> The Fog of War
>  by REDMAMBA
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Ambushed
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	The roar of a jeep fills the air while the three men inside do their best to stay alive. As the jeep crested the hill it caught a fair amount of air as it jumped the bump in the old dirt road. Coming down with a powerful thud, the three passengers jerk violently as the jeep began to regain control. 

“DIE YOU KRAUT BASTARDS!” screamed the gunner as he opened fire with the massive Browning .50 BMG.  

“WHERE THE HELL DID THEY COME FROM!?!” screamed the driver. 

“JUST SHUT UP AND DRIVE!” ordered the passenger.

As the jeep and panicking men race through the forest, Nazi troops begin to funnel out of the tree line. The only things they can rely on are the speed of the Willys jeep, and the cover fire being provided by the gunner. 

The three men are as follows, 

The Driver, Lance Corporal Steven Haynes, a 20 year old from San Francisco, California. A college dropout, he decided to join the U.S. Army three days after the attack on Pearl Harbor. He started in Africa and has survived through everything, even the D-Day landing. The kids smart and knows is way around a gun, hell, he’s even the squads best sharpshooter, he stole a 1903 scoped Springfield rife from a dead trooper and has been using ever since. He’s a crack shot at 500 yards. 

The passenger, Sergeant Kris Rian, a 21 year old from Deadwood, South Dakota, he joined the U.S. Army the fall of 1940. Yet another survivor of D-Day, he rose through the ranks and became a Sergeant just after the invasion of Sicily. He was a former wood worker and decided that he wanted to see the world. The young squad commander knows how to make his Thompson submachine gun look good in a fight. But if you make him mad, that gun is the least of your worries.      

The gunner, Private Dustin “Dusty” Cox, a 19 year old from Tucson, Arizona; fortunately for him, he missed the D-Day landing by a day, but he was soon placed with his new squad. He’s eager and gung-ho to fight, but been a new kid, he hasn’t experienced combat like his squad leader Kris. But right now he’s the only one that can keep the men alive. As of right now, the three men have driven right into the heart of a Nazi division. 

“ARMORED CAR!” screamed Dusty. 

“LIGHT IT UP!” ordered Kris. 

Dusty pointed the massive machine gun and unloaded on the Nazi armored car. The massive vehicle retaliated by firing on the men, but by some miracle, the German gunner missed every shot. Steven pressed on the gas trying to get every ounce of power out of the jeep. If he could press any harder, he’d push the pedal through the floor. Bullets wiz over the heads of the three men, but by some miracle, the three men kept on going. 

“FUCKFUCKFUCK!” screamed Kris. 

“IN THE THREE LINE!” 

As Steven screamed that, multiple Nazi troops pour out in front of the men’s jeep. 

“I GOT EHM!” screamed Kris; the young Sergeant shouldered his Tommy gun and fired at every soldier could get his sites on. He didn’t rely on accuracy; he just went with ammo output. Spray and pray as most troops call it, and whatever you hit, call it the target. The men continued to race down the old dirt road as the massive armored car continued to pursue them. The men are miles from the nearest reinforcements and are surrounded on all sides by Nazi soldiers; it’ll take a miracle to save them. 

“PANZER!” scream Steven as he looked at the massive tank.

The hulking beast came busting out of the tree line right in front of the jeep. The men know that their light weight jeep has nothing against a Panzer. As the turret of the massive vehicle began to orient its way toward the men, Steven jerked the wheel of the jeep to the left and swerved around the massive metal beast. Once he was around it, Steven jerked the wheel back to the right and reoriented the small jeep; he continued to drive while Dusty fired upon the massive tank.

“GOGOGO!” ordered Kris as he watched the tank from over his shoulder.

The pursuing armored car did its best to dodge the massive tank, but lost control and crashed into a nearby tree, stopping its pursuit. The men cheered and rejoiced, but it was short lived, they were still under fire, and they needed to get back to their division. As the jeep jerked and bucked, the men hung on for dear life. Dusty continued his volley of fire, ripping apart anything that got in his sites to shreds. Kris peppered the tree line with his Thompson, all while Steven continued to concentrate on his driving. But unfortunately for Steven... one Nazi soldier got off a lucky shot. 

The windshield of the jeep exploded, shooting glass off in all directions. As the German 7.63x25mm Mauser round ripped through the windshield, it forced most of the glass into Stevens face and eyes. 

“AHHHHH!” screamed the young man as he grabbed his now bleeding face. 

Kris looked over at his wounded squad mate, immediately he went from shooting to driving. He grabbed the steering wheel of the jeep with his left hand and did his best to keep the jeep straight. 

“KEEP YOU FOOT ON THE GAS!” he ordered. 

Through his agonizing screams Steven heard the order and continued to press on the gas. Kris steered with his left hand and did his best to shoot his Thompson with his right. “KEEP GOING!” he screamed. 

As the men continued to race down the dirt road, they began to approach a tunnel that was carved into a nearby mountain. Kris did his best to keep the jeep straight, while Dusty provided cover fire. 

‘Well lose them in there,’ Kris thought.   

Once the jeep slipped inside Dusty stopped his firing and watched the back of the tunnel for any movement. Steven continued to cry out in agony while Kris watched the road ahead of him. He could see the end of the tunnel, the light at the end began to get brighter and brighter. Kris closed his eyes once the powerful light became too bright.

Once the jeep slipped out of the tunnel Kris opened his eyes. He could see the tree line and road continuing out in front of him. He held the wheel tight while Dusty watched the tunnel. The gun fire stopped as the men continued to drive. They did their best to gain distance between them and the nearby Nazi division. As Kris looked back over his shoulder; a smile crawled across his face, he began to laugh hysterically. Noticing his squad leaders over joyous celebration Dusty joined in, even though Steven was hurt, he to, began to laugh. The men were alive, but they weren’t out of danger yet. 

The laugher died down and the men went back to their positions. They drove for a few more minutes until Kris asked Steven to stop. 

“Okay Corporal, you can ease off the gas and slowly press on the break.”

“Yes sir,” answered Steven as blood dripped off his face. 

Steven slowly released the gas and placed it on the break compressing it slowly, which caused the breaks to squeak as the jeep came to a halt. Kris released the wheel and put the vehicle in park. He then turned off the ignition and jumped out. Steven stayed in his seat while Dusty stayed on point with the .50. 

Kris shouldered his Thompson and walked to the other side of the jeep. He looked at Steven’s bloody and cut face. “Boy Corporal you sure took a hard hit,” he said to his bleeding friend. 

“How bad is it Sarge?” asked Steven.

“Well… at least you don’t have to look at Dusty’s stupid face anymore,” a large grin crawled across the Sergeants face.    

“Oh ha, ha, ha,” said Dusty, not being very amused by Kris’s joke. 

Steven and Kris let out a light chuckle, but as soon as it died off Kris looked at his wounded friends face. He had glass everywhere, but it could have been worse, that windshield could have been a German hand grenade. “Alright Corporal, let me get some water and the first aid kit and will patch your up,” said the Sergeant. 

“Thank you sir,” answer Steven, who was a little relieved, but he was still worried if he would ever see again… or survive another attack like that. 

Kris stepped to the back of the jeep and grabbed the small first aid kit. He returned to his wounded friend and placed the kit on the hood of the jeep. He then grabbed his canteen from his hip and unscrewed the lid; once it was off he looked at his friend.

“Dusty, I’m gonna need your help here,” said Kris not looking away from Steven. 

“Yes sir,” replied the young Private. He released the grip on his .50 and jumped off the back of the jeep. He approached his Sergeant, but gave a glance at Steven. “Holy shit Steven, you look like you just went through a cheese grader.” 

“That bad huh?” replied Steven while turning his head to Dusty. 

“Eh, I’ve seen worse,” Dusty looked at Kris,” What do you want me to do sir?” 

“Grab some bandages and Sulfanilamide packets,” said Kris as he began to grab Steven’s blood covered chin with his left hand. “Alright Corporal I’m gonna dump some water on your face.”

“Alright sir,” replied Steven. 

The Sergeant held Stevens face while he dumped the canteen with his right hand. As the water rushed down Stevens face it mixed with the blood and began to reveal his cut up face. After dumping all of the canteens contents, he grabbed the Sulfanilamide packets from Dusty who opened them when Kris wasn’t looking. 

Kris dumped the white power onto Stevens face making sure not to get any in his mouth and eyes. Once the powder was in place, Kris placed his hand out, which prompted Dusty to give him the badges he had. Kris took the small roll and began to wrap it around Stevens head. Steven winched at the pain but did his best to suck it up. After wrapping the bandages and tightening them, Kris lowered his arms and moved his attention to the first aid kit. 

“Alright Corporal, your set,” he said.

“Thank you sir,” answered the injured man as he leaned back in his seat.

Once Kris had the first aid kit closed up, he tossed it in the back of the jeep and faced Steven. 

“Alright Steven, I think you can guess why I won’t let you drive?” he said sarcastically.

“Yes sir,” replied Steven as he began to shuffle in his seat. 

Kris grabbed Steven and helped him out of the driver’s seat, then he grabbed Stevens’s left arm and draped it over his shoulder. Kris walked the injured man around the front of the jeep while Dusty climbed in the back. Once the two men were on the passenger side of the jeep, Kris helped his injured and now blind friend into the passenger seat.          

“Thanks Sarge,” said Steven with a hint of happiness. 

“No prob… hey look at the bright side, once we get you back, you get to go home.”

“But sir I belong here with you guys,” said the injured man. 

“Not when you look like that!” hollered Dusty sarcastically. 

“Thanks Dusty,” Steven deadpanned. 

Kris let out a light chuckle at the remark, “Anyway take it easy Corporal.”

“Yes sir,” Steven leaned back in the seat and did his best to relax, but in war, relaxing is a hard thing to do. 

Kris walked to the driver’s side of the jeep and climbed in. Once he was in, he grabbed the ignition and started the war vehicle. He placed the jeep into gear and began to pull forward, the engine roared to life as the young Sergeant pressed on the gas. The men sat in silence as they began to figure out their next move. Eventually, Dusty moved off the .50 and took a seat in the back. He held the massive weapon as he watched the surrounding country side. 

As the men rode down the beaten dirt road the only thing they did was bounce every time the jeep hit a bump in the road. Kris concentrated on the road in front of him. But after a while, the silence got really old for the war hero. 

Kris let out a reluctant chuckle, “Well this recon mission is going well.”

“You can say that again,” said Dusty sarcastically. 

“What are we going to do Sarge?” asked Steven. 

“Let’s see if we can find anything nearby, I really don’t want to be caught out in the open with so many krauts in the area.” 

“Yeah same here,” responded Dusty. 

As the men breathed and sighed deeply, they could see a town through the trees. As Kris looked at it harder he began to bring the jeep to a stop. 

When Steven felt the jeep stop he began to wonder what was happening. “Sir what’s going on?” 

“There’s a town up a head,” Kris took a moment to think, “Dusty get on the .50.”

“On it sir!” said the Private as he got up and manned the heavy weapon, pointing it to the front of the jeep. 

“You boys ready?” asked Kris. 

“Yes sir,” replied Dusty confidently. 

“Yes sir,” answered Steven with a hint of fear. 

Steven had good reason to worry; he has to rely on his squad mates to be his eyes. If he gets captured by the Nazis he could face terrible interrogation… and it’s something he’d like to avoid. But the next thing he knew the jeep began to slowly pull forward. As the three men approached the town, Kris made sure to have his Tommy at the ready. He grabbed the weapon and placed it in his lap. As the men approached the city they began to notice the elegance of the town. The massive white towers of the city began to fill the horizon. 

“Uh… last I checked we were in France… right?” asked Dusty out of utter confusion. 

As Kris looked at the large town he couldn’t seem to think right. “That’s what I thought.”

“What’s going on?” asked Steven, wanting to know what his friends are seeing.

“We appear to be in the Middle Ages,” said Dusty trying to figure out a logical explanation.

Movement on the edge of a building catches Kris’s eye, “Movement up ahead.”

Dusty immediately moved his attention back to his .50. Making sure to scan the upcoming intersection, as the men approached the intersection, Kris came to a slow halt so that Dusty could have a clear shot. Dusty watched every window and door down the blocks. Kris looked from side to side trying to figure out which way he should go. 

“What do yah think boys?” asked Kris. 

“Your call sir,” answered Dusty, not taking his attention away from the buildings.

Kris began to pull the jeep forward, but what landed in front of him caused him to stomp on the break. There stood three young women clad from head to toe in blue armor, what caught the men off guard was that they had spears and shields instead of rifles. Dusty reacted immediately and pointed the massive weapon at the three women. Next thing they men knew, two more women in grey armor appeared behind the jeep. Kris grabbed his Thompson and pointed it toward the three women in front of him while Dusty swiveled the .50 toward the two the women that appeared behind them. 

The three women took a defensive stance when Kris raised his weapon.

“WAFFEN FALLEN!” barked Kris in German. 

The three troopers looked at each other in confusion for a second, but went back to looking at the men. Kris decided to try English instead.  

“DROP YOUR WEAPONS!” ordered the Sergeant. 

“MAKE ME!” replied the middle figure. 

“Sir what’s happening?” whispered Steven. 

“I don’t know,” replied Kris. 

The men and women waited there in silence, until a blinding light over whelmed the men. 

A female figure descended from above, Kris winced at the site but kept his weapon pointed toward the three troopers. 

“WHATS GOING ON HERE!?!” boomed a female voice.  
> Surrounded
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Kris watched the figure descend from above, he didn’t know what to think. He watched as she landed behind her troops. Kris and Dusty held fast while Steven began to shake. 

“What’s going on here Lieutenant?” asked the white figure. 

“We found these troops,” replied the center soldier. 

Kris grabbed his Thompson tighter while Dusty feathered the butterfly trigger on the .50.

“I see,” replied the white figure. 

The men stood their ground. The tall white figure stepped between her troops and began to approach the jeep. But Kris retaliated by firing his Tommy gun over their heads, forcing the woman to stop.

“NOT ANOTHER STEP!” ordered the Sergeant. 

The white figure stood still for a second, then her horn began to glow. As her horn glowed a bright gold, the same colored aura surrounded Kris’s Thompson. The weapon was yanked forward, and the Sergeant went with it. He let out a loud groan while he was pulled halfway across the steering wheel. 

Kris held on and pulled as hard as he could, but the famous weapon was yanked from his grasp, causing him to fall back into the driver’s seat. He stared at the figure while his weapon floated toward her open hand. He furrowed his brow trying to figure out what just happened. As Dusty monitored the two figures in front of him, he felt something warm grab him by his shoulders, but before he could figure out who had him. He was pulled from the weapon, falling backwards in between the seats of his squad mates. 

He looked at his friends trying to figure out who grabbed him. But he realized that Steven was still blind and Kris was staring at the white figure in front of them. Dusty adjusted himself to look over the hood of the jeep. 

The white figure handed the Thompson to one of her soldiers, who took the weapon in her left hand. The powerful being began to approach the vehicle. Kris, being the smart soldier he is, slowly reached for his Colt 1911. He unclipped the button on the worn leather holster and slowly removed the weapon, once it was removed from its home, he placed in his lap. 

Dusty saw his leaders move and adjusted himself so that he could grab the .50 when he had an opportunity. As the figure approached, Kris slowly cocked the hammer on the pistol and prepared for his attack. The figure passed the hood of the jeep; she was falling right for his trap. 

Once she reached the mirror, Kris rose from his seat and grabbed her by the horn, forcefully pulling her head toward him, dragging her halfway across the hood. He shoved the pistol under her chin as he fell back into his seat, he stared daggers into her eyes as he said, “DON’T MOVE! OR I BLOW YOUR HEAD OFF!” Dusty saw his opening and jumped for the massive machine gun. He grabbed the weapon by the handle, as he looked up he saw the two women jumping at him with balled up fists. 

His eyes went wide at the site, but without thinking he gave the weapon a shove, causing it to spin. The two figures were surprised at the sudden attack. Being unable to stop their forward momentum both rammed into the massive spinning weapon, causing them to fall to each side of the jeep.    

Dusty caught the weapon by the handle and stood up. Once he had the weapon, he pointed the massive barrel toward the figure on the right side of the jeep. He opened fire with the massive weapon, causing the stone road to shatter as the massive .50 caliber rounds impacted on the ground.  The figure rolled out of the way at the incoming fire as it crept closer to her. She began to run behind the jeep while Dusty followed close behind. “GET SOME!” he screamed as a victorious smile crawled across his face. 

But before Dusty could slaughter his enemy, the second figure grabbed him by the ankle and dragged him off of the jeep. He hit the ground with a loud thud, the sudden impact knocked the wind out of him, causing him to moan in pain, he opened his eyes to see a balled up fist aimed right for his head. Immediately he rolled out of the way, his opponents fist hit the ground with a loud thud, causing the stone to shatter immediately. 

Dusty rose to his feet and reached inside his pockets. He wrapped his brass knuckles around his fingers and took his boxing stance. The second figure joined in and took her fighting stance. “Good thing I took all them boxing lessons!” said Dusty with a hushed whisper..

The figure that dragged him off the jeep went for the first attack. She unleased a volley of rapid punches at Dusty’s face. He dodged left and right, successfully avoiding every attack. When she went for a powerful right hook, Dusty ducked and took this opening to strike. With a powerful thrust, he forced his right fist into the stomach of his assailant, knocking the wind out of her. 

She stumbled away while the second assailant started her assault. She came at him just as fast as the first. Dusty ducked and dodged every hit, as he did his best to dodge the attack, the first figure joined in. She went low as her partner aimed high. He protected his head with his arms while his abdomen took most of the hits. He groaned at every hit, but the young soldier knew how to take a hit. The two soldiers backed off for a moment and stood up straight breathing heavily, while Dusty was slumped over holding his knees. 

He took a deep breath and cleared his throat; he spit a large amount of phlegm onto the road. He stood up straight and wiped his mouth with his left sleeve. The two soldiers charged him in unison, each of them held up a massive fist, but they left themselves wide open for attack. Dusty took his opening and punched the girl to his left in the head with a powerful right hook, causing her to stumble to the side. He quickly recovered and swung a heavy left hook at the second assailant. His fist connected with her helmet, making a loud thud, she stumbled at the hit, thinking quickly Dusty grabbed her by the shoulders and pulled her into a headlock. 

The other soldier recovered and looked at her teammate. “MAUD!” she screamed in a panic. 

“Don’t move… or I break her neck!” screamed Dusty while he struggled with the captive. 

Kris continued to stare into the eyes of his target; he heard Dusty behind him but watched his target. Steven had grabbed his head early on and ducked behind the dash of the jeep, making sure to make himself as small as possible.

“CALL OF YOUR TROOPS!” order Kris. 

“You are making a grave mistake,” answered the woman. 

“I SAID CALL OFF YOUR TROOPS YOU FITHY NAZI BITCH!” barked Kris. 

“DID YOU REALLY THINK THAT SOMBRA WOULD GET AWAY WITH THIS!?!” barked the leader of the squad that had remained still in front of the jeep. 

“WHO THE FUCK IS SOMBRA!?!” screamed Kris, wanting to know what he and his men had gotten into. 

“Are you not one of King Sombra’s soldiers?” asked the restrained woman. 

“What? No!” answered Kris out of confusion. “Are you not one of those Nazi experiments we’ve heard so much about?”  

“What’s a Nazi?” asked Dusty’s captive in a monotone voice.

Kris though about what had just been asked between him and his captive. As the hamster in his head began to work on overdrive, he put two and two together. Since when did Nazi’s have horns and wings? And since when did they have such large eyes? that and their armor looks nothing like the German uniforms. And who would bring shields and spears into a war that has been fought with guns since the beginning. 

He looked his captive in the eyes and opened his mouth, “Uh… I think we have a misunderstanding here.”

“How so?” asked his captive. 

“Here… if I let you go, will you tell your troops to drop their weapons so we can talk about this?” he asked, hoping to figure out what was going on. 

His captive looked at him, then over to Dusty, and finally at Steven, then back to Kris, “Lieutenant, drop your weapons,” she ordered her officer. 

“But we can’t trust-” retaliated the soldier, but was cut off by the white woman. 

“Lieutenant!” 

The Lieutenant dropped her head and let out a loud and angry huff. “Everyone… stand down,” mumbled the soldier. 

No one reacted until she screamed it again, “I said stand down!”

The troops to the side of her took a more relaxed stance, while the other soldier near Dusty began to relax. Kris turned his head over his left shoulder but didn’t take his eyes off of his captive. “Private, release her.”

“But sir!” retaliated the young Private. 

“That’s an order!” barked the Sergeant out of frustration. 

Dusty let out an angry huff and released his hostage, who stumbled forward into her teammates embrace. The couple fell to the ground while Dusty began to back away, but he kept his eyes locked on them and fists clenched. Kris turned his head back to his captive and released her horn as he lowered the pistol. She slowly rose up and pushed her way off of the jeep. 

Kris climbed out and stood in front of the white woman. He griped his pistol harder making sure she didn’t try to take this one too. The two leaders stared at each other for what felt like an eternity. 

The white figure eventually spoke up, “Who are you?” 

“An American fighting man,” replied Kris.

They stood there once again. Kris stared at his opponent, Dusty watched the two soldiers in front of him while Steven “looked” around trying to figure out what was happening. 

“You have an injured trooper, let us help,” said the white figure.

“How do I know that I can trust you with my man?” asked Kris, feeling uneasy about the situation. 

“I think we should kill them right now!” barked the squad leader.

“Lieutenant!” screamed the figure, while looking over her shoulder. 

She turned back and looked at Kris who stood still like a statue. 

“My name is Princess Celestia,” said the figure, “May I ask what yours is?” 

“How do we know you’re not a filthy Nazi?” screamed Dusty. 

“She has a horn and wings you idiot! What Nazi has a pair of wings and a horn?” screamed Kris out of frustration. 

Kris looked back at Celestia, “My name is Sergeant Kris Rian, of the United States First Infantry Division, 16th Infantry Regiment,” Kris turned to look at his injured teammate, “That’s Lance Corporal Steven Haynes,” he turned to his left and pointed over his right shoulder with his service pistol, “And that’s Private Dustin Cox, we just call him Dusty.” He turned back to the Princess. 

She stepped to the side to allow Kris to see the troops behind her, “The one in the middle is Lieutenant Rainbow Dash, Commander of the Wonderbolts 3rd Aerial Assault Division, to her right is Sergeant Fleetfoot, and to her left is Sergeant Rapidfire,” Celestia returned to her original position, “And those two are Pinkie Pie and Maud Pie, Captains of my 2nd Ground Assault Division.”

Kris looked back at the two women. Dusty slowly backed up to his squad leader. The men didn’t know what to think. Not only did their looks confuse the men but the names didn’t seem right. Steven began to turn his head in various directions trying to figure out what is happening to his friends. 

“Sir what’s going on?” he asked.   

“It’s alright Corporal,” replied the Sergeant. 

“Are we going to die?” asked Steven on the verge on panicking.

“No were not,” said Kris, trying to reassure his friend.

Kris slowly holstered his pistol and closed the leather flap. He reluctantly took a step forward, but was stopped by a hand on his lefts 
shoulder. Dusty leaned to his friends ear and whispered, “Sir what are you doing?” 

“I have no idea,” whispered Kris. 

Dusty released his friends shoulder, allowing the Sergeant to walk forward. He reluctantly walked forward, Dusty tensed up, making sure that if his friend was hurt, he’d come out swinging. Celestia’s troops began to tense up as the young man approached their ruler. 

Once Kris was within arm’s reach he looked the ruler in the eyes. He tightened his lips and began to shuffle them from side to side. The ruler just stood there and looked at the young man. He took a deep breath through his nose and looked away from the ruler, “I’m probably making a big mistake,” he said. 

He looked back at her, “Okay I’ll admit we need help; and I can tell that you don’t look like any Nazi’s.”

He stuck his hand out, Celestia looked at it for a moment, but stuck hers out as well she grabbed it as the two enemies became allies. They shook hands for a moment before releasing them. Celestia looked back at her troops, “Sergeant Fleetfoot, Sergeant Rapidfire, help out their wounded soldier.” 

“Yes ma’am,” replied the two troopers in unison. 

They ran past their commander and up to the still running jeep, “It’s alright son were here to help you,” said Fleetfoot, as she and her 
partner put down their spears and shields. 

“S-sir?” asked the wounded man. 

“It’s alright Corporal, their friendly,” said Kris, reassuring his wounded friend. 

Dusty walked up and joined his friend while the Lieutenant joined her leader. She took off her helmet revealing her head and face. Kris noticed part of her left ear was missing and she had a nice scare over her left eye, but Dusty notice something different. 

“When the hell did they let women into the military?” he said chuckling.

Dash heard his remark and without thinking, she punched him right in the jaw. Dusty’s head jerked back as he grabbed his now bleeding nose. “Awe son of a bitch! What the hell was that for?!” 

Dash stared daggers at him. 

“Lieutenant!” screamed Celestia. 

“Eh, he deserved it,” said Kris with a smile. 

“That’s what you get!” screamed Rainbow. 

Pinkie and Maud walked up behind the two men; Maud grabbed Dusty by the jaw and began to look at his bloody nose. “Hey what the hell?” asked Dusty wanting to know what she was doing. 

“It doesn’t appear to be broken,” she said with that monotone voice of hers. 

She released him and removed her helmet. Pinkie did the same, and both looked at their new allies. Dusty continued to hold his bloody face while he looked at the two women. He rolled his eyes as he began to walk to the still running jeep. “What a day,” he deadpanned. 

After Sergeants Fleetfoot and Rapidfire pulled Steven from the jeep, they each crawled under one of his arms, helping him stand. The two women and one man joined the group. Dusty shut off the jeep and rejoined the group. 

Kris took a moment to look around at the town he was in. “So… it’s pretty obvious were not in France,” he said. 

“You are in Canterlot, the capitol city of Equestria,” replied Celestia. 

“Yeah were no longer in France,” replied Kris.

“Sir, I don’t think were anywhere close to France,” replied Dusty. 

“What is this France you speak of?” asked Celestia.

“It’s a country in Europe, and one we’re currently fighting for,” replied Kris. 

“How so?” asked Fleetfoot. 

“The world is at war, and it’s our job as soldiers to end it,” replied Kris while looking at the solder that’s currently holding his friend. 

“War? With who?” asked Celestia. 

Kris turned back to Celestia, “Germany, and a man named Hitler, he wants total world domination.” 

“Well King Sombra wants the same thing,” said Celestia. 

“Who’s King Sombra?” asked Dusty. 

“A ruthless King that wants to enslave all of pony kind,” replied Maud. 

Dusty looked at her, he was completely lost for two reasons, one she said pony kind, and two. “Do you not have emotions at all?” he asked. ‘How she can be so calm?’ he wondered. 

“I’m pretty happy right now,” she said, once again with no expression.

“Ooookay then,” replied Dusty, as he looked away from her. 

“Anyway, let’s get you boys back to camp, you can have a hot meal and we can look at Corporal Steven here,” said Celestia.

“I think that’s a good idea,” replied the Sergeant. 
> Debriefing 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	As the three men, along with Maud and Pinkie Pie rode in the jeep toward the castle, both men hoped they could get some explanations for what had happened. Kris drove the short distance to the castle, while Steven rode shotgun, Dusty, Maud and Pinkie sat in the back. Rainbow, Fleetfoot, Rapidfire, and Celestia flew next to the jeep. 

The closer the soldiers got to the castle the more they noticed troops wandering the grounds. Many carried supplies, others were unloading carts full of large wood crates, some just walked around talking. But all of the troops in the area immediately stopped what they were doing when they heard the approaching jeep. The men began to feel uneasy as an entire army focused on them. 

Kris began to slow the jeep as him and the men entered the large crowd. It was eerily quiet, something that was very rare in a time of war. Kris and Dusty studied their surroundings as they locked eyes with a multitude of different troops. 

“Who the hell are they?” whispered one soldier. 

“I’ve never seen a carriage like that before,” said another.

Dusty rolled his eyes, “Kill me,” he mumbled under his breath. 

Slowly but surely Kris pulled the jeep to the front of the castle. He threw the rig in park and killed the ignition. He, Dusty, Maud and Pinkie jumped out, while Steven stayed in his seat and waited for further orders. Celestia, Dash and her troops landed next to the small war rig. Kris walked to the passenger side of the jeep and looked at his friend. “Alright Corporal, were gonna get yah all fixed up, alright?” he said. 

Steven turned his head to face the voice, “Thank you sir.” Kris let out a smile and patted his friend on the shoulder. He returned to the driver’s side and grabbed his Thompson, placing it on his shoulder. The front door of the castle opened as a tall man in purple and gold armor walked out. He gave a salute to Princess Celestia before he said, “Welcome back your majesty.”

“At ease,” she said. 

The young soldier relaxed his stance; he stood there and waited for another order. 

“Captain, I need you to get a medic immediately,” she ordered him. 

“Yes your majesty,” he replied before running off, “I need a medic!” he screamed as he began to disappear into the castle. 

Dusty gave a look at all the troops, who had gone back to their jobs, “Jeez, everyone looks like hell,” he said as he grabbed his M1 rifle from the back. 

“Moral has been pretty low since we lost the battle of Vanhoover,” replied Dash as she removed her helmet. 

“We know what that’s like. The D-Day landing didn’t go as well as we hoped,” replied Kris. 

“The D-Day landing?” asked Dash.

“We can discuss it during their debriefing,” said Celestia, interrupting the conversation.

“Yes your majesty,” replied Dash. 

The young Captain from earlier came running up with a male and female doctor in tow, he ran up to Celestia and gave her another salute. “Your majesty here are those medics you requested.” He dropped his arm and stood at attention. 

“I need you two to tend to Corporal Steven over there,” she pointed to Steven who was still sitting in the passenger seat. 

“Yes your majesty,” replied the doctors in unison. Both ran up to Steven, the young woman gave him a look and covered her mouth. His bandages were soaked with his crimson blood.  

“Oh my,” she mumbled under breath. 

“Come on, we have to get him to the infirmary,” said the male doctor. 

She snapped out of her thoughts and began to shuffle around. The male doctor put one hand on Steven’s chest and the other on his shoulder, “Don’t worry son you’re in safe hands,” he said, comforting the injured man.

“Thank you,” replied Steven with a smile. 

The two doctors helped him out of the jeep and crawled under his arms. As the three walked to the aid station, Kris and Dusty joined Celestia as they entered the Castle. Kris let out an impressive whistle as he looked around the tall structure. “You wanna make a man feel poor, this is how you do it,” he said sarcastically.

“No kidding,” replied Dusty, awe struck at the massive marble hallway. 

The two men, along with Celestia and her six troops walked in silence as they headed for the war room. As the troops approached the room Celestia’s horn glowed bright gold again, the same color aura enveloped the handle, causing it to turn, thus opening the door. Kris stepping inside first, followed by Dusty, Rainbow Dash, Fleetfoot, Rapidfire, the unknown Captain, Maud and Pinkie, and finally Celestia. The room consisted of nothing but a large chalk board and table. Both Kris and Dusty removed their shouldered weapons and placed them on the table. 

Kris then removed his helmet and placed it on the table; he ran his hands through his hair while he took a long heavy breath. Dash walked up to Kris and placed her helmet next to his. She looked at the olive drab piece of metal and said, “That think doesn’t look like it could protect and egg.” 

Kris gave her a confusing glance before looking at his beaten helmet. “The stupid things equivalent a tin can, but it did save my life once.”

“Oh… really?” asked Dash.

He pointed to the helmet, “You see that scratch on the right hand side?”

Dash adjusted herself to look at the beaten up piece of metal. “Yeah,” she said. 

“That bullet glanced off a nearby tank and hit me in the head,” he let out a light chuckle at the memory, “Woulda killed me if wasn’t wearing that piece of garbage.” 

“Wow,” replied Dash.

“Anyway,” said Celestia getting every ones attention. 

They all looked at her and waited for her to continue. 

“First of all I want to apologize for what happened earlier Sergeant.” 

“Shit happens in war your majesty,” he paused for a second, “It’s no big deal.”  

“I still wanted to apologize,” she said feeling bad for the misunderstanding. 

“I want to apologize too,” said Pinkie while looking at Dusty. 

“Me too,” said Maud. 

“Meh… I still kicked both your asses,” said Dusty with a huge smile and a light chuckle.

Kris rolled his eyes, beating up two women left a bad taste in his mouth… even if they’re apart of the local military. The talking died down and the soldiers looked at Celestia. 

“Sergeant perhaps you can tell me what happened to you and your men?” she said.

Kris looked around the room and began to shake his head. “Alright.” 

He paused before speaking. 

“We were on a routine recon mission, the brass got word that a nearby German column was in the area and we were chosen to go and find them,” he started. 

“What idiot in their right mind would send three stallions to find an entire division?” asked Dash.

“We had a halftrack full of ten men,” said Dusty with crossed arms, “Emphasis on the word had.”

“What happened?” asked the Captain.

“The Nazis had the road zeroed for artillery,” Kris paused for a moment, “And they brought the hammer down… hard.”

“Those men were dead before they even knew what hit them,” said Dusty. 

“We ran into an entire German division, we didn't even know that they were dug in... and that close to our lines, they must have been preparing a massive counter assault,” said Kris. 

“How we survived in that light jeep… well only god knows that,” said Dusty. 

“I’m sorry for your loss Sergeant,” said Celestia feeling bad for what the men had endured. 

“The men that died were not a part of my squad. Dusty, Steven and I only agreed to go on it because we didn’t have any orders at the time,” said Kris. 

“Yeah, we just wanted to kick some Nazi ass,” said Dusty with a confident smile, “And boy we did.” 

“Well… I’d say you have my respect,” said Fleetfoot. 

“Yeah well… we have a job to do… and to be honest I hope we can have this war over by Christmas… I want to go home and see my family,” said Kris as his sadness began to show. 

Every man in the U.S. Army was done with the war on Germany. It had taken its toll on Kris, and now that he had time to think and remember his past battles; he hated the bloodshed and the violence that came with war. He did his best to repress his memories and look at what’s ahead of him.

“So how did you end up in my city?” asked Celestia.

“We were just driving to get away from that division, the last thing we ever expected to run into was you and your men,” replied Kris.

“Honestly... we don’t know how we ended up here,” said Dusty 

A heavy silence filled the room. 

“So princess?” asked Kris, “Lieutenant Dash here said that your troop’s moral was pretty low because of the loss you suffered at…” he looked at Dash. 

“Vanhoover,” she said.

“Vanhoover…” Kris continued, “I’m guessing that was a pretty recent battle.” 

“Yes,” she replied heavily, “We lost 7000 troops… another 2000 were injured and were… still figuring out the numbers of those who are MIA… that was… all in one day.” 

"Well we lost more on Operation Overlord," replied Kris

“It was the worst battle we’ve had yet,” replied a sorrow filled Dash, “We lost a lot of good ponies.” 

"I'm sorry for your loss your majesty," replied Kris as he looked at Celestia

“Thank you sergeant,” said Celestia.  

"War was never meant to be pretty," said Dusty.

A heavy silence filled the air yet again. 	

Celestia looked away from Kris to Dash before speaking, "I think were done here, Lieutenant, you’re dismissed.” 

Dash gave a salute, “Yes your majesty.”

Dash, the Pie’s, and Dash’s sergeants began to leave the room with Celestia and her captain in tow. 

“Your majesty?” asked Kris, causing everyone to stop.

Celestia turned back to the young sergeant as he shouldered his Thompson and walked forward, stopping right in front of her. “I was wondering, who’s this guy?” he said pointing his finger at the captain.

She looked at him then back to Kris. “This is Captain Shining Armor, leader of the Royal Guard.” 

“It’s nice to officially meet your sergeant,” said the captain as he extended his hand.

Kris grabbed his hand and gave it a firm shake. “Nice to meet you too captain.” He released Shining’s hand and stepped to the side, “That’s private Dusty.”

Dusty stepped forward and took the young captains hand, “Captain.” 

“Private,” responded Shining. 

Both men stood there clenching each other’s hands harder. A mischievous smile crawled across Dusty’s face. Both men tried to see who had the harder grip. After a couple of seconds Shining and Dusty released their hold. Shining turned away and walked out the door. Dusty noticed him hold his hand to his chest as he began to rub it. Which caused Dusty laugh. 

“Sergeant if you want, I can have Lieutenant Dash escort you to the mess hall?” said Celestia as everyone walked down the massive hallway. 

“Why not,” replied the sergeant. 

“Lieutenant, take these men and get them a hot meal, they’ve had a long day.”

“Yes your majesty,” Dash looked at the two men, “Come on follow me.”

Celestia began to talk with Fleetfoot, Rapidfire, Pinkie, Maud, and Shining. The six continued their walk forward while Dash, Kris and Dusty took a turn down a nearby hall. The three walked in silence until Dash spoke up. 

“So what was the battle of… oh what did you call it?”

“Normandy,” replied Dusty. 

“Yeah that!” responded Dash with a snap of her fingers. 

“It was a massive joint operation between U.S. troops and British special forces. It was called Operation Overlord; the air force bombed the shit out of the Nazis that were dug into the beach head, while the British Commandos and U.S. Paratroopers parachuted in behind enemy lines early that morning. Once day light hit the navy began their shelling, and finally the infantry were sent in,” explained Kris.

“Sounds like it was a massive assault,” said Dash. 

“It was a slaughter fest when our men hit the beaches,” said Kris.

“They opened up on us with MG-42’s,” replied Dusty. 

“MG-42’s?” asked Dash, not knowing what the powerful weapon was. 

“Light machine guns, their also known as Hitler’s buzz saw, because of the familiar buzzing sound they produce when fired,” Kris paused for a second, “We had to fight off multiple machine gun nests along with two massive concrete bunkers.” 

“How did you survive?” asked Dash as she got more engrossed in the story. 

“Keep low and keep moving,” replied Kris. 

“Wow… and you both survived?” asked Dash wide eyed.

“Actually, Dusty missed the landing by a day, but Steven and I were there when everything happened,” he said looking at the Lieutenant.

“Wow,” she said dumb founded by the story. 

The three soldiers began to approach a set of double wood doors. Dash opened the doors and stepped inside, followed closely by Kris and Dusty. The room was filled with various different soldiers, consisting of a range of shapes, sizes and colors. All actions stopped when the men stepped inside. Hushed whispers filled the room, but nothing was audible to the two American troopers. 

“Alright, alright everypony get back to doing what you were doing,” hollered Dash. 

Everyone immediately went back to what they were doing, whether it was playing cards, telling stoires or eating a meal. “Here follow me,” said Dash as she gave a following gesture with her hand. Dash walked over to a large opening in the wall, a cook stood on the other side of the opening. She grabbed a tray and stepped out of the way. Kris and Dusty did the same and worked their way down the opening. 

“Hey Lieutenant, how yah doin!?” asked the cook with glee.

“Pretty good, pretty good, hey! I gotta couple of friends here that need a nice warm meal,” she said with a smile. 

“Sure thing,” he looked at the two men confused by their looks but didn’t ponder it long, “Hope you boys like mashed potatoes and gravy?”

“Fine with me,” shrugged Dusty. 

“Hope it tastes better than those fucking C-rations were given,” commented Kris with a happy smile. 

The cook laughed as he took a large ladle full of potatoes and dumped it on the three trays, then he grabbed a ladle full of gravy and covered all three of the white mounds with the warm brown liquid. He steped to the side and grabed a pair of tongs. “Anypony want salad?” he asked, “Or are you two boys to stallion for this?” 

Both Kris and Dusty glanced at each other in confusion at the comment but quickly looked back at the cook.

“At this point I’d eat bark,” said Dusty.

“Hey you’re the cook, and if the military taught me anything, it’s take what you can get,” said Kris. 

The cook let out a light chuckle, “Alright, here you go.” 

He reached out and placed a small amount of the leafy meal onto each of the soldier’s plates. He then grabbed three pieces of bread and placed an individual piece on each of the trays.

“Enjoy boys,” said the happy cook. 

“Will do our best,” joked Kris. 

The three soldiers left the cook and headed for an open table. Both Dusty and Kris noticed that different men kept giving them questionable looks, but they just ignored it. Once they found a large enough opening on a table Dash took a seat, followed by Kris, but Dusty ended up brushing up against a nearby soldier, causing him to drop his fork. 

“HEY!” screamed the huge soldier. 

Dusty turned back to see the large white man rising from the table. He stepped away from the table and stood right in front of Dusty. “You just made me spill my meal!” 

“Hey it was accident man,” replied a calm Dusty. 

By this point everyone in the room was looking at the pair. Kris watched his man while Dash began to worry about what Bulk Biceps would do to the young soldier. 

“Privat-” she began. 

Kris grabbed her hand, cutting her off. She looked down at her hand than up to Kris, who nodded his head left and right. He looked back at the two as an argument began to break out. 

“I should kick your flank right here right now!” spat the large trooper. 

Dusty let out a noticeable chuckle, then it turned into uncontrollable laughter, after a few seconds of his laughing fit, Dusty finally regained his composure. He put his tray down and looked at his massive opponent, “I’d like to see you try,” said a very cocky Dusty while he pointed at the soldier standing in front of him.

“A cocky boy huh?” said the trooper.

They both stood there in silence. 

“Fiiiight!” screamed a male voice from the audience. 

“FIGHTFIGHTFIGHT!” screamed the crowd in unison. 

Everyone in the room stood up and chanted the same word over and over as they pounded the air with their fists. 

“I got fifty bits on Bulk Biceps!” screamed a male voice in the crowd. 

“I’ll put a hundred down and the skinny white boy!” screamed a female voice. 

“I’ll take those bets!” hollered another male voice. 

The crowd began to shuffle as the sounds of placed bets and money filled the room. Dusty took a look around before looking back at his opponent. “Bet you a hundred bucks you won’t last longer than 30 seconds,” said Dusty as he began to crack his knuckles.

“You’re on little boy,” said Bulk Biceps.

Dusty remove his helmet and placed it next to his food. He looked back at his opponent who began to crack his neck and fingers. He gave off a menacing grin that would put Hitler in his place. Dusty just stood there expressionless. 

“You know what little filly, I’ll give one on the house,” said a cocky Bulk Biceps.

“Fine by me,” replied Dusty with a shrug of his shoulders. 

Bulk leaned his head in and gave Dusty a smug smile. “Go for it!” 

Dusty raised his right hand and made a fist right next to Bulk’s head. He brought it back slowly and did a practice punch. Bulk looked at Dusty with a mischievous grin.

‘I’m gonna rip him in half,’ thought Bulk.    

Dusty went for another practice hit, but little did Bulk know that this would be the real attack. Once Dusty’s fist was all the way back, he gave it all he had and aimed right for the soft spot on Bulk’s head. Dusty’s fist hit Bulk like a charging elephant. Bulk’s eyes immediately closed as his body went stiff. His arms convulsed as he fell to the floor, landing hard enough to shake the kitchen wear on the nearby tables. 

Everyone’s jaw, including Dash’s, immediately dropped at the site. Dusty stared at his unconscious opponent. “The Pie sisters had more fight in them,” he said. 

He turned away and walked to his table, where he took a seat and began eating. 

“HOLY CELESTIA! HE KNOCKED OUT BULK BICEPS!” screamed a female voice in utter shock. 

Kris turned back and looked at Dash, “Never piss off a U.S. soldier,” he said.

Kris and Dusty continued to eat; Dash just stared at Dusty with huge, surprised eyes.

“I can’t believe you knocked out my toughest soldier,” she said. 

“Like I said, the Pie sisters put up a better fight,” replied Dusty, as he gave a quick glance to Dash. 

“Second rule of hand to hand combat,” said Kris as he swallowed his potatoes, “Never let your opponent have the first attack.” 

“What’s the first one?” asked Dash out of curiosity.

“Never get into a fist fight with a U.S. soldier,” replied Kris as he glanced up from his meal.

“And never bet against a U.S. soldiers the third,” said Dusty sarcastically. 

Dash sat there silent for a moment, “I’ll keep that in mind,” she said.    
> Retaliation
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	“Sergeant!” 

Kris had enjoyed a full nights rest, the same went for Dusty. Both men hadn’t slept in a real bed in a really long time. Celestia offered them two beds together in one of the castle suites, since all the sleeping tents were filled. Both declined, not wanting to make anyone jealous, or that both men rank much lower than any officer. But when she insisted, they decided to take her up on her offer. 

Both men were pretty glad when they got to sleep in a real bed, and to them, it was softer than anything they’d ever felt. When they fell on the beds, both were out like light bulbs in less than 30 seconds. But their slumber was interrupted when Rainbow Dash came bursting through the door… but that failed to wake them two slumbering men. 

Dash gave Kris a hard shake as she screamed into his face, “SERGEANT!”

His eyes shot open as he grabbed Dash by the throat. Once he realized that the person holding him was Dash and not a Nazi soldier he let her go. “Sorry about that lieutenant.” 

She rubbed her neck before she spoke, “It’s alright sergeant I would have done the same thing.”

Kris sat up, “So what is it?” he asked. 

“We have a situation!” said a panicking Dash.

“What kind of situation?” replied the sergeant. 

“I’ll explain on the way,” said a frantic Dash as she ran for the door. 

Kris threw his helmet on and grabbed his Thompson. He ran up to a still sleeping Dusty. “Dusty… Private wake up!” The sleeping man didn’t respond. Kris looked around to find something to throw at him, his eyes finally rested on Dusty’s helmet. 

The sergeant picked up the olive drab helmet and threw it at the sleeping man. The heavy piece of metal hit him right in the stomach. Dusty’s whole body jerked up as he let out a loud oof. He looked at his squad leader, “What the hell was that for!?” 

“Grab your weapon, we have a situation!” ordered the sergeant. 

Immediately Dusty threw off the sheets and placed his helmet on his head. He ran over and grabbed his M1. Dash, Kris and Dusty left the bedroom and ran as fast as they could through the halls of the castle. 

“Lieutenant what’s going on?” asked Kris in utter confusion. 

“Our troops in the west noticed a train headed straight for Canterlot,” explained Dash. 

“So!?” replied Dusty.

“We weren’t expecting any troop transports or supply drops from Cloudsdale today, we suspect that it’s a civilian transport making an escape from Vanhoover,” said Dash. 

“That’s a bold move for a bunch of civilians,” said Kris. 

“Well, we don’t want to take any chances,” said Dash as the three began to descend a set of stairs. 

Once they hit the bottom, the three troops ran in a dead sprint down the hall, when they reached the front doors of the castle. Dash forced them open as they exited the building. Kris and Dusty headed straight for the jeep. All the troops outside were running around 
frantically, they piled into carriages or began to run to the train station. 

Kris jumped in the driver’s seat while Dusty manned the .50. Dash stopped and noticed the men get in. Immediately she turned around and jumped in the passenger seat. Kris started the jeep and threw it in gear, he pressed on the gas as hard as he could. He jerked the wheel and began to drive down the stone street. 

“Alright lieutenant where are we headed?” asked Kris. 

“Just follow the carriages in front of you!” she said. 

Kris pulled up behind a convoy of carriages, but since the jeep was significantly faster than the bull powered carriages he decided to pass them. He raced pass the lead carriage and pulled far ahead of the convoy. “Lieutenant I need a navigator!” ordered Kris. 

“Two blocks up a head take the next left,” said Dash. 

Kris slowed the jeep just a little as he took the turn. Once he made the turn, Kris raced down the street as he waited for another order. 

“Take the next right,” said Dash. 

Kris did as he was instructed and took the right hand turn. “Just keep going straight,” said Dash as she pointed her finger forward. The three troops raced down the street, the train station began to get bigger. 

The station consisted of nothing but an open awning. It was modified early on in the war to allow mass troop transports and supply trains to load and unload with ease of access. Kris came to a screeching halt before the raised floor of the station. He killed the engine of the jeep and bailed out. “Dusty stay on the .50!” he ordered. 

“Yes sir!” replied the private.

Dash and Kris ran up to the raised floor and straight to the tracks. The sound of hooves and metal began to fill the air as Dash’s forces began to approach. Both Dash and Kris looked down the tracks, in the distance a small dot with thick black smoke began to approach. Dash looked to her troops as they began to stop their carriages. She ran up to the wooded vehicles and began barking orders, “I WANT ALL TROOPS ON POINT!”

Her troops began to jump out of the vehicles and prepared themselves for a fight. Kris ran up next to her, “I WANT ALL TROOPS TO HOLD UP ON THE END OF THE STATION!”

“I DON’T TAKE ORDERS FROM YOU!” barked an angry soldier. 

“DO AS HE SAYS!” screamed an angry Dash, “WE DON’T HAVE TIME TO ARGUE, THAT TRAIN ‘LL BE HERE IN LESS THEN FIVE MINUTES!”

Her troops began to take their places on the outside of the train station. They took their defensive stances as they hid behind their shields, spears at the ready. Once they were in place, they waited for the train to arrive. A sense of uneasiness filled the air, something didn’t feel right and Kris knew it. 

The train grew larger in size as it approached the station. Dash’s troops shuffled in their spots while Kris took up a defensive position behind the front of the jeep, Thompson at the ready. Dash stood behind him and watched the train approach. The brakes on the massive vehicle began to screech loudly as it approached the station. The speeding train came to a crawl as it pulled into the station, once the engine came to the end of the bay it stopped. The door to the first train car opened but nothing came out. Everyone looked at the door and waited for something to step out. 

“I don’t like this,” whispered Kris to Dash. 

She looked at him then back to the door. After a couple of seconds a shadow filled the open door. A small woman appeared, she wore a tattered black dress. She was grey in color with the same colored hair and tail. She was visibly frightened and was hesitant to go any farther. 

She looked Dash right in the eyes, “Please help?”

BOOM! 

A large explosion went off behind the girl; she was immediately engulfed in a mushroom of orange flames and black smoke. The five remaining cars and one engine began to explode in rapid succession; a large black mushroom cloud filled the air as the explosions began to die down. The massive blast immediately knocked everyone off their feet, Dusty fell off the jeep and hit the ground, knocking the wind out of him. Kris fell back and landed onto of Dash as she hit the ground. Kris immediately stood up, Dusty followed close behind. They looked at the carnage in front of them. The train was completely destroyed as a massive fire began to break out. Dash was speechless, but Kris began barking orders. 

“SOMEONE GET THIS FIRE UNDER CONTROL! ALL OTHER TROOPS STAY BACK UNTIL THE FIRES OUT!” 

All pegasi began to take off and grab nearby clouds, they returned and began jumping up and down on the clouds causing them to rain. All other ground troops stayed back until they were given further orders. The water began to fall in buckets as the fire began to become smothered by the water. 

Dash began to walk forward, she was expressionless, she felt nothing but fear, terror, and disbelief. Complete and utter horror filled her mind. Her jaw began to quiver as she fell to her knees; she took a heavy breath before releasing a blood curdling scream. “AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!” 

Kris noticed the blood curdling scream she let out. He ran up to her, while Dusty stood there and watched the two. Kris kneeled in front of her as he placed his gun on the ground. 

He looked her right in the eyes… all he saw was fear and horror.

“Lieutenant!” he screamed. 

She continued to look at the ground with terror filled eyes. 

“Lieutenant!” he grabbed her by the shoulders,” LIEUTENANT!” He began to shake her as he screamed at her some more. “LIEUTENANT! LIETENANT!”

She looked up at him slowly, she blinked few times, but said nothing. “Lieutenant, orders?” barked Kris. 

She continued to look at him, "Their dead,” she mumbled under her breath. 

Kris furrowed his brow. “What?”

“They’re all… dead,” she mumbled.

Kris took a heavy breath as he looked away from her, “This is war lieutenant! And there are casualties in war!” 

She didn’t move or react, she stayed motionless. Kris grabbed his gun and stood up. He looked at Dusty. “Private get her out of here, I’m taking charge!” 

“Yes sir,” replied the young man. 

Dusty ran over to Dash and helped her up, “Come on lieutenant,” he said in a calm tone.

He placed his arms around her and began to walk her back to the jeep. He slowly helped her in the passenger seat, once she was seated Dusty got in the driver’s seat and started the jeep, he pulled away and headed for the castle, leaving his friend behind. 

“GET THIS FUCKING FIRE UNDER CONTROL!” barked Kris. 

A trooper ran up to Kris and looked him in the eye, “WHY SHOULD I TAKE ORDERS FROM YOU!?!”

“DO YOU HAVE ANY BETTER IDEAS!?!” screamed Kris in retaliation, he paused for a second. “Get this fire out or I'll shoot you for being so IGNORANT ,” said the sergeant as he prodded the soldier’s chest with his finger.

The soldier looked at Kris with anger but ran off after a few seconds. Kris went back to giving orders while everyone did their best to contain the fire.

Moral… was at an all-time low.


***


Celestia, Dash and Dusty sat in silence. Once Dusty got Dash to the castle he immediately ran into Celestia. He explained what happened at the station, Celestia was furious but her attention immediately went to Dash. She took her in a warm embrace, taking Dash and Dusty to her private study. They all sat in silence, while Kris and Celestia’s troops did their best to control the fire at the northern train station. 

After a couple hours of silence, the door to Celestia's study opened. Everyone looked at the door to see Shining standing there, but he was looking away. “Here you are sergeant.”

“Thank you, captain,” replied Kris as he walked in the room. 

He grabbed a nearby chair and pulled it over to the three others in the room. He removed his helmet and let it drop to the floor, the heavy piece of metal landed with a good thud. He let out a heavy sigh as he ran his hands through his hair. “Fucking hell,” he mumbled. Kris held his head as he stared at the floor. No one said a word for a few minutes.

He looked up from the floor and let his eyes fall on Dash, “How you holding up lieutenant?” 

She slowly moved her eyes to him, “I… I’m good,” she said disheartened.

He shook his head lightly. “Alright.” 

Silence filled the room yet again. 

“Sergeant… how did everything go?” asked Celestia in a hushed tone. 

Kris began to rub his face, “We got the fire under control… but there were… no survivors.”

“How bad was it sir?” asked Dusty. 

“There were…” Kris paused, “there were at least 200 civilians on that train… and those were the intact bodies we found… who knows how many others there were.” 

“Jesus,” replied a shocked Dusty.

Dash began to cry, ever since this war broke out Dash had only cried twice. The first… was shortly after her first battle when she learned she lost her wing and probably wouldn’t ever fly again, the second… was this. 

“All those innocent ponies,” she mumbled. 

Kris took a heavy breath, “This is war lieutenant… it was never meant to be pretty.”

“Why would Sombra do something like this!?” screamed Dash as tears began to stain her blue fur. 

“Because all’s fair in love and war,” said Dusty.

“Everyone’s a victim in war,” replied Kris.

The room fell silent yet again. 

“What are we going to do now sir?” asked Dusty as he looked to his leader for guidance. 

Kris looked from Dusty to Celestia, “Your majesty?” he asked. 

She looked at Kris, then Dusty, and Dash, then finally back to Kris. “I’ll make plans for a counter assault, we’ll show Sombra that we have no intentions of backing down,” she paused, “We’ll make him pay for what he has done!”

Dusty looked away from Celestia and to Kris. He let out light shoulder shrug. “I’m in.”

“You’re majesty… were willing to help you anyway we can,” said Kris.

“Alright,” replied Celestia, she looked at Dash who had calmed down, “I want you and the Pie’s to meet me in the war room in an hour.”

“Yes your majesty,” replied Dash. 

Celestia looked back at Kris, “Sergeant, since you and your men are so eager to help, I’ll have you join me and Lieutenant Dash tomorrow morning.” 

“Yes your majesty,” Kris looked at Dusty, “you got that private?”

“Yes sir,” replied Dusty. 

“Sergeant, you’re dismissed,” order Celestia. 

Kris grabbed his helmet and rose from his seat, “With all due respect your majesty, my men take orders from me and I take orders from my superiors in the U.S. Army, but with you… I’m willing to make an exception.” He turned and began to leave.

Celestia said nothing.	

Dusty grabbed his rifle and followed close behind his leader. The men left the room and walked down the large marble halls in silence. A few minutes passed until a familiar face rounded the corner. 

“Steven… is that you?” asked Dusty. 

“Guys!” replied and over elated Steven. 

Both men ran to their now healed friend. 

“Damn corporal you look good for a guy that took a windshield to the face,” complimented Kris with a smile. 

Steven laughed at the remark, “Well, I’ve been through worse,” he said sarcastically.

“So what did the doctors do?” asked Kris. 

“They removed that metal and glass in my face, then they did this thing and boom! Here I am good as new!” Steven said happily. 

“I know full well that no one, even you,” Kris pointed his finger, “could have walked away without it causing something,” said Kris. 

“Well…” said Steven hesitantly. 

Kris went from happy to serious, “Well what?” 

Steven clenched his teeth and scrunched his face.

“Corporal what did the doctors say?” asked Kris. 

Steven avoided eye contact with his leader, “They said…” he took a deep breath, “I’m completely blind in my left eye… and partly in my right.” 

Kris shook his head at the response, now he was down a man and had no way of sending him home. 

“Alright corporal, you’re out,” said Kris with a hollow tone. 

“But sir! I belong with you and Dusty!” barked Steven. 

“NOT WHEN YOU CAN’T SEE!” retaliated Kris, “a sniper is no good when he can’t see his target!”

A moment of silence passed. 

“I’m going to talk to Celestia and have you put up somewhere until we either find a way to get you home, or until we win this war, you’re done and that’s final!” said Kris. 

“But sir!” retaliated Steven. 

“That’s an order corporal! I’ll have your ass court marshaled for not following a direct order! You got that!?” ordered Kris forcefully. 

“Yes sir,” replied a depressed and defeated Steven. 

“Go and get yourself a hot meal or something, you might as well make the best of a bad situation,” said Kris. 

Steven just stood there and avoided eye contact with his former leader. 

“Okay,” Kris looked over his shoulder at Dusty, “private you’ve got the night off go enjoy the town or something I really don’t care, just don’t get yourself arrested.” 

“Yes sir, thank you sir,” replied Dusty. 

Kris looked at his former squad mate, and then walked past him, Dusty followed close behind, while Steven stood there in utter silence. Kris didn’t know exactly when Dusty left, he just found himself in a library somewhere in the castle. Kris wasn’t much of a reader but he was stuck in an unknown land, and he was just sucked into a war that was nothing like European theatre. 

He just grabbed a book and sat down, something about magic; he didn’t read the title, he read the first chapter which explained a lot about how this world worked. He read about how that pegasi, or people with wings could fly and interact with the weather, earth ponies, or people without wings or a horn, have immense strength, and finally unicorns or people with horns can use magic. The last part about basic magic spells explained how Celestia was able to take his Thompson so easily. But after he got into the equations and riddles that were used to recreate spells he put the book away and grabbed another one. 

“The Elements of Harmony: A Reference Guide,” he said, he shrugged and took it with him. 

He sat back down in a chair and opened the book. He began to read the story which to him became pretty dark pretty quick. He looked at the words in a loss. “Celestia had a sister?” he said under his breath. The further he read the more he learned about the battle that happened between Celestia and her sister, how she used the Elements of Harmony to defeat her, and how they were lost to time.

“And harmony has been maintained in Equestria ever since,” he said aloud. He began to chuckle at the last sentence, “yeah that’s going well,” he said sarcastically. 

He looked up from the book and took a deep breath, as he looked out the window he noticed how dark it was. He didn’t think he had spent the rest of the afternoon and most of the evening reading, but time flies when you aren’t living in the moment. These last two days had been the quietest… sort of… he’s had. 

He closed the book and placed it back from where he took it and left the library. He eventually made it outside, after asking multiple questions to posted guards on, ‘where is the front door?’ He walked down the street, what he was really looking for was a drink. 

He grabbed the attention of a passing female soldier, “Hey where’s the best place to get a drink around here?” 

“Yeah, just head down the street about two blocks and it’s on your left, the name called the Pony Palace,” she said. 

“Thanks.” 

He left the soldier behind and headed for what he hoped was a bar. He walked the two blocks and stopped in front of a small white building with a wooden sign just above the door. He placed his hand on the door and opened it, stepping inside. The bar was dimly lit and wreaked of booze and cigarette smoke. The place was filled with a majority of Celestia’s troops, many were hammered beyond recognition. Some played poker, others were telling jokes and reminiscing about past battles. Kris spotted an open seat at the bar and went up to it, taking a seat. The bartender walked up to him and placed his hands on the table.

“Never seen a pony like you before,” said the bartender. 

“Well I’m not exactly from here,” replied Kris. 

“Clearly,” said the bartender, “So what’ll it be son?”

Before he said anything he realized that he didn’t have any money, let alone anything that this place would take. 

“You know? I just realized that I don’t have a dime to pay with,” replied Kris with a hint of embarrassment.

“Well that’s not a big deal,” said the bartender with a shrug, “I’ll give you one on the house.” 

“Thanks,” replied Kris. 

He watched as the bartender grabbed a large wood stein and filled it with a light amber beer. He placed it on the table, “Her yah go son.” 

“Thanks,” replied Kris once again. 

The bartender walked away as Kris took his drink and sipped away at it. He just sat a people watched as he sipped away at his, somewhat weak drink. He watched four soldiers play poker, it appeared that the light pink, female pegasus was winning. Because every time a bet was placed she went way high, and most of the time… she was bluffing.

As he watched the game he felt a hand on his shoulder. 

“Never thought I’d see you here,” said a familiar female voice. 

He turned and looked at the owner of the hand. 

“Hey Lieutenant, what are you doing here?” asked Kris. 

“Just thought I’d grab a drink before we move out tomorrow,” said Dash as she took a seat on the stool next to Kris. “Celestia wanted me to find you; we’re headed for Smoky Mountain tomorrow.” 

“I'm glad you're fellin' better... so what’s the plan?” asked Kris as he took a sip of his drink.  

“Celestia wants to take back Vanhoover from Sombra,” replied Dash.

“That’s a bold move,” replied Kris. 

“We can’t afford to give Sombra any ground. If he gets any closer to Clouds Dale or if he gets Las Pegasus, that leaves Canterlot open to attack, or will cut off out supplies that come from those areas,” explained Dash. 

“Well, Dusty and I will be joining you,” said Kris. 

“What about your third man?” asked Dash. 

“A snipers not very good when he can’t see,” replied Kris. 

“I’m sorry to hear that,” said Dash. “Where’s the bartender?” she asked while she began to look around. 

Kris let out a huff, “Beats me,” he began to take a drink. 

The bartender walked around the bar and up to Dash. “Sorry about that, there was something that needed my attention.” he shot a look past Dash. 

Neither Dash no Kris looked. 

“I’ll take a hard cider,” requested Dash. 

“Yes ma’am,” replied the bartender. 

He grabbed a wooden mug and filled it before placing it in front of Dash, who took a rather large gulp of the amber liquid. 

Kris watched her practically down the mug in one gulp, “If you go at that any faster you’re gonna drown,” said Kris sarcastically. 

She placed the mug down on the table and wiped her mouth with her sleeve. “This stuffs the best,” replied Dash. 

Kris grabbed his mug and let out a chuckle before he took a sip, “I’ve had better.” 

“Bullshit,” replied a questionable Dash. 

“I’ll take an American beer over this any day,” replied Kris. 

“I bet I could find a filly that could hold her liquor better than you ever will!” screamed Dash; her frustration began to show. That caught the attention of everyone in the bar. 

“That sounds like a challenge me,” replied Kris with a smile. 

Dash never took her glare off of him, “Bartender, give us your hardest cider.” 

Kris gave her a smug grin, “And a lot of shot glasses.” 

Both soldiers started at each other until someone spoke up. 

“I got 100 bits on the hairless guy!” screamed a female voice. 

Both Kris and Dash looked at the crowd as they began to surround the two soldiers. Dash and Kris looked back at each other with grins as big as their faces. They heard a glass bottle and a stack of shot glasses hit the table. They looked to see the bartender standing there, with a mischievous grin. 

“Good luck,” he said as he leaned back against the counter behind him. 

Kris removed his helmet and gun and placed it on the table. He grabbed the bottle and removed the cork. Dash grabbed two shot glasses and placed them upright on the table, one in front of her, the other in front of Kris. He filled the two glasses with the amber liquid before placing the bottle on the bar. 

“One,” he started. 

“Two,” replied Dash. 

“Three,” the said in unison before taking a drink. 

The crowd began to cheer more and more as the two made it further into their ‘game’. 


***


Twelve shots in and Dash began to become more wobbly in her seat. The alcohol was becoming more and more prevalent in her system. Kris just sat there and watched her. 

“I bet *hic* that you can't make it a baker’s dozen?” said a drunk Dash. 

Kris began to chuckle, he took the small glass and filled it with another shot. He brought the glass to his lips and tilted his head back so he could swallow the liquid. Once he was finished he placed the glass on the table upside down. 

“You’re up,” he said with a smug grin.

Dash’s eyes narrowed, she poured herself her thirteenth shot and took a drink. As she leaned back the stool sat on two legs, causing it to slip out from under her. The crowd began to laugh at the site as she fell on the wood floor. She landed with a good thud but recovered quickly. She placed a hand on the bar and began to pull herself up. 

“Ahhhh *hic* shut up!” she said in a drunken daze. 

She tried to place the glass upside down on the table but began to struggle. Every time she tried to place it right the glass would slip to the side, after the third try, she stopped and did it slowly as she bit her tongue while trying to concentrate. She got it on the fourth try. 

“Ha! Beat that!” she said while trying to get back on her stool. 

Kris poured another drink before downing it without trying. Dash poured yet another shot and downed it, but before she could place the glass she gaged and grabbed her mouth. It was clear to Kris that she was trying not to vomit. 

“You know what lieutenant?” asked Kris as he grabbed the bottle. 

She looked at him. 

“This stuff couldn’t knock out an elephant,” he placed the bottle to his lips and took two large swings of the liquid, before placing it back on the bar. 

Dash’s eyes went wide, she was wasted beyond recognition and yet here sat Kris who didn’t seem fazed. 

“Fourteen shots and you’re wasted,” Kris pointed his finger, “and this wasn’t even enough to get me buzzed,” he said with a chuckle. 

Dash lowered her hands and looked at him, “Okay I don’t *hic* do this often but *hic* I’ll let you win this one. But *hic* I’ll get you next time,” she said.

Kris laughed at the site, “Good luck,” he paused, “Well let’s get you back to the castle,” he said as he rose from his seat and placed his helmet on his head and shouldered his weapon. 

He grabbed her arm and placed it over his shoulder; before they walked away Dash placed some bits on the bar. Once the bill was paid the two headed for door. Kris opened it as he and Dash stepped out into the cool night air. He oriented Dash the right way as the two war heroes headed straight for the castle.            
> Deployment
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	“So Sergeant what do you have in terms of weaponry?” asked Celestia. 

Today was the day Kris and Dusty shipped out with Celestia and her troops to Smokey Mountain. They planned to take back Vanhoover with a vengeance. Celestia had Kris, Dusty, Rainbow, Maud and Pinkie, and finally Shining gathered in the war room. Kris had all his weapons displayed out on the table in front of everyone.  

He pointed at every weapon as he listed them, “We have one Thompson submachine gun with four mags, and one partial. One, M1 Garand with ten bandoliers or 80 rounds, one, 1903 scoped Springfield rifle with 100 hundred rounds. Three Colt 1911 side arms with four mags each, one Mk 2 pineapple grenade, the .50 on the jeep, two M1 bayonets, a trench knife and…” he picked up a shovel, “…a shovel.” He put it back down on the table. 

“So how do we use these weapons?” asked Dash as she lifted the Springfield in the air.   

Kris took it from her, “Dusty and I will be using these,” he put it back on the table, “but as soon as we run out of ammo, they will be no use to us.”

“How come?” asked Celestia. 

“Because they require ammo, and with us being so far away from a resupply, and with you guys lacking firearms as a means for fighting. The ammo will only go so far,” explained Kris. 

“Well I can fix that. Sergeant, how about to hand me one of those ‘ammo’ things you use,” asked Celestia. 

Kris grabbed one of the magazines sitting on the table, “Her you go,” he tossed it to her, which she caught in her magic. 

Celestia closed her eyes and concentrated, next thing Kris new a second mag appeared out of thin air. “There we go,” she levitated both mags to Kris, which he grabbed with both hands. 

“How did you do that?” asked Dusty as he grabbed one of the mags.

“Just a simple duplication spell,” said Celestia. 

“Why don’t we use them on their weapons?” asked Dash, “We’ve seen the damage they can do.”

“Personally I think that’s a bad idea,” said Kris, “if you give these to all of your troops, not only will it give you an unfair advantage in all future conflicts, but what would happen if Sombra got his hands on them?” 

“You have a point there sergeant,” said Celestia. 

Silence filled the air as everyone began to think about other options.

“I’ve got an idea,” said Dusty. 

“Did it hurt?” asked Kris sarcastically. 

“I’m going to ignore that,” Kris chuckled, “if we use these to fight Sombra with you Celestia,” he pointed at her, “will you provide us with ammo?” 

“I don’t see why not,” replied Celestia. 

“And what if we lose our weapons or one of use gets captured or killed?” asked Kris. 

“Well for one sir, I know you have a death grip on that Thompson of yours, and you’d kill anyone else that touches it,” said Dusty, “but yeah I see your point there.” 

“I can solve that issue also sergeant,” said Celestia. 

Her horn began to glow, enveloping all the weapons in her golden aura, then she enveloped Kris and Dusty in her magic. Both men stood there in confusion until the golden aura disappeared. Both men looked at each other, then back to Celestia. 

“What was that about?” asked Kris. 

Celestia looked at Dash, “Lieutenant, grab one of those weapons.” 

“Okay,” said Dash nervously. 

She reached out and reached for one of the guns on the table, once she grabbed one of the pistols she couldn’t lift it. She moved her other hand to the weapon and used every ounce of strength she had to life the small weapon. 

She grunted and moaned before letting go of the weapon, “I can’t your majesty.” 

Celestia looked at Kris, “Sergeant go ahead and take your weapon.” He looked at Dusty, then back to her. 

He reached out and grabbed his Thompson, easily lifting it into the air, “What was that all about?”

“Captain Shining, please step forward,” said Celestia. 

Shining stepped forward, “Yes your majesty?”

She looked at Kris, “Hand him your weapon sergeant.” 

“Okay,” he held his Thompson out. 

Shining wrapped his hands around the weapon, Kris let go, causing the captain to fall to the floor like a sack of potatoes. Kris stepped back in utter surprise, “You okay captain?” 

Shining was pinned to the floor, his hands trapped underneath the gun, “Yeah, just a little surprised.” 

Kris bent over and grabbed his gun before helping the young captain up. “You good?”

“Yes,” Shining looked at Kris, “thank you.”

“Celestia what was that about?” asked Dusty. 

“A special protection spell,” explained Celestia, “we use it when we want to keep high ranked items under close supervision.” 	

“So if anyone other than ourselves tries to take our weapons… they can’t?” asked Kris. 

“That’s correct,” replied Celestia. 

“Jeez there’s a spell for everything,” said Kris as he looked at Dusty.   

“Anyway, sergeant, private,” said Celestia grabbing both men’s attention, “I’m going to put you in a special squad.” 

“With who?” asked Kris. 

“I’m creating a squad with my elite fighters,” said Celestia, “with the loss at Vanhoover we need all the moral we can get. So I decided to put Lieutenant Dash, Captain’s Maud, Pinkie, and Shining, together and I’d like you two stallions to join them.”

“I don’t have a problem with that,” said Kris. 

“As long as we get to kick some ass,” replied Dusty with a smug grin. 

“But your majesty, is putting four or your commanders in one squad the best idea?” asked Kris. 

“These four are my top troopers; I know they can handle themselves in a fight,” she paused, “besides I will be joining you in this endeavor.” 

“What!?”

“You will be taking orders from me,” said Celestia. 

“So let me get this straight,” Kris pointed a finger at her, “you, and your top four commanders are going to walk into a massive battle,” he paused, “and possibly get killed?” 

“That’s the plan!” said Dash with enthusiasm. 

“You know there’s a quote I heard once and it goes like this, ‘Older men declare war. But it is the youth that must fight and die,’” Kris paused, “you are not that older man.” 

“Thank you sergeant… I think,” said Celestia.

“So when do we ship out?” asked Kris. 

“In about one hour,” replied Celestia.

“Alright, private let’s get our gear ready,” said Kris as he looked at Dusty. 

“Got it,” replied Dusty as he reached for his M1. 

Kris was about to ask for help when he remembered what Celestia just did a few minutes earlier. After shouldering the Thompson and Springfield, and Dusty grabbed his rifle, the grenade and the shovel, along with a few mags, the men left the room with Celestia and her officers.   


***


Kris and Dusty stood at the still destroyed train station. The train was still in ruins, and there was no repairing the awning until the train was removed. It was a terrible site for the men, why someone would kill innocent civilians like that, no one knew. Kris and Dusty tinkered with their guns as they waited for the rest of their squad. 

Pinkie and Maud waited nearby as they surveyed the destruction from the previous day. Celestia’s troops were loading a rather large troop transport parked behind the demolished train. It was hard to load gear and equipment without the ramp, but they made do, earth pony strength tends to go a far way in a time of need. 

“Here they come,” said Maud. 

Both Kris and Dusty looked down the street to see three familiar ponies walking down the street, but the fourth face was new. She was pink in color and wore a similar colored dress. Both men noticed how close she walked to Captain Shining; she must have been a girlfriend or sister? Kris shouldered his weapon and approached. Maud, Pinkie and Dusty followed close behind. 

“Sorry for the wait sergeant,” said Celestia. 

“Its fine your majesty, we’re used to waiting,” replied Kris.

“Well let’s get rolling,” said Dash.

“I agree, the quicker we get to the fight the quicker we can get it over,” said Dusty. 

The new squad headed for the train as the last of the troops loaded up. Celestia, Dash, Maud, Pinkie and Dusty stepped on the first car. Kris followed close behind, he was about to step inside when he saw Shining hugging the girl. She looked distraught; she didn’t want to see her man go. 

“Be safe honey,” she said.

“I will,” he said.

He leaned in and gave her a kiss, which she gladly accepted. After a few seconds Shining broke the kiss and hugged her closely. Kris didn’t have a girl back home, but he felt bad for the men that did. She may never see him again. 

Shining released her and approached the train; he passed Kris as he entered the train. Kris looked at him then at the young woman. He smiled; she returned it before approaching Kris.

“Ma’am,” he said with a tip of his helmet. 

“Sergeant,” she said.

“So how can I help you?” he asked. 

“Well first of all, my name is Princess Cadence…” she paused. 

“How can I help you princess?” asked Kris. 

“You are going to be in Shining’s squad… correct?” she asked. 

“Yes your majesty.” 

“I was wondering if… you would keep an eye on my husband,” she said. 

“Ah, so you’re his wife,” he said. 

She nodded. 

“I make no promises, but I’ll do my best,” he said. 

“Thank you sergeant.” 

“You’re welcome,” he said, “good luck your majesty.” He began to board the train, but she grabbed his attention one last time. 

“Sergeant?” 

“Yes?” he looked back at her. 

“Can you keep a secret?” she asked. 

“Sure,” he stepped off the train. 

She leaned into his ear and began to whisper, “I didn’t want to tell Shining this so he wouldn’t worry but… I’m pregnant.” 

Kris looked at her. 

She looked at him with puppy dog eyes, “Please only tell him if you absolutely have to.” 

“I will,” he said. 

“Thank you,” she replied. 

“Good luck your majesty,” he said as he boarded the train. 

“You too,” she hollered. 

Kris walked through the train and joined up with his new squad. They kept doing what they were doing, whether it was talking or looking out the window, except Shining, who looked a little confused. 

“What did my wife want with you?” he asked. 

“She wanted me to watch over you,” replied Kris as he sat down across from Shining, placing his Thompson in the floor. He was making sure to keep his secret a secret. 

“Ah… she does worry about me when I’m gone,” replied Shining. 

“If I had a girl back home I know she would too,” replied Kris. 

“You don’t have a mare back home?” asked Shining. 

“Mare?” … “Oh you mean a girlfriend of wife,” replied Kris, “no I never really had the time to find a girl.” 

“Well maybe I could set you up back in Canterlot,” Shining leaned back in his seat, “my wife is the Princess of love after all.” 

“I didn’t even know that was a title,” said Kris. 

“Yeah well, we have some rather strange customs here in Equestria,” replied Shining. 

“No kidding,” said Kris. He looked at Celestia, “So what’s the plan now?” 

She looked at him, “Once we get Smoky Mountain, I’ll inform you, and the rest of my commanders on the plan,” she said. 

“Well wake me when we get there,” said Kris as leaned back in his chair and crossed his legs. 

While Kris slept, Dusty talked to his new squad mates. They all swapped stories about various battles, family and their countries… well mostly Dusty talked about his country. After a an hour or so train ride the train reached its destination near Smoky Mountain. 

“Sir, were here,” said Dusty as he shook his leader. 

Kris moaned as he sat up and adjusted his helmet, “Already?”  

“Yes sir,” replied Dusty. 

“Alright,” Kris stood up as he grabbed his Thompson off the floor, “let’s get this show rolling.” 

Kris walked over and joined his new squad mates. Dusty followed close behind. 

“Sergeant,” said Celestia as she looked at him.

“Princess,” he replied. 

“Did you enjoy your nap?” asked Celestia. 

“Oddly enough I did,” said Kris. 

“Good,” she looked at the rest of her squad, “alright everypony, gather your gear and lets head for the camp.” 

“Yes your majesty!” replied her commanders in unison as they saluted. 

Kris and Dusty stayed quiet. 

“Good. Now let’s get moving,” ordered Celestia.  

She turned to leave with her new squad in tow. They all walked off the train and walked to a large field filled with canvas green tents. Ponies were frantically running around trying to set more tens and unload the recently parked train. 

Celestia and her squad walked through the mass until they reached a large tent with a sun hanging above the door. The group entered to see three stallions huddled around a large table. One was a pegasus clad in blue and yellow armor, another was a unicorn clad in yellow and white armor, and the third was an earth pony clad in grey armor. The three looked up and snapped to attention.   

“Your majesty!” they all said in unison. 

“At ease,” said Celestia. 

The three soldiers relaxed. 

“So what do have here boys?” asked Celestia as she approached the table. 

Kris stood her right with Dusty next to him. Shining, Dash and the Pie sisters stood to her left as the surrounded the table. 

The unicorn stallion looked at the map, “The town is heavily defended your majesty. Our scouts have reported various different troop movements in the area,” he looked at her, “they know where here.” 

“No surprise there,” said Kris as he looked at the unicorn, “you have what? A battalion here?” 

“Two actually… And you are?” asked the Stallion. 

“Sergeant Kris Rian. 16th Infantry Regiment, First Infantry Division, United States Army,” he said as he put a hand out. 

The unicorn stallion took his hand, “Major Spear, leader of the 2nd Division of the Royal Guard.” 

The two shook hands, “Nice to meet you major,” Kris released his grip and pointed at Dusty, “That’s Private Dusty Cox.” 

Dusty reached out, “Major.” 

“Private,” replied Spear with a hand shake. 

The stallion let go of Dusty’s hand and looked to the earth pony to his right, “This is First Lieutenant Shield, leader of the 4th ground Assualt division,” he looked to his right at the pegasus stallion, “And finally First Lieutenant Sword, leader of the 2nd Arial Assault Division.” He looked back at the group. 

“Good to meet you boys,” said Kris. 

“Nice to meet you too,” said Shield, “now let’s hope you boys can handle yourselves in a fight.”       

“I survived the D-Day invasion. If that can't kill me nothing can,” said Kris with a cocky tone. 

“Son if you live with that mentality you’ll get your head cut off,” said Spear. 

“When I’m from, I’m more worried about a sniper taking my head off,” replied Kris. 

“Anyway!” interrupted Celestia, “We have to take back Vanhoover”

“And how do you intend to do that your majesty?” asked Kris. 

She began to point at the map, “The plan is to attack from the southeast corner of the town and work our way in,” she pointed to the center of the town, “Once we make it to the town center we make a forward assault to the north and retake the town.” 

Kris looked at her with confusion, “You can’t be serious?” 

She looked at him, “I am.” 

“That is a terrible idea,” replied Kris. 

She stood up straight and crossed her arms, “Do you have a better plan?” 

“I do actually,” he looked at the map, “We play a little trick on Sombra.” 

He looked at her, “Go on.” 

He looked back at the map, “We make it look like our plan is to attack from the southeast.” He pointed his finger at the southeastern part of the map, “But,” he pointed to the sky before going back to the map, “we attack from the southwest, get behind his forces and catch them with their pants down. Then when they are distracted you send in the larger force from the front and we surround them from both sides,” he made a circle with his hands on the southeast part of the town. "We encircle them and either kill them off or cause a forced surrender. Then we make a move for the center of town. Once we have the town square we make I final push north."   

Celestia lowered her arms, “that’s not a bad idea.” 

“Now I also suggest that we go in just before dawn. We catch them in their sleep. Slit throats and keep moving, and like I said we either, A. we wipe them out, or B. we cause a forced surrender,” said Kris. 

“And how do we pull this off son?” asked Shield. 

Kris pointed to his new squad. “We go with a small force and move from home to home. Once we reach the main force, we move silently as we pick them off one by one. If we’re spotted watch for a signal and attack, if not be ready to charge by sun up.” 

“That’s so crazy it just might work!” said Spear as he rubbed his chin, “how did you think of that son?” 

“With the way the D-day Invasion went, a forward assault slaughtered us. Flanking and surrounding is a better option,” Kris paused. 

“Well I guess we have our plan,” said Celestia. She looked at the three commanders, “Boys you know what to do. Shield I want you and your best troops with us, Spear, Sword, you and your troops will cover the forward assault.” 

“Yes your majesty!” they replied in unison.     

The three commanders ran out of the tent. 

Kris looked at the map, “This is going to suck without tanks.”

“Well look at the bright side sir,” said Dusty. Kris looked at him, “At least we won’t have Jerrys shooting at us. We have the advantage with our rifles.”

“You got a point there,” he looked at Celestia, “That reminds me your majesty. I suggest you hang on to a mag or round from each of our weapons, because I don’t intend to go back for my mags.” 

“Follow me and we can get ready,” she said. 

“Alright,” replied Kris. 

Celestia looked to her troops, “You’re dismissed.” 

They all saluted in unison, “Yes your majesty!” 

“Get ready for hell,” said Kris. 
> The Vanhoover Counter Assualt
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	“Alright… drop’em,” whispered Kris. 

Both Dusty and Rainbow nodded at each other before quietly walking over and grabbing two sleeping stallions by the mouth and thrusting their blades into their necks. Both stallions eyes shot open at the contact of someone else's touch, but their pleas and warnings went unheard. As their blood spilled from their bodies, their eyes rolled into the backs of their heads before they finally went limp. Dusty and Dash took the now limp bodies and dragged them into a nearby bathroom and closed the door before locking it. Quickly, the two men and one mare left the battered and beaten home and moved onto the next one. 

Celestia and the Pies were fairing quiet well on the other side of the street. Pinkie and Maud snapped the necks of two of Sombras stallions while Celestia dropped her halberd on the neck of a third. Safe to say, that she severed all ties from his head to his body. The trio snuck their way out of the building and headed for the next. 

Outside, Shining, Shield and a small squad took point to watch out for any movement in the area. So far the plan was working well. Sombra’s troops were fast asleep. And since Celestia didn’t have to raise the sun for at least an hour… well, let’s just say they team was making a killing. Things were going smoothly, so far the team of leaders (albeit a sergeant and a private) were clearing houses full of small squads of men. They had cleared up a few blocks of homes since the beginning of the assault. 

Let’s just say it, they were cleaning house.    

Anyway, Celestia and her two commanders promptly left the house they were in and quietly snuck down the dark street and meet up with Shining and Shield. Kris, Dusty, and Rainbow came sneaking out of the house they just cleared and met up with the team of soldiers. 

“Harder head, either way Jerry dead,” whispered Dusty, “Ain’t that right sir?” he asked while looking at Kris. 

“Yes it is,” he looked at his man, “Except these aren’t Jerry’s” 

Dusty looked to the sky and shook his head in agreement before putting his attention back to the group. 

“This is going perfectly!” whispered Shining with confidence. 

“You better shut your mouth captain,” whispered Kris with authority and sarcasm while he looked at the captain, “because you may have just gotten us killed.”  

“Its war son, death is part of the job,” replied Shield. 

“Yeah, but death is bad for my health,” Dusty replied sarcastically. 

“Could we please cut the charade,” Maud said with her monotone voice, “We still have a town to take.” 

“Yeah, I still have a score to settle with Sombra,” Pinkie replied, darkly.

“In time,” said Celestia while looking at the leader, “Right now our job is to take back this town,” she said with authority while looking around the group. 

“Then I suggest we move,” replied Kris. 

“Agreed.” 

With that, the three teams split off yet again. They cleared house after house, clearing them of the plague that is Sombra’s army. It was a bloody forty-five minutes before the teams made it to within two blocks of the amassed front line of Sombra’s forces. Here’s where things get tricky for the teams, with the sun coming up in fifteen minutes, men and troops have begun to stir from their slumber. They began to check times, go to the bathroom, or eat anything they could scrounge up. But for the team, things were looking up.   

Until the familiar roar of a Thompson filled the air. 

“Well shit,” Kris deadpanned while he held his smoking gun and looked at the slumped over body of the now deceased soldier. 

Dusty and Rainbow came running down the hall and into the bedroom and looked at the bullet ridden corpse before looking at Kris. 

He looked at them, “Bastard was in the bathroom, caught him on his way out.” 

“You do realize that you just alerted the entire force?” Dash asked, stating the obvious.

“Yeah I do,” replied Kris with a hint of anger, “Come on, we have to get that flare up!” he order while turning and leaving the room. The trio promptly ran down the stairs of the two story building, through the living room and onto the street. 

Shining, Shield and his men turned to look at the trio as they burst out the front door. 

“What happened?” Shining frantically asked. 

The three ran up to the large squad, “I shot a man!” answered Kris, “Come on, we need to get that flare up!” 

Celestia and the Pie sisters came running out of the home they were in on the left hand side of the street. Celestia wore a face of shock, “What happened!?” she asked frantically. 

“I’ll tell you later!” replied Kris quickly, “Look, we need to alert our force NOW!” 

“You... halt!” ordered a deep male voice. The Elite Squad turned to see a stallion, clad in black armor. 

Without a second thought, Dusty raised his rifle and fired. The tink of the bullet connecting with the helmet filled the air while the back of the stallions head exploded in a mix of blood, brains and metal. There was no walking away from that. He fell to the ground in a heap of metal.  

“Nice shot!” complimented Shield.

“Doesn’t matter! Because here they come!” screamed Dash while pointing past the dead trooper. 

Down the street from the hero’s charged a massive force as they poured out from sides streets. They all held shields and spears. The look of green eye holes in the helmets struck fear in the hearts of everyone. 

Well, everyone but two Americans. 

“Dusty grenade!” barked Kris while tossing the small, pineapple like object. 

Dusty caught the explosive device with one hand before holding it up and pulling the pin with his teeth. Kris did the same with his and the two men held their arms back like major league ball pitchers and prepared to the throw. The massive force made it another twenty feet before the men threw them with all their might. As the two objects left their hands the triggers released with a simultaneous ting. The two objects hovered in the air for what seemed like an eternity before they landed at the feet of the first wave of oncoming troopers. But the incoming force paid them no mind. 

They would come to regret that decision in the next few seconds.   

BOOM! 

The two small devices exploded, sending shrapnel in all directions. Whoever was caught within three feet of the blast was sent flying into the air where they ultimately crashed into their other teammates. Anyone else who was caught within the blast radius was ripped to shreds as the small fragmented pieced of the grenade flew through the air at supersonic speed. 

The mares and stallion with the two men were dumbfounded. Not only did they kill multiple oncoming troops, but they stopped the army as a whole. Soon, the sound of gunfire knocked the hero’s out of their stunned state of mind. Both Kris and Dusty opened fire with their weapons as they shot from the hip, spraying the block with lead. For the few seconds they were firing, multiple soldiers of Sombra’s army soon joined their allies on the ground. 

Through the shock and horror of the slaughter one word was heard, “RETREAT!!!!” ordered a female voice from the center of the enemy force.

The force didn’t hesitate in the slightest. Because they turned tail and ran. Celestia, Dash, Shield, Shining, Maud and Pinkie, and the squad of Shields stallions watched as the massive group ran in fear before they slowly looked at the two men that just caused a massive amount of damage. 

Kris held his Thompson up and slipped the mag out and replaced it with a new one before closing the chamber. Dusty did the same; he grabbed a fresh bandolier and hit the side of his helmet with it to seat the rounds before gliding them into the magazine and smacking the charging handle of the rifle forcefully. 

While Kris cocked his sub-machine gun he said, “You better get that flare up,” he lowered the weapon and looked at slack jawed Celestia, “Because they will be back, and with more men.”  

She shook her head and regained her composer, “I need a couple of minutes to raise the sun!” she answered Celestia.

“We’ll cover you to our fullest your majesty!” said Shining confidently. 

“Go!” she ordered. 

Everyone turned from her and headed down the street after the force with a new sense of confidence. Well, all except two… again.

Kris and Dusty looked at her with raised eye brows. 

“What?” she asked out of confusion.

“You raise the sun?” asked Dusty. 

“Of course… don’t you have somepony raise yours?” 

“No!” replied Kris. 

Celestia let out an annoyed sigh while she grabbed her face with her hand. She looked at the men, “We’ll talk about this later! Right now, we need our troops to attack!” 

“I’ll hold you to that,” replied Kris before he looked at Dusty, “Come on private, we have a battle to win!” 

“Hell yeah!” Dusty replied with ecstatic confidence. 

Both men promptly turned and made their leave down the street. They ran at full force after their squad mates. The faint sounds of swords and shields connecting in the distance as they approached their destination. On the horizon, the faint glow of the suns raised painted the picturesque mountains. As the men ran, they heard a loud and determined chant.

“FOR THE PRINCESS! YEAAAAAAAH!”

The faint roar of a charging army filled the air. 

Dusty looked at Kris, “Here comes our reinforcements!”  

“’Bout time!” replied Kris. 

Both men rounded a corner to see their squad in a fierce battle. But the attention on them began to fade as the Celestial Royal Guard came pouring in from all sides. Shields clanged and swords met. The attacking guard came in like a thundering tank. Anyone that wasn’t knocked off their feet were impaled by spears or swords. 

Both Kris and Dusty charged in head strong. The sound of wood connecting with metal filled the air as the stock of Dusty’s rifle connected with the helmet of an unfortunate soldier. Soldiers fell, both the guard and the dark forces. It was minutes before Celestia herself joined the fight. Throughout the entirety of the battle, two men –with their futuristic weapons and unique finding style- stood at its heart. They showed no fear, no remorse, only determination. 

The fighting felt like hours to every participant, but in reality, it lasted less than ten minutes. Sombra’s troops ultimately fell back and regrouped. They huddled back in fear as they watched one unfortunate soul drop to the ground by Celestia’s halberd. She stepped forward, along with her team of elite fighters. Kris and Dusty both reloaded yet again as they stared down the army. 

Celestia looked back at her gathered troops, “PUSH THEM BACK AND TAKE BACK WHAT IS RIGHTFULLY OURS!” she ordered with a wave of her massive blade. 

Her army raised their weapons high to the sky, “YEEEEEAAAAAAHHHHH!!!” 

She pointed the blade forward, “CHARGE!”  

“RETREAT!” ordered someone from Sombra’s Army. 

From there, it was ever stallion and mare for themselves. Many dropped their weapons to make themselves lighter. Some stood and fought… only to fall to the blades of the guard. Celestia looked at the retreating forces before looking back at her own. 

“Let’s show Sombra what we ponies can really do!”  

“YEAH!!!” 

Celestia lead the charge with Dash, Shining, The Pies, Kris and Dusty following close behind. By now Sombra’s men were in full retreat. Sombra made sure to build his force into an unstoppable, fearless army. But instinct overpowers the will to fight. Like most ponies it took a lot to fight this war, but Celestia was damn sure she would win and retake the Empire. The Guard never felt stronger! The continued to chase the retreating force to the end of Vanhoover. 

But little did they know that Sombra had one last trick up his sleeve. 

The a loud whistling sound similar to a falling artillery shell flying through the air.  	

“Look out!” screamed Kris as he tackled Celestia to the ground. 

Right where they stood a massive explosion ripped into the ground sending dirt and debris in all directions. The same explosion forced Dusty to jump to the left while Dash, Shining and the Pies were knocked backwards to the ground. 

“Come on!” barked Kris as he started to stand up and help Celestia to her hooves. 

She grabbed to halberd and stammered to her hooves as they both made a mad dash for a nearby home. Kris used his shoulder to bust open the door. Both he and Celestia fell inside just before another massive explosion landed just outside the front door. Once again they both scrambled to the feet and took up cover next to one of the many windows.

Kris looked at Celestia, “What the hell was that?” 

“Sombra’s dark mages,” she answered before peeking out the window with one eye, “He’s using my captured unicorn guards to fight against us.” 

“Ouch,” replied Kris as he peered out the window to catch a glimpse of his target. 

“I don’t see anything,” whispered Celestia. 

“Same,” replied Kris. He slowly moved away from the window and to the broken front door where he took a knee and placed the butt of his gun on the floor and held the front stock, “Dusty! You still alive!?” he yelled across the street. 

“I think so!” replied Dusty from inside the opposite building. 

Kris let out a sigh of relief while closing his eyes momentarily, “You see anything!?” 

Kris was risking a lot by screaming like this, but without a radio and Dusty having the only long distance weapon, he had didn’t have very many options. Dash ran up and stood in the door way of the home Dusty was in. She looked at Kris and ran her hand in front of her neck. 

“Dammit,” Kris muttered while looking down and to the side. He looked back at Dash and gestured with his hand for them to keep an eye out. Dash nodded in response before turning back and disappearing from the doorway. Kris crouched his way back and took up cover back in his original position, “Anything?” he asked Celestia. 

“Nothing,” she looked at him, “What do you think Sergeant?”     

He peeked out through the window at the war torn street. There was not much to it. It consisted mainly of two story homes a handful of apartments and a single clock tower where the street came to a ‘T’ intersection.  

Now, he had been shot at multiple times during the war but he knew a few tricks that were used. Since this was a team of mages they needed line of sight to make an effective shot. MG-42 nests need wide open areas to work effectively. So generally, in a town like Vanhoover they would set up on long straight streets with minimal cover. But they could set up anywhere whether it be high or low. But these attacks require time to send. The one that nearly hit him came from above. So it had travel time and arced like an artillery shell. 

Looking up from the street and to the tall buildings his next thought moved to a snipers nest. They like to sit up high where they have a clear field of view and can hit a target at long distances. They prefer to hid in dark and ruined areas full of debris. His focusing  soon stopped at the nearby clock tower on the far end of the street. 

“Your majesty?” he asked not taking his sight away from the tower. She looked at him, “How far can you launch one of your attacks?” 

“About 1000 meters, why?” 

“And how far can the average unicorn do it?” 

“About 400… why?” 

He looked at her, “See that clock tower?” 

She looked back out the window and focused on the clock tower, “Yes.” 

“How far do you think that is?” he asked. 

She looked back at him, “By my guess,” she looked back out the window, “Approximately 300 meters.” 

That was well within the effective range of an M1 Garand. He looked at Celestia, “I have an idea… but you aren’t going to like it.”  


***


After making a mad dash across the street and explaining everything to Dash and Dusty he took a knee at the front door of the two story home and started to prepare himself. He didn’t like what he was about to do but he had to flush that mage out. He knew that he had some leniency by a couple of seconds before the attack hit him. But if this mage was good… he could easily kill the sergeant. 

Dash walked up and placed a hand on his shoulder, “I’d feel better if I did this,” she said sternly but nervously. 

“You have an army to lead lieutenant,” replied Kris, “I’m just a damn grunt. It’s my job to do stupid stuff… besides,” he looked over his shoulder at her, “I’ll be coming back,” he looked forward, “No fucking Nazi can hit me!” he said confidently yet smugly.

“They aren’t Nazis,” Dash deadpanned. 

“I know… Dusty you ready?” 

Dusty finished making the final adjustments to the rear sight of his rifle before took up position next to his window. He rested the front stock on windowsill while doing his best to stay hidden. He focused the sites on the clock tower, “Ready!” 

“Here goes something,” he started to stand up. 

“Wait!” he looked over his shoulder back at Dash. She gave him a light kiss on the cheek which surprised the soldier, “That’s for being brave,” she said with a warm smile. Then she promptly slapped him across the face. 

His head recoiled at the hit, “Ow!” he held his hand to his burning face while he looked at her with shock written all over his face.

“At that’s for being stupid!” she scolded while she balled up her hands into fists at her sides. 

He looked at Dusty who hadn’t taken his eyes off the tower. Dusty heard the slap and knew what Dash’s first sentence was about but didn't want to intrude. He felt his leader’s eyes on him, “Don’t look at me.”

Kris looked forward and ignored the glare that Dash was giving him. He took a deep breath and shook his head side to side quickly, “Here we go.” 

He stood up and ran full force out of the home and headed straight for the clock tower. He didn’t focus on the building. His mind was just putting one foot in front of the other. Dusty kept focus on the tower while Dash and Celestia watched nervously as the man ran at a full sprint down the long street. As he ran a massive explosion behind him caused him to stumble slightly but he kept running. 

Dash tore her gaze away from Kris and looked at Dusty, “Did you see anything?” She nervously asked him.

“No.” 

She looked back out the window and watched as Kris disappeared behind and plum of dirt and dust. For the few seconds he was gone she feared the worst. But as the dust faded she caught him still running head long for the clock tower. Another massive explosion went off, but this time right in front of the young sergeant. He fell flat on his back while letting out a painful ‘oof’. 

“Gotcha.” 

BANG! 

A lone gunshot tore through the eerily quiet streets of Vanhoover. The crashing of a lone body on the hard streets below signaled the success of Kris’ idiotic plan. He slowly stood up and walked over to the body. He noticed that it was a lone unicorn dawned in Sombra’s dark armor. A lone and bleeding bullet hole sat right in the center of the helmet. 

“Took you long enough you bastard,” Kris said with a slight hint of annoyance.    
> Taking Hill 576
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	After the Counter Assault of Vanhoover the Celestial Royal Guard followed Sombra’s retreating forces to Galloping Gorge. Sombras men regrouped at the top of what is now known as Hill 576. The hill in itself is 576 feet tall, mostly barren except for various patches of trees. At the top Sombras men had been reinforcing the hill ever since they made their retreat. Trees were cut to make makeshift barricades and light trenches were created to hide troop movements. This was as close to a bunker as it would ever get. 

At the bottom of the hill, just inside the tree line, Celestia’s guard sat in wait. Many hid behind trees or laid flat on the ground. Well, it wasn’t a calm morning. Sombra’s men had been bombarding the army with magic attacks and arrow barrages. This pinned down the Royal army from attacking further up the hill.

A massive magic attack hit just inside the tree line to Celestia's right flank. The massive explosion launched dirt, debris, and screaming ponies in all directions. Those where weren’t killed laid bleeding from burns and cuts to their bodies. 

Celestia, who laid on the ground between Kris and Dusty, looked at the chaos on the right flank. 

“We can’t stay here!” she looked forward, “We’re getting torn in half!”

Another large explosion went off just in front of them, causing them to put their faces into the dirt while rocks and debris lightly sprinkled their backs. 

“Reminds me of D-Day!” Kris screamed while taking his face out of the dirt. 

“We have to retreat!” Dusty suggested. 

“We can’t let Sombra take back Vanhoover!” retaliated Celestia. 

While the three continued to watch the battlefield, Dash came running up from behind before throwing herself to the ground and crawling up next to Dusty. 

“Any news Lieutenant?” Celestia asked while looking at Dash. 

“They have the hill fortified like a fortress!” she reported. 

Shining Armor, Pinkie and Maud soon joined the team. Laying themselves out on the ground. 

“We have to do something!” Shining screamed. 

A massive explosion to the left flank forced everyone to bury their faces in the ground yet again. 

“Dashie!” Pinkie screamed, her face still buried in the dirt, “Any ideas!?” 

“If I had one we’d be doing it Pinks!” Dash replied out of frustration while lightly lifting her head. 

Kris looked around at the scared army. Those he could see wore faces of terror. Many were praying to whatever god they had in Equestria while others watched the hill nervously. Terror filled the front line. No pony wanted to fight back... they wanted to run.  

“Fuck it,” he mumbled. Kris stood up from his hiding spot and walked out of the tree line, all while he ignored the protests coming from Celestia and the team. He turned and faced the tree line while he started to pace back and forth. “COME ON YOU SPINELESS JELLYFISH!” he screamed at the top of his lungs.

“He’s insane!” Celestia yelled.

“ARE YOU JUST GOING TO SIT AND WALLOW IN THE MUD LIKE PIGS!? OR ARE YOU GOING JUST LAY DOWN AND LET SOMBRA WIN!?! I’LL TAKE THIS ROCK MYSELF IF I HAVE TO!!!” 

Celestia’s troops started to look at each other nervously before looking back at Kris, who seemed totally unfazed by the destruction all around him.  

“If this is insane,” replied Dusty, “Than I don’t ever want to be sane,” he said before standing up. He reached behind his back and pulled his bayonet from its sheath and attached it to the muzzle of his M1 with a light click. He walked up and stood next to Kris who had stopped pacing. “What can I say…” he looked at Kris, “I’m stuck with you.” 

Back in the tree line Dash lowered her head and closed her eyes, “Dammit…” she mumbled before opening her eyes and looking up. Fallowing Dusty's lead she too stood up and joined the young sergeant. “I can’t let you go and get yourself nearly killed… again.”     

Kris chuckled lightly before looking back at the front line with a serious face. He remembered a line when he was storming the Normandy Beach, “TWO TYPES OF MEN ARE STAYING ON THIS HILL! THE DEAD AND THOSE WHO ARE GOING TO DIE! NOW COME ON… AND GET MOVIIIIIIIIING!” 

Dash joined in, “ARE YOU GOING TO LET SOMBRA JUST WALK ALL OVER US!?” 

“COME ON YOU FUCKS!” Dusty screamed, “WE HAVE A WAR TO WIN!” 

Back in the tree line both Pinkie and Maud looked at each and nodded in unison before looking at Shining who also nodded. All three of them stood up and promptly joined the three in the open field. Leaving Celestia behind with her jaw hanging firmly planted on the ground. 

“We’re with your sergeant,” Pinkie said confidently. 

“What do you suggest?” Shining asked. 

“Lieutenant Dash, Captain Pinkie, I want you to take the left flank,” he ordered the two who nodded in response, “Dusty, Captain Maud, take the right,” he ordered while looking at the two. They also nodded before he looked at Shining, “Captain you’re with me! We’re going right up the middle.” 

“Let’s do this! Come on Pinks!” Dash said confidently while taking off to the left flank. 

“Let’s go!” Dusty said confidently before running off to the right flank with Maud in tow. 

Both Shining and Kris turned around and looked up the hill, “TO THE LAST RIG, TO THE LAST BULLET, TO THE LAST MAN… WE FIGHT!!!” Kris screamed at the top of his lungs.

Shining leaned back and looked over his shoulder, “FOR THE PRINCESS… AND EQUESTRIA!!!” he screamed while pointing his spear forward. 

Putting on their best battle cries everyone in the team screamed at the top of their lungs while they ran at full force up the embankment. At the front, leading the charge up the hill, Kris ran at full speed. The flashes of his past battles appeared every time he closed his eyes. Time slowed and reality faded for the young man, the only thing he could think of was himself and the hill he had to conquer! He didn’t even notice the massive army charging in behind him. 

Sombras men fired arrow after arrow and magic attack after magic attack in an attempt to stop the advance. Many arrows connected with armor, glanced off shields, or buried themselves in heads, arms, and torsos. Magic attacks exploded all around launching ponies in all directions. They frantically tried everything they could!  

But the Guard kept advancing. 

The closer Kris advanced, the Dark Army could see the whites of his eyes. A pang of fear shot through the defenders. That stallion… that man… was determined. Time slowed for everyone once Kris made it within ten feet of the wall. Kris slowly raised his Thompson and shouldered and aimed at the soldier in front of him. The eyes of the dark soldier went wide behind his helmet while he looked down the barrel of the gun. 

The soldier soon fell to the ground riddles with bullet holes. 

Kris vaulted the makeshift wood barrier and stood in the open hole. He turned to his left and promptly emptied part of the clip into three unfortunate stallions that were still trying to process what was happening. No one around Kris knew what was happening in the surrounding chaos. Next, Kris let go with his left hand and sprayed from the hip to his right side while holding the gun with his right hand. Shining jumped in behind Kris and bashed an attacking soldier with his shield. 

To their right Maud jumped over the barrier and promptly smashed both fists into the chests of two separate soldiers, collapsing both their rib cages, killing them rather painfully. While she stood up Dusty cold cocked a stallion across the jaw with the butt of his rifle. He then  turned to his left and pushed his rifle forward over the top of Maud while she started to stand up. In unison Dusty shoved the bayonet in the stomach of the attacking stallion while Maud’s fist connected with the helmet of another behind him. She then went after another attacking soldier while Dusty pulled the trigger of his rifle. The back of the soldier’s abdomen exploded and the subsequent blast of the rifle forced the stallion off the bayonet.       	

On the left flank Pinkie forced open a hole while Dash charged in and clashed shields with another dark soldier. Using all her strength she pushed back, forcing the stallion to stumble back. Taking the opening she shoved her spear into the abdomen of the stumbling soldier, bringing him to an end. For the surrounded six soldiers it felt like an eternity.

In reality it was only a few seconds. 

Close behind the massive sound of shields clashing filled the air. Just like Vanhoover swords clanged, shields bashed, and ponies screamed. Gunfire was the only thing that was louder than the angry screams and grunts of ponies. 

During the fight Kris leaned back to back with Shining while he reloaded his weapon. 

“You’ve sure proven your worth Sergeant!” Shining yelled over his shoulder. 

Kris cocked the gun, “You too captain!” he yelled back.

Shining took a knee and hid behind his shield while Kris spun around and sprayed his Thompson over Shining's head, killing the line of four charging troopers. He turned around and pointed the gun at another charging swordspony. The attacker ultimately stopped at the sight of the gun. Kris pulled the trigger. 

Click. 

He turned the gun and looked at the action. It was jammed. Kris panicked and immediately he grabbed the charging handle and started to pull on it with all his strength. The pony in front of him smiled mischievously. While Kris fiddled with the gun the swordspony raised his sword and charged, while letting out a massive battle cry.   

Continuing to struggled with the weapon, Kris pulled harder and harder on the handle while looking between the charging stallion and the gun. He truly believed he was about to die. Once the stallion was within ten feet Kris let out one last grunt as he pulled the handle back, fulling cocking the gun and chambering another round. He lifted gun to his shoulder and prepared to fire. Before the stallion dropped the sword on Kris' head, he watched the right side of the stallions head exploded in a flurry of blood, brains and metal shavings. The stallion landed on the ground with a thud, a massive bleeding bullet hole in the side of his head ended his his reign of terror. 

The sound of a faint gunshot reached Kris’ ears. 

He looked to his right and scanned everything he could lay his eyes on. Soon, he focused on a lone cloud. On it, he made out the silhouette of a kneeling body fiddling with a single weapon.

“I’m gonna kill him,” he said while nodding lightly, “I’m gonna kill him,” he said again while looking to the side.            


***


400 yards away on a lone cloud a single sniper worked the bolt on his 1903 Springfield Sniper Rifle. He shouldered the gun and placed the cross-hairs on the head of another dark stallion and pulled the trigger. The stallions head sprayed blood as the 30-06 caliber bullet ripped through his helmeted head. After another work of the bolt he rested the cross hairs on the stallion that was about to attack Dash from behind and pulled the trigger. In his sights Dash spun around and looked at the corpse. After a second of utter confusion looked to the sky and gave a thumbs up to her guardian angel. He smiled lightly.   

Two more shots rang out; two more bodies fell to the ground… never to move again.

He quickly grabbed five more rounds from his belt and loaded them into the gun before closing the bolt and shouldering the weapon yet again. While he scanned the battlefield for a new target his scoped passed a stallion in dark red and black armor that liked to point a little too much.    

The gunman smirked, “Bastard,” he whispered to himself. 


***


Down on the battlefield a lone commander barking orders fell dead. A phantom gunshot to the head ended everything. In that moment it was as though the entirety of Sombras men focused on their dead leader. Fear immediately took hold. Someone… no… something had killed the stallion. 

And it was after them… after all of them.  

They ran. As fast and as hard as they could. Celestia, the all-powerful ruler of Equestria and the goddess of the sun… had convinced the angle of death himself to watch over her and her army. The dark army once again dropped their shields and spears and ran down the back side of the hill and full speed back to the frozen north. 

Sombra was not going to be pleased with the news. 

As the Royal Guard watched the last of the army make its retreat they celebrated. 

“YEAAAAAAAAAH!!!” 

Both Kris and Dusty smiled widely and high-fived multiple troopers. Pinkie grabbed her sister in one hand and Dusty in the other and smiled happily while Dash grabbed Kris and hugged him. After a couple of seconds her eyes went wide and she let go of him and promtly turned to the right to try and hid her raging blush while rubbing her left arm. 

“Ahem… nice job sergeant,” she complimented nervously. 

Kris chuckled at her antics while Celestia walked up. 

“Sergeant?” she asked. Both Kris and Dash looked at her, “Congratulations on the victory,” she said with a half-smile.      

“Thank you princess.” 

“BUT THAT WAS THE MOST RECKLESS AND IDIOTIC THING I HAVE EVER SEEN IN MY ETERNAL LIFE!!!” she screamed in his face before clearing her throat lightly and taking on her previous normal demeanor. Kris winced slightly but keep his cool after being screamed at by other commanding officers. The entirety of the guard stopped their celebration watched in awe of the arguing princess and the young sergeant.   

He cleared his throat before speaking, “THAN WHY IS MY MAN TAKING POT SHOTS WITHOUT MY PERMISSION!?!” he screamed in her face before clearing his throat again and calming down. 

Before the argument could escalate any further a lone Pegasus landed nearby and ran up to the princess. Everyone looked at the young stallion clad in the famous blue Wonderbolt armor.  

“Your… maj... asty!” he said between heaving breaths, “I… have… Important news!” he said urgently. 

“Calm down private,” she suggested, “Deep breaths.” 

The stallion took multiple deep breaths before having calmed down enough to speak, “We have a situation! It’s been confirmed that Sombra is making a massive push toward Manehattan!”

Celestia's eyes went wide, “What type of numbers are expecting?” she frantically asked. 

“Legions!” replied the stallion, “More than five! That’s all we know!” 

“Major Spear, First Lieutenant Shield, First Lieutenant Sword, front and CENTER!!!” Celestia screamed at the top of her lungs.

The sound of three different clangs of armor on the silent hill were the only sounds as the leaders ran through the standing army. After a few seconds all three of them stood at attention in front of Celestia. The three stallions were bruised and battered, their once clean armor was scratched and dented, but otherwise the stallions were unharmed. 

“Yes your majesty!” they said all in unison. 

“You boys think you can take it from here?”  she politely asked.   

“Of course your majesty,” Spear answered before looking to his friends with a confident half smirk.

“Thank you,” Celestia praised with a slight nod. She looked at her now gathered team, “Girls-“ 

“Ahem!” interrupted Kris. 

“And boys… move out! We’re headed for Manehattan!” 

Dash, Shining, and the Pie sisters started to walk behind Celestia as they headed to the bottom of Hill 576. Kris shouldered his gun while Dusty removed his bayonet before they started walking. Kris took a step, only to have a hand fall on his shoulder. He turned around and looked at Major Spear.

“How can I help you Major?” he asked. 

Spear stuck his hand out, “We want to thank you sergeant… for everything.”

Kris took the Majors hand, “We’re just doing or job Major,” he said while shaking the unicorns hand.

“I don’t think running up a hill head long into the enemy was the way to go at it,” Spear joked while the two let go of each-others hands. 

“I stormed a beach that was so heavily defended the waters ran red with blood. It’s my job to run head long into to the enemy,” Kris answered truthfully. 

“Well… thank you anyway sergeant.” 

“You’re welcome major.”

After many thank you’s and handshakes, Kris and Dusty finally made it to the bottom of Hill 576 and boarded the military train stationed nearby and headed straight for Canterlot before finally heading off to Manehattan. Everyone except Celestia promptly fell asleep in the nearest chair or couch.

They deserved it.  


***


In the Crystal Empire the sound of Sombra's pacing filled the tense air while one of his generals and his lieutenant stood nearby, helmet-less. Both the stallion general and lieutenant mare were shaking in their metallic armor. Anyone could tell they were scared even if they did have a decent poker-face running. Now, most ponies were generally nervous around Sombra, but he was always –somewhat- cool headed. But right here, right now…

Sombra was furious. 

He stopped his pacing and looked at his general with fire in his eyes.

The young crystal pony general stiffed up so hard that it would take a wrecking ball to brake him. He closed his eyes and attempted to control his quivering lip.     

“Tell me general,” Sombra said darkly while walking closer to the stallion, “Why did an entire army… retreat like little fillies?”

The general gulped, “I-I do not know my liege,” the stallion replied nervously, “We had Vanhoover!” 

“That does not explain why we lost it,” Sombra replied with eerie calmness. 

“They came like shadows my lord,” the mare interjected, “we didn’t even know they were there until they were right on top of us!” 

“And how did you not know general?” Sombra asked, “I thought that whorse and her pathetic army were under watch?”

“They were my liege! But… reports say that Celestia, along with a small team of guards and her top lieutenants went from home to home and slit the throats of sleeping soldiers!” 

Sombra let out an annoyed huff. This was something he had never seen from that whorse! Not once did she ever execute a plan like this. She always led the charge herself and always went in head first. Much like her defense of Vanhoover, she should have lost thousands of ponies! 

“My lord?” the mare asked, knocking Sombra out of his thoughts, “It would appear that we… have a situation.” 

“...Go on.” 

“Uh… many of the Vanhoover defenders… talked about these,” she rolled her hand in thought, “fur-less ponies. They wore no armor but a simple green helmet and carried these… magic weapons that roared like dragons and killed anypony that it was unfortunate enough to get in the way,” she paused, “It seems that Celestia somehow pulled these… things from somewhere.” 

“Where?” Sombra asked. 

“We do not know my lord,” the mare replied while placing her hand behind her back. 

“Rah!” Sombra huffed angrily while turning around, his red cap floating in the air momentarily, “Anything else?” he asked over his shoulder. 

“Uhm… there is the… Angel of Death my lord.” He turned around and faced the mare with a look of confusion, “During the strong hold Commander Stonewall was killed by an unknown force. No pony saw anyone near him. He just well… fell dead… from nothing.” 

Sombra looked between the two while he crossed his arms. His eyes narrow slightly while the rest of his face was stern. To the two leaders, the next few second felt like an eternity. The dark king’s eyes landed on the young stallion. 

“You have failed me for the last time general,” Sombra said ominously. 

“I’m sorry my-”

Crack!

“EEP!” the mare screamed while curling up in a ball on one hoof. 

Sombras horn stopped glowing while he looked down at the body of the dead stallion, his neck clearly broken. Somba slowly glanced up at the mare. She quickly regained her composer and snapped to attention. 

“Do not fail me… General.” 

“Of course not my lord, thank you my lord!” 

Sombra placed his hands behind his back and held them together before turning around and walking back to his throne, “You leave for Manehattan tomorrow! Do not fail me," he said grimly. 

“Of course not my lord!” replied the mare before running out of the throne room.   
> Manehattan 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	The familiar roar of the Willies Jeep engine filled the air as it raced down one of the many streets of Manehattan. Dusty shifted gears while Kris swiveled the massive .50 caliber machine gun and opened fire at anything he could. 

“They’re everywhere!” Dusty screamed over the gun fire and roar of the engine.

“Just shut up and drive!” 

The fight in Manehattan at this point was a lost cause. Sombra brought ten legions or 8000 stallions and mares, with another supposed three or four on the way to reinforce the attacking 8000. The defending 2000 Guard were slaughtered. Celestia ordered an immediate retreat from the city. The plan was to pullout and head straight for Fillydelphia. Where they would set up a front line and plane for the next attack. In the chaos of the retreat it was everyone for themselves. Celestia and Dash took to the skies while they carried Shining, Maud, and Pinkie. Kris and Dusty had made a mad dash for the jeep and floored it once they were in. 

In the confusion of the retreat Sombra’s troops took the advantage and bled into the many streets of the massive city. They hunted down everypony they could. Stallions were killed, unicorns were captured and mares were taken as slaves for the dark king and his men. 

For them, death would have been a better option. 

All Kris and Dusty could do was stick to a southern direction and aim for Fillydephia. Currently, with arrows and spears flying past them they were having a hard time sticking to that direction. The jeep’s tires screeched as Dusty made a hard left turn onto one of the many different streets that populate the city. 

Kris stopped firing while he leaned over the gun in an attempt to not fall off the back of the vehicle.

He went back to his original stance and started shooting again. 

“Watch it you shithead!”

“Just shut up and keep shooting!” 

Kris grumbled while he continued to swivel the gun left and right. The massive .50 caliber rounds blew holes in the street and any unfortunate wall, sending small pieces of debris in all directions. Those that connected with bodies tore through the armor and flesh, thus bringing the attacker to their knees, and ultimately… the ground. 

Ten dark soldiers poured out from two alleyways and formed a single line of armor in front of the jeep. Dusty jerked the wheel to the left, causing Kris to yet again fall onto of the gun. He once again shared his ‘concerns’ with the young driver. The men continued to race through the ever growing maze of streets. 

Another large squad poured out in front of the jeep, prompting Dusty to force the wheel hard to the left. Right when he made the turn a massive explosion went off behind them, causing the vehicle to violently lurch upward, throwing Kris into the air. He flailed his arms around in a failed attempt to correct himself. The jeep continued forward while Kris landed face first onto the ground, causing him to bounce and roll. He let out a pain filled moan once he stopped while Dusty pushed the brake into the floor. 

He looked over his shoulder at his fallen teammate, “Sir, GET UP!”       

Kris moaned before propping himself up on his elbows and shaking his throbbing head. In that moment he thought he was hit by a truck with how bad his body was screaming in pain. Even through the adrenaline rush he was feeling the pain. But he had to buck up and ignore the pain until he had the time to address it. He quickly pushed himself to his feet and headed for the jeep. When Dusty saw Kris pull himself to his feet, he grabbed his rifle and started shooting from the driver’s seat. Dark troopers charged the park jeep while Dusty picked them off as best as he could. 

Kris ran full force toward the jeep. Just before he reached it he saw a flash of red out the corner of his left eye. A massive explosion sent him flying backwards while the jeep violently lurched forward with Dusty splayed over the steering wheel while Kris landed ass first on the hard surface of the Manehattan street. The downed soldier looked up to see a massive stone wall separating him from his only means of escape. 

“I want him alive!” 

Kris looked left in the direction of the voice to see a white unicorn mare in Sombra;/'s dark armor and holding a staff lowering her arm while several soldiers poured out from behind her. His eyes went wide before he turned to the side, stood up and ran. Drawing his pistol, he screamed, “DUSTY, GO!” he screamed before turning back and shooting behind himself. One wild round struck a stallion in the head, killing him instantly. 

Within second he reached the first building in his way. He stopped firing while using his shoulder to bust the door in. He stumbled for a second before stopping and quickly examining the hallway. The hallway in itself was the usual bland white with black and white tiles on the floor and multiple doors on each side.  

“Get him!” 

Looking down the hall, Kris focused on a small light sign that said ‘STAIRS’. Making a run for it his attention was on the stair and only the stairs. The sounds off metal on tile filled the tense air. Once he reached the door he placed his left hand on the handle and looked at the charging group. Five large stallions carrying shields, spears and swords were hell-bent on his capture. He raised the pistol and pulled the trigger. 

Only for nothing to happen. 

He looked at the empty gun before cursing and opening the door. Taking two steps at a time he climbed as fast as he could. He rounded the first corner and up to the first floor. Behind him the sounds of metal clanging and griping ponies could be heard. Once he reached the second floor he stopped in front of the door and pulled out a grenade. He held it in his left hand and pulled the pin with a free finger from his right. He leaned around the concrete wall in the stairwell and threw the grenade. It tinked on the concrete floor while it bounced down the stairs. 

BOOM!

Screams of agony and surprise are heard as the squad is torn to pieces in the stairwell. Once Kris reached the third floor he opened the door and ran down the hallway to what he hoped was a second stairwell… and an escape. To his relief there was. Reaching another door, he practically ripped it off its hinges before he made a mad dash down the stairs. Once he made it back to the first floor he stopped at the door and reloaded his weapon. After closing the slide, he slowly peered out of the tiny crack he made when he opened the door. Upon seeing nothing he acted bold enough to open the door fully and slip out. Heading in the opposite direction he came in he ran through the tall office building before coming up on an emergency exit door. 

He quietly slipped through it and out into one of the many alleyways. Sneaking his way over to a nearby dumpster he took up cover behind it. Peeking out from his hiding spot he looked at the small section of street. 

Nothing. 

Then again all he could see was a small, fifteen-foot section. He slowly crawled out from his hide-y hole and up against the building he just came out from and walked up to the corner. Peeking around it with one eye he looked down the long strip of asphalt. Down the way many Dark troops barked orders pointed in random directions or chased after civilians caught in the open. Taking a deep breath, he maned up and ran full sprint across the street and into the adjacent alleyway. 

It was hours of hide and seek for Kris. He slipped through alleyways to dodge patrols. At one point he was even forced to hide in a parked carriage. Through the expansive maze of streets, buildings, and alleyways he was utterly lost. The only directions he knew at this point was sky is up and dirt is down. He was sore, hungry, and exhausted and darkness began to fall. He had to find a better hiding place than some rat infested dumpster behind a Hayburger. 

Looking out around another corner the street lights illuminated the way. After looking both ways and seeing nothing he made a run for what looked like an apartment complex across the street. He slowly opened the door and slipped inside. He walked down the long hallway that was populated by bland, brown doors, trying each and every one of the them. Upon reaching the end he headed up. 

The last thing he wanted to do was bash a door in, which in turn would cause a lot of noise and leave a massive target on his back if the building was being patrolled. He checked every floor to see if he could get lucky. But the only thing he ran into were empty halls and locked doors. Upon reaching the tenth floor of the thirty he opened the door and slipped into the hallway. He checked the door across from the stairs.              

Locked.

He continued checking every other door until he heard the sound of rattling keys, causing him to freeze in his tracks. He slowly worked his way to an intersection in the hallway and peeked around the corner. To his amazement about nine doors down, he saw a long mare nervously jingling her keys in an attempt to open her apartment door. With his pistol raised he slowly approached her. When he was about halfway to her she dropped her keys and grumbled in anger. 

She quickly bent down, grabbed them and worked the key into the lock. She let out a sigh of relief and a, “Finally,” before turning the knob and opening the door. Before she stepped inside Kris grabbed her by the back of the neck and put his gun to her head. She started to panic when she felt a forceful hand grab her and start to push. 

“Don’t scream!” he ordered quietly while pushing the mare inside. 

Once they were in the apartment, he shoved her, causing her to stumble inside before she regained her footing. Kris pulled the keys from the knob, looked back outside for any followers, and closed the door before locking it. He turned back and pointed his gun at the mare. She stiffened up and stood stock still. They locked eyes. Hers were full of fear while he examined her.     

She had a horn on top of her head, making her a unicorn, was white in color, had a purple mane that was matted from sweat, she had light blue eyes and wore a black jumpsuit designed for working. He walked up to her, pushed her out of the way and into the main room of the apartment. 

It was a rather basic two room, one bath. On the far wall sat a lone couch with a coffee table right in front of it. Two chairs sat to the left of the bedroom door. On the left hand side was the kitchen area, complimented with a sink, fridge, a stove, a single table with two chairs and the occasion lamp sitting on a small table. Off to the right sat a door that lead to a bedroom and behind him and to the right sat the bathroom. Kris walked up to the window and looked down at the street level. 

Upon seeing nothing he grabbed the curtains and forcefully closed them before turning back to the mare, who hadn’t moved out of fear. They just watched each other.

“What…” she gulped, “Are you going to do to me?” she asked nervously. 

“Nothing,” replied Kris. The mare let out a sigh of relief. He looked around for a second before finding the couch and taking a seat. 

“Excuse me?” the mare huffed, “Did I say you could sit there?” she crossed her arms. 

He rolled his eyes before leaning forward and placing his elbows on his knees and letting the gun dangle loosely in his right hand. 

“I’ve been running for hours,” he leaned back and winced a little when he lazily laid his arms on top of the couch back, “And now I’m stuck here.” 

“Well, you could at least clean yourself off before sitting on my couch!” she scolded. 

He scoffed, “What I wouldn’t do for a shower,” he said before moaning while his faced scrunched in pain. 

The white mare cocked her head slightly and furrowed he brow slightly, “Are you okay?” 

“Just fell out of the back of a jeep at thirty miles an hour, landed flat on my face, and ran like hell,” he said rather nonchalantly, “Yeah, just a normal day in the military.” 

“You’re in the guard?” 

“Transfer… from out of state,” he joked. 

The mare quickly took a seat in a nearby chair, “Do you know the princess?” she asked with interest. 

“Yes.” 

“Ha!” she gasped, “What is she like!? Is she everything ponies say she is!?” she asked with the biggest grin. 

“You mean a stuck up bitch?” he asked with a small, mischievous grin.   

The mares smile changed to shock, “Don’t you dare talk about the princess like that!” she shot back, angrily. 

“I’m kidding,” he chuckled back, “Celestia is good fighter... ohhh… my side,” he moaned out while grabbing his left side with his right hand, which still held his service pistol. 

“Let me see,” the mare said while getting out of her chair. 

He let go of his side and leaned to the right while raising his left arm for her to give access for examination. She sat down on the couch and slowly lifted the dirty field uniform. She gasped when she saw the long red and bloody mark. It was starting to bruise. She slowly lowered his shirt while he lowered his left arm. 

“I believe I have something in the bathroom,” she said before getting up and running off to the bathroom. A few seconds later she came running back in with a small white box with a red cross on it. 

“Shirt off please,” she politely asked.   

Kris holstered his pistol in the leather holder before removing his helmet and placing it on the coffee table. He grabbed the bottom of his shirt before lifting it over his head. He sported a large bruise on his chest along with various scrapes. The mare opened the box, pulled out a small brown bottle and a clean rag. 

“This is going to sting darling,” she warned. 

He took a deep breath while she reached out rather slowly. A little to slow for anyone. 

“Wait,” she stopped and looked up at him. He popped the magazine out of his pistol and dropped a round in his left hand before sliding the mag back into the gun. He placed the round in his mouth and bit down on it, “Okay,” he said through his open mouth. 

She reached out again and started to wipe him down from his collar bone down. He winced and bit down on the bullet at the contact of the alcohol covered swab on his first open wound.

“I’m sorry darling,” the mare apologized, “But it’s this or a very serious infection,” she glanced up at him, “So… what is your name?” 

“Kish.”

“Kish?” the mare repeated, “That’s a strange name.” 

He ‘nah-ah’d’ while shaking his head before taking the bullet out of him mouth momentarily, “Kris. Sergeant Kris Rian, United States First Infantry Division, 16th Infantry REGIMENT!” he said the last word painfully and rapidly when the mare wiped down a rather large scrape. 

“United States? Where is that?” 

“Far from HERE!” he said the last word through clenched teeth while his faced winced in agony. 

“Well I must say that I have never seen a pony like you before,” she said while dabbing the rag with more alcohol.

They continued to exchange small talk while she dressed his wounds. Once she was done she placed sterile gauze one each cut and held them in place with white bandage tape. He leaned back against the couch and thanked her for her service. She gave him a happy “You’re welcome” before closing up the first aid kit. He carefully leaned forward and grabbed his service shirt when the mare came walking out of the bathroom.     

“What are you doing!” she screamed. 

He froze and looked at the mare, “Putting my shirt back on?” 

“No you are not!” 

He placed his hands on his knees, “And why not?” 

“It’s filthy! I mean look at it!?” she said while holding both hands out at the dirty and matted field uniform. She walked over and grabbed the shirt off the table, “I will give this a proper wash!” 

“And what am I supposed to do?” 

“I will grab you a clean set!” she said happily. 

He leaned back against the couch once again, “Well… thanks… for everything.” 

“You are most welcome,” the mare said while heading for her bedroom. 

Before she reached the door he called out to her. 

“Hey?” she stopped and turned to look at him over her shoulder, “I never got your name.” 

“Rarity,” she said with a small smile, “Rarity Belle.” 


***


Kris sat at the kitchen table with a glass of milk in his hand while Rarity cleaned the dishes. She hummed a light tune to herself while he absentmindedly sipped from his cup. She was nice enough to make him a meal earlier. He felt a little uneasy when she offered. But that immediately changed when she insisted and wouldn't take no for an answer. He was just glad to have a full stomach.    

KNOCK! KNOCK! KNOCK! 

Rarity stopped cleaning the plate she had in her hand and looked at the door while Kris immediately shot up causing the wood chair he was in to slide backwards. They looked at each other with worry in their eyes before Rarity placed the plate she was cleaning and the sponge she was holding into the sink while Kris drew his gun from his holster. She quickly wiped her hands down on a towel while Kris checked the gun before taking up cover in front of the bathroom. 

He leaned out a little with his gun at the ready. They shared one last nervous glance when Rarity walked past him. Once she reached the door she took a deep breath to compose herself and looked through the peep hole. She let out a sigh of relief before looking back at Kris. 

“It’s okay.”

She undid the lock and opened the door while Kris lowered the gun and stepped out. Once the door was fully open Rarity greeted the two ponies and quickly ushered them inside before closing the door and locking it. 

“Oh Rarity, it’s good to see that you’re safe,” the first mare said in a sweet and relieved tone. 

“Fluttershy, Coco, I’m glad to see you!” Rarity said happily, “But what are you doing here? Its dangerous outside!” 

“Oh, well,” the second mare started, “We just wanted to make sure you were safe.” 

“That was a bad idea,” Kris said taking a step out from his hiding spot. Both mares screamed in terror at the new voice and ‘stallion’ standing in Rarity’s apartment, “The place is filled with Sombra’s men. And from what I have seen… no one is safe.” 

The first mare, a butter yellow pegasus with pink hair wore a sold khaki work uniform and had her hair tied up under a desert camo bandana. She also had a pair of scissors dangling from her right hip. Next to her stood an earth pony. She was light amber in color and sported a two tone, light cyan mane. She wore a simple white shirt and a light purple skirt. 

“Uh… who,” the yellow mare gulped nervously, “A-Are you?” 

“Uh, Fluttershy,” Rarity started, causing both mares to look at their friend, “This is Sergeant Kris Rian of the Royal Guard. He is my guest for the night.” 

Fluttershy looked at Kris, “You’re with the guard?” 

The room went silent while he glaned between the three mares, “… Sure,” he said before turning back and heading back to the kitchen table and grabbing his milk in his left hand and tossing his pistol on the table. 

Fluttershy and Rarity shared an apprehensive glance before looking back at the man in the adjacent room. 

“Please, make yourselves at home,” Rarity offered.  

The three walked into the room while Kris adjusted the seat he was previously sitting in and went back to his drink. The three mares took up seats in the living area. Rarity and Fluttershy sat on the couch while Coco sat in a nearby chair. 

“Flutershy, darling, how are you doing?” Rarity asked. 

“I’m good… well… at least I was until Sombra invaded,” she glanced at the human sitting a few feet away, “So… he’s with the guard?” she whispered into Rarity’s ear. 

“Yes.” 

“He is an odd looking pony to be in the Solar Guard.” 

“I heard that!” 

Rarity giggled, “Relax darling,” she said while waiving a dismissive hand at Kris before turning back to her yellow friend, “He calls himself a human. He hails from a place called Deadwood, South Dakota in the United States of America.”

“Where is that?” Fluttershy asked. 

“He didn’t say.” 

For the next couple hours, the girls chatted and asked Kris the occasional question. He cleaned his pistol and sharpened his trench knife with a sharpening rod Rarity had for her kitchen set. He –and Rarity- were glad that he was able to have his first shower in weeks. Rarity even cleaned his clothes for him. At right around eleven at night everyone went to bed. Rarity took her bed and set out a few extra sheets for her guests. She didn’t feel safe having two of her closest friends leaving late at night with rogue patrols in the streets. Rarity took her bed, Fluttershy took the couch and Kris and Coco slept on the carpeted floor. 

At right around midnight Coco opened one eye and surveyed the dark room. On the couch Fluttershy snored softly and nearby on the floor Kris was out like a light bulb. She slowly slipped out from under her borrowed sheet and slowly headed for the door. Once she reached it she slowly opened it and slipped out into the hallway before quietly closing the door behind herself. 


***


THUMP! THUMP! THUMP!

Kris’ eyes slowly opened at the sound of thumping. 

THUMP! THUMP! THUMP!

He propped himself up on an elbow while Fluttershy sat up on the couch rubbing her eyes while they both looked at the door. Three more bangs came from the door. Immediately both of them pushed their sheets away while Kris scrambled to his feet while Fluttershy stood up and headed straight for Rarity’s room. A few seconds later Rarity walked out in a simple night gown. Kris slipped his helmet on and headed for the corner he first hid behind while Rarity and Fluttershy headed for the door. Rarity peeped through the hole while Fluttershy stood close behind her. 

“Oh no!” Rarity panicked before looking back at Kris with a panicked look, “Hide!” 

THUMP! THUMP! THUMP! 

“Open up!” a deep male voice said on the other side of the door.

Rarity ran back to Kris while he slipped into the bathroom. 

“Stay here and lock the door!” 

He nodded in response before closing the door, locking it and drawing his pistol and aiming it at the door. Rarity ran back to the door and composed herself before opening the door. She put on a fake smile. 

“How may I-”

“Enough!” A stallion clad in Sombra’s dark armor and holding a shield and a spear said before pushing Rarity to the side and walking in with two more stallions in tow that wore the same type of armor. Fluttershy simply stepped out of the way when they entered. All three stallions walked into the main room and started to look around. 

“Nice place,” the first stallion said before looking at Rarity, “We were told that you are harboring a wanted stallion… is he here?”    

Rarity mentally panicked, “A wanted stallion?” he played ignorant, “Is he with the guard?” 

The other two stallions walked up and stood on each side of the first, “Yes he is.” 

“What does he look like?” 

“Furless,” replied the stallion to the right of the first one, “Green helmet, olive drab colored outfit. You seen him?” 

“I cannot say that I have,” Rarity lied, “I would think that a furless pony would be easy to spot.” 

“Then you wouldn’t mind if we looked around?” the first stallion asked.

Rarity started to sweat and panic more internally, “Of course not.”

The first stallion motioned for the stallion on his left to head for the bedroom. The stallion in question nodded before heading to Rarity’s room. The first stallion them motioned for him to go to the left while the first stallion looked at Rarity and smirked. 

Rarity internally vomited. 

She knew that look from many stallions that would hit on her outside of bars or at work. The last thing she wanted was one of these ‘guys’ to hit on here in the middle of the night. She gave him a bemused look that he didn’t seem to pick up on. 

“So,” he started while slowly approaching Rarity with a stupid half smirk, “When the sun comes up… why don’t you and me get something good to eat?” 

“I’m sorry but my coltfriend would way otherwise,” she lied. 

The stallion stopped his approach before he furrowed his brow angrily, “Oh please…” he started walking again, “You and I know both know that I am ten times the stallion your coltfriend will ever be. Besides,” he held up his spear, “If you’ll be mine… I’ll let him live.” 

‘Kill me…' Rarity mentally deadpanned. 

Just then a loud clunk was heard causing both Rarity and the stallion to look in the direction of the noise. It came from the bathroom. The stallion looked back at Rarity while she looked at him nervously.

“I thought you said there was no one else here?” 

“There isn’t!” she panicked, “It’s just me and my friend.” 

The stallion walked over to the bathroom door and placed a hand on the handle. He giggled it and quickly found that it was locked. He let go and looked at Rarity suspiciously. 

“Who’s in here?” 

“N-no one!” Rarity stuttered before clearing her throat, “That’s just my cat Opal. She probably knocked over some of my cleaning supplies,” Rarity lied. 

Since the war broke out she was forced to move to Manehattan to help with the war effort to produce the necessary clothing that would be ultimately used by the Royal Guard. When she left she was forced give away her cat Opalescence because she could not afford to take care of her. 

“Then why is the door locked?” 

“She learned to open it. So I have been forced to lock it.” 

“Open it,” he ordered. 

“I’d rather not," Rarity stalled further, "It’s hard enough as it is to get her in there! I don’t want to chase her around the place again!” 

The stallion nodded before turning and taking a few steps back. He quickly rushed the door before kicking it in with his right hoof. The lock exploded from the frame as it violently imploded into the bathroom, causing both girls to “Eep’d” and curled up into balls.   


***


Inside, Kris stood in the bathtub. He kept mentally slapping himself for knocking over that bottle of shampoo. Just outside he could hear the muffled voices of Rarity and an unknown male voice. When the door knob rattled he tensed up. He was caught and he knew it. The muffled voices continued until Rarity went quiet. 

A few seconds later the door exploded causing him to cover his face with both arms. 

Immediately he raised his pistol and locked eyes with the stallion that had abruptly entered his hide-y hole. The stallion growled when he locked eyes with Kris. He was in the process of screaming “Hey!” when three gunshots rang out. All three found their mark in the stallion’s torso. He fell backwards while Kris climbed out of the bathtub and to the doorway. 

When Kris stepped out of the bathroom he stepped over the body at his feet and turned the right. The stallion in the bedroom just made it to the door when he froze. Kris planted three shots into his chest, causing the young stallion to fall back in a pool of blood. Kris turned to the left to take out the final enemy. Before he could get off the final shot he was tackled by the third stallion into the bedroom. The attack caused Kris to put the final bullet through the wall and drop the gun. 

The stallion didn’t stop moving until he reached the bed. Both guys fell onto the soft mattress. The stallion landed on top of Kris and started punching his viciously. In an attempt to protect his face, Kris held his arms up close to it. When he saw an opening in the endless onslaught, Kris grabbed the stallion by the shoulders and head-butted him with his steal helmet. The stallion reeled back allowing Kris to throw a hard punch. The stallion fell off the bed. 

The stallion quickly rose to his hooves just as Kris threw a mean right hook. Stepping to the side the stallion grabbed Kris’ arm and spun him around before throwing the young man at the small table to the right of the bed, causing the lamp on the stand to fall to the floor. The stallion walked over, bent down and turned Kris so that he was on his back before he wrapped his hands around the Americans neck.     

“I’m going to kill you for killing my friends!” the stallion screamed into Kris’ face. 

He wrapped his hands around the stallion’s wrists as his life force was slowly being sucked out of him. His face winced while he grit his teeth. Kris’ vision began to blur and his head started to feel heavy. He knew that if he didn’t do anything he was going to die. Glancing around he frantically looked for anything he could use as a weapon. 

His eyes fell on the fallen lamp. 

He quickly reached out with his right hand and grabbed the lamp before bashing it onto the left hand side of the stallion’s head, causing it to shatter on impact. The stallion immediately let go of the young man’s neck and landed against the bed. Kris quickly stood up and kneed the stallion in the side of the head. The downed stallion whipped around and grab Kris by the leg and stood up causing Kris to fall flat on his ass while the dark soldier rose to his feet. 

He kicked the stallion in the crotch with his free leg, causing the stallion to release him, moan in agony and grab is prized ‘jewels’. Kris rolled onto his stomach before propping himself up with his hands and running into the living area of the apartment. He turned back to face the bedroom as the stallion stumbled in and placed his right hand on the doorway. 

“That was a dirty move!” the stallion spat. 

Kris was breathing heavily, “All’s fair in love and war!” 

The stallion let go of his support and took two steps before standing up straight and drawing his sword from his left hip, “Now… you die!” 

Kris quickly reached across his body and wrapped his fingers in the guard of his trench knife before drawing it in a backwards carry and holding it close to his chest and taking a defensive stance. The stallion let out his battle cry while he charged Kris. Making a stabbing motion Kris stepped to the side which caused the stallion to miss. Kris forced the knife downward and into the open spot of the stallion’s arm guard and his back plate.

The stallion screamed in agony at the feeling of literally being stabbed in the back. Kris removed the blade just as fast as he pushed it in. The stallion stumbled to the kitchen table and used it as support. The stallion pushed himself off the table and raised the blade over his head. Just before he reached Kris, the young man dropped to one knee and sliced at the opening in the stallion’s armor at the knee. Forcing the stallion to miss his attack and stumble to the other side of the room before falling to one knee. 

Kris stood up before he faced the stallion while he swallowed the excess saliva in his mouth while the stallion furiously looked over his shoulder at the young American. The stallion slowly rose to his hooves and slowly faced his opponent fully. The stallion went for another forward stab. Again Kris stepped to the side, but this time he wrapped his left arm around the top of the stallions and held onto it while he slipped his blade across his enemy’s wrist, forcing the stallion to drop the blade. He then used the built in brass knuckles to uppercut the stallion under his helmet. 

The stallions head reeled backwards causing him to stumble while Kris released his arm. The assault wasn’t done though. Kris grabbed the stallion by the neck, which caused the stallion to grab his wrist. Using the last of his energy reserves, Kris pushed the stallion onto the far wall punching him with the knuckles of the knife all the way. Once they reached the wall, Kris gave three hard punches before pulling the blade up next to his head. 

With a hard thrust he brought the blade forward and buried it into the stallion left temple.          

The stallion’s hands let go of Kris’ wrist and hung loosely at his sides. The sound of metal on metal was heard as the blade was pulled out of the stallion’s skull. Once the blade was release his head went limp while Kris let go of the stallion, who promptly slide down the wall to the floor in a dead heap.

He started at the body in front of him, “Rarity!?” he said loudly before scanning the room he was standing in. On the other side of the couch two pairs of pony ears appeared before two separate pairs of eyes peered over the couch. Both looked at Kris before looking at the dead stallion at his feet. Both pairs went wide.  

“Oh my!” Fluttershy said before running out from her hiding spot while holding her mouth shut. She ran up to the kitchen sink where she promptly emptied her stomach. Rarity covered her muzzle with both hands while she surveyed the battlefront that was her apartment.

“Wait!” she said in realization, “Where’s Coco!?” said asked before standing up and frantically looking around the room to find her missing friend.  

Fluttershy lifted her head from the sink and wiped her mouth with her sleeve while she looked over her shoulder while Kris slowly looked around for the missing mare. Rarity started to run around and search her home as fast as she could while yelling for her missing friend. Within seconds Coco appeared in the room from the entry hallway. 

“Miss Rarity!” she said out of breath. 

From the bedroom Rarity heard her name and came running out. She stopped at the door and looked around for a second before finding her friend. She ran up and gave her a big hug. 

“Coco!” Rarity leaned back while still holding her friend by her biceps, “What happened where did you go!?” 

“I-I…” Kris walked over with his head hung low while he gave her a suspicious look. 

“You…” he said darkly, “You brought them here.” 

Rarity looked at her friend in shock, “Coco… you didn’t?” 

“I-I” Coco started, panicking. 

Rarity let go of her friend, “Why?” 

Coco looked at the floor in shame, “I thought that- GAK!” 

She stopped her excuse when Kris wrapped his left hand around her throat and forced her in the wall behind her. Rarity and Fluttershy both covered their muzzles at the fierce act of violence. Coco gagged and grabbed his wrist. Her eyes widened when he lifted the blood soaked knife to her throat. 

“I should kill you for that!” Kris screamed into the retrained mares face. 

“Please!” she choked out. 

“Shut up!” he screamed while lifting her up off her hooves a few inches, “You nearly got me fucking killed!” 

“I… I’m sorry!” she gagged out. 

“Sorry doesn’t cut it!” he said coldly before slowly pulling the blade across her neck.

“Stop!” Kris stop pulling and looked over his shoulder. 

Rarity stood nearby with her hands to her chest while Fluttershy stood a foot behind her with her hands to her muzzle. Both of them had tears in their eyes. 

“Please,” Rarity pleaded, “She didn’t know any better,” Rarity’s pleaded expression changed to anger and disappointment while she looked at Coco, “Right Coco?” 

Coco nodded as best as she could with Kris’ hand still wrapped around her neck, “I… I just thought that Sombra would give us leniency if I turned him in… Do you know what would happen if they knew we harbored a Solar Guard?” she swallowed hard, “They would kill us… or worse…” 

Kris dropped the mare and glared at her, “You’re a god damn traitor… you know that?” 

Coco rubbed her sore throat, “Wouldn’t you or your neighbor do the same thing if your country was invaded?” she tried to fight back.     

“No… Americans stand by each other… and besides,” he turned to face Rarity, “No one would be stupid enough to attack,” he said before walking past her sheathing his knife, and over the pistol that sat on the floor. 

Both Fluttershy and Rarity watched him while he walked by, “How so?” Rarity asked while Kris was bending over to grab his pistol. 

He stood up and started to load the gun, “There’s a gun behind every blade of grass,” he said before closing the slide and holstering the weapon. He walked past the girls and headed for the door. Before he reached it he stopped at Coco and gave her a fierce and disapproving glare. He turned and looked at Rarity, “Miss Rarity, thank you for your hospitality and I’m sorry for the mess.” 

He started walking toward the door.

“Wait!” Rarity called out, causing Kris stopped and turned to face the mare, “Can we come with you?” 

“That’s not the best idea,” he replied. 

“Well…” Fluttershy jumped in, “She can’t stay here.” 

Kris pursed his lips outward and wiggled them. Fluttershy was right. Rarity’s home was torn to pieces and currently contained three dead soldiers. But taking three mares in a town full of patrols would make him a bigger target then he already is. His hands were tied. Yes, he agreed to care for these people but he had his own life to watch after. 

“Five minutes,” he said, “You have five minutes to gather any essentials you need… otherwise I’m leaving without you.” 

Rarity beamed a large smile and gave out a quick “Thank you!” before running off. She ran around the apartment as fast as she could while she gathered as much as she could into a single backpack. Most of it was beauty supplies, which Kris protested against. But Rarity “Had to look her best in a bad situation!” 

She slipped the backpack over her shoulders while she fast walked up to Kris, “Okay… ready!” 

“Okay,” Kris whispered before looking at Fluttershy, “You too?” 

“Please?” she barely whispered out. 

“Hope you have everything you need? Because I’m not stopping once we leave this place.” 

Fluttershy, like Rarity, lived in a small apartment. She owned nothing of any importance and was forced to get rid of her bunny rabbit Angel to her parents in Cloudsdale. She was willing to leave her place behind for the safety of the Guard. 

“I’m good,” she replied. 

Kris looked at Coco, “You’re staying.” 

She just looked at the floor in shame and disappointment. 

“Please,” Rarity pleaded, causing Kris to look at her, “I know she messed up but she is still our friend.” 

He looked back at Coco, “Try that stunt again,” he drew his pistol and held it up, “And I will plant you a traitor.” 

“Coco,” Rarity said softly yet sweetly, “Do as he says… and we’ll be out of here… okay?” she said while placing her hand on Coco’s bicep. 

Coco looked up and lightly nodded at her friend. Rarity looked at Kris and gave him a nod of approval. He hesitantly nodded in return before turning toward the door and stepping out while pointing his gun to the left before turning the right and aiming the weapon down the hallway. He lowered the weapon and motioned for the girls to follow with his left hand. Once they reached the first floor. They slipped out into the darkness of the early morning darkness with Kris leading the way.