The princesses, in all their years, have never been in a situation like they were in. Two fronts were closing in on them and their options are limited. Their advantage in magic was heavily outweighed by their numbers even with the support of Chrysalis. They feared for their ponies and Changelings safety as their guards lost faith in their capabilities.
Fear of betrayal gripped them as civil unrest was at an all-time high and soldier morale was low. The Crystal Empire was taken by the Ruby Hive and many southern cities were occupied by the Griffins. The frontier dwindled and the last remaining towns and cities that remained under their control was Ponyville and Canterlot because of the high amount of guards in them, but that didn't mean that the casualty count wasn't high in both.
The Canterlot Court was in an uproar as fear and panic slowly settled in. Their cries of fear didn't go in noticed as Celestia tried to think of a solution. Luna was preparing the troops for battle and providing reinforcements, her choice rifle lazily hung over her shoulder. Cadence was captured and questioned for anything that might be important; torture was the method used in questioning. Twilight was waiting for a solution to appear in the form of a letter from Celestia as Spike helped bury the dead. Shining Armor was executed for treason and forbidden use of dark magic.
A mare stood, a panicked look on her face as she spoke her mind; her faith in the princess slowly fading away. "Damn it, Princess! At this rate, Equestria will fall! Our allies abandoned us and the alliance with Chrysalis has resulted in civil unrest in Canterlot! Your previous guard captain was corrupted by dark magic and betrayed us for what?! Complete power and for a mass genocide against the two other races!" The mare yelled as tears fell from her eyes. Memories of the last battle stuck in her mind as the clear image of blood and Gore kept her from moving on. "We need a solution and we need it now!" Her fear gripped her as the princess looked at her in pity, not wanting anyone to be scared the way she was.
"I'm sorry, but unless we convinced any other species to join us, we're stuck in this position," Celestia said as she looked over the battle reports before seeing a picture taken by Sunset Shimmer to show she was alright in her world. The smiled knowing that she was safe and ignorant of the war, but fearful that they'll find her if they take Ponyville. Then it hit her. "What if we ask a species who's experienced in this, but are willing to help other nations." This garnered the attention of the Court as they mumbled to themselves.
"And how do you expect us to do that?" She used her magic to levitate the picture around and show the room. The existence of the mirror may be exposed, but these were dire times.
"In Ponyville, there is a mirror that has the capability to allow others to travel between worlds. We can make our own and have it to our specifics for the type of species we need." With a nod, some of those of the scientific community left to do their work. "Ask Twilight about the mirror! Tell her everything I told you!" Celestia yelled at the scientist as a sense of hope suddenly filled her.
A letter appeared in front of her with a distress message from Luna's battalion. They were surrounded, outnumbered, and facing heavy losses. She wrote back about the plan and to wait until they could get here. She just hoped she wouldn't wear herself out by using to much magic.
Luna leads the troops into battle, her rifle now shouldered and ready to fire as pegasi used clouds as cover to scan the area for any Ruby Changelings. Half of the unicorns had healing spells at the ready while the rest had shield spells for instant cover. Earth Ponies carried the LMGs and Artillery for the battalion.
Luna was proud of her battalion because of the fact that she has won all her battles with them. The brave stallions and mares that joined her were fearless and quick thinkers. Each step they took filled them with anticipation as no man's land slowly came into view.
This was overcome with the sense of dread as an explosive went off with in the middle of the marching troops. Sounds of gunfire came from above as pegasi fell from the air and a war cry echoed through the gunfire. More explosions destroyed the Artillery while a hail of bullets came from all around them. Shields became ineffective as the unending gunfire tore through them with ease. The casualties were raising drastically and those who were lucky gathered close to Luna while she put up an impenetrable shield. She couldn't focus enough to teleport, but now she was down to her last dozen of soldiers. The gunfire stopped as the attackers showed themselves. Almost a thousand Griffins stepped out with guns at the ready. A few were in heavy armor and M134 rotating barrel miniguns. Some had RPG-7s and LMGs at the ready.
"Damn, we played into their hands," Luna said as the obvious leader had a unicorn horn strapped to her waist. Her level 4 Kevlar armor had a few bullets her tactical vest was damaged along with a few magazines that were for her M16A1.
"I'm gonna be completely honest, I didn't think this would work, but I guess some of my luck went with the letter." She said as she admired her work with a cocky smile. Luna glared at her while one of her soldiers secretly wrote a letter to Celestia. Moving wasn't an option unless they wanted to drag the shield or leave a gap big enough to roll a grenade in. They were stuck until a rescue force arrived. "And on top of that, I caught an alicorn. They'll definitely make any deal to take you back." Luna ground her teeth as the poured more magic into the shield.
"You have yet to catch us. As long as the shield stands, we are not your prisoner." Luna said as she readied her gun and selected full-auto fire.
"I'm reasonable Princess Luna. I honestly didn't want this war to happen, but my king and queen demands it."
"They are nothing, but power-hungry cowards!"
"Known all too well, but they appeal to the masses and you've refused to hand over the Elements of Harmony. With the power the ponies now possess, you are a great threat to us." Luna didn't say anything else and waited for a response. One of her soldiers, a Changeling male with transparent, pale cyan hair and pale cyan eyes came up behind her and whispered.
"The princess has come up with an idea that may help us. It's being worked on as we speak. If all goes according to plan, we should have to hold out for a few days." He said causing her to nod before he retreated back into the small crowd of soldiers.
"All we have to do is wait. Should be easy." Luna said as she sat down on the ground and pulled out an MRE. "Eat up! We're gonna be here for a long time." She knew they only had three days before the shield fell and their capture. A shield of this magnitude needed a lot of magic, especially if it was supposed to block mini gunfire. Time was no longer on their side.
"Sir, are you sure? We could use them to finally end this war. They have just what we needed." A scientist rebuttal as he tried to convince his king before the king's claw came down on the arm of his thrown. Cracks formed on the marble chair, a testament to his strength both politically and physically.
"No, we have the firepower and the numbers. We can send millions of our soldiers there and wipe out any resistance before it appears." The king responds firmly and with conviction. "We will not speak of this again." The scientist turned around and left, muttering a few choice words under his breath to vent his anger.
He walks for miles through the castle while keeping an eye on the soldiers lined up for the invasion. They were talking, eating, or just don't nothing while the time passed. The soldiers slowly gave way to another scientist as they ran to and from a room while carrying wires and papers.
"Damn it!" A female griffin said as she tripped over a wire in her haste to connect all as soon as possible. The male scientist held out his hand for her to take. She was much younger than the older scientist, but the difference between them was vast with one specializing in electricity and the other in magic theory.
"You okay, Alice?" The male scientist asked as the female griffin, now known as Alice, took his hand and helped her to her feet.
"Perfect! I guess I got carried away with connecting everything to the power supply." She said while dusting off her lab coat for a second and connecting the last and final wire to the power supply.
"I'm still impressed by this. You build this in just a few weeks. If you don't mind, can you tell me how it works." He asked as she gave him a cheeky grin that just screamed mischief.
"Magic." She answered while doing Jaz's hands causing the male griffin to chuckle.
"I'm serious, Alice. Your starting to sound like the ponies." They laughed a little she tried to calm down.
"I know. I just wanted to have a little fun." She walked over to the machine and patted it with pride. "It's a magic generator. It takes the abundant magic in the air and turns it into power. The wires are hooked to coils, that are able to conduct magic extremely well, so the mirror will react to it and create the portal." She paused, a small part of her wanting to say it needed more time. Her invention was supposed to connect the empire with other countries so that travel was quicker. She didn't like how her dream was twisted, perverted, and repurposed for war. "Did he..."
"No. He's not how he was three months ago. I don't know what happened, how it happened, or when this originally began, but unless we want to be tried for treason; we have to do this. His deadline is today." She gulped as she prepared to open the portal.
He stood beside her as the magic filled the mirror as planned while the mirror rippled and images began to form of a city not of their own. Three other mirrors activated with different, yet the same, energy sources before Griffins and Changelings entered the portals by the thousands. More, smaller portals began to activate and hundreds flooded those.
"Please be safe humans."
The United States was in a panic as many large cities were overrun by an unknown enemy. All law enforcement was taken out and the military mobilized to counter the attack. Civilians ran in panic as the unknown army advanced farther into their country. Many appeared indifferent, heavily populated areas. Manhattan was the first to fall, followed closely by the Florida Keys, then Los Angeles after a massive bombing run killing anyone still in the city, and finally was Seattle when the military was overwhelmed by the sheer numbers of the invading force.
The other case of this was in the Middle East as nations armies and Americans engaged the threat as soon as it was called in many fell. More and more casualties added to the already staggeringly high number of both soldiers and civilians alike. Hours flew by as the nations banded together to take on the bigger threat. It didn't matter as they were killed swiftly and easily. Within twelve hours, the Middle East, and the world's oil supply was in the hands of the Invaders.
Russia held the line after Moscow was taken. Much luck the United States, they were able to keep the Invaders at bay while cities were evacuated to a more secure location. Immediately, construction workers were put to work to build a compound where both civilians and soldiers could hide without fear of a bunker-buster killing them. They took everything useful, including nuclear missile locations as well as launch codes.
Last to fall was all of Europe as millions of the unknown creatures slaughtered them like cattle. Major military bases were hit the hardest and task forces were sent away to aid Russia in evacuation and preventing their nukes from getting in their hands. All the nukes made were decommissioned and Major parts destroyed to prevent them from being used against them. France took a different approach as they did the unthinkable after their people were completely evacuated. They detonated all 210 of their nukes. It would be uninhabitable for hundreds of years.
All this happened in one day, four-sevenths of the world's population was dead after three days. This began a worldwide state of emergency as nations were trying to recover as South America and Africa were next. The next day, South America was in flames and Africa was occupied. The remaining Nations needed something and they needed it now. Humanity was facing a war that could end in their Extinction.
A massive draft was declared as every one of different ages and ethnicities was unlisted. By the end of the day, two half of what's left of humanity was unlisted with thirty present being children eight or older. Despite times call for despite measures, but only one volunteered and he was pissed at the Invaders.
(A day after Earth's invasion)
Celestia was working on a plan to help her sister as the scientist returned back to the princess with good news. "Princess. We have completed our research and should be able to construct the portal in two days' time. Our best spell casters are working on making the time limit for the portal to recharge much quicker." She yelled as Celestia smiled at the news. Just then a parchment appeared in front of her with the seal of the rogue griffin's who was sending them info that would be important.
She read it and her mood shifted to something of fear and horror as the Griffin's newest conquest came to her attention. It had specifics of what needed to be built and how. The ponies may have just gotten the solution they needed and if they could have them as an ally, then they themselves would be a force to be reckoned with.
Day two came and with the specifics sent by Rogue, the Rogue Griffin, and the portal was built. They needed an hour for the large battery to charge as another message from Rogue was sent to them. Humanity was getting closer extinction as over four billion killed within a matter of twenty-four hours. A massive draft forced men, women, and children to fight for what was left. All they needed was an hour and the first contact would be established.
This may be a turning point in the war.
"Feels weird being here." I said as I leaned over a railing. Below me was a rock wall the ocean waves crashed against.
The Florida Keys... Despite living in Florida for nearly five years before my enlistment, I've never gone farther south than Miami. Then again, knowing Florida, that's probably for the best.
"You're an adult now, I don't have to worry to much about you now." My dad said as he walk beside me. The side of his shorts bulged from the handgun he had on him. A clear indicator that he didn't feel safe here.
"You'd probably feel better if I also had a concealed carry." He didn't say anything, but I could feel his amused smirk.
"Not at all, but I did find us a good range to shoot at."
"Bullshit." He showed me his phone screen and it showed an indoor range.
"I even got a second holster so you can practice on the Glock." Of course he wouldn't let me practice on his SiG. Then again, I don't have the money or age for any kind of handgun.
"James and Nidia aren't going to like it much." My dad and I often bonded with things that my brother and stepmom didn't like.
"Yeah..." He leaned on the railing with me as we stared out to the ocean. "A whole year since you joined and since you came back home."
"If I didn't fail Airborne school I could've been deployed already." Fort Liberty, formally Fort Bragg, was deploying units overseas in response to the whole Israeli conflict. I personally didn't know much about it and there looks to be a lot of conflict stateside about deployment. I'm trying to stay out of the debates as much as possible since I don't know too much about this.
"You didn't even know what unit you were going to until you got to it, bud." He's not wrong. To be fair, I couldn't check regardless if I wanted to. Even if I called and asked, then I'd get extra duty because the civilian in charge of getting our orders would complain to the Black Hats. The hold over battalion was seriously messed up which how it did things.
"At least the change of command didn't affect my Holiday Block Leave." I slumped on the railing with a sigh. The whole issue with the rest of the brigade coming back from deployment. All the details did a number on my skinny body. "I needed this."
"Says the N6." Okay, that's fair.
"Shut up, Squid." Today was a good day.
...
Why do I hear engines?
"The fuck are those?" Dad asked as I looked at him. I looked in the direction he was looking at. For a split second, I saw tiny specks in the distance.
The figures zoomed over us at the speed of jets. Not like the F-15s or F-16, but the F-22s or the F-35s. Yet, they had the same shape as people. Much smaller than normal fix winged aircraft. A few of them even had moch cones around them. It was... Incredible, impossible, but I saw it.
Then my ears began to ring as I was thrown over the railing and onto the rocks. It wasn't a long fall, but the rocks definitely made it painful. Being the lucky son of a bitch I am, I managed to walk out with minor injuries. Seconds later after my recovery, the vague sound of rifle and pistol fire made me cover my ears to prevent further damage.
Eventually, it died down before another round of super sonic creatures flew overhead. I needed a sweep of the situation now. With were I am, I'm a sitting duck. Not to mention that I'm wearing clothes that make me a screaming beacon.
I jumped up and grabbed the concrete ledge; a portion crumbled to the rocks below me. I would have fell if my hand didn't grab the railing I was leaning on earlier. Of course I swept the area for any of those flying creatures. I saw a lot in the air right now.
With their speed, they could easily have air superiority until a military response can intercept them. Helicopters and drones would be a bad idea for sure as a means of attack. I need a way to get in contact with the local police and/or the National Guard. I've heard about a military water insertion exercise my mom saw when she was in the Keys, but I don't know how far the actual base is.
I got my answer as an F-18 and F-35 zoomed overhead. More planes zoomed overhead ranging from the F-15 to the aforementioned F-35.
...
Planes are cool.
However, I couldn't marvel at the dogfight above. I needed cover or concealment. I pulled myself just above the ledge to servay the area. Mangled bodies and craters littered the once peaceful location. Not to mention... Several police.
Don't get me wrong, what was happening was awful and I sight of the corpses made me want to puke, but there is a bright side to all of this. Mainly, a radio. Of course, most military radios are encrypted... But there is one frequency they leave open.
I checked the area before pulling myself over the railing and running to the closest cop. I grab his radio and weapon, an AR platform rifle, before heading to the closest building. Even if it's obvious, I had to have something. The frequencies I knew were set aside for military use.
How would I know? Because I made it my job to know.
"All units on this frequency, I'm currently on the ground south side of the island. I need a SITREP, how copy." I spoke as another wave of those flying creatures zoomed overhead. I fully expect to have to offset the frequencies or try another frequency, but...
"This is Gunnery Sergeant Malborne, who's talking, over." A gruff sounding voice said as the radio crackled to life. I silently prayed for continual luck as I scanned the area.
I was looking for three people in particular, but with how the bodies were; it was a pointless endeavor. I just had to hope my dad, brother, and stepmom survived. Even if I was just fooling myself, confidence and a goal can do wonders.
"This is PFC Herrero, US Army. I'm in the dark and at ground zero. Break." I scanned the area again to get an accurate count of the bodies but it was pointless without matching limbs with bodies. "There's mass civilian casualties at my location and law enforcement has been killed. What the hell is going on, over."
"The situation is unknown. We have Guard and reserved units in the area trying to shoot back, break." The transmission cut for a second. It was just to make sure the frequency could be left open for more urgent transmissions since you can't be talking on a frequency when it's in use. "50 Cal. is the only thing getting through their armor. Break." Another pause. He's probably getting more info on the situation. "We got special forces coming in. Helicopters are grounded and we have a battle group heading our way. Over."
"What about ground vehicles, over."
"Wait one."
I placed the radio on a table. I was going to use it as temporary concealment until I got a response. Anything is better than nothing. I doubt that any soldier would fire through smoke without an idea of where their enemy is and the same goes for solid objects.
It took about five minutes before a sound assaulted my ears. It was a US National Emergency Alert. As I opened my phone to read it, the radio came to life.
"Ground vehicles are disabled. We're waiting for the battle group, how copy." Despite hearing the best news since the start of the attack, I was more focused on my phone. "Private Herrero, how copy?"
"Break, break, break! National Alert, West Coast is under attack, South America is under attack, the Middle East is under attack, Europe is under attack, Africa is occupied, and DC is under attack! Break!" I waited a second before sending the next half of the message. "Radio signals are going down. All radio connections going outside of the Americas are down. Canada is mobilizing to aid the US, break!" I couldn't help but panic as more and more news came in. "Sergeant, they're hitting us everywhere! Everywhere in the world is under attack, over!"
"Focus, private. Get back to friendly lines and we'll get you ready, over!" I turned off my phone completely and I lifted my weapon with shaky hands. "Have you ever seen combat?" I looked at my radio. The informal transmission along with dropping radio etiquette made me relax for some reason.
"Negative, over." Honestly, I wish I made that deployment now. This sucks to be my first combat experience. Behind enemy lines and with no team, bad combination.
"Alright, keep low. Get whatever weapon you can and avoid using it as much as possible. And make it to the northern most part of Key West. Good luck. Out." He's probably going to keep radio silence to make sure I don't get caught. I'm in a very bad place for him to come in randomly and give me info.
The building vibrated as another wave flew over. It was followed by another as gunfire echoed. Then there was a crash. I pocketed the radio, turning the volume down just in case, and looked around the area to servay where the crash came from.
Three buildings down was a building with a massive hole on the second floor. Possibly one of those things crashing after getting shot down... That's valuable intel.
Keeping a low profile, I exited the building with my gun trained down the road. Occasionally I would look back to check my six since the road I was walking on was the road the waves flew over.
Finally, I made it to the building the downed fighter was in. That was a massive win and now it's time for me to make my move. My worn shoes carefully stepped on hard wood floors while avoiding as much glass as I could. Of course I would check my corners and avoid standing in the middle of the rooms, halls, and doorways. I needed to be slow and listen to what was behind the walls.
I didn't hear anything on the lower floors, but on the upper ones was a complete different story. I could hear bumps and the sounds of talking. One sounded calm while the other sounded weak. They were definitely speaking English, with what little I could hear, but it was so muffled that I couldn't tell what they were saying.
I walked up the stairs after ditching my shoes. The glass stuck in them would give me away. My anxiety rose with each step I took knowing that I could be close to whatever was on the top floor. Tunnel vision began to take over before I froze to calm myself. I needed to be at one hundred percent if I wanted my first encounter with these things to go well... Relatively. I really don't want to die from a stupid mistake.
It was easy to tell which room the voices were coming from if the massive hole in the ceiling was anything to go by. If that wasn't enough proof, only one room had a massive amount of natural light slipping beneath the door.
Bad news, the door opened outwards. I'll have to throw the door open towards me if I want to breach. Not to mention that the risk of getting hit is nearly guaranteed since I'll be both breacher and point man. I just have to be ready and minimize the amount of time I got opening the door.
With my hand on the pistol grip, I got my hand as close as I could to the handle without touching it. This will be my first official breach, but it could also be my last.
Do the risks out weigh the reward?
Shit. I'm this close, I can't back down now. Besides, I have the element of surprise.
"Three." I whispered my mind racing as my heart thumped in my chest. "Two." My hand got even closer and was even in the process of gripping the knob. "One." Fuck it. Time to send it!
I threw the door open and pointed at of the creatures.
"Hands up, hands up!" I yelled as the sun assaulted my vision for a split second. Luckily, my glasses were still transitioning from outdoor to indoor so I could still keep my eyes on them. Much to my shock, they did as they asked.
"What the hell? We thought the main force was already being delt with." One said as they saw me.
"They are, you're just unlucky that I was on this side." Even if it was a lie, an act can keep someone safe. Confidence speaks. "Kick your weapons over here." The one who talked kicked their weapon over to me. It was a fucking XM8. An old experimental rifle that was tested against the M16 to replace it at one point. It never did, but it's still considered one of my favorite guns. "Your friend's too."
"She can't... She's hurt." The one talking said before I stepped closer.
"I didn't say she had to. You do it." The one that apparently did all the talking shifted to the side of her friend before sliding her weapon to me. "Type of wound..."
"What?"
What type of wound does she have?"
"A bullet to the abdomen. If I treat her then-."
"Treat her. Tie her hands first." She did as I said. One is a good source and a second one is even better.
The talking one tired her friend's hands into the air. I know why she did, but it didn't help my anxiety. She began to treat her friend, but I did a through pat down first and got their hand guns.
"Why are you trying to keep her alive." The one talking asked.
"Information. If one of you doesn't talk, then I can kill one as an example." I responded as she continued to work on her friend. "Why doesn't normal rounds work?"
"Neither of us will answer. Changelings and Griffins won't give into intimidation." She didn't bother looking at me.
"I guess the same goes for killing civilians. Lack of fear and morals." That made her glare at him. She was about to confront him, but realized he had the gun.
"This is a military base." She countered.
"A base isn't just a fortified position. It's also a town inside. Men women and children live here and you were a bit off and missed the base." She looked as if she was in thought. Was there a mistake or mis informed. Considering how close it is, it could be either or. "Radios, hand them over."
"Radios? What are those?" I looked for any sign of lying. Nervousness, eyes looking anywhere but mine, or even a sign of anxiety... Nothing. That was big information.
I grabbed the radio and lifted it to my mouth. The action confused them, but they couldn't act anyway.
"Break, break, break. Enemy doesn't have radios, don't worry about them tapping the net, over." I reported into the radio.
"Solid copy, good find soldier, out." A different voice said other than Sergeant Malborne. Probably the RTO he took the radio from earlier.
"What can I do to get info out of you?" The only good one glared at me, but still kept her body language calm.
"You can't. We won't be swayed." She responded before I looked at her friend.
"Then we'll do this the hard way." I shot her in the right arm and she let out a grunt.
"What the fuck?! I didn't do anything!" She yelled before she saw my smile.
"Exactly. I know you won't leave your battle buddy, so I made sure you can't carry her." They're definitely more expressive than humans because her surprise was easy to read. "You were doing more dexterous work with your right hand, so it was easy to tell which one was your dominant."
I grabbed their rifles and handguns before lifting the wounded one to carry. I carried her in a way that my dominate hand was still ready. The method was taught to my in my AIT.
"Come on." I made sure she was in front of me. If she attacked, then I could easily respond.
It sounds like the waves stopped coming. No rattling of glass or objects nor the sounds of jets. I slipped on my shoes so I wouldn't get glass in my feet. Once in my life is more than enough.
"Anyone on the net, I'm moving towards friendly lines with two prisoners. Keep me updated on the shift of lines, over." Without a JBC, the placement of friendly units would have to be determined entirely by radio. I'll need a compass if I want to give accurate location information.
"Hold on, did you say prisoners, over." A new, younger voice said over the net.
"I did, one is wounded, but alive and the other has a bullet to the arm. Prep MEDEVAC for treatment, over."
"Are we sure this kid is Army and not a Devil Dog or for, god forbid, a Sea Bee, over." A much older voice said over the net. Probably an officer on a handheld.
"Credentials check out, he's an Army Boot. Half a year out of training, over." Sergeant Malborne said with a hint of amusement.
"MEDEVAC called and on standby. Get back here you lucky sonuvabitch, over." Another young voice said over the net.
As if on que, the sounds of gunfire off in the distance became more ferocious and frequent. I didn't need to see it to tell the whatever unit here is fighting even harder.
"What happened?" The, mostly, uninjured creature looked in the direction of the frontline.
"Motivation. Motivation happened." I said before I poked her in the back with her handgun. "Now move." She kept walking as did I. Keeping to alleys as much as possible. I'm now a massive target.
