“König is right. They’re not all bad.” Otto countered.
“They did give us Acheson, Goodman…” Gerber counted up.
“And don’t forget about their inventions. You got the Teabags, Mickey Mouse…” Huber continued.
“Cola.” Otto raised a fist.
“You guys are killing me.” The Tank commander replied annoyed.
After a while, the convoy stopped to rest, building up a camp. “So, Pip, how did you end up here? You don’t have to tell if you don’t want to.” Thomas told him.
“No, no, it’s alright. I was playing with Dinky, Pinch and Tootsie as for some reason, a dark portal appeared. Dinky was almost pulled in and I rushed to her aid and somehow…got pulled in instead.” Pipsqueak replied with a sad sigh.
“Sorry to hear that but it was a brave act from you, a real gentleman.”
Before the colt could reply, a loud speech from Otto got their attention.
“Many say we have no hope. Well, I say let us show them what we are made of. We’re farmers, bakers, schoolboys and masters, let them show what the people can do when they are united.”
“That was a good moral speech, Otto.” The pinto colt complimented with, kinda enjoyed it.
“And kinda treacherous.” A new voice said in a neutral tone as they turned around, seeing a man wearing glasses, a fedora and a black trench coat, having blonde hair and blue eyes.
Behind him were two soldiers, having the words “Feldgendarmerie” on the cuffs and “Feldjägerkorps” on the gorgets.
A Gestapo agent and members of Military Police Units of the Germany Army.
With a neutral voice and expression the agent spoke, “Well, Sergeant Gerber, long time no see.”
“Yes, and I like it to stay that way.”
“And…what is that?” The agent pointed to Pip who was hiding behind Thomas but tried to stay brave.
“Our new mascot, nothing against the rules.” The officer replied flatly.
“I heard your men found it in the woods.”
“Yes, sir, it’s mother was killed by a wolf as my men were on patrol yesterday.”
The Agent looked at the colt. “And yet, just a moment ago, it appeared to be talking. Or did one of you suddenly lose their testicles?” The men looked to each other nervously as he chuckled, “It seems my journey here will not be wasted after all. Good luck in the coming battles, gentlemen. Make your Fuhrer proud.” They left.
The colt was shaking at the squad looked at him with sympathy.
That was just the beginning and it looked bad for the foal.
Chapter 3: Moving on
Trembling.
All Pip could do was trembling.
That man had been cold and emotionless. He would get to him eventually, Pip could already tell that.
“Who…who was that man?” The young colt managed to say in a scared voice.
“Gestapo Agent Heinrich Schmertz, others say his real name is Rudolf Bauer. But you have my word, Pip, we keep you safe.” Walter ruffled his mane, earning a weak smile.
“Thank you, I know to appreciate that.”
“Well, I suggest you should rest now, it’s getting late,” Thomas said as the sun went down.
The colt yawned, wondering if time had really passed so fast. “Okay.” Pip ate some bread for dinner and went to bed, sleeping peacefully.
“I don’t know how the Gestapo knew so fast about him, but I will not let them take him.” König looked at the child with determination.
“With me by your side, they won’t get far.” Walter placed a hand on his shoulder.
“I know. Maybe I worry too much.” With that, they all went to bed.
Pip stirred in his sleep, noticing it was still night. Strangely, the tent was empty save for him. “Where is everyone?” He wondered, walking outside.
To his surprise, he saw two ponies in golden armor standing at a campfire. “I wonder how long it takes until the Grand General finds the little present I left him.” One of the guards said eagerly.
“For Celestia’s sake, Hardy! You’re gonna get both of us killed.” The other pony scolded.
“Palisade is such a jerk. He’ve had this coming for a long time.”
“He’s a very dangerous jerk. He’ll send us on another suicide mission. And this time we won’t get so lucky.”
“Oh. The look on his face when we came back was priceless.”
“I’m sure he already has plans how to get us killed.”
“I know for a fact he does. I broke into his desk drawer and in there was a little notebook.”
“What the hay? What did he write?”
“He’s got a sick mind. Fantasizing about all sorts of twisted things. You don’t wanna know.”
Suddenly there was a strange noise. “Hey, over here, I heard something.” The pony known as Hardy said and the two ponies walked into the dark. “Stop! Over here!” He yelled, pointing to something.
“What?! Sir Ashfrost said they were locked up!” Pip heard the other guard yell in shock before gunshots and screams followed. “Get help! Run!”
Something told the little colt that this was bad, gulping.
Then, out of the corner of his eye, he spotted a human looking silhouette, stumbling around.
Pip wanted to run, but he was frozen on the spot as the human came into the light of the campfire.
He had a very mangled appearance, as he had dislocated jaws, jagged teeth, milky white eyes, wearing a torn German uniform
He was occasionally growling or yelling out in a heavily distorted German voice, hinting that his brain was still active enough for basic intelligence.
The colt was terrified, shaking heavily, slowly walking backwards until he tripped over a root.
The former human got alerted by this, starting to run towards him.
Pip screamed in fear, covering his eyes at his imminent death.
There was the sound of slashing and flesh getting impaled.
“That soldier! He... he should not be alive.” A female voice greeted his ears, causing him to slowly open his eyes.
The soldier was lying dead on the ground, his head detached. Standing over the body was a blue Pegasus mare with matching eyes and flowing silver mane, wearing a Fallschirmjäger uniform, an MP40 on her back and a knife in her right forehoof.
“Are you alright?” She asked him with a worried voice, tearing him out.
“I’m f-fine.”
“Good. Climb on.” She lowered herself and he wasted no time.
“Thank you for saving my life.”
“No need, my dear. I’m White Wolf but you can call me Wolf.” The mare replied as he moved through the woods.
“Okay. What happened?” He asked in confusion.
“Hay If I knew that. I was talking with my friends as suddenly, we got knocked down by a strong force. I awoke alone, hearing those poor soldiers being killed by those…undead.”
The young foal didn’t reply, trying to process everything.
The undead. Zombies. He had heard stories but never thought they could be true.
After a while, they came to what seemed to be a drop pod. “Good to see you, Wolf. I already thought we had lost you.” A grey bat pony with pure white eyes, wearing a German officer uniform, armed with a STG44 with a blade as bayonet, said relieved to her.
Next to him was a green unicorn with completely light blue eyes, having no pupils and fluctuating like water, wearing a sniper uniform, having a scoped rifle and bow on his back.
“Likewise. On my way to you, I found this lost colt. What’s your name again?”
“P-Pipsqueak. But Pip is also fine.” The colt stuttered in surprise and awe.
“Don’t worry, we protect you. My name is Midnight and this is Fletcher.” The bat pony introduced his friend.
The pinto colt couldn’t tell why, but something told him he could trust them as they entered the pod. It took them to what looked like a lab.
“You! It cannot be! You survived?” A male voice yelled in shock on an intercom before a wave of undead came from both sides.
Pip trembled, not wanting to end up as meal for them, yelping as Wolf used her wings to rapidly fly through the zombies, slicing them or shooting them with her MP40, having high accuracy despite being moving.
Midnight either shot the undead or rammed his blade into them, switching between targets in seconds, like he was teleporting.
Fletcher used his rifle at long range, never missing a shot, piercing through as many as four targets at a time. If a zombie came close, he used his bow, scoring one shot kills with them as easy as he did with his rifle.
They quickly defeated the horde, the colt breathed heavily after it was over.
“Oh, do you really think that was all? I have an old friend of yours waiting for you.” The voice taunted on the intercom.
Before anypony could react, a wave of flames appeared on an upper platform, followed by a distorted growl.
Pipsqueak looked up on the platform, his eyes went wide in fear.
On it stood a zombie, armed with a flamethrower and a fuel tank on his back.
But that wasn’t what scared Pip.
This Zombie used to be a unicorn, it’s face covered by a golden mask of a tranquil, cherubic young steed. The rest of the body had bolts, tubing and metal plates attached to it, the eyes having a blue glow.
He fired the flamethrower into the air, swinging it around, then jumped down.
Wolf flew high into the air to avoid that Pip would get hurt, the former unicorn was surprisingly agile, despite its heavy weapon, easily catching up to Fletcher and Midnight who barely evaded the flames.
The green unicorn charged his bow, firing an arrow at the fuel tank.
The fuel tank exploded from the hit, engulfing the undead unicorn into flames, stumbling around, the foal noticed that a part of the inner body was exposed, blazing like there was a flame inside.
Midnight rammed his blade into it, the unicorn flinched before its eyes ceased to glow and let out a growl that sounded like “Thank you” as it collapsed on the ground.
“While I can’t say he was a good pony, he hasn’t deserved something like this.” Fletcher commented as they moved on.
“This must be fate. Our destinies are intertwined…and now I fully understand why: finally, I get to witness your demise.” The voice taunted as the group came to another lab.
Pip saw a pony in a lab coat in the foreclosed lab, working on a zombie restrained on a table. This zombie also looked like a unicorn, but its legs were at odd angles, the skin pallid, the place where it Cutie Mark should be was skinned and burned, exposing muscle, having green glowing eyes. A metal mask covered the muzzle.
“Hey, we can reroute the power with these consoles!” The bat pony pointed to a console. “We take out Ashfrost now, while’s he vulnerable, or everything is lost.”
As the Eternal Knights went to work, Pip noticed that Wolf was coughing a bit. “Are you alright?” He asked with concern.
“There's an itch in my throat.” She replied as the power was rerouted, Ashfrost looked around in shock.
“What? This isn’t possible! This is not possible!” To his horror, the unicorn started to stand up from the table, no longer restrained, growling.
“Stay away from me! Do you hear me!? I created you! No! No! No!” Ashfrost screamed in pain as the undead unicorn cornered and slaughtered him to death, Pip looked away.
“Destroyed by your own creation, doctor.” Midnight commented emotionless.
After the horrible sounds stopped, the colt opened his eyes, seeing that what seemed to be a metal gate in front of the windows, sparing him the horrible sight.
He then looked at the three ponies, noticed something odd. “You look pale, are you alright?”
Midnight looked slowly up, his expression terrified. “...run.”
The boy climbed down from Wolf, taking a step back in confusion. “Wh...f-f-from what?”
“Us! Run! Now!” Midnight yelled and the colt wasted no time, running towards the pod.
They all had become infected somehow, possible turning within minutes or even seconds.
In the moment he reached the pod, a white light blended him.
Pip awoke with a gasp, panting and looking around, seeing the others sleeping peacefully. With a sigh, he fell asleep again, relieved it had been just a dream.
In the next morning, Pip asked Walter, “If you don’t mind, how did you get your scar?”
“Oh, that? Well, Pip, back in August, I was a communications officer in the German headquarter in Paris. As the Allies attacked, I managed to retreat but a Grace shot hit me.”
“I’m sorry to hear that.”
“It’s okay, it’s in the past. Reminds me, Paris was also where I met Schmertz. Back then, someone stole explosives from the munitions room. As such, I got questioned by him, as apparently, due to my clearance level access to munitions storage room, someone fitting my description based on eyewitness reports, and my name was written in the checkout log munitions without proper authorization. I asserted I was in the communications department all day and said there were other people besides me, who had a Clearance level to access the room. As he was about to arrest me, I noticed my commanding officer, who also had clearance to it. As I pointed him out, they left me alone.”
“Is Schmertz really that scary?”
“Yes. I have seen plenty of Gestapo interrogations but he…he makes the rest of the Gestapo look like nuns. The things he did to prisoners…” The officer paused for a moment. “I can still hear the screams in my nightmares.”
The foal shivered at the thought. “Sounds horrible.”
“Don’t worry, he has to get past me if you wants to question you.” Gerber patted him.
The sound of engines reached Pip’s ears, seeing what appeared to be an American convoy heading towards their direction. Strangely, the tanks had their turrets pointed in the nine o'clock position and the soldiers had their helmets removed.
Before the colt could say something, Gerber said, “No need to worry, those are our men.” He saluted the leading officer, much to the colt’s confusion.
“Hello, Sergeant, I’m pleased to report that we misled a US tank Regiment and an infantry company was encouraged by false information to retreat.” The German in US uniform sounded proudly.
“Good to hear. Carry on.”
“Yes, sir.”
As Pip watched the convoy, consisting of a Sherman tank, a few M10 Wolverines, M8 Greyhounds and M3 Halftracks, moving on, he asked, “What’s this all about?”
“These men are commando units with the task to cause confusion in the rear of the Allied lines as far as I know.” Gerber explained.
“But isn’t that against the rules of war?” Pip asked, being aware of the law of war and Conventions due to the human residents back home.
“Yes, as such, all those men are volunteers. I have doubt it will be successful, as I have heard they have a lack allied of vehicles and uniforms. We had even to convert some Panther tanks into Wolverines to compensate for this.”
“I see. Sound risky.”
“Yes, it is.”
The following days were quiet as the Allied troops were still struggling to get up a defense and organize themselves.
On 19th December, Gerber informed his men about new orders. “Listen up! We got orders to meet up with German forces nearby for the attack on Bastogne. As every major road in the Ardennes converges there, its important that we capture this town.”
As the soldiers prepared for this battle, Pip helped to carry supplies around, overhearing a Volksgrenadier.
“They mock us, the other units. They say we are the infirm and weak. Well, let us prove them wrong. Reports pour in from everywhere. The battle is ours. Daily we push further and further into their lines. They will be pushed into the sea. Victory will be ours.”
“Count your luck, kameraden. We are on the cusp of a great moment in history. We are witnessing the rebirth of the military. Only victory lies in front of us. I thank my luck that I have an opportunity to fight. They told me I was too old at the beginning of the war, now they need me. This is my chance to make my nation proud.” An elderly soldier added with pride.
As Pip dropped the supplies where they were needed, he took notice of a group of young soldiers, one of them looked similar to the man who had taken care of Princess Twilight when she was a foal and had landed on earth by accident. If he remembered correctly, they called him James.
Not wanting to disturb the space time continuum or create a paradox, Pip kept this distance as he overheard their chat. “How can be seen as right not to take prisoners? What reason do we have to fear unarmed men?” James asked his comrades.
“I know but orders are orders. But I respect your mercy to prisoners. It is also an Honor to have a Knight’s cross holder in our Squad,” One comrade replied with pride.
“I know.”
“Squad, listen up!” An officer joined them.
“Sir.” The soldiers said as the officer saluted James first.
“At ease. We have order to assist the troops at Bastogne. Let’s move out. Oh before I forgot, Armed resistance will be shown no mercy. But in the weather and with the delivery routes at risk, bullets are precious. Don't shoot unarmed men, else you'll find yourself short when it matters most.”
“Yes, sir!” His men replied and James let out a sigh of relief.
“Relieved, Private?” The officer asked him.
“Yes, Sir. It is just, I don’t like to do such cruel things. I’m not a coldblooded bastard as the Waffen SS are.”
“Me neither. That’s why I decided not to kill surrendering soldiers.” He explained before they all entered a Halftrack.
“Hey, Pip, are you ready? We move out. Just stay behind us and you should be fine.” Thomas said to him.
“Okay.”
As they moved on, a few Panther tanks, together with some StuG III and a Panzer IV joined them, moving towards the town.
Pip was nervous, trembling slightly.
“We outnumber them, they don’t stand a chance!” A soldier commented, confident of victory.
As the town was in sight, there was no US soldier to be seen. It was quiet. Too quiet.
“Watch for ambushes.” Gerber warned.
The young colt also looked around, trying to find anything suspicious as they came closer and closer.
He spotted an odd looking barrel at the edge of the town, covered by snow. But as he realized what is was, it was too late. “Watch out!”
The barrel turned out to be the turret of a camouflaged M10 tank destroyer, firing at the rear of the Tiger tank.
The explosion knocked Pip backwards. To his horror, the tank startled to roll backwards towards him, he crawled backwards, yelling “No! No! No!”
Then another explosion, knocking Pip backwards again, landing in a ditch.
His hearing was muffed and his vision blurry, seeing barely that the tank destroyer had disabled the King Tiger by destroyed the right track, indirectly saving the young colt before getting destroyed by one of the Panther tanks.
Shell-shocked, Pipsqueak watched as Thomas and the others took cover behind the disabled tank, unable to move forward.
He tried to call out to him, raise his right foreleg, noticed that blood was tripping from it.
Shrapnel from the explosions had hit him.
Crying in pain, the pinto colt tried to get up but collapsed, his vision slowly becoming black.
“Mommy…help…me…”
Chapter 4 Worry of a family
Chapter 4: Worry of a family
“Mama! Tungsten!” Pip’s voice echoed in his mother’s ears.
“I’m coming!” Nancy yelled as she was running through a snowy forest, following her child’s voice.
She had to gasp in shock, seeing Pipsqueak crawling through the snow, leaving a bloody trail as his right foreleg was missing, like it had been blown off. “Help…”
“I’m here, Pip!” Nancy tried to comfort him as she tried to stop the bleeding, praying he would make it as his eyes were half closed.
“Mama…I…cold…” The colt’s voice sounded tired.
“No! You gonna be alright!” His mother yelled desperate, not wanting to lose him.
“Don't cry, mummy. I'll...I'll get better...I'll be...fine. I'll...” Her son managed to tell before succumbing to his injuries.
“Pip…no…NO!”
Nancy awoke with a gasp, panting heavily as cold sweat ran down her forehead.
“My son…” She sobbed, buried her head into her hooves with tears, crying herself to sleep again.
The mare didn’t care how much she had slept as a knock on the door entered her ears. “Please… leave me alone.”
It opened regardless, revealing her lifelong foalhood companion, Blue Murder, having a cobalt blue and dark red mane, and her son Tungsten, who had the same coat color but a ginger/orange mane.
The colt carried a breakfast board with tea and toast. “Nancy, we know it’s hard to cope with this, but please, eat something.” The colt said with worry.
“Why? What did he do?” The mother of Pip asked in despair, not making eye contact.
“Don’t blame yourself, it was an accident, Nancy.” Blue tried to comfort her.
Nancy sighed. “I know I shouldn’t, it’s just….I don’t want to lose him. He’s everything for me after I lost my husband.”
A knock on the front door interrupted them. As Nancy opened it, an earth pony stallion with bespectacled purple and white patch-patterned coat, a long messy mane of indigo and silver streaks and matching eyes, was standing in front of her.
It was Purple Patch, expert in Pre-Alicorn Studies at the Royal Academy in Canterlot, being born in Trottingham, like Pip was. “Hello, Miss Nancy, can I come in? If my timing is inconvenient, I come back another time.” He asked politely.
“Of course.”
Once he joined them at a table, she asked with hope, “Have you found out anything new about my son?”
With an uneasy expression, he told, “Yes, to be exactly what caused it. A company doing portal research against regulations…”
After having investigated the source of the portal, Patch came to a company named Grey Ridge Research Facility, very close to Ponyville. He massaged his temples with one hoof and scowled as he spoke with the CEO. “So, Mr...Crabcake?”
“Crabshead, CEO of Grey Ridge Research Facility.” The stallion corrected.
“Fine...So let me fully understand this so-called plan...if it can so be called. Three glorious months ago, you and your employees got the marvelous idea to start experimenting with portals without notifying the Academy or even the Princess.” Patch pointed out, already annoyed.
“Well, I have friends in the capital council so...” Crabshead couldn’t finish as Patch held a hoof up.
“So, upon deciding on this course, you consulted neither the Order of Wayfarers, the Estudio Ultrasonic Guild or even the Hearthstone Monks, all three of which own the only available knowledge on portal creation and interdimensional teleportation.”
“Y-y-you see...” The CEO stuttered nervously.
“Then to cut costs on materials and deliveries, you built a hidden facility underneath the ground barely three miles from a populated area, one that houses not only a Princess but the Bearers of the Elements of Harmony among many other important figures of Equestria. Then instead of actually constructing protected and contained areas to practice the portal creation, you conducted the tests above ground where any unassuming individual could run into them!” The Earth pony yelled.
“L-listen, we only...”
“And to top it all off, owing to hiring interns and any actual experts in the field you have in this facility not only of mid-level knowledge and experience but also, as our investigators have informed me, having been expelled from the academy and possessed of criminal records for illegal or negligent research, all of which done to ensure the least possible detriment to your wallet...Owing to that...None of you took any notes...meaning that we have no way to immediately determine just where poor unfortunate Pipsqueak has ended up!” His eyes blazed as he did a long pause.
“Is there anything I have said that is not correct?”
“...um...not all of them have criminal records...for illegal research anyway...” Crabshead was lost for words.
Patch replied sarcastic, “Oh yeah, thanks for reminding me. Vice Squad wants to speak to your main shareholder. I certainly hope you've never left him with your foals...or anypony's foal for that matter!”
Crabshead gulped, fearing what would come next.
“Right. I shall be presenting your misdemeanors to the Princess in person...after we have located Pipsqueak. And if anything has happened to him, Mr. Crabshead, I swear to Laurelore and Remember I will have your genitals severed from your body and mounted above the doors of the Academy Portal Research Hall so that everypony knows what happens when somepony doesn't take this seriously!!!” Patch got up and bowed “I bid you good day.”
Tungsten growled. “So this happened because of such an idiotic guy?”
“Yes, but I’ll promise, I will not rest until we have found Pip. Shouldn’t take long due past experiences with Portal accidents.” The stallion had an honest expression.
Nancy gave a weak smile. “I know to appreciate that, Patch.”
“I don’t want to wake bad memories, Nancy, but actually, it was a brave act from Pip to save Dinky from the portal, like his father had saved you.” Blue Murder had regret in her voice as Nancy’s smile fell and the memories came back.
“It’s alright. If it hadn’t been for Copperfield, I had never put my wild lifestyle aside…”
Years ago, Nancy was in a criminal gang, having known her husband in here, as he was the leader of the gang. After they fell in love and had a wonderful evening, Nancy became pregnant.
“What are we gonna do?” The mare asked desperate and clueless, not knowing how to continue this kind of life with a child on the way.
Her lover nuzzled her. “Don’t worry, Nancy, we’ll think of something. You know, I only became a criminal at first for survival before doing it for profit. Maybe, it’s time to stop this and live a normal life. Leave our past behind. For our foal.” It kicked as he said those words, causing both to smile.
“You are right. Together, we can do this.”
To Nancy’s surprise, the other gang members were completely fine with that, wishing her a good future as mother.
Blue Murder helped them to find a home, happy for Nancy to become a mother.
The couple eventually married, happy to be together.
“He was a criminal, but one with a good heart. It was a good idea to give up this life.” Blue commented.
“Indeed. But…I will never forget this horrible day…” Nancy trembled as she remembered.
One day, they went shopping, enjoying the warm weather. Copperfield kissed his wife. “You will be a wonderful mother.”
“And you a wonderful father.”
Suddenly, somepony grabbed them from behind, throwing them into a dark alleyway. “I don’t think so, Copperfield.”
The stallion and mare struggled, seeing a unicorn stallion holding a knife. “Noggin, what’s the meaning of this?” Copperfield asked his former right hoof.
“Simple. Without you, our gang fell apart. All because of your betrayal. I can’t tolerate that. You must pay. Maybe I should start with what caused your betrayal.” The unicorn said cold, holding the knife close to Nancy’s throat, who stared at it in fear.
“Oh no, you don’t!” Her husband shouted in rage, breaking free and knocking the three ponies down. “Run! Save yourself!”
He hadn’t to tell her this twice, she ran as fast as she could without looking back, towards Blue’s house which wasn’t far from here. There was a scream of pain and Noggin shouting, “Get her!” out of the alleyway.
Upon seeing her friend’s house, Nancy frantically banged on the door. “Come on! Don’t tell me you’re not home!”
“I’m coming, I’m coming!” Blue said as she opened the door, looking surprised at her friend. “What’s wrong?” She asked, her eyes went wide as she saw the three armed ponies, their eyes filled with thirst for blood.
Blue Murder didn’t hesitate to push her friend in the house, taking a defensive stance as the attackers rushed at her.
Despite being outnumbered, she easily disarmed the unicorn, twisting his arm, causing him to scream in pain as he dropped it, shoving him into his friends, knocking them out.
“Are you hurt?” Blue Murder then asked her still shaken friend.
“C-C-Co-Copperfield!” Nancy managed to yell, causing her foalhood friend to understand instantly.
After calling the police, they made their way to the alleyway, finding the stallion lying in a puddle of blood, bleeding from his chest, barely alive.
Paramedics brought him into the hospital, his wife was waiting with her friend in the waiting room, being worried if he would make it.
It seemed like hours until a doctor came out, having an expression of pity, making Nancy hope it was just a bad dream. “I'm sorry but we couldn't do anything else for him.”
At this moment, Nancy stared for a moment, then broke out in tears, turning to her friend for a comforting hug, not able to believe her husband was gone.
“I really don’t know what I had done without you, Blue Murder. Without you, I had probably died and Pip had never been born.” Nancy said with a grateful expression. “Where did you learn to fight so well?
“It’s nothing, really. Just a self-defense course and experience in defending Tungsten against bullies.” Blue said with pride, causing her son to blush and look down in embarrassment.
“He wasn't afraid. He wouldn't want you to be. Remember him and the sacrifice he made to save his foal.” Patch added as she thought back when Pip was born.
Despite her loss, happiness soon overtook her as she had labor pains. “It hurts!” Nancy yelled, panting heavily, pushing and screaming louder that she ever thought she would in her life.
Then, a very young cry greeted her ears.
“Oh my…It’s a colt, Nancy.” Blue Murder picked him and gave him to her mother who cried tears of joy. “He’s tiny.”
The mare with pale-brown coat looked at her son, he had a spiky, mahogany tail with matching mane and hazel eyes and patches of dark brown on a piebald coat. “Pipsqueak. Welcome to the world.” Nancy said with pride.
Shortly after her son’s birth, she got shown her room, noticing an earth pony stallion with bespectacled purple and white patch-patterned coat, a long messy mane of indigo and silver streaks and matching eyes on the other bed, smiling upon seeing her. “Hello, Ms.”
“Hello. I’m Nancy and this is my son Pipsqueak. I guess we will be roommates for a while. What’s your name?” She asked politely.
“Name’s Purple Patch, and my congratulations for becoming a mother. I have only a few broken rips, so I should be out in a few days.”
“How did that happen?”
Slightly lowering his head in embarrassment, he replied, “Well, I was reading some books in the library as an enormous tome fell out of a bookshelf and landed on my chest.”
With that, he told her how he wanted to study Pre-Alicorn Studies at the Royal Canterlot Academy, with the mare wishing him good luck.
As time passed, Patch eventually graduated, earning Nancy’s congratulations. While he mostly was in Canterlot for his studies, and Blue Murder helped her to raise Pip, Patch tried regularly to visit them. He wasn’t the best with foals but whenever Blue Murder was busy or Nancy exhausted from work, he kept Pip busy with stories.
To Nancy’s displease, it were pirate stories that interested her son the most, which were popular literature in Trottingham but it made him happy and that was what she was glad of. He also called Patch sometimes “Patchy”, after the eyepatches of pirates, although the stallion mentioned once it was also the nickname his mother had given him.
It was also his suggestion that they should move to Ponyville, where things were quieter than in Trottingham.
“I must thank all of you for all your help in raising Pip. I appreciate it.” Navy said to her friends.
Patch waved a hoof. “That what friends are for. If I may suggest, catching some fresh air could help you feel better.”
“Righto, couldn’t hurt.”
Outside, the mare took a deep breath, then sighed. Everypony helped each other in the time of need, as such everypony that crossed her way told his condolences, which she thanked in return.
During her walk, she took notice of Dinky and Tootsie chatting with their friends, looking with guilt at her. “Miss Nancy…” Dinky mumbled, “We are very sorry!”
“It’s alright, it was an accident, you aren’t to blame.” The mare replied bluntly as she moved on.
At first, she was not fond of Dinky, due being daughter of the Doctor and Derpy, having heard stories of the latter’s clumsiness. But eventually, she realized what a good friend the filly became to Pip after she got to know each other on the first Nightmare Night.
And she also knew if her son hadn’t intervened, that Dinky, Tootsie or Ruby would have taken his fate, a fate she knew the fillies had already experienced. Frankly, she was a bit glad they hadn’t suffered it twice, or thrice as Dinky had unfortunately.
I guess my son has inherited this trait from his father.
The mare barely finished her thought, as she suddenly felt a stinging pain in her heart, her pupils went small.
“Mommy…help…me…”
Her legs started to wobbly, then gave out and she collapsed.
“No…No! NO! Pipsqueak!!!”
Author's Note
Purple Patch, I hope you like how I build in your OCs
Chapter 5: Nuts!
Pipsqueak couldn’t feel anything. As everything was black and numb, he thought he had died, hoping his mother and friends wouldn’t be too sad about their loss.
Slowly but steady, a comfortable feeling overcame him.
With a groan, he managed to open his eyes, finding himself on a bed in a hospital, his injuries patched up.
A man, wearing an identical bowl-shaped helmet and uniform to one of the surrendering soldiers he had seen at the bridge. He had dark brown hair, green eyes, a broad face and average build, appearing to be relieved to see Pip alive.
“You’re awake. When I found you, I was very worried any help had been too late.”
While being grateful, the colt had only one question. “Where am I?”
“At an allied outpost near Bastogne. I found you while on patrol, hearing you’re calling out for your mother. Oh, almost forgot, my name is Jack Wilson.” He said with a British accent.
“Thank you, Mr. Wilson. My name is Pipsqueak but Pip is just fine.”
“Okay, you don’t need to be formal with me. Now, what does a child like you doing on a battlefield?”
The boy took a deep breath. “It’s kind of a long story.” With that, Pip told him where he was from and what he had experienced so far.
“I’m sorry to hear that, Pip. Sounds like we are kinda in the same boat.”
Pip tilted his head to the side. “What do you mean?”
“Well, as you saw before, Americans are mostly seen on this front. And I’m a Brit. The squad I belonged to, got wiped out a while ago, so now I’m here, serving in the 1st infantry division of the US Army, using their rifle and sidearm but can still use my own uniform until a new squad is found for me. If you like, you could help us re-supply our MG positions.”
“Of course, it’s the least I could do to repay you,” Pip replied with a slight smile. Like he had helped the Germans, this might be crucial to his survival.
The soldier pointed to an ammo box. “The dugout in the east needs ammo, are you sure it’s not too heavy?”
“No problem.” The colt picked it up with ease due to his earth pony strength.
“Okay. And don’t worry, we keep you safe if the Germans attack here.” Jack assured him.
As Pip moved out, he took notice of a young soldier chatting with another soldier that looked almost identical to Jack, expect he had hazel eyes.
“The rumors are everywhere. Every major battleground. Talking horses! It’s all true, I swear!”
The soldier looking similar to Jack chuckled. “Calm down, it’s just your imagination from all the stress.”
That made Pip think. His friends Ruby Pinch and Tootsie Flute had landed in Stalingrad and the Pacific respectively but he couldn’t imagine that news could have reached the western front, especially Tootsie, as her “stay” on Earth happened in the year 1945 in human timeline.
“Keep moving. I need the spare bandages from your first aid kit.” A medic said to a fellow soldier, tearing Pip out.
“I thought you hooked up with 3rd battalion to get supplies.”
“No. We got cut off; lost our way.”
The colt then walked through the snowy woods, past three soldiers standing near a tree. “Got anything good for me? I could use a pack of cigarettes.” One US soldier asked his comrades.
“Jonesy, those things will kill ya quicker than a bullet.”
“I thought you got some the other day.”
“They were from my old lady.”
“Nice…I got a letter from your old lady yesterday.” The third American commented as the boy got out of hearing range, but heard how a soldier told his friends about him being in a bar once.
“…So then Humphry says to the Paris cop: ‘I dare you to try and make us leaving this bar.”
One of his comrades laughed. “No way.”
“Oh yeah. And then 6 more cops came in through the front door.”
“So what happened?”
“Well, whistles blowing and fists were flying and the next thing I know, I wake up in a French Jail. It was a pretty nice place.”
The colt rolled his eyes at this, knowing that jail isn’t that pretty as he came across two men in a foxhole or crater, he couldn’t’ really tell.
“I walked the line last night, couldn’t find the 3rd battalion on our east flank.”
“We’re spread too damn thin. There’s gaps all over the line.” The other soldier pointed out.
“Eugene told me Krauts wandered into our old CP two nights ago.”
“This weather isn’t helping.”
This proved to Pipsqueak that the Germans had achieved complete surprise back then with the weather being their ally for once as he walked past a group of soldiers, one of them cleaning his rifle.
“Put me one mile of a Mr. Hitler, party’s over, Gents. We’re all going home.”
“McCaskey, I’m not sure what’s worse: your choice in girls or that piece of junk you’re carrying.”
“What? Your girl?” Pip couldn’t hear anymore as he came past two soldiers digging an MG nest.
“We ever gonna get air support?”
“Not with this cloud cover. Our flyboys would be running into each other.”
“Damn. This just ain’t right. None of it.”
“Once the clouds break, it’s gonna be a different story.”
“Hell yeah, then we’ll really stick it to the Krauts.”
That made the pinto colt realize that the clearing of the clouds and allied air support would most likely turn the tides. Question was if it would be in time.
As he passed by a foxhole, one soldier asked his friend, “What are you gonna do when you get back to the states?”
“Finish college. I miss my books.”
“That a fact? What were you studying?”
“Physics.”
“What…like a gym teacher?”
“No. You’re thinking about Physical Education. I’m talking about physics, Like the atom.”
“Adam who?”
The soldier let out a sigh. “Never mind.”
This reminded Pip of Dinky’s father who had experience in this field, also sometimes frustrated when other ponies did not understand his work.
He could see the out dug in the distance, being almost there as he passed by another foxhole. “I’m freezin’ my crouch off over here.” One soldier complained.
“This ain’t nothing compared to a Wisconsin winter.” His comrade countered.
“I bet there’s less Krauts there.”
“Yeah. Hopefully there’ll a few less here when we’re done.”
This made Pip glad for the clothes, they kept him warm in this cold weather but he still shivered a bit from the cold wind as he walked past the last foxhole that was behind the location where the ammo was required.
“I’m getting low on ammo.” One soldier checked his rifle.
“Yeah, me too. I got a few rounds, but not enough to do any good.”
“How the hell are we gonna stop the Krauts? Throw rocks at them?”
“That convoy better gets here soon or we’re all screwed.”
The colt knew that the allied supply lines were low, so a fight would be very hard if they would be attacked.
“I was told you need ammo?” He asked the two US soldiers manning the dugout.
“Yes, thank you. You’re the colt Jack found, right?” One of the soldiers asked him.
“Righto, name’s Pipsqueak.”
The other soldier smiled. “Nice name. Don’t worry, we’ll keep you save if the Krauts attack. I suggest you take this, better safe than sorry.” The man gave the colt a spare helmet.
“Thank you.”
“Incoming! 12 o’clock!” The other one yelled, pulling the trigger of the MG as he spotted German scouts but it made only clicking sounds. “Gun jam!” He tried to fix it as his partner fired a Springfield rifle, the boy covered his ears from the loud shots, hoping his German friends weren’t among them. “Gun’s clear. Fire!” The loud firing sound of the M1919 made Pip flinch before it stopped after a few seconds.
“Those Krauts won’t be reporting back.” The sniper said as every hostile was down.
“How the hell are they gettin’ past the 88th?” The MG gunner wondered.
“You better go back to Jack, Pip.” The other American suggested and the foal nodded in response .
As Pipsqueak ran back, he saw how the other soldiers went into position, being alerted.
“Good, you’re here. This will be a bloody battle once the enemy main force arrives. For your own safety, stay back and keep your head down.” Wilson said with a hint of concern for him.
“Convoy’s here and they have supplies” Grab what you need!” A soldier called out as several trucks pulled up the road, escorted by tanks.
As Pip and the British soldier moved towards the supplies, a loud whistle sounded and some shouted, “Incoming!!!”
Jack wasted no time, picking the colt up and sprinted towards a foxhole while explosions were all around them, trees falling over.
He dived into it, holding Pip gently as the colt trembled slightly, covering his ears from the explosions.
It went on for what seemed like minutes before there was silence. “It is over?” Pipsqueak asked with a shaken voice.
“I think so. You all right?”
“Yeah, just not used to this.”
“Enemy infantry !” A soldier shouted as the German attacked.
Again, the pinto colt covered his ears of the gunfire, hoping Thomas or any of his squad mates wouldn’t be along the dead as Wilson fired his rifle at the enemy.
Despite this noise, a cry of pain echoed in Pip’s ears, followed by a cry for a help. Peeking carefully over the edge, he saw the soldier looking identical to Jack lying on the ground, bleeding, unable to move.
Wilson made a dash towards his comrade, grabbing him by the shoulders. “Hang in there, buddy! You survived Africa, Italy, France, you can survive this too, Hill!” He dragged him behind some sandbags for cover.
“Thanks, I’ll be alright!” Hill replied gratefully as he his fellow countryman patched him up.
The young child let out a sigh of relief that the wounded man would make it, before a loud metallic “clang” sounded and a strong force threw him backwards, yelling out a cry of pain as he landed hard on his back.
A little bit disoriented, the colt grabbed his helmet and put it back on as Wilson checked on him with worry. “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine.”
“They’re retreating!” Another soldier yelled.
“It’s over. For now. They will attempt to regroup.” The Allied soldier gently took the boy in his arm and carried him back to the hospital.
Here, Pip helped to get medical supplies around while his caretaker was busy with something else. Having a moment for himself, Pipsqueak looked at the dent of his helmet.
He barely had escaped death in this battle, making him wonder how long he could cheat death, not wanting to die.
Jack walked in, smiling weakly. “I must admit you were really brave out there. Braver than any boy I had known of your age.”
“Thank you.” The colt blushed at the compliment.
“Unfortunately, I got new orders. We found out that the Germans have a mortar team hidden nearby. The catch is that nobody is free to take care of you so…you have to go with us.” Jack told with concern, his expression showing displease.
Pip knew it was risky and dangerous but he felt safe with him as he had done with Thomas. “It’s okay. I just stay behind you.” He replied with a slight smile.
“I hope this will work.” The man said with unease they moved out with a few other soldiers.
After a short time, the sounds of a mortar being fired greeted their ears. “Stay low. We have to take them out, but we’re outgunned, Flank them. Don’t let them see you.” A Sergeant ordered.
Pip used a fallen over tree for cover as Jack mounted an MG on a German Halftrack behind the German guards and opened fire, catching them off guard.
The German troops retreated “We got them on the run! Keep on ’em!” The Sergeant yelled and they chased the hostiles, Pip closely behind, praying his friends weren’t among them.
Suddenly, a bright red light blended everyone, Pip covered his eyes. He slowly uncovered them, seeing a flare in the sky.
“It’s a trap! An American yelled as loud whistles filled the sky. “Artillery!”
“Run!” Jack yelled.
He hadn't to say this twice to the boy who ran as fast as he could, as explosions were all around him, followed by screams of Allied soldiers who got hit by it and trees getting blasted to pieces.
As Pip ran up a hill, he heard a scream that sounded familiar before an explosion hit the ground next to him, blasting him away.
The colt grunted in pain as he tumbled down, unable to catch himself before coming to a stop with a blurry vision.
“Get up, Pip.” A voice said to him as the silhouette of a pony walked out of the fog towards him. “I know you better than anypony, so I know there’s still fight in you.” It kneeled down next to him.
“You can’t give up. Not now, not ever.” It sounded familiar but Pip couldn’t recognize it.
“Who are you?” He asked confused.
“Germans could be here any minute. So show me what you’re made of and get on your hooves.”
“I don’t think…I can.”
“You got to, Pip. Nancy needs you and so do Tungsten and Dinky. Now get up.”
“I will.”
“Course you will, ‘cause you don’t know when to stop.” The pony got up and walked away. “I got faith in you, Pip. Meet me at home.”
“Wait…Wait!” Pip called out before it was gone.
As his vision cleared, he noticed the body of a dead German next to him, wooden sticks had impaled his body.
Despite this, the colt recognized him.
“Otto…Dear Luna…”
He could only pray Otto’s death had been quick, hoping the others were still alive.
Knowing he had to find Jack or Thomas, Pip carefully walked through the foggy forest, parts of the trees were fallen over and on fire.
After a short time, he saw a human shadow in the distance, appearing to hang limply in the air.
“My goodness.” He said in shock as it was a dead German pilot hanging from his parachute.
Then, he faintly saw two Germans patrolling through the forest, coming towards him. Not knowing how they would react to him, he decided to stay hidden behind a tree until they passed, then moved on.
“We surrender!” An American voice sounded in his ears, seeing too US soldiers in the distance, being held at gunpoint by a Wehrmacht soldier armed with a flamethrower.
“Wait! Stop!” The other man begged as a hissing sound came from the German’s weapon before they screamed in pain due being burned alive, leaving the boy to watch in shock.
“No…” It made him realize that Thomas hadn’t been lied about the order not to take prisoners.
“Please…mercy…” A third US soldier crawled backwards as two Wehrmacht soldiers held him at gunpoint too.
“Mercy? You don’t deserve mercy for bombing our homes!” One of them kicked him, causing him to cry in pain.
The other German grinned sadistically.” Our commander said we weren't allowed to shoot unarmed men. He didn't say anything about burning them.” He shot the American into the leg and arm before the flamethrower burned him alive too, making him scream in agony. “They deserve nothing less for bombing our towns and civilians.” He added before they moved on.
Pip just stared, they had killed mercilessly out of anger. He knew the Germans had lost much, but just judge one simple soldier for what others did?
It was just wrong.
Also, it reminded him of that nightmare he had before.
A unicorn stallion in dazzling golden armor and a trailing gown of white with ribbons of saffron, ochre and crimson, having a collar made of giant dove wings and the back of his shoulder pads curved upwards into a great arch above him like a halo, his hooves being made of brass and a golden mask of a tranquil, cherubic young steed had pointed a flamethrower at him, being trapped before he burned Pip, causing him to wake up.
At a nearby bunker, he saw a German standing guard, his back to him. An Allied soldier came out of it, knocking the guard out, Pip recognized him.
“Jack!” He whispered, getting his attention.
“Thought you didn’t survive, Pip,” Wilson replied relieved. “A few survivors have managed to set up a defense behind the bunker. We will meet up with them.”
“Okay,” Pip said as the soldier opened the door on the other side, coming to a non–foggy forest.
After a minute of walking the two saw a destroyed Opel Blitz near a destroyed second bunker, dead Germans in camo uniforms scattered around. “Looks too rundown to provide much defense. The Krauts probably abandoned it.”
“I hope they won’t be back anytime soon.” The foal replied in fear as they moved on.
Shortly after, gunfire echoed in the distance. “We must be near them! Stay behind me!” Jack yelled, his rifle ready.
The sound led them to a hill, overlooking a mill, Germans and American troops fighting for it.
As Jack opened fire, he caught the German soldiers off guard, allowing his allies to finish them off.
“Thanks for the help, man, I thought we were done for.” One of the US soldiers was relived as a loudspeaker sounded.
“Soldiers of America, this is not your war. Give up and you will be spared. Your commanders don’t recognize your lives. Surrender and we show you how mercifully and hospitable the Third Reich is.”
For US soldiers, the answer was clear.
“I’ll be our representative,” Jack said, surprising everyone.
“You really want to give up?” An American asked him in disbelief.
“I will stall them so you can prepare defenses.” With that, the Brit walked into the woods, the pony close behind him.
It didn’t took long until a high ranking German officer came into view, having the rank of Field Marshal, saluting the Allied soldier.
“I was hoping they would send a higher ranking soldier than a simple private, but it will suffice.” The Officer was a bit surprised.
“I wasn’t expecting to meet a high ranking German without getting shot on the spot.” Jack countered without emotion.
“In war, you can experience the things you expect the least. Like a talking colt.”
“Maybe. As you should know, I will do what is necessary to keep him safe. If that’s all.” He was about to turn around as the Field Marshal raised a hand.
“Wait. I have order not to take prisoners of war anymore. And I’m aware of your caring. Surrender now, while I can still guarantee the safety of you, your comrades and your young friend. Other commanders won’t be so generous.” The officer replied, showing he was honorable.
“How does an honorable man like you serve them? And you that I die if I have to, to protect him. I won’t let him be taken to a lab.” Wilson had a serious tone in his voice.
“Of course. Is this your final word?”
“No, this is my final word: Nuts!” The private exclaimed and turned around, the colt followed him, yet stared, unable to process why he reacted that way.
As they were almost back Pipsqueak managed to ask, “Why did you say that? My life isn’t more important than those of your comrades.”
Jack let out a sigh. “Sorry, I just…I could tell the officer really meant it but who says some other guy of the SS won’t send you to a lab for experiments? That would be something I could never forgive myself if that would happen to you. As for my comrades, the defenders of Bastogne already have refused to surrender and it spreads like wildfire.”
“I see,” Pip replied after realizing it made sense.
Back at the mill, one of the US soldiers said, “You should get going, we buy you as much time as we can. No Sacrifice Too Great.”
The two just nodded and walked towards into the woods again, knowing they would most likely never see them again.
After a few minutes, gunfire echoed in the direction they had come from but the woods led the two to a snowy road.
“Where should we go?” The boy asked, not knowing which direction they should take.
Before his caretaker could give a reply, the sound of a truck engine greeted their ears, seeing a GMC CCKW of the US military driving in their direction, stopping as soon as the driver saw them. “Are you lost?” He asked them.
“Uh, yes, got ambushed by the Krauts,” Wilson replied.
“Okay, I was on my way to a fuel depot close by, hop in the back.”
They did as told, the pinto colt leaned back, enjoying the ride.
His eyes went wide at the site of the fuel depot, enough to supply an entire battalion, the fuel was delivered by fuel trucks and railway.
“Are you hungry?” His caretaker asked as it was noon, hearing the colt’s stomach growl
“Yeah, haven’t eaten since breakfast.” Pipsqueak had his head lowered in embarrassment.
The cook made him some potatoes which he enjoyed to the fullest. “That was delicious!” He exclaimed in satisfaction with a smile. “Now, this there something I can help with?”
“Well, the radio tower on the other side of the base needs some paper, can you bring it over?”
“Sure!”
As Pip picked it up, he noticed that the Americans stored much ammo in their repair shop, finding it a bit risky.
“Hello, I was told you need paper?” He asked one of the soldiers in a friendly tone.
“Yes, put it on the box near the cabinets.”
The young foal did as told, then noticed a soldier in Ranger uniform entering the building. Somehow, he was familiar but Pip couldn’t tell why.
“What d’ you want here?” The guard asked.
“I’ve brought you some cartridges from the depot, where shall I put ‘em?”
“Put them in the box near the cabinets.”
At first, the colt didn’t think about, wanting to leave the radio tower but the Ranger was blocking the way. “Excuse me, could you please-“
He couldn’t finish as the Ranger suddenly draw a silenced pistol, shooting the guards and operators, one American yelled, “Oh, god! No!” before a bullet to the head killed him, his body falling against the wall.
The colt was too shocked to do anything, trying to understand what just happened as the Ranger stood there emotionless.
Quickly thinking, Pip tried to use his size to escape through his legs but he saw this, whipping him with his pistol.
Pip let out a cry of pain as he fell backwards, staring in fear as the soldier aimed at him. “Please…No…Don’t shoot!”
The Ranger breathed heavily, looking him into the eyes. “Nothing personal, Pip.”
Swiftly he whipped Pip again, knocking him instantly out.
Jack was currently helping with refueling a fuel truck, wondering why his little friend took so long.
Maybe I should look after him. He thought with worry.
Several explosions startled him, seeing the repair shop, the barracks and the two checkpoints at the main entrance blowing up, a siren filled the air.
“We are under attack !” A US officer yelled as Jack saw a German squad and a M8 Greyhound moving in at the main entrance, the fuel trucks and train driving out of the base.
He had heard about German commandos in US military uniforms but thought it were only rumors.
Nevertheless, the Brit made a dash for the radio tower, seeing the operators were dead, the radios destroyed.
“Pip!” He exclaimed upon seeing the colt on the ground, checking for a pulse.
It was a relief the boy was only knocked out. but Wilson knew with the ammo and barracks destroyed, there was no way of winning for the US troops.
With that in mind, he gently picked the foal up and ran along the train tracks to escape the chaos.
“Ugh…” Pipsqueak groaned as he regained consciousness.
“Are you alright?” Jack asked with concern.
“My head hurts but otherwise, I’m fine. What happened?” The colt asked disoriented.
“The German attacked the depot, so I decided it was best to retreat to keep you safe.”
At this moment, Pip’s eyes went small, realizing something, starting to sob. “It’s my fault…I should have told you…”
The Allied soldier knew what he meant, patting him. “Shh, you aren’t to blame. We heard rumors at the beginning of it, so we were aware of that.”
The boy sniffed. “O-okay…”
Both hadn’t counted how much they had walked until a small US outpost was in sight, the soldiers greeted them friendly, shocked to hear what had happened.
In the moment Pip let out a breath of relief, his ears twitched, hearing a whistle.
“Artillery!” One of the Americans shouted and everyone scrambled for cover.
Before the Brit could react, a loud whistle occurred right next to them, followed by an explosion, strong enough to send soil and shrapnel everywhere, Pip barely had time to think about it before hitting the ground in a ditch, blacking out.
He couldn’t tell how long he had been out as he came to with blurred vision and ringing ears, his entire boy ached, making him hope he wasn’t hurt too badly.
As soon as everything became clear again, he took notice the artillery was still firing.
The colt covered his ears from the loud screams and explosions, hoping it would end soon.
Lucky for him, it ended after a few minutes. “My leg…” Jack’s voice greeted his ears, sounding in pain.
He gasped as the human’s left leg was covered in splinters and blood, yet wasted no time to get a medic and bandages to treat it.
As the man got loaded into an Ambulance, Pip said, “I’m sorry about your leg, Jack.”
Wilson smiled weakly. “Don’t be. On the bright side, I can spend Christmas with my family this year.”
Pip’s ears peaked up. “Family?”
“Yes, I have a wife and daughter. I’m confident they would like you. You would be much saver in London than here on the front.”
“Righto.” Pip smiled, kinda looking forward to meet them as the ambulance drove to Antwerp.
Author's Note
I am the only one that thinks that the NPC chatter prior to battle in COD WW2 were very nice and interesting?
Chapter 6: Let it snow
Once the Ambulance arrived at the port, the two got onboard a ship towards England.
The colt enjoyed the calm ride and see, having to smile. “This reminds me of the pirate stories my mother’s friend Purple Patch read me. He’s like an uncle for me. I even dressed up as a pirate on nightmare night.”
Jack chuckled. “I guess that is your version of Halloween?” Pip nodded in response.
“You know, back in the golden ages of Piracy, one of my ancestors fought in the Royal Navy, fighting against them. It was a dangerous but adventures job as far as I know.”
“And a quite honorable too I suppose.”
“Indeed, Pip.”
In the ship reached the next harbor in the next day, allowing them to get off board. Shortly afterwards, a brown Morris Eight pulled up and a young woman with blond hair and brown eyes stepped out, followed by a young girl with blond hair and green eyes, reminding Pip somehow of Dinky.
“Daddy!” The girl hugged Jack happily.
“I’m happy to see you too, Lucy. You too, Lola.” He smiled at his wife.
“It’s nice to see you again. You mentioned you would bring a guest, where is he?”
“Right here.” He pointed to Pip who waved at his wife and daughter, earning confused looks.
“Do…I see that right?” The woman asked, blinking, feeling awkward about it.
“Yes, Mrs. Wilson, my name is Pipsqueak.” The colt replied, causing the two females to take a step back in shock.
“Did he just talk?”
“Uh, yes, my dear. It’s hard to explain, so can this wait until we are home?” Her husband asked.
“Uh, sure.” His wife replied in confusion, forcing a smile as she looked at the colt. “Hello, Pipsqueak, my name is Lola.”
The young girl stretched her hand out for a hand/hoof shake, feeling strange about it but also kinda happy to meet the young boy. “I’m Lucy, pleasure to meet you.”
“Likewise.”
As the family drove home with his young guest, the girl managed to talk with Pip about London, the radio played Dinah Shore and Buddy Clark Baby It's Cold Outside.
The pinto colt enjoyed the winter atmosphere, seeing how everything was decorated for Christmas, barely sights of the war, save for some soldiers on leave and military trucks driving around.
“There it is…London. Tell the truth. You miss it?” Lola asked her husband.
“Yes, but I missed you both the most, but anything’s better than a foxhole.”
As the car arrived at the Wilson’s home, a loud engine sound echoed in Pip’s ears, looking up into the sky, seeing two Lancaster flying overhead, making him look at them in awe.
The home of the family looked very comfortable. A telephone and radio were on the living room, plus a TV. “Nice place you have here,” Pip commented, liking it.
“Glad to hear it. Why don’t you watch some TV or listen to music on the radio until dinner is ready?” Lola suggested.
“Good idea, mommy!” Her daughter turned the radio on, It played Bing Crosby - The pessimistic character.
As the two children danced to the music, Lola asked Jack, “How did you find him?”
With a sigh, he replied, “It’s kind of a long story, my dear.”
She listed with interest, sadness overtook her the more he told her about Pipsqueak. “That poor boy.” The woman let a tear escape as she looked at the colt. “Still, his luck can't be all bad if you found him. I suppose it just goes to show there's some good in the world, even with the war on.”
“I guess you’re right.”
As dinner was ready, the young pony enjoyed every bite of the baked potatoes, it reminded him of how his mother made them. “It’s delicious!” He exclaimed in joy.
The woman smiled at the happiness of him “Glad to hear it, Pip.”
Pipsqueak then yawned, showing unintentionally how tired he was.
“It’s getting late, you should catch some sleep,” Jack suggested as the sun was setting.
“Righto, do you have a guest bed or sleeping bag?” Pip asked a bit sleepy.
“You can share my bed with me, I don’t mind it, Pip.” Lucy offered with a smile.
"Thank you, I know to appreciate it,” he replied and the two got tucked in by Lola.
“Goodnight.” She said, turning the light off, the children were asleep fast.
“Doesn’t he look like an angel?” She asked as she joined her husband in bed.
“Yeah, he is. Goodnight, I love you.” He kissed her before they both fell asleep.
The next morning, the little colt awoke with a yawn, stretching himself as a delicious smell entered his nose.
“Good morning, Pip.” Lucy said as she walked in, bringing him breakfast, a glass of juice and cereal on a breakfast board.
“Thank you, that’s very kind.” After he enjoyed it, he and the girl checked on Jack and Lola, seeing they were still asleep. “How about making them breakfast? My mother always liked it when I made her breakfast.”
“Great idea.” The young girl smiled.
The married couple was awoken by a nice smell entering their noses, seeing their daughter and guests bringing them breakfast, toast and juice. “Thank you, children.” The mother was touched by this.
After having eaten, Jack asked, “What about a tour of London?”
Pip grinned. “I would love to!”
And with that the family showed him the city, he enjoyed it greatly, the Big Ben reminded him of the Tall Toby, being identical with it.
While everything reminded Pip of home, he knew he had to stay strong for his family and friends
In the evening, they all gathered at the fire place, the children were enjoying it to the fullest. “That reminds me when I and my mother spent the cold days at the fireplace, enjoying hot chocolate and listening to music…” Pip told his hosts before yawning and falling asleep together with Lucy.
“Honey, look.” Lola pointed at something between Pip’s hooves.
It was a drawn picture of his family.
A mare with pale-brown coat, while her mane was a wheat-blonde, having Gray eyes and a pocket watch as Cutie Mark. Under her was the word “Mother.”
Next to her were three ponies, the first being a mare with a cobalt blue and dark red mane and Scarlet eyes, next to her a colt the with same coat color but a ginger/orange mane and Amber eyes. Under him was the word “Brother.”
The last pony was a stallion with purple and white patch-patterned coat, a long messy mane of indigo and silver streaks and matching eyes, having the world “uncle”.
Above them was written, “I miss you.”
The woman let a tear escape as she hung the picture on the fridge. “It’s sad how much he misses his family.”
“Indeed. But until they find him, we do anything we can to make sure he’s comfortable.” Jack pointed out as he and his wife brought the kids to bed.
“I think I have an idea for Pip’s Christmas present.” Lola grinned.
“You’re thinking what I’m thinking?” Her husband asked with a grin of his own.
As the young colt opened his eyes, he found himself in a snowy landscape, not a single pony or human in sight.
After a while of walking, he saw a house in the distance. “This time, you won’t escape!” A voice ringed in his ears, turning into the direction it came from.
Pip froze in fear as the same stallion in golden armor he had seen in his nightmare was running towards the house, slamming the door shut as he entered.
Shortly after, smoke came out of it and an explosion followed before the door was thrown open and the same stallion came out coughing. “Wasn’t my best idea to use a fire spell in a closed room with flammable material.” He removed his mask get fresh air, showing he had blue eyes and a white coat, like the Pegasus guards.
The house started to creak and the stallion looked up in shock and fear. “Uh-Oh.”
Before he could react, a roof avalanche buried him. “Well, that backfired.” Pip commented before trying to dig out the poor unicorn.
Upon succeeding, the stallion smiled. “Thank you, young one.”
“You’re welcome.”
Pip couldn’t tell why he just had helping him, it just felt so natural.
The days passed and Christmas was at the doorstep, Pipsqueak helped to decorate the tree, putting the star on the tip with help from Jack, getting lifted by him.
The radio played Dean Martin - Let it Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! As it was time to unwrap the presents, Lucy got a doll by her parents, her mother a cookbook and knitting by her husband. Jack’s present was a wine bottle by his wife and a history book by his daughter.
“Now Pip, time for your present.” Jack said as he got it, the colt becoming curious as he noticed that it was larger than the other presents.
Upon unwrapping it, his eyes went wide in joy. “Wow!”
It was a toy pirate ship. “Thank you!” He said with glee.
“Merry Christmas, Pip!” The young mother smiled at him as he played with Lola, pretending to be a pirate.
“Yarr, avast on the port side! Avast!” He yelled merrily as he put one forehoof above his eyes in an observant gesture “Ahoy! ‘Tis Moby Duck! Thar’ she blows! Duck ho, on the port bow! Man the cannons! She’s gettin’ away! Faster yer swabs, faster!”
“Aye, Aye!” The girl replied in response.
Arr, we’re gainin’ on ‘er. She’ll not get away this time! Forty years I’ve awaited this moment!” The boy yelled with enthusiasm, letting out an evil cackle.
“Arr! Yes, I know what you’ve said about me! I know what’s been whispered on this ship! Ye all think I’m a raving madam! I...” He paused “Wait...”
It took only seconds for the entire family to break out in laughter, the pony included. “Not again! I...I misspoke! I m-meant to say ‘mad’. A madpony! I’m...pffhaha...I’m not...I’m..” He couldn’t stop laughing, remembering he had done the same error when first playing with Dinky and Tootsie.
The next days, Pip spent the time outside, building a snowpony with Loa and had snowball fights with her, having fun.
As New Year's Eve came, Pipsqueak counted down for his hosts. “10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1. Happy new year!” He exclaimed, clinging a glass of juice with the others, celebrating the New Year, also hoping Thomas could enjoy it too.
A few days later, Lola checked the fridge. “We’re short on milk, could you get some?”
“Of course!” Pip said, wanting to repay their hospitality in any way he could.
The young father couldn’t help but smile as he saw the colt singing happily as they walked through the town.
“Praise the Lord and pass the ammunition
Praise the Lord and pass the ammunition
Praise the Lord and pass the ammunition
And we'll all stay free
Praise the Lord and swing into position
Can't afford to be a politician
Praise the Lord, we're all between perdition
And the deep blue sea
Yes the sky pilot said it
Ya gotta give him credit
For a sonofagun of a gunner was he
Shouting Praise the Lord, we're on a mighty mission
All aboard, we ain't a-goin' fishin'
Praise the Lord and pass the ammunition
And we'll all stay free”
As a policeman walked past Pip, the boy greeted friendly, “Lovely weather.”
The policeman tipped his hat in response. “Right as rain, right as rain.”
Pipsqueak couldn’t tell why he was so cheerful. It wasn’t his home but he enjoyed the Wilson’s company.
As the boy looked into the sky, he could swear he saw a flash. Looking closer, it looked more like a speck.
Quick as a flash, a loud explosion knocked him over with great force, like a bomb had exploded right next to him his entire body ached as if someone had stung him with thousand needles, he heard screams as he hit the ground with a cry of pain.
His hearing was muffed, his vision blurry as he faintly felt like fire was around him. Everything ached so much that he couldn’t move.
Despite the pain and screams, he wondered what had happened as everything was so sudden.
As everything went black, he could faintly hear how his name got called out.
Chapter 7: Adaptation
Pip couldn’t remember much, only swift silence, then a loud explosion and he blacked out. Faintly, he could hear music .
Slowly, he opened his eyes, everything ached and he quickly realized he had an oxygen mask over his muzzle. As his vision cleared, he realized that he was in a hospital, seeing that the music played from a radio on a table.
A doctor walked in and turned it off.
“You woke up, good.”
“W-what happened?” Pip asked confused and weakened.
“You were victim of a German V2 attack, being unconscious for a few days.”
“Is…Is Jack okay?” The colt asked as he could not see his friend anywhere.
“He’s okay. He was the one who brought you to the hospital. Now then…” The doctor then reached for something out of Pip’s view.
“Please try to relax. There is plenty of time. I need to explain something to you, but you mustn’t be alarmed.” The man showed the colt an x-ray of his body, seeing several small pieces of shrapnel everywhere. Also, his right foreleg appeared to be shorter than it should be, confusing him. ”This x-ray is of your upper body. You'd better look now. Best to understand your situation sooner than later. I know it's difficult, but please look down. It's best to see it with your own eyes. Be brave.” The voice and expression showed it wasn’t easy to tell the boy this.
Pip felt his heart steadily pound harder and faster as he felt his left foreleg, but couldn’t feel anything on his right side. Slowly, he managed to look down, his eyes went wide in shock.
His right foreleg was missing.
Only a bandage remained where his leg had been.
Pip panicked, his heart racing, his breathing rapid, trying to move as the doctor and a nurse grabbed him. “Try to calm down. Calm down. It’s going to be ok. Please calm down.” The doctor said in a calming tone as the nurse injected the colt with a sedative, Pip tried to stay awake but felt quickly sleepy, closing his eyes.
The boy couldn’t tell when he woke up again.
He looked again as the bandage where his leg had been.
Pip couldn’t believe this was true, wishing it was only a nightmare.
But no matter how much he tried to tell himself this, it was sadly reality.
His brain was in a storm of cross-information and confusion.
Would he ever be able to walk again? How would his friends and family react? Could his mother cope with her son being an amputee?
He knew that the loss of her husband and his father had hit her hard, despite him never knowing his father, only getting told by his mother of him.
As such, Nancy cared deeply for her son, doing anything she could to prevent him from getting hurt.
Pip feared that this could well break her, heart and mind.
He hated it to see his mother sad, always trying to cheer her up, making her happy again.
A knock on the door tore him out. “Come in.” He said, a bit surprised.
Jack, his wife and daughter walked in, the girl carried a basket with sweets and a “get well soon” card.
“Glad to see you've woken up, Pip. I’m sorry about your leg.” Lucy said with sympathy, a sad smile as she put both on the nightstand.
Upon being reminded of his lost leg, the pinto colt lowered his head, struggling not to cry, sobbing.
It was in vain as a tear escaped his eye, then he felt something warm around him.
“I’m sorry, Pip, I didn’t want to make you sad or wake bad memories.” Lucy had regret in her voice as she hugged him.
With his left foreleg Pip returned the hug. “it’s okay, Lucy. I don’t blame you. I just…” He sighed, “Need some time to get over it. Thank you for the card and basket though.”
“You were very lucky to have survived this, Pip. You were very close to the point of impact of the V2.” Jack sounded very relieved, having his head lowered in shame for not being able to been here in time for Pip.
The colt indirectly knew what a V2 was from Diamond Tiara’s human stepfather, as he used to guard the launch sites of it.
The world's first long-range guided ballistic missile, assigned to attack Allied cities as retaliation for the Allied bombings against German cities. Terrible, yet impressive.
It also made him realize: He had cheated death once again.
“About your leg, the doctor said he could replace your lost leg with an artificial one,” Lola mentioned.
“You mean a prosthetic?” The woman nodded to answer his question.
This made him think. Could he live with a prosthetic leg for the rest of his life?
“It’s your choice, Pip, it’s just a suggestion.”
“Of course. I’m a bit unsure if I can get used to live with an artificial leg.” The foal replied with concern.
Jack stepped forward. “If I may ask, has any of your friends experience with prosthetics?”
The colt thought for a moment. “Scootaloo. She’s a Pegasus filly from my class. She lost a wing and replaced it with an artificial one. She hasn’t problems with it ever since.”
“See? If she can live with it, why shouldn’t you be able to live with it?” Jack countered.
The colt slowly smiled. “Righto. I’ll do it.”
“Now that’s the spirit!” The man grinned. “You know, this kinda reminds me of Douglas Bader. He used to be a pilot in our air force, being captured back in August 1941. During his early career, he lost both legs in an accident, having both replaced with artificial legs. Despite others meaning he wouldn’t be able to walk again without a stick, he did it without one and even became an ace, despite his disability.”
“Sounds like a brave man.”
“Indeed.”
After telling the doc his decision, the prosthetic leg was being produced, the colt enjoyed some sweets to pass the time, wondering how it would look like.
After one hour, the doctor came in with it, it was made out of leather steel, colored like his coat. “Now, try to walk.” The doctor said after it was attached.
It was strange for Pipsqueak as he got up, being able to move his new leg yet not able to feel it.
As he slowly tried to stand, his entire body was trembling, due being not used to it yet. Upon making his first step he tripped, falling over. But he wasn’t one to give up fast.
The Wilsons were with him for support, Jack looked worried at the doctor, he could tell that the doc wasn’t hopeful that Pip would be able to walk without a stick, as he had a rather negative expression.
But Pipsqueak was determined.
As time passed, he tripped less and less as he practiced, his walk was more and more stable, slowly walking normally again.
It was late January when the doctors had good news for Pip. “Your healing is very well progressing and I’m admitting I’m impressed how fast you managed to walk again. You can go home.”
“Finally!” Pip was glad to hear this.
“I knew you could do it!” Lucy raised her hand for a high five which Pip returned, only to twitch afterwards, leading her to ask with worry, “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine, it’s just…I feel pain in my right leg. Every then and now, I feel like this is my actual leg, not this artificial. And in my hoof tips occasionally when walking.” He explained.
“Sounds like phantom pain. Your brain remembers your actual leg.” The doctor explained.
Despite this, Pip had no problems with his new leg as they got home.
In the next days, Jack had to go back to the front, Pip said goodbye at the harbor. “I will miss you, be careful, Jack.” He gave him a hug.
“Of course I will, Pip.”
“Hey, can you give us a hand? There are some creates that need to be brought on board before we can leave.” One of the sailors asked both.
“Sure thing!” Pip exclaimed, helping with Jack to carry the creates into the storage room of the ship.
After the last crate was loaded, Jack wiped the sweat off his forehead. “These are heavy. I have to check something.”
“Okay,” Pip replied as the man walked out.
He let out a sigh of relief, glad that he could walk again, also hoping his friends and mother would understand. He knew London well since he stayed with the Wilsons, so he could get home alone, appreciating it that he could stay with Lucy and Lola.
A strange groan made him look around, wondering where it came from.
A shadow crawled over him and he let out a yell as one of the stacked crates fell on him, knocking him instantly out.
“Ugh…that…hurt…” He mumbled, rubbing his head as he came to in the sickbay of the ship.
The young soldier walked in, an expression of regret. “Ah, you're woken up. Unfortunately, we found you after the ship left the harbor, but don’t worry, my wife and daughter are informed and I will be deployed behind our lines to guarantee your safety.”
“Okay,” Pip replied, hoping nothing bad would happen.
Back in Antwerp, a British Officer informed them about the current situation. “I’m Captain Adam, pleasure to meet you.”
“Likewise.” Jack saluted him. He had green eyes and brown hair, appearing to be in his early thirties, with an average build, his body rather thin, a scar was on his right cheek. As far as he knew, the captain was a quiet man, having fought in operation Market Garden, having lost his men like Jack had lost his squad mates.
“The US counteroffensive drove the Krauts back for the most, there are only a few scattered units suspected in our lines. We have order to help out at St. Vith, it got recaptured just a few hours ago.
“Then let’s move.” Jack took the driver seat of a Willi jeep, Pip sat on his lap, while the captain took the passenger seat, driving through the snowy, wooden roads.
After a while, they came to a crossroad with two American MPs standing on the road, so Wilson stopped the jeep. “Where to, sir?” One of them asked him.
“St. Vith.”
“I’m afraid you’re going the wrong way, sir. St. Vith is south-west.”
Confused, Jack replied, “I’m pretty sure it’s the right way.” He looked on his map.
“May I see that, sir?” The MP asked and Jack gave him his map.
Pip couldn’t see his face, but somehow, he could swear he had seen this man before.
The Captain looked around, noticing what looked like prints in the snow, as if the sign had been changed, also swearing he saw movement in the woods.
Something wasn’t right.
His hand went slowly for his holster.
Pip tried to think where why the MP was so familiar with him. Maybe it was the voice or his face, he couldn’t tell.
Bang!
Blood splattered from the captain’s head and he fell forward, Jack and Pip gasped in shock as the MP on the passenger side aimed his pistol at them. “Put your hands up!”
“Up!” The other yelled, also having his sidearm trained on them.
The man and colt breathed heavily, looking at the dead body, unable to move before they got both pistol-whipped by the MPs, briefly blacking out.
Both shortly came to, seeing in the mirror how the soldiers inspected a crate in the back of the jeep, being distracted.
The colt looked at Jack, he made a gesture to be quiet.
The Brite reversed the car, causing the soldiers to fall over, then drove as fast as he could, his friend ducked as the soldiers got up and opened fire, yelling, “Stop! Stop immediately!” Their bullets splattering the windshield.
Pip saw flashes coming out of the woods as German soldiers in white uniforms fired on them too, causing Wilson to take a sharp left, the body of the captain was thrown out from the force.
A shot hit one of the tires and Jack lost control, crashing into a ditch, the impact was strong enough to throw both out of the jeep.
Pipsqueak let out a cry of pain as he landed hard on his back, his vision was blurry.
The last thing he heard before blacking out were muffled yells.
Chapter 9 A second chance
Chapter 9: A second chance
Cold.
Pipsqueak felt nothing but cold.
He was dying with no way of survival, he knew this.
He could only hope that his friends and family wouldn’t be too sad about having lost him.
“Pipsqueak…” A voice ringed through his ears, but there was just darkness.
“Pip…” The voice said again, sounding like an echo, the colt looked around to locate the source, but he saw nothing but black
“Hel…Hello?” The young pony asked, being scared, lightly trembling.
“Don’t be afraid, Pip. I mean no harm.” The echoing voice spoke again and suddenly, Pip was blinded by a white, bright light, causing him to cover his eyes.
Slowly uncovering them, he saw a white Earth pony stallion with yellow eyes and a halo over his head, standing before him, the darkness now turned into a white area as far as he could see.
“Hello, Pipsqueak.” The stallion greeted him with a smile.
“How do you know my name?” He asked confused, wondering what was going on.
“Well, how much did Nancy tell you about your father?” The stallion asked in return with a grin.
It clicked in Pip’s head. “Da-da-daddy?” He asked, not able to believe it.
“Yes my dear, I’m your father.” The pony smiled.
For some reason, the little colt couldn’t help but feel joy and hugged his father. “Daddy…”
“Shh, my son. I know we’re never met but I’m so happy for you. I watched over you since you were born. I became your Guarding Angel after my death and your birth.” His father explained.
That made the pinto colt realizing something. “Were…were you the pony I saw in the woods? And am…Am I…dead?” He asked with fear.
His father ruffled his mane. “No, Pip, your friends and the Princesses found you just in time. And yes, I was that pony, who else would talk like that to you as I did back then?”
“Then, what is this?”
“Well, I just wanted to see you with my own eyes one single time. Would you like to know how I actually met your mother?”
Pip grinned, “Yes, please.”
“Okay.” Copperfield cleared his throat and told his son how he met Nancy all those years ago. Pip was amazed by the details as his father could remember perfectly how he met his wife and how good times it were back then, yet was a bit surprised to hear his parents used to be criminals.
“Daddy, I…” The young pony took a deep breath. “I think you’re a good pony, despite everything that happened before...you met mum.”
“It pleases me to hear that you think this of me. You’re really come after me, like when you tried to save Dinky. You tried to help her, like I did with your mother.”
“She suffered enough already, I just couldn’t let this happen to her,” Pip replied, feeling guilty.
“Don’t feel bad, my son, it was a good thing you did. But now, I think it is time for you to wake up.”
His son sniffed. “Okay. Goodbye, dad.” He hugged him one last time before his vision got blended again by white light.
A faint beeping sound echoed in Pip’s ears as he slowly managed to open his eyes.
He was in a hospital room, white walls and beds. In a bed next to him was Thomas, a heart-lung machine was warming him, an EKG showing his heart rate. He was still unconscious. Pip looked around to notice that he had one too, a CPB warming him also in addition to it.
I hope he makes it.
The door opened and Nurse Redheart walked in, smiling at the colt. “You’re woken up. How are you feeling, Pip?”
“A bit numb but otherwise, fine.”
“Good. I’ll inform your family and friends.” The mare replied and walked out.
The colt let out a breath of relief, happy that he and Thomas had survived.
Yet, he wondered, was he imagining the whole thing of meeting his deceased father? Was it just a dream? He couldn’t tell.
“Pipsqueak!” A female voice yelled and he saw his mother running in, crying tears of joy as he hugged him. “I was so worried! Don’t you ever leave me!”
“Mama…I missed you!” He also cried tears of joy as he returned the hug.
“Pip, you’re awake.” The voice of Dinky sounded in his ears, seeing her, together with her and his other friends walking in, she carried a basket with muffins.
“Thank you, Dinky. How long was I out?” He asked as he took a bite.
“A few weeks. I found you very weak, strongly subcooled, and almost frozen.” Luna explained as she and her sister walked in, followed by Patch, Tungsten and Blue Murder.
“Princess Luna, Uncle Patch, Tungsten!” The boy exclaimed happily as he saw them.
“I can’t say how glad I am to see you alive, Pip. You surely have a lot to tell, don’t you?” Tungsten asked as he pointed to the human.
The pinto-colt trembled, his heartbeat rising as he remembered his lost leg, noticing that it was under the blanket, not noticed by his mother. “Well, yes, but there are also bad things.”
“Pip, you were here for me when I returned home, so I’m here for you.” Dinky smiled at him.
“And friends help each other.” The other foals said in unison.
“Okay…but there’s something you must know.” He warned as he slowly pulled the blanket back, revealing his prosthetic leg, causing the foals to gasp in shock.
“My poor baby!” Nancy said in terror and hugged him again.
“Don’t worry, Pipsqueak, it can be restored with regenerative magic,” Luna assured in a calming tone. “Now, please hold still.” She touched his forehead with her horn, allowing the others to see what Pip had experienced.
“Oh my…” Nancy gasped. “But I guess we owe Thomas something for keeping you safe. Pity about Jack though.”
Her son started to sniff. “It’s my fault he died, that Otto and Harry died…”
“You aren’t to blame, Pip, Otto was caught in friendly fire, Harry died during the air raid. And Alexander actually survived as far as I knew. He died later during the battle of Seelower heights.” Josef pointed out, “And Jack…if he hadn’t been with you, you had never made it.”
The colt took a deep breath. “I guess you have a point. The death of his family affected him deeply.”
“Pip, Lucy never died, she actually survived,” Luna said, surprising him.
“She’s alive?”
“Yes. As I saved you, I took a look into your memories and took a closer look at Jack’s family. Lola had not survived, Lucy did but fell into a coma, the doctors thought it was easier for Jack to take that she had died. They were about to turn her life support off, but I took her to Equestria, as I thought she deserves to live.”
The blue Alicorn moved a curtain aside, revealing the young girl on a bed, still in a coma. Pip didn’t hesitate to walk over and took her hand.
“Lucy, I don’t know if you can hear me, but I’m…sorry. So very sorry. Your father died to protect me…I hope…you can forgive me…” He had regret in his voice, knowing that the girl was now an orphan should she ever waking up.
Suddenly, he felt how her hand grabbed his hoof. “Pip…” Lucy’s voice was weak, slowly opening her eyes. “What…happened? Where am I?” She asked confused.
The colt took a deep breath. “You are in my homeworld, Equestria. Your home was hit by a V2 rocket, your mother didn’t survive. I’m sorry.” He told with sympathy, having his head lowered.
The child stared at him, trying to process the information. It seemed like hours before she started to cry. “No…mommy…”
Pipsqueak hugged her in an attempt to cheer her up, unsure what to say, what would happen to her.
The other children looked at each other and Luca with sad faces, the girl had lost everything.
Nancy looked at Blue, Tungsten and Patch, they also looked at the young girl with sympathy, having an idea that could help the human child. She hadn’t deserved such a horrible fate.
A groan came from the soldier as he appeared to wake up. “My head…” Thomas moaned rubbing his forehead.
“Greetings, Mr. König I’m Princess Celestia, this is my sister Princess Luna. We are very grateful for keeping our young subject safe.” Celestia bowed her head in respect.
"I’m Pipsqueak’s mother Nancy, those are my friends Blue Murder and her son Tungsten, and Pip’s friends Dinky, Noi, Tootsie Flute, Ruby Pinch, Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom. We are all very grateful that you kept him safe.” Pip’s mother smiled.
The German looked confused around, trying to make sense of everything before replying, “I did only what was right. In what I believed in.”
“You are welcome to stay here, becoming a citizen of Equestria.” The white unicorn offered.
Thomas started to smile. “I would be honored. I have lost everything anyway back home.”
He then noticed the girl, assuming it was Lucy. “Lucy, I would like to have you as member of my family. You helped me, let me help you.” Pip said to her.
“B-but…I’m not familiar with your world…” Lucy replied under her cries.
“Lucy, you were there for me when I was in your world. If I can adapt to it, then you can adapt to mine.”
The girl slowly stopped to cry and sniffed, forming a weak smile. R-right. I can do it. “You were kinda part of my family back then, I’d love to.”
“It would be an honor for me to have you both in the family, you deserve a second chance,” Nancy added with pride for her son.
“I’ll accept,” Thomas replied as the colt had grown on him.
A few weeks later
Thomas and Lucy enjoyed every second of their new life. At first, they were confused by the fact that other humans from different cultures and timelines lived there, but they got used to it. It also took Thomas some time to accept what had happened to Germany from Otto’s and Harry’s friend Jacob, but he had suspected this would happen after the offensive in the Ardennes failed.
He and Nancy cleared the house as the voice of the two children echoed in their ears, “Mom, dad, we’re home!”
Welcome home, children. How was school?” Nancy asked.
“Great! We have a picnic in the park with our friends!” Pip exclaimed happily then left with his sister. The regeneration process was going slow but steady, requiring a hollow prosthetic in place until was fully healed but it didn’t bother the colt in the slightest.
His parents watched after him and Lucy with smiles.
Thomas turned on the radio on. “May I have this dance?”
He and Lucy understood that Pip and Nancy wanted them to give them a second chance.
And they would take this chance, making the best out of it.
Chapter 8 Internment
As Pip regained consciousness, he found himself in a cell, stripped of his clothes.
He shivered as he noticed it was very cold, rubbing his hooves and puffed into them to warm himself up.
The young colt knew that was bad, being scared yet tried to stay calm.
The Germans have signed the Third Geneva Convention, they won’t hurt me. Right? Right? Pip tried to make himself hope, knowing they weren’t allowed to treat him badly, as he was technically a civilian by the laws of war but remembered how his friends Rumble and Tootsie had been briefly prisoners when they had been stranded on earth, they had not a pleasant stay back then.
The cell door opened with a terrible creak, causing him to gulp.
“So we meet again. Pipsqueak, wasn’t it?” A male voice asked, belonging to a man in a black suit, the foal recognized him instantly.
The Gestapo Agent he had met in the Ardennes, now, he couldn’t help but whimper in fear.
“Calm down, you have nothing to fear from me, young boy.” The man said in an unusual calming voice, gesturing to follow him. “Come, you’re freezing in here.”
At first, Pip didn’t respond, knowing he shouldn’t trust him, it sounded…not right. But it was very cold in the cell and he really could need something to warm himself up, so Pip just nodded.
The man led him to a table with a warm cup of tea on the table. Before sitting down, Pipsqueak used the moment to look around, not seeing Jack anywhere, hoping he was alright.
In the moment the boy took a careful sip, not to burn himself, the Agent asked, “So, can you tell me anything about the Allied troops?”
While Pip was still a child, he quickly realized what this was about, replying, “No. I’m not part of them and I have rights.”
The Gestapo member stayed emotionless before grinning. “You’re pretty smart for your age. It’s standard procedure to interrogate prisoners for information.”
“I see.” Pip took a deep breath, afraid how the agent would react to his question but it refused to leave his head. “Gerber told me about your ways of interrogation, will you…hurt me?”
“What?” The man asked in confusion before understanding. “Oh, that. He exaggerates, just as any other does about me. You see, the French resistance leaders are though and drastic times call for drastic measures, I really wish there was a another way than this to get them to talk.” He told the boy with a disgusted expression.
“My superior can be way worse than the stories they tell about me. He ordered to get you back into the cell if I don’t get him good news.” He added, his voice sounding now rather worried for Pip. “It would be for your own safety if you could tell me something of use, truthfully. And don’t worry, your friend is okay.”
The pony couldn’t tell if the man was acting or really meant it, having a neutral expression. “I swear, they didn’t tell me anything about their strategy or troops, like Gerber, they just wanted to keep me safe,” Pip answered truthfully.
“I see…I guess the SS-Standartenführer will to be satisfied with that.” The man replied emotionless.
“I hope so.” Pip didn’t want to imagine what would happen if the agent’s superior wouldn’t believe him.
“At least you’re more cooperative than Gerber was.” The man added.
“Why? He told the truth as best he could and I don't think he was any more nervous than me.” The boy countered.
“Yes, but he hesitated. I questioned the hard way as it was a matter of security and in this job, you have to take that very seriously, there is no room for mistakes.” The Agent explained before turning to a soldier waiting in the shadow. “Guard, escort him and the other prisoner out.”
The soldier saluted. “Yes, sir.”
As he moved out of the shadow, the colt could get a closer look at his face. The soldier appeared to be very young, close to eighteen, if not younger. His build was average, having brown hair and pure blue eyes. He had the look of someone new to war. This soldier had almost certainly never tasted battle before and didn't look too eager to do so. Overall, he looked thin, his hands slightly shaking as he held his MP40.
The foal smiled slightly as the young man got Jack out of a cell, he was unharmed, having a relieved expression as he saw that Pip was alright.
The colt got his clothes back on before being led out with Jack by the soldier. “A real pity about Otto, at least Josef is still alive.” They heard him mumble.
“Do you know him?” Pip asked the man.
“Yes. He was one of my best friends. Wait a minute…”Are you…”
“Well, yes, I am the pony he found.”
The young man looked surprised, unable to say something for a few seconds. “And I thought Otto had lost his mind…Well, it will please Thomas to hear you’re alive.”
“He’s okay?” The boy asked with hope.
“Yeah. After the Allies pushed us back, he got withdrawn from the front as far as I know. I was about to be deployed at the Eastern Front before being transferred to the Western Front, now about to replace Otto.” The soldier told him.
“I see.” It was a relief that Thomas was alright.
The two got escorted by the German to a train with other POWs, who not seemed to pay attention to Pip as they all got in.
None of the two said a word during the ride, Pip was nervous, not knowing what would expect him, getting patted by the Brit the entire time.
They both couldn’t tell how much time passed until the train came to a halt.
“Alarm!” A German voice yelled outside.
One of the prisoners looked out of a small window of the train car, “P-51 incoming!” He yelled and everyone ducked before bullets hit the wagon, but luckily, nobody was hit.
An explosion sounded outside. “Why’re they’re shooting at us?” Pip asked scared, trembling.
“They can’t read the roof,” Jack replied, highly suspecting that the letters POW painted on the top of the train were covered by thick snow. “We need to get out of this train car! Pip, can you open it?”
Realizing he was the only one able to fit through the narrow window, Pipsqueak nodded and Jack lifted him up and he climbed out.
Pip grunted in pain as he fell on his back, quickly getting up as one of the planes was about to make another run on the train.
In the moment Pip grabbed the handle of the car, the P-51 fired again, the bullets missed him by inches. The handle was heavy so the foal used all his strength to move it, his prosthetic leg getting loose.
With a grunt, he managed to unlock the door, but his prosthetic leg fell off, causing him to lose his balance and to fall on his back, seeing how a truck got blown up by a bomb of the fighter-bombers.
The prisoners jumped out of the train, Wilson quickly picked Pip up as another bomb was dropped on an MG nest, blowing it to pieces.
Jack just barely got away in time before the P-51s blew up the train, making the boy look at it in shock. “My leg!” He yelled upon seeing it destroyed in the explosion, Jack could only stare, realizing how close they had escaped death.
He then moved out of the way as other prisoners spelled P-O-W with their bodies, seeing how the planes flew over them and left.
“Harry!” A German voice called out, sounding very familiar to Pip, looking into the direction it came from, seeing Thomas looking over the young man’s body. Harry was lying lifeless on the ground, his occiput covered in blood. “No…” He cried, his head lowered.
As Pip looked around, he stared in shock as the MG gunner in the destroyed nest was Huber, the dead body of Gerber was next to him.
Pip limbed over to him, giving him a hug. It took the man a few seconds to realize this and return the hug, glad that he hasn’t lost Pip as he had feared at first.
The boy startled at a loud sound, turning around to see other guards firing their weapons into the air. “Move it!” One of them yelled.
Jack carried Pip as they with the others marched to the POW camp, on the loudspeakers played the German National Anthem of the 1930s. Pip never understood how imperial Germany saw himself above all, just because they won one war against the French.
Apart of Allied prisoners, he took also notice of Soviet prisoners separated through a fence from the British and Americans, looking in bad shape.
The two also saw three soviets standing on chairs, their hands tied up, and a rope around their necks.
Two officers, together with the agent that had interrogated Pip walked towards them. The first officer was wearing a black uniform with a skull on the cap, having the same eye and hair color as the agent, being slightly muscular and his face was broad with a scar over his right eye.
The other officer was the same field marshal that had offered mercy to Pip and Jack. His eyes were green, his hair greying, his build the same as the other officer.
“Once again, I’m forced to remind you, escape, is not a sport.” The SS-officer said to the prisoners and made a sign and his men kicked the chairs, effectively hanging the men.
“Now these Russians, have a chance at spring.” He added before some of his men laughed as he grinned. Some officers of the prisoners saluted the Russians, causing the German to comment, “Those are dogs you’re saluting. Animals. Untermenschen.”
“Our country doesn’t make those kinds of distinctions, Standartenführer,” Jack replied calmly.
The SS-officer looked at his men with a smile. “They don’t make such distinctions.”
“They’re our allies, Standartenführer.”
“Oh, yeah, you are the allies. Let me tell you something about you and your allies. The Wehrmacht has killed or captured 20.0000 Allied soldiers, despite your counteroffensive. Paris will be recaptured, and you perhaps driven back to the sea. Might be a bit crowded around here.” The Officer grinned before turning around and walked away with the others.
“Alright, listen up.” A guard turned to the Allied men. “We have three rules here. Rule one: You attend roll call every morning and evening. If you fail to report as required, or you enter an illegal area at any time, you will be punished. Rule two: Stay clear of the perimeter fence at all times. We have order to shoot prisoners who stray over the line on the ground. And rule three is to obey all the rules. Complains, a day or two in solitary confinement should change your mind.“
Along with other enlisted men, Pipsqueak and Jack were brought to the barracks, the boy slightly trembled, hoping he wouldn’t be hanged as example.
“Hey, Pip, glad to see you’re alive. Pity about your leg though.” Thomas said at the door, weakly smiling.
“It’s okay, Thomas, I have to live with it. What happened to you?” Pip asked him.
“Well, after the Americans and British drove us back, I got withdrawn from the front, and as you see, now a guard of this camp. With the others gone, I’m now the only one left. And I’ll do anything I can to make sure you survive.” The man told with an honest expression.
“I appreciate it. What happened to Keller and Fischer?” Pip asked as he didn’t saw them at the train.
König sighed. “They got killed in battle. It was quick and painless.”
“At least they’re in a better place now,” Pip added before it was dinner time, the food tasted very well.
After that, the evening roll came. “They say it is to be another cold night, gentlemen. Bad luck.” The SS officer said with a cold expression as if he enjoyed it to see them freezing, the prisoners Pip and Jack noticed, looked rather uneasy at him, like they knew he enjoyed it before everyone went into the bunks of the barracks.
Pip shared a bunk with Jack snuggling next to him as he fell asleep, causing the Brit to smile before falling asleep too.
In the early morning , the rolling call came, the colt yawned, seeing on the clock that it was 7 AM, feeling still tired.
“Wakey-wakey, gentlemen. Let us all be on our best behavior once again today.” The SS-officer said in cold voice, earning tired expressions from the prisoners before they all breakfasted.
As the young pony and man walked out of the mess hall, they saw the Field-marshal walking up to them, having a friendly expression, “Good morning, I hope you slept well. May I speak to you in my quarter?”
The two agreed, wondering why. “Why do you want to speak us, sir?” Wilson asked the German officer.
“Because I want to help you. I fact, this was the same reason why I offered you an honorable surrender back in the woods. I can tell your little friend is not from here, right?” The elderly man asked, surprising both.
“Uh…Yes.” Pip replied and told his story.
With a sad smile the officer said, “I’m sorry to hear that, sounds like private König was right, I overheard him talking worriedly about you. I’m a veteran of the Great War and was captured by the British, they treated me well. Early in the war, I was a guard in a guard in an Internment Camp, treating the internees well in respect of my treatment as POW. Pipsqueak is your name, right?” The boy nodded.
“You don’t belong here, you are to be seen as civilian internee by the Geneva Conventions. I will do anything I can to make sure you both are treated well and with respect to honoring my treatment as POW. Maybe, I could arrange to get a replacement leg for you.”
The colt smiled. “Thank you, sir.”
“No need to be so formal with me, young boy, call me Alexander.” The veteran replied politely before Pip saw a picture of a young man in officer uniform.
“Your son?”
“Yes.”
“Where’s he fighting?” Jack asked curiously.
Alexander looked at the picture, his expression becoming sad. “He’s not anymore. The Russian Front. Novgorod. Horrible place.”
“I’m sorry,” Pip said with pity for him.
“I killed my share of English and French I suppose, in the Great War. They, had fathers too. I fought hard to get this position, unlike Standartenführer Amsel. His forename is Dieter. He is a relative of Lieutenant General Heinrich Amsel, a high-ranking officer who gained infamy for orchestrating brutal massacres against Soviet soldiers and civilians in Stalingrad before getting killed, supposedly by his own soldiers. This connection made Dieter rose in rank.
He may be in command of this camp with his right hand, Gestapo agent Rudolf Schmertz, but I keep them in check, so the prisoners are treated according to the Geneva Conventions. I will make sure they won’t bother you.” He promised with an honest expression.
“Thank you.” The pinto colt was glad to hear this.
In his free time, he chatted with Thomas as his lost leg didn’t give him many possibilities to pass the time. “Field Marshal Alexander? He is Gerber’s superior, or better said was after Gerber’s death. A good man, you can trust him. And it’s really generous from him to arrange for a replacement leg for you.” The German smiled.
“Yeah, he really earned his rank,” Pip replied.
“Indeed. And Mr. Wilson, you have my thanks for keeping Pip safe.” He spoke in English to him, having it learned in case he would be captured.
The Brit waved his hand. “What was I supposed to do, leave him dying in that ditch? We all have to keep civilians safe, no matter what. I wonder though if Alexander will have success.”
“Guess we will have to wait and see.”
At the same time in the quarter of Alexander
“You can’t be series about this!” Amsel yelled in disbelief.
“I am serious. This poor boy won’t be able to spend his free time otherwise than just staring at the ceiling of the barrack all day. Remember Douglas Bader? We arranged for a replacement leg for him.”
“Bader was a flying ace in the Royal Airforce, greatly respected by us! He had worth, a use to our order. Granting a prosthetic limb to this useless talking foal serves no purpose whatsoever! It is a total waste of time and resources!” Rudolf countered.
“He's an amputee. Keeping alive grants us nothing as it is, let alone building him a leg. He's not a patient here, he's a prisoner. And if any of those Russian dogs came in with one leg, we wouldn't waste time with them. We should just send him off and be done with it.” Dieter added in a cold voice.
“Do I have to remind you who has the highest rank of us?” Alexander countered with a grin. “You won’t do such a thing, we have to treat him according to the Geneva Conventions and as civilian internee.”
The SS-officer sighed in frustration. “Alright, I see what I can do. But if he makes trouble, you will be held responsible for this, understand?”
“How should a child make trouble for us?”
“We will find out,” Dieter added.
The day passed fast and dinner came, followed by the roll call. “Good evening, gentlemen. You are truly a credit to the Reich.” Dieter said in his emotionless tone, Jack rolled his eyes.
More a credit for yourself.
The next morning was quiet as the rolling call came. “Good morning, gentleman. I hope you all had a pleasant night's sleep.” The SS officer said before the prisoners had breakfast.
After breakfasting, Thomas came in with a small package. “This was dropped with a parachute near the camp. I think it’s for you, Pip.” He unwrapped it, seeing that a prosthetic leg, looking identical to Pip’s old leg was in, together with a letter addressed to Jack.
“I can’t wait to walk again!” The boy exclaimed happily as the German attached the leg.
“Understandable,” Thomas said turning to Jack. “This letter addressed to you was within the package.”
“Thanks.” The Brit replied and read it, his eyes went wide, his mouth wide open in shock, his hands shaking, reading it over and over again, his breath heavy.
Something told the German and pony that whatever the letter said wasn’t good.
“No…this can’t be…” Jack mumbled as his face became pale, wishing it was just a bad dream what the letter said, “It can’t be true…It can’t be… true…”
“What’s wrong?” Pipsqueak asked concerned before Jack threw the letter to the ground, walking without a word into the barrack, his head lowered.
The pony and soldier looked confused after him, yet had a suspicion what the reason was, hoping it was not as they read the letter themselves.
Dear Jack Wilson,
It is with a heavy heart that I must bring you bad news. Your wife and child died in a German V2 attack on London of 22th January 1945.
My understanding is that Mrs. Lola Wilson and Lucy Wilson died when the house they were living in suffered a direct it from the rocket. It should be some small comfort to you that given the scale of the devastation your relatives are unlikely to have suffered adversely.
I realize this is terrible news and extend my heartfelt sympathies at this difficult time.
Your sincerely,
George Brown
Doctor, London hospital
Sadness filled both, Jack hadn’t deserved this. Pip walked into the barrack, seeing that Jack was lying on a bunk, crying. Without a word, the colt hugged him to comfort him.
The guard looked at the Allied soldier with pity, having to suppress a tear himself as it reminded him of his loss he had suffered two years ago.
The man couldn’t say a word, only after 15 minutes he finally managed to say something.
“I'm so sorry, Jack. I...I know how you feel.” Thomas said with sympathy.
The Brit looked slowly up, his expression confused. “You…do?”
“Yes. Back in Sommer 1943, my family died in a bombing raid, I got a letter with the same content, and that I should know that ‘their sacrifice for the Reich won’t be forgotten.’ It was my motivation, fight so I could see them again. Now, my only motivation to fight is to end this war, so that not more civilians would lose their lives in this bloody conflict. I want to make sure the innocent ones in this war are saved from it...whoever they may be.”
Jack wiped a tear out of his eyes. “I guess we are in the same boat now. At least they are in a better place now.” He realized that the only thing he could do now, was to keep Pip safe, just like Thomas did.
“Your wife and daughter will be always with you in your heart, Jack.” Pip pointed to the man’s heart, causing him to smile weakly.
“Yes. And I will make sure your mother won’t lose you.” Jack said, swearing to himself he would succeed or die trying.
“Thanks...I mean, after losing dad...she was never the same. At least that's what other ponies told me.” Pip replied with concern.
“I know. Ah, before I forget it, a little gift from the field marshal.” Thomas reached into his pocket, pulling out a chocolate bar.
“Thank you!” Pip ate it with glee.
“For now, what about a game of soccer?” Alexander asked as he joined them with a ball in his hands.
The boy grinned. “With pleasure!”
And so, the colt, together with the two Germans and the Brit played together, laughing the entire time, enjoying it.
It warmed Jack’s and Thomas’ hearts to see him happy, the colt passed the ball to Wilson, who tried to pass the ball to Thomas but did it with too much strength, causing the ball to fly past König, into the fence. “Uh-oh, deadline.” The Allied soldier said in disappointment.
“Not for me,” Thomas said as he walked over to get it, but stopped as the sound of engines roared in the sky.
They all looked up, seeing a Bf-109 getting chased by a P-51, Jack cheered with his fellow soldiers at the US plane, Pip, Alexander and Thomas looked at the dogfight in awe.
The German pilot tried his best to avoid getting it, taking evasive action but got eventually hit and his plane caught fire.
“Great shot!” Jack complimented the US pilot, then his eyes went wide in fear.
The plane was about to crash into the camp.
Wilson quickly took Pip in his arms as they all ran out of the plane’s path, it clipped a guard tower and left a tail of destruction as it came down on the street separating West Allies and Russians from each other, blowing up in a gigantic fireball.
“That was close,” Pip said relieved as the guards extinguished the fires and checked the wreck for the pilot, he was lying bloodied in the seat, having not survived.
The colt watched in awe as the guards took care of the body, with the POWs slowly recovering from the shock, checking each other for injuries before led away by the guards. As the day passed on, an engineering team brought the wreck away and another team built an improvised fence for the destroyed one, with the young pony watching everything, fascinating how quickly and efficiently they worked.
As Pip and Jack dined, they saw Alexander walking up to them. “What is it?” Pip asked friendly.
“Just to check how you are doing. And to share a secret with you.”
“Secret?” Pip raised an eyebrow.
“Yes. You see, a part of this camp is a truck compound. Not long ago, a truck hit the surrounding wall and we hadn’t time yet to patch up the hole. It will now even take longer due to the plane crash. I overheard that Amsel and Rudolf plan something. Something that won’t end for the prisoners I suspect. You should stow away on one of them in the night.”
The two looked surprised at each other, then at the officer. “I will keep that in mind.” Jack just said, while Pipsqueak couldn’t get up with a reply before the roll call came.
“I am delighted that you all conducted yourselves so admirably today. Let us keep it that way.” Dieter said before the prisoners went to bed.
While the boy and man slept well, they wondered if they should take the chance, knowing that Alexander was risking his life with this.
The next morning came fast. “Good morning, gentleman. I'm delighted to see you all so eager to face the day. Dismissed.” Amsel said before the POWs breakfasted.
Pip and Jack played soccer with Thomas to pass the day, enjoying it, not aware of the officers and agent having a conversation in the quarter.
“I got a message from Berlin. They need more workers.” Dieter told his comrades.
“No problem, by Articles 27-32 of the Third Geneva Convention, any enlisted man will do as long as it isn’t dangerous and does not support our war effort,” Alexander replied optimistic bit sensed it had a different reason.
“That’s the point, our…specialists and special camps need more workers so we can turn this damn war around.” The Standartenführer pointed out.
With an uneasy expression, the Wehrmacht officer asked, “Then, how many do we need? The Russians should be enough.”
“No, they aren’t. We got ordered to send all prisoners we have. They were sent here to work and that’s what they’ll do.” The Gestapo agent replied cold.
“Sir?” The elderly officer feared the worst.
“The camp will we closed tomorrow, all prisoners will be sent to our…work camps. I’ll do anything that is necessary to help to win the war.” Dieter explained, showing no emotion. “I have to attend a meeting about this with Rudolf, you are in charge until we are back, Alexander. Don’t disappoint me.” He warned.
“Of course, sir.”
The elderly man looked after the staff car until it was out of sight, then walked over to the mess hall.
Pip and Jack had lunch, chatted with Thomas as Alexander joined them. “Hello, Alexander, how are you?” The boy asked, happy to see him.
“Honestly, terrible. About the truck compound, you should go tonight. They will close the camp tomorrow.” He said in a serious tone, “And all prisoners will be transferred to…work camps.”
“Is that bad?” Pip asked, not able to understand.
“Trust me, boy, it’s horrible in those camps, I have seen it with my own eyes.”
While the pony couldn’t imagine it, the Brit had a suspicion what the high-ranking officer meant. “I understand, we’ll go tonight.”
“Good, Thomas, since this camp is close to the border, can you bring them to it?”
The private nodded. “Of course.”
“Good. Godspeed.” The officer said and left.
“Are…Are those work camps really that bad?” Pip asked confused.
“I heard only rumors but it’s said who lands in them never gets out again. So it’s a good thought of him.” König told, making the colt tremble.
“O-okay…”
“How’s the security over there?” Wilson asked the German.
“Well, in the past some prisoners tried to use the trucks for escape, thus we made sure the only way into it is through the driver’s compound, and it’s door is padlocked. But don’t worry, I’ll make sure it’s open for you.”
“Thanks. Where is the compound exactly?”
“Just north of the mess hall, over the fence. Watch out for the guard tower in the middle of the camp. There are three guards patrolling. Two patrol the main road but I noticed they tent to stop off for a chat each time they meet, so you should get past them. The third one is patrolling outside the driver compound.”
“Good to know.”
Time seemed to race as the prisoners assembled for the evening rolling call. “Good evening, gentlemen. I wish you all a pleasant sleep.” Alexander said in a caring voice.
Once in the barrack, Pip and Jack waited until the lights were turned off, the colt was nervous, trembling slightly but was ready as Jack opened the door.
The guards at the prisoner compound had their backs to the two escapees and the due the plane crash, there was no barbed wire on the top of the fence, making it easy to climb over it.
Luck seemed to be on their side as the two guards just had their chat, allowing the child and soldier to sneak past them, towards the door of the driver compound. It had no padlock, showing that Thomas had done his work.
Wilson slowly opened the door, seeing a soldier sleeping in his bed. Pip saw his friend putting his finger to his mouth to signal to be quiet, not to wake the driver, the colt nodded in response.
Upon reaching the other door, they made a dash for a parked Kübelwagen to hide from the searchlight of the guard tower.
As it moved away, the third guard Thomas had mentioned moved towards the car, making Pip nervously looking around, hoping the soldier wouldn’t notice him or Jack.
The Brit threw a stone towards the wall.
“What was that?” The guard investigated it, so Pip and Wilson could make their move towards the only parked truck in the compound.
After getting in the back, the pinto colt let out a breath of relief. “We made it.”
“Yes, you did great. Better get comfortable – it’s gonna be a long night.” Jack whispered in response and both close their eyes to catch some sleep.
The next they, they woke up as someone knocked on the back of the truck, they both assumed it was Thomas to signal that they moved.
Then, the sound of the engine getting started greeted their ears. “Looks like we’re on our way,” Wilson commented.
“What do you want to do when we’re out of here?” Pip asked him.
“I dunno. I guess I do the same as Thomas, fighting to end this war as soon as possible to prevent the death of more innocent.”
Suddenly, a horn sounded and the truck stopped violently with squeaking tires, making both wonder what was going on.
“You idiot! Don’t you know how to drive?” Amsel’s voice sounded outside, very angry.
“I’m sorry sir, the roads are very slippery,” Thomas replied, sounding rather calmly.
“No excuse! You’ll be digging trenches on the Eastern Front before the month is out!” Rudolf added in anger.
“We’ve blown it!” “Pip panicked, fearing they would be discovered.
“Take a deep breath. We’ll probably be on the move again soon. If they find us, there’s a forest nearby.”
Pip did as told. “O-okay.”
“Wait a minute, who authorized this and what is your cargo?” The Agent asked, Pip gulped and Jack prepared himself to make a break for the woods with him.
In the moment Rudolf opened the back, he got punched into the face stumbling backwards, falling into his comrade, causing both to be dazed.
“Now!” The Allied soldier yelled, helping the boy out of the track and run with him towards the forest.
However, the two Germans recovered quickly. “Halt! Halt!” Dieter yelled, his pistol aimed at Jack.
The foal reached the forest, then turned around to see after Wilson, his eyes wide in shock.
The Brit held his left hand on his right hip as blood flow down before several bullets hit him in the back.
More blood splattered as he jolted from the hits and fell on his knees, another bullet went right through his chest and he fell forward on the ground, lifeless.
Pipsqueak breathed heavily in shock, but didn’t hesitate to run deeper into the woods.
He couldn’t give up now, not after having it made so far. The boy couldn’t tell how far he was in the forest, before overlooking a root in the snow, tripping over it with a cry of pain.
As he tried to get up, he got kicked by somebody, crying out in pain from the hit. “Did you really think you could escape us?” Rudolf asked as he put his boot on the colt’s chest, pinning him down.
Now, the foal couldn’t help but panic, raising his hooves in surrender. “Don’t shoot! Don’t shoot! Please! Don’t!”
Dieter joined his right hand, spitting out blood. “No, child, there will be no more prison camps, no more days in the cooler. For the trouble you caused…” He cocked his pistol. “You will die.”
As the officer aimed at the boy’s head, Pip’s life flashed before his eyes, not able to believe it would end like this.
He closed his eyes. I’m sorry…mama…
Bang!
The pony flinched.
But he felt no pain, only the cold air of the wind, the pressure of the boot no longer on him.
Slowly opening his eyes, he saw the Standartenführer lying dead in the snow, his chest covered in blood, the barrel of Thomas’ rifle smoking, his expression determined.
Rudolf looked at the body in shock before yelling, “Die, traitor!” And drew his Luger but another shot made him flinch, misfiring his weapon, before a second shot to the head finished him off.
Thomas and Pip looked into the direction of the shots, seeing Alexander with his sidearm in his hand, the other hand was on the wound he just suffered from the misfired shot. “I’ll be fine. Go.”
“Thank you.” Pip gave him a weak smile before moving on with Thomas, while the officer made his way back to the camp.
“Sir! You’re bleeding!” A fellow Wehrmacht officer by the rank of Oberst yelled as the Field Marshal leaned on a wall as he got weaker.
“Oberst…do me …a favor…Keep those prisoners safe…”
“I will, sir, your caring for their safety honors you.” The other officer complimented him.
With his last strength, Alexander managed to form a smile. “I know.” He may be wasn’t able to save Jack, but at least, he managed that Pip would survive and gave him a chance of returning home.
Pip and Thomas walked through the snow , their coats becoming heavier the more they walked, the cold crept through their clothes and bones.
It reminded Thomas of the Weather in December 1944.
Heavy snow and ice rainfalls. The sky was dominated by a powerful cloud field, which made a deployment of the Allied Air Force units virtually impossible. Nevertheless, the weather-resistant German aircraft could take off and fly, and while they were numerically far inferior to the Allied airmen in direct combat, one last time German pilots dominated the sky over the battlefield, though not for very long.
But the bad weather also had negative consequences for the Wehrmacht units: the mostly unpaved roads of the Ardennes were soaked in rain and snow, and the passing vehicles turned them into mud pits. Driving through the streets became more and more difficult. Due to the partial permanent ground frost threatened another danger. It was not uncommon for vehicles to simply freeze to ground at a standstill.
Hundreds of soldiers were killed by weather-related illnesses and fainting. The main cause was foot burn, a disease caused by prolonged severe hypothermia of the feet.
The man hoped they would encounter an Allied unit so they could surrender before freezing to death, Pip wouldn’t be imprisoned, due to his connection to Jack, he was confident of it. His own fate didn’t matter for him, he had nothing to lose anymore, he just wanted Pip to be safe, no matter what.
Eventually, they had to take cover from a heavy snowfall, getting into a cave, Thomas shielded Pip, the colt pressed himself against his body.
“It’s damn cold, like on the Eastern Front…”König shivered.
“…Once…My mother came home from work…being very exhausted as her day didn’t go well…It was snowing outside…I made a snowpony that looked like her to cheer her up…I still remember how happy she was…smiling at me… Did you build snowmen with your child, Thomas?” Pip asked, shivering as he looked up to Thomas.
He didn’t reply, his eyes were closed.
The Snowfall became stronger and stronger. Pip’s head was fallen on his chest, Thomas had his head lowered too.
They had tried.
