Of Darkest Days
"Sir, Section 8-B took another hit this morning."
"Bad?"
"They'll hold for now sir, if I may,"
"Go ahead"
"We can't just hold out forever."
"I know, we are deciding what our next move is. Be patient."
"Yes sir."
The command center was filled with the usual chatter. Mostly just reports coming in and rumors going around the groups.
I stood or slouched rather against the back wall, awaiting orders from Commander Stone. My regiment placement order had been lost, how I will never know. Then I was a nineteen year old 'greenie' as the veterans called new members like me.
Ever since a major industrial accident left "The Rift" open, we had been trying to establish a presence on this world. The Rift is one of mans greatest triumphs, and one of it's greatest failures. It happened a few years ago when a nuclear reactor imploded into what is now the Rift. It is a portal of sorts into different worlds. In this case, it seems a world only imagined as a cartoon. The land that now lay before all of mankind, was Equestria. Might I mention, all the intelligent natives on this world were, little horses. That's right, it was the real deal Equestria.
At first the native Equestrians were cautious toward the new presence of humans. The two princesses had commanded our cooperation if we were going to stay here. We agreed without much hesitation. We didn't have much of a choice. Any move we made had to be approved by Celestia and Luna. So far they had been strict on us going on the offensive. They had forbidden us from building roads, or anything really permanent. To make things worse, we were on our own. The Equestrians had been moved into a neutrality. The civies had been warming up to our being here though. It was an interesting thing to go into the nearest town, Ponyville. I never had the chance to make the run.
"The Princess hasn't given any word about negotiations yet." said one of the comm operators.
"Noted." Said Commander Stone.
"Sir, we found something." called out another.
"Put it up on screen." said Stone.
"Yes sir."
"A bridge?" asked Stone.
"A supply bridge sir."
"What of it?" asked Stone.
"This bridge is supplying the Purians along their western flank."
The Purians were a group of AWOL soldiers trying to establish a dominance over Equestria. What drove them was unknown. Money, greed, hate, take your pick. They had been giving us trouble ever since we came to Equestria. They were ruthless and demented. Reports were coming in on they were experimenting on their own soldiers. Trying to make them stronger, faster, and shoot better. Their Anti-Air had already claimed several of our jets, and sadly several pegasi. The Princesses had initiated a no-fly zone for anypony over the area.
"The bridge is guarded by heavy infantry, and our aircraft can't get close enough to hit it." said the operator.
"Can we send in a gunship, or a Spec. Ops group?" asked Stone.
"Negative sir." replied the operator.
Stone sat down to think.
"What about me?" I asked. "Sir?"
"What about you?" he replied. His eyes squinted in a sense of inquiry.
"One man is almost un-detectable." I said, "I go in and place a few demo charges and get out."
"I appreciate the offer, but," he began.
"But what?" I interrupted, "I can get it done, I apologize sir, but what could be the harm in letting me try?"
"I am inclined to agree with him if you ask me sir." said an operator.
"Enough." said Stone. "Now, why do you want to risk your hide for this bridge?" He asked. His eyes grew colder as he asked.
"I just want to see this war over and done with. If it is for the betterment of the cause, I am an expendable asset." I replied.
"No soldier is expendable." He barked at me. "Not a single one. You hear me? We all have a part in this fight."
"At least let me try. What's the harm?" I pleaded. Truth is, I lost two close friends and my brother during the fighting. I wanted payback. I wanted to see their killers suffer.
"Let me think for a minute." He said wearily.
"Yes sir." I readily replied.
He left the comm room and returned a few minutes later.
"Come back in the morning. I will think about it. Go get settled in." He ordered.
"Yes sir." I obeyed reluctantly.
I left the comm center and made my way toward the barracks to find an empty bed. I found one with a light infantry group. The 118th if I remember right.
Afterwards I spent the day at the firing range running course after course, I definitely needed the practice if Stone was going to let me go on this one. An armory worker interrupted me halfway through a gun run simulation test.
"Range is closed." he barked, "Get some rest."
I nodded and left the test area and laid down in my hopefully temporary bed.
The call came in the morning.
"How do you think you are going to do this?" Stone asked.
"I would crawl to that bridge if I had to sir." I replied with a sense of dedication I had never felt before.
"That is not what I asked." Stone said harshly. "What I asked is how do you plan to do this?"
"Do you have a map?" I asked.
He waved an officer to bring a map of the region.
"There seems to be an opening here." I pointed, "If I can get a transport to there I can leg it the rest of the way to the target."
"What about patrols?" Stone asked.
"I could go in during the night and use that as a cover." I replied.
He grunted and stared hard at the paper that lay across the table.
"My mission is to take that bridge down. Even if it kills me. Sir." I said never looking away from his cold tired eyes.
"Hell, if you are going to do this, you will need a gun." he reluctantly stated.
"Thank you sir, I won't fail you." I saluted.
Stone grunted and handed me a requisition form. Before he handed it to me he said "Promise me, that you are going to do your duty. Not defect to the enemy." he warned.
"I swear on my beating heart, should I defect, I will let you personally blow my brains out." I said with no more humor than he spoke.
Stone covered his eyes with the palm of his hand.
"Take this down to the armory and they will make the arrangements." Stone ordered.
I nodded and left the comm room with a salute.
It was the most nerve-racking walk to the armory I had ever known.
I was met at the door by an armorer.
"Do ya' have an order to place kid?" He asked in a gruff tone.
"I do. Straight from Commander Stone." I said.
"From Stone eh?" He asked. "Lemme see that."
He looked the form over for a minute. "Follow me." The man blankly stated.
We walked into the back and the Armorer opened a door and told me to wait outside it. He was gone for a while. When he returned, he was carrying an MX-116, the replacement for the M-4 carbine. It featured a heavier and longer barrel, larger clip size and fired a slightly larger round. This was a top of the line wall punch rifle. He handed me the weapon and told me to go to the range to test it. After around fifteen minutes he came to me again, only with the MP-14 SMG. This was a small compact sub machine gun. It was to replace the aging MP-9. I fired a few clips out of it before I was told to get my armor.
It was heavy, it was strong, and it was rugged as you get out of it. The Aegis armor plate vest was a body armor system that was standard only to Spec. Ops medium soldiers. It was bullet proof for several hits, it could take a punch, I could only imagine the strings pulled to get me this.
"Go get some rack time, you're out in the morning." said the Armorer.
I looked at the arm plate of the set. 504631-MP9. My identification number. This was my set. There was no going back. I thought for a minute, "Wait, I thought it was a night op?" I asked.
"It is, the Princess wants to see you. I don't know anymore then that." he replied. "Good luck son."
I stood there breathless. The Princess, Princess Celestia wanted to see me. This was an honor by any standards.
I ran back to the comm center. Stone was reading a report, I don't know what it was for though. He looked at me and asked, "What are you doing here?"
"Sir, why am I going to Canterlot?" I asked.
"The Princess has to know of any operations we make. That's why we haven't attacked yet. She wants to meet you personally." he said.
"I don't have a choice in the matter, do I?" I asked.
"Only if you back out." He replied.
"Never." I replied with haste.
"Then go hit the rack. You have a big day tomorrow." He said.
I walked to the barracks and laid down.
"Is it true?" the soldier in the bunk next to mine asked.
"Is what true?" I replied.
"You know, you going on a solo op?" He asked.
"I guess. Why?" I said.
"You got stones man." He said with some admiration.
I had to laugh at that.
That night was probably the longest night I could remember. Every noise felt like a shout in the cold night air. Every cough, groan, and creak was more frightening than I ever knew.
Sleep avoided me until the earliest hours of the morning. I was ready for this to be over. No matter the outcome.
A hand woke me from my slumber. Two and a half hours. More then I expected. Commander Stone walked me out to the helicopter. The pilot saluted me as I climbed into the side deck. I put the arresting harness over my chest and settled in for the first flight.
It was a four hour flight to Canterlot. Every thud of the rotors was a thunder clap in my helmet.
When we landed, I got off the deck and walked to the Palace. I was greeted by a group of city guards and escorted into the main area of the palace. Celestia and Luna stood side by side. As I entered they called off the guards and beckoned for me to enter. I walked to the center of the court room.
I bowed in the manner taught to us in training. Knelt to your left knee on the floor with you left hand curled into a fist on you right shoulder. Your head bowed.
I stood up and proceeded to head over to the two sisters.
"Are you the one?" Asked Celestia.
"I am. Why have you called me here?" I replied.
"To bestow the Royal Canterlot blessing." Said Luna.
"I am honored." I said. "What is the Royal Canterlot blessing?"
They looked upon me and nodded towards the door. I turned and saw 6 smaller ponies. Two pegasi, two Unicorns, and two "earth ponies". They looked upon me with wonder, as I them.
"Give him what he needs." said Luna.
The group surrounded me and began to look me over.
"Well, I suppose the proper course of action would be to introduce ourselves. Hmm?" Said the white unicorn.
"Agreed." Said the purple unicorn. "I am Twilight Sparkle." She pointed towards the blue Pegasus with a rainbow mane, "This is Rainbow Dash," she continued around the group pointing a hoof towards each one, "This is Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Applejack, and Fluttershy." Each pony nodded at me. The yellowish one Fluttershy, however did so with hesitation.
They took me to another room and sat me down and talked to me.
"Well, sugar cube, Ah can't say this will be easy." said Applejack. "But you will be alright, ya' hear?"
Rarity looked me over. " I have a gift for you."
"As do we all." said Twilight.
The more than bubbly Pinkie Pie handed me a paper bag. "It's a cupcake, for when you need something sweet."
Applejack gave me the best advice I had heard since this whole thing started, "No matter what, do not let yourself get down. Tomorrow will always come again."
Rarity handed me a small box. "Open it." she said.
I opened the container, and inside was a single glove. Metal, a dull white color. With an insignia engraved into the palm. A golden etched heart. I removed my glove and placed the new one on my hand.
"It will function the same as your other one. Do you like it?" she explained.
"It is fantastic." I said with admiration.
Rainbow Dash said, "My gift will come later. Believe me, it will be good."
"I appreciate that. Thank you." I said.
Twilight said, "I will place a spell on you, it should make you harder to spot. Only for a while though, so it must wait."
"I am grateful for everything." I said to the group.
"Wait," said Fluttershy in a hushed voice, "Could you take off your helmet? If it's no trouble of course."
I unlocked the brace around my neck and removed my helmet.
She looked at me for a second, and said, "I hope you make it out." She smiled at me and gently kissed me on the cheek.
I was unsure how to react. I was shocked, she seemed a little too shy for an action like that.
"Stay safe, alright?" she said.
"I will do my best. You have my word." I said.
I was led back into the court room, Celestia and Luna addressed me, "Soldier, are you ready to receive the Royal Canterlot Blessing?" asked Luna.
"I am." I said in the most respectable tone I could muster, "I would like to thank these fine ponies for all they have given me as well."
Celestia nodded, "They are the finest ponies I know. And as my prized student, I know I could trust Twilight Sparkle to give you some assistance."
"But first, I must ask," said Luna, "Why do you lay your life down for such a cause?"
I took a moment to let the question register in my head, "I fight, for those who have fallen, for those who still stand, and for those who cannot. If I should die in the field, I know I have done my part to end this miserable war."
" Your cause in noble, I am impressed," said Celestia, "But I fell there is something more to your action."
"I have my own reasons as well." I said. The memory of my brother and my friends flashed in my mind.
"I will respect your secrecy." Celestia replied.
I nodded in agreement. "How do I proceed? With the blessing? Not to be rude."
"Not at all, it is our pleasure." said Celestia happily. "Stand where you are, and clear your mind."
I relaxed the best I could. I felt a surge of energy flow throughout my body. The two Princesses horns glowed with a furious energy. I felt my feet lift from the ground and I closed my eyes and let the blessing be placed. The feeling of the unexpected magic was invigorating. And terrifying.
I dropped to the ground and looked at my hands. They had a faint glow around them.
"The blessing has been bestowed." said Princess Luna.
"What does the blessing do?" I asked.
"The night will become your ally as well as the day." they said in unison.
"Tonight, the dark will be blacker than any before, not even the stars will give your enemies light." said Luna proudly.
"The morning will bring the purest light. And may you rise with the sun." said Princess Celestia.
"Thank you, I will never be able to repay you." I said.
"You already have." said Luna kindly.
"The time has come, may you go with pride and return with honor." said Celestia.
I bowed once more, and left without another word.
Twilight met me by the heli-pad. "Are you ready?" she asked.
I nodded. "Ready."
Her horn began to glow with a soft purple aura. I felt an unfamiliar energy begin to cover me.
"There, those you wish you harm will have to look a little closer to see you." she said.
"Thank you, I will not fail." I said in return.
"This means a lot to Fluttershy, you know that right?" she asked.
"What do you mean?" I replied.
"I mean, the way those men have been using the forest. Cutting it down and burning it. It makes her cry just to go into it now." she said sadly.
"I understand." I said, "Tell her, with this day, we are one step closer to getting them out of here."
Twilight nodded in agreement.
I boarded the helicopter once more and strapped the arresting harness on once more. Maybe the last time I ever felt the belts firm grip over my chest. I looked towards the horizon. I was sick to my stomach with anticipation.
"You ready?" called the pilot over the radio.
I placed my helmet on the neck brace and locked it down once more.
"Ready." I said back.
The sound of the engines spinning up slowly overwhelmed all other sounds. We were airborne once more. I looked back at the pad and saluted Twilight Sparkle. She waved back and turned to go inside.
My heart pounded through the armor plate covering it. I could see the LZ. The pilot called over the radio, "Touchdown in 10 seconds!"
"Confirmed!" I called back.
The chopper hovered at thirty feet above the ground and I tossed a rope off the side. The harness buckle released and I slid down the rope and waved the chopped off. I saw the pilot salute before leaving me alone, behind enemy lines. A voice came over the comm traffic, "It's time for your present!" it was Rainbow Dash.
I looked overhead to see a rainbow/blue steak flash by, faster than any jet I had seen, and almost immediately a cloud of fog thick enough to make sure I couldn't be seen dropped over the area like a blanket.
I watched as the night set in, Luna had kept her promise. There was not a single light to be seen. I could still see however, "I guess the blessing wasn't nothing." I thought to myself.
The rifle in my hands was set to a three round burst fire mode. With no silencers I had to make the shots count.
"Alright, you are now call sign 'ArchAngel', you are two point three clicks outside of your target location. How copy?" command said over the comm.
"Roger, good copy." I said in return.
I raised my rifle and began my trek into the forest. The night air was cold on my armor. I was alone, close to blind, and behind enemy lines, no hope of an evac, no support, nothing.
I knew this had to be done, no matter what. All of Equestria could be depending on this one night. I was a dead man.
A light cut through the darkness. I hit the deck and crawled to the nearest tree and got ready to fight. Something wouldn't let me pull the trigger though. I knew what it was, a patrolling Purian. I was still two clicks out, I didn't need to draw attention. Not yet. Still, he was close enough, that without the magic that Twilight gave me, and the fog, he would have seen me. I silently thanked them both again.
The light left and again I was left in the dark. I waited for a few minutes before moving on. The journey was slow and tedious. Every move had to be planned perfectly, every sound was muffled. A simple twig breaking could leave me a dead man. Three hours later, I could see it. The bridge.
I sat there for a moment thinking about what would be the best course of action. I reached for my binoculars and was horrified to look through them. There on, and around, the bridge were at least 20 Purian soldiers. The fog seemed to be interfering with their optics, every few seconds I could see them wiping their senses and waving it away. The lights slung off the barrels on the weapons they carried gave a eerie cone of light.
I looked to see if anything would betray me position, snipers, scouts anything could screw me. None, at least that was good news. I was lucky though, the Purian soldiers had altered their armor, after they defected they painted the Purian colors and gave themselves new numbers and even new names. A new identity. The orange and black uniforms were easy to spot through the darkness.
I crawled on my stomach towards my objective. I got lucky once more, a boulder gave me a decent amount of cover and still gave me a good line of sight. I knew I wasn't coming back at that moment. I snuck back over to the tree line and slowly removed my dog tags and placed them neatly on a tree branch. Along with the glove, and cupcake. "I'm sorry guys." I thought to myself. "I'm not coming back."
I gripped the smooth forward stock on the rifle with my now bare hand.
I got into position behind the boulder once more and carefully lined up the shot.
A supply truck interrupted my concentration. I left it go by and once again lined the sights of my rifle with the torso of a Purian soldier.
I fired and quickly moved to the next target before they could react to the un expected assault. A heavy firefight broke out. It lasted half an hour, before the Purians broke rank and ran from the seemingly unknown enemy.
"Go!" I shouted in my head.
I ran to the bridge columns and began to lay down the charges. A rifle shot smashed off the cement next to my head and I hit the deck and looked to find the shooter. The night grew still once more. I finished placing the explosives and stood up to get away from the area. A rifle butt begged to differ. I fell to the ground and rolled over to see a masked assailant staring me in the eyes. My rifle had been knocked from my grasp, my hand instinctively shot for my side arm. The sub-machine gun rattled to my aid. Before my attacker could recover, dropped beside me.
I laid there for a moment wondering what had happened.
Another volley of bullets flew past me and I ran, faster than I thought possible to my rock. One clipped the visor on my helmet, it shattered leaving shards of poly-glass stuck in my face.
I was lucky enough to have grabbed my primary before I fled. But I had left one thing behind. The detonator. It must have fallen off its hook when I fell.
"Damn it." I whispered to myself.
I made sure to take shots I could make during this fight. In the last battle I lost too much ammo, I had to make each shot count.
The radio came alive once again. It had been disabled during the move to the area to keep any signals from tracking my position.
"Arch(Static) ome in(Static) do(Static) py?" the signal was weak.
"Come in command! This is ArchAngel, do you copy?" I called back.
Nothing. Shit.
They had signal jammers in the area. Command had to know about this. They warned me about this. I had no support until the bridge was out. Even then I would have to run back to the original LZ.
The last of this Purian wave fell back and I finally got a breather. Still, the chance of a sniper team kept me from retrieving the detonator. I decided to scan the airwaves.
....
"Good mornin' Ponyville! This is Dj-Pon-3 on K-Colt. Brining the rock to make your lives worthwhile! Today we have a special shout out to make."
"What do you mean?" Said Octavia.
Well, out on the front lines is a soldier cut off from help." Said Vinyl in a somber tone.
"Word travels fast here I guess" I thought. "They must be jamming only military frequencies."
"Oh my goodness." Replied Octavia
"That's right this ones for you ArchAngel! We love ya! And we hope we can get to you soon." Called Vinyl into the mic.
"That explains our guest today then?" Asked Octavia.
"Yep, and without further delay, here's a miss Pinkie Pie if you're listening Angel this one's for you." Said Vinyl with a slight sign of sadness. "Thank you for having me." Said Pinkie Pie.
"Is there anything you would like to say miss Pie?" Asked Octavia
"If you wouldn't mind, I'd like to sing a song." She replied.
"Sure thing sweetie." Said Vinyl.
"So just into the mic?" Asked the pink pony.
"Yes, whenever you're ready." Said Octavia
"Okie Dokie Lokie." She said, she cleared her throat "Alright, If you're listening I hope you can hear this." She paused for a few seconds, "My name is Pinkie Pie and I am here to say, I'm gonna make you smile and I will brighten up your day. It doesn't matter now, if you are sad or blue cause cheering up my friends is what Pinkie's here to do." There was a catch in her voice. "Cause I really like to make you make you smile smile smile." she stopped for a second taking a shaky breath, continued. "Your smile is so special to me." A faint sob came over the radio. "I'm so sorry, we'll get you home, just stay safe okay?" she said, almost sobbing.
"Thank you." I whispered to myself. At least this wasn't gone. I had a friendly voice to hear.
"Aww, man." said Vinyl.
"We are now taking requests for ArchAngel. Call in to make a request!" said Vinyl.
Almost immediately the phone line exploded with calls coming in.
"Alright, well here is our first song going out to ArchAngel." said Octavia.
They played song after song.
A voice came over the radio between songs.
"Umm hello? Am I on the air?" a little fillies voice asked.
"Yes honey, you are." said Octavia.
"Umm, ArchAngel? If you can hear me, I want to let you know, that we love you. Come home okay?" the voice asked.
"We?" asked Octavia.
"Uh, yeah, there's three of us." said the voice.
"Well, how old are you?" asked Vinyl.
"Um, five." said the voice again.
"What's your name?" asked Vinyl.
"I'm Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle, and Applebloom." she said.
"Well, ya' hear that ArchAngel, you HAVE to come back." challenged Vinyl.
"Well, that's all the time we have for today, and I want everypony to know that we support you ArchAngel, you better keep your hide alright! Okay man?" said Vinyl with a sad tone in her normally loud voice.
Octavia said "And a special thank you to Pinkie Pie for that wonderful song."
"Thank you for having me." said Pinkie through her tears.
"You okay sweetie?" asked Octavia.
"Yes I-I just need a minute."
"Well, we have to jump off now, but we put our hearts out to ArchAngel. We love you!" the signal cut out.
....
With that I was alone again. A bloody tear ran down my cheek. I say down and buried my head in my arms. It hurt. It hurt because of the glass, and because I knew I was alone. I had let so many people and ponies down. I told them, I would be okay, that I would come back. I told Fluttershy, that I would stay safe. At least she would be safe. The tears flowed like a river, mixed with the now hardened blood. I heard each one hit the plate on my chest. "I'm so so sorry." I said aloud. "I'm sorry."
Shouts came from the distance. "Damn it." I thought. "How many could they have here?"
I readied my firing spot again and looked out to see a squad charging my position. I fired several bursts.
Clack! "Shit,shit, shit, shit!" I yelled. The receiver on my rifle had jammed and broken.
I reached for my secondary and used it to defend myself.
The Purian forces had gotten a foothold in the seconds it took for me to get the secondary out. I made a split second decision. I hauled tail from my position to the first set of bridge columns. I felt the bullets rush by, and others slam into the ground around me. I slammed into the column and took a second to catch my breath. The detonator was just outside of reach.
I made a break for it. My finger curled around the trigger on my sub machine gun the clip ran dry in a few moments. Bad mistake. A bullet found its mark in my side. The armor had failed. "Shit!" I yelled. In my shock I only worsened the situation. I fell to the ground and accidentally kicked the detonator. I was hit in the side, and my helmet had left shards around my eyes. And now the detonator was only further away. I stumbled back behind the pillar and thought about what I had to do now. I thought of no good ideas. The best I could think of was to go for broke and charge out and mad-dash the detonator. I was dead either way, might as well go on my terms right?
I got ready to go. My side burned and my head was pounding.
I loaded my last clip into my MP-14, removed my helmet, and took a deep breath.
"Go!" I screamed in my mind.
I bolted to the detonator and picked it up.
Several bullets found me. I hit the ground screaming. Each one felt like a burning razor.
The detonator was on the ground beside my hand. It hurt to breathe. I couldn't feel my left leg, and I knew I was going to bleed out without immediate medical help.
The only thing I could think of was, "Well, shit. That wasn't a good idea." I looked up to see the remaining Purian soldiers moving to where I lay.
My eye caught the detonator. I reached for it as the soldiers reached me.
"Well well well." one said. "What do we have here?" he joked.
A single phrase came to mind. "No matter what, do not let yourself get down. Tomorrow will always come again." the same words that Applejack spoke to me.
The dawn came over the trees. A dawn like no other. I couldn't imagine a warmer moment in my life. I smiled as my vision began to fail. I knew, my brother had been fighting, every step along the way. Every shot, every step.
I looked at the man standing over me. "Never. Stop. Smiling." I said with a red stained grin.
I could see the eyes of the enemy widen as they realized what I was thinking.
"Shit! Run!" one yelled.
They turned to run as I smashed the trigger on the detonator.
...
"Sir, the results of ArchAngel are coming in." said a comm operator.
"Well, what about it?" said Commander Stone.
"Sir, the bridge has been destroyed." he said.
"Huh, well I'll be damned. He did it." Stone said.
"Sir, ArchAngel was killed in action." said the operator in a somber tone.
"Well, he came through." Stone said, "He was a brave soldier."
"That he was." agreed the operator.
"Tell Celestia, Operation One-Way was completed." Stone ordered. "At the cost of ArchAngel."
"Yes sir." replied the operator.
Stone walked into the comm center the morning after.
"Tell Celestia, we are ready to move onto Purian territory." Stone ordered.
"Sir?" the operator asked.
"Gather the men, we are going on the offensive." Stone said with pride.
The operator grinned, "Yes sir!" he said.
My name was remembered with the other hero's of this war. I had my burial in Canterlot. An empty coffin was placed in the ground. A single cello played at the service. Octavia Philharmonica was the only noise that could be heard.
Commander Stone was going to lead Operation Returning Grace personally. It's time this ended.
I thank you reader for taking the time to read my first FanFic. Comment and rate as you will. I will see about putting a sequel continuing from where this left off, if it would please the reader.
Of Darkest Days: Pvt. Valen.
"Alright, when you get through, just remember to keep your shit to yourself, do not destroy anything, and if you see anybody attempting to defect, kill them." said the Rift technician. "Operation Returning Grace is about to kick off, you are going to be in the group that will help take the Purian forces down. Good luck."
I was twenty one, and on my way to join the war effort in Equestria. I had heard a rumor about why the command services had stepped up troop numbers for Returning Grace. And some extraordinary things, like pilots taking AA fire to defend lost pegasi during flights. Or soldiers waiting in front of houses to defend the inhabitants, or the one about a crazy shit soldier destroying a bridge on his own. The last one was the weirdest one. It seemed too far of a stretch to be real.
I looked over the crowd to see the Rift. The gaping hole in what ever it had punched through. I was terrified. Operation Returning Grace was our forces plan to smash the Purians along the western front. An all out assault on the enemy lines.
The rows of soldiers began to move through the Rift. I was soon at the mouth of the Rift. I jumped and went in.
I landed on my front, I couldn't believe what I was seeing. An entire military camp set up in an open field. That wasn't what caught my attention, it was the little horses that really confused me. Someone grabbed my shoulder and brought me to my feet.
"Well, welcome to the command center for our wonderful army." said the soldier who dragged me up. He turned my shoulder to check my patch.
He reached into his pocket and pulled out a map of the camp. "Your company is here," he pointed, "I suggest going there right now, then you may take a walk about the camp." He handed me the map and walked off.
I was somewhat confused about what had transpired. I shook it off though and began to make my way toward where he had pointed.
After becoming lost several times, I finally arrived.
"Where you been?" asked my CO.
"I-I was trying to find this place." I stammered.
He laughed and shook his head. "Well, glad you could join us. Get settled in and THEN go exploring."
I nodded, "Yes sir."
"Great, first day and you already fuck up." I thought.
I walked to an empty bunk and started settling in.
One of my squad mates Mencina asked, "So, anybody know about this ArchAngel thing?"
"What do you mean?" said our CO, his name was Captain James C. Morrison.
"Well, who was he? And was it even real?"
James laughed, "Oh he was real. No one really even knew him. All I know is, he was a brave fucker."
I had only heard about him. I just didn't know.
James reached up to his ear and listened to the radio piece.
"Alright, we need to get to the briefing center, now." he ordered.
We ran to the briefing area and listened up.
Stone addressed the group, "Alright, Operation: Returning Grace is set to begin. Tonight, our air power will hopefully cripple enemy AA positions. And the next few days are when things are going to get a little rough. Second and fourth battalions will swing in from the west north west side of the Purian lines, First, Third, and Fifth will directly assault on the western line." he continued, "Our air support will be covering both fronts, now without any roads, we can't get any vehicle support. That means no trucks, tanks, APCs, and no IFVs. You will be supplied only with what you can carry with you. There will be only a few med-evacs available at a time, our field medics are going to be busy. We must win this war people. Should we fail, it means we have let Equestria down. We have let all our fallen brothers and sisters down. We have let ourselves down. Get ready, we are going in at 0500 hours." he walked away from the podium.
James gathered us up and headed back to the barracks to tell us how to go about what Stone hadn't.
"Alight, as you heard, this is the beginning of the end. I know we have only been here less then a day, but it doesn't matter, we have a job to do. We are going in with Third Battalion, we do not have any heavy support as Stone said." he looked around the group surrounding him, "Our job is to secure a destroyed bridge, the very same one that ArchAngel sacrificed himself for. So do not mess around, from what I know he made an impression on the natives here. If you find anything, do not touch it without my say so. We are looking for any remaining Purian forces still in the vicinity. Am I clear?" he asked.
"Yes sir!" the squad yelled in unison.
"Get some rest, you'll all need it." said James.
We all tried to catch a little shut eye, but I failed. I know I wasn't the only one. We were all a little scared.
With the morning came the usual yelling for us to get up.
Several groans and some very loud pops and cracks emanated from the rising men. We arose to the thudding rotors of strike helicopters coming back from the nights raid.
"Get your asses out of bed." said our captain in a very angry tone. "We have work to do."
We gathered our gear, got suited up and headed to the mess hall for breakfast. Eggs, toast and pasta waited for us. It wasn't a true military meal, but we were not allowed any meats here. Something did catch my eye though, at the end of the mess line, were cupcakes. Serving them was a pink pony.
"What the hell?" I thought to myself.
The pony seemed to be very happy considering what time it was. She was talking to another cook when I reached the end of the line.
She looked up at me, "Hello! Would you like a cupcake?" she asked.
Her energy caught me by surprise. She was almost unreal in the manner she went about her work.
I grabbed one and say down with my squad, "Am I the only one seeing this?" I asked.
James shook his head, "We now have ponies aiding our cause." he said, "Mainly just doing things like cooking, working in logistics, hospitals, stuff like that."
I nodded in understanding.
"Still weird?" I asked.
"Yep." replied James.
I looked at my watch, 0417 hours. This was it. Almost time to hit the Purians.
After a quiet breakfast we got our weapons and made sure they weren't going to fail us.
James lined us up to give us instructions, "Alright, today is a big one. It is the beginning of Operation: Returning Grace. I want only the best from you all. Mencina, Valen, you two are on tail, I'll be on point with Novikov. Sean, you and Tyler will bring up the flanks. We will have a medic with us shortly. He is a veteran of this conflict and I want you to respect him. He might just save your asses in the field. Are we clear?"
"Yes sir." we said in unison.
We bumped the muzzles of our weapons together and moved into our battle lines. The rest of Third Battalion stood around us as we got the rest of the crews together. Mencina tapped my shoulder and pointed toward the horizon.
Tracer rounds and smoke filled the sky. The remaining strike groups were finishing the nights work. I couldn't imagine flying in that hell.
Captain James turned to us and made sure everyone knew their jobs. It was time to move.
The squads rushed forward some with roars loud enough to be heard over the thundering running. Some ran in silence. Their minds set in the heat of combat.
We slammed into the tree-line before any shots were fired.
I hit the ground and looked at the wall of trees. The bases of the row of trunks lit up like fireworks. The bullets flew overhead and some buried themselves in the ground. Several sliced into the pack strapped to my shoulders. I put my hand on my helmet and waited for James to say anything.
"Hold your ground! Hold here!" he roared over the thunder of gun fire.
Several squads rushed past us, the muzzles of their rifles flashing, roaring to life.
James waved his arm for us to move forward.
"Where the hell is our medic?" yelled Tyler.
"I don't know! Just don't worry about that right now!" James replied.
A crackle came over the radio, "All teams move forward! The Purians are falling back!"
We ran over the grassy fields and into the dense foliage of the Everfree forest. The trees gave us ample cover, but cut our sight to near useless.
"Keep your head on a swivel." whispered James.
We nodded in confirmation. We crept through the choking undergrowth of the forest until we came to a small clearing.
"Keep your sights on." ordered James.
Without a sound we raised the barrels on our rifles as we entered the clearing.
"Sound off your sectors."
One by one the squad gave and all clear.
We gathered in a circle as James pulled a map from his side pocket. "Alright, here we are. And here's the bridge," he pointed, "Looks like we're around a quarter of a click out. We should be there in twenty minutes if we don't have any resistance."
He began to fold the map again when Novikov asked, "One question captain, where is the medic you mentioned?"
James looked at the ground for a second, "I don't know."
He reached up to his ear piece, "Command, this is 7-64, how copy?" he listened for a minute and began, "Command, we were promised a medic and we haven't had any word on his arrival, can you give an ETA?"
His eyes closed as he waited for the cast to end. He pounded the ground with his fist. "Damn it!" he snarled, "He was moved to a hospital to keep up with expected casualties."
"So what? We don't have a medic?" asked Mencina.
James shook his head and stood up.
"Let's move, that bridge needs to be secured." he ordered, voice laden with anger.
We moved forward once again into the heavy forest cover.
The walking was quiet and focused. Everyone's nerves were on edge, we were on our own, medi-evac was a long shot even with a medic. Nobody wanted to get killed out here.
"There it is. Keep your fucking heads down, we don't know what's around here." hissed James.
The wreckage loomed over head as we moved to the burned bridge. The concrete, rebar, and wooden pieces lay in ruin. Ashes coated the surrounding ground lightly floating around our boots.
"Shit." said Sean, "This really the place where, you know, he did it?"
"Yes. Now just don't touch anything." James said.
We neared the base of the bridge.
"Well, here we are captain." said Novikov. "Where are they?"
"Where are who? And keep you goddamn voice down." ordered James.
"The Purians" said Novikov, "Where are they?" he laughed.
"Novikov! Get your fucking head down, now!" yelled James.
"From what?" Novikov mocked as he climbed onto a concrete slab. "We're alone!"
"Novikov!" barked James.
"Captain, there isn't anyone he-" he began, a sniper shot ripped into his neck. His lifeless body collapsed onto the slab. A red stream flowed down the concrete onto the ground.
"Shit! Get down, sniper!" yelled James. "Did anyone see where that came from?"
"No sir." Sean said.
"Keep your heads down! Understand?" barked James.
We nodded.
"Mencina, hold still." I whispered.
He was starting to break. His eyes darted around, sweat flowed like a river down his forehead, his breathing erratic. He was going to run. I grabbed his shoulder, "Just wait." I told him. "We're fucked man." he said, voice shaking with fear.
James looked over, "Mencina, hold your position. That's an order soldier."
Too late. Mencina shoved me off him and took off toward the forest. He didn't make it. A shot rang out, Mencina dropped a pink mist sprung up where he stood.
"Valen, don't you dare move." James growled.
I nodded and yelled, "What now?"
He looked around for a minute. "Smoke grenade, on my mark. Rush to closer cover. Find the sniper and knock him him out. Sean, Tyler, covering fire on smoke. Everybody understand?"
We all gave thumbs up.
I readied the smoke and looked at James for the go. He nodded.
"Smoke out!" I yelled and tossed the small canister. A cloud of thick white smoke erupted and we rushed forward. A shot rang out, but only to miss whatever its target was.
I slammed into a wooden piece of a pillar. James lay behind another slab.
Sean and Tyler's bullets snapped past us into the trees. A glint gave the snipers position away. All four of us opened fire where the shine was spotted. A limp body fell from a tree, crashing down into a pile of concrete.
Tyler walked over and put a round into the corpses head. He spit and returned to the group. James gently elbowed his arm. "It's over." he said.
James reached up and radioed that we had secured the bridge. "Alright people, our orders are to return to command and receive individual assignments. We'll be split for a while."
We returned to command and went to briefing.
Sean and Tyler were sent to Canterlot on leave. James was put on reserve to re-organize our squad. I was sent to guard a cottage on the edge of the Everfree forest. It belonged to a pegasus named Fluttershy. I didn't know her, so at first it was a weird assignment. I had to accept it though.
I shook hands with my squad mates and departed for the cottage.
I arrived and found it was a fairly nice place.
I set up in the front and took a minute to rest. I was only going to be here for a day, then to Ponyville for two days of R&R. I set my rifle against the wall and sat down and waited for the call for me to leave.
I figure it was around four hours before anything happened. I had been told that some animals occasionally visited the cottage. They posed no threat, sometimes they even stayed by the soldiers.
I heard a stick break and decided to check it out. I left my rifle propped against the wall, and decided to check out the noise.
.....
I turned the corner and stood shocked, face to face with a Purian scout. His eyes as shocked as I was. I smacked the barrel of his rifle as he pulled the trigger. The bullet buried itself in the dirt beside me. He brought his knee into my side, in retaliation I pulled my side arm and used the bottom of the grip to pistol whip him. I felt his skull give way under the crushing blow, his head hit the side of the cottage leaving a blooded smear on the wall. He fell limp to the ground, as a final measure, I put a round in his head. The heat of the moment died, the adrenaline left my veins. I took a few steps back and dropped my pistol. My hands shook as I stared at the body. My legs felt like they were bolted to the ground.
"What the fuck was that?" I asked aloud. Silence was the only answer.
I staggered to the cottage and collapsed on the doorstep. I rolled onto my side and vomited in disgust. I sat there for at least half an hour before I found strength to stand.
My hands finally steadied and I decided to clean the vomit and blood off the house. When I finally had everything cleaned up, I rolled the body into the tree line. I looked at the horizon, the sun had begun to set.
I got the call and walked, or shambled to Ponyville, where I was put into an inn.
Morning came and the past days events had finally been reasoned with. I wasn't proud of what I had done. It was different from taking shots at a person, then it wasn't personal, but going toe to toe was an awful feeling. I did find consolation in knowing it was for the betterment of the war.
The next two days were spent mainly laying in the bed that the inn owner let me use. I never found out who owned the inn. But she was very friendly.
I was sent back into combat, side by side with my squad. We all seemed a little on edge though. I couldn't quite place me finger on it, but trigger fingers seemed a bit more itchy, voices were colder, and eyes seemed meaner.
The fighting grew more intense. After only a week of fighting, the front was in sight of the Citadel, as the Purians called it. We called it the Tinderbox, it was a fortress built from mainly wood with a little concrete support.
The Purians had stepped up the defense. LMG nests started popping up with more frequency. Our casualties grew more and more.
We got to the front line. It was hell. Fire, bullets, yelling and the cold presence of death hung over the battlefield. Felled trees provided cover. Foxholes dug into the stained ground were the only safety for those trying to advance. James ordered us to get up to the front. Fast. We ran into the fires of a burning forest. A heart cut from a living thing. Now the area burned with a rage only found in combat.
The smoke choked out any chance of easy breathing.
I fired at the Citadel. The windows cut into the Citadel lit up as the Purians made their final stand.
We moved forward to assault the front of the Citadel.
A wonderful thing happened in this time. We gained the support of the local ponies. The unicorns gave us magic to help our minor wounded, the pegasi dropped flares marking strike helicopter runs, the earth ponies took the fight to the Purians. Going hoof to toe.
After two days of continuous shooting, we were on the Citadels doorstep. The walls had been burned. Blood ran like water. We did gain a medic however, a light blue unicorn named Colgate. The name I could never get over though. Surprisingly she was a dentist before the war. Along with a new fighter. An earth pony named to Applejack. She used her skills at kicking things to attack Purian troops. I watched her kick the door in on the Citadel. Time for some CQB. Shit hit the bricks. The Purians used hit and run tactics.
A static call came over the radio, "This is Zero 7-1, my tail rotor is damaged. I won't make it back, stay off the roof!"
I looked at James. He had a very confused face. His eyes shot open when he realized, "Get down!" he screamed. At that moment the building shook as the helicopter slammed onto the Citadel. We hit the floor in the commotion.
After a few moments.
"Sound off." James called.
"I'm good." said Sean.
"Good on my end." reported Tyler.
"Good." I said.
"I'm okay." said Colgate.
"Ah'm okay." said Applejack.
James waved his hand for us to go forward.
We rose to go forward. The hallway began to fill with a choking smoke. A door came up on the right of the hall, "Door." said James. "Go."
Applejack lined up the buck as we all stacked up. James gave the signal and Applejack kicked the door off its hinges. We stormed the room. Several dead Purians littered the floor. A shot through each of their heads.
James stepped over the dead. "Shit, what the hell?"
Sean stayed outside the door to give a watching eye.
Tyler doubled over, vomiting on the floor, "Oh god." he gasped.
I hit him on the back, "Okay?" I asked.
He nodded, spitting whatever was left in his mouth out.
We walked out of the room to continue the assault.
James raised his fist. The signal to stop, "Wait, can anyone hear that?"
We stopped to listen. A creaking noise quietly resounded through the hall.
"Get down!" James yelled.
We dropped to the floor as a crash exploded in our ears.
"The hell was that?" asked Sean.
James pointed to a half open door at the end of the corridor.
We crawled to the door and stacked up once again. The door was ripped from it's damaged hinges. Our rifles pointed outward like spears in a phalanx. The room was empty. But outside wall was crushed. We walked over to see what had caused the damage.
"Oh god." whispered James.
The crashed helicopter had slid off the roof. It lay in a burning pile on the side of the Citadel. We looked up, where it had crashed along the wall was smashed.
A wave of silence cell upon us in that moment. As brief as it was, it was still unsettling. We continued on going room to room. Finding few defending Purians, and bodies through each turn.
LMG positions stood empty, the operators long gone. A light spray of red on some. Others still dripped with it.
From each corridor to each doorway, we drew closer to our objective, cutting the heart out of the beast. This was the final part of the war. And I was here to witness the Purian head of command surrender.
We heard a single shot ring out from the room.
We stacked up on the huge French doors that led to the command room. We nodded and applejack smashed the lock, the doors flew open as a second shot went off.
"Colgate, stay here." ordered James.
She nodded as we stormed the room.
Two bodies were the only occupants. One lay sprawled on the ground, the other slumped over in a chair, pistol in hand. A steady trickle of blood flowed from a fresh wound under his chin.
"Shit." said Sean, "These the guys we were after?"
James nodded. "God damn it."
We stood there for a few seconds deciding our next move.
"Woah, hold up y'all, ya' hear that?" said Applejack.
We stopped to listen.
A faint ticking noise began to resonate through the silence. I walked to the body slouched in the chair and began to examine the corpse. I found a small pen-like device. I looked it over to try and figure out the small device.
A dead mans trigger.
"Fuck! Everyone out! Bomb!" I screamed. We bolted for the doors, I heard a small beep as I reached the frame.
The blast shook the entire Citadel, I was thrown into the hinges of the door.
My ears rang, my eyes couldn't focus, I couldn't feel anything. Colgate and Tyler ran to my side, Colgate's horn glowing furiously as she began to heal my wounds. Her eyes lit up with fear. James and Sean joined the group. Their mouths moved with a furious pace, but I heard nothing but a persistent ring.
The world began to fade into black. I felt hands grab at my shoulders trying to keep me awake. Sounds slowly trickled into my head, little more than murmurs. I blacked out.
My eyes snapped open, only to find a white room. Medical equipment throughout the area. I turned my head to collect my bearings.
Bandages wrapped my entire torso and most of my left leg, my right was immobilized. A wrap squeezed my head. I could smell the medicine spread over my wounds. It was cold and numb.
A door opened on the far side of the room.
A pony wearing a white set of scrubs walked in.
"Oh, your awake. Good." she commented.
She strolled over to the side of my bed.
"Quite a mess you got into, huh?" she asked.
"Where am I?" I asked, my throat dry and scratchy.
"You are in a hospital. Been asleep for almost a week now." she replied.
"Where's James? And Tyler, a-and Sean, or Applejack or Colgate?" I asked.
Your men are back at the command center, getting ready for re-deployment probably." she said.
"Wait? Re-deployment?" I asked hastily, "We won. D-didn't we?"
"The Purians haven't giving up quite yet. Didn't you wonder how the Citadel fell so fast?" she asked, "They simply gave it up, split into two groups, one defending a structure on the Equestria- Hiveland border. The other attacked along the north-west flank. They are trying to take back some destroyed bridge."
I blinked in disbelief, " No fucking way." I thought.
"Are you my doctor?" I wondered.
"No, I'm just a nurse, you're doctor will be here in a minute." she smiled.
I nodded. The pony turned and left the room.
The room fell silent for around ten minutes.
Two ponies entered the room, one light yellow colored with a pink mane, the other a brown color with white stripes.
They spoke quietly to each other before approaching the bed.
"Umm, hi."said the pink maned one. "I-I'm your doctor. My name's Fluttershy."
"And I am Zecora. Now my child, rest and let my potions do their work." the other spoke, a heavy accent lay in her voice.
Zecora handed me a vile with a green-blue substance within it. I looked the container over and back at Zecora.
She nodded.
I pulled the lid off the vile giving the potion one last look over.
"Over the teeth, past the gums, get ready stomach, here it comes." I muttered under my breath. I tipped the glass back and let the fluid run down my throat. It was minty and cold.
I shuddered as it reached my stomach.
A chill ran down my spine. I coughed in report.
"What was that?" I stammered.
"Just something I whipped up. Sorry if it gave you a hiccup." smiled Zecora.
I coughed a little more, but another feeling began to slowly creep over my side.
"So, how bad was it when I came in?" I asked.
Fluttershy looked down for a second before answering.
"When you arrived, you had third degree burns on your leg and side, shrapnel covered your right side. The smell of burning skin made everypony sick. You would have died if it wasn't for Colgate. You did die, several times in fact. Your friends had tan for miles with you on a stretcher. I-I didn't think you would make it." she paused for a moment to gather her breath. "I-I didn't want to see you go."
"Why don't you stop dear, do not fret, for he is still here." said Zecora softly.
Fluttershy nodded.
"Have you met many soldiers?" I asked.
Fluttershy looked up, tears began to well up in her eyes.
"I-I-I knew one, but I don't really w-want to talk about it. I'm sorry."
"Oh, no I'm sorry. I shouldn't have asked." I quickly apologized.
"It's fine." she replied quietly.
They finished the check up and left the room. I was alone again. A cold silence hung in the air.
"Who did she know?" I thought to myself.
They came and went several more times during the day, the visits were quiet for the most part. I did find out though, I would be on med leave for at least three weeks. Shit.
Over the next two, me and Fluttershy began to talk more and more, the length increasing every time. The talks were on really anything, from politics to the cities in Equestria.
She walked in one day, something about her seemed different, depressed even.
"Do you still want to know about who I knew?" she asked, "I just need to talk to someone."
I sat up and listened.
"I knew ArchAngel." she began. My eyes shot open with surprise.
"Before he left to, you know, he went to Canterlot to receive the Royal Blessing. Celestia asked me and my friends to go and help him however we could." she paused to take a shaky breath. "When he arrived, he was wearing his set of armor, he walked with such pride. A true soldier. We gave him what he needed. For Twilight, it was a spell, Pinkie gave a cupcake, Applejack gave him advice, Rainbow Dash made a fog field to give him cover, Rarity gave him a new glove." she closed her eyes for a second and wiped her eyes, "And I asked him to come back. I knew he wouldn't, but, he-he," she buried her face in the bed sheets, "He meant something, he meant that this awful mess was almost over." she broke into a full sob. "He lied to me. He said he would be okay."
She fell into a mess, we sat for ten minutes, the only sound was Fluttershy's crying. The sunlight cut through the window casting a warm glow.
When she finally stopped crying and stood up. It was time for her to go home for the day.
"I'm sorry to have done this, I mean umm, you know," she started.
"It's okay. You alright?" I asked, placing a hand on her shoulder.
She nodded and smiled a little. We said goodbye and she left.
I looked at the calendar, four days until combat.
The next morning, my wounds had healed entirely, through a mixture of magic and Zecora's potions, it had taken years off the healing process.
I stood on my feet. They were as steady as the day I had come in. For the most part of that day. The next few days were spent getting back into fighting shape. The physical tests weren't difficult.
I put my new set of armor on and said my goodbyes. There was a war to fight.
I was dropped off at the command center. My squad waited for me.
James walked over to me smiling through the fresh grime of war. "Well well well, look at what we have here. Good to see you kid."
James and Sean walked over and bumped rifles with me.
Applejack and Colgate trotted over to me smiling when they saw I was alright.
I knelt by Colgate and hugged her tightly, "Thank you. I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for you." I said quietly.
She laughed a little, "I'm just glad you're okay."
I stood up and stood at attention toward James.
"Sir, Pvt. Valen reporting for duty sir!" I saluted.
"At ease soldier." he grinned. "Allow me to explain the situation."
I nodded as he began.
"Alright first off, the Purians? Not done. They basically gave up the Citadel, and instead are trying to take the bridge we secured. Aaaand, haven't you been wondering where they are making concrete? Well, that has been solved as well. They have a mine on the Equestrian- Hiveland border, that is our final objective. They have changed tactics, and command." he continued, "We don't know how, but their numbers have somewhat increased. We are going back into combat tomorrow."
I nodded and we went to the barracks to catch some sleep.
The morning came like thunder. It was time to go. We jumped inside our transport and headed for the front lines. We sat in silence for the flight. We landed and ran toward the sounds of gunfire, and bombs.
We broke through the tree-line to find the world burning like the fires of hell. Fallen trees gave soldiers cover while bullets, fire, and explosions shook the ground.
"What do they have, cannons?" asked James.
"Yup." said a commander walking over to join us. "That mine they have is giving them way too much."
"I can tell." said James.
We were led to a Temporary Control Point for instructions. Afterward we left for the front to relieve a squad that hadn't been off duty for weeks. We arrived to find a small group ravaged by fighting. They shambled off the field to get an evac back to the command center.
We quickly established a position for a while. The Purian cannons bombarded the area day in and day out. Strike helicopters flew in to hit the cannons, smoke shrouded the ridge where the Purians lay in wait. Flashes of light gave it an ominous look to the area.
"Holy shit." muttered Sean.
We got the order to press forward.
We leapt from our cover and charged, rifles blazing, tracers flying through the air like angry bees into the unknown.
The cannon shells rained down onto the soldiers, leaving smoking craters in the burnt soil. The radio blaring the desperate calls of captains calling for aid, or the wounded crying out for medics.
Sulfuric smoke blinded and choked us as we reached the first cannons. We sweeper through the first group when James got a call over the radio. We were being redeployed to the bridge.
James ordered us to fall back to the TCP and catch a transport to the bridge.
When the helicopter touched down we could see why we were called back. Soldiers lay dead, dying, or scrambling for cover. The smell of burnt powder lay heavy in the air. The cold eyes of death looked over us. But we had a job to do.
We set up and readied to hold the line. We soon figured out that command had actually done something right. They set up ammo shacks called Shit Shacks. When you ran low, you had permission to run to one and get new ammo. We ended up needing them more than I thought. We finally pushed the Purians back enough for us to wander around the wreckage. Again. Our squad was told to stay in the area to keep it secure until the fighting was over.
After around three hours after the order came through I became curious and walked around the bridge.
"Stay in sight!" called James.
"Yes sir!" I called back.
I found a boulder on the edge of the clearing, I decided to check it out. I carefully checked the back of the stone, and found something.
A rifle, an XM-116 with the action blown out. It didn't seem like it should be there.
"Hey Captain, can you come check something out sir?" I asked over the radio. He walked over and stooped to get a better look at the rifle.
"Not something the Purians would have." he said. "Valen, check around the area, see if you can find anything else. Wasn't any fighting over here as far as I know."
I saluted and clicked my flashlight to illuminate my path.
After several minutes of scanning the brush I walked into the edge of the forest. Within a few minutes I caught a glint of metal in the beam of light. I walked to the shining piece of metal. A pair of dog tags, a white glove set carefully against a tree.
"Shit." I thought.
"Captain, I found something, you need to get up here ASAP." I said into the radio.
When he reached me, he stopped when he saw the glove.
"Oh god, don't touch it." he ordered.
"What?" I asked.
"This was ArchAngels gear." he said, "I'm calling this in."
He reached to his ear piece and called in the find.
In fifteen minutes a transport helicopter flew overhead.
"Oh god, it's Stone." whispered Sean.
Stone stepped off the helicopter and walked to James, he waved me over to his side and told me to bring the items.
I ran to the boulder and gathered the rifle, tags, and glove and ran back to Stone. He covered his mouth with his hand when he saw the things. He slowly nodded after inspection. A soldier took the gear and loaded it onto the transport. Stone shook James's hand and I gave him a salute. With that he left.
James turned to me and said, "That means a lot to a lot of people. Good job son."
I saluted and went back to camp.
The night came easy. The morning came as any other, just walking around the bridge wreckage. Waiting for an enemy that will never come.
It continued day in and day out for another month. The call came in during the day.
James gathered us in a group. "Alright, we have officially knocked out the last of the Purian forces. We're done here." James said, his voice heavy with relief.
Transports flew the majority of our forces to the mine. Our banners flew gallantly over our heads. The last Purian prisoners loaded into transports and flew out.
We looked over head to see a rainbow colored circle exploding in the sky, a rainbow dart shooting from the center. In a few seconds a sonic blast shook the troops.
Cheers and roars emanated from the soldiers.
Celestia and Luna presided over us.
"Fair soldiers, we gather here to solidify your valiant victory over your Purian enemies," boomed Luna, "and to remember those lost in this terrible conflict."
"We all knew someone lost during the raging flames of war, but we owe your thanks to all of you." said Celestia. "Any soldier can fight, but it takes heart to win, it takes courage to make a difference. Each of you made a difference. I am proud to say, you are the bravest men I will ever know."
The ceremony ended several hours later. We departed back to the places most hit by the Purians to await further orders.
Stone came over the radio, "Men, I have one last thing to ask of you, we are to take all emplacements made by the Purians and we are officially leaving Equestria. Thank you all for your brave service." The transmission ended. All waves fell silent, all of Equestria heard.
"You heard him, let's move." ordered James.
We worked in silence, everyone shocked by the order.
We picked up every piece of cement, and metal. Every shell casing was removed.
It was over. The fighting had died. The battlefields lay barren, scars to be healed by time.
Where the war had burned most furiously smoldered, empty and became a somber reminder of what occurred there.
A single tombstone was the only real reminder of the valor true soldiers possessed. A granite slab stood tall. A white gauntlet lay at its base. Inscribed on the stone where the words, "Sis semper memor non sum oblates archangelus" or "May you always be remembered, never forgotten, ArchAngel." His rifle propped up beside it, a ward placed over it, so it may never succumb to weathering or damage.
I visited the grave on my final day on Equestrian soil. To pay my respect to the man who marked the beginning of the end of the greatest threat known to this place.
Chapter Three: Operation Retuning Grace (Part 1)
"Well, you did it." said Commander Stone. "I should have sent in more, but you did it."
The mid day sun shone down upon a funeral. It was for a soldier, call sign ArchAngel, who died on a suicide mission destroying a bridge.
A single cello could be heard in the service. Played by Octavia Philharmonica.
Any soldier who died in valor buried in Equestria was laid in an unmarked grave. The name was remembered by those around them.
"Ready!" yelled Stone. "Fire!"
Seven shots rang out in unison.
"Fire!" "Fire!" the infamous 21-salute.
The guests included both Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, six young mares, a radio DJ, and a single cellist. The only others were soldiers and other ponies who knew of the mission.
Operation One-Way was the turning point for the war that for almost three years, had turned man against his own. ArchAngel had single handedly demolished a supply bridge supporting the Purian forces western flank.
"Umm, sir?" said a soldier to Commander Stone.
"Hmm?"
"We need you back at control, sir."
He only nodded and turned without a word. He walked to the helicopter and flew back to the control center.
Slowly the visitors left to attend to their own agendas. All but one. A single strawberry pink maned with a light yellow body mare. Fluttershy.
"Are you alright?" asked Twilight Sparkle.
She only nodded.
"When you are done here, you can stay with me as long as you want. Okay?" said Twilight.
Fluttershy nodded once more.
The dark purple mare left her and began walking back to her home.
A single tear ran down Fluttershy's face. Her head lowered, "You lied." she said quietly. "You said you were coming back." she began to silently cry. "You-you said you were going to be safe." she sobbed. She laid down and cried. It hurt. It hurt to know she knew someone that made the ultimate sacrifice to save her home. She cried in pain, and in mourning.
A gentle hoof grabbed her shoulder.
"You alright hun??" asked Applejack.
Fluttershy stood and wiped her eyes, immediately she collapsed into Applejacks shoulder and went into a sobbing fit. Applejack held her until she could breath again.
"Come on." said Applejack. "Let's go home."
"Umm, o-okay, I'm staying with Twilight actually." said Fluttershy through her tears.
"Okay, sugarcube." said Appejack with sympathy. "Let's go."
Fluttershy looked back at the new grave. She nodded and turned to walk back to Ponyville.
....
"Commander. Celestia wants you to give her a full report on Operation One-Way. And she needs to know if you are going to initiate Operation Returning Grace." said a comm operator.
Stone grunted. "Tell her, Operation One-Way has already been fully declassified. And we are going ahead with Returning Grace."
"Sir?" asked the comm operator.
"You heard me. Do as I said." ordered Stone.
"Yes sir." the comm operator obeyed.
"And one other thing." he said.
"Yes?"
"Gather the troops out front." Stone said. "I want to address my soldiers."
The operator nodded.
Stone walked outside and stood before the several hundred men and women of his army.
"Soldiers. We are here for one reason. To smash the Puroan rebels!" He yelled. "We came here to explore the new world. To make the Equestians our allies. It's our fault this started. Now we finish it! It's time to take the fight to the enemy!" he paused for a few seconds. "We have all seen what one man can do! It's time to show the world what an army can do! We are going to move onto Purian turf! I cannot say we will all make it. But we will show everyone, that we are not going down without a fight!" he boomed. "We end what we have started! We move tomorrow! Watch each other's backs. And I promise, that we will arise from the ashes victorious!" he said. "May you go with courage. And return with honor."
The soldiers exploded with roars and cheers.
Activity in the command center went through the roof. Men rushing to make last minute amendments, getting their weapons and armor ready, and getting the squad mates together as a unit.
Stone looked on them with pride. "These are the bravest men, I have ever known." he muttered to himself.
"But no ArchAngel." a comm operator commented.
"Men like him, only come about, once in a hundred years." Stone replied. "But, it gives the men hope, and the civies a reason to keep us around."
"Sir, Celestia wishes to take council with you immediately." said a messenger.
Stone nodded and left for the heli-field.
...
"Tell me of this Operation Returning Grace." asked Princess Luna.
"It is our strategy to wipe out the Purian forces, once and for all." said Stone. "The first stage will consist of an all out assault on the Purians western flank. Reports show it has been significantly weakened after," he paused and took a breath, "after Operation One-Way. We think they are withdrawing from the region to regain some energy toward their command center."
"When will you act commander?" asked Celestia.
"Tomorrow." said Stone, "Tonight, our aircraft will pound the enemy Anti-Air batteries. And from there, they will be supporting the ground elements tomorrow with what remains."
Luna looked at the ground for a minute, "What do you mean , with what remains?" she asked.
"Well, the Purians haven't been using rifles to knock our air power out of the sky. Reports indicate that they have set heavy machine cannons to defend themselves from any airstrikes. Our pilots know what they are up against. They are ready." replied Stone gravely.
"Their courage knows no bounds, does it?" asked Luna.
Stone smiled slightly, "I can't tell you, because I don't know."
"What is your estimate of completion?" asked Celestia.
"Three weeks for a total victory." Stone replied.
"And casualty rates?" asked Celestia.
Stone took a deep breath, "I can't say, estimates are indicating medium to heavy losses. But they have been wrong before."
Celestia looked to Stone, "Tell your men, they have the respect of all Equestria."
Stone nodded.
"And commander," said Luna, "Thank you."
Stone again only nodded.
"You have our permission to proceed with Operation Returning Grace." said Celestia strongly.
Stone left the palace and returned to the command center.
.....
"Are the air crews set?"
"Yes sir."
"Launch the air assault."
"Yes sir."
The comm center was filled with new chatter as pilots prepped to attack Purian anti-air batteries.
This was the preamble to Operation: Returning Grace. In the morning the ground forces would launch the ground war and in due time, eradicate the Purian forces.
The sound of strike helicopter engines revving up could be heard, like the bass thudding from a speaker.
The room shook as the first helicopters passed overhead to make the nights first run.
Stone looked out the window at the crews still on the ground.
A white pony stood near the air field holding something in it's hoof.
"Who the hell is that?" he asked.
"Umm, some radio Dj from Ponyville, sir." answered one of the operators.
"What's he doing?" Stone demanded.
"She, asked some of the pilots if she could record the engine sounds. Apparently she wants to make some sort of dubstep-electro mix I don't know, with it."
Stone grunted, "And they agreed?"
"Yes sir."
Stone shook his head and shrugged.
Nothing could have readied the pilots for this night.
Stone looked at the fuselage on some of the crafts taking to the air, some laden with munitions causing them to groan and shudder as they took to the air. Others lifted off in a graceful leap.
They had marks on them. Some depicting a cartoon of just random things, others carried words, names, or sayings.
Stone looked at a heavy gunship particularly close, "Malleum Angelorum". A depiction of an angel carrying a hammer followed the phrase.
"Hammer of the Angels." Stone whispered.
"Who is marking our tech?" he asked.
"A mare named Rarity, sir."
"Why is she doing that?"
The operator cleared his throat, "Well, before ArchAngel, left, she marked, o-or gave him a new piece of armor. Ever since, soldiers and pilots have been asking her to make modifications to their armor sir."
"What kind of modifications?" Stone asked, inquiry heavy in his voice.
"Just making engraving, adding some personal effects to it. Nothing serious." replied the operator hastily.
Stone began to think about it. "Well, not much I can do about it I guess." he stated.
The last of the strike helicopters left the field and raced toward an uncertain horizon. A faint glow could be seen over the canopy of the Everfree forest.
"Are the ground forces ready for combat?" demanded Stone.
"Yes sir, all teams are ready for first contact at your command. Sir." confirmed the operator.
Stone nodded.
....
"Sir, the first of the helo's are returning. We are getting reports of 67% of all aircraft damaged or lost."
"Damn it. At that rate we won't have enough to cover the assault teams." Stone hissed.
"Without any ground vehicle support sir, even with all our air crews ready we wouldn't be able to give support to the teams. Not constant at least."
Stone shook his head, "It doesn't matter. We are going to move against the Purians, support or not."
The operator nodded and returned to his work.
Stone looked as his men began to gather in their combat formations. Squads stood shoulder to shoulder. The rifles leaning on the shoulder plates gleamed in the light of the towers. The leaders mouthing orders was the only movement that could be seen.
Stone nodded. The men raised their weapons, and charged.
.....
Stone thought for a minute. "Get my transport combat ready. Now." he ordered.
The comm operator nodded and radioed the mechanics team.
The radios erupted with contact calls, yelling for medics, and giving coordinates for crews to hit. A bad start to a bad day.
....
"Sir, your transport is ready. What are you thinking?"
"I'm thinking I need to be out there along side my soldiers." He said in return.
"Uhh, sir? Is that allowed?" The comm operator asked hesitantly.
"It doesn't matter. I am going to provide support to them, and there isn't anything my superiors can do about it." Said Stone with a hint of deviance in his words.
The comm operator shrugged. "Yes sir. You better get down there then."
Stone nodded and marched out of the comm center, boarding his heavily armed and armored helicopter he said, "Stay on the canopy and keep it steady. Understood?"
The pilot nodded and gave a hearty salute.
The helicopter struggled to lift itself from the ground, the nose mounted twenty millimeter cannon swung around in its hub, testing the arc it held. Stone was harnessed on the side, he was stationed on a 7.62 millimeter minigun. He would put down massive fire as the helicopter would pass by, strafing with the cannon and rockets slung to its sides.
"Commander Stone, we are moving into Purian controlled air space now." Said the pilot.
"Confirmed. Keep it steady and let them have it." He ordered.
"Yes sir. Arming weapons now."
The barrels of the minigun gave a quick spin and an audible click was heard.
"Your station is now armed sir." The pilot reported.
Stone shifted the gun on its swinging mount.
Time to get some payback.
