Chapter 7
Mine Are Totally Bigger!
The massive doors leading into the throne room opened noiselessly, the hinges magically greased to be absolutely silent. Six ponies marched through in parade ground unison, hooves ringing on the marble floors. Their leader, a short tan Pegasus stallion, bellowed the order to halt as they drew near the royal throne. Or more importantly, the two alicorns standing in front of it.
" Thank You Loud Speaker. You may stand at ease my ponies. " the taller of the two stated in a regal voice. With her multi hued mane and tail that seemed forever in a breeze, Princess Celestia looked every bit the ruler of a vast empire.
At her side, with a mane and tail to rival the midnight heavens themselves, stood Princess Luna, ruler of the night and Celestia's younger sister.
The Goddess of the Suns' words had the desired effect, as the five raw recruits eased from their rigidly held parade posture. Glancing at the tan drill instructor, Celestia saw the momentary flash of disapproval quickly hidden behind his clean shaven face. Meeting her eyes for the first time he snorted lightly at the playful smirk she gave him.
" Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, may I present my chosen five recruits. " Loud Speaker announced, waving a hoof at the assembled five ponies.
" As always Speaker, you have chosen them. You have never been wrong before, and from their appearance they will perform superbly." the Princess of the Sun stated, drawing a round of timid smiles from the assembled recruits.
" With all due respect Princess, that remains to be seen. " Loud Speaker replied, giving his team a withering glance.
" We are ready for briefing my Princesses. Time, as you have already told me, is not on our side. " the drill instructor said.
Sighing Celestia nodded sagely before replying.
" Alas that is so. Before we begin I must first warn you all that what you will hear now is for your ears only. Do I make myself clear? " Princess Celestia asked, drawing a series of acknowledgements from the gathered ponies.
" Last night you may have noticed the strange weather formations toward Ponyville and the Everfree Forest. Unicorns may have felt the magical properties involved, but I can assure you very few unicorns are alive today who could even attempt such a feat as that."
As she spoke, the six before her stood at rapt attention, straining to catch every detail.
" This storm in itself wasn't a storm at all but a portal. Whom that portal transported is very important to the survival of our world. I need you to first travel to Ponyville and seek out the Elements of Harmony. Inquire as to any strange individuals around Ponyville and the surrounding area while you are there. "
The Princess of the Moon stepped forward and spoke for the first time.
" Three were teleported, all males. Thou must return them to us at all cost. Do them no harm if at all possible. " Luna said, brooking no arguments.
" Are they dangerous my Princesses?" Loud Speaker asked.
" They are all trained soldiers, and........heroes in the eyes of some." Princess Luna replied quietly.
As she spoke, the princess of the night levitated a scroll to the drill instructor. Unrolling it slowly, Speaker read it aloud so all could hear.
" Tel Dyson Riley. 24. Sergeant. Combat Engineer. Six years, three tours. 23 confirmed kills. Recipient: Purple Heart, Congressional Medal Of Honor. Honorably Discharged.
Richard Raymond Thompson. 22. Specialist. Combat Medic. Four years, two tours. 11 confirmed kills. Recipient: Silver Star, Congressional Medal Of Honor. Honorably Discharged.
Shane Phillip Ellenburg. 21 Specialist. Infantry. Three years, two tours. 18 confirmed kills. Recipient: 2 Purple hearts, Bronze Star, Congressional Medal Of Honor. Medically Discharged for wounds received in combat. "
After Loud Speaker had finished reciting the list, a deep silence settled over the gathered ponies before Princess Celestia spoke softly.
" War heroes in every sense of the word. " She whispered.
" But.......my Princess.......Why have we not heard these names? If they are heroes.......shouldn't we know of them? " Emerald Spark asked hesitantly, prompting the drill sergeant to speak.
" Because.......The awards you've just heard referenced are.........." Loud Speaker hesitated, glancing at Celestia for permission to divulge the information few were privy to, drawing a nod from the princess.
" Combat awards given to humans. " Speaker finished, making the assembled ponies gape.
" But.....but......humans are an old mares tale! " Hot Shot stated, followed by a chorus of agreements from the other recruits.
" I can assure you......they are anything but. " Speaker said.
" H....How?.....How is that possible? " Midnight Rush spoke for the first time.
" Some things are simply left buried, Midnight Rush. Humans are a young and war-torn race. My sister and I did not believe it would be wise to allow such ferocity into our realm. " Princess Luna stated.
" These three are unique. Equestria has need of them and for now that is enough. " Princess Celestia said.
Stepping forward, Speaker glanced at his assembled team. Looking each in the eye in turn he saw no hesitation, which brought a smile to his lips.
" We will bring them back, my Princess. But.......how do we recognize them? " he asked, drawing a small smile from the Princess of the Night.
" Oh.....They will be hard not to........."
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The helicopter was turned on its side when they reached it. Luckily the cockpit was facing away from the enemy gunfire or the pilot would have been dead already. The restraining harness had succeeded in keeping him inside, but the ruptured fuselage would have condemned him to an inferno in a matter of minute.
" Judging by the angle, I'd say his leg is broken. " Doc yelled as bullets whizzed by over his head.
" He appears unconscious as well. " he continued, lost in thought.
" Well don't just sit there get em' loose! " Blitz hollered, firing blindly around the wreckage.
Snapping back to reality, Doc began fumbling in his pockets frantically. Glancing around his eyes locked on Case's leg for a moment..
" CASE! KNIFE! " he yelled.
The large soldier pulled the knife from the sheath and handed it, hilt first, to the medic. Turning back to the pilot, Doc began sawing through the harness that kept him strapped inside. With a final cut, the unconscious pilot fell heavily into the medics arms, before being placed on the ground gently.
Shaking his head at the situation that was undeniably Case's fault, Blitz leaned around the wreckage and fired his grenade launcher. He was rewarded a second later with a muffled WHUMPF! and the sound of men dying, along with a searing pain from his injured shoulder.
" SHIT! " he mentally screamed, sucking in a ragged breath.
Glancing over the crouching form of Doc, Blitz saw Case firing wildly over the nose of the downed chopper. As he ducked back down he caught Blitz's eye and a look of alarm crossed his face.
" YOU GONNA BE ALRIGHT? he yelled.
" I"LL LIVE! DON'T STOP SHOOTING THOSE BASTARDS! " Blitz replied.
Nodding wordlessly the cowboy resumed his barrage of bullets.
" That'll leave a scar......" Blitz groaned to himself, noticing the ragged tear below Case's right eye.
" Heh. Funny, the details you notice when your surrounded by death. " he thought, turning back to fire a burst at one of their attackers.
" Don't worry sir, we're gonna get you out of here. " Doc told the co-pilot, who was apparently awake, judging by his moving arms.
As Doc cut through the first strap, the turbine sparked igniting the fuel that had drained from the fuselage and pooled around the cockpit. As they all looked on in horror the spreading flames licked up the side of the helicopter and engulfed the man trapped within.
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" Was that a pony? " Doc asked, looking around the interior of the tree house for the pink ninja.
" My dear, you have just had the pleasure of meeting Pinkamena Diane Pie, or Pinkie Pie for short. " Rarity said smiling at the look of shock still plastered on Docs face.
Shaking his head, the medic turned back to the purple and green dragon standing before him.
" So can you do any dragon things? " Doc asked drawing a confused look from Spike.
" Like what? " he replied.
" Well, you know.......flying, breathing fire, maybe have armored scales that are impervious to mere mortal weapons. Stuff like that. " Doc said.
" Well, I can't fly. As for the armor thing, I don't think so. I can breathe fire though! But it's not very much......" the dragon said, hanging his head.
" Whoa now! The fact that you can breathe fire at all is wicked! Dude you are my new hero. " the medic stated, bringing a glowing smile to the little dragons face.
" Really? You know, I can also eat solid gemstones like candy! " Spike said, puffing out his chest at the praise, not noticing the subtle wink Doc gave Rarity and Twilight.
" I wish-" Doc started, before the ringing of the door bell interrupted him.
As the door swung open a cyan Pegasus strutted inside. Though strutted would have probably been an understatement.
" Twilight! Rarity! Thank Celestia you're here. Your not gonna believe what happened! Last night during that.......storm......." the rainbow maned mare started, before noticing the dark blue stallion.
" I'm going to start charging you ponies for the looks I'm getting. " Doc said, adjusting his spectacles.
" Oh my gosh! Look how tall he is! " she said trotting over to stare up at the medic.
" Yep. definitely gonna start charging......" he muttered, before the sound of hoofsteps met his ears.
Walking through the door, proceeded by the smell of smoke, came a short red and black striped Pegasus with a chin strap goatee and the stub of a cigarette clenched between his teeth. As the newcomer glanced up and locked eyes with Doc a wide, toothy grin plastered itself on Blitz's face.
" Sonnuvabitch. " the striped Pegasus said.
" I know of only one person that short, ugly, and brash. Good to see you're alive Blitz. " Doc stated, grinning at his friend.
" And here I was hoping-NO! Praying you had died in that weird ass trip. I reckon I gotta put up with your shit again.......It's good to see you too Doc. " Blitz said, rolling the unlit stub around his mouth.
The two shook hooves quickly before they were interrupted by a slight cough.
" Oh! Right, uhm.....Blitz this is Twilight Sparkle, her assistant Spike, and Rarity. Twilight, Spike, Rarity this is my good friend Shane, or as we call him Blitz." the paramedic said, gesturing to the individuals he had named.
" Twilight and Spike had the generosity to not kick me out after I appeared in their attic last night. Though Spyro has a mean swing on him, and Twilight attempted to smother me." Doc joked, bringing a blush to the lavender unicorns cheeks.
" Shame you didn't succeed.....Anyway it's nice to meet the three of you." Blitz nodded before continuing.
" This, annoying bundle of feathers, is Rainbow Dash. Best flier in Equestria, future Wonderbolt, Lord of the Dance, Keeper of Souls, Raider of the lost Ark, Commander of the Starship Enterprise, and anything else I can make up." he gestured to the cyan Pegasus with the annoyed look on her face.
" It's a pleasure, Rainbow Dash. And don't take anything he say's personal. He kinda grows on you. Like a cancer cell or genital wart. " Doc smiled, inclining his head to the rainbow maned mare.
" It's okay. I'm just glad he has somepony else to annoy now. " Dash replied, glaring at the striped Pegasus.
" Rainbow Dash, this giant, poor excuse for a male occupying the space beside me is Richard A.K.A. Doc. He's the best field medic you'll ever meet and the worst Tonk player in history. He enjoys long walks on the beach, candle lit dinners, wearing a star spangled leotard in-OOOPH! " Blitz continued, before Doc tackled him.
" Twilight, are you sure they are sane? " Rarity asked of the two flailing stallions.
" Yeah, they seem awfully strange to me. " Rainbow Dash piped in.
" At this point, I'm not sure of anything." Twilight replied as the two disentangled from each other.
" I won. " Doc stated.
" Bullshit." Blitz replied.
" Breakfast is ready! " Spike yelled from the kitchen, where he had disappeared to unnoticed.
" Does that mean we can eat? Cause I'm starved! " Blitz exclaimed.
" Me too. Twilight do you mind? " Doc asked, as if they were not just throttling each other.
The three mares stared at them for a moment before anyone spoke.
" What's wrong with you ponies?!? Fighting in the presence of a lady! Why I never! " Rarity harrumphed.
" Woah! Calm down Rarity, we was only playing. We didn't mean nothing by it. " Blitz replied, adjusting the ball cap atop his head.
" Please forgive us Rarity. Guys typically do things like that where we're from and we may have gotten carried away. But I assure you it will not happen again. " Doc said, attempting to smooth over the situation.
As if on cue, Blitz's stomach growled, returning them to the question at hand.
" Twilight, may Blitz and I partake of your food? " Doc asked.
Before replying, Twilight pulled her two friends into a huddle.
" These ponies are crazy! Doc thinks that he is a human!A Human!" she said, drawing a concerned look from Rainbow Dash.
" Blitz thinks he's a human too! But everpony knows humans are just an old mares tale." Dash said, looking at the librarian for confirmation.
" Both of them are clearly dillusional. I need to write to the princess about this. She may know what can be done to help. I need you girls to keep an eye on them until I get a reply. " Twilight said.
Turning back to the two stallions Twilight spoke.
" I think breakfast sounds like a wonderful idea! Why don't the two of you go with Rainbow Dash and Rarity, and I'll be along momentarily. " She said, smiling nervously.
" Their up to something......" Blitz mumbled out of the corner of his mouth, drawing an imperceptible nod from Doc.
" Just play along for now. " Doc replied nodding at the lavender unicorn.
" Right this way Dahlings! " Rarity cooed.
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" Please tell me you saw that....." Case said, glancing around for the pink tornado that had assaulted him.
" Eeyup! That's Pinkie Pie for yah! " Applejack stated turning to leave.
Shaking his head, he followed Applejack outside back to the cart. As Case placed himself inside the harness Applejack rummaged around in the cart before trotting back inside the store with a basket. As he finished with the final buckle, the blonde maned cowpony ambled back through the door, holding a sack of nails by the sound of it.
" Ya coulda had me get them Miss Applejack. " Case said.
" Ah don't need nopony to help me. " She said, tossing the bag over the side of the cart with a soft Clank! before heading towards a large tree house with a library sign in front of it.
" Why God........Why can't Ah be like Blitz? He always knows what to say to a girl. All Ah can do is upset 'em." Case muttered, following Applejack.
As Case pulled the cart up in front of the library and started to unhitch from it, he was surprised to see Applejack smile and wave him towards the front door.
" Come on Case! Ya gotta meet mah friends while we're here. " she said, confusing the draft horse further.
" Guess she weren't mad after all. " he mumbled to loud.
" What was that Case? " Applejack asked, looking at him expectantly.
" Uhm...Nothin Miss Applejack. Just talkin to mahself. " the steel colored pony stated.
" All right then sugar cube. This here's the library. Ya can wait here while Ah run one last errand and then I'll introduce ya to Twilight. " the orange mare said.
" Ya sure? Ah don't mind helpin, Miss Applejack. " Case said.
" Ah'll be alright Case. Just stay here until Ah get back. " And with that she turned and marched off towards God knows where.
Grunting to himself Case turned pulling his trademark hat from his head and rummaging inside for a moment before producing a rumpled pack of Marlboro Reds. Hoofing one from the pack he placed in gingerly between his teeth and leaned casually against the side of the cart, the cigarette unlit.
Truth be told he had quite a while back but the familiar taste and feel was a comfort that helped keep him focused. As long as he was focused he wouldn't drift back to that awful place......wouldn't smell the smoke.......wouldn't hear the screaming.
Screaming........God awful screaming.........
Sighing Case decided he would take a glance into the library. Wasn't like he had anything else to do and being alone with his thoughts was not a pleasant idea.
Case removed his hat from atop his head and spat the unlit cigarette out as he passed through the threshold. The interior of the tree was lined, wall to wall, with bookshelves full of literature. He marveled at the world of knowledge around him before a slight scratching sound caught his attention.
Glancing around he noticed a purple unicorn scribbling on a piece of parchment. As this was his first time seeing unicorn magic at work, Case stood quietly watching the purple glow surround the quill.
Minutes passed by, before she rolled the paper up and returned the quill to its place. As the lavender mare turned back to her writing desk, she noticed the large gray pony occupying the room as well.
" Oh! I apologize, I didn't hear you come in. May I help you Mr...? " the mare asked, smiling.
" Case. Nice to meet ya ma'am. " Case replied, before continuing.
" Ah'm just lookin at the moment Miss...? "
" Twilight. Twilight Sparkle, Ponyvilles resident librarian. It's nice to meet you as well Case. " she stated, before noticing the intricate spiral designs on his left foreleg.
Noticing her noticing, Case raised the appendage so Twilight could get a better view.
" This is amazing. I've never seen anything like this. What is it? Where did you get it? What's the significance of the patterns and shapes? " She rapid fired at the bearded cowboy.
" Calm down sweet heart, it's just a tattoo. " Case said, smiling sheepishly.
" Sorry! I tend to get a little carried away in the pursuit of knowledge. " Twilight blushed, before continuing.
" I would love to hear anything you can tell me about it. Maybe, if you don't mind? " she asked, smiling.
" Not much to say. A needle gets dipped in ink and stabbed into the chosen area, drawing out the design. After the wounds heal the ink stays. S' about the jist of it. " Case said, smiling apologetically.
" It sounds painful. " Twilight remarked.
" Yes Ma'am. " Case agreed.
" Where did you have this procedure? " the lavender mare asked.
" Heh......long way off. " the cowboy replied.
As Twilight continued her inspection of the tattoo, something metallic caught her eye hanging from a chain around Cases' neck. Glancing at the dangling strips of metal, her mind instantly went to the last place she had noticed the same necklace.
Realization hit the librarian like a freight train. The same metal tags that were hanging on this stallion were also hanging from the necks of Doc and Blitz.
" You're one of them....." Twilight whispered, wide eyed.
" Ma'am? " the steel colored stallion inquired confused at the statement.
" I've never met you before today. You have those strange markings on your leg. And that necklace......You're one of them! " she said, nearly hissing the last part.
" One of who? " Case asked.
As if on cue the sound of arguing came from the kitchen.
" Mine are totally bigger! "
" No way! Look at how saggy yours are while mine are puffy and majestic."
" Please! Those will never be as round and perfect as mine! They're full of this thick, sweet liquid that drives everyone insane with just a taste! "
Shaking his head Case looked back at Twilight and smiled apologetically.
" They been givin ya a hard time? " he asked.
The lavender unicorn stared at him suspiciously for a moment before replying.
" You have no idea. "
As if on cue the argument in the kitchen started again.
" Look how long mine is! Your 's is all short and shriveled. Hardly satisfying at all. "
" Satisfying! Please I could satisfy anybody with this! I specialize in quality over quantity anyway! "
As the voices built, Case sighed wearily before heading to the doorway followed closely by Twilight.
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Doc sneezed, causing a white cloud to billow from his flour coated muzzle. Of course it wouldn't have been coated in flour if the red and black pegasus opposite had not thrown a hoofull in his face.
" You're always like this! Whenever we argue about anything of mine being bigger and better than your's you act like this! " the bespectacled stallion yelled.
" I do not! You just can't take the fact that mine are of a finer quality than yours! Rainbow Dash, tell this dumb-ass how much better mine is! " Blitz shouted.
" Alright! Pull yer britches up and put them things away! "a deep voice rumbled from the doorway, followed closely by a large steel colored draft horse.
" Told you he wasn't dead. Bastards too stubborn to die. " Blitz mumbled through the mouthful of pancakes he was currently wolfing down.
" Case? Am I glad to see you! Please explain to this nit-wit how my magnificent, syrup filled pancakes are better than his too fluffy pillows he dares deem food." Doc said, pointing at the massive mound of pancakes he and Blitz had amassed between them.
" Happy to see ya'll too. " Case said.
" WHAT HAPPENED TO MY KITCHEN!?! " Twilight Sparkle shouted, seeing the mess for the first time.
Without so much as a pause between bites, Doc and Blitz pointed a hoof at Rainbow Dash and Rarity and said-
" They told us we could do it! "
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Deep in the Everfree Forrest
" I knew it! I knew it! I told you that we could find it again! " A bright orange unicorn stallion stated to the large purple stallion beside him.
The orange pony called himself Drifter, because that was mainly what he did. As for his large friend, Triple Scoop was his name, though most ponies just called him Scoop.
" Yeah, yeah I see it. " Scoop replied, lightly shoving Drifter playfully.
Standing before them were the remnants of what was once a stone fortress, though time and nature had reduced the once proud structure to what amounted to a vine covered tomb.
" Total score bro! Imagine all the treasure that could be waiting at the bottom of that! " Drifter said excitedly.
" Lets set up camp before it gets dark, then we can plan out our.......hey.......do you hear that? " Scoop asked perking an ear up.
From all around them came the sounds of something large crashing through the forest.......and coming right toward them!
" Oh Celestia what is it? Is it a manticore? Is it timber wolves? We're gonna DIE!!!! " Scoop whimpered loudly.
" Calm down Scoop. Just stay calm and quiet. " Drifter stated, marveling somewhat at the larger pony's panic.
As the crashing grew louder Drifter stepped forward between the growing noise and the cowering Scoop. With a resounding crash the beast sprang from the tree line into the clearing.
Beady eyes glared at the trespassing ponies before the beast reared to its full, towering height.
" A squirrel? Really? Ha! All that for a- OH SWEET LUNA! " Drifter yelled turning to see the towering scarecrow monster holding his friend in the air by his throat.
As the orange pony looked on in horror, the stick thin creature raised a small silver bell and began to ring it lightly. A shimmering silver mist seemed to pour out of Triple Scoop's mouth and nostrils and into one of the many glass lanterns hanging on the bandolier on the monsters chest.
" Hel.....p.......Dri......ft......" Scoop pleaded before the color drained from him and the light left his eyes.
Frozen in terror, Drifter could only gape as the creature tossed his now drained best friends body to the ground without a second glance. As the monsters burning gaze fell on him Drifter felt his paralysis lift. Drifter whirled and ran into the thick underbrush......or attempted to before vines whipped out and ensnared his body spread eagled.
" OH SWEET PRINCESS'S ABOVE HELP ME! " Drifter screamed, thrashing around before coming face to muzzle with his attacker.
Staring back at the orange pony was a ghostly hooded figure. As Drifter looked on in horror the shade lifted it's hooded head and brought it smiling visage next to his, locking its glowing yellow orbs on his light blue ones. The monster lifted a clawed hand and placed it affectionately on the stricken pony's face.
" Would you care to make a deal? " it asked in a lulling tenor.
" Anything you could ask for in this world. Riches, power, women. It could all be yours. All you need do is sign the contract. " the creature said waving a ghostly hand and making a shimmering scroll appear and unfold before the terrified pony.
Glancing at the pale parchment, Drifter eyes were drawn to one sentence in particular.
'Upon an accord the payment shall be in the form of the signer's soul.'
" No......Please no! I don't wanna do this! Please just let me go! " the orange pony pleaded.
" As you wish. " the spectral apparition said making the scroll disappear, along with the ensnaring vines.
Drifter breathed a momentary sigh before the scarecrow held him aloft by his throat and threw back it's tattered coat, exposing the glass lanterns and the silver bell.
" OKAY! " Drifter screamed.
" Okay I'll sign anything you want! "
" The contract will only be offered once. " the shade said in that lilting tenor.
As Drifter looked on in horror the monster holding him began to raise the silver bell in it's giant claw.
" Who are you? " Drifter asked shakily as the bell began to toll.
" Where are my manners? " the ghost asked, swiftly turning it's burning gaze to the doomed pony.
" Hello little thing. I am Brell. "
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As Always I own nothing. Sorry for the wait......been busy. If you are still reading this I love you!