Of War, Honor, and Ponies

4:30 P.M.
November 26th, 1932
Sweet Apple Acres

Applejack was sitting on her porch after a long days work maintaining the farm. Her day would have been less tiring if it weren't for the smoke plumes popping up out from the west in the nearby valley. In case of a large scale fire, she prepared Sweet Apple Acres for any possible fire that could break out. However, Applejack did not prepare to look up and see the Mail-Pony Derpy Hooves flying frantically towards her. As she got closer, Applejack could see her face stricken with fear and terror as if she saw Nightmare Moon return right before her eyes. Finally, Derpy landed in-front of the porch and began yelling and panting at the same time, "CREATURES... THEY.... MARCHING.... PONYVILLE.... DANGER!" Applejack was trying to make sense of it and quickly got a glass of water for Derpy to drink and finally said "Alright Derpy, use your words now. What in tarnation are you even trying to say. No pony can understand you if you are too busy panting and wheezing." Finally, Derpy was able to use her words and began to explain.

"There were these weird bipedal creatures and a large compound of sorts, they came out of nowhere in the valley west of here. When I went to investigate their camp, they had strange wooden sticks and fired them against me. I barely made it out only to find maybe a hundred.... no.... HUNDREDS of them marching towards Ponyville. We have to warn everypony Applejack!"

Taken back by what she just heard from Derpy, Applejack took a moment to think and finally yelled "Big Mac! Go get Applebloom and Granny Smith! We are leaving now!" She then turned back to Derpy and said "We have to get to Twilight, she might know what to do about this." Derpy nodded her still shocked head in agreement. Within a couple of minutes, they were off to go warn the rest of Ponyville and get Twilight's help.

*** *** ***

3:30 P.M.
November 26th, 1932
Dresden Infantry School, 10 km West of Ponyville

Schörner still could not believe his eyes, he had just seen an actual pegasus, just like all the other men had. A thought drifted into the back of his head... "Am I in Heaven?" But then again, he remembered the lashing that Lucie Rommel had given him and then thought "After that Swabian's bitch, I must be in hell." But reality finally struck him. He was here, just like all the other men and women (and even some children). He gave himself a few more moments before getting back to helping organize the Infantry School Cadets into proper soldiers. "I wonder how that Swabian is fairing, hopefully he gets something stuck up his arrogant ass" he cheerfully thought.

*** *** ***

5:00 P.M.
November 26th, 1932
Sweet Apple Acres

As the 12th Regiment advanced through the snowy fields, they finally cam across a large Apple Orchard titled "Sweet Apple Acres". Seeing as the men were showing signs of slight fatigue, Rommel decided that it would be best to have the Regiment garrison the area and finally rest. However, he would have to check the farm for any occupants as even though they were in a foreign land, one must remember that they were soldiers still representing their nation and army with pride and had to show that they were not barbarians stealing someone's property. Taking two men by the names of Private Friedhelm and Lance Corporal Ritter, they proceeded to what seemed to be the orchard owner's home. Once they finally reached the door, they realized that everything was slightly out of proportion in this world, well.... mainly the buildings. Rommel was 5ft 6in and he nearly reached the top of the door itself while the two men beside him were taller than the door itself. For a brief second, the three men looked at each other and then finally knocked on the door.

"Hm, no answer" thought Rommel. Just to be sure, he would knock again. "Still no answer." Then it became clear to him that the occupants had left. Even more surprisingly, the door was unlocked. As the three men walked inside, it was clear that the home's former inhabitants left in a hurry as the food in the dining room table was still somewhat warm. Even the fire was still burning brightly. Once again, the proportions were very much off inside the home. Everything looked like what you would expect to see in an western movie that the Americans make, except it was scaled down for children. Finally after the farm had been secured, the 12th Regiment garrisoned the area and rested. This would be short lived once they got the radio working.

*** *** ***

5:15 P.M.
November 26th, 1932
Dresden Infantry School, 10km West of Ponyville

"Major Rommel, come in. This is Colonel Meckleburg. I repeat, Major Rommel, report." Colonel Augustus Meckleburg was urgently waiting a response. The sight of that damned pegasus had everyone on edge and now everyone was wondering about the safety of the 12th Regiment. It might had been just about merely 3 hours since they left the compound but everyone was on edge. Soldiers were posted round the clock now and the rest of the division was being readied to move out and support the 12th if needed.

Suddenly, the radio began to crackle and a voice with a Swabian lisp came from the earpiece. "This is Major Rommel, reporting Colonel."

"Finally, an answer" the Colonel thought. Immediately, the got down to business. "Good to hear you Major, what is there to report?"

"We have come across what seems to be a farm, mind you that it seems that the beings here are of lesser size than normal human beings. Are there any new developments that I should be aware of Colonel?"

"Yes, but first, tell me... have you by any chance... seen a gray pegasus flying around?"

The mic would not reply for a few seconds. "I think Rommel believes me to have gone near mad" Meckleburg thought. "Can't say I blame him."

Finally, it came. "No Colonel, neither me nor my men have seen any sort of pegasus flying around. What had happened while we were gone?"

"Do not worry about that Major, just worry about the task at hand. I want you to send a scout group... no I want you to move the entire regiment further east once the rest of the division gets to your position. We do not know what we are facing so we will not take any chances. Is that understood Major?"

"Yes, Colonel." the radio crackled. "This is Major Rommel, signing off and awaiting your arrival."

Meckleburg put the radio microphone down and began to think. "What if we are in over our heads." he thought. But then reality once again struck. Himself, and thousands of men, some women, and even some children, are currently trapped in a strange new world. They had the shelter of an entire military infantry school but with as many people as there were, food would have to be heavily rationed until a stable food source could be found, and electricity would be used only for important military functions. The generator could run on coal but given their current circumstances, everything needed to be rationed before it became scarce. "I hope we may find civilization." Finally, after clearing his thoughts, the Colonel went back to work in helping get the division to Rommel's location.

*** *** ***

15 Minutes Earlier

5:00 P.M.
November 26th, 1932
Ponyville Library

Twilight Sparkle was in her library organizing a few books shelves when she saw her door nearly break in half as the Apple family and Derpy Hooves rushed inside in a frenzy with large tracks of snow following behind them. They looked like they had seen a great terror but before she could go straight to conclusions, she had to ask questions. "Is everypony alright? Why do you all seem like you have just witnessed Nightmare Moon be reborn right before your eyes?" She asked. As soon as she asked her question, all of the ponies present had answered all at once and there was so much being spewed out of their mouths, she could not even hear herself think. Finally, she yelled "Alright, one pony at a time now!" The sudden outburst made everyone silent for a few seconds before Applejack spoke up. "Twi, we got a problem."

For the next 30 minutes, Applejack and Derpy explained what they had seen. Strange bipedal creatures that seemed to be wearing grayish black uniforms with what seemed to be metal helmets marched in from the valley from the west. Apparently, they had an entire building complex from what Derpy. Before she could get a closer look, the creatures raised a bunch of wooden sticks and fired small metal objects at a pretty fast speed towards her. When she was flying back to Ponyville, she flew over what she believed to be hundreds of the creatures marching in a formation towards Ponyville. That is how she was able to warn Applejack and she and her family evacuated in time before the creatures came to the farm.

"Celestia must know of this right this instant. Spike! We must write a letter to Celestia, immediately!" Within 30 seconds, Spike came downstairs with quill and paper ready and began to right everything that Twilight had him right now. And by everything, she meant everything. All the details, that the witnesses had given them, the location of the creatures, and their size in numbers was crammed onto that small piece of paper. By the time it was done, the handwriting was almost small enough to require a magnifying glass.

"You got it all Spike?"

Clenching his wrist after all that writing, "Yeah, I got it all."

"Well then what are you waiting for? Time is of the essence. Send it!"

And just like that, the letter was sent, and now, the fun of waiting began.

*** *** ***

4 Hours Later

9:00 P.M.
November 26th, 1932
Sweet Apple Acres, 4th Reichwehr Divisional Headquarters

It took 3 hours for the rest of the 4th Reichswehr Division to march from wherever the Infantry Academy and Division encampment was to the farm. All in all, 3 infantry regiments, an artillery regiment, an engineering, signals, medical and transportation battalion had arrived and gathered at the farm. From what some advance scouts saw, there was a village... full of horses... just about a few kilometers east of the farm. While the officers waited, some enlisted men were quite tempted to feast upon the apples that were in the farm. However, every-time they attempted to pick even one apple from a tree, they were given a look by their Sergeant that shook them to the core. The General Von Gienanth had ordered that property was not to be plundered. They were not invaders but rather lost soldiers. His men understood that but there were some who could not hold back their temptation. Therefore the NCOs were tasked with maintaining the General's orders.

By the time the officers were done planning, night had fallen and the entire orchard turned into a large divisional encampment with tents and cooking stations all around the area. The plan was simple, march the 12th into the Village and attempt to make contact with any sort of civilization. If they could even so much as make contact with a regional leader, their orders were to stay put and wait for a formal presentation from said leader and they would lead them back to the divisional leadership to discuss their current situation. It was simple enough, but most of these men had never been to war before and the officers knew that. Once again, Von Gienanth would place Rommel incharge of the 12th seeing that he seemed to understand peacetime conduct and would probably not start a war. They would move out in the morning but for now, they all had to rest. Supplies at the Academy were already running low and coal was needed to fix the power situation.

"Forget us as individual soldiers men, we must not remember the women and children back at the camp. I expect... no... I REQUIRE that you all conduct yourselves honorably and show this world that we are not invaders or barbarians, but civilized honorable soldiers." he told his men. Seeing how they conducted themselves ever since their arrival, he knew he could count on them.

*** *** ***

10:00 P.M.
November 26th, 1932
Ponyville Library

Night had fallen and Twilight paced around waiting for an answer. "Every hour we wait, those bipedal creatures have more time to make their move" she thought. Finally, she heard Spike coughing and when she looked towards him, it looked like he was near choking. Twilight wrapped her hooves around Spike and prepared to do the Heimlich maneuver when he suddenly coughed up the large letter. Immediately, they dove right into reading it.

"To my faithful student Twilight Sparkle, I have read your previous letter and all I can say is for you to gather the rest of the elements in Ponyville. A Royal Guards Regiment is being sent from Canterlot to Ponyville at the time you are receiving this letter. It should take about 3-4 hours though as the entire regiment must be organized and equipped. Be patient my little pony, if these creatures are willing to communicate, then maybe we can come to an agreement with them. Until then, do not provoke them and do not cause any quarrel with them. I have faith in you and the other elements, always remember that. Signed, Her Royal Majesty Celestia."

Applejack and Twilight under Princess Celestia's handwritten letter and saw below troop estimates and what they should expect coming from the Royal Guards Regiment. It was fairly large, 3 earth-pony companies, 2 unicorn companies, and 1 pegasus company, complete with medical support and a full blown military police company. Such a formation was unheard of in Equestria for some time now and the fact that they were all coming to Ponyville to meet or possibly battle these creatures shows the importance of what might happen in the coming days. Now, though, they had to get the others.

*** *** ***

12:15 A.M.
November 27th, 1932
Library Ponyville

Nearly a quarter past midnight, the Elements of Harmony gathered around Twilight's fireplace. The news to them all was shocking at most. For a few minutes, silence dominated the room as the snow outside began to fall again. Finally, after what seemed like hours, Fluttershy spoke. "What do the creatures want with us?" she said, her voice more fearful than usual. Nobody could answer that question. Once again, silence dominated the room. The Applejack spoke up, "I don't know y'all. But me and mah family just lost our home to them creatures. Ah don't know if they mean us any harm, but ah sure don't want them to on mah family's property."

Before anypony else spoke, a knock came from the door. Stricken with fear that the creatures had invaded Ponyville, nopony answered the door until Rainbow Dash finally got up and flew to the door. Closing her eyes in fear as she slowly opened it, they were all relieved to see Twilight's big brother, Shining Armor, at the door. "Shining!" Twilight yelled as she galloped towards her brother. As he entered the library, all of them took notice that he was in full combat armor and had 2 men stationed outside.

"I thought you would not be here for another 2 hours!" Twilight exclaimed as she gave her brother a big hug.

"The Regiment has already been organized, we are just transporting the Regiment now. It should not take a little more than 2 hours before everypony is here." her brother said as he hugged her back.

Immediately, everypony in the room sighed in relief until Shining explained, "However, before the rest of the Regiment gets here, I need everypony's help in the beginning of the town's evacuation and to build barricades. With the information that you gave us on the enemy's size, we need every hoof we can get."

Suddenly, Rarity asked Shining, "How do you know that these creatures are enemies? They have not provoked us yet and they do not seem hostile. In-fact, from what I have been told, they do seem to possess some taste in fashion." She was obviously interested in the grey uniforms that the creatures wore.

"Wrong, as Derpy already explained, they fired their weapons upon her and they have already taken over Sweet Apple Acres, until we can even so much as establish a line of communication with the creatures, we must consider them hostile."

Finally, no more questions were asked. For the next 6 hours, the Royal Guard Regiment, the Mane 6, and the citizens of Ponyville prepared for the possible battle to come. As soon as daybreak hit, all they could do was wait.

*** *** ***

8:00 A.M.
November 27th, 1932
Sweet Apple Acres, 4th Reichswehr Divisional Headquarters

As quick as night had fell, daylight had risen and the snowy fields and orchards of Sweet Apple Acres suddenly came to life. The 4th Reichswehr Division woke up in unison and prepared for the following day's possible incursion. As General Von Gienanth inspected the ranks, he noticed one Private who was sweating. As he came closer he noticed that the Private was shaking slightly as well. He walked over and asked him, "Private, how can you sweat so profusely in this cold?"

"My General, I must admit to you that I am very nervous." The Private exclaimed.

"Nervous about what Private, you may tell me for I am listening." Von Gienanth replied in a more father-like manner.

"Well, I am nervous as I have never seen battle before my General, and I wonder.... will we ever return home to Germany?" The Private replied. Von Gienanth could tell that the Private was very nervous just from the tremble in his voice.

"Private, I can personally promise not just you, but all of you that we shall find a way to return to Germany. Whatever it shall take." Von Gienanth replied. Almost immediately, the Private seemed to have regained his spirits as he could tell the general's words were sincere. After the inspection and a short speech, the 4th Division watched the 12th Regiment march off east into the village in hopes of finding civilization.