In the southern valley near Diamonglen Mines, Hammerheart, Applejack, and Hoovitus fought their way through bands of Pigskins. The Hogs were starting to get more aggressive as they advanced. The Blood Phoenixes killed a group of Hog scouts, and then received a call from Captain Nule.
"Move north up the valley, Commander Hammerheart." said Goliath. "Get to Diamonglen Mine and find out who is stirring up the Hogs."
Hammerheart and his squad headed northward, but spotted something atop a cliff. Four animal-figures stood watching them like hawks.
"Movement on that ridge!" said Applejack. In a flash, the figures disappeared without a trace. "Gone, but those were not Hogs."
They continued to advance to the mines, and came across the smoldering remains of Pony Marines and vehicles.
"Here is the convoy." said Hoovitus. "The Hogs slaughtered them."
"We will avenge them." said Applejack. "Keep moving."
Applejack looked up to her right to see Hogs carrying automatic guns approaching them. "Hog gunners on the ridge!" She yelled. "Get to cover!" The Hogs opened fire and the Blood Phoenixes quickly retaliated.
"Fury from the sky!" a voice shouted. "Cut them down!" Pegasus Marines crashed into the Hogs, crushing them into a bloody mess beneath their mighty hooves. Any Hogs that fell off the edge were shot and killed by the squad below. After that, the Pegasus Marines flew down to Hammerheart and his Pony Marines.
"Sergeant Rainbow Dash reporting for duty, Commander Hammerheart." said the rainbow maned Pegasus.
Hoovitus gave a smug look to the Mare. "Did you have a pleasant rest, waiting for the most dramatic moment to strike?" He asked.
"Good to see you too, Hoovitus." Rainbow Dash said sarcastically.
They continued their march to the mines, gunning and striking down any Hogs that crossed their path. They came to an area where a bunch of Hog bodies lay scattered around on the dirt.
"Trouble." said Hoovitus, "These are the Hog guards, killed where they stood. Someone else has gone through here."
"Swiftly, before the Ponies arrive." said a voice with a melodious tone.
"We cannot allow one obstinate Hog to derail the Farseer's plan." said another musical voice.
The Blood Phoenixes came to a bridge. On the other side, Bangshocka and his Hogs shot at Eldeer warriors.
"You gitz fooled Cloudbasha an' Buttkicka..." said Bangshocka, "but me cyborg eye sez you ain't even Hogs at all!"
"And now the Ponies join the fray, I see." an Eldeer Warlock sighed. "The fools cannot see the true threat facing us all."
The Pony Marines crossed the bridge, but the Hog saw them coming.
"Grottin' slack fest! Not Ponie Marinez too!" Bangshocka yelled in disbelief. "TIME TA LEG IT!!" They waddled away as fast as their stubby legs could move.
"Eldeer!" said Applejack, "And a Warlock leads them."
"Commander Hammerheart," Goliath called, "the Eldeer must be the ones who have been stirring up the Hogs. Kill those Eldeer before they escape."
Hammerheart and the Blood Phoenixes charged at the Eldeer forces, striking and shooting at them. Rainbow Dash and her Pegasus Marines took to the sky, and slammed into the Eldeer from above. Soon, the only Eldeer left was the Warlock, who proved to be a force to be reckoned with. Hammerheart slashed at the Eldeer with all his might. The Warlock blocked his attack and held.
"You, Hammerheart." He said, looking the Commander in the face. "Suffer in measure to your authority." In a surprise move, Hammerheart spun around and kicked the Warlock in the side of his head, and then thrusted his blade through the Eldeer's chest.
"Foolish, blind Ponies..." the Warlock struggled to speak with his dying breath, "The Hogs could have slowed them down... given us time." Hammerheart pulled out his sword, and the Eldeer fell to the ground and looked at him. "You... you have... doomed us all..." The Warlock's body went limp.
"Rant all you wish, Eldeer." said Applejack as she came up from behind Hammerheart. "We stand, and you have fallen."