Chapters Beyond Equestria's Border
Far beyond the Borders of Equestria, lay a network of earthworks and trenches. These trenches were manned by the Equestrian Expedition force. Their mission was to defend this part of the border from invasion, a task that they had been doing for the past five years. After some early battles, the situation had quickly bogged down into trench warfare between the Expedition Force and the mysterious invaders.
No one had any clue what they enemy looked like, they only saw the enemy's cannon fodder, which consisted of Diamond dogs, Dragons, timberwolves, and the occasional changeling.
The leader of one particular part of the army, Commander Meteor Mash, has no problem with the bleak life in the trenches, and is content to continue waging the war.
That all changes one day, when he receives a letter.
XXXX
Commander Meteor Mash was walking back to the foxhole that his squad was currentley sitting in. The sun was out, the wildlife was calling from the forest, the wind ruffled his mane, now graying from age, it was a perfect day.
Which instantly put him on guard. The enemy on the other side of no-pony land never let the troops get a break. the only time there was a break was if they were prepping another attack. He had learned never to let his guard down.
He arrived at the hole his squad mates were sitting in, sliding down the side and landing near the pegasus of the squad, Hail Storm. Hail Storm had grown up in Cloudsdale, but had left the second he was old enough to. The man was orphan, never knew his parents. The his coat was a light purple, which used to get him insults from the other soldiers. They had promptly shut up when he showed them how good he was with a crossbow, dispatching several timberwolves in a few seconds.
Sitting next to him was the loud mouthed unicorn of the squad, Rampart. Really lucky with the mares if you listened to him talk but all the commander cared about was his Rampart’s skills in combat. He was indeed skilled, being very good at combat magic and skilled with the cavalry saber. He had been a royal guard until he decided he could do more good on the frontlines of fighting
Sitting next to him was his polar opposite, personality wise. The gray unicorn named Falkenhayen, was a rather timid, quiet stallion. He had the same sort of accent as the famous fashion desinger Photo Finish. While he might be quiet outside of combat, during it, he was a ferocious warrior who would roar battle crys in his native language.
Nearby was a pony from the highlands of Equestria(Think Scotland) named Dufford. An earth pony of humble farming origins, he had proven himself a valuable assest, being courageous and a skilled warrior. He did not use a cavalry saber like the rest of the squad, using a heavy claymore sword instead.
That was all the ponies who were in his team, the other members were a bit more, diverse.
On the other side of the hole sat a large, grey buffalo. His name was Thunder Rolling in the Mountains. Commander Meteor Mash had met him on the edge of Buffalo Territory years ago. The Buffalo had joined the team, stating that he would do his best to help the commander. Being a much larger than the ponies, he needed modified weapons and armor. He was a rather serene and wise creature, but when he was angry, watch out.
Sitting next to him was a diamond dog. While most diamond dogs kept to themselves, this particular one, named masticator, had left his colony to seek his fortune and explore the world. Commander meteor mash had stumbled on him beating a medium sized dragon to death was his pickaxe. Upon finishing it off, the Commander asked if he would like to help him fight some timberwolves that were living nearby. He had been travelling with them ever since, using weapons such as warhammers or a mace and chain.
The last person in the trench was a changeling that the team had dubbed ghost. He was the most recent member of the team, having joined around six years ago. He had been scouting out equestria for the changeling infiltration when he had been set upon by timberwolves. Though he managed to dispatch them all, he had been savagely mauled. The commander had patched him up, and, after gaining some more strength, Ghost had decided to join them.
“There good men” Commander Meteor Mash thought, staring into space. “Best soldiers I could ask for” he thought to himself.
“Commander, your staring into space again”
Meteor Mash shook himself from his thoughts.
“Sorry guys, just thinking” He said.
“Well, were gonna start a card game, you wanna play?” Rampart asked.
“Sure” The Commander responded.
They played the card game skat for a few happy hours, chatting amiably about the weather, recent news, and the coronation of a new princess.
“So, I had no clue that you could get upgraded to be an alicorn. Since when was that a thing?” Rampart asked.
“Ah don’t no mate, seems like things are strange away from the front. Its way simpler up here” Dufford responded.
“True” Hail storm responded “Although we don’t get any recognition for what we do” He griped.
“Ya, why don’t we get recognized for what we do” Masticator chimed in.
They continued to argue about why they did not get mentioned, ever, for a few more minutes until a loud greeting interrupted them.
“Hi guys!” A voice said
Glancing up, Commander Meteor Mash noticed the earth pony standing above them. It was Fleet Foot, a soldier from Mustangia. When he was not fighting, he was out handing out letters to the various squads.
“Whats up man, you stopping here for a break?’” Rampart asked. It was a know fact that fleet foot would take frequent breaks during his working hours.
“Actually, no, for once you guys have mail” he replied.
“From who? Nobody sends us mail” Hail Storm said.
“Well you have mail now, take a look” he said tossing it into the hole.
“Thats the seal of Princess Celestia” Falkenhayen said “I wonder why she would send us anything.”
“Well, open it!” Ghost snapped “Enough delays”
Meteor Mash picked up the letter, opened it, and proceed to read it.
“Dear Commander Meteor Mash, Something urgent has come up in Ponyville, I want you to get your squad and head there ASAP. Upon arrival, meet up with my former student and newley coronated princess Twilight Sparkle. She will explain the situation to you. Also, she will probally ask you a bunch of questions regarding your background, what the army is like, your magical abilities etc.Best regards, Princess Celestia.”
“Wait a second” Thunder Rolling in the Mountains said “If she had time to send this letter, why did she not tell us what the problem is?”
“See why I call here Trollestia?” Masticator said.
“Alright then, get your stuff together, we leave immediatly” Meteor mash ordered.
The team marched to the train station behind the front lines. The train they were boarding was not the pink, wooden ones seen driving around Equestria, no, these trains were triple decker , armor plated war trains that had ballista and even catapults mounted on them.
Settling in on the third story, they prepared for a long ride.
XXXX
They arrived at the next stop near sunset. They boarded the normal, rather girly train, destination Ponyville.
They talked to around midnight, discussing what the Elements of Harmony might be like, what they would be doing there. Eventually, they went to sleep.
Commander Meteor Mash was the last awake, staring out at the scenery as it passed by. He wondered what it would be like in a calm setting once more. He drifted off to sleep staring out as the calm night landscape rushed past outside the window.
He awoke, the sun streaming through his eyes as the train slowed to a halt. Outside the window, Ponyville shimmered in the morning light.
"Wake up boys, were here"
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Beyond Equestria's Border
Ponyville:Land of the Free, Home of the Strange
The Squad disembarked from the train, squinting in the afternoon sun as they stood on the platform. All around them, ponies were going about, doing various things such as shopping and eating. It was a normal day, nothing was strange or amiss.
"Well, everything looks normal so far" Ghost said.
"Ah agree mate, it looks normal enough" Dufford agreed.
"We'll have enough time to judge how normal or strange the place is later, lets just head for the hotel we were told to check into" The Commander stated.
As the squad walked farther into town however, things began to turn sour. People kept screaming or gasping or running do to the sight of Masticator and Ghost. People also whispered about the groups armor, due to the fact that expedition force armor looks completely different from normal guard armor.
"Say ghost, maybe you should shape shift, these ponies are getting scared by you" Rampart said.
"No way in hell" Ghost growled "They have already seen me, besides, they would figure out who I was sooner or later. I will not hide myself."
They kept moving, getting more frustrated as they could not find the hotel and more and more people were pointing and whispering.
"Hey, ya'll want to buy something" a young high pitched voice said.
The squad looked down and saw a small yellow filly with a big red bow looking at them expectantly.
"Well of course we will, and whats your name miss" Masticator asked.
"Its-" the filly began.
"APPLEBLOOM!!" a voice yelled
The filly winced and turned around as a larger orange pony with a cowboy hat ran out from behind a stand.
"What have I told you about talking to strangers" she said "Especially ones who ain't pony folk." she said squinting suspiciously at Masticator and Ghost.
"And whats that supposed to mean?" Ghost said coldly.
"Ya, do you have a problem with my species" Masticator asked with venom dripping from his voice.
"Well, Diamond Dogs have not only kidnapped mah friend Rarity onetime, changelings once attempted to take over all of Equestria!" she shouted.
Commander Meteor Mash had to step in now or the two being challenged would launch a total racial showdown, right there in the towns market.
"Excuse me Ms...?" he had no idea what here name was.
"Applejack" The pony supplied.
"There seems to be a misunderstanding, your sister, I am assuming she is your sister, simply wanted us to buy something." He stated
"Sis, don't go throwin out accusations again" Applebloom said.
"Hush for a second, your were saying Mr..?" Applejack said
"Commander Meteor Mash of the Equestrian Expedition Force. I have served with these two for many years and can assure you that they are completely loyal" He stated
"Well, alright, but if they cause trouble, there gonna be run out of town on a rail" She cautioned
"I will keep that in mind. Good day" And with that they squad left, looking for the hotel.
XXXX
They day kept going south from there. They found out that due to a large tourist group from the Crystal Empire showing up, they registration had been shifted around and they were all sharing a room. So they dropped there gear off at the room, but decided to keep their armor on.
"Were to now sir? We should probally try to track down Princess Twilight." Falkenhayen stated.
So they set of, looking for the library. Eventually, after a lot of cursing and stumbling through alleys, they discovered the place.
"Since when was it a good idea to put books inside a tree that is flamable?" Hail Storm asked.
"I seriously don't care at this point" Meteor Mash snapped back. He had patience, but it was beginning to fray.
They knocked on the door a few times, with no response.
"Hey, anypony in there? Open the damm door!" The commander yelled.
The door finally swung open, revealing a small purple dragon standing in the doorway.
"Um, who are you guys?" he said, glancing fearfully at the changeling and the diamond dog.
"We are members of the Equestrian Expedition force, we were ordered to meet one Princess Twilight Sparkle here. Is said pony on the premise?" Commander Meteor Mash asked.
"Ohhhhh, you just missed her, she went out with some friends, something about a pet day at the park" Spike said "And of course, I have to organize all the books" he grumbled.
"Excellent, point the way and we will head out" The commander said.
"Its over that way" Spike said pointing a claw.
"Oh no pal, we have been running around in circles all day looking for stuff, your coming with us" The commander said.
"Um, well, you see, I have short legs so I would only slow you down" Spike said nervously
"Hop on my back then" Ghost growled "I can fly being a changeling and all, so lets not waste anymore time with exscuses" He said.
So Spike joined them on there hunt for Twilight, pointing directions out. Eventually, they came across the park, the mane 6 sitting there chatting amiably as their various pets ran around. It was completely peaceful.
"OY, any alicorns down there!" Dufford shouted, completely shattering the peace.
The ponies looked up at the group.
“We need the situation report from Twi-” Thats as far as he got before a pink blob of hyperactivity interrupted him.
“Ohmygosh, your new to town aren’t you? Hi, my names Pinkie Pie, what’s all of your names” Said pony stated with a huge smile plastered on her face.
“Um, well I’m Commander Meteor Mash” The commander said hesitantly.
“Ohhhh, do mash meteors or do meteors mash you, who are all your friends and-” The stream of words was blessedly cut off as Twilight Sparkle covered her mouth.
“Apologies, Pinkie gets a little carried away. You said you were looking for me?” Twilight said.
“Yes Celestia sent my team an order to show up here, effective immediatly. I am guessing you convinced her to send the letter.” He asked.
“Yep” She said.
There was an awkward pause “Mind telling me why?” He asked
“You are here to asses and assist the Royal Guards who were deployed to the Everfree forest. They were deployed to investigate mysterious figure moving around in the forest. A few weeks ago, they engaged an unknown hostile force and dug in. I want you to go out and find out whats going on” Twilight stated.
“What? Haven’t you been out there lately?” Commander Meteor Mash asked
“Yes, but you have more of an eye for combat than I do, so, I want your opinon”
“Fine, we will head out at once” The commander stated
“WAIT” Pinkie yelled suddenly “What about the extra special welcome party I throw for new ponies?”
“Maybe later Pinkie, when they have finished their jobs” Twilight responded
So without further distractions, the squad set off towards the Everfree forest.
XXXX
The squad was uneasy, the closer they got to the guards base, the more they could hear the sounds of a pitched battle going on. The sounds of stallions screaming, however, was the loudest of all.
They pushed through the undergrowth and reached the trench line, only to see it under heavy attack.
“Contact, left side!”
“Focus fire on the left!”
“Kill em all!”
The squad ducked into the trench and headed for the command post. Upon reaching it, they saw a white stallion walk over towards them.
“You the squad the princess called in? Good, we need all the help we can get. Come inside the command post” The officer said.
Upon entering the earthen bunker, they were confronted with a hectic sight. Soldiers running every which way, maps of the forest and surronding areas. There was even a green glowing torch over to the side for sending messages long distance.
“Excuse me colonel, but we don’t even know your name” Rampart said
“Its Orosius. Anyways, pardon me if I come off a bit angry right now, but I just received the worst orders of my life” He growled
“Take a look” he said handing them a scroll.
The commander cleared his throat and began to read it.
“Colonel Orosius, the attack is to go forward tomorrow. Your guards are to attack the enemies trench and drive them out. I repeat, the attack is to go forward. Good luck to all of you” The commander said
The commander looked up in shock “Hand me those binoculars” he said.
Raising the glasses to his eyes, he could see the enemy was heavily fortified. Their trenches were deep, their razor wire thick. The great wooden stakes in front of the trench were built to repel any charge. And, there were tons of repeating crossbows and rapid fire ballistas all along the trench line.
“Its sucuide to go out there” The commander exclaimed “Who issued this order?”
He looked at the bottom of the scroll and saw the signatures on the paper. There was Celestia’s and Luna’s, Cadence and Shining Armor’s, hell they even had that pompous jerk Blueblood’s signature on it.
“So, you ar going to attack?” The commander asked.
“You bet, first thing in the morning. The press is going to be here, cameras rolling, taking photographs as we all fall” The colonel said grimly.
They talked into the night about what to do, eventually settling on the grim fact that the attack would go forward.
“Colonel, can we get a place to sleep, its been many hours and my men are weary” Meteor Mash said.
Orosius nodded “There’s a dugout over there. Good night, see you in the morning”
The squad plopped down into their hole for the night, most of them thinking about the day tomorrow.
Finally, Ghost broke the silence
“Brave boys, all of them”
Beyond Equestria's Border
The next morning it was raining rather heavily. The squad woke up and headed over to talk to the colonel about the attack that was to go forward today.
"Well, guess what gentlemen" Orosius said "Looks like the princesses will be here to watch us also. Something about wanting to encourage the troops with their presence."
The commander simply shook his head "Its not going to help. These men, if they live, will curse the princesses for the rest of their lives. I have seen it before."
The normally quiet buffalo of the team was surprised that any Canterlot royalty would come out here.
"Which princesses?" He asked
"All of them, I think" The colonel replied "It does not matter, we have an attack to prepare"
The soldiers were preparing themselves, getting there weapons together and lining up to go over the top.
"Right boys, sheathe your crossbows, were going in with the saber and the spear. Sheathe your crossbows, were going in with the saber and the spear." a sergeant said.
Celestia, Luna and Cadence watched as the men lined up, waiting for the whistle so they could launch the attack.
"Princess Celestia? I had no idea you would be here!" A voice exclaimed.
Up dashed the mane six, coming to watch the battle that was soon to happen.
Twilight nodded in Luna's direction and the proceeded to do the ladybug dance she did every time she met Cadence.
"No, get away, know!" Meteor Mash shouted, stunning the guests.
"What? Why?" Twilight asked befuddled
"You don't need to see whats going to happen next. I want you gone, now" He shouted
Rainbow Dash stepped up to help her friend "Listen pal, were not afraid of anything, don't you dare try to boss my friends around!"
"You don't under-" Before he could finish, the sound of a shrill whistle pierced the air, followed by a roar as the soldiers went over the top of the trench.
Turning around, Meteor Mash watched as the men attempted to climb out of the trench. The next moment, the sound of thousands of crossbow and ballista bolts filled the air.
Men were hit trying to go over the lip of the trench, many grasping at the air as they fell back, dead. Several made it over, only to be cut down in front of the trenches.
Screams now filled the air as the bolts ripped through, armor, flesh and bone. Soldiers falling back into the trenches dead or dying.
The attack finally petered and the few wounded left were pulled back into the trench.
"Second wave form up, second wave form up" an officer shouted.
The Ponies watching sat there in stunned silence, jaws agape. None had seen such a needless slaughter like that.
The whistle shrieked again and the second wave went over the top. Just like before, they were cut done, blood and limbs going everywhere.
Several guards had turned tail and booked it back to the trench line. One was hit square in the back in midair as he tried to jump in. He landed in a muddy puddle, his blood turning it crimson.
One of the guards tore his helmet off, shivering violently. Rampart, remembering his time as royal guard and feeling sympathy for the young soldier, ran over.
As the soldier wretched and threw up his breakfast, Rampart held the mans head and patted him on the back.
"That's it, let it out, shhhh, its ok, its going to be ok" he said.
The soldier finished retching up his breakfast and now had tears flowing from his eyes. rampart continued to comfort the man, attempting to calm him down.
"Third wave, get in position, final assault." The officer shouted.
The last wave was lined up, the soldiers ready to attack. One soldier, a mustang from mustangia, was muttering words of encouragement to himself.
"How fast can you run boy, as fast a leopard, how fast are you gonna run, as fast a leopard, show me then."
The whistle shrieked and the men went over. Once more, they were cut down every were, blood and shrieks filling the air.
The mustang was sprinting towards the enemy trench line. Sprinting faster than most ponies could. He did not make it, a few crossbow bolts in the chest made sure of that.
"Stand down, no more waves. I repeat, no more wave. Retreat, all remaining soldiers retreat!"
The few soldiers left outside of the trench sprinted back. One was hit in the chest, the bolt puncturing his lung. He landed right at Celestia's hooves.
He looked up at here, and grabbed onto her forelegs, hauling himself up a little.
"God, damm you Celestia..." he whispered before he bled out right in front of her.
The wounded were hauled off to an aid station, no one could retrieve the dead on the trench line.
Colonel Orosius looked over at the battlefield, rain running down his armor. Solemnly, he turned around and looked at Commander Meteor Mash.
"Can you men please meet me in the command bunker in a few minutes?" He asked before walking away through the pouring rain.
XXXX
The squad stood around in the command bunker as Colonel Orosius read over the casualty reports, his face growing graver as he read more an more.
"Does any one have any ideas on what we can do? I almost used up all my reserves on that last attack" the colonel said dully.
"I beleive we can call up three more divisions of guards. Besides that, I do not know" one of the officers in the room said.
He nodded "What about you guys, can you call anyone up?" he said gesturing to the squad.
"We can call up an entire army group. They can be here by next week, exactly at the same time your guard reinforcments can get here." Meteor Mash stated.
"Why is that?" Orosius asked
"They were brought back to refit with all that new fangled war-fighting equipment that the Scientist ponies have been working on. All that strange equipment like "bolt action rifles" and "Howitzers" and "The Machine Gun". I have hope these new weapons are effective" Meteor Mash said, making air quotes with his whooves when mentioning the new weaponry.
The colonel nodded "And when were these weapons created? I had know idea about them."
"Any industrial revolution fueled by neccesity" A guard stated suddenley "I forsee a future were are country hums with mills and factories, all powered by magic. Producing goods for the common pony. This is but the first step unto a greater destiney, for all pony kind"
The rest of the people in the room just stared at him, not knowing how to respond to that.
"Some of us attended philosophy and advanced practices industry in college" The guard stated before gesturing for the rest of them to continue.
"So we have a plan. Lets get down to battle strategy" Meteor Mash said leaning over the table to gesture at the map.
XXXX
The Mane six and the Princesses were walking through the trenches at the moment, trying to find the command bunker. Most of the guards were to engrossed with guarding or attending to the wounded.
"Its got to be around here somewhere" Twilight said frustrated "A bunker can't be that hard to find"
"Perhaps we should head this way" Luna shouted over the rain. In the distance, the hazy shape of the bunker.
They cut through a few trenches and ended up not at the bunker, but one of the field hospitals. The wounded lay everywhere, clustered on stretchers or on bunks, many with gaping wounds or dirty bandages barely staunching the flow of blood leaving there damaged bodies. Many were moaning with pain or calling franticaly for wives or mothers.
The group braced for shouts and hisses from the wounded. But none came. They saw the wounded rise (The ones who could) from their bunks and salute the Princesses. Many simply said "Princess" softly.
They began to walk forward towards the group standing near the door. The Princesses began to feel uncomfortable, even frightened of these wounded soldiers, walking forward with blank expressions, hospital clothes and bandages fluttering around them.
They reached the group and surrounded them murmuring softly.
"Why, why would you order us?" one pegasus whose wings had been amputated asked. "It was death to head out there and you sent us anyways."
"We walked forward like good soldiers, and for what, to spend the rest of our days in a convalescent home?" A unicorn whose horn had been shattered stated.
The questions poured from the soldiers like the rain from the clouds outside. The soldiers grabbed hold of the the ponies and gentley shook them, all the while asking questions that would never be answered.
The ponies fled, running into the rain, trying to distance themselves from the fragile, depressed figures in the bunker. The products of one bad order.