The War for Equestria

By the time Ernst and his men have arrived at the Castle of Friendship, their jaws dropped in awe at the beauty of its interior decorations and design. Such beauty and elegance did not exist in their world, and Ernst confirms that this world is a peaceful society that has seen little to no war. He wondered about living in that kind of world when they themselves came from a world ripe with war for many reasons, often claiming territories and for power.

“So,” Twilight asked, “for now, you and your men will stay in the guest room. It can house twenty ponies, and seeing that there’s fifteen of you, I’m sure that this room is enough to accommodate your friends.” Opening the door to the guest room, she trots in while lighting up a lantern attached to the side of the wall.

Plenty of comfortable beds, along with a few bookshelves and two couches facing each other adorns the guest room, along with windows that offer a view to Ponyville’s beauty.

“Ja, this is all right, Twilight. Thank you for your hospitality.” He gave Twilight a curt bow as a courtesy to his host.

“Oh, you’re most welcome. Make yourselves at home, and if you need anything, you can approach me. For now, please rest.” Twilight said, before leaving and closing the door behind her.

Ernst still can’t grasp the reality of the beauty that beholds his eyes, to see such beauty and architectural design satisfies his imagination as a child whenever his parents would tell him bedtime stories before he slept.

“Hauptmann Ernst, permission to speak freely?” Hans requested.

“Permission granted.” He responded.

“Sir, don’t you find it weird that we’re in a strange world that's ruled by talking equines?”

“I do, Leutnant Hans, but they mean no harm to us. It is not a bad idea to put trust in our new hosts.” Ernst then sat down on the left bed, taking off his helmet.

“Then if I may sir, what shall we do if we aren’t able to return home?” He asked with a hint of worry.

“We live and help these creatures. We offer them our services in return for their generosity and hospitality they’ve shown to us strangers. Sure, they may have seen little to no war, but that doesn't mean this land is entirely secure.”

“No offense, Hauptmann Ernst, but won’t you miss the fatherland? Won’t you desire to continue fighting?”

“Leutnant, the moment I have heard the existence of such camps instigated by our own leaders was the moment I lost faith in our government. The only reason I did not leave the army is because of our people. They look to us for protection in times of war, and my obligation is to the people, not to the evil and corrupt officers that treated the people we vowed to protect as nothing but mere slaves.” He paused for a moment as he took a swig from his canteen, “the war is lost, and the leaders will pay for it. If we can’t return, then I say we found ourselves a new home. A home that we can protect.”

Hans and the rest of the soldiers who have heard his small speech felt moved by his resolve and his dignity not just as a soldier, but as a human being.

“Then, in that case, Hauptmann Ernst, we shall follow you wherever you go.” Hans saluted, and so does the rest of the soldiers.

“Thank you, all of you. I am glad that you understand. Now, let’s unpack and make ourselves comfortable. We need to rest.

Ernst, for the first time in his life ever since he joined the army, woke up not from the sounds of artillery barrages, gunfire or groans of the wounded. Instead, it was the sounds of chirping birds and the lively bustling town of Ponyville. He got up and slowly stood up, walking over to the window to look over the scenery. Ponies of various colors are up and about doing their business, with some setting up shop in various stalls.

He can’t help but feel happy at the sight of the peaceful creatures being lively and cheerful, accompanied by the crisp warm sun and the chirping birds. He made his way to the bathroom and cleaned off the muck and dirt that he could not wash off during the defense of Berlin. During this time, he thought about what he said last night, Sure, he would miss his country, but the war is lost and that there is no sense in continuing the fight. If they can’t return home, he would protect this one just as he did with the defenseless people.

As soon as he finished and dressed up, he adjusted his uniform accordingly and slowly walked out of the guest room to look for Twilight. All he can hear is the frantic ramblings of her voice in the distance.

“Spike! What do you mean you haven’t sent the letter to Cadence!?”

“Twilight, I said I'm sorry alright? I forgot to mail it!”

“Spike, you know how important this is right? We have guests from another world, and we need all the Princesses’ attendance to meet them!”

He cleared his throat as soon as he approached what looked like a throne room. “I apologize if I’m interrupting.”

“Oh, no no! You’re fine!” Twilight sheepishly said.

“Wow, you’re not kidding Twilight,” Spike said before walking around Ernst in curiosity, “though you look different from the people we’ve seen in CHS.”

“Spike! He’s our guest!” Twilight sternly reprimanded.

“Oh, right! Sorry. I was just curious is all.”

“It’s all right, no offense taken. I came here to ask about the meeting that you have set up for us.”

“Yes, everything is in schedule if that’s what you meant to ask. The Princesses are on their way as we speak, all but one,” She glared at spike as his cheeks blushed from embarrassment. Spike then left for the kitchen to cook meals for the meeting.

“That is good. I can at least brief my men first and secure this place for any intruders.”

Not too long, the doors swung open as Princess Cadence and Shining Armor came in.

“Twilight!”

“Cadence!”

They both hugged each other and danced in unison. “Sunshine, Sunshine, Ladybugs awake. Clap your hooves and do a little shake!” They both sang in unison before giggling, making Ernst smile at the little dance.

“How did you get here Cadence? Spike wasn’t able to send you a letter!”

“Princess Celestia sent me a letter when she received yours and told me the urgent meeting at hoof,” Cadence said with a smile, before looking at Ernst.

“Ernst, this is Princess Cadence. To her right is my brother, Captain of the Royal Guard, Shining Armor.”

Both Cadence and Shining’s jaws dropped as they saw the human.

“Greetings, your highness. I am Hauptmann Ernst Gruebel.” He then saluted to Shining Armor, with him doing the same despite his surprised reaction.

“Well, it’s nice to meet you Sir Ernst,” Shining said sheepishly.

“I apologize if my tall demeanor is frightening, rest assured I mean no harm and so does my men.”

Afterward, Hans and two other riflemen have found their way in the throne room. “Ernst, there you are. I thought you would have started the meeting without me.”

“Not in your lifetime, Hans.” Ernst chuckled for a bit, “this is Leutnant Hans, my second in command.” Hans then saluted to both Cadence and Shining.

“Hans, send one of the riflemen to tell the rest of the men to form a defensive perimeter of the castle grounds. We need to secure the grounds while we hold the meeting.”

“Yes, sir.” He then ordered the rifleman to his left to spread the order.

“Please, if you may take a seat.” Twilight gestured to Cadence and the others, putting a hoof on the map as it lit up, revealing the locations of Equestria.

“Wunderbar, what an amazing map you have here Twilight.”

“Oh, it’s nothing! It’s just our very own map of Equestria in any case of a friendship problem!”

“Now, now Twily. Don’t you go Twilynanas on us or your guests.” Shining Armor jokingly said.

“I know, Shining.”

A few moments later, both Princess Luna and Celestia entered the throne room along with two royal guards that Shining sent for before he and Cadence left. “Ah, good. You two are on time. Thanks for filling in for me.”

Both of the guards nodded, as they trotted back outside and guards the entryway. Twilight and the others bowed, with Ernst and Hans giving a bow.

“Princess Celestia, Princess Luna. Thank you for coming. Please, if you may.” Twilight gestured to sit down.

Everyone in the room sat down on the seats facing the map, with Ernst and Hans facing the rest at the other end of the map.

“Princess Celestia, Luna, this is Ernst and Hans. He and his friends found their way in Equestria via unknown means.”

Both Princesses gave a silent neutral look at the two commanding soldiers, with Twilight smiling sheepishly, worried about what they would think of them. Shining Armor nudged twilight to try to keep her composure, to which she did after taking a deep breath.

“Hans, was it?” Celestia asked.

“Yes, Your Highness. I am Leutnant Hans, Second-in-Command.”

“And you must be Ernst,” Luna said as she pointed at the Hauptmann.

“Correct, Your Highness. I am Hauptmann Ernst Gruebel, leader of fifteen man squadron.”

“I am Princess Luna, and to my left is my sister, Princess Celestia.” Luna introduced her and Celestia formally in return.

“It is good to meet you, Your Royalties.”

“Now,” Celestia paused for a moment, “let us start this meeting and the agenda for today. Where did you come from, and how were you able to arrive in Equestria with no magic?” She asked with a calm voice.

He then cleared his throat. “We come from a planet called Earth, our home. As for our arrival, I do not know except for one thing. We were blinded with great light from the dark clouds that loomed above us during our fight with the enemy.”

“Dark Cloud, you say?” Luna interjected.

“Correct, Your Highness. It was unnatural for us to see a thunderous dark cloud in our city. It didn’t harm us and instead brought us here. From there, we searched the School for shelter until we were discovered by Twilight’s students.” Ernst finished explaining himself.

“I see,” Celestia said, “then I can be assured that you are not magical creatures with the intent to harm my subjects.”

“Nor are you here to threaten Equestria as a whole,” Luna added.

“I assure you, Your Highnesses, we mean no harm. In fact, we are here to offer our help in protecting this town should we be unable to find our way back home.” Hans responded.

“Then let us get to the point. The bad news, we are unable to find anything that can send you back home.” Celestia said.

“And the good news?” Ernst asked.
“You will be given permission to build your own shelter should you choose to do so, or if you prefer, you can stay with Princess Twilight and assist her in any way you can.”

Ernst and Hans then looked at each other with a hint of worry in their expressions, before looking back at the Princesses.

“So… we can never return home, Your Highness?” Hans asked worryingly.

“I’m afraid so, Hans. I apologize if we are unable to secure you a way back to your homeland.” Celestia apologized.

“Then, in that case, we shall aid you in any way we can. Hauptmann Ernst and I will see to it that we’ll help safeguard this town.” Hans stood up and gave them a salute, with Ernst doing the same, before sitting back down.

“Then it is settled,” Cadence thought of what to say next for a moment, “on behalf of the Crystal Kingdom, I welcome you to Equestria.”

“And as ruler of Equestria, my sister and I formally welcome you to Equestria,” Celestia added.

“As Princess of Friendship, I welcome you to Equestria. May you find friendship in your stay.” Twilight formally said, ending the series of welcomes.

“Thank you, Your Highnesses,” Ernst said, before standing up and giving a bow.

Not too long, Spike walks out of the kitchen with a push tray that holds various meals he has cooked for the others. “Here you go, Twilight! A set of haycakes as ordered!” Celestia chuckled softly at Spike’s enthusiasm, along with Luna and Cadence. Twilight chuckled as well, embracing the baby dragon warmly.