Chapter 1

June 28

Celestia’s sun slowly began to set, as Luna’s bright and majestic moon started rising to take up its position above the night sky. With the darkness engulfing the landscape, campfires at the headquarters camp of Equestria’s Volunteer Army began to light up, providing light and warmth to the ponies who gathered around it. As ponies began to sit near their fire, cooking hot meals and trading tales, a lavender colored alicorn trotted through the camp, heading towards a group of tents that were pitched up in one the center of the improvised town of tents.

Trotting towards her tent, Twilight Sparkle was glad to finally get a chance to rest. Having spent most of the day accompanying the army’s scout’s, as they surveyed the enemy positions and noted the location of their units, she was relieved to see the white cloth tent that she could call home. Trotting through the countryside, taking long treks, and hiding behind bushes was tough work, and although she did it many times before, she believed that her body would never get used to the labor.

With dirt on her jacket, wings covered in dust, and muscles tired from the journey, all she wanted to do was remove her heavy clothes and lie down on her cot and relax. Despite her cot not being the most comfortable or softest one in all of Equestria, the thought of sleeping on top of it seemed like a fulfilling reward.

Already, she thought of a wonderful rest and her desire for it, but as she did so, a part of her brain began nagging her, telling her that she still had work to do. And to her great disappointment, she knew that this was true.

The idea of relaxing was a tempting desire, especially after such a busy day like this, but she knew all too well that she still had a job to do. With a pending report to Princess Celestia about the situation of the front, relaxing and resting her weary body would have to be moved to the bottom of her to do list.

Entering her tent and removing her dirty jacket, she slowly pulled out the notes she had and gently levitated it on top of the wooden boxes that she used as a table. With these notes she would be able to describe the enemy’s troop movements as well as the state of the army, both strength and morale wise, to Princess Celestia, giving her some valuable information which she hoped would help tell the Princess what the army needed to finally be able to succeed and finally end the war.

By now, the thought of wining was only but a shadow to this army, as a majority of the ponies have become accustomed to the idea of defeat. Despite having large resources and the advantage in numbers against their smaller counterpart, Equestria’s Army has experienced nothing but failure, as poor planning and tactics led to disasters that embarrassed the nation.

Not that the nation needed anymore embarrassment, for this Civil War alone was taking its toll on Equestrian prestige and stability. Due to a dispute over the dominance of magical technology in the lives of ponies, large portions of Equestria were enraged and angered, seeing that the introduction of this industrialization would be a threat to their livelihoods. Communities who lived and prospered on pony power would soon be devastated by the appearance of magical machines, as they would take over the work of many class. With whether control devices, threatening the jobs of pegasi, and large tractors, replacing the jobs of earth ponies, it was easy for some to see why the seceded.

Many took up arms to fight against the mass industrialization and many more joined in believing that the fight against it was a noble and just one. Soon, the entire rural south of Equestria rose up, declaring their independence from the rule of Canterlot and establishing the Republic of Equestria.

But with her loyalty to Celestia and as a Princess herself, Twilight had decided to side with the old Kingdom of Equestria. They were the rightful government, she believed, and although not everypony would agree with them, they were still the rightful rulers.

Thus began the Great Equestrian Civil War, with one side wanted to reunite and nation, while the other fought to keep its independence. Raging for over three years by now, the war seemed to be frowning upon the Kingdom of Equestria, for it seemed that none of their objectives could be accomplished by its army.

But having been with the army since first day of the war, Twilight knew that it wasn’t actually the army that had failed, but instead those who led it. Sent to the Equestrian Volunteer Army as an official royal observer, in charge of taking down notes about the battles and learning the tactics that were used in each one of them, Twilight had seen enough to know the true situation at the front.

From her observations, she saw that it wasn’t the army, but the generals that seemed to be causing the long delay for success. With each battle they fough, it was the soldiers of the army that showed great skill in talent, while the generals who commanded it used stiff tactics and head on assaults, bringing only loses to the promising fighters if the force.

Fighting against flexible and cunning tactics and movements made by the enemy, only defeat and disaster was brought upon Equestria, as each report after the battle showed long lists of casualties and little hope for victory. Already, many of ponies in loyal Equestria began accepting the fact that its southern counterpart was deserving to be another nation, for they seemed to have earned it in the field of battle. But those who remained strong to the cause never gave up hope, no matter how small it may have been.

In hopes of finding the perfect leader, Princess Celestia decided to change the commander of the army with every defeat that they experienced, removing the previous commander and replacing them with one that seemed to be more promising. But this proved to be a tiring cycle, as the army experienced nothing but embarrassing defeats, one after another. By this point of the war, the running joke was that the commander of the army changed as fast as the sun rose and fell.

It frustrated Twilight to see that none of the new commanders learned from their predecessors and often used tactics that were unimaginative and predictable. Despite having soldiers who were, by now, veterans and well experienced in war, the army seemed to be cursed by a plague of terrible commanders, who knew nothing outside their untested theories of warfare.

Twilight blamed the requirement that the commander of any Equestrian army must at least be a member of either royalty or nobility, since to have a pony of lower rank in that position would be shameful. So this meant that no matter how good an officer was, the chances of them receiving the golden rank of commander of the army was low, unless he held the proper prestige to be assigned to it.

Too bad the ponies who held the prestige lacked proper military genius to command an army, since almost all that was appointed to the high rank seemed incompetent and incapable of winning a battle. This made Twilight envy their enemy, who measured leaders not by their nobility, but by their capability, as they assigned generals who knew how to fight and did it well.

We’ll never win this war if we keep on this track. Twilight though to herself, dismayed at the situation Equestria was in.

Sighing as she sat down, she tried her best to become as comfortable as possible on her makeshift chair as tried to forget about those stressful thoughts. She had a report to do, and she didn’t want stress to slow down her productivity and concentration. Soon enough, Celestia would appoint a proper commander, and once that happens this war would finally end. But till them, they would just have to wait.

Turning her attention to the clutter in front of her, she stared at the piles of paper that were sprawled on top of the table, forming up to create an organized mess that only she could understand. Sighting her quill and ink, Twilight picked an empty and clean parchment and began writing the report, glancing towards her notes once in a while.

In her report, she stated the sudden and aggressive northward movement of the enemy army was making, marching from their base of operations at Dodge Junction and mocing towards the general direction of Canterlot. Believing that the enemy was moving towards Equestria’s capital, she warned Celestia to prepare the city’s defenses, while suggesting a counter-march that would be made by the Volunteer Army, which was currently located east Rambling Rock Ridge, to intercept the enemy in hopes of deterring them from any further advancement. An attack on the capital would be disastrous, at it could damage not only the government but also the large trade market in the area. So if the enemy was not stopped, then the war could be lost.

Finishing her report and giving out a long yawn, she brought down the quill and set aside the papers. She had already written enough and right now, the only thing she could do is wait and hope that Celestia would heed her advice and take action immediately.

As she arranged the mess in front of her, fixing the papers and stacking them to make her table look more orderly, she came across a curious looking envelope, which had the Royal Seal stamped on it. Levitating the envelope, she turned her gaze towards the corner of her tent, to see a sleeping baby dragon who was cuddling a pillow as he slept on his basket.

Hm, Spike must have placed this here when I was gone. She mused.

Looking back towards the letter, she glanced at the Royal Seal and knew that any letter from Celestia was an important one. Without another tought m she quickly opened the letter and pulled out the message inside, bringing it in front of her so that she could read it.

Dear Twilight Sparkle,

My most faithful student, fellow princes, and friend, time and time before, you have never ceased to fail me. With great knowledge about battle tactics and strategy, which you have shown through all of your reports to me, I believe that you have valuable knowledge about the modern art of war. So now, in our nations’ time of need, I, Princess Celestia, assign you as the commander of Equestria Army of Volunteers, in hopes of finally crushing the rebellion that has plagued the nation for three years. From Brigadier General, you shall now be promoted to Major General and would have the control of the entirety of the Equestrian Volunteer Army. I have my utmost confidence in you and hope that you would succeed where others failed.

-Princess Celestia

Twilight stared at the piece if paper in front of her, not sure how to react to it. She read it again and again, trying to make sure that what she read was true. Going through it over and over again, she had lost count on how many times she read it, as the context of the message only became clearer and clearer with each reading.

Finally, realizing that her eyes were not deceiving her, she put down the paper and vent out a long sigh. Realizing the meaning of the message, Twilight knew that Celestia had entrusted all the hope of Equestria on her, like she had done countless of times before. But this time, no matter how many encouraging words can be seen in the message, Twilight felt a sinking feeling within her, as she wondered if she was the proper pony for the job.

As the Royal Observer, and an Equestrian Princess, she had held the rank of Brigadier General to show her importance in the army. But other than the symbolism of the rank, she had nothing but the documents to prove that she deserved that rank she held.

Sure, she knew the order of most battles and realized some things that most commanders didn’t see till it was too late, but she was still no military tactician or commander. All the military tactics she knew were from the books she read and the observations she had conducted from the battles the army has fought in the past three years.

But were these mere observations enough to make her a proper commander? True, the previous commander who held the position had even less knowledge, but that still didn’t help her position.

Twilight didn’t want to bring anymore shame to the army and the nation, she didn’t want to fail the Princess or anypony else who were involved. She had tried her best by sending some strategic advice to commanders and to Celestia herself, but it seemed that the Princess thought that her advice weren’t enough and assigned her commander so that she can put her theories into practice.

Celestia did it… The thought echoed in Twilight’s head. …she promoted me and assigned me as the commander of the Equestrian Volunteer Army.

An army that has been plagued by defeats and terrible commanders. An army that has been demoralized and left with almost no hope. An army that was now under her command.

It’s my army now.

Now, she was the commander of this army, the army in which Equestria’s faith hangs on. At least ninety thousand ponies would soon be looking up at her, wondering if she would finally be the general who would break the endless streak of defeats or a general who would continue the curse of failure.

I’ll try my best…like I always do.

As the commander, she must lead the army to victory and crush the enemy. That would be her goal and only objective. To crush the enemy and bring defeat to their forces and nation.

With her loyalty to her nation, she was determined to stop any threat that came upon them and fight till her last. She hoped that she wouldn’t fail like the others and disgrace, not only Equestria but also destroy the faith Celestia had entrusted to her.

You mustn’t fail her, you mustn’t. She told herself. You never did before and you won’t start now. You’re the commander now, Twilight. You must do your best to lead this army to victory.

Looking back at her table, she began wondering what her first order would be. Should she right a simple letter, a message telling the entire force that she was now the commander of the army?

Thinking about that, she began to wonder how they would react to this news.

Would they be relieved to learn that they had a new commander? Or would they be quiet, knowing that their new commander might be new to command and would hesitant to fight the enemy. Surely that would be the first thought in their minds, if not the only thought. Would their new commander fight and bloody the enemy or would she stand and stare?

The enemy…

The enemy who had humiliated them and defeated them, bringing shame to a once proud nation. An enemy that they wanted to destroy in order to end the war, yet found difficulty in doing so. An enemy who had their friends and families, fighting against them, and shooting at their kin in a bloody civil war.

An enemy which Twilight’s friends pledged their allegiance to, as they fought against her and the Kingdom Equestria.

For out there, resting in their own camps, were her dearest friends who she knew and love.

Chapter 2

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June 29

The summer heat radiated throughout the countryside, as Celestia’s bright sun shed its golden rays all over the landscape below. Feeling the heat all around her, Applejack wished that she was taking a dip in a nice cool lake to relive her skin from the warm weather. The summer heat was a frustrating and sometimes stressful environment to work in, with the heat taking over ones thoughts almost all the time. Having to stand in such conditions was often tough and excruciating and it didn’t help her to have the army’s woolen jackets to cover her up and insulate the warmth within.

Taking cover under a tree, Applejack shaded herself from the sun, as she desperately tried to cool herself off. Taking off her hat and wiping off the sweat from her forehead, she held the wide brim Stetson with her hooves and began using it as an improvised fan.

“Hoowee…” She commented as beads of sweat continued to trail on her face. “…this sure is a hot day today.”

“Eyup.” Her brother commented, as he nodded his head. Being a stallion of few words, Big Macintosh seldom spoke and when he did speak, his words were kept to a minimum as they can be.

“Makes me feel pithy for those ponies down there, having to tolerate weather like this…” She said with a sympathetic voice, as she glanced at the long columns of armed ponies marching down the path.

Taking shade under a tree that was on top of a hill, both Applejack and Big Macintosh had a perfect view of the dirt road, which ran from Dodge Junction to Canterlot. From there, she could see parts of her army make their way up the road, trudging through the heat with their loads on their backs as they led the way for the entire army.

Applejack couldn’t help but feel pity for them as she watched them move, knowing all too well how hard it was to work under the hot sun. Having been a farmer throughout most of her life, she had worked through the long summer months at their apple orchard, soaking herself under the sun as she made sure that she and her family would have enough money to keep their way of life going.

She took great pride in knowing that all her hard work kept her family alive and happy, as all her sweat and aches were repaid by the warmth of their love. Her and her family’s hard honest work had kept her family going and for many years their apple orchard was the number one source of apples in the entire region. That was until other orchards, with magical machines, came into the picture, out producing and competing with them in the market.

When she first heard the news, she couldn’t believe what she was hearing. She refused to accept the idea that a machine could do a better job than her and just shrugged it all off. But when their buyers started looking towards the machine operated farms, which were able to pick apples faster than she could buck them, she knew, then and there that something must be done.

Hoping to stay peaceful and talk things out, they had tried to do things diplomatically, like the sophisticated and well-mannered ponies they were. She sent a complaint to the local government that the new machines were taking its toll in her livelihood and that they should be shut down for the sake of everypony involved.

But when the rich unicorns who owned the machines fought back with their own words, Applejack soon learned that she was clearly outmatched, as well as every other ponies who fell victim to the machines.

When the talks had failed, armed rebellion started throughout the affected areas, with ponies taking up weapons and demanding what was right. When that still didn’t work, the heads of these groups decided to unite under one banner and start their own nation; a nation where they wouldn’t have to worry about the machines who seemed to bring nothing but ruin to them; a nation that was independent from the Kingdom of Equestria.

Three years after that, they were still here, fighting for their right to be free. Three years have passed since she took command of this army, and despite her audacious and decisive battles, the war didn’t seem to be close to an end.

As she watched the long columns of ponies march under the sun, she knew deep inside her that those ponies have endured things that were far worse than the blazing heat of the summer. She had seen them fight against ponies who they once considered friends, she had seen them march through nights and fight through long days, tired and weary. She had seen them watch their comrades die, as shell and shot rained all over them. She had seen them cry, mourning the loss of a close friend, as she herself cried with them. And she had been there with them to suffer all these pains.

By now, she knew that they were all tired. But not physically, rather spiritually, as their souls had enough of the war. Too bad the war had not yet had enough of their souls.

Keeping her gaze fixed at the road, she watched as the 2^nd Baltimare passed by, colors blazing under the sun’s gaze. Compared to the other regiments, the 2^nd Baltimare had been worn down by war, as their column was shorter than most regiments, while the ponies in the outfil were ragged and had war torn coats and hats. They have greatly dwindled in size due the battle they fought, yet the ponies in the regiment remained proud and strong.

Regiments like this were the ones who had fought the war since the start. Applejack knew them well, as she remembered the small scanty force that was now the backbone of the Republican Army. Once untrained, unprepared, and ill disciplined, those ponies were now veterans, highly skilled and well organized fighting machines.

Through bloody battle after bloody battle, they held on and kept their nation’s pride. From the fields of Fillydelphia, where the first battle was fought, to the thick forest at Hollow Shades, these were the ponies who won battles.

But they did so at a cost.

For every battle they fought, great amounts of casualties always awaited tem, as the fields were littered with dead friends and foe. Applejack could never get used to those sights, as the bloody fields were scarred in her memory. This was what she hated the most, to see the dead lying on the field right after the battle.

They shall haunt my dreams forever. She thought to herself. And Princess Luna would do nothing to stop it.

No matter how victorious they were in a battle, the dead were always there. Always in high numbers, always waiting, either to be buried or to rot. If battles that were as bloody as the last were fought over and over, then regiments like the 2^nd Baltimare may soon cease to exist.

Crack units, no matter how good they were, would soon die due to attrition. And if veteran regiments like them should be erased from the army, then the Republican Army might soon wither away. Wither as the numerically superior enemy crushed them and always outgunned them.

With vast resources and a large population, the enemy they faced was comparable to a giant, while they were nothing more than mere ants. Despite having terrible leadership, they made it up with their numbers, as they kept on sending waves and waves of ponies into the battle.

Applejack had considered it a feat for her and her army to have won the battles they faced, but she knew that it would only be a matter of time till those battles take their toll on them. The ants can fight and bite the giant, all the while evading its stomps, but sooner or later it would be crushed under the giant’s weight.

With a smaller population and scarce resources, replacing the loses they took was very difficult. That was why veteran regiments were irreplaceable, as they evened the advantage with their experience. But veteran regiments would soon dwindle and their ranks would soon be depleted.

Unless a decisive blow to the enemy is done, the situation of attrition would continue to plague them. And if this decisive blow is not conducted soon, then everypony in the Republic knew that the nation might soon find itself on its knees.

But Applejack was not going to allow that to happen. Having pledged her allegiance and having sworn to protect the nation, she knew that she must conduct that winning punch. She was going to deliver the striking blow and end this was, once end for all.

I’ll end this war even if it’s the last thing I do…

“General, mam.” A voice called out from behind Applejack, distracting her from her thoughts and bringing her back to reality.

Turning around, Applejack found herself facing a brown earth pony who had a small smile on his face as he stood there saluting at her.

“Mornin’, Captain Turner.” She said, returning the salute. “Got any news for me?” She asked, knowing that Time Tuner only went to her when he had anything important to tell her.

As her aide-de-camp, it was his duty to send her any news about the situation of the army, as well as assist her in the various amounts of paper works and planning that must be done. For three years he had been helping her, and during those three years, she found him as an effective, high spirited and quick thinking pony, who never lets her down.

“Yes, mam…” He said, before reaching for something in his saddlebag. “…I also got some refreshing apple cider for you.” He said, as he pulled out a metal canteen, which was dripping in moisture from its cool content.

“Why thank you, Captain.” She said, accepting the canteen. “But I think I’ll drink after you’re report. I want to keep as level headed as possible.”

“Very well, mam.” He said, before pulling out something else from his saddle bag.

As she watched, Applejack could see bring out a folded up newspaper and pass it to her. “Our advance units managed to pick up some newspapers from a small village. This one over here was published the other day, and if you would look at the headlines, you would see why this might be a valuable piece of information, General.” He said, pointing towards the large bold letters in the front page.

Applejack’s eyes scanned the words in front of her as her eyes widened to what she saw. Looking away from the paper, she turned her gaze to Time Turner and gave him a questioning look. “Twilight Sparkle? Really?”

“Yes, mam, that’s what it says.” He said, nodding. “I already took the duty of reading the articles on the paper, and from what I found out, the newly promoted Maj. Gen. Twilight Sparkle has been appointed by Celestia as the new commander of the Equestrian Volunteer Army. I also read, from another article, that the defenses at Canterlot are being bolstered for a possible attack. It seems that they managed to catch word of our movement and believe that we are about to attack their capital. Knowing them, they would most likely pressure their new commander in setting up defenses between us and their precious capital, probably somewhere near Rambling Rock Ridge.”

“So…they’re sending Twilight to try and stop us…” Applejack mumbled, feeling excitement and sadness at the same time. Excitement, knowing that the enemy has finally appointed somepony capable and knowledgeable to lead them and try to stop her, yet sadness, knowing that it had to be one of her best friends. These emotions were mixing in her and she didn’t know how to express them.

Twilight has been her friend for years, and still is. But now, she has officially became her enemy at the same time. It had been fine when she was doing her small job as the Royal Observer, but now, her new appointment ruined everything. She now felt a hint of anger mixing in the already confusing conception of emotions.

Yet despite them raging inside her, she did her best to hide them. At least for now.

“Can we confirm your theory, Captain?” Applejack asked. “Rainbow Dash. Has she reported any movement conducted by the enemy army?”

“I’m sorry, mam, but we still have no word from Gen. Rainbow Dash.” Time Turner said, shaking his head. “We have sent our best couriers to find her brigade and contact them, but so far, we have not met any success.”

Applejack shook her head as she let out a short frustrated growl. “Darn it, Dash.”

Turning her gaze towards Big Macintosh, who was sitting by the tree, enjoying the view from the top of the hill, before turning it back to Time Turner, she let out a short sigh before shaking her head.

“No matter…” She reassured him. “…I do not care where the enemy is heading, as long as it’s not towards us. And from the looks of things, it might be that they won’t move at all.” She knew that if the enemy would decide to advance towards them, then the leading units of her army would easily detect them. “Besides, I think they will be surprised when they find out that we aren’t actually heading for Canterlot.”

“We aren’t?” Time Turner asked, oblivious to the plan Applejack had in mind. Having not yet given her officers an official meeting, the only ponies who knew the plan were her and Big Macintosh. But once the army takes its first brake then the plan would be revealed to all. Till then, she would just have to give Time Turner a quick preview.”

“Yes, Captain, we aren’t…” She said, as she pulled out her map from her saddle bag, revealing the intricate path that she routed out for the army to take. “…you see Captain, I’m not planning to attack Canterlot, at least not as of yet. We would need a lot of supplies before we can do anything like that. This here army is hungry and is in desperate need of new coats. Good thing I know the perfect place to find all of that we need.” She then pointed to the map, towards a forked intersection.” Captain, once we hit the next turn pike, the army would make a left turn, avoiding Rambling Rock Ridge, and head straight towards Ghastly Gorge. Once there, we shall head up north and towards Ponyille. With the Everfree forest to our right, we shall be screened by the forest and blocked from the prying eyes of the enemy. If things go according to plan, which I’m sure they will, we shall reach Ponyville without any significant resistance from the enemy. Hopefully, by the time the enemy realizes where we are, it would be too late and we would be at our target destination. They would then find out that their defenses are facing the wrong destination, as we would attack Canterot from the general direction of Ponyville.”

She was satisfied at this plan and believed that it would bring them to the goal they were struggling and striving for three years, ultimate victory.

Looking at her map, Applejack felt confident that her plan would work. The Everfree forest was a gigantic land mass and could easily conceal an army that was marching at its outskirts. The road that led from Ghastly Gorge to Ponyville snaked the edges of the Everfree and although the forest was a dangerous place, Applejack was sure that being only at its outskirts was safe.

It’s a good plan. Applejack told herself. A darn good plan.

She could only imagine the look on Twilights face when she realizes that she managed to misplace as an entire enemy army, as they disappeared from her sights. Knowing her, she would panic and probably lose half her mind before realizing what has happened to her. If Twilight was still panicking by the time a confrontation happens, then she is most likely to make irrational judgments that would bring things to Applejack’s favor. Once Twilight was defeated, then she would be able to capture Canterlot, and most likely being the war to an end, with victory for them.

But did she really have to face Twilight to end all of this?

The thought of facing Twilight in battle was bringing a large amount of mixed emotions to her heart, as she felt sorrow and anger for her friend. She knew that out there, Twilight must have felt sick at the thought of fighting her friends, as Applejack felt sick at the very prospect of it.

Chapter 3

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June 30

Soarin galloped through the Canterlot-Ponyville road, ignoring the strong heat that engulfed the landscape. Wiping off the beads of sweat that were forming on his forehead, he could feel the sun’s rays penetrate his coat and hat, creating a sensation that seemed like he was burning in fire. Feeling the sun bombard him with all its might, he looked around him for cover, only to find that there was nothing to shade him from the sun’s assaults.

Sighing, he shook his head and continued on their movement, cursing the fact that the sun seemed to be punishing him on this day.

If there’s anypony who needs to be punished, then it’s the staff officer who mixed up those orders, not me. Soarin thought grimly, hating the fact that such a mistake had happened.

Due to a mix up in orders, two dozen wagons, from the arms depot at Unicorn Range, was accidentally brought to Ponyville, when they should have been sent to the main army at Rambling Rock Ridge. The orders from high command stated that they be brought to the defenses at Rambling Rock as soon as possible, for the wagons contained precious barrels of gunpowder and crates of shells for the army’s canons. If the enemy attacks their newly formed defenses, then these supplies would prove to be crucial in the battle.

But with the recent reports of enemy cavalry prowling behind the lines, the new army commander decided to play it safe and send a formidable detachment of cavalry to escort the wagons to make sure that no cavalry unit would mount an attempt to steal the wagons and its vital supplies. Already, many supply convoys have been raided, as Republican cavalry under General Rainbow Dash prowled their lines, ambushing and stealing any unprotected baggage train.

Fearing that such valuable supplies might endure the same faith, an escort was sent in to recover the misplaced ammunition wagons and bring them safely to the army. Needing a sizable yet quick moving force to do the job, they choose Soarin’s reinforced cavalry brigade for the task, seeing that the force was one that seemed to fit the role. Mobile enough to move quickly and get there as soon as possible, yet powerful enough to fend off any cavalry raid, his brigade was the perfect choice to fulfill the job.

So here they were, marching under the summer heat just to pick up a couple of wagons that got lost on the way to the army.

Not a very fitting job for the cavalry. Soarin thought sourly, as he would have preferred a risky scouting mission over this.

Looking behind him, he could see the tired and exhausted expressions on the faces of his soldiers, pleading for rest as they kept up a silent movement. With hot weather, thick coats, and equipment to carry, even the toughest of Soarin’s fighters were having difficulty keeping up the pace.

Just a couple more miles… He thought to himself, thankful that they were already getting close to the town. Once there, they could finally get some rest, as Soarin’s brigade was desperate for a brake.

Made up of four cavalry regiments and one battery of fours canons, his reinforced brigade was composed solely of pegasi, the great athletic aces of speed and agility. His brigade took pride at being the only all pegasi brigade in the cavalry and although some may say they weren’t the best, to Soarin and his soldiers, they were nothing but the best.

Despite having a large percentage of the pegasi race join the side of the Republic of Equestria, a small percentage of them still remained loyal to the crown and took up arms to defend it and the nation against the rebels. Signing up and joining the Volunteer Army, they became the loyal pegasi that stood up to defend the Kingdom.

Soarin himself was loyal to the nation even before the war, as he was an officer and a member of the famed Wonderbolts aerial exhibition team. Back then, he would never have imagined himself commanding troops in war, as all he did all day was fly, fly, and fly. That was what he really cared for back then, just going out and fly.

But now things have changed. The war has engulfed his life and it seemed that there was nothing ahead but more war.

I choose to fight this and I shall see it till the end. If there is an end.

Unlike most pegasi, he wasn’t greatly affected by the sudden introduction of the machines to Equestria, as his job at the time couldn’t really be really be replaced by a machine. He doubted it if any machine could conduct aerial maneuvers as smooth as the ones the Wonderbolts did. With no real threat to his job, Soarin was one of the few pegasi who weren’t very enthusiastic when the secessionist movement hit Cloudsdale.

Despite understanding the views of many pegasi, he believed that the problem could be resolved in a more peaceful way. To him, he viewed the magical machines as something that would help them in their jobs, not replace them. But most of his friends were blind to that view and immediately jumped to the idea of splitting from the nation. So when the opportunity came, they migrated to the south, taking the floating city of Cloudsdale with them.

He remembered the events as if it were yesterday, the sight of the cloud city floating towards the south. Under pegasus power, they moved the city away, while the remaining pegasi were left helpless, as they watched their home fly to the south and into the rebel side.

Most of those helpless ponies were here right now, a part of this brigade, serving their nation in hopes of reuniting its two parts, turning it whole once more, and returning their home to its rightful place. The pegasi here may not all believed in his view, but they did believe in the same idea that the nation must be preserved. The idea of rebel forces seceding angered them, as they want to keep the nation as one strong and firm country.

Once divided, they believe that nation would start to fall apart, as groups would start declaring their own independence till Equestria will find itself sliced up, faster than a cake at a party. So they pledged to save the nation and reunite it, even if they have to fight former friends.

Being a member and an officer of the Equestrian military, Soarin and the remaining members of Wonderbolts were immediately mobilized as commissioned officers of the Equestrian Volunteer Army. Starting the war as a Captain in the 1^st Cloudsdale Cavalry Regiment, he quickly rose through the ranks till he found himself the commander of his own brigade. He was actually surprised at how fast he ascended through the chain of command, but with this war taking down officers faster than they could replace them, even the youngest of cadets could find themselves leading a regiment.

This was the case for many units, as the commanders started getting younger and younger. The old leaders that were seen in the start of the war were now being replaced by younger energetic ponies. Ponies who can keep up with the pace, all the while leading their commands in the fast paced environment of battle.

Despite their age and their youthful looks, they were the best of the best. With three years of war experience behind them, they have learned how to fight and proven that they had the skill for battle. Well-disciplined besides their rowdy look, anypony who has served with them in battle knew that they could be trusted to do a task and that they would do it to the best of their ability. They have fought from the start and survived to become old veterans.

Having fought for three years, anypony who has fought, no matter how young looking, was a veteran. Some of them may look young and frail, but deep inside them was a trained fighter, a true soldier behind innocent eyes. They were what built armies.

Now these young soldiers and their commander marched under the sun, heading towards Ponyville to perform a simple mission, boring to them, but important for the war effort. It was a job for them and a job that they would perform to the best of their ability.

The idea of escorting a couple of wagons wasn’t really an exciting prospect, but Soarin knew that somepony had to do it.

Entering Ponyville, Soarin was met by the strange sight of carts and wagons parked on each side of the road. From left to right, he could see ponies hurrying all over town, as they went inside their homes and came out with their belonging, which they stacked on top of the awaiting carts.

As if there was a fire, they vacated their homes of their property and hurriedly sped away with the carts, leaving behind what they couldn’t carry. From the expressions on their faces, Soarin could see the fear and terror in their eyes, as they labored and tried to get as much belonging out of the homes and into the carts.

Strange, real strange. Soarin thought to himself, as they made their way pass these frantic ponies, who brought a quick glance towards them before going returning to their work. This doesn’t seem right.

Making their way their further into town, Soarin soon caught sight of their objective in the distance, the two dozen wagons of supplies.Parked near the town center, the wagons were being prepared and readied, as the ponies who were in charge moving them made sure the straps were tied on properly and that the wagons were in good condition for a long haul.

Halting the brigade and allowing it to take positions in town and find a suitable place for the ponies to rest. After such a long march, a break, no matter how long it might be, was something his brigade desperately needed. And he was very much willing to give that to them.

Soarin himself felt tired and weary after the movement, with his hooves aching and demanding a break. But knowing better, he decided to ignore the pain as he moved around to do his job. With things not being what they were supposed to be in this town, he still needed to find out what was going on with all the ponies here.

No rest for the weary. He reminded himself.

Giving a quick order to his officers to post pickets around town, he soon left them to their duties, knowing that they can manage without his supervision. They all knew what to do and Soarin trusted them all. A simple order was enough to get them moving.

Then, turning away from his command and moving towards the supply caravan, Soarin glanced towards the nearest officer before heading straight for him. From the insignia on the pony’s ragged coat, Soarin immediately knew that he was a Captain of the auxiliary corps and after a quick exchange of salutes, he began to question the pony about the current situation in the town

“What’s going on here, Captain?” He asked, hoping that the Captain had some clue on why the townsfolk were panicking. “Why is everypony in town preparing to leave?”

“Well, it’s because of the rebels, sir.” The Captain replied. “Word in town is that the rebels are heading this way, so everypony in town is planning to pack everything they got and get away from here. Nopony here wants to be occupied by rebels.”

He then shook his head and brought his attention towards his wagons, as he waved a hoof towards them. “We were about to the same here. We weren’t sure if the rumor was true, but if it was, then its better to get out as fast as possible, with or without escort. We reckoned that moving without an escort is better than staying here and be captured by some rebels.”

“Rebels?” Soarin exclaimed, shocked to learn that the enemy was near here. From the reports he got before he left the main army, the rebels were supposed to be moving from the east towards Canterlot, not from the west to Ponyville.

“Who told you that there were rebels heading here?” He demanded.

“Two merchants who came from Ghastly Gorge came galloping here and saying that the rebel army was heading this way.” The Captain informed him. “And, well, you know how townsfolk react to warnings like that. The moment they heard the word rebel, they began panicking and screaming. Seeing that the warning might be true, we decided to pack up and get ready to leave this place. Like I said, can’t risk having the enemy send an advance force of cavalry to capture these here supplies.”

“But did you see any cavalry near this place?” Soarin questioned, knowing that any reports of cavalry would mean that the main body was nearby.

“Nope...” The Captain said, shaking his head. “…at least not yet.”

Soarin grunted his acknowledgement before turning around and trotting back towards his brigade and towards where his staff had gathered. Posted near the town hall, his staff patiently waited for him, as they waited further orders from their commander.

“So, what’s the news, boss?” Col. Thunderlane asked, sitting by the steps of the town hall, while using his hat as a fan. The sun was still blazing above them and despite the cover provided by the building beside them, the humidity was still unbearable.

“Apparently the rebels are coming…” Soarin said plainly, shaking his head as he wondered if he should believe the rumor or not.

“Apparently?” Thunderlane questioned, staring at Soarin.

“Yeah…” Soarin replied. “…two merchants came here claiming that the entire rebel army is heading this way, but I cannot confirm that report, at least not yet.”

“You want me to send a scouting party, boss?” Thunderlane asked, standing up now as if he were excited about the prospect. Seeing the enthusiastic look on his eyes, Soarin knew what he was planning.

“Yes. Go find the merchants and ask them to exactly point out were they saw the rebels. If possible, and if their willing, go tell them to lead you and show you exactly where the spot was.” Soarin said, before adding. “And, Thunderlane, if you’re planning to lead this expedition yourself, then you better come back here in one piece. Can’t risk losing an important member of my command.”

“Yes, sir!” Thunderlane, giving a graceful salute, before he trotted away to look for the perfect company for the scouting mission.

Looking around, Soarin gazed at the town before shaking his head. Aside from being the home of Princess Twilight Sparkle’s Castle, the town of Ponyville held no strategic value. It was just like any other town in Equestria, with nothing really special about it. But with the possibility of the enemy marching their way here, this town could suddenly be the most important place in the country.

If the rebels were really heading here, then that would mean that the main army defending Rambling Rock Ridge was waiting for nothing. All the defenses, all the concentrated forces, all of them would just be sitting there and staring at air. They would be posted there and waiting, while the enemy moved up to capture Ponyville.

The town was undefended and had no major force capable of stopping an entire enemy field army. In case of an attack, it could probably raise a small force of militia to fight the enemy, but against a veteran fighting force, a militia force would stand no chance against them. If attacked now, Ponyville would surely fall easily.

Once captured, they could use it as a staging point to either outflank the main army at Rambling Rock or move up towards the Kingdom’s capital at Canterlot. Either of those two outcomes would be devastating for Equestria.

“Oh, the rebels are coming alright and their doing so in force.” Thunderlane said, as they stood on the top floor of Ponyville’s town hall.

Located at the center of the town and standing just under Princess Twilight’s castle, the town hall provided a great vantage point for anypony who stood on top of it. From there, they had a wonderful view of the town and its surrounding area, from the hills and ridges of the north, to the open fields of its south.

“How many?” Soarin asked, trying to hide the worried look on his face.

“Well, we weren’t really able to get a closer look without risking our safety and being spotted by them, but I at least know that an entire division is leading the way. And once there’s one division, you’re sure to have the rest of the army behind it.”

“And no cavalry?” Soarin inquired.

“Nope, not a single sign of them. It actually made scouting easy, not having to worry about cavalry tracking you.” He said with a grin.

“Strange…” Soarin remarked, unsure to what it meant.

Normally, an army would march forward with their cavalry leading the way, creating a protective screen and scouting for them. Usually composed of pegasi regiments, due to their swift and aggressive movement, the cavalry was the army’s eyes, telling them on what lay ahead of them. So to have no cavalry leading the advance was not only strange, it was unthinkable.

“What about the lead division? Any idea who is leading it?” Soarin asked, wanting to know who the commander that was taking point was. Usually, it helped to know your enemy, as their personality and traits can rub off on how they command. If the division commander was familiar to him, then he might know his or her personality.

“Well, you might not believe this…” Thunderlane said hesitantly. “… but it’s Spitfire.”

“Spitfire?” Soarin said, eyes wide.

Former Captain and friend, Spitfire had been a close pony to Soarin before the war. But having had divided views, they had split up once Cloudsdale was flown away. Now, it seemed that they were once again going to meet after three long years. Sadly, this wasn’t the way Soarin would have liked to reunite with his friend. He would have preferred this meeting in more calm and peaceful circumstances.

Finally accepting the idea that his friend was leading the enemy vanguard, Soarin shook his head as a small smile formed on his face.

“So, this is going to be her first action as a division commander, isn’t it?” He asked, remembering a repot he got from Army Intelligence a week ago.

From the reports they got from their intelligence network, they had learned that the famous cavalry officer, General Spitfire, had been promoted from a brigade commander of the small cavalry force to a division commander, leaving behind the cavalry force to the newly promoted General Rainbow Dash.

After seeing her as a gallant fighter in battle and having lost one of their division commanders in the previous battle, the Republic of Equestria choose to appoint Spitfire the new position, due to the lack of capable officers. They believed that, with her being a flexible and quick learning pony, she would be able to adjust to her new command as quickly as possible.

But right now, she has yet to prove herself as a capable infantry division commander, as nopony knew how she’ll be able to handle the stress of a bigger command and the slower strategic and tactical movements of the infantry. Knowing his old friend well, Soarin knew that Spitfire would be determined to prove her greatness in battle, even if it was with an infantry division.

“Yup. I’m just going to wonder how she’ll take it all. Knowing her, she would rather be with the fast moving cavalry than with the slow moving infantry.”

“Yeah…I’m pretty sure that’s how she feels right now, it’s so typical of her.”

Turning his gaze towards the south, he gazed at the road from Ghastly Gorge that headed towards Ponyville as he began imagining Spitfire’s Division marching up it. From Thunderlane’s scouting mission, he had learned that the enemy was getting closer and closer, moving as quickly as possible in order to reach Ponyville and capture it.

So, there rumors were true. He mused to himself.

If his calculations were right, and if Thunderlane’s reports of the enemy’s movements were accurate, then the enemy they would be here by tomorrow morning. They would come up from there, marching at the exact same road he was gazing at.

Once they get here, they were sure to capture the town, and from here they can mount an assault against the rear of the main army at Rambling Rock Ridge or instead march straight for Canterlot. And the loss of either of these two would create a major blow for the Kingdom of Equestria, a blow that might end them and the war.

Going over those possibilities once more, Soarin knew the gravity of the situation they had right now. The enemy was advancing and there was nopony to stop them at the moment.

But we’re here… Soarin told himself. And although we can’t stop them, we might just be able to hold them off for a while.

Looking out at the surrounding fields around them, Soarin gazed at it with his military eye and studied it thoroughly. As he did saw, he seemed to be satisfied at what he saw. The ground seemed to be good for fighting, and great for a defense. Clear fields of fire, a perfect vantage point, and nice high ground, the area was a brilliant place to make a stand.

Yes. He said to himself. This is good ground, if not excellent ground. One could not have asked for anything better.

“We need to hold this ground, Thunderlane. We need to hold it at all cost.” He said firmly, catching Thunderlane by surprise.

“With a division and more coming up against our small brigade?” Thunderlane asked skeptically.

Turning to face Thunderlane, he tried to emphasize his point by giving him a serious look. “Yes. If we don’t, then the entire war could be lost. Just imagine, the enemy passing through this town and out flanking the main army or maybe even capturing Canterlot. If we don’t try to stop them here, then all of those could happen.”

“But with one brigade? Surely you don’t think we can defeat an entire army with one brigade?”

“I know…” Soarin said, nodding. “…that’s why I’m going to send a courier as soon as possible, telling General Sparkle to send the entire army here and to do it quickly. We might not be able to defeat the enemy, but at least we can by her some time till she gets here. We must hold them of, Thunderlane, we must.”

“Well…” Thunderlane said, thinking about it. “…I guess that make’s sense. But how do you plan of holding them off?”

Returning his gaze towards the south, he looked out and analyzed the landscape before him. Focusing towards the road, he began to imagine a possible defensive line. In his mind, he began placing his regiments and artillery, envisioning where his force would be, as well as where the enemy would advance.

The road ran along a North-East direction, coming up from Ghastly Gorge to Ponyville. To the East of the Road was a small ridge line, which gave a nice view of the field in front till it hits a clump of rocky hills, which the local map told him was a place where the townsfolk dug up diamonds and gems.

Looking the West of the road was a small open field, while further out to it was Sweet Apple Acres, with all its apple trees. That flank, Soarin noted, would be vulnerable and he had to remember that. The open field between the road and Sweet Apple Acres had no real defensive positions and can easily be hit by the enemy. But Soarin hope that positioning artillery on top of the ridge on the east would provide cover for that area, and support any force he positioned there.

“We have good ground here…” He muttered, before turning towards Thunderlane. “…the best ground for miles.”

With great admiration for the area, he knew that even the smallest of force can hold this place against the biggest of enemies. With high ground in many crucial places and open fields in front of it, any attacking force would have a difficult time dislodging the defenders.

Turning towards Thunderlane, he put his hoof on the pony’s back and patted him. “We’ll place our artillery there, on that ridge” He said, pointing towards the ridge to the east of the road. “Then I’ll have the 1^st Cloudsdale hold the ridge in support of the artillery, along with the 3^rd Cloudsdale in reserve.”

Then, turning his attention towards the flanks.

“The 2^nd Cloudsdale would move up that rocky clump of hills to the east. They’ll hold that position and protect our left flank. Meanwhile, the 4^th Cloudsdale will take up positions on that field between the apple orchard and the road. They’re the biggest regiment, so they can take most of the punishment if they’re attacked.”

Thunderlane nodded, seeming to agree with these battle order.

Running his battle plans once more in his head, Soarin gave a nod of his own, satisfied at what he had. He might not be able to defeat the enemy with this plan, but he was sure that he can at least hold them off long enough so that the main body of their army can arrive and support him.

His force was small, he knew that, but the ground was to their advantage. They were in the defense and they had the high ground. It was like a dream come true.

“We were given the best ground any soldier can ask for…” Soarin said. “…and if we lose this, then the enemy is truly an unstoppable force.”

Chapter 4

View Online

July 1
7:00 AM

Long lines of infantry marched down the road as clouds of dust trailed behind the massed group of ponies that kicked and stomped the dirt path. Moving in good step and keeping a steady pace, the column made their way under the early morning sun, moving up the road as they headed north by east, following the path before them.

Observing her division from the side of the road, Spitfire gave a content smile as she watched her command move in good order. Watching them from the side of the road, she kept a careful gaze as they passed her, a steady stream of soldiers leading the way for the army.

This is my division. She told herself, proud at having such a force under her command. After a long time, she finally received what she wanted, a divisional command.

For three long years, she had fought the war as a bold and bombastic brigade commander, leading her small unit into battle with courage and power. With her tenacious and quick hitting tactics, she had won almost every engagement she fought, surprising the enemy and giving them no time to prepare. She had made a name for herself while serving in that command and she took pride at all the accomplishments she did.

But it seemed that it wasn’t only her who took pride at her exploits, for high command also noted her great service record.

When a vacancy for the commander of the Republican Army’s 1^st Division, of the 1^st Corps, came up a couple of weeks ago, high command needed a new pony to take up the position, after the previous commander was wounded and placed out of action. The Division was the toughest of the tough, the one first in the field and the ones who were out last. They knew that if they were to appoint a new leader for this unit, then they’ll have to find somepony who was aggressive and tough.

Seeing that Spitfire seemed to fit the character, as well as being a capable leader and a promising officer, they chose her to fill the job. Promoting her to the rank of Major General, they appointed her the new commanding officer of the Division, giving her the honorable position of being the first on the field.

Although long overdue, Spitfire was still thrilled when she learned of her promotion and appointment as divisional commander in the army. For officers like her, there was nothing better than advancing through the ranks and receiving bigger and bigger commands.

Glancing toward her side and towards her staff officers, she moved her eyes towards the divisional insignia printed on the flag her staff carried. It was a simple design, a yellow feather on a white backdraft. Nothing extravagant, nothing fancy. Just a simple logo that told who’s division this was.

Mine. She told herself.

She had taken the command with pride and contempt, and despite having never commanded such a force before, she was confident that she can quick learn the tricks of the trade. To her, it didn’t seem to be that big of a leap in the command system. It was just like commanding a brigade, but only with more units. This was just like her old command, she had told herself before, just a little bigger.

And a little slower… She thought ruefully, as she returned her gaze back at the marching troops.

Moving at a stead, yet slow pace, the infantry took their time in their movement, the weight of their heavy equipment bearing them down. Unlike the cavalry she, who carried lighter loads and often galloped to their objectives, the infantry was always slow paced in movement.

To her, it sometimes seemed annoying to see her command move so slow. Having previously commanded cavalry, she was more acquainted to fast movement from point A to point B. But now, with an infantry command, she was now faced with the new life of slow marching.

Sometimes she missed the old cavalry brigade, the command that brought her the fame she had now. To move swiftly ahead of the main body, to maneuver away from any obstacle they encounter, and to charge upon the enemy faster than they can react to your attack. Without any cumbersome and heavy packs to weigh them down, the cavalry moved fast across the land, scouting for the army that followed. She remembered the days were she galloped through open fields, the wind hitting her face as her mane flowed with each advance. That was the life in the cavalry and she loved it.

But that was gone now. It wasn’t her place anymore.

Replacing her in the old cavalry brigade was the newly promoted Brigadier General Rainbow Dash, appointed to that position with her recommendation. Previously the commander of the 1^nd Ponyville Volunteer Cavalry Regiment, Rainbow Dash had been Spitfire’s most charismatic officer.

In many ways, the two shared the same idea and views, and Spitfire knew that Rainbow Dash was more than capable of handling a new role like the one she was given. If there was anypony she wanted to take command of her brigade, then it was Rainbow Dash.

And it seemed that this decision was a good one, for Rainbow Dash was already making a name for herself in her new command. From reports she had received, Spitfire had learned that Rainbow Dash and the brigade had led at least two successful raids behind enemy lines, while a third raid was going on right now.

A raid that seems to be bringing more problems than benefits. Spitfire thought.

Although Spitfire agreed at the idea of using the cavalry brigade as a raiding force, striking behind enemy lines and disrupting their supplies, she also knew that the cavalry had more roles than just raiding.

The cavalry was also the eyes of the army, the ones who kept a vigilant watch on the enemy, sending reports about enemy movements and positions. Being quick and easily maneuverable, the cavalry was the perfect unit to do this job. Screening the way and scouting for the army, the cavalry provided valuable support that helped the commander plan for battles.

Too bad Rainbow Dash doesn’t seem to be doing that right now. Spitfire thought grudgingly, wondering how her former subordinate managed to forget such a crucial role.

Watching her division slowly move along the road, she couldn’t help but feel vulnerable and exposed without knowing what was in front of her.

For the past few days, she and the army had been marching blind, having no contact with Rainbow Dash and her cavalry scouts. Moving towards Ponyville and leading the army behind her, Spitfire had no clue what was in front of her, for the cavalry had brought no reports to them. Having been too busy with her raiding, it seemed the Rainboe Dash had neglected her duty and failed to report and enemy movements.

No matter. Spitfire thought, although still annoyed at the failure. If the General’s plan worked well, then the enemy would be deceived and would still be at Rambling Rock Ride.

That would mean that the road here would be clear and open, with supposedly little to no resistance. If the enemy was concentrated in one side, then surely they couldn’t concentrate on the other?

The sound of quick hooves galloping alerted her attention as she was swiped away from her thought. Moving her head towards the sound, she saw one of her aides heading towards her at full speed. With a quick salute, which Spitfire returned, the aide gave her a quick message from one of her brigade commanders.

“General Spitfire, mam…” The earth pony mare said, panting. From the state of her coat, which was covered with dust, Spitfire could tell that she had galloped a long and tiring way to get to her. “…General Lightning Dust wishes to report that her brigade has reached the outskirts of Ponyville and has sighted enemy forces there. She wishes to know what action she should take next.”

Raising an eyebrow, she stared at the courier as she thought about the message with a hint of curiosity.

The enemy couldn’t be here, they shouldn’t. She firmly told herself.

If such a report was true, then the entire operation would be ruined. This campaign was designed on shock and surprise and if the enemy forces managed to reposition to meet them, then all the advantages they had would be gone. With a bigger and more powerful force, their army could not stand a possible heavy battle without some kind of advantage.

And now it seemed that advantage was gone. Or was it?

“Enemy forces…” Spitfire muttered to herself, thinking it through. Then giving the pony a serious glance she asked: “Are you sure about that?”

“Yes, mam, I am.” The mare said with a nod. “I saw it myself. There are enemy forces guarding the road that leads into the town.”

“Hm, we’ll see about that.” Spitfire grunted and with a gesture to her staff she began going up the road and towards Lightning Dust’s brigade, hoping to see for herself if the report was accurate.

It didn’t take long for her to reach Lightning Dust, as the General and her staff stood at patch of trees located a couple of miles south-west of Ponyville.

“Alright, Lightning Dust-“ Spitfire called out as she approached. “-what do you have for me?”

“Right over there, General.” Lightning Dust said, looking away from the pair of binoculars she had drawn and pointing out towards the ridge line in front of them.

Picking up her own pair of binoculars and studying the area, Spitfire was shocked to see that there were indeed enemy soldiers on top of the ridge. Wearing their distinct white coats and looking down on them from their high position, the enemy was formed up it what seemed to be a formidable position.

This was bad and she knew it. The enemy was here and would impede their advance. It would now be too hard to move forward, especially with them being in such a strong position. With good ground and an open field of fire, advancing against the enemy position would be difficult.

But giving further inspection to these positions, she noted that there didn’t seem to be any sign on what units these soldiers were from. Trying to check for a flag or banner, she found none flying above them. It could have only meant one thing and this idea brought a small sense of relief to her, as she gave a small smile and looked back at Lightning Dust.

“Nothing but militia.” Spitefire said confidently. “What you have there in front of you is nothing but a rabble of townsfolk who rushed up to defend their homes.”

“Townsfolk?” Lightning Dust said. “But I thought Ponyville was supposed to be sympathetic to us?”

“They are.” Spitfire said. “But I think those over there are the few ponies who are slightly more sympathetic to the crown. I believe they’re the ones who have connections and allegiances to the monarchy and they probably fear what our arrival there would bring them.”

“So they would rather take their chances fighting than succumbing under our control?” Lightning Dust said.

“Exactly, General.” Spitfire said with a nod. “Anyways, you’ll most likely have an easy time fighting them. Since they’re just militia, they’ll be poorly armed and trained. A volley or two from our regiments would scare them off and they would soon surrender. Form up your brigade on the center and move them up the road to attack the ridge. Your force would surely do the job, while I bring up the rest of the division here. If all goes to plan, which I’m sure they will, then your brigade would have mopped up this rabble so the rest of the division could march into Ponyville without resistance.”

Studying Lightning Dust, Spitfire saw the mare frown as she gave another glance towards the hill before looking back at her. “Are you sure they’re just militia, General?”

“Of course I’m sure.” Spitfire said with a nod. “Just look at them. They have thin lines and carry no flags or banners. They’re militia, General, just militia.”

“Alright then, mam. I’ll form up my brigade and prepare for the assault. If you will excuse me.” With a salute, Lightning Dust turned around to coordinate the attack with her regimental commanders.

Turning her head towards the ridge and staring at it once more, Spitfire shook her head in amusement.

A bunch of militia who think they can stop us.

July 1
7:30 AM

Soarin could see them form up, marching their lines on the fields below as they got ready for an assault. The rugged looking soldiers of the enemy moved out from their columns and lined up with their regiments as they exposed themselves to him on that wide and open field.

Watching from on top of Ponyville’s town hall, he observed the enemy as they brought a brigade to line at the south of town, getting them ready for an attack on his position. Taking up a pair of binoculars and getting a closer look at the enemy, he counted at least four regiments formed up in a line of battle, while noting an absence of artillery, which would normally have supported such an attack. Smiling at this fact, he shook his head in satisfaction as he turned his gaze away from the enemy.

Brilliant- He thought to himself. -just brilliant.

From what he had seen so far, it seemed that the enemy was taking his bait and would fall for his trap.

Glancing towards his troopers on the ridge, he kept a careful eye on his command as he stared at the thin line of ponies that held their position. Under his orders, they had hid their flags and banners, putting them away and making sure that the enemy didn’t see them. With this act, he had hoped to deceive the enemy and make them believe that the force here were actually just local militia, instead of a well-armed cavalry brigade. If he could fool them that way, then he might make them think that they were facing a weaker force than they actually had in front of him.

And it worked!

Brining forward only a brigade of infantry, Soarin could see that the enemy didn’t think much of what was in front of them. Grinning to himself, he would have found it amusing if it weren’t for the fact that this blunder would cause lives. It seemed that Spitfire was still her usual aggressive self, and in her desire to capture the town, she had neglected to give proper reconnaissance of the area.

Well, this going to cost her.

An infantry brigade would surely do short work of inexperienced and scared militia, but against veteran cavalry like the one he had, they would stand no chance.

Although lacking the power and strength an infantry unit would have, his brigade was a seasoned force, having fought multiple engagements against infantry before. With added supply from the ammunition wagons that got lost in Ponyville, Soarin was sure that he can put up heavy fire on the enemy as they tried to attack their lines. He had no doubt that they can hold of the first attacks the enemy would give them. They can do that and they will do that.

But they couldn’t do it all day.

Although his brigade can fight, they still had the great disadvantage of numbers. Sooner or later Spitfire would realize that she had a brigade of cavalry in front of her and once that happens she will be sending in all her strength against him.

Fighting off a full divisional assault would be a tough one, and Soarin had no doubt that they would inflict casualties on his force, but if he played thing right, then he might just be able to absorb and hold their onslaught. But holding off a single division was just one of his problems, for he knew that there would be more to come. Behind Spitfire would be more divisions, forces under General Big Macintosh’s 1^st Corps. And behind him would be two more corps from the Republican Army.

Soarin knew that he can hold up against a division, but against an entire corps he would be completely crushed. Sure, he’ll put up a fight and give a bitter defense, but soon he’ll have to pull back as the brunt of enemy forces close in on him. He would have to fall back into town or retreat further in order to save his brigade if such an overwhelming force bore down on him. And if that happened, then the day would be lost.

Turning around and gazing towards the north-east, Soarin gazed at the road there, knowing that the only hope for the day would come from there.

He had already sent a message to General Sparkle, pleading for reinforcements. In his message, he had warned her that the enemy army was coming this way and that she should move here with all possible haste. If she managed to bring her field army here, then they could block the enemy and prevent any advance they could make.

But that army was still miles away, back at Rambling Rock Ridge. Although a message from General Sparkle reassured him that she was already on her way, he knew that it would still be a while before they got here. That was why he knew that it was crucial that he held his position while the army marched towards Ponyville.

The ground they were in was perfect, the best ground an army could have. If the Volunteer Army placed their forces here, then they would surely have defensive positions that would place the enemy in a disadvantage. But in order to use this ground, Soarin must hold it for them or else the enemy would take the ground and use it for their own.

If the Republicans captured this good ground, Soarin knew that the tables would turn and it would be them placed in the disadvantage. Whoever would hold this ground would be the one who controlled the battlefield and Soarin desperately hoped that it would be them.

So it’s up to us now. He told himself. We must hold this ground until they come.

Bringing his attention back at the enemy, Soarin watched as their brigade finally finished forming up and was soon preparing to move forward and move against them. Seeing this, Soarin decided that it would be better that he be with his troops, and with a gesture to the staff with him, he began descending down the town hall, before heading straight to the ridge where the 1^st and 3^rd Cloudsdale were placed.

Meeting him as he got there was Col. Thunderlane, whom he appointed to command the ridgeline. Greeting him with a salute, Thunderlane was just about to say something when a volley from their battery on the ridge echoed and drowned the air with noise.

Looking out towards the open field in front of them, he could see that the enemy was beginning their advance now, with four regiments spread out in a line and heading straight for the ridge. Seemingly shocked by the cannon fire as the shells landed around them, the line seemed to halt for a second or two. But quickly recovering, they soon pushed forward, moving their exposed line up towards them.

Soarin was glad that hi battery of artillery were well-trained and accurate in their fire, as they sent out shot after shot of deadly fire. Seeing the enemy fall by the dozens as they moved through the field, he felt sorry that they had to endure such a thing. They had no cover, no protecting, and no support from their artillery.

Yet they continue advancing.

Advancing through the field, they met shot after shot of cannon fire, shaking their lines but not stopping them. Soon they were upon the ridge, moving from its base and up the slopes. It was then were they met fire from the carbines of the two cavalry regiments on the ridge.

Having stacked rocks for protection, the regiments fired from their defenses and down at the approaching enemy. The rattling of fire added to the echoing noise of battle, as they kept up a stead hot pace of shot on the enemy.

Returning the gesture, the enemy regiments fired their own volley against his troops. But with their pile of rocks acting as a wall, most of the shots were deflected and took out small numbers of his troopers.

Meanwhile, the fire from his regiments was quick and constant, bombarding the enemy with almost continuous shot. Combined with the fire provided by the cannon battery, the enemy forces below experienced a terrible time.

Keep it up. Soarin thought. Keep up that beautiful fire.

The air was quickly filled with smoke, as the gunpoweder from both sides thickened the air with this fog of war. For a moment, Soarin had great difficulty finding out what was going on, as his vision was blocked by this fog. From his position, all he could understand was that the battle was intensifying, as the fire grew faster and faster.

It wasn’t till a strong breeze blew upon the ridge did Soarin got a full view of what was happening. And what he saw was a terrible view.

Poor fellows. He thought sadly, as he stared at the enemy in front of them.

It was a foolish sight, a terrible one too. To advance a small force in such an open filed with the enemy bearing down cannon and carbine fire. It was just an unthinkable thing to do. Yet they did it, the enemy did it. Having no proper reconnaissance or observation of the forces in front of them, Spitfire sent out her brigade into the fire.

Her force was cut down and seemed to be torn to bits and after another volley of fire they began to waver. With comrades falling beside them and resistance being stiffer than they originally thought, regiments from the line began pulling back, as they desperately tried to get away from the volleys Soarin’s troopers were giving them.

Taking shots as they fell back, his troopers fired on until they were out of range. Then, it was only the cannons firing, as the enemy got farther and farther in the withdrawal. Soon, the air was quiet once more, with only the booming sound of the cannons echoing once in a while, as they took pot shots at the distant enemy.

“We have them on the run now.” Thunderlane said joyously as they watched the enemy return to their original positions. “Hmm, I thought they would have lasted longer than that.”

Assessing the damage done to his force, Soarin could see that he only took light casualties. Only a couple of fallen and injured ponies could be seen in their positions, and Soarin was glad to see that only a few of his troopers were either killed or injured.

Too bad the same couldn’t be said for the enemy, for they left behind a good number of their dead and heavily wounded on that field. From Soarin’s estimates, he could guess that they probably took out a hundred enemy soldier, if not more.

A hundred down… Soarin thought. …but they still have more.

“They’ll be back.” Soarin warned him. “And when they do, they’ll be a little more aware of the situation. Spitfire isn’t stupid. Sooner or later, she’ll realize what she has in front of her and once she does, we’ll have a tougher time. Chances are, they’ll hit you harder than they did earlier. Probably set up a battery to pound your position. After that, they’ll send in two brigades, if not more, instead of just one. They want this hill, Thunderlane, and they’re going to attack you until they get it.”

“Let them come.” Thunderlane said with great confidence. “They aren’t going to get this hill. Not as long as I’m defending it.”

“They better not.” Soarin said firmly. “Or else our army is going to have a hard time when they arrive.”

“Don’t you worry, General. Ain’t no rebel is going to take a single step on top of this here ridge. I can assure you that.” Thunderlane reassured him.

Staring at Thunderlane, Soarin gave a small nod. Then, he placed a gentle hoof on his shoulder and said:

“Take care of yourself, Thunderlane. Celestia knows that this place is going to end up like Tartarus soon.”

“Oh, I will, General, I will.” Thunderlane said, as Soarin began trotting away from the ridge and on towards other parts of his line.

He had to make sure that every part of his defense was ready and prepared to meet any assault. They were a small force, yet they had to defend this place.

Or else the war is lost.

Chapter 5

View Online

July 1
7:35 AM

The sudden sounds of cannon shots disrupted her from her work and looking out of her tent, Applejack tried to gauge where the noise came from. Where in tarnation is that ruckus coming from? She thought to herself.

Immediately exiting her tent, she made her way through the camp and towards the nearby hill, where she planned to listen as best she could and try and figure out where the cannon fire was coming from. Something’s wrong, and I’m darn tootin going to find out what it is. She thought determinedly.

Applejack had expected a quiet day, with nothing much to do than marching and planning. Confident on her own strategy and believing that it was being executed well, she did not really think that any engagement, whether it be major or minor, would happen today. Yet the sound of cannon fire was greatly discouraging her, as a sense of worry filled her body. Cannon fire meant battle, and unless these rumbles of the cannon were result of a disobedient artillery officer firing random shots, then Applejack was certain that there was a fight going on. But where?

Already, a surge of concerns went through Applejack’s head as she wondered where this possible battle may be. Is this a major battle or just a mere skirmish? Where is it being fought? How long will it last? Will it just be a mere setback or will it derail her entire operation?

The last concern brought a great sense of frustration within her, knowing that it could bring a lot of problems to her entire strategy. Her entire operation centered on the idea that the enemy won’t send a strong enough force to block her approach to Ponyville. But now, with the possibility of having the enemy army blocking her force, the idea of the entire operation being stopped became possible. And with her forces still out of place and not yet concentrated for battle, then the idea of losing her army was a possibility now too.

But there is no sense in just worrying about this problems. She said as she made her way. I must try to resolve them…and to do that I must find out where this darn cannon fire is coming from.

As she made her way, she managed to pass by Captain Time Turner, whom she immediately brought with her as she went up the hill. Once on top, she had a clear view of the open expanse of land, and was also able to hear better and follow the echoing booms of the cannon.

“It might be coming from the outskirts of Ponyville, mam.” Time Turner said, as the

Carefully listening on her own, she soon agreed with Time Turner’s presumption. This brought a sense of dread to her, for there was still the sense of the unknown. Worried that a major engagement was taking place, and even more worried that she had no control over it, she began feeling uneasy and restless.

I can’t just sit here and wait for a report. She thought. I must take action!

“Captain Turner, it’s General Spitfire’s division leading the army, right?” She asked, as her gaze stayed towards the direction of Ponyville and the sound of cannon fire.

“Yes, mam, it’s her division.” Time Turner said with a gentle nod. “The old reliable 1^st.”

“Has she reported anything important?” Applejack asked. “Anything about encountering enemy forces?”

“No, General, none at all.” Time Turner replied. “Her last courier message to us only said that she was approaching Ponyville and that she should be in firm control of that town soon.”

“Very well. Thank you, Captain.” Applejack said, as she stopped her gazing and turned towards the brown earth pony beside her. “Have we any word from General Rainbow Dash yet? If there’s anypony who can shed some light for us through the fog of war, it’s her. Has she returned to us or at least sent a courier to give us information about her whereabouts or information about enemy activity?”

“I’m sorry, mam, but we still have no word from the, General. I have had all our best ponies look for her and her brigade, yet no word has come back from them as of yet.” The brown earth pony said apologetically.

Frustration ran inside Applejack as she felt helpless and clueless towards the situation towards her. She was the commanding general of this army, yet how was she supposed to lead it victory if she lacked the proper information it needed into achieving it?

I’m as blind as a bat. She grudgingly thought. Where in Equestria are you, Dash?

Instead of helping her assess the country around them or provide vital information, Rainbow Dash was still roaming around enemy lines, sending no word to them and leaving them in the dark when it came to scouting.

If you were here now, then I would know what we’re facing before us. Applejack thought grudgingly, as she brood on the topic and let it linger for a short while.

But knowing that nothing else could be do about it, she decided to make do with what she had and worry about Rainbow Dash later. She’ll have to give her a strong reprimand later on when she returned, reminding the cavalry commander of her duties to this army.

Although being her close friend and one of the few reminders of the friendships she cherished, yet no longer had, Rainbow Dash was no exception from reprimand. This was the army and there was no friendships here, especially between a commander and her subordinates. Despite being close friends, Applejack would have to pull rank on Rainbow Dash in order to make sure that she would not make a fatal mistake like this again.

To make the army go blind… She thought as she shook her head. That mare has caused a lot of trouble before, but none of those past troubles can beat the one she has done now. I would have to teach her a lesson, make her understand. She must never repeat this.

Turning away from the sound of the battle and beginning to go down the hill, Applejack started to head back to camp, giving Time Turner orders as she moved.

“Captain, I want you, three staff officers of your own choice, and my bodyguard ready in fifteen minutes. You shall meet me at my tent, geared and read. We leave the moment after you assemble there.” She told him. “And have a courier inform General Big Macintosh that he’s in charge of troop movements while I’m gone.”

“Yes, mam.” Time Turner said, bobbing his head in acknowledgement. “But, uh, mam, if you don’t mind me asking, where exactly are we going?”

“To the sound of the guns, Captain.” Applejack told him. “To the sound of the guns.”

July 1
8:30 AM

The sound of battle died down for a while, a brief pause in the fighting, as Soarin gazed at the field that was now littered with the brown clothed bodies of enemy troops. Forming up in the distance, he could see the distant sight of another attack forming up, as the Republican soldiers once more prepared to send another onslaught towards them.

Shaking his head, he knew that this attack would be another futile one. From what he was seeing, he could tell that they were once more concentrating on his center, the strongest portion of his line. Time after time now, the enemy sent their regiments up the road and under the fire of his guns and battered by the carbines of his own regiments.

A terrible plan of attack. He had thought at the time, as he watched his forces hold down the enemy attack.

Even with a smaller cavalry force, Soarin and his troops had no trouble checking the enemy, preventing them from breaking through. Despite being outgunned and outnumbered, they held on strongly, keeping their line and not letting the enemy pass.

Despite having thinner lines, the advantages of having the higher ground helped them a lot. They were able to bear down on the enemy and let out a hailstorm of fire on them as they made their attacks. Letting out volley after volley, they battled the enemy lines, exchanging fire under the hot striking sun. Taking a punishing and unable to handle the thick fire, they soon wavered and fell back to the safety of their rear, only to return again later to conduct the same type of assault, bringing only more ponies, but not changing their tactics at all.

Why are you being so foolish, Spitfire? Soarin had thought. You have numerical advantage over us and yet you wasting it with frontal assaults.

It was a slaughter, a slaughter that could have been avoided if they weren’t so stubborn and instead bear their forces on their flanks. With such brute tactics bearing down on them, all Soarin had to do was concentrate his forces and fire in the center, picking out the enemy as they came through the open field.

But the casualties were not totally one sided, as Soarin’s brigade received a battering of their own. Despite holding on to their lines and keeping their ground, his forces took a good chuck of losses. Losses that would be irreplaceable in this time of isolation from the rest of the Equestrian Volunteer Army.

Trotting through the eastern ridge and surveying the lines, Soarin looked on with sadness as injured soldiers were dragged away from the lines and towards the medical tent in the rear. Ranging from simple wounds to deadly injuries that needed surgery and other complicated operations, these soldiers were brought away from the fighting, as they screamed out in pain and agony at their misfortunes.

Shaking his head, Soarin too felt hurt seeing them. These were his soldiers, the ponies he lead, admired, and took care off. It hurt seeing them suffer and it hurt more knowing that they were suffering because of his orders. The pain of battle always left a terrible mark, and that mark wasn’t always physical. Deep inside, he couldn’t help but feel sorry for them.

But he couldn’t show such emotions now, not here, not in front of so many ponies. It was a part of a commanders job to distance himself from his subordinates, it was a commanders job to give orders that would risk the lives of his command. And so he mustn’t show any emotions that could endanger that job.

So instead he looked away, away from the lines of injured ponies heading towards the rear, and into the lines that stopped the enemy, the rows of soldiers standing guard and awaiting the next assault. There, the bodies of lost and dead comrades were quietly dragged and set aside, to be buried later when the battle was over.

Despite the terrible loss they may have taken and despite the saddening sight they had to endure, the regiment on the lines held firm in proper order and full energy, as they got ready to receive another attack. Even under such brutal heat from Celestia’s hot summer sun, they stayed firm on the line, as they looked down on the ridge, made sure their carbines were loaded, and waited for the enemy to come.

“It was a heavy battering, sir, but I think the troopers did pretty well.” Thunderlane told him, as he trotted by Soarin, gazing towards the same direction as him.

“They did better than well. They fought tremendously.” Soarin commented. “But it was a hard fight, both for us and the enemy.”

“Yes, sir, it was indeed.” Thunderlane said with a nod.

“We’re just lucky that it wasn’t their full force yet.” Soarin continued, as he gave a survey of their situation. “But it seems the enemy is about to give us a taste of what an entire division in attack would be like. Correct me if I’m wrong, Thunderlane, but it seems that new force gathering there is bigger than the last one.”

Picking up his binoculars and gazing across the field, Thunderlane studied the forming enemy forces, before turning his look towards his commander and nodding. “It seems like it is, sir.”

Letting out a sigh, Soarin shook his head in dismay. “Well, it took her long enough, but I think Spitfire finally realized that she should throw her entire force against us, instead of sending them in piecemeal. Took her a couple of failures, but at least she’s learning.”

“Don’t give her too many compliments, sir-“ Thunderlane interjected. “-cause it still seems like she’s still concentrating on our center, ignoring our flanks once more. If she just sent one brigade to our flanks, we’ll be done!”

“I don’t think she’ll have to hit our flanks in order to overrun us, Thunderlane.” Soarin said, knowing the weakened state of their lines. “One powerful thrust in our center and she’ll have us split. Both the 1^st and 3^rd Cloudsdale are already tired and weakened from battle and although I know they’re good soldiers, I don’t think they’ll be able to hold off a full on attack from a division. With no more reserves to help them, I have my doubts on whether we can handle this new attack or not.”

Thunderlane went silent for a moment, as he quietly thought about their situation. What Soarin told him was true and worrying, and he could see that the state of their lines here were indeed weak.

To them, it seemed like they’re only hope now was the arrival of the Volunteer Army. Ninety thousand strong and better armed, the ponies of that army would easily be able to fend of the enemy division before them, as well as be better suited on facing the entirety of the Republican Army once it arrived. Larger than the enemy’s army, the Volunteer Army was the main veteran fighting force the Kingdom of Equestria had against the rebellion.

Yet it was still not in the battle, and that proved to be a problem for the brigade.

The last message they received from the General Twilight Sparkle, the Army’s commander, was that they were making all haste towards Ponyville. Packing up and marching as quickly as possible, the large force had already left Rambling Rock Ridge and was taking all the roads that led to Ponyville in order to get there as soon as possible.

But with such a large cumbersome force and many miles to cover, Thunderlane wondered if they would ever get here in time. Although their holding action here was going well, Thunderlane wondered on how long they could continue with it. With more and more casualties coming in after each assault, they would only be able stand strong for so long before having to withdraw. And if they withdraw, then all hope of protecting Ponyville and beautiful ground advantage they had here will be lost.

The situation was desperate and with no sign of the Volunteer Army arriving anytime soon, it seemed that all hope was lost.

But during that moment of silent contemplation, Thunderlane had a sudden idea that might just help them against the next enemy assault.

“Sir, if I may suggest, wouldn’t it be better if we have the 2^nd Cloudsdale reposition here in order to strengthen and support the center.” Thunderlane suggested and before Soarin could counter, he continued on with an explanation. “The 2^nd reports no sign of enemy movement on their front and I doubt they would ever make a move anytime soon on that flank. It’s too rocky there and hard to navigate and the enemy would be likelier to attack our right than our left. But in case they do, we can leave a company of troop there on the hill in order to keep an eye on that area. If they find that the enemy is heading there, then they can send word in order for us to reinforce them. With terrain that is to our advantage, the enemy would struggle to get to the hill and once they get there, we would have ample forces to hold it. Please, sir, I think this would work and if you give the order I would immediately set work on conducting it.”

Staring at him, Soarin at first through that what Thunderlane suggested was an absurd idea. But giving it a deeper thought, he soon realized that it might just work.

Having another regiment to support the line would be a great help, as it would give them more firepower and strength to use against the enemy. Although adding another regiment won’t solve their problem forever, it would at least give them more time in holding.

And time is what they desperately needed right now.

“Very well, Thunderlane, do what you have to do and get things arranged to your plan.” Soarin said with a firm nod. “I just hope this would help us hold long enough for the Volunteer Army to get here.”

“Don’t worry, sir, with three regiments, and a battery of artillery in support, holding such good ground like this, I’m sure we’ll be able to hold them off all moring.” Thunderlane said confidently.

“Yes, but let’s not let over confidence overcome us too much.” Soarin reminded him. “Be sure to send another courier to contact General Sparkle again. Inform her that we are still holding the line, but are in desperate need of reinforcements.”

“Yes, sir, I’ll have it done as soon as possible.” Thunderlane said, giving a salute before rushing off to do his duty.

As he galloped away, the distant sound of cannon fire echoed from afar, only to be followed by the whizzing sound of shell and the powerful explosions of exploding ordinance from the enemy. Glancing towards the enemy positions, Soarin could see their battery’s open up, softening their positions on the ridge in order to clear the way for their infantry.

Shaking his head, Soarin knew that another attack was about to come, another attempt to break them and get to Ponyville. This time they would send all they got, and this time we’ll have to hold with all we’ve got.

We must hold. He thought to himself. The fate of Equestria lies upon us holding our line.

With that though it mind, he quietly trotted away from the field, leaving command here to the field officers, as he and his staff went back towards their headquarters at Ponyville’s town hall in order to get a better assessment of the battle.

July 1
10:00 AM

Looking down on the battle from his excellent vantage point on the top floor of Ponyville’s town hall, Soarin watched as shot and shell fell on their position on the ridge, as another enemy attack approached their lines. Taking cover and trying their best to get away from the terrible bombardment, the ponies of the 1^st, 2^nd, and 3^rd Cloudsdale kept low on the ground, lying as flat as possible in order to present a low target for shrapnel and shot.

Throwing dirt and fragments, as shells landed on the ground, the enemy artillery released all that they got on his position on the ridge line, trying to take out of action as many soldiers as they can. Seen in the distance as nothing more than puffs of smoke, Soarin knew better than to dismiss those distant puffs. For those were the three batteries of artillery positioned by the enemy in order to pound his line and disrupt them as much as possible.

Wreaking havoc and causing confusion as his soldiers tried to take cover, the enemy’s artillery continued on their onslaught, seemingly getting more and more powerful with every volley and salvo.

“Stand strong…” Soarin muttered to himself, as he watched his lines. “…stand strong. You’ve got to hold once more!”

A total number of seven assaults had been thrown at his line at this point, and although already ragged and weak, his brigade still manage to keep the line and push back the enemy. But getting tired, disheartened, and badly hurt, Soarin was beginning to wonder how long they could continue to hold against such persistent assaults.

Even after blooding them and kicking them back, the enemy continued to attack, and it seemed that each failed attack only brought them more reason to take the ridge, rather than demoralizing them and bringing them down. Hammering the center line with artillery and hitting them with large waves of infantry, they did their own damage to his line, weakening it even more.

Despite support from the 3^rd Cloudsdale, it was clear that the center was once again vulnerable and beginning to buckle. Although still in favorable and formidable positions, the engagements were beginning to take its heavy toll on his regiments.

It seemed that cavalry troops alone cannot hold this line anymore and a desperate need for fresh reinforcements of infantry was needed if they wanted to stay here.

“They’ll be here soon…” Soarin promised, as if addressing all his troops. “…if you just hold long enough, they’ll be here.”

As he watched on from his position, Soarin suddenly saw and heard the bombardment quickly lift and stop, as the enemy lines of infantry got nearer towards the ridge. Three brigades, formed up in three long parallel lines, reached the base of the ridge as they began heading up towards the top.

At that moment, the ponies of his brigade started rising from their positions and, bearing their carbines towards the enemy, let lose a powerful volley as they got within their range. Covering the ridge with smoke and hitting the enemy hard, the advancing lines soon halted just a few steps away from the base, as they reacted by bearing their own weapons and returning fire.

A heavy engagement soon ensued, as ponies fired at one another, fighting for supremacy over the ridge. Bettering each other with volleys, the engagement seemed to go on for hours, as the smoke of fired gunpowder rose to the air, till the only sign of battle Soarin could see were the flashes of the rifles and carbines.

Ponies of different ranks fell from both sides, as the engagement seemed to reach an all-time high. Making their way through the smoke of battle, Soarin could see a few dozen ponies of his line depart the fight and head back towards the rear of their lines.

At that point, Soarin thought that they had loss and that the battle was over and against their favor. But noticing that they were few and that they were moving in some form of calm and order, he soon realized his mistake, as he quickly concluded that this wasn’t a rout he was seeing, but merely a few injured soldiers making their way to the medical tent in the rear.

Relieved by this, but still worrying about the fate of the engagement, Soarin kept his eyes locked on the ridge line, hoping that his soldiers would hold. Smoke still filled the area and the crackle of rifles and guns still echoed from it. Occasionally, the loud boom of his own battery of cannons could be heard firing and the combination of all these sounds gave him a reassuring sign that his brigade still controlled the ridge line, still fighting, still holding on.

After a couple of minutes of continued fighting, the sound of battle soon began dying down. The constant fire from guns, rifles, and carbines, soon began to slacken as shots lessened with each passing second. Soon, a cool breeze came in and blew upon the ridge line, enabling Soarin to once again see his troops on the ridge.

From what he saw, he gave a small smile, as he could see his troops still firmly holding the ridge. Although ruffed up by this assault, they still stood there and held on, like an old tree in rich soil.

Backing away from the ridge and taking pot shots as they fell back, the enemy lines began heading back towards the safety of their positions on the other side of the fields. Once again, they have been beaten back.

But like the earlier assaults, the casualties inflicted on them by the enemy were severe and the damage done would be cause problems for them. More ponies were now filing out of the lines and soon a trail of injured headed towards the medical tent, pooling at it as they were segregated by the severity of their wounds.

Shaking his head from the sight, Soarin soon looked away from the ridge. More heavy losses, more pain for his soldiers.

Yet we must do this. He though. A lot depends on us.

Trotting towards the other side of the room and turning to face towards the North-East, Soarin gazed out into the distance, even pulling out his binoculars out one point, as he tried to scan the area and horizon for any sign of the Volunteer Army.

Soarin knew that everything will be for nothing if the Volunteer Army didn’t arrive here on time. They too shared the great burden of this battle, for it was them who could really match up against the enemy force massing here at Ponyville.

But with no sign of them coming here soon, it seemed that all hope was being lost. They had waited all morning for their arrival, yet aside from couriers bringing in reassuring words that the army was near, the presence of the army could not be felt.

“Celestia damn it, what is taking them so long?” Soarin cursed. “If the infantry could just learn how to gallop, then maybe they would have been here already.” But of course, he knew that even that would not have had helped, for the infantry’s heavy equipment would always bog them down.

Bringing his attention back to the south-west, Soarin’s attention was quickly attracted by a fast moving blur, which was flying away from the ridge line and heading towards where they were. Focusing on this, Soarin soon realized that this blur was Thunderlane, who seemed to be heading towards him in a rush. Something important to tell, he knew.

“Sir, it’s terrible…” Thunderlane said, panting after he entered the building and reported in front of Soarin. “…just terrible.”

Knowing what he was talking about, Soarin urged him to continue, as he prepared himself for the worst.

“The 1^st Cloudsdale took the brunt of this assault and received a lot of dead and wounded. As of now, they only have half of their force capable of fighting. But even if they 1^st took the brunt of it, the 2^nd and the 3^rd are in no better shape. The 2^nd has only three hundred ponies left capable of fighting, while the 3^rd only has two hundred ponies left and our trying to fill their ranks with injured ponies who could stand and fight. It’s just awful, sir, very awful. I don’t know if we can handle another assault.”

Sorrow and frustration filled Soarin as he heard this report and at that point he was just about ready to give up. His force was devastated, there seemed to be no sign of reinforcements, and the enemy seemed to still be capable of massing another attack on them. With such things facing him, it seemed that Sorin would have nothing else to do but order a withdrawal from the field.

Such a thought made him feel guilty though, as he knew that he would not only be abandoning the town, but also giving up the great positions they had here.

And we have such good ground. Soarin mused. I don’t think I’ll be able to live with myself, knowing that I left it for the enemy.

Yet he must, unless he wanted to sacrifice the lives of all of his soldiers, which to him was something worse than abandoning good ground.

Dejected and with no more hope, Soarin gazed at his gathered staff and began giving them orders to prepare the brigade for an ordered withdrawal while the enemy was still recuperating from their recent setback.

But as he was doing this, still giving orders to each of his officers, one of the members of his staff, his standard bearer, cried out with a jubilant voice, as he began pointing towards the north-east.

“Sir, I think that’s General Shining Armor over there!” He said, before letting out another cry of joy.

Snapping his head towards that direction and quickly picking up his binoculars to aim at the direction the pony was pointing, Soarin gazed at his target, as he quietly, and happily, watched him approach.

Surrounded by his staff and galloping under a white banner with an image of a violet shield imprinted on it, General Shining Armor, commander of the Volunteer Army’s III Corps, quickly headed towards Ponyville, towards where Soarin was.

Finally, after such a long wait, they were here, the Volunteer Army was here. Soarin and his soldiers had held and fought for this ground. Many of his men have been casualties in order to keep this ground theirs. And now, it seems, their sacrifices and hard work were worth it, as the main army finally arrived.

Moved by this, and knowing that this was a victory in itself, Soarin turned away from his staff so that they couldn’t see him wipe away the tears dripping from his eyes. Then, after a short pause to let out the emotion within him, he quickly trotted down the stairs in order to meet Shining Armor once he arrived at the town hall.

“I heard you got into some trouble and needed some help, Soarin.” Shining Armor said, returning a salute that Soarin gave him as he approached.

“I guess I have, sir.” Soarin said, smiling broadly, glad that he was here. “Ran into some rebels, over there on the ridges south-west of town. Tried to give them a friendly welcome, but they didn’t seem to like it.”

“Well, those rebels were always a sour group.” Shining Armor said, as he urged Soarin to lead him towards the direction of his lines. “Never learnt how to cooperate and all, even if you approach them friendlily.”

“Yes, sir, you’re right about that one.”

Smiling, Shining Armor soon got over with the pleasantries and got to serious business. “Now, I have my entire corps moving here with all speed, and behind me I have the rest of the army coming in close. My 1^st Division would be here soon, and we would be willing and glad to replace your troops on the line.”

Reaching a gap in the town’s building and getting a good view of the ridges in the south through it, Shining Armor was able to give a quick inspection of the ground Soarin had chosen. A great leader and famous to all of the Volunteer Army, Shining Armor was one of the best general the Kingdom had. He had great tactical and strategic skill and always knew what to do in battle. The soldiers loved him and to the enemy, he was one of the few capable commanders the Kingdom had. Many believed that if it weren’t for the fact that he was considered as royalty to another nation and not the Equestrian Kingdom itself, then he would have been appointed the leader of the Volunteer Army.

“This is good ground, Soarin, very good ground.” Shining Armor said, a smile on his face. “I’ve never seen ground as good as this for a defense. Perfect. Just perfect! You did an excellent here, Soarin.”

“Well, sir, it was nothing.” Soarin said, scratching the back of his head. “I just used my instinct and training and applied them here.”

“Then your instincts and training may have one the day, if not the war!” Shining Armor said, before continuing their approach towards the line. “I’ll have my soldiers take over the lines your troops are occupying, but you’ll have to cover us while we do so. You think you and your brigade can do that?”

“Yes, sir, we can.” Soarin said, his confidence high. “They haven’t knocked us off that ridge yet and they surely won’t knock us off now.”

“Yes, good. You did a great job here, Soarin, a real great job.” Shining Armor said in praise once more. “Now, the enemy would be attacking again soon, but I think that the time between the next attack would be sufficient for us to take over the line.”

“Good, sir, very good.” Soarin said, releaved to hear that.

With a laugh, Shining Armor shook his head, as he was now in his battle set.

“The rebels think they’re still facing one brigade of cavalry, but when they attack again they’ll be in for a surprise. The III corps has arrived.”

Chapter 6

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July 1
10:45 AM

Applejack was first met by the sight of long lines of injured ponies, dragging their tired and sore legs along the dirt road as they searched for the nearest medical tent. Glancing to the side of the road and onto the large medical tent, she could see that both doctors and nurses were busy with their tasks, as large amounts of ponies in need filled the tent and piled up all around it. Bloodied, maimed, and in desperate need of help, they let out cries and moans of pains as the medical staff did their best to wait. Outside and far away from the tent, a pile of unmoving lifeless bodies were stacked under a large three, while able bodied ponies carried more and more of them from the tent.

Watching the devastating sight with knowing yet devastated eyes, Applejack pulled off her hat and held it to her chest, her staff doing the same. She had seen such devastating sights before and no matter how many times her eyes and mind have seen tem, she knew that her heart would never get used to the image of gore and death.

She had seen many battlefields before, seen the injuries and death that came with it. It always moved her and made her feel anguish. So much suffering came from this war and it seemed to never end. Would there ever be an end to such endless death and pain?

Already thousands upon thousands of ponies have died for their own causes and still the meaning of their deaths seem to be nowhere in sight. Ponies kept on dying everyday, while their families, friends, and fellow soldiers suffered. So much pain has been inflicted to the armies of both sides and they don’t seem to have an end in sight.

How long would this go on for? Would it all be worth it in the end?

This war must end. She thought to herself, as she placed her hat back onto her head. One way or another, we must find a way to end it. And soon.

Moving away from the devastating sight and continuing down the road, Applejack soon spotted a group of officers atop a nearby hill and quickly gestured her staff to follow her towards them. Approaching the hill, she could hear curses being thrown by the highest ranking officer in the group, as she gazed through a pair of binoculars and grunted.

“Damn it, what is taking her so long?” Spitfire shouted to her staff, as she brought down her binoculars. “Didn’t I tell Lightning Dusk to attack as soon as possible?”

“Having trouble here, General?” Applejack interjected as she stood behind her.

Surprised and shocked by the sudden intrusion of the Army’s commander, Spitfire immediately jumped up before turning to face Applejack. Giving a hasty and nervous salute, Spitfire stared at her commander with a look of concern and fear.

“General Applejack!” Spitfire managed to get out.

“General Spitfire.” Applejack calmly said, eyeing the pegasus as she returned the salute slowly. Then, moving forwards towards the flame colored pony, she turned her gaze away from her and towards the direction where she was looking only moments earlier. “So…seems like you have a battle in your hooves.”

“Yes…” Spitfire said slowly. “…yes, we do, mam. Things didn’t go according to plan and we sadly encountered strong resistance at Ponyville.”

“What kind of resistance, General?” Applejack asked. “Probably something tough, with all the trouble you’re havin.”

“Well…” Spitfire began, embarrassed to answer at first. “…it seems to be militia, mam.”

“Militia?” Applejack inquired, not turning her head towards Spitfire as she lifted her binoculars at Ponyville at the distance. Inspecting the enemy lines at the outskirts of the town, Applejack knew immediately that the enemy wasn’t what Spitfire reported them to be. Due to the bright rays of the sun, she can see bright flashes of reflection from thousands of rushing figures as they took up position on a formidable looking ridge. Focusing on one group of these figures, Applejack quickly saw a flag held high by one of them and immediately identified the markings on it. “General, I ain’t sure if your eyes are working properly, but that sure ain’t militia over there.”

“What do you mean, General?” Spitfire asked, her faced full of confusion. “I have observed them all morning, General, and I am sure in my heart that they are militia.”

“Then you best have your eyes checked after this battle, because I know for a fact that ain’t miltia.”

Before Applejack could continue, Time Turner, who had been giving the enemy lines an inspection of his own, hastily brought down his binoculars and exclaimed:

“By the stars, General, you’re right! Those over there are crystal ponies!” Shaking his head, he gave Applejack a bewildered look. “Those ponies there aren’t miltia…that right there is the Equestrian Volunteer Army!”

“What?” Spitfire cried out in shock, desperately grabbing her binoculars to take a look for herself.

Ah, the old Crystal Corps… Applejack though knowingly. Shining Armor must be there then too. Yup, that’s the Volunteer Army alright. She was quite shocked to actually see them here. She had hoped that they would still have been entrenched at Rambling Rock Ridge, looking at the wrong direction, while they outflanked them. Yet clearly she was wrong.

They were here now, the army she wished to avoid was here. Right in front of her, defending a good position atop a ridge was the Volunteer Army. She knew them well, they had been her foe for a long time, and she knew they could fight. A tough time was ahead of her.

Frustrated by this misfortune, Applejack gazed at the distant silhouettes of the enemy and wondered how they knew she was heading here. Was there a spy among them? Did the enemy scouts spot them? Trying to hold back an angered growl, she also felt frustrated at Rainbow Dash’s lack of reports. If the cavalry commander had kept contact and did her job of screening and scouting ahead of the army, then Applejack would have known long ago that the enemy was here and would have avoided the unnecessary battle Spitfire managed to bring herself and the army into.

But in the end, she knew that she can’t change what has happened. What was done is done. All they can do now is make the best of what they had.

We defeated them before… She thought. …we can defeat them again.

So, acting immediately with her infamous quick thinking and reaction, she glanced at Spitfire and began calmly giving her orders.

“General…” Applejack said. “…I want you to send a courier and cancel your planned assault. Send one now and send one fast, there is no need to waste anymore lives assaulting those well-fortified positions of the enemy. We’ll need to regroup and consolidate your command while we wait for the rest of Big Mac’s corps to come up and reinforce us here.”

“Yes, mam.” Spitfire said, quickly saluting before turning to an aide to send an order to quickly cancel her division’s attack.

Turning to Time Turner, she felt the exhilaration of battle flow through her veins knowing that whether she liked it or not she had a battle upon her. She always had this feeling, this rush like sensation. It always fueled her during battle and she believed that it helped her make all the good decisions even in the hottest fight. But she hid the feeling of rush from him, knowing that she must look calm as to not overexcite any of her subordinates.

So keeping a humble look, she gazed at him with a straight face and said:

“Captain, I want you to send somepony to inform Big Mac to march here with all haste.”

Looking towards the enemy positions, she studied it once again with her binoculars before continuing with her orders.

“Be sure to inform General Macintosh that his troops should be ready for battle once they arrive here. The enemy may be strong in numbers and in a good position, but from what I can tell they aren’t here in full force. Their lines are still thin and their regiments spread out. From my observations, I reckon they have around a corps of troops there between us and Ponyville.”

Nodding to herself and now absentmindedly thinking out loud than giving orders, Applejack continued and said:

“That means we still have time. If we managed to get Big Mac’s 1^st Corps here in time, then we can attack their positions with a massed concentrated assault and push their thin lines out of the ridge. But its all a matter of time. It’s a race against time… We need to get Big Mac here before the rest of the enemy’s corps arrives to reinforce their lines.”

Looking once more back at Time Turner, she gave him a simple nod.

“Tell General Macintosh to move here with haste and be ready for battle. That is all, Captain, now find a courier to send the message.”

“Yes, mam.” Time Turner said before rushing off.

“General Spitfire.” Applejack said, as she moved back towards the yellow pegasus and her staff. “Have your cannons bombard the enemy position to keep it nice and hot for them. We can’t have them too comfortable in their positions now, can we? The rest of Big Mac’s corps should be coming soon to reinforce you and once that happens we will launch another assault, you think your troops are up to the job?”

Spitfire nodded eagerly, a certain fire in her eyes.

“Yes, mam.” She said. “We may have been battered, but my command still has a lot of fight in them. We can fight, General. We can fight and make the enemy feel that they’re in tartarus.”

“Good.” Applejack said with a nod. “I place a lot of trust in you. Now, carry out your orders, General, and keep the enemy under a constant barrage. More guns will support you once the rest of the army is here.”

“Yes, mam.”

Turning towards the enemy lines to study their positions once more, Applejack couldn’t help but gaze at the distant buildings of Ponyville which lay behind the enemy. That was home. It was home to her and to some of the ponies present here in the army. Oh, how great it was to live there, before the war.

She has always wanted to go back, she had longed to step once more in the familiar soil of Ponyville. But she didn’t expect it this way, no, nothing like this.

Now she had to fight at the place she once called home.

July 1
11:35 AM

General Shining Armor trotted along the line, his staff trailing behind him, carrying his well-recognized banner up high, as he inspected his troops while they held the crucial ridgelines that covered the road that led to Ponyville. Standing tall and proud, wearing his iconic Royal Guard armor, Shining Armor neither flinching or ducked as artillery shell fell and landed all around him. Like a brave leader he just kept on moving along the line, inspiring his men and doing his best to keep morale high as his force was placed under a heavy bombardment.

This is good ground. He managed to think, ignoring all the explosion around him. My corps would be in defendable positions that would kick the flanks of any Rebel assault.

Since he arrived, Shining Armor had done nothing but position and prepare his corps for an enemy attack. Placing his 1^st Division on the ridge east of the road, with a majority of his artillery supporting them and covering the large open field the separated them from the Rebels, Shining Armor had a strong position that would form the backbone of his defense. By now, as he patrolled their line, he could see that division was already firmly entrenched, with its veteran regiments working on experience and creating makeshift defensive positions by pilling rocks and creating small mounds of dirt to give them any kind of protection from enemy fire.

Good against bullets… Shining Armor thought, as he watched many of the ponies huddle under this low wall they created. …but barely any use against artillery.

To the east of them, and holding the left flank of his line, was the 2^nd Division, which centered their defense on Diamond Hill. From his position on the ridge, Shining Armor gave a quick glance towards that area to see the flags of the 2^nd Division’s regiments flying high on the hill as they held their strong position there.

On the far right flank, far off into the North-West from the ridge he was on, was the 3^rd Division, moving up from Ponyville and into the apple orchard. In charge of covering the right flank, and bridge the line from there with the rest of the corps, the 3^rd Division, under Major General Gleaming Diamond, held the crucial, and vulnerable right of the line.

Having inspected it the moment he arrived, Shining Armor knew that the area was a vulnerable one. With the apple orchard being a hilly piece of land, with sporadic elevations here and there, and with trees covering every square feet, it would be hard for any soldier to be able to see any enemy approaching him from a distance. Although the trees provided good cover from artillery, its disadvantage seemed to equal its advantage.

Meanwhile, the field between, west of the road to Ponyville, was a piece of land that connected the apple orchard with the rest of the line on the ridge, was an equally vulnerable area. With barely any cover which left the area exposed, Shining Armor knew that any regiment placed there would be vulnerable to artillery and assault.

He had to watch that side well, he knew. He must have a constant eye at the area and have forces ready to reinforce it.

Because of the dangerous position of that ide of the line, Shining Armor had placed the 4^th Division in reserve behind the 3^rd, ready to support it in case something wrong happened. There, the 4^th can reinforce the 3^rd if things get too hot, while still being near enough to reinforce the other parts of his defensive line if things didn’t go too well in others parts of his defense.

Turning his attention to the right, and looking pass the shells that were falling and exploding all around him, Shining Armor took a moment to raise his binoculars and observe the movement of the 3^rd Division. Having been placed as the second to the last division in the marching column, the 3^rd was a bit late in getting to their positions. But as he watched as their brigades move up and take positions on the open field and march into the apple orchard, he knew that they would soon be in place and fortified in less than an hour.

Satisfied at what he saw and bringing down his binoculars to gaze from one side of his line and then to the other, Shining Armor gave a confident smile and nodded to himself. Although many parts of his lines were still thin and needing more regiments to cover some of the gaps, he was sure that the line here was strong enough to hold off any assault from the enemy.

At least until the rest of the army arrives. He thought to himself.

The II Corps was the corps that was supposedly behind him and if everything went according to plan, then they would be arriving in the next hour or so. Knowing Twilight, her little sister would most likely have pushed the corps to move in schedule.

Despite her lack of experience, Shining Armor believed that Twilight was doing well as the army’s new commander. Although still uneasy at some points and still feeling her way through her new position, Twilight’s organizational skills and knowledge of battle was greatly helping her out in becoming a good commander.

Although her appointment as commander of the Volunteer Army was sudden and out of the blue, Shining Armor didn’t argue with Princess Celestia’s decision, and not because Twilight was related to him. He knew Twilight, and he knew her well. She was not only his sister, but also a hero. And many times before she had helped save Equestria from monsters and disasters, she had led her friends into success in order to conquer Equestria’s greatest enemies. And now, as she held her new command, he knew that she can do it again. He had the same faith as Celesita had with her.

Already, Shining Armor saw that Twilight was doing good as the army’s commander. Her quick thinking and fast decision of shifting the army to Ponyville was a decision that he and many other officers praised. Quick action and reaction, that’s what this army needed, they said.

Because of this act, he had arrived just in time to reinforce Soarin. And because of this act, the rest of the army would be moving in soon too. All he had to do is just hold a little while till they came. And if Soarin can hold off the Rebels with one brigade, then he was sure he can do the same with his corps.

But he also knew that there was a limit to his capabilities.

With his strength, he could, at most, fend off at least a corps assault or anything a bit more than that. But anything more and overwhelming than that would be a problem for him. Aside from that there was also a certain problem that kept on bothering him ever since he placed his units into the line.

Despite having the 3^rd Division covering his right flank, he still lacked enough soldiers to cover the entirety of his right. That meant that far beyond Sweet Apple Acres, to the west of the town, there was a large piece of open ground where the enemy can outflank and outmaneuver them. With so many apple trees in the area of his far right, he doubted if the regiments assigned to guard that sector would be able to see any movement heading towards it, let alone fight off an assault coming from there.

That is why he was glad to keep the 4^th Division in reserve, in case any breakthrough there happens. If an enemy assault did come due to a large swinging attack from the west of the town, then the 4^th would be ready to move up there and counterattack.

He knew that his tension would have been eased if he had placed the 4^th Division west of Ponyville in order to cover this large gap, but he felt apprehensive in doing this. Because if he did it, then he would be depriving the rest of the line of possible reserves in order to cover any breaches made by the enemy. No, he couldn’t do it, he must leave that area exposed and unprotected for now.

At least the Rebels aren’t showing any interest in that area…at least not yet.

Snapping out of his thoughts as a shell landed nearby, he watched as it exploded and managed to sprinkle pieces of its metal casing to two nearby bodyguards who stood between him and the exploding shell’s path. Knocking them both down, they left their mark on the two ponies as the heated bits ripped through their skin and sliced through veins and vital organs.

One of them ponies, hit in vital vein of the neck, was killed immediately. But the other, who was pierced all over the chest, was wrapped into a world of pain as he lay there screaming and squirming on the ground.

Screaming in pain and crying out in high screams that barely anypony could understand, the pony tried to desperately grab for his chest as blood poured out of the wounds. Not knowing what to do, he panicked and panicked, touching the wound even more as it gave him more pain. The blood pouring out of him covered the grass and was painting it red, as shocked ponies stared at the gruesome sight.

“Well?” Shining Armor said calmly, gazing at the familiar sight of a bloodied wounded pony. “Is somepony going tohelp the damn poor fellow?”

“Yes, sir, right away, sir!” A member of his staff said, snapping out from the shock and immediately rushing towards the injured pony and calling for a surgeon to assist.

Staring once more at the wounded pony, Shining Armor muttered a short prayer before moving on. The others would take care of him now, there was nothing he could do but hope that the pony would recover. Even then, would that pony truly recover from what he has been through?

How many ponies had he seen suffer like this before? How many have he seen fall down and be in agony up close? Hundreds? Thousands? Looking back, the terrible butchery at the battle of Baltimore was still fresh in his mind and he knew that it had left a forever lasting scar within him.

Scenes of dead and wounded ponies covering a field flashed before his eyes, as the cries and desperate calls for help and an end to the suffering seemed to enter his ears again. He could see them clearly as if they were happening now. It was terrible, just terrible. He wanted to forget, but how can he? All the blood, all the guts, all the death, they were forever with him.

He could remember that one pony, the one calling out to him for help. He can see the life fading from his eyes as he approached him, only staring and unable to help him. The poor pony had been hit in the got by a shell, ripping him nearly in two, yet he still had enough consciousness to call out to him and forever haunt him.

It was just terrible.

I hope I won’t have to suffer that badly if I’m ever hit. Shining Armor thought to himself, wishing for a nice clean hit or being knocked out of consciousness if faith ever frowned upon him. He had so much suffering like this before and feared the day that it might happen to him.

Celestia watch over me… He thought as he moved on towards a nearby regiment.

“How are your ponies holding up, Colonel?” Shining Armor called out, as he approached the line held by 2^nd Crystal Empire Volunteers, their silver crystal silk uniforms showing taters and dirt that removed the reflective qualities of crystal and marked them as a veteran regiment.

“Doing well, General, doing well.” Their colonel called back. “They’d had worst bombardments before, I can assure you that, sir. If this is the best the Rebels can give, then let then come!”

“That’s the spirit!” Shining Armor chuckled through the sounds of explosions. “Keep up the good work, Colonel, and send my regards to your ponies.”

“Don’t worry, General, we hear you and we’re with you!” A call came from the line of the 2^nd and soon a loud cheer erupted as they cheered him on while he trotted along their line.

Their spirit never dies, he thought to himself. The 2^nd Volunteers had fought since the start of the conflict and many of the men [resent were old hooves. Yet, despite all the hardship and sorrows, the blood spilled and the comrades lost, they still had this optimistic air around them, and high confidence towards him.

Shining Armor smiled and nodded respectfully to their praises, before trotting along the rest of the line.

They respected him just as much as he respected them. They were like friends to him, but it was something more than that. They were brothers. Brothers in arms. They were soldiers just like him. They have fought, killed, and sacrificed themselves for him and the cause and in return he has led them and made the promise to get them all back to their homes once the war was done.

But he knew that he will never ever fulfill that promise.

He will never be able to bring them all home. Many of them will end up buried in the fields they have fought.

It hurt him to think of that, it hurt him deep and hard. But as an officer and commander, he must learn to always push away that hurt and never let it affect him. Sure, he must learn to understand his men and be one with them. But he must remember the borders created by the ranks they bear and never grow too attached with them.

As a commander he would have to make decisions that would play with these ponies lives and if he let himself be too attached then he would might fail to make fatal decisions that would costs lives but win battles.

It was a tiring system and one that made him feel down and dead inside. But as he looked at the ponies in his charge, he knew that he must keep strong for them as their faith lies in him making the right decisions.

Best not to fail them now.

Just as he was about to reach the next regiment, Shining Armor noticed a pony approaching him from the distance. Evading falling shells and going as quickly as he could, the pony, which he soon recognized as Brigadier General Flash Sentry, a commander of one of the 1^st Division, make his way quickly, before stopping with a salute right in front of him.

“General.” He said, his voice tired as he panted for air.

“General Sentry, what news do you have for me?” Shining Armor inquired, curious as to what important matter he may hold.

“The enemy is forming for an attack, sir, I saw it myself. They’re massing their forces on our right-“ He said, pointing a hoof towards its direction. “-and look like they have at least two divisions. They seemed to be preparing for an attack on the apple orchard and are gathering their forces on its outskirts. Its going to be a powerful thrust, sir, I can already tell.”

“Very well.” Shining Armor nodded, before glancing to a nearby aide. “Sergeant Phoenix, go to General Diamond and tell her that I send my regards and that I wish to inform her that an attack against her position on the apple orchard is imminent. Tell her that around two divisions would be coming her way and that she must hold her ground and not falter. Remind her that as for now, the only support that I can give her is fire from the artillery on this here ridge and for the most part she is on her own nd must rely on her own resources.”

Shining Armor knew that, because of all the trees and uneven ground around the apple orchard, General Diamond and the 3^rd Division would be unable to see any upcoming assault until it was practically on top of them. So it would do them good if he sent her any information of any imminent attack so that she would be able to prepare her defense appropriately.

“Yes, sir, I will tell her, General.” With that Sergeant Phoenix galloped away and moved as fast as he can.

Watching the sergeant gallop away, Shining Armor then turned his attention to where the enemy was gathering. Staring at the faint sight of their forces and keeping his eyes glued on them, he shook his head before turning away.

“Well, everypony, it has begun. It’s time to fight our old friends again."

July 1
11:50 AM

“I would rather have us fight in any other place but here.” Applejack muttered from under her breath, soft enough so that most of the ponies around her could not here.

“Eyup.” Big Macintosh replied, having heard the faint remark. Trotting beside her along the line, they moved pass the busy ponies around them and listened to what the other had to say. Looking around him, Big Macintosh watched as the ponies around him began to rally into formation and shift from their marching columns into lines of battle, gathering before their battle flags as officers and sergeants urged them to move forward.

It was the familiar sight of battle, and Big Macintosh felt at home with it. Three years of fighting and commanding had made him accustomed to such order and movement and in here he found himself in his element.

He had never thought that from a simple life of farming he would end up changing professions to soldiering, but the transition came so sudden and hard that he can scarcely remember a life not in the field of battle. The sound of orders being called out, of bugles being sounded, the thunder of marching hooves, and the shattering rattle of musket fire. They all felt natural to him and here he acted as natural and true as he can.

As commander of the Republican Army’s 1^st Corps, Big Macintosh played a crucial role in the army. Commanding one of the three corps in the army, he and the ponies under him where one of the main striking force of the army. And with twenty thousand ponies under his command, he had the biggest unit out of the three.

If only he had all of them present here in this field right now.

Having rushed to the front after news of the battle got to him, Big Macintosh and his staff arrived just as his 2^nd Division was forming up south of Ponyville. The rest of his command, his two other divisions, were still marching northwards from the Ghastly Gorge-Ponyville road and would take another hour before they would be on the line. But how he wished they were here now.

With only one enemy corps on the line on the ridges and surrounding areas south-west of Ponyville, Big Macintosh would have easily have run them over if he had his complete corps with him. With Republican corps being bigger than their counterparts in the Kingdom, the enemy would have been outgunned and outnumbered.

But sadly that was not the case.

Right now, they were the ones outnumbered and outgunned. But knowing his sister, he knew that that wouldn’t stop her from taking the initiative.

“I’ve been waiting for three long years for us to go home, but I never imagined it would happen this way.” Applejack sighed under her breath, as they moved away from the forming regiments and crested up a small hill that gave them a good view of the old apple orchard they once called home.

Gazing out and towards the rolling land, he could see the proud tall apple trees that they once tended. The beautiful green tops and strong hard trunks of the proud trees made him smile a bit as he stared, as it reminded him of things that used to be.

Those were simpler times, carefree moments and easy going. It was so long ago, so long.

Standing here and looking, it almost felt like he could remember the feeling. Almost.

It was hard to fully accept the old ways now. So much war, so much hardship and devastation had changed him and her inside. Sure, there was still a faint flame of the old life that will always remain, but now this life they were in was the one in control and would seem to always be in control of their lives and actions from the moment they started till the end.

Looking at the apple orchard with him and staring intently, Applejack gave a loud curse and stomped her hoof on the ground.

“Darn it!” She remarked. “I really wish we were fighting somewhere else but here. That’s out home out there, where we were and raised. It ain’t right for a pony to fight in the place where they live! It’s downright insulting! And they’re mocking us even more by placing their regiments all over the place that we tilled and built!”

“Eyup.” Big Macintosh said plainly, but his voice contained much sadness. Turning his head to look at his sister, he could clearly see that she was feeling the same too, as a single tear rolled down from her eye, only to be quickly wiped away as the commanding general of the Republican Army quickly regained their composure.

“This should be a war crime.” She said, shaking her head as she vented out the last spurts of her anger. “Forcing a pony to fight for their own home…and ruining it in its process of being freed.”

Big Macintosh just solemnly nodded his head in agreement.

“Darn it-“ She cursed once more. “-what must be done, must be done.”

Gazing out towards the apple orchard once more, she gave it one last good look before shaking her head in frustration and turning towards her brother.

“Are your two divisions ready?”

Turning his head to see he already formed divisions, he gave her a quick nod.

“Good.” She replied. “Then I want you to move forward and push the enemy away from that orchard. The terrain is bad and you’ll be having some rough fighting, but I want you to strike hard and hit them where it hurts, just like how you always do. That there is their right flank and once that’s turned then their whole line caves in. Your two divisions should be enough to handle this and do the job of securing the orchard and pushing forward from there. From what our scouts tell me, they only have a couple of brigades over there and maybe a battery of artillery. I wish I can give you more information about the enemy and their whereabouts, but with Rainbow Dash out there doing Faust knows what, I’m without my eyes and practically blind to what is in front of me.”

Big Macintosh gave a firm nod of understand, looking at her and knowing that she was depending on him.

Looking back, she gazed at her brothers eyes and tried to hold back the emotions that were raging inside her and demanding to break free. Sighing and looking down, she then placed a hoof on his shoulder as she looked up and once again gave him the neutral face of a commander.

“Listen, Big Mac, I want you to do your best to get the job done. I know that orchard over there is our home, but I don’t want that getting in the way of our duty. We’ll hurt the old place, but it’s a necessary thing to do if we want victory, understand?”

“Eyup.” He said, another firm nod.

“Let nothing stop you, alright?” She reminded him. “Win this fight for all of us.”

“Yes, mam.” He said with his deep voice, as he swung his hooves wide to give her a salute.

Saluting back, she smiled. “Make it feel like Tartarus for them.”

And with that, Big Macintosh nodded and politely moved his way down the small hill and towards his two divisions, where his staff and divisional commanders were waiting for him.

Staring at the small group and keeping and watching them stand still as he watched him back, he studied his tried and tested veteran commanders and felt that he had the right officers to do the job. General Spitfire, although messing up in the morning’s earlier fighting, was still a good commander and once guided could do a great job. Meanwhile, General Cranky Doodle Donkey was a hotheaded short tempered donkey who, despite his attitude and love for profanity, was a tenacious fighter who homed in his frustrations and turned them into success.

“Orders, sir?” General Spitfire asked, as they all gave him a salute.

“We move forward.” He simply said. “We hit them hard with all we got and overrun them.” Glancing and pointing towards the apple orchard, he continued: “They’ll have a couple or brigades over there and a battery of artillery but we can easily deal with that. Spitfire, your division would be on the left, General Cranky, you’ll be on the right with your 2^nd Division. Let’s give them the usual hard fighting and they’ll sure to break. I want us to advance quick and move along the orchard, you hear? Once we push them back, we regroup at the barn, the red barn. From there, we move inwards along their line and push them off of the ridge. Understood?”

“Yes, sir.” They all said, almost all in unison.

“Good.” Big Macintosh said. “Any questions?”

“Just one, sir.” Cranky said, as he gave him a slight look of concern. “How about those batteries on the ridge? They’ll have a good view of me and my division as I move up and I’m sure they’ll fire upon our exposed right once we cross the orchard.”

“Can’t do much about it, really.” Big Macintosh admitted, to the disappointment of the donkey. “But I’ll send word to General Applejack to have artillery bombard them to keep them pinned nd prevent them from firing.”

“Yes, sir, me and my command would greatly appreciate that.” Cranky said, thankful.

“Any more questions?”

Everyone just shook their head.

“Good. Now go to your commands, and have them moving as soon as I give the order.”

With that, the two generals and their staff all galloped away, eagerly heading back to take charge of their divisions.

Turning his head to glance at the apple orchard once more. That was their home and soon the hooves of his two divisions will be trampling over that ground.

Old Friends Off To War

by Teal

Foreword

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6