...Into The Chaos
By: Silbern
“Incoming!”
Dirt and debris showered the ground as the attack hit the ground only a few meters in front of Shining Armour's trench line. He raised his head only enough to get a glimpse of what should have been peaceful Equestrian countryside. The sun had just been raised by the Princess but instead of birds chirping to greet the bright being, it was large explosions. The white unicorn squinted as he spotted the large, pale red orb that was slowly growing from the mountain side.
“Captain! We are getting beat up out here in the open!” Night Wail shouted over the latest explosion as every pony hit the ground and covered their face before the debris came back into the trench. “We have to retreat!” the nocturnal pony shouted.
Shining recovered from the last attack as he turned to look at his second in command. Both ponies had taken quite a beating as they retreated to the make shift defence line. They were ill equipped and they have yet to even make contact with the enemy. Every now and again a beam of energy would shoot out from the edge of the orb to lash out at the small force of ponies. Shining Armour slammed his hoof down however in defiance as he knew what laid beyond this position. A tree library holding one of the few things he held sacred in his world. “No retreat! No surrender!” Shining shouted back with all the ferocity that he could muster as he pushed past to see his communications Unicorn shaking slightly. “Corporal! Whats the ETA on those reinforcements?” Shining shouted as another earth shaking explosion happened nearby.
The dark grey unicorn stopped his shaking for a moment as his attention and thoughts were suddenly dragged away from his terror. “Oh uh, five minutes sir! The 3rd fighter squadron are on their way followed by the paratroopers and the 12th Artillery regiment!” the stallion tried to stand up straight as he could while shouting the latest feed back report.
Shining simply nodded his head as the earth shook once more, something he feared that wouldn't let up anytime soon. “May Celestia and Luna look over us all.” He simply prayed as he took a chance to the orb once more.
Princess Celestia sat at the large table as multiple ponies ran in panic as they carried documents and reports. It was only hours after she had returned from the welcoming party as she fell asleep with a smile on her face was there a knock on her door. She knew there was only one possible creature behind such a bold attack. The two Princesses sat together as they studied the large map below them as red and blue pieces moved to show a birds eye view.
“This is our latest intel Princess. There is a strange orb that seems to be growing at a slow rate from the mountain side. It seems to be firing some sort of long range weapon with an explosive effect.” One of the generals ordered as he pointed out the single red piece that slowly moved forward. He then moved his hoof to point at the sole blue piece that still remained. “Captain Armour has a made a small defence point where his strike force has meet artillery like bombardment. Air force should be there along with the paratroopers in a minute.”
Celestia let a breath out as she put her hoof down on the small dot on the map. “I'd rather die then let Discord take Ponyville or my son. Prepare for war. Call all reserve divisions.” Celestia ordered as the General simply grinned before saluting crisply. “I need to send a letter before donning my armour. I will meet you shortly sister.” The sun Goddess declared as she raised from her spot at the table and moved for her private chambers. Luna could only watch her older sister walk off before raising herself knowing what was at risk. Her very family, small as it may be was now in danger along with all the ponies she swore to look after. She promised Ponyville another Nightmare moon night and had no plans on going back on her word.
“Who wee!” Applejack shouted with cheer as the last apple in the south orchard had fallen easily in a basket below. The basket soon found itself being carried off as Uriel simply placed it in a nearby cart before landing to fold his wings back to his side. AJ couldn't have had hoped for a better morning as she wiped her forehead from sweat and trotted to meet up with Uriel who started to hook up the harness. The orange earth pony tightened the last strap as she gave Uriel a nod of approval. The two then began their walk back to the farm which went by quickly enough. Although the two working ponies may have not noticed it themselves but Big Mac noticed it as soon as he saw them.
“Great job you two. Now git them apples to the back with the rest.” Big Mac calmly ordered as he waved one of his hoofs towards a larger waggon. “We got to make sure we're there for the market this morning.” the red stallion said as he watched the two ponies cheerfully walk to the cart. Although he suspected something might have happened last night at the party he was sure Applejack didn't let that Alicorn pass any boundaries. The red stallion only huffed at the idea as he followed after the two watching them both laugh at a joke they shared. It was easy to notice their lighter faces and overall appearance, if anything, it made Big Macintosh smile himself.
“Applejack! Uriel!”
All three ponies turned their head to an exhausted Twilight Sparkle as she almost slumped to the dirt ground beneath her if it wasn't for Big Mac who caught her. “Easy now miss Sparkle. Take a few breaths.” the stallion suggested as he removed his hoof seeing that the mare had regained her composure.
The lavender pony did what she was told as she inhaled and exhaled a few times before standing up straight. “All of Ponyville.” She stopped for one last breath before continuing. “Is being evacuated!” she finished with terror in her voice and tears just now pooling on the edge of her eyes.
AJ rushed to her friends side as she tried to wipe away the tears. “What is goin' on Twi? What in the hay are ya talkin' about?” Applejack look worried as the studious pony only looked at her.
“Discord.” Uriel answered as he gritted his teeth in anger. The Alicorn let out a huff of breath as he charged forth past the two ponies and with one flap of his wings he was airborne. His gain in altitude however only lasted for a moment as he felt a weight trying to keep him earth bound. He turned his head to see AJ digging in her hoofs and with her mouth grabbing on securely to his tail. “Let go Applejack! I'm going to put Discord six feet under if it's the last thing I do!” He shouted with pure hatred wrapping every word.
AJ didn't take even the slightest chance of opening her mouth but instead simply shook her head in refusal. What she didn't take in account is the pure thrust of each wing flap that the white stallion soon began to pump out. Applejack soon felt her form start to pick up as the feel of not a single speck of dirt was under any of her hoofs. She was about to scream for help before she recognized the the crimson coat and hay coloured hair as Big Mac bite onto Uriel's tail. Their combined weight began to drag the Alicorn back to earth until they watched the pony flap his wings even faster as dust clouds were pelting the nearby farm house with lifted pebbles.
Twilight only watched for a moment in shock as her mane was flapping madly in the wind. She was then starting to witness both Apple family ponies lift off the ground. This only left her for back up as she calculated the exact place she needed to be as her horn began to emit a glowing light. With a small audible pop she was gone and to Uriel's great surprise was now falling straight for his face. All four ponies fell to the ground as the Alicorn stopped flapping his wings and held out his hoofs in a clumsy attempt to block the incoming unicorn.
The Apples recovered quickly as they gave them selves a shake and for AJ to place her hat back onto her head. “Ah don't know if you been spendin' too much time with Rainbow or not but you don't just go off like that!” the Apple mare's harsh words berated the Alicorn who had just recovered himself.
“Applejack is right Uriel!” Twilight said as she helped the frustrated stallion to his hoofs. “We need to go to the town centre along with the rest of Ponyville!” the unicorn reasoned as Uriel stopped gritting his teeth for a moment and breathed.
“We need to get Apple Bloom and Granny Smith to safety!” Applejack said as everything really started to dawn on her. “Apple Bloom is walking to school with Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle!” She didn't even stop to wait for any pony as she darted towards the only road that lead to the farm.
“Dang AJ. Jus' as we start talkin' about running off on yer own she does it herself.” Big Mac said as he shook his head in wonder. “Go Uriel. Ah'll make sure Granny gets to town safe and sound.” the crimson stallion ordered Uriel as the white Alicorn turned to him. They exchanged a quick look before both nodded a quiet understanding. Twilight Sparkle and Big Mac watched as in a few quick paces and a flap of his wings the Alicorn was airborne and going incredibly fast.
“You do know I was just going to teleport us back to Ponyville right?” the lavender pony spoke up as she turned her head to Big Mac.
“Eeyup”
Uriel grinned as he bursted forth from a small bush and was creating a swirling dirt trail behind him. He sped along the dirt road as a orange earth pony wearing a brown hat was running at full speed just ahead. He angled his approach carefully as he decelerated and scooped his forehoofs around AJ's torso. He noticed the Apple pony turn with shock but only met a determined grin and two deep red eyes looking at her. Her hoofs slowly started to pick off the ground as she dangled for only a moment as she then shifted herself around. Now holding onto the white pony tightly she felt the sudden friction of wind as Uriel picked up speed.
“There they are!” Applejack shouted as she pointed with one hoof to the three fillies who almost reached the school. She replaced that hoof back tightly around Uriels neck as she found that the stallion had somehow increased his speed. He was no Rainbow Dash but even AJ had to admit Dash would have a run for her money if these two were to race.
“Get ready!” Uriel said as helped Applejack turn so she was now facing down towards the ground. “Just like grabbing an apple out of a barrel! I'll slow down!” Uriel shouted over the wind that hit the two fiercely. He held out his wings for a few moments longer so the air had more area to push back against. This effectively started to slow the two as the Alicorn slowly lowered himself and a grinning Applejack lower to the ground.
The three fillies never had a chance to respond as they suddenly were lifted from their hoofs. The three surprised girls turned their head to see Applejack before she nuzzled them. “Hang on tight girls!” Uriel shouted as he flapped his wings harder knowing full well that he had considerable weight to slow him down. Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom only rolled their eyes and laughed as they watched Scootaloo beam with excitement. No matter how much that filly had flown with Rainbow it never got old with her.
Ponyville wasn't very far as Rainbow meet up with the burdened flier. Taking the fillies in her own hoofs, the group landed amongst the gathered crowd. It was easy to see the fear and panic that was spreading through the gathered ponies. Families gathered close as royal guards and Equestrian soldiers ran about their task building any sort of defence that they could.
“Sweetie Belle!” Rarity shouted as she scooped up her little sister quickly in a tight hug. Apple Bloom smiled as she even spotted Scootaloo finding her mother as well. “What's goin' on Applejack?” the young Apple filly asked as she turned to her big sister and brother.
“We're not too sure Bloom.” AJ calmly replied as she put on her best smile she could muster. She let out a mental sigh as she witnessed her little sister's best smile.
“Uriel?” Big Mac called out as the group turned to see the Alicorn separated slightly from the group and looking off into the distance. The white stallion didn't move as everyone approached closer with caution as Big Mac called out again but still no reply.
“Uriel? Sugar Cube?” AJ said as she took a step closer now feeling something bad deep in the back of her thoughts. Her hoof outstretched to poke the Alicorn gently but when he suddenly turned his head she jumped in fright.
“Do you hear him Applejack?” Uriel asked quickly as his pupil's shrank into small beads. “He's out there. Calling for me.” He stammered as he turned his head again with his ears perked up as if listening to quiet whispers.
“Don't let 'em get to ya Uriel! Fight!” AJ shouted as she knew instantly of who he spoke. She ran to his side tried to get some sort of eye contact with him.
Don't you remember dear Uriel?
“Uriel? Please answer me Uriel!”
The scream of your decent as you fired your machine gun into the column below you. The Allied dogs ran this way and that but you didn't care! Not after they shot your best friend down over Normandy! I remember your very grin as you depressed the trigger. You were the German ace Uriel Faust!
Uriel suddenly blinked as memories flooded his consciousness. He fell to the ground as he held his head in pain. Images that were so vividly clear that he cried as he gazed up into the sky. He watched as faces of his friends gathered around him calling but he couldn't hear their voice. Applejack's worried face came close as she tried to shake Uriel into any kind of response. He was a monster. How many had he killed? He would remember the history lessons but he only could imagine the pain and suffering of the war and never live it until now.
You think we are done here Uriel? A low cackle echoed in his head. How long do you think you were on your planet? A few years or perhaps months maybe? If you want to know then come and get me. I'll be waiting for you.
Uriel shot up with a sudden deep breath as the mares surrounding him jumped with surprise. He sat there for a moment looking around as his pupils slowly returned to normal. It was the sudden hug that wrapped around his neck that he smelled the familiar scent of apples.
“Ya had me scared witless Uriel!” AJ said with relief as she broke off the hug and took a step back to give him some room to breath.
The white stallion could only give AJ a soft smile as he struggled to his hoofs until he found himself practically being picked up by a smiling Big Mac who nodded in his direction.
“Is it true? This is Discord's doing?” Twilight Sparkle asked with narrowed eyes as she looked directly at the Alicorn. Uriel only gave a nod before a sharp siren filled the air causing every pony to cover their ears except for Uriel who only look upwards.
“No! No, no, no!”
“This is Rolling Thunder with 3rd squadron reporting. It seems like the orb has spat out some UFOs of unknown origin or make. Look at the size of them!” The flying pegasai pointed as the flying V formation turned to see the dark red apparitions fly towards Ponyville. “Their flight path is for Ponyville! Advise command!”
There was only a few moments of static in his ear bud before a clear voice he didn't expect come through. “This is Princess Celestia. All formations engage, I say again, engage!” the pegasai heard over his radio piece and before he could relay his own orders a blindingly fast blur of dark blue and bright white flashed past him. It took Rolling Thunder a few moments before he realized it was none other then the Princesses! “You heard the lady! Let's bring the pain 3rd Squadron!” He shouted as a cheer was raised amongst the pegasai.
The formation dove with the sun behind them to cover their entrance with blinding light. It was then that Rolling Thunder could actually manage to see any detail about their aerial foe. They almost seemed to be like large birds but their wings were fixed and they produced a loud sound which the Air Force Pegasai could only deduce was their engines or propulsion. What freaked him out the most however was the ghastly red vapour that trailed behind the fixed wing planes like a ghost of his colt days when his father would tell him scary stories. He flushed all of it out of his mind however as his hoofs aimed for one of the bigger planes.
Then the real battle of Ponyville's air space began as Thunder watched the smaller craft break off from their formation and turn to intercept 3rd Squadron. They've been spotted! “Evasive manoeuvres! Keep an eye on your wing pony!” Thunder shouted as he suddenly dived to avoid a trail of dark red energy bolts that were being shot out of the nose of the enemy interceptors. Suddenly the air was alive with crackling of the dark red energy as Thunder and his wing man dodged left and right to avoid any imminent death.
When the trail of energy had suddenly stopped Thunder turned only to see Princess Celestia had landed on the foe and begun taring off the wings with her magic. “The Princess has one already boys! I owe you a pint of cider Princess!” Thunder shouted through his radio as he witness the Princess only nod before flying off after another plane.
“Alright boys! Go for the wings!” Thunder shouted out his orders as he heard multiple acknowledgements through his radio. He pointed his hoof at one of the bigger plans which never moved from it's current flight path. Something bad was aboard those beasts and Thunder would be damned if he was going to let them reach Ponyville. “Target spotted. Hit 'em hard!” Thunder shouted to his wing man as they dove together to combine their weight upon impact. The two pegasai screamed at the top of their lungs as they tore through the hard material and through the other side. They watched as the large plane only maintained it's flight for a few seconds before succumbing and plummeting to the ground in a loud crash.
The moment of triumphant only lasted a moment before a shrieking like siren sounded and a energy bolt hit Thunder's wing pony in the leg. He watched in horror as the pony began to fall to the ground without any hint of trying to fly. “Hold on Zap!” Thunder shouted as he made a mad dive to his partner while trying to weave left and right to dodge the energy bolts himself. “Celestia help me!” He called as he almost reached his wing pony. He felt his prayers had been answered as the familiar white blur past him suddenly but something was off with this one. Was that a streak of red in her mane?
Uriel never stopped as he punched straight through the German Stuka bomber look-a-like. From propeller to tail fin, the pony had barreled through to cause the plane to split in half. He watched as his handiwork trailed red smoke until it crashed below.
“I don't know who you are friend but I owe you a cider when this is all done.” Thunder said as he cradled his unconscious wing pony in his fore hoofs. The 3rd squadron commander didn't waste anymore time as he began his flight to Ponyville to deliver his comrade and get back into the fight.
Uriel however never waited for him to return as he watched the skies. Stukas, Ju-88s, Spitfires, Lancasters, Mustangs, all of them air craft he remembered deeply within his memory. Some he felt he could even fly if he was inside of them! He narrowed his vision and started to notice all the nation and air force symbols were replaced with Discord's face. Uriel could only spit at the sight before him. The bastard Discord had gathered all the aircraft designs and placed them under his own banner! “Not for long.” Uriel simple muttered as he picked his next target and flew as quick as he could, hatred fuelling every flap of his wings.
Applejack never made it in time. She recovered from the deafening siren and leaped after Uriel but only landed with her face on the ground. Her eyes opened only to see a shrinking vision of the Alicorn amongst the blue sky above Ponyville. As her friends helped AJ to her hoofs she stood there gazing off into the distance. For the first time in her life she wished for a set of wings.
“If Discord's behind this then we have to defend Equestria girls.” Twilight took a few step's forward as she let her gaze wonder into the distance where Uriel took off. It wasn't long as her friends soon joined her as they all grinned knowing the challenge before them. Their bond however was strong and their determination unbeatable. It has proved to beat Discord once before and they would do so again! “Let's go get him girls!” Twilight said as she felt the fire in her heart spread through her body.
“Um.” Fluttershy spoke up as she suddenly squeaked as all five mares suddenly turned their head. “Where is Discord exactly?” the shy pegasai asked.
Twilight opened her mouth to answer but suddenly found herself dumbstruck.
“I think we can help ya with that girls!”
Discord did flips in the air as he cackled with delight. He had everything going his way and not one pawn out of place. He floated back down to his hammock that he attached to a couple of trees and simply relaxed with a stretch. He had multiple pictures that floated around him showing live feeds of each battle from his minions view. In a way, he had to thank Uriel for witnessing so much in his human life.
“Discord.” a voice suddenly drawn the chaos creature's thoughts away and onto the short haired brunette who stood with her arms crossed over her chest in discomfort. “He's ready for phase two.” she simply said before turning to walk down the grassy knoll. Chyrsalis knew as soon as she heard the giggling that Discord was flying shortly above her. The two made their way in silence which the fake human was only more then thankful for until they reached a simple chair that was atop of a grassy hill over looking the battle field beyond the edge of the orb.
Discord nodded to the changeling queen as he watched her acting magic at work. The short haired brunette allowed one deep breath in before changing her expression from a bored and annoyed to soft and vulnerable. Even Discord had to admit that she was talented at what she did, even for a changeling.
“Allan, honey.” the fake Michelle spoke softly as the human man turned sharply in his chair although he was restricted by several bindings. “Your doing amazing! I'm so proud of you.” her venomous words trickled from her lips as the snarling man only gazed out at the distant pony trench line. “Those ponies still have our sons though. I need you to be stronger no matter what.” Chyrsalis pleaded to the man who scrunched up his nose, his eyes like daggers with only one target.
Discord was overjoyed as he could feel the connection through Allan grow steadily stronger. He simply placed his right hand on the human's shoulder and let a deep breath fill his lungs. He never felt so much raw power before as he let out a low growl of immense satisfaction. With his other free hand he lightly touched the ground below him and concentrated to the point where he screwed his eyes tight.
The Queen Changeling watched as for a few moments nothing stirred. Just as she was going to say something brushed past her leg. Almost letting out a surprised yelp she gazed below to see a red, ghastly hand coming from the ground as if something was buried beneath. Her eyes however went wide in shock as she noticed that this was happening all over the field before her. Ghost like humans were standing in what she could only guess was clumsy formations. In almost a blink of an eye she witnessed Discord call upon a army easily outnumbering her remaining hive members.
Discord panted heavily as he felt almost completely drained. Cursing slightly under his breath, he knew this spell had taken some of his own life force. Standing tall once more however he couldn't help but do back flips in the air with glee. His final invasion piece was in place and ready to move!
Pinkie Pie let out a squeal of sheer happiness as her forelegs stretched out in front of her for this party pony was flying amongst the clouds! In all reality though it was a simple harness that strapped around her torso and connected to a pegasai above her. Besides Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash, the four wingless ponies were simply strapped on by the stallions who wore special helmets that had large tinted glass covering their face.
“Oi!” The Air Force pony that had the duty of hauling Pinkie around shouted for the tenth time in their short flight. Pinkie only let her legs go limp and her face contort into a pout.
“So the Princess has requested our presence?” Twilight asked the squadron leader above her in hopes that it would change her attention from the ground far below. She knew AJ was not faring any better as the farm pony had covered her eyes for most of the flight.
“That's a 10-4 Miss Twilight. You been tasked with designation Alpha Priority.” He shouted over the nearing sounds of battle. He turned his head and said something as Twilight noticed the pegasai who was holding a smiling Rarity nodding.
“What is Alpha Priority?” Twilight asked although she had a few hints in the edges of her mind.
“It means I'm going to die before I see you handed over to the enemy or killed.” the stallion answered without hesitation or fear in his voice. “I'm sorry Miss Twilight but hold on tight. Were in for some chop.” He said as he lead the formation into a decent back through the cloud cover only to see the massive air battle before them. The air space was filled with both ponies and the ghostly machines fighting tooth and nail. Twilight was suddenly fearful for she knew who exactly charged head first into that mess. Looking over her shoulder she knew for a fact that AJ was trying to pick out any familiar shape in the mess. Even one hint of white, large wings would be all that earth pony would need.
“Miss Twilight, I'm afraid we are going to have to punch through that. Remember that strap I told you never to pull?” the stallion started to instruct as the lavender mare below him simply nodded. “If I get hit then pull that. A parachute will open after a few seconds of free fall but otherwise you should be fine.” still his voice held the same calculated coolness that Twilight was starting to come to respect. The thought of getting shot out of the air however was less then appealing.
“What do you mean by 'You'?” Twilight asked with worry slightly furrowing her brows.
“After you pull the strap you will detach from both myself and my harness. If I'm killed, I need you to live on.”
“3rd Squadron! This is Celestia! You're being tasked with escort mission on code name Harmony! They are descending now and need a window to pass through.” A voice came over Rolling Thunder's headphone bud as he turned sharply with a wince of pain. He had taken a hit that luckily only grazed him along the side of his left foreleg. He was lucky however to have the unknown Alicorn as a replacement wing pony. Something didn't strike right with him though for the young stallion seemed to have a strategy to fight every plan. He somehow knew each strength and weakness and soon instructed every other squadron mate who still remained operational.
“This is 3rd Squadron, we're on our way.” Thunder acknowledge the Princess's orders before issuing a regroup order. Soon he had half of his original squadron in formation as they climbed in altitude to meet the designated package. As they broke through the final cloud they meet the transport ponies caring their priority package.
“Rolling Thunder!”
“Shifty! You old stall!” Thunder shouted back as the two groups closed to meet. “These ponies are package Harmony?” Thunder asked as he eyed up each non-military pony.
“This is it. We need them ground side ASAP.” Shifty, the stallion who was strapped above Twilight, simply ordered. Both pegasai shared a nod before turning.
“Uriel!” Applejack shouted with relief upon seeing the white Alicorn still in one piece. She took in a deep breath however as she noticed a dark patch of his coat was singed.
“It's nothing Applejack. I got a little careless and paid for it.” He simply explained as he flew closer to the mare. Uriel came close enough as he leaned very close to whisper something in her ear. As he pulled away from her and back into formation with 3rd squadron AJ simply stared at him.
“Alright! This is the plan.” Thunder shouted loudly as every pony gazed in his direction. “We will punch a hole straight to the bottom and you will be flying right behind us. Do not fall behind or you may never leave that air space living, read me?” He explained clearly as every military member shouted their acknowledgement. “Wait what's wrong with this one?” He pointed one hoof at a pale yellow peagasai who was almost shaking uncontrollably.
“Fluttershy!” Rainbow hovered in front of the scared mare who's eyes didn't focus on anything. Her pupils have shrunk and only mumbles were escaping her lips.
“She's completely nerve fried.” Uriel noticed as Thunder and he hovered beside Rainbow Dash. “There is no way she's going to make it through that mess down that way.” Thunder announced as they observed their situation. Rainbows worried face was shared amongst her friends as they just watched Fluttershy hover in spot.
“I'll trade her spots!”
All eyes turned to a determined Applejack as she stared back without any fear or hesitation. Thunder only thought about it for a few moments before looking at the largest pony here. Uriel nodded his head in silent acknowledgement as they turned to Applejack. All ponies worked quickly as they removed safety straps and with that a simple farm pony who was now squeezing Uriel with all her might.
As the rest of the ponies began to set Fluttershy safely into the harness, Applejack rested her head against Uriel. “Ya don't go an' say things like that Uriel.” she mumbled under breath as she remembered his words clearly.
“Ya don't go and confess yer feelings for a pony in the middle of a battle!”
So that was part 1! Huzzah! I wanted to thank any pony out there who still has read up to this far.