//------------------------------// // The Invasion // Story: The Road to Ornithia // by The FraudulentBrit //------------------------------// The Road to Ornithia Part 16; The Invasion “Get to cover! We’re under attack!” Silver shouted. No one wanted to believe it, but with the ships above raining mortar fire, it was clear that the city of Ornithia was now facing an invasion. Taking a brief moment to regain some of his composure, the sailor began to order, “We need to get back to the ship! We can’t let these bastards damage her!” Angel Wings and the others nodded as they prepared to follow him back to the docks. After all, if they could get the Hawkins airborne, they might just have a chance. As Silver, Angel Wings, Nelson, Celaeno, and the others ran through the city, they couldn’t help but react with nothing short of horror. Mortar fire continued to descend upon the city, destroying every building they made contact with. Explosions rang out from every direction as rubble and debris crashed from the skyline and into the streets and canals. But the worst part, especially for Angel Wings, was the screaming that came from the terrified Ornithians. Citizens of all shapes and sizes were fleeing in every direction, ranging from towards the center of town to every possible corner. Worried, Angel Wings asked, “Will every-pony be alright?” No one said anything for a moment, simply continuing to run towards the docks. She began to worry as the silence continued. Then, as the docks entered their line of sight, Silver raised his wing, signaling everyone to stop. Turning around, he faced his mare-friend with a concerned and resigned look as he said, “I’ll be honest. People are gonna die tonight.” As Angel Wings took in what she’d just heard, Nelson added, “The best we can do save as many people as we can.” Silver then said, “Angel Wings, you remember those sword lessons?” When the pink Pegasus nodded, Silver placed his “palms” on the mare’s shoulders as he said, “Then I need you to know that we can’nae afford to hesitate. If we’re gonna stop these buggers, we’ve got to…..” “I know.” Angel Wings solemnly replied. “I figured this sort of thing would happen eventually.” She then took a deep breath as she said, “Let’s do this.” “Cap’n!” Perry cried out. “We got a problem!” Silver turned to his gunnery officer and asked, “What is it Mr. Perry?” Perry, his face now betraying his shock, simply pointed towards the horizon as he was barely able to let out, “It’s the Hawkins.” When Silver followed his friend’s hoof, he noticed it was pointing to the Hawkins. Or more specifically, the plume of smoke that was rising from the Hawkins. “No.” Silver muttered as he ran towards his home. “No no no no no no!” As he made it closer and closer, he picked up speed and ran faster and faster. Soon, he made it to the Hawkins, only to be horrified by what he saw. Silver found the Hawkins, his ship, his home, burning. The ship itself wasn’t entirely consumed in an inferno, but there were flames all over the ship, particularly in the captain’s cabin, the sails, and the bow of the ship. As the rest of the crew and the Ornithians caught up to him, he heard Perry call out, “Oh shit. If the fire gets to the gun deck, she’ll burst like firecracker!” The moment those words left Perry’s muzzle, Silver ran towards the ship, hoping he could do something. Nelson called out, “Cap’n, what are you doing?” Silver, not even stopping, called back, “Getting as much ammo off the ship!” Nelson then turned to the rest of the group and ordered, “You heard him! Get everything flammable off the ship!” With that, everyone began to make their way towards the Hawkins. Once they made their way onto the burning ship’s deck, Silver called out, “Miss Wings, get a cloud and start drenching this bird!” Angel Wings nodded and rose to the air, struggling to avoid mortar fire. Perry, on the other hand, began to descend the ship, intent of tossing as much ammunition and gunpowder overboard. As Angel Wings returned with a small cloud, she tried to kick it, forcing what little water possible onto the burning bow. Silver, now starting to lose his composure, called out, “What? We’re gonna need more than that!” This was when Wyvern did something no one expected; he walked up to Silver and slapped him in the face. “Get a hold of yourself boy!” The old green earth pony shouted. “There’s nothin’ we can do. We have to abandon ship!” For a brief moment, Silver couldn’t do anything but close his eyes as he took a staggered breath. Then, as a single tear escaped his right eye, Silver shouted the two words he never thought he’d have to say in his life. “ABANDON SHIP! ABANDON SHIP!” With those two words, ponies and Ornithians began to run towards the ramp or even simply leapt over the railings into the water below. Silver then refocused on Wyvern as he said, “I’ll make sure everyone’s off. Get everyone to safety.” As Silver made his way to the stairwell, Wyvern simply nodded as he performed a salute and replied, “Aye aye Cap’n!” As the old sailor fled the burning ship, Silver descended down the stairs and into the Hawkins’s hull, hoping to get every-pony off the ship. As Angel Wings joined the rest of the crew, she couldn’t help but look up into the sky. More and more ships were emerging from the storm clouds, several of which were descending towards the city. Curious, she asked, “What are those ships doing?” Celaeno stepped towards her and, dread seeping from her voice, answered, “Those are troop transports.” As Angel Wings realized what she had heard, Nelson added, “Which means this more than an attack. It’s an invasion!” The Flagship, the Bridge As he stood on the bridge of his mighty mare o’ war, Admiral Ecks felt the euphoria and unbridled joy as he took in the chaos and destruction. Below him, Ornithia was burning. The city that had been given to him by the Storm King himself, the city that drove him out like an ungrateful child throwing a tantrum, was now suffering for its insolence. And the Admiral lapped up every bit of fear and terror with a wicked smile on his face. “Do you hear that captain Kruger?” Admiral Ecks said to his most trusted commander. “Do you hear their cries of fear? Their confusion? Their SUFFERING?” He placed a lot of emphasis on the word “suffering,” making the helmsman lean away with fear. Captain Kruger stepped forward and replied, “Yes Admiral. They cower in fear at our might.” He then pointed towards the docks as he continued, “And just as you requested, our Equestrian friends managed to torch the Hawkins when the first salvo began.” Admiral Ecks rubbed his hands together as he grinned even harder. “Excellent. With that infernal rowboat out of commission, Old Silver and his merry band of misfits will be easy pickings.” He then turned to his subordinate and ordered, “Take the Immortals and storm the city garrison. When they fall, their spirit will snap like a twig!” “Admiral?” Kruger asked in confusion. “Why do you require me to be present? My talents would be wasted by such an action. What about one of your generals?” Admiral Ecks didn’t say a word to Captain Kruger. He simply stepped towards the whiny little satyr and cracked his knuckles as he rolled his head in a show of intimidation. After all, many an officer who had dared to challenge his authority had suffered “fatal accidents” for their insubordination, and Kruger didn’t have enough of a spine to resist. Backing away from his master, Captain Kruger gave a fearful chuckle as he replied, “I will take the garrison for you master.” With that, the pudgy little satyr scrambled off the bridge and towards the longboats. Admiral Ecks couldn’t help but let out a menacing cackle as he said to himself, “And now, my former subjects, you will once again serve your rightful master.” The Hawkins As Silver escorted Aquamarine off the ship, he asked, “Is that everyone?” Wyvern nodded as Perry replied, “Everyone sir. What now?” Silver hesitated for a moment, not entirely sure what to do. His first plan was literally going up in flames behind him, and with troop transports beginning to descend upon them, he was lost. That was when Celaeno said, “We need to get to the city garrison! We can link up with others and, with luck, push these guys back.” As the rest of the crew began to chatter amongst themselves, Silver took sighed as he replied, “Lead the way Captain.” Celaeno nodded as she called out, “Ok scallywags, follow me!” With that, the yellow pirate ran towards the center of town, followed by the rest of the group. Silver hesitated for another moment, stopping to take one last at the Hawkins, barely able to comprehend the sight of his home going up in flames. “Silver?” Angel Wings said as she rested a wing on Silver’s back. Silver simply turned around and answered, “I’m alright.” He then straightened his hat as he said, “Now, let’s get these wankers!” Angel Wings couldn’t help but give a reassuring smile as she took Silver’s wing and pulled him towards the rest of the group. Ornithian Garrison As the group approached the garrison, Silver couldn’t help but briefly marvel at the building before him. Much like every other building in Ornithia, it was made of marble stone, especially the great walls that surrounded the building. Running up to the gate, Celaeno banged on the gate as she called out, “Let us in!” The gate opened up and two Ornithian soldiers in chainmail armor with green cloaks and crossbows emerged. One of the soldiers turned to Celaeno and shouted, “Entrare! Velocemente!” Celaeno turned to the others and said, “You heard him! Get inside!” Lix Spittle wasted no time and ran right into the gate, followed by Squawk, then Wyvern, Mullet, Angel Wings, Major Andre, Aquamarine, Arrow Bolt, Nelson, Perry, and the rest of the crew. Silver entered last, and the once he was past the gate, the two soldiers slammed the gate behind them before barricading the door. Catching their breaths, Silver asked, “So, city under attack, invasion incoming, what else is new?” “Our worst fears confirmed.” A familiar voice said as the group’s attention was refocused behind them. Silver and the others turned to see Prime Minister Garibaldi, now outfitted with ornate battle armor. As the scarlet politician approached the group, he stated, “I didn’t think the Admiral would be this bold.” Silver stepped towards Garibaldi as he replied, “Our ship has been torched, and they’re deploying soldiers.” Just saying the first part made Silver start to choke up, but he couldn’t allow himself to show too much weakness. Garibaldi nodded as he replied, “I am sorry my friend. We will grieve for your ship later.” The politician then turned to the others as he began to boldly proclaim, “But for now, we will drive the bastardi monkeys from our home! We will make them pay dearly for every life they have taken! We will show them that Ornithia is not some prize that can be won!” As Silver took in what the Prime Minister had said, one of the soldiers from behind him shouted, “Hoorah! We’ll stop them sir!” Another soldier, this one from behind the Prime Minister, called out, “They won’t stand a chance against us!” This was when a sentry atop the large wall called out, “Enemy forces approaching!” Silver turned to face his crew, silently pleading for advice. While most of the sailors gave him worried or confused looks, Angel Wings and Wyvern gave him confident nods. Knowing what had to be done, Silver turned to Garibaldi and said, “What are your orders sir?” Giving the metal winged Pegasus a cocky smile, Garibaldi stepped to the side as another soldier, this one in chain mail, came forward with several swords. As the knight knelt and presented the blades, Garibaldi said, “You will need weapons. I trust you are all capable with a blade?” Silver then gently grasped one of the swords, an elegant saber, and unsheathed it, revealing its steel blade. Holding the blade up in the air, he ordered, “Everyone, get a sword.” Garibaldi then turned to Perry and ordered, “Signor Perry, the sentries are yours to command!” The ornery unicorn hesitated for a moment, but the distant sound of marching feet was enough persuasion to report to the top of the wall. Once there, he barked out, “Ok powder monkeys! Hold your fire until I give the command! Am I clear?” The crossbowmen on the wall replied with a determined, “Si signore!” Seeing such professionalism impressed the gunnery officer, who muttered to himself, “Alright. Let’s see what you bird brains can do.” The Prime Minister then turned to Celaeno and ordered, “Capitano, you and your crew will protect the center of the garrison with Signore Wyvern!” Upon hearing his name being uttered, Wyvern nodded and joined Celaeno and her crew. Silver, on the other hoof, was distracted from the preparations by the sound of someone panicking. Curious, he turned to see Aquamarine had curled up and was nervously muttering, “This is it. We’re gonna die. We’re gonna die! WE’RE GONNA DIE!” The old sailor knew that the Staff Sergeant was very clearly going through a PTSD breakdown on top of the possibility of imminent bodily harm. Turning to Nelson, Silver ordered, “Mr. Nelson, escort Aquamarine somewhere safe and keep her there.” The three legged Pegasus nodded as he helped Aquamarine to her hooves and escorted her towards the center building of the garrison. Now all that was left was Silver, Angel Wings, the Prime Minister, Ishmael, Arrow Bolt, Major Andre, Bully Beef, Skibby, and the assortment of Ornithian soldiers stationed at the garrison. All in all, he felt that the odds were pretty fair. From over the garrison wall, the group heard a voice call out, “Attention ponies and Ornithians!” raising his ears, Silver turned to Perry and asked, “Who is it?” “Some stubby little satyr. I think he got into too much yellow cake.” Perry called back. Silver rolled his eyes as he thought to himself, ‘Probably some self important stooge.’ Sure enough, the voice called back, “I am Captain Kruger, captain of the forces of the glorious Admiral Ecks. You have been surrounded, and if you do not surrender, my troops will eradicate you!” Prime Minister Garibaldi then stepped towards the wall and called out, “We will not be intimidated by furry thugs like you!” The enemy commander, this Captain Kruger, replied, “In that case…..” After a few tense seconds, the pudgy captain shouted, “EXTERMINATE THEM!” A deafening war cry erupted from the yeti and satyr soldiers as they charged towards the garrison. Silver and Angel Wings may not have been able to see the oncoming onslaught, but they didn’t need to see them to prepare for what was about to happen. Turning to his mare-friend, Silver gently reassured her, “We do this together. You watch my back, I watch yours.” Though clearly terrified, Angel Wings was able to form a weak smile as she replied, “Thanks.” The bashing of a battering ram rang from the gate, making some of the ponies and Ornithians quiver in fear. Luckily, Garibaldi stepped forward as he declared, “We stand together my friends. O LA VITTORIA O TUTTI ACCOPPATI!” The doors finally gave out, and nearly a dozen yetis, each clad in the classic armor of the Storm King’s army and wielding a spear, charged forward in a maddened frenzy. From the wall, Perry shouted, “Open fire!” The archers unleashed their arrows, preventing too many soldiers from entering the garrison. As the yetis began to fall, Silver and Garibaldi charged and clashed blades with the oncoming hoard. With a swift parry, the Prime Minister disarmed one of the monsters and swiftly slashed its chest. As one of the yetis charged at Angel Wings, she locked blades with its spear, making one of many clangs that now competed with the explosions for the most deafening sound. It was now that she found herself appreciating her sparing lessons with Silver, for the monster was relying on brute force to overpower her. Thinking quickly, the pink Pegasus was able to disarm the yeti and, with the speed of a Wonderbolt, bashed it on the head, knocking it out cold. Sadly, this was when Angel Wings found herself lifted into the air and, before anyone could react, slammed into the ground. “Ugh.” She groaned as she rose back to her hooves. This was when she felt something clamp hard on her throat, forcing her to start gasping. As she was lifted into the air again, Angel Wings was rotated to find herself face to face with a yeti’s war mask, complete with shrunken pupils and a nightmarish war cry. As Angel Wings screamed in terror, her cries were heard by Old Silver. Turning to see his mare-friend being held by a yeti, he cried out, “NO!” As adrenaline began to pump through his veins, he charged towards the creature threatening Angel Wings before he plunged his saber into its back, creating a sickeningly wet crack. As Angel Wings fell to the ground, she found herself taking deep breaths as she said, “Silver……. You saved my life!” Silver would have given a brief reply, but he was interrupted by Angel Wings shouting, “Look out!” without even stopping, she pushed Silver out of the way as she grabbed and extended her sword, impaling yet another monster. She’d done it. Angel Wings had caused grievous bodily harm. This creature had threatened Silver and herself, and she did the only thing she could. As she pulled her sword out of the yeti’s chest, she could see its eyes roll into the back of its head as it fell to the ground. She could only gasp as she realized what had happened. She had killed the yeti. “Angel Wings!” Silver called out to his mare-friend. As he made his way up to her, he realized she was starting to zone out, consumed by a trance he and every member of the crew had experienced at sometime. “Angel Wings! You alright?” He desperately asked. His voice managed to have some effect, because she managed to shake her head and she managed to squeak out, “Yeah, I’m ok.” As Silver and Angel Wings managed to catch their breath, they heard Garibaldi call out, “Capitano! Their commander is making a run to the garrison!” Silver raised his head to see several yetis surrounding a relatively short, pudgy satyr had broken through the defenders and had made it to the central building. Cracking his wing’s knuckles, Silver determinedly said, “I’ll get ‘em.” Angel Wings, for her part, took her sword as she said, “Let’s get these guys.” With that, both mare and stallion made their way to the central building. Garrison Central Building Once Silver and Angel Wings entered the building, the sound of screaming began to fill the halls. This was followed by the now unmistakable sound of Captain Kruger’s voice call out, “Find the civilians and make an example!” Silver knew what people meant when someone used the phrase “make an example,” and Angel Wings knew that his tone made it clear it wasn’t something pleasant. Not wasting time, the two ponies charged forward, determined to stop Captain Kruger. Soon they made their way to a large door guarded by two yeti soldiers. Pointing his sword towards them, Silver demanded, “Let us through!” The guards simply growled as they pointed their own blades towards the intruders. It had become clear that neither was willing to budge. This was when the door slammed open, revealing Captain Kruger holding a terrified Aquamarine by the throat with his elbow. The pudgy satyr pulled out a knife as he teased, “Make one move and I carve this bird!” Upon hearing this, Aquamarine gulped with fear as her face turned horribly pale. Silver tried to gently slide a hoof a few inches, but Captain Kruger simply held the blade of his knife closer to Aquamarine’s throat. Everyone was so focused on Captain Kruger that no one noticed the satyr arms binded with chains rise above him and, with terrific speed, wrap around the cruel captain’s neck and pull, forcing him to release both Aquamarine and the knife. As the guards turned to see what was going on, they found themselves cut down by Angel Wings and Old Silver. As Aquamarine managed to rise back to her hooves, she turned to see something she never expected. She saw Major Andre strangling Captain Kruger with his binded hands. The Staff Sergeant couldn’t believe it, and found herself staring blankly at the sight before her. Captain Kruger, on the other hand, found it increasingly difficult to breathe. As he struggled fruitlessly to escape, he struggled to turn to face his assailant, barely able to see the white fur of the satyr now choking him. Barely able to say anything, he managed to spitefully choke out, “Traitor!” Major Andre didn’t reply, simply pulling his hands apart with all of his might. With this action, Silver, Angel Wings, and Aquamarine heard the sickening wet crack of Captain Kruger’s neck. Kruger’s head slumped at an unnatural angle as his body stopped moving and he let out a deathly gurgle. As Major Andre dropped the body, he quipped, “Well, I suppose now I’m a traitor.” From behind the Major, a bruised Nelson made his way over to the group. As he shook his head, he noticed the carnage before him as he let out a gentle yet mischievous, “So, what did I miss?” Silver, letting out an exhausted chuckle, made his way over to Major Andre as he ordered, “Please extend your arms Major.” As Andre extended his arms towards Silver, the latter lifted his sword and, with a swift strike, severed the chain, finally freeing his arms. The grateful satyr, now rubbing his wrists, quipped, “Well now, that’s a lot better.” The sound of the door slamming open caught everyone’s attention. Angel Wings turned to see a worn out Celaeno, cuts now adorning her tattered clothing, run forward and enthusiastically proclaim, “Silver, you won’t believe this! They’re pulling back!” “What?” Silver asked incredulously. “They’re retreating?” Celaeno nodded as she motioned to the entry. Looking around, Silver faced his quartermaster as he ordered, “Mr. Nelson, stay here with Miss Aquamarine and the Major. Everyone else, Follow Captain Celaeno! As he faced back to the door, he cocked his hat as he said, “Let’s finish this scuffle.” The Flagship As Admiral Ecks peered through his spyglass, he found that all throughout the city his troops were retreating back to the landing ships. To any other commander it would seem that the invasion was a resounding failure, but to Ecks, it was all according to plan. Turning to the other officer on deck, the Admiral ordered, “Provide covering fire for our troops. Once the drop ships have taken off, we pull out.” The officer nodded as he performed the “x” salute to his commander as he ordered, “Protect our troops and prepare to fall back!” Folding his arms behind his back, Admiral Ecks said to himself, “Be lucky I was only testing you, little birdies. And Old Silver, when we meet again, only one of us will survive. I promise you that.” Streets of Ornithia Silver and Angel Wings led the charge against the fleeing yetis, chasing them all the way back to the docks. As the large white balls fled in panic, several fell behind the others and were swiftly surrounded by Ornithians. Knowing there was no hope, they quickly surrendered. Then, Silver and Angel Wings heard something horrifying. They heard the sound of someone screaming, and if their ears weren’t deceiving, it was someone very young. Turning to Silver, Angel Wings asked, “You hear that?” The metal winged Pegasus nodded and replied, “Aye. It’s coming from down the street.” Turning to Celaeno, Silver ordered, “Continue the advance. We’ll see what’s going on.” As Celaeno nodded, the two pegasi made their way down the street, hoping to find the source of the screaming. What they found was perhaps the most horrifying thing they’d seen all day. Before them was a burning apartment building, and on the highest floor appeared to be a young Ornithian, almost certainly a child, screaming in fear. Dropping his sword, Silver turned To Angel Wings and, to her shock, gave her his prized hat. Then, without saying a word, he charged into the blazing inferno. Angel Wings held her breath as she waited for Silver to return. Looking up to the child, she called out, “Don’t worry! My friend will save you!” Just as she said this, the child was pulled back, making Angel Wings’s heart skip a beat. All she could do was reassure herself, “Come on Silver. You can do it.” This was when something shot out of the window and land right in front of her. To her joy, it was Silver, holding the child in his metal wings. Raising his head, he remarked, “I think I burned my coat a bit.” Angel Wings could only let out a relieved laugh as she wrapped him in a tight embrace. Then, Silver heard the one voice he hoped to never hear again. “Oh Stumpy!” Raising his head, Silver turned to find the source of the voice. Looking up, he found a small gunship, complete with “Xs” on the sails, descending towards him. And from the ship’s railings, a very familiar Pegasus peeked his muzzle over, a terrifying grin on his face. “Somers!” Silver angrily shouted. Somers simply replied, “How’s it hangin’ Stumpy?” The vile Pegasus turned his head to the burning building and mockingly asked, “You like my handiwork?” Gritting his teeth, Silver called back, “Get down here and fight me like a stallion!” Somers, however, said something even more inflammatory. “Ah don’t think so. Ah’m gonna enjoy the heat, just like when Ah burned that garbage barge of yours.” Silver couldn’t believe it. Somers had not only joined Admiral Ecks, and not only had he participated in the rampage on the city, but he had been responsible for burning the Hawkins, his home. If looks could kill, Silver’s glare would have destroyed the entire world. “Silver!” Angel Wings called out. Silver turned to face Angel Wings, who was looking down at the child, now clearly visible as a girl, in her hooves. The fire had left burn marks on her cream feathers and her clothing, a blue and white stripped sleeveless shirt, a dark blue sleeveless vest, a red bandanna, white pants, and black boots. What really caught Silver’s attention was her left leg, which was burned black with flesh peeling off like an onion. From above him, Silver heard Somers taunt him, “What you gonna do Stumpy? Silver didn’t know what to do. If he tried to go after Somers, the child might go from bad to worse, but the other option would be to allow Somers to escape. Luckily, Somers’s gunship began to ascend into the darkened sky as the evil Pegasus called out, “Next time Ah’ll get you Stumpy! Ah ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!” With that, the gunship sped off into the night sky, Somers’s cackling echoing like lightning. Silver, however, had other issues to attend to. He knew he’d have to break it to the crew they’d lost their ship; he’d likely be involved with the clean up, and of course there was planning the next move. But as he walked up to Angel Wings and the Ornithian child, Silver knew the first thing he had to do was get the young girl some help for her leg.