Berlin, April 25, 1945.
The war for the Germans is clear. Victory is hopeless, defeat is inevitable. These are the words stuck in the minds of the defenders hopelessly trying to repel the invading Soviets to the east and expecting the coalition of US, French and British soldiers marching from the west. It did not help when the Soviets have completely surrounded Berlin in their march for revenge, their determination in defending the fatherland faltering inch by inch as they slowly lose ground from the invaders.
Hauptmann Ernst Gruebel, one of the defenders, knows that surrender is death. The Russians would not give an inch or a shred of mercy had he done this himself, they’d be glad to put a bullet in his forehead instead. He shuddered at the thought of merciless Russians and hope that the western forces would take Berlin instead, seeing that the Americans have bigger chances of showing them mercy. Gripping tightly on his MP40, he awaits the invading Russians as he and the rest of his small squad anxiously dart their eyes on their surroundings, the sounds of screaming, gunfire and explosions draining their confidence.
“So Hans, you think we’ll get out of here in one piece? I heard that the others are making a run for it to the west. Don’t you think we should join them?” Ernst asked.
“I don’t know, Ernst. We started off as a 50 man squad, now we’re down to 15, including our Panzer team.” The Leutnant stopped for a moment, lighting up his cigarette. “I don’t think 25 of us veterans can hold off 100 or more Russians storming through this section of the defense.” He huffed out a puff of smoke, savoring the momentary peace with his cigarette.
Ernst looked over at the Cigarette, as he takes one out from his pocket and gestured to Hans for a light. Doing so after, he joined his comrade in smoking together, as if it was their last. “So this is it for us then,” Ernst said.
“It definitely is,” Hans replied.
“I just pray to the gods that they give us a favor and let us win this one.”
Both men kept smoking their death sticks, savoring the peace that seemed to have lasted for hours.
Not too long, the sounds of gunfire drew closer forcing the two men to drop their cigarettes and cock their guns. “Alright men, eyes open! The enemy draws near!” Ernst ordered, anticipating their revenge-driven enemies.
Both sides exchange gunfire as the defenders try their best to repel the squad of Russian conscripts backed by battle-hardened veterans from behind, with the Panzer III making quick work of the conscripts. The clouds above them darkened as if a raging storm is about to introduce itself, making both sides fear that the rain will affect their fighting capabilities should a storm indeed hamper them down.
“Man down!” Ernst yelled as he dragged the two wounded riflemen off of harm's way, “Sanitater! We have wounded!”
Thunderstorm rocked the area as bolts of lightning struck the charging conscripts, engulfing them in flames. Ernst thanked the gods for their favor, as he keeps up the pressure by firing multiple rounds at the closest enemy troops. “Keep firing, men! The gods favor us this day!” He exclaimed.
The Panzer took a hit, but it did little to damage the hunk of metal as it kept on firing on the conscripts with its explosive rounds, cutting the attackers in half with their ordinances. With the thunderstorm getting increasingly dangerous, the Russians halted their advance and fell back to where they came from, hiding in buildings to avoid getting struck by a bolt.
The battle was short-lived, with the victory to the defenders’ favor.
“Hah, Hahahahahaha! We did it, men! We pushed them back!” Ernst cheered. Yet that cheer turned sour as he looked up at the clouds. The stormy clouds let out one final thunderous bolt, with the men find themselves surrounded by a sudden bright flash of light, making them cover their eyes from the blinding light.
“Ack! What in the hell!?” Ernst exclaimed as he covered his eyes.
Their ears hear muffled blinding noises as the light slowly receded, with Hans lowering his hands and slowly opening his eyes to see if everyone is okay. What he saw instead made his jaw drop.
“Hauptmann Ernst! It’s safe to open your eyes now!” Hans said.
Trusting his Leutnant’s words, he followed suit as well. He is relieved to see that his squadron is okay and accounted for, yet he wasn’t prepared to see what was in front of them. Two buildings, one castle made out of crystals and the other adjacent to the crystal castle what seemed to be like a school made their jaws drop.
“Sir Hauptmann, what the hell happened!? Where are we!? This is not Berlin!” One of the riflemen asked frantically.
“Calm down,” Ernst ordered. “I do not know what that light did to us, but it is clear that we are somewhere else.”
He checked his surroundings, noting the small rustic town to their left, the crystal castle and school on their front. The cool breeze of the night time air somewhat calms down the Hauptmann.
“All right, here’s what we’re going to do. Me and Leutnant Hans will search the school to see if it’s abandoned or not, the rest of you, protect the panzer team. We can’t be sure what’s in store for us in these lands. Do not engage unless you are fired upon. Understood?” Ernst ordered.
The soldiers saluted, as they formed a circle around the panzer, with some laying down makeshift sandbags from the Panzer III’s back, while the Sanitaters focused on stabilizing the two wounded riflemen. The MG crew set up their MG34 facing the rustic town, with the second at the school in any case of an attack coming from the school.
Both Ernst and Hans quickly ran to the entrance of the school, armed with MP40’s and Luger as a sidearm, carrying two sticks of grenades for good measure. Carefully running over the rocks of the pond, they stop to observe the school’s frontal entry points.
“There are two ways we could enter the school. We could either try the obvious one and open the front doors, or use the stairs to the right and enter through that door instead.”
“I suggest we take the obvious route, it doesn’t look like it’s occupied,” Hans suggested.
“That sounds risky, but alright. I’ll lead the way.” Ernst then pushed the doors aside, leaving them in awe from the beauty of the school’s interior. From above, rows of crystals can be seen along with banners and stained glasses, along with a hallway that has various entryways leading to other hallways. Ernst gripped tightly on his MP40, not wanting to let his guard down as he walked down the beautiful corridor, turning left.
With Hans behind, they both searched for clues that the school is abandoned and if they can take shelter in it. They kept on searching only to find that the school is neat and in order, well organized and kept for. It is most definitely not abandoned. On the distance of the hallway they are in, they see a creak of light from the slightly opened door.
Walking slowly towards the door, he nudged the door open with his MP40 and anticipated the worse. Instead, he was greeted with a lit-up lamp that was left by someone. The room is adorned by various bookshelves, shelves with teacups, scrolls, a sofa and a desk on the far end. Behind the desk lies a wall with several pictures of what seemed to be horses and… a dragon?
“Looks like the owner of this school loves to read mythology books.” Hans pointed out after observing the photos. “What do you think, should we stay in here for the night, Hauptmann Ernst?”
“Well,” he paused for a moment, thinking over his options. “I suppose we can stay here for the night while the owner is away. Though we’ll have to find a bigger room and block the entrance. Tell the men to park the Panzer behind the school and have the Panzer team guard the tank, while the remaining soldiers rally along and secure the building.”
“Affirmative, Hauptmann.” Hans saluted and quickly left the room.
After a rigorous study and exam, Smolder, for the most part, has slept in her dorm room for the entirety of the day, feeling tired from all of the exams she took. Snoring loudly, the sleeping dragon was awakened by the light rumbling that seemed to have shooked her bed.
She grumbled and got up, still feeling the rumbling that has woken her up. “What in Equestria was that?” Smolder told herself as she rubbed her eyes.
As soon as she got out of the dorm room, her friends have gathered around as well, some yawning and some wide awake. “What’s going on, guys? Who’s causing that racket!?” Smolder demandingly asked.
“Yona swear she did not cause rumbling!” Yona defensively said.
“Are you sure about that yona? Last time you were sleepwalking and you were stomping loudly!”
“Smolder, calm down.” Ocellus said.
“Guys, come on. We should investigate the cause of this racket. Maybe Counselor Starlight is around, we should go look for her.” Gallus said, opening the door on his way out. The six creatures ventured out to the center of the fountain and towards the entryway that leads to Starlight’s counseling office.
Though as soon as they enter, they heard the sounds of steps that drew closer and closer, the young six hiding behind a wall as Smolder peeked over the corner to see who was inside. Her jaw dropped to see creatures that walk like dragons, yet they seem to be hairless, tan-skinned and wearing weird clothes and carrying sticks.
“What did you see, Smolder?” Silverstream asked.
“Weird creatures. They walk like dragons but… I don’t know exactly what they are. They are carrying some weird sticks, that’s for sure.”
“Maybe they’re new teachers preparing for a camping trip?” Sandbar guessed.
“I doubt it. Headmare Twilight would have introduced them first if that were the case.” Ocellus said with a tone of suspicion.
“Then, in that case, we should confront them and kick them out of the school grounds.”
Smolder then walked out of the corner and approached the door to the counseling office. As soon as she opened the doors, she felt a sting of fear tingling down her spine as she saw the creatures aiming their sticks at them.
“What the hell!?” Ernst exclaimed, aiming his MP40 at Smolder. “What the hell are you?”
“Hey, I'm asking the questions here! Who are you and what are you doing in our school!?” Smolder defiantly asked.
“The creature can talk, Hauptmann Ernst!” One of the soldiers said.
“Yeah, what gives? Why are you trespassing in our school?” Gallus inquired.
“Lower your weapons, men! Let me handle this.” Ernst ordered as he approached Smolder.
“My name is Ernst Gruebel. I am the leader of my squad. Do not worry, we mean no harm to your people.” Ernst carefully said.
Smolder pondered for a moment, before deducing that this creature can be reasoned with. “I’m Smolder, and we mean no harm too. Yet that still doesn’t answer my question, why are you trespassing in our school?!”
“It’s hard to explain, but if I may, I want to speak to whoever is in charge of your school.” Ernst requested.
Smolder then looked over to Gallus and Silverstream. “I need you to wake Headmare Twilight up, tell her that we have guests in our school.”
“On it.” Silverstream and Gallus affirmed in unison.
Thirty minutes have passed, Ernst and the others are kept under watch by Smolder and her friends as Twilight and Starlight entered the auditorium where his men and the creatures are.
“Are those… horses?” Hans asked.
“They look like it, but they seem to be sentient,” Ernst responded.
“Hey! We’re ponies.” Starlight said, feeling offended at their comments.
“Calm down Starlight, we’re here to reason with them.” Twilight then cleared her throat, before speaking again. “Hello, my name is Twilight Sparkle. I am the Headmare of this school, and this is Starlight Glimmer, our school counselor.”
“Greetings, Miss Twilight and Starlight. I am Ernst Gruebel, the commanding leader of my squad.” He carefully said, offering Twilight his right hand to shake.
Twilight offered her hoof in return, with Ernst gripping her hoof and shook it.
“I take it you came through a magical portal from the human world?” Twilight asked.
“No, we did not. I do not know of this magical portal you speak of. In my world, magic is non-existent.”
“Huh, I see. I need to ask Sunset about this.” Twilight said to herself, before looking back at Ernst. “In that case, how did you get here?”
“Yeah, and what’s with those sticks you’re carrying?” Starlight inquired.
“We came from a city called Berlin. My men and I are in a war when a bright light brought us here.”
“So, you’re not from Equestria?” Ocellus asked.
“I do not know what Equestria is, but no. We are not. We come from a planet called Earth.” Hans added.
“Woah. They’re interdimensional species!” Gallus exclaimed.
“Students, calm down and let us do the talking,” Starlight said, “we’ll handle this.”
“I apologize for trespassing in your school, Miss Twilight Sparkle. My men and I aren’t familiar in this strange world of yours, and we only seek shelter until we can find a way back home.” Ernst said in a genuine tone.
“It’s okay, and please call me Twilight. No need for formalities. I know what your species are, Starlight and I have seen humans with our own eyes. Yet I’m curious as to why you aren’t turned into ponies when you were transported in our world.”
“In any case, Twilight, I think we should give them a place to stay in.” Starlight added.
“Hmm, you’re right Starlight,” she paused for a moment, “Is it okay if your men would stay in my Castle? From there, you can rest and I’ll have the Princesses meet you formally.”
“Yes, it is alright with us. Thank you, Twilight.” Ernst said, tipping his helmet down before turning to face his men.
“Alright men, listen up. I know this is weird for you, and no it’s not the drugs. This is all real, and I want you to know that. We are no longer in a place riddled with war and suffering, so I want all of you to lower your weapons and only fire if needed to. Am I clear?”
The men stood up and saluted. “Sir, yes sir!”
“Good.” He then turned back to Twilight and looked down on her. “Lead the way, Twilight.”
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.
