//------------------------------// // Chapter nine: Going to War (Non- Canon) // Story: Not the best training // by PurpleArtist //------------------------------// In Head Guardian Sapphire Rose's office. "Purple there's no easy way to say this," said Sapphire, "As a friend I'm sorry. You're fired." Purple replied, "A friend? Yeah right." Purple left but he didn’t look back he had a sinister smile on his face. *** Half an hour later. Head Guardian Sapphire was talking to Princess Twilight. "Purple told me that you fired him," said Princess Twilight. Sapphire replied, "Yeah I did. I may be his friend but I wasn't going to show him any nepotism or favoritism!" "You're just like the rest of the mares he went on a single date with," said Princess Twilight, "You and the nine hundred and thirty-seven other mares told him the same about wanting to be friends but never did." Soon one of Prince Purple's Royal Guards came up to the two. "Your Highness," said Tulip Green, "Prince Purple wanted me to give you this!" Tulip Green then gave Princess Twilight a slip of paper. Tulip Green then went back to do his patrol. "What does it say?" Asked Sapphire. Princess Twilight replied, "You and the Elders made a very huge mistake. Here read this." Princess Twilight gave Sapphire Rose the slip of paper. The paper says: Equestria declared war on Phantasia and his army. "There's no way Purple declared war," said Sapphire, "Can he do that?" Princess Twilight replied, "He did. Equestria is officially at war. Because he's the Prince of the military he's the only one who can declare war on other counties and all military options and military decisions go through him, not me. So I get to sit on the sidelines. Hope it was worth firing him." "I'll go talk to him," said Sapphire. Princess Twilight replied, "There's no talking to him. He made up his mind. He also told me that if he sees you again then you're going to be sorry. If you want to end this war then rehire Purple because then he'll have something to live for again. You can't convince him to end this war because he's already dead on the inside and he wants to die. End the war by either rehiring Purple or by getting to Phantasia first!" Sapphire knows she can't rehire Purple because once the Elders have made a decision it can't be undone. Sapphire decided to talk to the Elders about it but they told Sapphire to have a few Guardians intercept Purple to get rid of him but they ordered her to stay behind and to have Master Shi in Sapphire's place instead. They convinced her that it'll be easy and they'll have Purple here by nightfall. *** In a small town that's deserted. Some ponies approached Purple and told him that Head Guardian Sapphire would like to see him. "Prince Purple, we don't want to hurt you," said a Pegasus stallion, "Head Guardian Sapphire Rose and the Elders want to see you." Purple replied, "Tell 'Head Guardian' Sapphire Rose that she can go fuck herself!" "Purple we want this to go peacefully not a fight," said Master Shi who just arrived. Purple's eyes turned red and he drew his tomahawk and combat knife. There was a fight. After a minute Purple was walking away whistling. *** Later that day. Sapphire decided to see if they captured Purple or just waiting for him to arrive. She found the Guardians who went to capture Purple alive. There were charred, skeletal remains of two Guardians, one with a pipe tomahawk in his head, a few orange goo piles, one missing her head, and Master Shi had a clear hole through her chest. She decided to go tell the Elders. When she did they were horrified how some of their most skilled fighters and a training instructor were dead. *** A couple of days later. Purple's frontal HQ, three miles from Phantasia's army hideout and HQ. "The 79th Infantry Division, 9th Infantry Division, 34th Infantry, 54th Arm. Artillery and CCA 3rd Armored has the southern guard blocked," said Lieutenant Colonel Vigorous Orchestra, " V Corps: 29th Infantry Division and 220th Airborne Division got the Northern flank guarded, and VI Corps: 6th Armored Division and 90th Infantry Division got us and the Eastern flank guarded. Oh, my Rangers are in another town on the other side of Phantasia hideout." Purple replied, "Gonna push that sexist to the Luner ocean." "You know you could've just teleported or flew here instead of walking for two days," said Lieutenant Colonel Vigorous Orchestra. Purple replied, "I know." "Do you want to stop and talk…" said Lieutenant Colonel Vigorous Orchestra. Purple interrupted, "No I don't! Want to kill this jackass Phantasia and I want to die as well!" "Sorry to interrupt Lieutenant General Purple," said a mare, "But you got a visitor." Purple replied, "Not in the mood to deal with a visitor. Tell the visitor to take a number and not to come back." "The visitor is persistent to talk to you," said the soldier, "She says it's urgent to talk to you." Purple replied, "Fine. Send her in here." The soldier got the mare and its Head Guardian Sapphire Rose who came to try and convince Purple to end the war. She politely asked him but he didn't. Sapphire Rose couldn't order him to end the war because she's no longer his boss and she has no authority over him. “Purple I can’t order you to end this war,” said Sapphire, “Because I’m not your boss anymore. But stop and think about what you’re doing! Going to war against Phantasia shows you’re a big baby who has his feelings hurt.” Purple nodded his head as if he agreed until Sapphire looked around her to see that all of the Military Police ponies in the room have their M14-style rifles pointed at her. “I just have to nod or give the word then you’re going to die,” said Fanatic Purple, “Just go and don’t turn back. You and the Guardians had their chance but this is a military matter for the past seventy-two hours.” Sapphire replied, “I was hoping we could talk like friends and settle this like friends. I see what side you’re on and that side is that you’re an enemy.” “Friends? We were never friends,” said Fanatic Purple, “After our only one date I could’ve told you to take you ‘That doesn’t mean we can’t be friends and shove it. I’ve heard ‘Let’s be friends’ nine hundred and thirty-eight times and you’re like the other nine hundred and thirty-seven. They all said they wanted to be friends but in reality, they wanted special treatment and to me, you’re no better than them. I’m also going to guess that you’re here because you’re also pregnant with Base or another stallion in my family’s foal or foals and you want me to be the baby daddy? Well, the answer is no!” Head Guardian Sapphire did leave but she shook her head in disappointment and she looked at the Military Police Ponies in the room and building on her way out; these weren’t no ordinary G.I. but their hoof-picked elite infantry ponies responsible for holding the line, these versatile troops are equally at home with rifles, shotguns, and other weapons as well with their bayonets. Purple is no better than the Founders of Equestria when they destroyed my home, Sapphire thought, He needs to be in a mental asylum! Don’t know why Princess Twilight had me go on a date with him if he just showed his true colors. *** In Canterlot Castle. “Princess I don’t want to sound disrespectful to you,” said Sapphire, “But Purple is acting like a huge baby. It feels like he’s trying to be like Blueblood but as a warmonger instead.” Princess Twilight replied, “Well he didn’t use to be like that. I’m not trying to defend him but he had a very rough life.” “Everypony had it rough,” said Sapphire, “So what?” Princess Twilight replied, “Nah not like Purple. When he was only three days old his biological parents were killed trying to defend Base, Blue, and Purple from timberwolves and Purple was only three days old when they died. His brother and sister ever since Purple was three days old they always blamed Purple for getting their parents killed. He lives with the guilt of him thinking it was he who got them. His twentieth birthday also broke him. To you, you just see Purple’s dead friends as ‘expendable soldiers’ but his dead friends weren’t his friends they were the only ones he could call a family. The rest of his adoptive and biological family hated him since he was only one month old. But he has seen his friends whom he did consider as family die in ways that are just painful.” “That still doesn’t excuse him being rude,” said Sapphire, “Also it’s war, someone is going to die though.” Princess Twilight replied, “He saw his friends gassed to death either by their gas masks malfunctioning or couldn’t put them on in time. His response? Just sit there and watch them just choke or asphyxiate to death. He had seen friends be set on fire with fire so hot it melted their fur and skin like hot candle wax. The most infamous one would be on his twentieth birthday where he, Jackpot, and Scrumptious were on patrol but Purple got hot under the collar which alerted the enemy to their position. Of course, from the age of 24-25, he was married for fourteen months but he and Alitidya Rebelnova peacefully separated when they were married for fourteen months Purple returned to a state of happiness and joy but when they got divorced he returned to sadness and bitterness that he got while he was in the military. So from the age of 25 to 40, he went on so many dates even the one for you and him. Half of the dates he went on were because I set up but all but you were the same. All but you wanted to be friends with Purple because he’s a Prince also all but you. The nine hundred and thirty-seven mares all got pregnant by Purple’s brother Base or another stallion in Purple’s family. They never wanted and still don’t want him to be happy. He also told me that before the date he told me that you were going to say no and started to have second thoughts but I convinced him that you might say yes. Guess he was right. Not trying to be mean Sapphire but you could’ve done a lot more than saying ‘Let’s be friends’ because you two never hung out besides that date.” “Purple shouldn’t have closed himself off,” said Sapphire, “Or built a wall around him to keep others out. It’s not my fault he’s so bitter and pissed off. I wanted to be his friend, not a mistress or something like that.” Princess Twilight replied, “Well he did want a girlfriend or wife and have a few foals of his own. His brother, sister, and the rest of his family were right though of him being unlovable. He once always told me that he couldn’t wait until he found the right mare to be with, to cuddle up with, and have a few little ones of his own. Well, he does have a daughter who’s the leader of the Severyanian Soviet Socialist Republic and her name is Sapphire Sketching Pad. Purple didn’t know he had a daughter until two years ago. A seventeen-year-old was once the Северянская ССР Черная гвардия.” “In English Princess,” said Sapphire. Princess Twilight replied, “Severyanian Soviet Socialist Republic Black Guards. And after the death of Alitidya Rebelnova her and Purple’s daughter took over a year and a half ago. She knows who her dad is but she doesn’t want to catch up on lost time with him.” “Alrighty then,” said Sapphire, “Also what can you tell me about Purple so in case me and him fight I know what to expect before it’s too late?” Princess Twilight replied, “If you think Purple is a medium-sized, simple-minded stallion. Base Icy Flyer he’s more muscle and more sex drive than a brain whereas Purple is more brain than a sex drive. Purple the more time you spend fighting him the more chances he’ll defeat you. He won’t fight fair, he never does and won’t. You’re an expert in fighting, correct?” “Yeah I’m pretty good and consider myself as an expert in fighting to defend my home,” said Sapphire. Princess Twilight replied, “Purple’s training and experience in fighting will make you look like a novice. He’s hyper-lethal. He has erased entire insurrectionist groups from existence single-handedly.” “I’m not scared of him,” said Sapphire. Princess Twilight replied, “Last pony who said that the Canterlot police found his head a hundred feet from his body. Purple is not one for doing things by the books. He’s also a cold sniper. When asked about how a riot should be dealt with he replied ‘That’s what napalm and bullets are for’. Others see him as sadistic and mentally unstable but in reality, he’s subdued and down to earth his worst trait is he sees all mares as evil and liars because all of the mares he went on a date with said they loved him but they would rather be friends but the only thing they wanted was special treatment and have others respect them. I want to say that if I never asked him to be the Prince of the Military he probably would have a family of his own so this is my fault. Don’t blame Purple, blame me because on the day of my coronation to become the leader of Equestria I asked him and he only said yes just to make me happy. It would’ve been a lot better if I didn’t ask him to be Equestria’s Prince of the Military.” “It’s not entirely your fault,” said Sapphire. Princess Twilight replied, “Yeah it’s 98% the rest of Purple’s family fault. If they didn’t treat him like dirt then he would be a lot more lovable like how he used to be. Twenty-one almost twenty-two years ago if you met Purple you would’ve loved him for how kind and lovable and nice he was. He wasn’t bitter back then. You can thank the majority of Purple’s family for his stoic and hostile way and ever since his twentieth birthday, he isn’t the type to make friends easily. Doesn’t help why a majority of ponies who wanted to be his friend's only reason is because he’s a prince and they wanted special treatment.” “It’s not your fault Princess,” said Sapphire, “It’s his and their fault. Not yours.” *** Purple’s Frontline HQ, is 2 ½ miles from the frontlines. “Music to my ears,” said Purple, “This Phantasia fucker will be running Westward by nightfall.” Outside of Purple’s frontline Headquarters were three Equestrian Artillery batteries which are heavy, medium, and light and they are twelve Equestrian 203mm howitzers, twelve Equestrian 155mm howitzers, twelve 105mm howitzers. They were firing both high explosive and incendiary rounds around Phantasia’s hideout. “Lieutenant-General Artist,” said a Pegasus mare, “We got to stop firing the artillery guns so they can cool down and we can recalibrate them and maintain them. Our forward observers have reported that in the past four hours, 98% of our shots were off target.” Purple replied, “At least we have our SPGs to take over in the meantime.” Both Equestrian 155mm and 105 mm Self Propelled Guns and Gun Motor Carriages took over and they were doing the same. Purple then went back to his map and he planned out his next moves very carefully but he thought about the potential blowback or mistake. He’s a thorough planner which means he takes his time and plans everything or what could happen but he has seen it all. *** The next morning. “Lieutenant-General Artist,” said an Army Officer, “Some mare wants a cease-fire to talk to you.” *** In a patch of woods far but between Purple’s HQ and Phantasia’s hideout. “Sandy Fire, I presume,” said Fanatic Purple, “You don’t look like a high-ranking officer.” Sandy Fire replied, “And you don’t look like you’re a crybaby who’s only in it for the fame and glory.” “Thank you finally somepony gets it,” said Fanatic Purple, “So: wavin’ the white flag? Guess Phantasia and his higher-ups got together, scratched their heads, and accepted the inevitable?” Sandy Fire replied, “That sense of humor sounds like you…” “Like my what?” interrupted Fanatic Purple. Sandy Fire replied, “A Guardian joined Phantasia and said how Head Guardian Sapphire is. You know your former boss.” “What do you want?” asked Fanatic Purple, “Did Phantasia send you to negotiate surrender?” Sandy Fire replied, “He sent me to see if we can work out a truce.” “A truce?” said Fanatic Purple, “How can a mare like you can serve under a stallion who believes that mares should be home just cooking, cleaning, having foals, and listening to their boyfriend or husband like a slave or glorified servant?” Sandy Fire couldn’t answer him because she doesn’t even know why she was still serving Phantasia. Purple told Phantasia that she can tell him that the answer is no. The two went their separate ways. Purple then picked several regiments of the best soldiers Equestria has to offer where there’s a town nearby and it’s under Phantasia’s control and Purple said “We’re going to go to take it back” so they did. *** In the town in a ruined building that had been somewhat shelled. “Where is everypony?” said Fanatic Purple. Lieutenant Colonel Vigorous Orchestria replied, “It's going to hell in a hacksaw out there! You run into much trouble?” “Naw just another day at the office,” said Fanatic Purple, “But these sexists who work for Phantasia sure as hell did!” A unicorn mare replied, “This place will be around us if we don’t fall back!” “We’re missing three ponies,” said Fanatic Purple. Unicorn mare replied, “Screw that we have to fall back. That’s it, I'm falling back.” Purple pointed his M1928 Thompson-style SMG at the blue unicorn mare with brown hair. “You’re not crazy enough to shoot me Purple,” said the unicorn mare. Fanatic Purple replied, “Desertion's a capital offense, Blue. Shooting you won't be crazy, it'll be the sanest thing I've ever done.” Purple was ready to shoot his sister whom he drafted into the army against her will and one story of it is to get payback on his sister who when Purple was a colt would hold Purple under the covers at night and fart in his face but she was the main reason why Purple can hold his breath for a long time. Lieutenant-Colonel Vigorous Orchestria found a wine cellar that leads to a tunnel which they too. They take the tunnel where they find a staircase that leads into a house full of enemy MG positions. After clearing out the house, they open fire on soldiers of Phantasia’s army across the street but they pass through a destroyed building into another house and they ascend to the second floor. Fanatic Purple gave a nod which Lieutenant-Colonel Vigorous Orchestria knew what to do. Some members of Purple’s family who were drafted into the Equestrian army including Purple’s sister Blue were put in front of a wall and Purple gave the order to his soldiers to gun them down. *** Purple’s new frontal HQ. Head Guardian Sapphire entered and found Purple at a table. “Prince Purple,” said Sapphire. “What do you want ‘Head Guardian’ Sapphire?” asked Fanatic Purple, “Did the Gate Guardian elders finally come to their senses and realize that firing me was a huge mistake?” “Yeah and no,” said Sapphire, “No because they don’t entirely regret having me firing you. Yes because they never thought you would kill the most seasoned and skilled fighters we had. I know you’re just going to brush me off but can we just talk? Friend to friend?” Fanatic Purple replied, “Friends? You and regular Purple are friends. But me? Fanatic Purple is here to stay!” “Fanatic Purple?” asked Sapphire, “Let me guess? Another Guardian well former Guardian who has an Alt-ego?” Fanatic Purple replied, “I Fanatic Purple I’m more deadlier. I’m going to fight to the death there will be no cowardly retreat! I’m motivated by my 'inner fire’ to keep fighting to the last consequences. Normal Purple is just a little bitch. Normal Purple is a father to his men, showing compassion and loyalty to them above all else and putting the lives of others over the mission. Normal Purple wanted a girlfriend or a wife and have a few foals of his own, Fanatic Purple which is me. I'm absolutely brutal when fighting against the enemy and I get downright brutal in melee or hoof-to-hoof combat. Me, Fanatic Purple I buried an enemy officer in concrete. How do you think I got the nicknames ‘Ghost’, ‘Shadow’, ‘Shadow Streak’, ‘Silent Fury’, ‘Nightshade’, ‘Crimson Ghost’, ‘Phantom Striker’, ‘Violet Viper’, ‘Midnight Sniper’, ‘Steel Serpent’, ‘Thunderbolt’, ‘Swift Specter’, ‘Indigo Assassin’, ‘Azure Ninja’, and ‘Cobalt Commando’? “ “I don’t know how you got those nicknames,” said Sapphire, “But probably not by crying in the corner like a colt.” Fanatic Purple replied, “I didn’t lay down on a bed jerking off. I did it by doing missions that others didn’t have the guts to do or were just too afraid to do. I did missions that you couldn’t do or would hesitate to do.” “You don’t know me!” said Sapphire. Fanatic Purple. “What Normal Purple overheard you told that other Guardian. You’re from the Nintis Empire and you’re the Princess of the Nintis Empire. What you told Princess Twilight is that you’re over 3,100 years old and that was on the night of your and Normal Purple’s date.” “You don’t know all about me besides what I told Princess Twilight and the other Guardian,” said Sapphire, “I probably could do the missions you did without breaking a sweat.” Fanatic Purple replied sarcastically, “Yeah because storming a beach under heavy machine gun, artillery, mortar, and sniper fire. Because having to use all of your stealth and skill to slip through the heavily defended lines, before breaching the castle walls to assassinate the General inside, sounds easy. Sneaking behind enemy lines to destroy a steel mill that’s making war materials and the place is crawling with elite trained troops who are more resistant, more coordinated, and more battle-hardened. Destroying a massive railgun that could fire a shell weighing up to eight tons and could fire to a range of forty-eight miles.” “Alright I get it,” said Sapphire, “I was somewhat hoping I could talk to my friend, not a warmonger.” Sapphire then turned around and started to walk away. When she reached the door to leave the room so she could enter the hallway to leave. “Sapphire?” asked Fanatic Purple. “Where are you going?” Sapphire replied, “Back to Canterlot.” When Sapphire looked at Purple his eyes were blue again not red. “Are you regular or normal Purple or Fanatic Purple?” asked Sapphire. Purple replied, “Normal Purple. I have an alter ego who’s a dick. So can I help you Head Guardian?” “A ‘dick’ is an understatement,” said Sapphire, “I was hoping we could talk like friends or come to some sort of an understanding. Maybe I can convince you to end this stupid war.” Purple replied, “I would love to end this war but I can’t. My defense cabinet they have gotten a majority vote. Four to Seven. The Seven said yes to war while I and three others voted against the war. How about this Head Guardian? Me and my soldiers capture Phantasia but we give him to you?” “Well the Elders won’t entirely like it,” said Sapphire, “But after what you did to Master Shi and seven other Guardians who went to capture you, They don’t have a choice in this where if they keep sending Guardians after you well you’ll just turn into your alter ego and kill them. I’ll go tell them that you won’t have Phantasia killed or executed for treason or whatnot as long as they agree with your terms. Guess I don’t need to ask what would happen if they break the truce or whatnot.” Purple replied, “Then all of the Elders, you, and all of the Guardians would be labeled as enemies, lined up against a wall, and executed by a firing squad or publicly hanged.” “Ah okay then,” said Sapphire, “At least you’re not my grandfather, well your alter ego is about on par with my granddad.” Purple replied, “Your granddad and my alter ego are ‘take no prisoners to kill them all’ type?” “That’s what I got from him and what my dad told me,” said Sapphire, “Now I got to tell the Elders what they have with your terms.” Head Guardian Sapphire then left to tell the Elders of Purple’s terms of an alliance or a truce. When she did the Elders didn’t want to but Sapphire told them that Purple will bring a type of warfare that was unpredictable Sapphire was maybe 3,101 years old but what Purple’s capable of doing she has never seen before. When Sapphire told them how the Guardians and Master Shi were killed by Purple well they never thought about how they did die until Sapphire told them. The Elders thought about it for a minute until after an hour they went to Head Guardian Sapphire’s office and told her to tell Purple that they don’t want any trouble but they agree to his terms. *** Back at Purple’s frontal HQ. Purple had a pair of headphones on his ears and heard the following conversation between an Equestrian Naval Sea Plane, a flying boat and amphibious aircraft, and the Equestrian Navy ENS Blue Sapphire whom Purple named after his first girlfriend. “This is recon plane ECP-6A calling ENS Blue Sapphire,” said the pilot, “Come in Blue Sapphire” Somepony replied, “Hearing you five by five ECP-6A” “We’ve located a convoy heading 270,” said the pilot, “Coordinates 58.42 and 16.50” The same pony replied, “Thank you ECP-6A. We’re on our way to give them a special delivery.” Purple took off the headphones. He also got up and went over to a map. My plan is coming along fine, Purple thought, Going to shove Phantasia’s army to the ocean. For the next week, the Equestrian First Army pushed Phantasia’s army to the Lunar Ocean but Phantasia’s army retreated to an island in the Lunar Ocean Purple allowed them to escape but now Purple has them trapped. *** On an Equestrian Battleship. “Since July Seventh of this year,” said someone over the radio, “Equestrian Prince of the Military Purple Artist leading the Equestrian First Army since the start of the war. The Equestrian Air Force has total control over the enemy air space on Island.” Head Guardian Sapphire was looking for Purple and she found him on the bridge of the battleship. “If I were you I’d cover my ears,” said Purple. Sapphire was about to ask why until the battleship’s 12 × 16 in/50 cal guns, and 20x 5 in/54 caliber guns opened fire with the heavy cruisers firing their 3x triple 8 in/55 caliber guns to bombard the entire island. The fleet also had numerous Landing Craft Tank Rockets which fired a salvo of eighty rockets per salvo and they were louder than the main cannons on the battleships and heavy cruisers. “Don’t you think this is a little overkill?” asked Sapphire. Purple replied, “Got to soften up any resistance when the soldiers hit the beaches. I’ve seen naval invasions get terrible because of either lack of coordination or because the navy didn’t provide enough naval bombardment or stopped early.” Purple then left and entered a room. “That’s unacceptable,” said Purple into a phone, “You promised me that the navy would provide a week of pre-invasion bombardment. The moment my soldiers hit the beaches they’ll be going home in buckets. An hour barrage isn’t worth it. Yeah sure well screw you too Admiral Morning Squall.” Purple then hung up and left the room but when he opened the door he and Sapphire were looking eye to eye. “You somewhat told me that you’re going to be on the frontlines of this war,” said Purple. “Because you’re a Head Guardian. Well… Welcome to hell.” **** On the beach. “I won’t underestimate my enemy,” said Sapphire, “But I have a feeling this would either be a cakewalk or a fight.” Soon the landing craft that had Sapphire and Purple on the door opened and the first five Equestrian Marines got mowed down. Purple ordered the rest to go over the side but he grabbed Sapphire and jumped into the water. Sapphire ran to a piece of cover that’s a tank hedgehog where she met an unfortunate Equestrian Marine Combat Engineer who got his two frontal legs blown off and left in a pool of his blood. “Not what I expected,” said Sapphire. Purple came and said, “Come on Head Guardian. Move when they stop to reload and keep your head down! Don’t want to tell Princess Twilight that you didn’t stick to your common senses!” “My common sense is telling me I should leave!” said Sapphire, “But I’m not, I'm fighting alongside my Guardians as well! I’m fighting alongside my Guardians on the frontlines like how you’re fighting alongside my soldiers!” Purple moved ahead and Sapphire followed him but they moved cover to cover. When they reached their third cover. “Who are you soldiers with?” asked Purple. The Earth pony replied, “One Hundredth and Fifth Medical Battalion. Here to set up field operations!” Why send a lot of combat medics and combat surgeons onto a battlefield, Purple thought, It’s just a waste of Pony power. “Get rid of those typewriters,” said Purple, “And grab yourselves some weapons and gather ammo!” Purple then moved with Sapphire following him again and they finally managed to make it to the seawall. “I thought I was going to die,” said Sapphire. Purple replied, “Well the mission is still going on. We got a long way to go.” Some of the engineers put dynamite or Bangalore torpedoes to make a hole which they charged afterward. When they got through they had four objectives to take which were to take the bunkers so they can make a beachhead, destroy enemy communications equipment, destroy three 155mm howitzers firing onto the beach, and defend in case of any counter-attacks. When they were about to clear a pillbox a Equestrian Marine with a flamethrower cleared out the bunker. “Purple, where do you think some of Phantasia’s soldiers got the weapons from?” asked Sapphire. Purple replied, “My guess is from the outdated military surplus but that’s what I can think of when it comes to shovels, pickaxes, and other stuff. The water-cooled machine guns, cannons, muzzle-loaded rifles, and artillery guns went out of date ninety to a hundred-something years ago. Well, your guess is as good as mine.” “Lieutenant-General!” said a mare. It’s Lieutenant-Colonel Vigorous Orchestra. “Lieutenant-General Artist,” said Lieutenant Colonel Vigorous Orchestria, “The First Ranger Regiment secured ‘Sapphire Shores’ beach and took the towns of Crystal Shimmer, Fluttervale, Starfall Heights, Harmony Harbor, and Misty Meadows. The final town we captured is a port. The town of Misty Meadows is a crossroad town with two roads that lead to ‘Sapphire Shores’, another road that leads to Misty Meadows, and another one that leads to Harmony Harbor.” Sapphire replied, “Don’t want to sound out of place. Isn’t your regiment spread thin?” “My Rangers are a very tough bunch!” said Lieutenant-Colonel Vigorous Orchestria, “My Rangers are the best of the best! My Rangers are usually used in a commando role for special operations or to act as shock troopers! There’s nothing that they can face and lose!” Sapphire replied, “Okay then. Remember Purple when we win this war you’ll hoof over Phantasia to me and the Guardians.” “Yeah I know,” said Purple, “Not the first time I had to capture somepony and hoof them off to somepony else.” They pushed on and destroyed communications equipment in a bunker and moved on to destroy the two cannons that are firing upon the beach. After two hours they were able to secure a beachhead and started to treat their wounded and dead. *** After the battle. Sapphire was thinking about what she just went through which it wasn’t like she had been through. Purple came up. “None of us could’ve prepared for that. But you came through when it counted.” said Purple, “Also welcome to the bloody First. You’re a long way from Canterlot.” Sapphire replied, “Bloody First?” “Equestrian First Army,” said Purple. Purple walked up to Sapphire. “The First Equestrian Army that was formed,” whispered Purple, “To hunt down any members of the Nintis Royal Family and other higher-ups in the Nintis Empire to make sure they couldn’t rebuild. 90% of these ponies here are descendants of the ones who aided the Founders of Equestria to destroy your home and I’m a descendant of Princess Platinum.” Sapphire replied, “Why did you… Oh, so nopony else could hear that. Now I understand why you whispered it.” “You can still leave if you want,” said Purple, “It’s just going to get bloodier from here on in.” Sapphire replied, “I’m staying on the frontlines to fight alongside the Guardians. While we don't have guns like you or your army who have firearms, tanks, and explosives.” Purple looked away. “Where are you going now?” asked Sapphire. Purple replied, “Do you want to see what I normally do as an Equestrian Special Forces soldier or not?” Sapphire decided to tag along. *** Three and a half days later. There was a big castle. “What are the chances of Phantasia being here?” asked Sapphire. Purple replied confidently, “Not at all. But he probably got a majority of his higher-ups in there.” Sapphire shook her head. “What do you see?” asked Purple. Sapphire replied, “About seventy ponies, probably countless more on the inside.” Purple moved on with Sapphire following him. Purple used lethal takedowns on Phantasia’s soldiers who were guarding the place. Sapphire was horrified to see Purple’s takedowns involve stabbing the enemies with his combat knife, choking them out/strangling them/snapping their necks, or beating them to death with his gun. Purple was also trained in psychological warfare and his takedowns are to send a message that he isn’t the type to fuck around with in combat and he means business. “Not what I was entirely expecting,” said Sapphire. Purple replied, “What’s wrong?” “I never had Special Forces ringside seats before,” said Sapphire. Purple replied, “Well let’s move it. We’re here to capture Phantasia and others not to play patty cake.” “Agreed,” said Sapphire. They did move out and Sapphire did exactly what Purple did and moved when he moved because he would leave her behind if she started to feel like dead weight or didn’t follow him. When they entered the castle Purple boobytrapped the office and when the third highest-ranking officer in Phantasia’s Army entered the office in the castle it blew up. The two fell back into the woods as the soldiers of Phantasia’s Army searched for who caused it but Purple was able to escape with Sapphire in tow. *** Equestrian Frontal HQ. “Well that was something,” said Sapphire, “So that’s what you did or do as a special forces soldier?” Purple replied, “Just not all the time about 0.1% of my missions I did. A majority of my missions were assassinations, reconnaissance, intelligence gathering, sabotage, search and rescue, infiltration, raids, capture ciphers, steal industrial blueprints, sabotage industry, sabotage infrastructure, sabotage resources, and capture enemy officers.” *** At night next to an Equestrian Military Convoy. “Phantasia’s main army pulled back to the main ridge,” said Purple. “And we’re going to take it from them.” Sapphire yawned, “Purple don’t you think we should rest up?” “For this plan to work, cooperation must be perfect,” said Purple, “Like ballet but soldiers are not dancers.” Sapphire replied, “So maybe we should not wait. Maybe we can punch a spearhead through Phantasia’s frontlines? We’re close.” “Close is dangerous,” said Purple, “Phantasia has the advantage in armor and supplies right now.” Sapphire replied, “So we cut Phantasia’s supply lines.” Purple lit up his horn and teleported Sapphire to Lieutenant-Colonel Vigorous Orchestra. “Thunderstrike, Shadowstep, Blaze Runner, and Aurora Shield,” said Lt-Col Vigorous, “They’ll take out the perimeter defenses and open the main gate. Me, Swiftstrike, Frostwind, Emberheart, and Seraphina will go in. We’ll take out this steel mill and this plant to stop Phantasia’s steel production.” Lieutenant-Colonel Vigorous Orchestria noticed Sapphire Rose. “And she’ll be with us as well,” said Vigorous Orchestria, “Whatever your name is, you're with team one.” Well, she’s sure friendly, Sapphire thought, Don’t know what Purple see’s in her as a friend. They moved out and they used the cover of darkness and they had the element of surprise but Lieutenant-Colonel Vigorous Orchestra gave Sapphire Rose a combat knife so she won’t have to rely on her magic or hooves. They moved swiftly and deadly and they used their weapons or knives to kill. Sapphire could respect how fast and effectively they moved and killed those who Phantasia had to defend the place. But Sapphire saw their rank insignia which are the ranks of Sergeant to the rank of Major with Lieutenant-Colonel Vigorous Orchestria being the highest ranking officer under Purple on the island. Of course, this is a battle where experienced and veteran soldiers are required and necessary. They were able to sabotage both the steel mill and fuel plant and they went into the forest. *** The morning. Sapphire was dead tired but she entered Purple’s command tent and went to sleep after he told her that it was okay. While Sapphire slept Purple and both the Equestrian First Infantry Division and Second Infantry Division moved on without her. Of course, while Sapphire was with the Rangers taking out Phantasia’s steel mill and fuel plant, Purple had a regiment of soldiers take the ridge that Phantasia’s army retreated to and took an industrial center. Purple did it. After all, he didn’t want the soldiers of Phantasia’s army to dig in on the ridge because he knows it’ll be a bitch to get them un-trenched. *** Later that day. Sapphire decided to ask Purple what he was planning to do next but along the way she saw ten mares dressed in camouflage uniforms and camo-covered helmets and they were equipped with suppressed semi-automatic or bolt-action sniper rifles. Those ten mares are the best of the best snipers that Equestria has. Purple was overlooking the soon-to-be battlefield but he had a walkie-talkie on him which he would call down either artillery barrages or airstrikes to destroy cover for members of Phantasia’s army but from time to time there would be a bigger explosion due to the high explosive shells, high explosive bombs or napalm bombs would hit a cannon or artillery piece and their munitions would explode and those ones belongs to Phantasia’s army. “Great hit Yankee-5,” said Purple, “Their eighteen-iber hoof artillery, and six-iber cannons are out of action.” The Artillery Commander replied (over the radio), “Keep those coordinates coming. We got HE, Incendiary, and HE-AT shells to fire.” “Yankee-1 fire at coordinates 34535,” said Purple, “Yankee-2 fire at coordinates 34538, Yankee-3 fire at coordinate 35654, Yankee-4 fire at coordinates 35664, and Yankee-5 fire at coordinates 32100. Fire for effect.” Artillery Commander replied (over radio) “Lieutenant-General. Yankee-5’s firing coordinates are danger close to your position. You’re within six hundred meters of the HE shells.” “That’s not a suggestion,” said Purple, “Send it.” Artillery Commander replied (over the radio) “Roger that. Firing shell’s.” After a moment of silence there were loud explosions but Purple just sat there as nothing was going on because he’s used to it he’s even used to calling down artillery strikes right down on his position nearly if not right on top of him to prevent from getting overwhelmed in the past. Purple then looked at a map. The Equestrian First Army is pushing from the South, Purple thought, The Equestrian Second Army is pushing from the North, and Northeast. The Guardians are pushing through the West and the Equestrian First and Third Marine Divisions are pushing from the West. The Equestrian Second, Fourth, Fifth, and Seventh Marine Divisions are wrapping up on the Island hoping to capture other islands that Phantasia’s army has captured and this is not going to be a prolonged war of chasing Phantasia across the world. Get this jackass, go home, abdicate the title of ‘Prince of the Military’ and just live in solitude and probably just sew my mouth shut, and burn my house down with me in it. Purple just kept planning until Head Guardian Sapphire tapped on his right frontal leg. “Whatcha doing Purple?” asked Sapphire. Purple replied, “Planning the next two offensives and when we do the second offensive then Phantasia will be in your custody. But now we have to wait until the artillery barrage is finished with blowing stuff up of the first three zigzagged defensive lines and trenches that Phantasia’s army has built. Then we’ll take the first three defensive lines and repeat and do it again when we take the second defensive line then we take the town that recon, intelligence, and aerial recon says that Phantasia is held up in.” “Ah okay then,” said Sapphire, “Where do you want me and my Guardians?” Purple replied, “Stay behind the main offensive because if not then you and your Guardians will get torn to shreds. Yeah yeah I know you’re stronger than an Alicorn but wouldn’t surprise me if Phantasia’s army has magic munitions that can bypass any pony shields no matter how strong they are.” *** After several hours. The main offensive began but it was mostly hoof-to-hoof combat. Purple had his M3 Fighting knife in his left wing and a Cutlass sword in his right wing. When he noticed the Guardians run. “Head Guardian!” yelled Purple, “The Guardians are retreating!” Sapphire faced palmed because she never thought she would see members of the Guardians fall back or retreat from a battle but she knows that the Guardians aren’t professional soldiers or don’t have the experience as Purple or the soldiers under his command because they seen and been through stuff that would even shock or scare Head Guardian Sapphire. Sapphire tried to rally the Guardians so they could keep fighting but 98% of them pulled the ‘I’m not staying here to die and you’re insane’ card. Sapphire kept fighting but when Sapphire looked at Purple he wasn’t happy he was having the time of his life because he’s doing what he was trained to do which was to kill them all. When the Equestrian soldiers entered the trenches it was perfect for the ones with bayonets on the end of their rifles or the ones with submachine guns or shotguns which made them expert clearing out the trenches. The first defensive line was broken which was hard but somewhat easy but while they were clearing out the first defensive line. “Hey Purple, why aren't any of the Rangers partaking in this battle?” asked Sapphire. Purple replied, “Vigorous Orchestria and her Rangers are cutting Phantasia’s supply lines on the ground. You wouldn’t like what they’re doing; they’re killing all those who serve on Phantasia.” “That’s murder,” said Sapphire, “Even the ones who surrender? They get killed by Vigorous and her Rangers?” Purple nodded in agreement but he told Sapphire that he was horrified as well but he may be the Prince of the Military but he can’t force somepony to be something they are not. He even told her that Vigorous Orchestria parents and siblings were terrorists who killed those because they didn’t like Equestria. Purple then started to walk away. “Are you still bitter and mad that I friend-zoned you?” asked Sapphire. Purple replied, “I’ve heard ‘let’s be friends’ nine hundred and thirty eight times and you’re the nine hundredth and thirty eighth mare I went on a single date with. To me you’re the same as the others who said they would rather be friends but no they just wanted to be friends to get special treatment and what not doesn’t help that nine hundred and thirty seven of them gotten pregnant by my brother or another stallion in my family and they tried to pass it off as they’re pregnant with my foal but no.” “Well you don’t know me and the only reason why I friendzoned you is because I didn’t and still don’t want to be in a relationship,” said Sapphire, “So get off your high horse and stop acting like everypony just want to be friends with you just for special treatment.” Purple replied, “The same day Twilight became the leader of Equestria is the same day I was appointed to be the Prince of the Military. Everypony came out of the woodwork wanting to be friends not to be friends and one reason why they wanted to be friends and they wanted their sons and daughters not to join the military, they wanted to have a friend to keep them from getting drafted in the military if Equestria changes it’s conscription law from volunteer only to either limited or extensive conscription. Also 40% of the mares I dated on a single date were set up by Princess Twilight, 20% by Princess Mia Amore Cadenza, and the remaining 40% were just a blind dates. Don’t even know why I tried to find that special somepony. Not in the mood to talk about it, I just want to end this war and hopefully I die in this damn war.” “Purple I know how you feel,” said Sapphire, “But when I said I wanted to be friends I really meant it.” Purple replied, “Yeah that’s what they all said too. But the rest of my fucking family is right about me!” “Purple I really meant it,” said Sapphire, “So stop acting like you’re inferior to them. Who cares what they think.” Purple interrupted, “I care what they say. They always told me that I’ll always be unlovable, not have a special somepony, and they tell me that I should’ve been a stillbirth.” “Don’t listen to them,” said Sapphire, “You’re better than you or them think you are. While you don’t have a girlfriend or a wife and foals but if you weren’t here now then this war would be lost or losing for not your tactics or specialties.” Purple replied, “Yeah but they’re the only family I have. Ever since my biological parents got wed my biological family members they which hated the two and well my father’s family the unicorns in my family they love my sister Blue she’s the middle child and they love her because she’s a unicorn, my mother’s family they love Base because he’s a pegasus. They hate me the moment the sperm and egg that made me met well that’s the vibe they give. "They all call me a mistake. Because of me ever since the day I was made and/or born when my biological parents died by Timberwolves they wanted to adopt Base and Blue but couldn’t because of me. Ever since when I was just a foal my brother and sister blamed me for our biological parents deaths and I never got a chance to meet them. Was it me who cried or did something that a three day old foal does to attract the Timberwolves?” “How do you know it could be your brother or sister?” said Sapphire, “They could just blame you and make you a scapegoat. Also don’t listen to them.” Purple replied, “Well how everyone in my sexist, misogynistic family they blame me for everything. Me and my biological father are the only ones in the family who aren’t sexist, misogynistic and patriarchal. I just don’t know what mares see in the stallions in my family. If the stallions in my family are the stallions in my family, they treat mares as slaves, servants, housewives, and second class citizens but mares gladly go to them. My brother and the other stallions in my family see you… When they see you? There’s nothing you can say that I never heard a mare say before to them. If my brother or another stallion wants to ‘sleep’ with you and impregnate you then they will.” “I’ve dealt with jerks like them,” said Sapphire. Purple replied, “No you haven’t. The jerks you dealt with backed off at some point but if you take my brother or another stallion in my family to any court they’ll pay off some Government official or what not and they’ll make you look like you’re crazy. You get a restraining order against them? As I said they’ll pay off the right ponies or get one of their high powered lawyers on speed dial and make your case nothing but non and voided. Only way to deal with them is to kill them because taking the legal route by going to court will never happen. You can get a lawyer and take them to court but they’ll always get the high powered lawyers who’ll run circles around you in court and make you look like you’re wasting the court’s time. I’ve tried and when they beat me up I would charge them for assaulting a Prince but their lawyers got it dismissed so it’ll never happen.” Purple started to walk away and he led the attack on Phantasia’s second defensive line in which the soldiers of Phantasia’s army still have muzzle-loaded muskets which are inaccurate but when both armies met they both stood there. Phantasia’s army got the first shot off but a majority of the shots hit the same few. The soldiers of Phantasia’s army decided to do a bayonet charge against the Equestrian soldiers but the soldiers that are being led by Lieutenant General Purple Artist they did a counter bayonet charge of doing the same as a bayonet charge but they have longer bayonets which made it easier for them to stab the soldiers of Phantasia’s army. *** Phantasia’s HQ. Sandy Fire approached Phantasia. “Phantasia,” said Sandy Fire, “The Equestrians have broken through our lines. We have no soldiers between them and our command post.” Phantasia ordered his higher ups to pack their bags and leave because the Equestrian First Army virtually have them surrounded where the Southwest Phantasia is blocked by the ocean, and on a one hundred and eighty degrees Phantasia and his army are blocked by the Army and Marines leaving them blocked. While the pegasi in Phantasia’s army can fly but they’ll get cut to ribbons by the Equestrian Anti-Air batteries on the warships and on land will cut them to ribbons with the high amount of 57x438mm high explosive flak rounds and 20mm and 40mm bullets from the AA Guns. Phantasia ordered Sandy Fire to raise the white flag to surrender which she did on his orders. When Phantasia and his army did surrender and Purple did as he told Sapphire and hoofed over Phantasia to her and her Guardians. *** Phantasia’s town after the surrender of Phantasia’s forces. “So you going home?” asked Sapphire. Purple replied “I am home. What about you? Just going to sit behind a desk again?” “Yeah I’m going to go back to Canterlot and work out of my office,” said Sapphire. Purple replied, “Take care Head Guardian,” “I will,” said Sapphire, “And if Princess Twilight asked what I did in this war I’ll tell her that I fought with the First and the crazy bastard named Purple.” Purple replied. “Crazy ain’t half of it,” “So you’re going to go back to Canterlot,” said Sapphire, “And try dating or try to find a special somepony again?” Purple replied, “Naw a nine hundred and thirty ninth time isn’t me and I’m not interested in getting another rejection. Yeah I know the mare would say yes but to me I’ve taken too many chances and to be honest don’t know why I made that stupid card. I already knew your answer when I first saw you nineteen years ago. I once thought that one day I would have a girlfriend or a wife and have a few foals of my own but to me the rest of my family they win in which they said I won’t have a special somepony and they’re right. I was married for fourteen months and didn’t even know I have a daughter who’s the leader of another country.” “You have a daughter?” asked Sapphire. Purple replied, “Yup. Never met her until a year and a half ago at the age of seventeen when I met her. She was the Marshal of the Stalliongradian Army. Now at the age of eighteen, almost nineteen, she’s the leader of Stalliongrad when her mother or my first and only wife Alitedya Rebelnova died a year and three quarters ago due to stage four cancer. My daughter's name? Sapphire Sketching Pad but unlike Equestria or her mother Sketching Pad she’s a National Communist pony and she put Stalliongrad under a Supremacy power but her mother was an Equestrian Socialist aka a Communist. She doesn’t want to catch up on lost time which I understand but from what she told me she was put through military training at the age of four and became a Stalliongradian Black Guard by the time she was thirteen or fourteen. If you’re going to ask what a Stalliongrad Black Guard does well there are three which are Army, Guards, and Reserve. The Army ones are elite shock troopers, the Guards are the same as the Royal Guards but better, and the Reserve is the same as a militia and reservists.” “What are you going to do now Purple?” asked Sapphire. Purple replied, “Probably become a drifter who travels the world, forever trying to seek out a place to belong in. I did it twice when I was thirty-two- to thirty-three and thirty-five to thirty-six. I’ve been to every country across Equus, Griffonia, and Zebrica but never found a place to belong. Guess I belong in Tartarus. I thought my place that I belong was somewhere here in Equestria with a girlfriend or a wife and a few foals but guess I’ll just go home, lock myself in, sew my mouth shut, and set it on fire with me burning to death.” *** Back in Canterlot. Head Guardian Sapphire talked to the Guardians she brought with her to fight in the war alongside Purple and the Equestrian Army. She was proud that they helped out with the war but she was disappointed how they decided to cut and run and she’s disappointed how the Guardians hardly fought while the Equestrian Military did the heavy lifting with only a battle and half a battle that the Guardians actually did the fighting but the rest they either stayed behind or cut and run when it started to get too intense. Sapphire went to go to talk to Princess Twilight. “Can’t believe that Purple abdicated his position,” said Princess Twilight, “But he never wanted to be a Prince in the first place. Well, he did tell me that he is a stallion of action, not a politician.” Sapphire replied, “Yeah, and when I was with him on the frontlines fighting against Phantasia and his army. Purple seemed at home on the frontlines leading his soldiers and fighting.” “Well being a soldier,” said Princess Twilight, “It’s the only place he could find to belong in. He searched other places to find a home and to find a place to belong and we both know how it turned out that when he tried to find a special somepony to be with all but you wanted to be friends just for special treatment. But he also told me another reason why he didn’t want to be friends with you is the same as you told me about what the Elders would think if you two dated and he said ‘What would the Elders think of her and I being friends. They’ll think she’s giving me special treatment and that's what the Guardian community will suspect.’ Well to me it’s the same as what you told me. Also to him he doesn’t want friends but I don't know what he’s up to now and the only thing I know is that he isn’t getting a special somepony. He probably burnt down his house and moved somewhere else to live in solitude and start a farm or something.” Sapphire replied, “Has he ever heard of ‘there’s plenty of fish out in the sea’ saying?” “He has,” said Princess Twilight, “Me and Princess Cadance has set him up on multiple dates with mares who would probably like him but nope besides you the nine hundred and thirty-seven they just wanted special treatment and thought they were entitled to get stuff at a discount or for free for being friends with a Prince and they thought that being friends with the Prince of the Military was going to protect them and their families from being drafted. When Purple drafted a majority of his family members who are sexist and misogynistic or just straight up mean to him well Purple drafted them and their eldest sons and daughters to fight in the war and when asked why to him it’s payback for all the times they beaten him up for their entertainment. After all he can’t do nothing fun.” Sapphire replied, “That’s low just to draft your own family members into the military as payback for all the times they weren’t there for him. Also he can do something fun, he just has to do something or find something.” “Sapphire he can’t,” said Princess Twilight, “Name something he can do. Go bowling? Go to a Baseball game? Go to a soccer game? Go to a Gridiron football game? Go out to lunch or dinner? Go to the park? Go to the movies? Nope he can’t. Whenever he goes out his sexist and misogynistic family members will just beat him up just for being alive. His family they’re across Equestria so no place in either an urban or rural setting he isn’t safe. Only place he is safe is in the wilderness and in isolation. Like how you live in isolation away from civilization. Of course with Purple he doesn’t want to be found and last time well at his first house had a camouflage net over it to prevent detection from both ground and air of course his first house was by a cliff and forest. "He probably moved somewhere else. Also no he won’t move into a city or a town because his family they breed like rabbits and the stallions in Purple’s family they raise their sons to be sexist and misogynistic and raise their daughters to believe that they’re worthless without a stallion in their life, and the mares in Purple’s family they’re just housewives who just cook, clean, and have foals. Of course Albatross was different and Purple’s different where Albatross supported his wife Harp when she worked at the supermarket in the town of Asterope and he supported her because he wanted her to be her not how his parents wanted Albatross to be. Ask Azure Blue Sapphire on how Purple treated her when they were in school when they dated.” Sapphire replied, “Well he shouldn’t let his fear of his family control him. He needs to stick up to them.” “Last time he did that,” said Princess Twilight, “His family members beat him up twice as hard and sent him to the intensive care unit at Canterlot Memorial Hospital for six months and that was eleven years ago. He was hoping he would’ve started a peaceful life but we both know how that turned out. And with him not having nothing to live for with the war end and him being fired from the Guardians. He’ll probably just go home and either kill himself or just stay in isolation. My guess is the former. I convinced Purple that there was a chance you were the one who would say yes but guess he was right.” Sapphire replied, “Princess it’s not your fault that Purple was born into a family who hates him since the day he was born or the day he was conceived. I have a feeling I’ll see him again.” “Only way you’re going to see him again,” said Princess Twilight, “Is by grabbing yourself a gun, military uniform, and being on the frontlines. Unless you want to travel across Equestria looking for where he lives. No if you have magic to see for life in a three hundred and sixty degree area then no your magic won’t pick him up. I highly doubt you’re going to find him. If Purple doesn’t want to be found then he won’t be found and he got that from his training to avoid detection.”