Hole Hearted

Across the Eastern Sea… A ship of metal defies gravity. Slicing through clouds the craft leaves in its wake smoke and ashes. Emblazon on its metal hull is sigil of the Griffin Kingdoms, a golden hawk wreathed in a dark circle of feathers.  The invention is the antithesis to the magical, it is a mechanical answer. Gears churn and hum in metronome as great propellers to the sides of the craft turned. Inside two figures walk through corridors of the airship.

Walking proudly was a Griffin with a white feathered head and golden brown body. He was handsome, the very idealized archetype of his people. “The new advisor of his, she shakes her tail feathers and my father bows to her every whim like a slave.”

A female Zebra followed him. She was magnificent as well with toned musculature hidden behind her monochrome coat. “Reagle, It is my fault.”

“No Zaza, stop thinking like that.” said Reagle.

“Our marriage will bring your father no heirs, so he desires to sire another son.” said Zaza calmly.

Reagle stopped walking pulled Zaza’s head to face him. His predator’s eyes relaxed. “Your parents were none too happy about me either. I care not now, you are my chosen. Zaza you are mine, and I am yours.”

“I thought you just liked me for the Zebra King's armies.” the zebra blushed.

Reagle kissed Zaza full on the mouth with his beak. “If power was what I was seeking by your logic shouldn't I marry a dragon?”

Zaza chuckled. “A dragon? She’d have to fight me to get you.”

Reagle looked away from her and stared outside a porthole window. He saw his own reflection. “Anyhow it is not our union that upsets my father. It is the Equestrians's monopoly on magic. The black feathered witch has promised him the mages to wage war. An egg is incidental. She awakens the worst in father, his ambition and his lust for power.”

Zaza leaned against Reagle. “Where to now my prince?” said Zaza wiggling under his wings.

“I go to show my father we needn't magic to conquer simple ponyfolk. Our technology is our people’s power. I will assemble my Hawkers and War Wing.”

“I’ll prepare our Zebra Zerkers for deployment.” said Zaza confidently.

“Onwards we shall conquer Manehatten!” Reagle gestured grandly with his wings.

From hatches of the great ship poured Griffins in numbers that blotted out the sun. In the cargo holds hundreds of Zebras tapped their spears rhythmically against the metallic floor of the hull. In the horizon was a city upon the coast.

Den and Echo awoke to heavy pounding on the office door.

Blue finally broke through. Blueberry thought she saw a black horn. Echo reappeared from under the sheets in her disguised form. Blue blushed.

“I’m sorry!” said Blueberry looking away.

“I thought I locked that door!” said Den angrily at Blueberry.

The blue coated mare replied swiftly. “Den, Emergency meeting. No one can miss this one.” said Blueberry.

In main council room the Princesses sat. The room was a massive auditorium with concentric circle of tables with Guards of varying ranks sitting on the level rings. Den sat on the second row along with other Vice Captains.

“The Griffins should have no reason to attack us. Not now at least.” said Shining scratching his chin with his hoof.

A wounded Royal Guard pegasus was there to testify. Part of his flank appeared scorched by fire. “It is true. I flew here after I saw that the battle was lost.”

“We should send another diplomatic envoy. Surely this is a misunderstanding.” said Celestia sadly.

“No sister, we should send our full force! This insult cannot stand!” cried Luna in her booming voice.

“It could be a diversion. It’s warfare 101. We should send a third of forces.” said Twilight.

“Twily’s right. They can reach Canterlot with their new War Wing Balloons. We can’t leave the capital undefended.” said Shining.

“A decades ago, we were all friends. How did it come to this?” asked Celestia.

“I’ll go and meet our enemy.” said Shining.

“I’m coming with.” said Cadence and Twilight simultaneously.

“No, you must shield the capital as I shield our troops.” said Shining turning to Cadence.

Celestia turned to Twilight. “Twilight, we need you here to use the elements of harmony if it comes to that.”

“Yes, Celestia.” said Twilight.

“Shining Armor, take with you how many guards you need. Bring to the Griffin commander terms of peaceful resolution if they withdraw. Go with my blessing.” Celestia then became disturbingly severe in her expression and tone. “If necessary liberate Manehatten from Griffin claws by force.”

Den, Echo and Blue walked with Shining Armor through the Canterlot gardens.

“Just like the academy, huh Captain?” asked Den.

“Den, this isn’t like the academy.” said Shining grimly.

“Yeah. We always trained in case but I never thought it be happening for real.” said Den rubbing his hooves.

“I want you and your troops to be in our reserve guard.” said Shining.

“Reserves?! We’re going to bench warmers? I know we’re the newest division but...” Blue protested.

Shining Armor stopped walking. “I’m going into the thick of things, and I not sure if that’s smart. I need backup just in case things go sour.”

Echo raised a hoof. “Captain. Shouldn’t you send more scouting parties first? You don’t even know fully the strength of your enemy. It’s foolish then to launch an attack.”

“Who is this?” asked Shining kindly.

“She’s Echo my marefriend, and lieutenant.” said Den.

Blueberry coughed loudly.

“Second lieutenant.”  Den corrected.

“Um yeah.” said Echo.

“Echo, you’re completely right however time spent scouting is time they have to dig their hooves in. It’s a tradeoff.  If the Griffins get a claw hold it’ll be harder than ever to oust them. Mobilize we move out immediately!” said Shining.

The Royal Guards gathered. Other soldiers crowded into cramped passenger carriages and even cattle cars; Den, Echo, and Blue sat in the officer’s carriage of the troop train.

“The officer carriages are nice.” remarked Echo feeling the fine red cloth upholstery with her hooves.

“These here luxury cars, we sort of borrowed dem.” smiled Blue.

“I still can’t believe we’re going to… war.” said Den thoughtfully.

“Shucks, those Griffins might even go peaceful like seeing our forces.” said Blue.

“That is surely not to happen.” said Echo somberly.

“Then we’ll drive those feather brains back to the sea!” cried Blue.

“Have you ever been to war?” asked Echo.

The train jerked forward as it began rolling.

“I fought off five of dem damn changelings in the Canterlot invasion!” said Blue proudly. Blue hushed her voice. “Before I was captured.”

“I wasn’t stationed at Canterlot we were out in patrol in Everfree.” said Den.

“Canterlot does not count anyway, there was no real battle. You were taken out before you could even send a Pegasus off a runaway.” said Echo coldly.

Den flexed his wings. “I understand, this time we can expect a fight. Our foes know we’ll be coming and we know they’ll be expecting us. We need to get some sleep so we’ll be ready in the morning.” said Den yawning.

The train stopped just as the city came barely into view as silhouette shapes. The train engine steamed to a halt. The Royal Guard force disembarked from the troop trains. Assembling the Royal Guards got into line formations.  Their golden armor and steel tipped lances gleamed in the morning sun.

Shining Armor, Den, Echo, and Blue stood at a hilltop observing the city in the distance. A vast field separated the city and the hill.

“Thank you Twily.” said Shining Armor. A large telescope was put in place with some help from a couple of other guards.

Each took turns looking through the telescope. On the outskirts a group of Griffins were uprooting metal beams.

“They’re destroying the rail lines.” said Den.

“They’re smart, they know our railways as troop transports. Manehatten is central rail hub.” said Shining. “No sign of their new War Wing balloons, I wonder if sent them to attack elsewhere.”

Den stared at pony shaped forms in the distance however he noticed that the ponies had striped coloration. “I don’t believe it. They have Zebra Zerkers.”

Echo looked at squads of Griffins patrolling above in a circle. “Griffin Hawkers?”

“Zebra Zerkers and Hawkers?” asked Blueberry confused.

“Zerkers are Zebra soldiers who drink brews that numb their pain in battle.” said Echo.

“The Hawkers are Griffins infamous for dive bombing.” said Den.

“Arghh how come you guys are always in the know?” said Blue shaking her head.

“Combined arms tactics, the Zebra serve as ground infantry and the Griffins as air support.” said Shining Armor.

“It’s a lethal combo.” said Echo.

“They’re missing a card.” said Shining Armor send a spark of magic through his horn.

The army of Royal Guards had finally set themselves in a fighting array. Earth pony and unicorn troops marched while Pegasi flyers secured the skies.  Muscled earth ponies wheeled forth massive wooden and metal contraptions from behind the infantry.  Den and his friends stood on the same hill they were observing before. Griffin and Zebra battle lines were forming in opposition of the Royal Guards.

“Attention soldiers of the Griffin Kingdom and Zebra Confederation, this is Captain Shining Armor. We seek peaceful res-” Shining Armor was cut off by a horde of Griffins flying towards them.

All at once the Griffins veered from the troop formations of Royal Guards but not before releasing small black balls. The bombs exploded against a magical barrier made visible by fire.

The wheeled contraptions brought by the earth ponies were aimed upwards.

“What are those?” Echo looked to Den for an answer.

“This is something I know! Those are Ballistae they’ll puncture holes in Griffin war balloons. Those chickens are toast.” said Blueberry proudly of her people mechanical genius.

Powerful earth ponies pulled cranks that drew the strings to the ballistae. Other earth ponies with miniature versions of the ballistae readied as well.

“Fire!” cried Shining armor.

The majority of the Griffins flew upwards out of range of the arrows. The slower Griffins were pelted by the deadly barrage and dropped from the skies. The remaining arrows landed into the Zebra troop formations. The Zebras turned to their flanks that bore shields. Many arrows impacted harmlessly against shields. The few arrows that did hit flesh however did not cause the dying Zerkers to bray or scream at their deaths. Stoicism was uniform amongst the ranks of monochrome Zebras. Even wounded zebras did not flinch at the arrows stuck to their flanks. The Zebras calmly brushed off the arrows stuck to their shields after the barrage was over.

The frontline of Royal Guards gulped nervously at the undaunted Zebras.

A single zebra in golden armor shouted to her compatriots. “That shield we cannot defeat. My warriors, retreat!”

A Griffin in golden armor and a red cape flew above the Zebra line. “Pull back, Hawkers!”

The enemy ranks seemed to disperse. The Royal Guards were now confident. “They’re retreating, advance!” cried Shining Armor his horn glowing.

“I guess Shining Armor was right, without magic they can’t do much.” said Den.

“No, I’m girl. We like to play coy. I don’t like this, they should have put up more of a fight before running. The Zerkers are famous for standing their ground.” said Echo.

“You think it’s a trap?” asked Den alarmed.

In the middle of field before the Royal Guard lines tangled with the Zebras and Griffins all stopped to hear a loud humming. From the fog behind a cluster of buildings emerged the massive metal ship. Massive propellers hummed as the ship cast its shadow across the battlefield.

“Ballistae and mages fire! Take down that war balloon!” cried Shining armor.

The earth ponies fired their ballistae. Unicorns in the royal guards discharged elemental bolts of fire, lightning, and ice.

Arrows and magic bolts bounced off the metal structure.

“Our intelligence was wrong! That is no balloon!” cried Shining Armor.

From beneath the airship, doors opened. Tons of barrels were dropped from the craft. They exploded against the shield. As the onslaught continued the shield finally failed. Royal Guard ranks were blown apart by the explosions.

Amidst the chaos, the Zebra and Griffin lines had reformed. The Griffin Commander flew to the Zebra leader’s side. They gave each other an affectionate nuzzle.

“Attack!” shrieked the Griffin.

“Okay, we’re humped!” said Blueberry panicking.

“No we’re not, we’re Shining Armor’s only hope now.” said Den.

Echo stared at the airship circling around. “We need a plan, quick. A second bombing run and the Guard is finished.” said Echo.

Den scanned desperately about the battlefield through the telescope. The battle was turning into a brutal melee. He saw there was a small opening in the lines as overzealous Zebras Zerkers charged into the weakening right flank of the Royal Guards. There was a clear shot to the Griffin and Zebra commanders.

“We will capture their commander. It’ll be a reckless run.” said Den.

“Don’t you mean suicide?” asked Echo.

“We don’t have another choice.” said Den frantically swapping his attention to his friends and the view of the battle.

“You’re not leading alone.” In a green flash Echo’s insect wings appeared.

Blueberry saw that Echo had a pair of wings dragonfly like wings. “Neat spell, do me!” said Blueberry.

“Umm… too little time. I’ll carry you.” said Echo.

“Royal Guards, affix lances!” cried Den to the troops behind him.

The Royal Guards shuffled to comply placing their lances in the loops of their war saddles.

“Flanking speed!” cried Blueberry as she was carried by Echo.

Den took flight. “Follow me!” Den shouted as he beat his wings.

Prince Reagle and Zaza observed the battle.

“Prince Reagle, your father will be proud, this battle is yours.” said Zaza.

“Zaza, I did not expect so much bloodshed. War is a terrible thing. We should leverage this victory for resource rights to the Chrystal Mines. I do not want to push further if it means more of this…” said Reagle his beak lowered.

“We should offer them surrender before the second bombing.” said Zaza.

Their attention was distracted as Royal Guards crashed through to them. The few bodyguards they had were instantly alerted.

Den speared a Griffin with his lance as he dove from the sky. Echo dropped Blueberry into several Zebra warriors knocking them out. Other Royal Guards charged into the fray surprising the enemy from behind.

Den faced the enemy Griffin commander.

“Clever tactic flanking me. So you are Shining Armor?” asked Reagle impressed.

“Nope, Dented, Dented Armor!” cried Den charging at the Griffin.

Before she could help Den, Echo was squared off against the Zebra Commander.

“Kneel!” shouted Echo as she sent a bolt of magic towards the Zebra.

Zaza deftly avoided the strike. “Your magic won’t save you!” said Zaza confidently. Zaza wore spiked horse shoes that gave her extra traction. Zaza zig zagged towards Echo dodging deadly beams sent from Echo’s horn.

Prince Reagle had metal gauntlets attached to his to his hands.

“I am Reagle, son of Hawkmor, you stand no chance, surrender!” Reagle got in close and punched Den back.

“No way, I was going ask you the same.” said Den.

“Dented Armor, I shall etch Broken on your tombstone!” claws extended from Reagle’s gauntlets. He slashed at Den with startling speed.

He grabbed and snapped Den’s lance in half. Den jumped back dropping his war saddle. He managed to kick Reagle’s helmet off but not before sustaining a deep slash across his flanks. Reagle reeled back slight but returned another strike.

“Why are you attacking us?!” asked Den.

“I don’t have a choice!” cried Reagle swiping again.

Den picked up Zebra spear to block Reagle’s strike.

“Everyone has a choice!” cried Den jumping back.

“I must show father magic is not the way or worse will come. You wouldn’t understand!” said Reagle.

“What?!” said Den as Reagle slashed him again. Den fell to the ground his left feet did not listen as he tried in a futile effort to rise.

“I am sorry. It is over, you and your army.” said Reagle moving to finish Den off.

The battlefield was again shrouded by the shadow of the looming airship. Once more its bomb bay doors began opening.

Echo saw Den fall. “Get out of my way!” she cried to the Zaza using telekinesis to throw her sideways.

“Den!” cried Echo.

“Echo?” said Den on the ground.

Echo eyes flashed hellish green. “Stay away from my stallionfriend!” cried Echo her horn pulsating with magic. The air became choking as the pressure increased. The grass under hoof began swaying away from Echo.

Reagle stepped backwards fearfully from the green magic. A beam fired towards him.

“Reagle!” Zaza blocked it from hitting Reagle.

However the beam soon intensified and seared through her. Zaza jumped at Echo as the beam sliced a chunk of her flank off. Zaza punched Echo in the chin. Echo’s horn was redirected upwards. Zaza fell swiftly after.

The shaft of light pierced the airship above. Throughout the battlefield, the fighting stopped as ponies, Griffins, and zebras stared at the sky with awe. The beam dispersed the clouds and extended into the heavens. Explosions followed as the airship began imploding. Griffins screeched as they evacuated the airship.

There was a shower of fire as the airship sunk. The battlefield became a blur as Den saw Echo fall. The light from her horn flickered then died.

A tearful voice frantically cried.  “Zaza! My love! Retreat! Retreat! The battle is lost!”  Reagle flew picking up his fallen lover.

The sounds of clanging weapons faded as the enemy began withdrawing.

Den despite his bleeding and numb left side, he crawled his way to Echo. Dragging himself, Den felt like collapsing as his nerves screamed in agony. Echo’s disguise disappeared in a puff of weak green fire. Even Echo’s eyes seemed to dim in their brilliance.

“Echo, how did you?” asked Den as he sat above.

“I guess I used all my magic. Death comes…” said Echo smiling.

“Wait, you stupid changeling! I order you to live!” Den shouted.

“I was afraid to say, but now I know.” said Echo.

“Shut up!” Den’s tears dripped onto her face.

Den’s tears mixed with Echo’s. “Den, I love you.” said Echo closing her green eyes.

Den smiled kissing Echo as darkness swallowed them both.