//------------------------------//
// Chapter 5 Nuts 
// Story: The Pinto of Ardennes 
// by Bronycommander 
//------------------------------//


Chapter 5: Nuts!




Pipsqueak couldn’t feel anything. As everything was black and numb, he thought he had died, hoping his mother and friends wouldn’t be too sad about their loss.

Slowly but steady, a comfortable feeling overcame him.

With a groan, he managed to open his eyes, finding himself on a bed in a hospital, his injuries patched up.

A man, wearing an identical bowl-shaped helmet and uniform to one of the surrendering soldiers he had seen at the bridge. He had dark brown hair, green eyes, a broad face and average build, appearing to be relieved to see Pip alive.

“You’re awake. When I found you, I was very worried any help had been too late.”

While being grateful, the colt had only one question. “Where am I?”

“At an allied outpost near Bastogne. I found you while on patrol, hearing you’re calling out for your mother. Oh, almost forgot, my name is Jack Wilson.” He said with a British accent.

“Thank you, Mr. Wilson. My name is Pipsqueak but Pip is just fine.”

“Okay, you don’t need to be formal with me. Now, what does a child like you doing on a battlefield?”

The boy took a deep breath. “It’s kind of a long story.” With that, Pip told him where he was from and what he had experienced so far.

“I’m sorry to hear that, Pip. Sounds like we are kinda in the same boat.”

Pip tilted his head to the side. “What do you mean?”

“Well, as you saw before, Americans are mostly seen on this front. And I’m a Brit. The squad I belonged to, got wiped out a while ago, so now I’m here, serving in the 1st infantry division of the US Army, using their rifle and sidearm but can still use my own uniform until a new squad is found for me. If you like, you could help us re-supply our MG positions.”

“Of course, it’s the least I could do to repay you,” Pip replied with a slight smile. Like he had helped the Germans, this might be crucial to his survival.

The soldier pointed to an ammo box. “The dugout in the east needs ammo, are you sure it’s not too heavy?”

“No problem.” The colt picked it up with ease due to his earth pony strength.

“Okay. And don’t worry, we keep you safe if the Germans attack here.” Jack assured him.

As Pip moved out, he took notice of a young soldier chatting with another soldier that looked almost identical to Jack, expect he had hazel eyes.

“The rumors are everywhere. Every major battleground. Talking horses! It’s all true, I swear!”

The soldier looking similar to Jack chuckled. “Calm down, it’s just your imagination from all the stress.”

That made Pip think. His friends Ruby Pinch and Tootsie Flute had landed in Stalingrad and the Pacific respectively but he couldn’t imagine that news could have reached the western front, especially Tootsie, as her “stay” on Earth happened in the year 1945 in human timeline.

“Keep moving. I need the spare bandages from your first aid kit.” A medic said to a fellow soldier, tearing Pip out.

“I thought you hooked up with 3rd battalion to get supplies.”

“No. We got cut off; lost our way.”

The colt then walked through the snowy woods, past three soldiers standing near a tree. “Got anything good for me? I could use a pack of cigarettes.” One US soldier asked his comrades.

“Jonesy, those things will kill ya quicker than a bullet.”

“I thought you got some the other day.”

“They were from my old lady.”

“Nice…I got a letter from your old lady yesterday.” The third American commented as the boy got out of hearing range, but heard how a soldier told his friends about him being in a bar once.

“…So then Humphry says to the Paris cop: ‘I dare you to try and make us leaving this bar.”

One of his comrades laughed. “No way.”

“Oh yeah. And then 6 more cops came in through the front door.”

“So what happened?”

“Well, whistles blowing and fists were flying and the next thing I know, I wake up in a French Jail. It was a pretty nice place.”

The colt rolled his eyes at this, knowing that jail isn’t that pretty as he came across two men in a foxhole or crater, he couldn’t’ really tell.

“I walked the line last night, couldn’t find the 3rd battalion on our east flank.”

“We’re spread too damn thin. There’s gaps all over the line.” The other soldier pointed out.

“Eugene told me Krauts wandered into our old CP two nights ago.”

“This weather isn’t helping.”

This proved to Pipsqueak that the Germans had achieved complete surprise back then with the weather being their ally for once as he walked past a group of soldiers, one of them cleaning his rifle.

“Put me one mile of a Mr. Hitler, party’s over, Gents. We’re all going home.”

“McCaskey, I’m not sure what’s worse: your choice in girls or that piece of junk you’re carrying.”

“What? Your girl?” Pip couldn’t hear anymore as he came past two soldiers digging an MG nest.

“We ever gonna get air support?”

“Not with this cloud cover. Our flyboys would be running into each other.”

“Damn. This just ain’t right. None of it.”

“Once the clouds break, it’s gonna be a different story.”

“Hell yeah, then we’ll really stick it to the Krauts.”

That made the pinto colt realize that the clearing of the clouds and allied air support would most likely turn the tides. Question was if it would be in time.

As he passed by a foxhole, one soldier asked his friend, “What are you gonna do when you get back to the states?”

“Finish college. I miss my books.”

“That a fact? What were you studying?”

“Physics.”

“What…like a gym teacher?”

“No. You’re thinking about Physical Education. I’m talking about physics, Like the atom.”

“Adam who?”

The soldier let out a sigh. “Never mind.”

This reminded Pip of Dinky’s father who had experience in this field, also sometimes frustrated when other ponies did not understand his work.

He could see the out dug in the distance, being almost there as he passed by another foxhole. “I’m freezin’ my crouch off over here.” One soldier complained.

“This ain’t nothing compared to a Wisconsin winter.” His comrade countered.

“I bet there’s less Krauts there.”

“Yeah. Hopefully there’ll a few less here when we’re done.”

This made Pip glad for the clothes, they kept him warm in this cold weather but he still shivered a bit from the cold wind as he walked past the last foxhole that was behind the location where the ammo was required.

“I’m getting low on ammo.” One soldier checked his rifle.

“Yeah, me too. I got a few rounds, but not enough to do any good.”

“How the hell are we gonna stop the Krauts? Throw rocks at them?”

“That convoy better gets here soon or we’re all screwed.”

The colt knew that the allied supply lines were low, so a fight would be very hard if they would be attacked.

“I was told you need ammo?” He asked the two US soldiers manning the dugout.

“Yes, thank you. You’re the colt Jack found, right?” One of the soldiers asked him.

“Righto, name’s Pipsqueak.”

The other soldier smiled. “Nice name. Don’t worry, we’ll keep you save if the Krauts attack. I suggest you take this, better safe than sorry.” The man gave the colt a spare helmet.

“Thank you.”

“Incoming! 12 o’clock!” The other one yelled, pulling the trigger of the MG as he spotted German scouts but it made only clicking sounds. “Gun jam!” He tried to fix it as his partner fired a Springfield rifle, the boy covered his ears from the loud shots, hoping his German friends weren’t among them. “Gun’s clear. Fire!” The loud firing sound of the M1919 made Pip flinch before it stopped after a few seconds.

“Those Krauts won’t be reporting back.” The sniper said as every hostile was down.

“How the hell are they gettin’ past the 88th?” The MG gunner wondered.

“You better go back to Jack, Pip.” The other American suggested and the foal nodded in response.

As Pipsqueak ran back, he saw how the other soldiers went into position, being alerted.

“Good, you’re here. This will be a bloody battle once the enemy main force arrives. For your own safety, stay back and keep your head down.” Wilson said with a hint of concern for him.

“Convoy’s here and they have supplies” Grab what you need!” A soldier called out as several trucks pulled up the road, escorted by tanks.

As Pip and the British soldier moved towards the supplies, a loud whistle sounded and some shouted, “Incoming!!!”

Jack wasted no time, picking the colt up and sprinted towards a foxhole while explosions were all around them, trees falling over.

He dived into it, holding Pip gently as the colt trembled slightly, covering his ears from the explosions.

It went on for what seemed like minutes before there was silence. “It is over?” Pipsqueak asked with a shaken voice.

“I think so. You all right?”

“Yeah, just not used to this.”

“Enemy infantry!” A soldier shouted as the German attacked.

Again, the pinto colt covered his ears of the gunfire, hoping Thomas or any of his squad mates wouldn’t be along the dead as Wilson fired his rifle at the enemy.

Despite this noise, a cry of pain echoed in Pip’s ears, followed by a cry for a help. Peeking carefully over the edge, he saw the soldier looking identical to Jack lying on the ground, bleeding, unable to move.

Wilson made a dash towards his comrade, grabbing him by the shoulders. “Hang in there, buddy! You survived Africa, Italy, France, you can survive this too, Hill!” He dragged him behind some sandbags for cover.

“Thanks, I’ll be alright!” Hill replied gratefully as he his fellow countryman patched him up.

The young child let out a sigh of relief that the wounded man would make it, before a loud metallic “clang” sounded and a strong force threw him backwards, yelling out a cry of pain as he landed hard on his back.

A little bit disoriented, the colt grabbed his helmet and put it back on as Wilson checked on him with worry. “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine.”

“They’re retreating!” Another soldier yelled.

“It’s over. For now. They will attempt to regroup.” The Allied soldier gently took the boy in his arm and carried him back to the hospital.

Here, Pip helped to get medical supplies around while his caretaker was busy with something else. Having a moment for himself, Pipsqueak looked at the dent of his helmet.

He barely had escaped death in this battle, making him wonder how long he could cheat death, not wanting to die.

Jack walked in, smiling weakly. “I must admit you were really brave out there. Braver than any boy I had known of your age.”

“Thank you.” The colt blushed at the compliment.

“Unfortunately, I got new orders. We found out that the Germans have a mortar team hidden nearby. The catch is that nobody is free to take care of you so…you have to go with us.” Jack told with concern, his expression showing displease.

Pip knew it was risky and dangerous but he felt safe with him as he had done with Thomas. “It’s okay. I just stay behind you.” He replied with a slight smile.

“I hope this will work.” The man said with unease they moved out with a few other soldiers.

After a short time, the sounds of a mortar being fired greeted their ears. “Stay low. We have to take them out, but we’re outgunned, Flank them. Don’t let them see you.” A Sergeant ordered.

Pip used a fallen over tree for cover as Jack mounted an MG on a German Halftrack behind the German guards and opened fire, catching them off guard.

The German troops retreated “We got them on the run! Keep on ’em!” The Sergeant yelled and they chased the hostiles, Pip closely behind, praying his friends weren’t among them.

Suddenly, a bright red light blended everyone, Pip covered his eyes. He slowly uncovered them, seeing a flare in the sky.

“It’s a trap! An American yelled as loud whistles filled the sky. “Artillery!”

“Run!” Jack yelled.

He hadn't to say this twice to the boy who ran as fast as he could, as explosions were all around him, followed by screams of Allied soldiers who got hit by it and trees getting blasted to pieces.

As Pip ran up a hill, he heard a scream that sounded familiar before an explosion hit the ground next to him, blasting him away.

The colt grunted in pain as he tumbled down, unable to catch himself before coming to a stop with a blurry vision.

“Get up, Pip.” A voice said to him as the silhouette of a pony walked out of the fog towards him. “I know you better than anypony, so I know there’s still fight in you.” It kneeled down next to him.

“You can’t give up. Not now, not ever.” It sounded familiar but Pip couldn’t recognize it.

“Who are you?” He asked confused.

“Germans could be here any minute. So show me what you’re made of and get on your hooves.”

“I don’t think…I can.”

“You got to, Pip. Nancy needs you and so do Tungsten and Dinky. Now get up.”

“I will.”

“Course you will, ‘cause you don’t know when to stop.” The pony got up and walked away. “I got faith in you, Pip. Meet me at home.”

“Wait…Wait!” Pip called out before it was gone.

As his vision cleared, he noticed the body of a dead German next to him, wooden sticks had impaled his body.

Despite this, the colt recognized him.

“Otto…Dear Luna…”

He could only pray Otto’s death had been quick, hoping the others were still alive.

Knowing he had to find Jack or Thomas, Pip carefully walked through the foggy forest, parts of the trees were fallen over and on fire.

After a short time, he saw a human shadow in the distance, appearing to hang limply in the air.

“My goodness.” He said in shock as it was a dead German pilot hanging from his parachute.

Then, he faintly saw two Germans patrolling through the forest, coming towards him. Not knowing how they would react to him, he decided to stay hidden behind a tree until they passed, then moved on.

“We surrender!” An American voice sounded in his ears, seeing too US soldiers in the distance, being held at gunpoint by a Wehrmacht soldier armed with a flamethrower.

“Wait! Stop!” The other man begged as a hissing sound came from the German’s weapon before they screamed in pain due being burned alive, leaving the boy to watch in shock.

“No…” It made him realize that Thomas hadn’t been lied about the order not to take prisoners.

“Please…mercy…” A third US soldier crawled backwards as two Wehrmacht soldiers held him at gunpoint too.

“Mercy? You don’t deserve mercy for bombing our homes!” One of them kicked him, causing him to cry in pain.

The other German grinned sadistically.” Our commander said we weren't allowed to shoot unarmed men. He didn't say anything about burning them.” He shot the American into the leg and arm before the flamethrower burned him alive too, making him scream in agony. “They deserve nothing less for bombing our towns and civilians.” He added before they moved on.

Pip just stared, they had killed mercilessly out of anger. He knew the Germans had lost much, but just judge one simple soldier for what others did?

It was just wrong.

Also, it reminded him of that nightmare he had before.

A unicorn stallion in dazzling golden armor and a trailing gown of white with ribbons of saffron, ochre and crimson, having a collar made of giant dove wings and the back of his shoulder pads curved upwards into a great arch above him like a halo, his hooves being made of brass and a golden mask of a tranquil, cherubic young steed had pointed a flamethrower at him, being trapped before he burned Pip, causing him to wake up.

At a nearby bunker, he saw a German standing guard, his back to him. An Allied soldier came out of it, knocking the guard out, Pip recognized him.

“Jack!” He whispered, getting his attention.

“Thought you didn’t survive, Pip,” Wilson replied relieved. “A few survivors have managed to set up a defense behind the bunker. We will meet up with them.”

“Okay,” Pip said as the soldier opened the door on the other side, coming to a non–foggy forest.

After a minute of walking the two saw a destroyed Opel Blitz near a destroyed second bunker, dead Germans in camo uniforms scattered around. “Looks too rundown to provide much defense. The Krauts probably abandoned it.”

“I hope they won’t be back anytime soon.” The foal replied in fear as they moved on.

Shortly after, gunfire echoed in the distance. “We must be near them! Stay behind me!” Jack yelled, his rifle ready.

The sound led them to a hill, overlooking a mill, Germans and American troops fighting for it.

As Jack opened fire, he caught the German soldiers off guard, allowing his allies to finish them off.

“Thanks for the help, man, I thought we were done for.” One of the US soldiers was relived as a loudspeaker sounded.

“Soldiers of America, this is not your war. Give up and you will be spared. Your commanders don’t recognize your lives. Surrender and we show you how mercifully and hospitable the Third Reich is.”

For US soldiers, the answer was clear.

“I’ll be our representative,” Jack said, surprising everyone.

“You really want to give up?” An American asked him in disbelief.

“I will stall them so you can prepare defenses.” With that, the Brit walked into the woods, the pony close behind him.

It didn’t took long until a high ranking German officer came into view, having the rank of Field Marshal, saluting the Allied soldier.

“I was hoping they would send a higher ranking soldier than a simple private, but it will suffice.” The Officer was a bit surprised.

“I wasn’t expecting to meet a high ranking German without getting shot on the spot.” Jack countered without emotion.

“In war, you can experience the things you expect the least. Like a talking colt.”

“Maybe. As you should know, I will do what is necessary to keep him safe. If that’s all.” He was about to turn around as the Field Marshal raised a hand.

“Wait. I have order not to take prisoners of war anymore. And I’m aware of your caring. Surrender now, while I can still guarantee the safety of you, your comrades and your young friend. Other commanders won’t be so generous.” The officer replied, showing he was honorable.

“How does an honorable man like you serve them? And you that I die if I have to, to protect him. I won’t let him be taken to a lab.” Wilson had a serious tone in his voice.

“Of course. Is this your final word?”

“No, this is my final word: Nuts!” The private exclaimed and turned around, the colt followed him, yet stared, unable to process why he reacted that way.

As they were almost back Pipsqueak managed to ask, “Why did you say that? My life isn’t more important than those of your comrades.”

Jack let out a sigh. “Sorry, I just…I could tell the officer really meant it but who says some other guy of the SS won’t send you to a lab for experiments? That would be something I could never forgive myself if that would happen to you. As for my comrades, the defenders of Bastogne already have refused to surrender and it spreads like wildfire.”

“I see,” Pip replied after realizing it made sense.

Back at the mill, one of the US soldiers said, “You should get going, we buy you as much time as we can. No Sacrifice Too Great.”

The two just nodded and walked towards into the woods again, knowing they would most likely never see them again.

After a few minutes, gunfire echoed in the direction they had come from but the woods led the two to a snowy road.

“Where should we go?” The boy asked, not knowing which direction they should take.

Before his caretaker could give a reply, the sound of a truck engine greeted their ears, seeing a GMC CCKW of the US military driving in their direction, stopping as soon as the driver saw them. “Are you lost?” He asked them.

“Uh, yes, got ambushed by the Krauts,” Wilson replied.

“Okay, I was on my way to a fuel depot close by, hop in the back.”

They did as told, the pinto colt leaned back, enjoying the ride.

His eyes went wide at the site of the fuel depot, enough to supply an entire battalion, the fuel was delivered by fuel trucks and railway.

“Are you hungry?” His caretaker asked as it was noon, hearing the colt’s stomach growl

“Yeah, haven’t eaten since breakfast.” Pipsqueak had his head lowered in embarrassment.

The cook made him some potatoes which he enjoyed to the fullest. “That was delicious!” He exclaimed in satisfaction with a smile. “Now, this there something I can help with?”

“Well, the radio tower on the other side of the base needs some paper, can you bring it over?”

“Sure!”

As Pip picked it up, he noticed that the Americans stored much ammo in their repair shop, finding it a bit risky.

“Hello, I was told you need paper?” He asked one of the soldiers in a friendly tone.

“Yes, put it on the box near the cabinets.”

The young foal did as told, then noticed a soldier in Ranger uniform entering the building. Somehow, he was familiar but Pip couldn’t tell why.

“What d’ you want here?” The guard asked.

“I’ve brought you some cartridges from the depot, where shall I put ‘em?”

“Put them in the box near the cabinets.”

At first, the colt didn’t think about, wanting to leave the radio tower but the Ranger was blocking the way. “Excuse me, could you please-“

He couldn’t finish as the Ranger suddenly draw a silenced pistol, shooting the guards and operators, one American yelled, “Oh, god! No!” before a bullet to the head killed him, his body falling against the wall.

The colt was too shocked to do anything, trying to understand what just happened as the Ranger stood there emotionless.

Quickly thinking, Pip tried to use his size to escape through his legs but he saw this, whipping him with his pistol.

Pip let out a cry of pain as he fell backwards, staring in fear as the soldier aimed at him. “Please…No…Don’t shoot!”

The Ranger breathed heavily, looking him into the eyes. “Nothing personal, Pip.”

Swiftly he whipped Pip again, knocking him instantly out.



Jack was currently helping with refueling a fuel truck, wondering why his little friend took so long.

Maybe I should look after him. He thought with worry.

Several explosions startled him, seeing the repair shop, the barracks and the two checkpoints at the main entrance blowing up, a siren filled the air.

“We are under attack!” A US officer yelled as Jack saw a German squad and a M8 Greyhound moving in at the main entrance, the fuel trucks and train driving out of the base.

He had heard about German commandos in US military uniforms but thought it were only rumors.

Nevertheless, the Brit made a dash for the radio tower, seeing the operators were dead, the radios destroyed.

“Pip!” He exclaimed upon seeing the colt on the ground, checking for a pulse.

It was a relief the boy was only knocked out. but Wilson knew with the ammo and barracks destroyed, there was no way of winning for the US troops.

With that in mind, he gently picked the foal up and ran along the train tracks to escape the chaos.

“Ugh…” Pipsqueak groaned as he regained consciousness.

“Are you alright?” Jack asked with concern.

“My head hurts but otherwise, I’m fine. What happened?” The colt asked disoriented.

“The German attacked the depot, so I decided it was best to retreat to keep you safe.”

At this moment, Pip’s eyes went small, realizing something, starting to sob. “It’s my fault…I should have told you…”

The Allied soldier knew what he meant, patting him. “Shh, you aren’t to blame. We heard rumors at the beginning of it, so we were aware of that.”

The boy sniffed. “O-okay…”

Both hadn’t counted how much they had walked until a small US outpost was in sight, the soldiers greeted them friendly, shocked to hear what had happened.

In the moment Pip let out a breath of relief, his ears twitched, hearing a whistle.

“Artillery!” One of the Americans shouted and everyone scrambled for cover.

Before the Brit could react, a loud whistle occurred right next to them, followed by an explosion, strong enough to send soil and shrapnel everywhere, Pip barely had time to think about it before hitting the ground in a ditch, blacking out.

He couldn’t tell how long he had been out as he came to with blurred vision and ringing ears, his entire boy ached, making him hope he wasn’t hurt too badly.

As soon as everything became clear again, he took notice the artillery was still firing.

The colt covered his ears from the loud screams and explosions, hoping it would end soon.

Lucky for him, it ended after a few minutes. “My leg…” Jack’s voice greeted his ears, sounding in pain.

He gasped as the human’s left leg was covered in splinters and blood, yet wasted no time to get a medic and bandages to treat it.

As the man got loaded into an Ambulance, Pip said, “I’m sorry about your leg, Jack.”

Wilson smiled weakly. “Don’t be. On the bright side, I can spend Christmas with my family this year.”

Pip’s ears peaked up. “Family?”

“Yes, I have a wife and daughter. I’m confident they would like you. You would be much saver in London than here on the front.”

“Righto.” Pip smiled, kinda looking forward to meet them as the ambulance drove to Antwerp.