March 1946. Germany is close to victory. A young recruit at Castle Wolfenstein finds something he would never expect
March 1946. With Germany close to victory and the allied forces close to defeat, a young German soldier finds a lost ghost filly. Can he help her and protect her from harm?
Helmut Neumann was on his post at Castle Wolfenstein. He was a fresh recruit. Inexperienced and young. He was just 18 years old. He still lived with his mother in Wulfburg. His father died in a terrible accident when Helmut was younger. The young soldier was a friend of children, friendly and polite, and not aggressive as other soldiers.
Germany was close to victory. Helmut was glad that the war was about to end. But like his mother he did not like the Regime. All he wanted was a happy life.
Since Castle Wolfenstein was near Wulfburg, his Commander, Bernd Richter, managed to give him a post near his hometown. Bernd was Helmut’s friend since they were kids.
“Hey buddy, how’s going?” Bernd asked him.
“Great. It’s just sometimes it would be nice if something exciting would happen.”
“You’re right. We could need something like that.”
As god could hear their wish, an Alarm went off. “Intruder alert! All available soldiers to the Research Centre!”
“The Centre is not far from our position. Let’s go!”
Just when they arrived, they saw Rudi Jäger, the muscular Prison Warden of Castle Wolfenstein, with his dog and two knocked out men in German uniforms held by a Super soldier. One of the knocked out intruders had blond hair and was muscular as Jäger, the other one had a normal nody build and brown hair. “Herr Jäger, is everything alright?” Bernd asked.
“Everything is under control, return to your post.”
"Yes, Sir!”
On their way back Helmut asked, “Can you remind me why we joined the Paranormal Division again?”
“Can’t remember. But I joined them because I like history just like you. And the history about King Otto is interesting if you ask me.”
“Right. Wait, do you hear that?”
They heard a voice of a child calling for her mother and praying for the safety of her friend. It was in German.
“Poor kid. We should look after it.”
“Go ahead Helmut; you’re the friend of kids.”
They followed the voice to some creates. The calling turned into sobbing and whimpering. “Hello?” Helmut asked with concern in his voice.
After a few seconds they heard the child say, “P-please don’t hurt me. I beg you.” It was heartbreaking.
“We won’t hurt you, I promise.” Bernd did not want to scare the child more as it was already. Slowly a shadow came out behind the crates. Both men were confused to see a pony with grey coat with a magnifying glass on it and a light blonde mane with lighter orange highlights. Both men were even more confused by the yellow glowing eyes.
Before they could process this, the filly tried to walk to them with tear filled eyes, but was about to lose her balance. Helmut saw this and caught the filly before it fell.
Both men liked animals and Helmut liked children. He saw that the filly was exhausted from something.
“Save your strength.”
“Thank you mister…”
“Helmut Neumann. And this is my friend and Commander Bernd Richter.”
"My name is Ruby.”
“Ruby. A cute name for a cute filly like you.” Helmut wiped a tear out of her eye.
“Thank you.”
“We should take her to the crew quarters so she can rest.”
“Good idea.”
“Can I ask where I am?”
“You are in Castle Wolfenstein in Germany. Today we have the 15th march 1946. We are humans.” If Ruby wasn’t a ghost her eyes would went wide.
“Humans? My mommy read me bedtime stories about humans. They were fascinating.”
The Crew quarters were empty. Helmut put her gently down into one of the beds. “There you go, sweetheart.”
“Thanks. If I can ask, what is this on your cap, Bernd?” She asked the officer with black hair and green eyes.
“This is a headset. It is attached to my peaked cap and allows me to call for backup. And this on Helmut’s back is a lightning conductor. We have a weapon called the Baltic Eye. This lightning conductor has the function to keep him from being shocked by the Baltic Eye's electrical cannon. The Baltic Eye is not used here, but those packs are standard equipment for our Soldiers.”
“How did you end up here?” Ruby’s eyes began to water. Bernd and Helmut knew instantly that this would not be easy for her.
“I used to live in a town called Sunny Town. It was isolated and we had rarely visitors. All the ponies in the town were superstitious, except me and my mother Mitta. Our language is called English, but the magic allows us to understand other languages, for me it’s still like English while for you its sounds like German.
A Stallion named Grey hoof was in charge of the town. I had a great life, until… I earned my Cutie Mark. It represents the special talent of a pony. And It turns out I’m good in finding things.
Nopony in our Town had ever seen a Cutie Mark. The only knowledge we had was a plague called Cutie Pox. It forces Ponies to do things what the marks showed.
But I wasn’t affected by it. Still everypony was afraid and said I had the mark and the curse.” Ruby started so sob but Helmut started to rub her back to comfort her like a good father would.
“The town was infested by the Cutie pox generations ago. But the fear that it would return was still here.”
Like the Plague in the Middle Ages. Helmut and Bernd had already sympathy for her.
“I still remember the day as it was yesterday. Grey Hoof was planning a party. He always liked it to plan parties. Before the party started, I heard how a Stallion named Roneo lost his gift he wanted to give to his marefriend Starlet. After I found it, I felt my Cutie Mark appear. After this the ponies panicked. Grey Hoof wanted me to leave but I wasn’t ready to go out in an unknown world.”
“Understandable. It’s hard to step into an unknown world.”
“I know, Bernd. My mother pleaded Grey Hoof to find another solution. His solution was to end the ‘curse’ by killing the one who caused it.”
Bernd and Helmut couldn’t believe what they heard. “In panic I hid in my house. My mother tried to defend me, but the other pony’s made her watch. They all…” Ruby broke out in tears.
“Shh, it’s alright you don’t need to tell us.” Helmet hugged her.
“Thanks, I needed that. After I died, I found myself in the forest. It was strange to be dead but still be able to feel like I was still alive. After I returned, the Town was not the same Town I used to know. Everything was dark and the Pony’s including my mother… …They were dead...except...they weren’t. They were skinless, fleshless, skeletal and charred, but they were still walking, still...searching. For the mark. Something...something terrible happened to them for what they’d done...And no matter what, they just kept on hunting.” At that point, Helmut and Bernd could fell their jaws drop.
“So I decided to not return to my former home. But one Day a filly came into the forest and followed me. I accidentally leaded her into the Town. After she was chased by the deceased residents of Sunny town who also were Zombies for some reason, I helped her to find a way out. After that I landed here. I can only pray that she is safe.”
“Sounds like you have been through a lot. But don’t worry, you are safe with us.”
“Oh, thank you!” Ruby returned the hug. “But if you’re Soldiers, does that mean you are at War?”
“Well, yes.” Bernd explained how the war began and how Germany was close to victory. Ruby lowered her ears.
“This is terrible.”
“But true. I’m sure that this war will be over soon.”
“I don’t feel so well.” Ruby was dizzy. Helmet gave her his canteen.
“Here, drink this. You should rest after your action.”
“Thanks.” While Ruby drank some water, a marksman walked in.
“Hey, what’s up Helmut? Who’s this?” Hans was also a friend of Helmut and Bernd.
“What I will tell you will not leave this room, is this clear?”
“Yes, Sir.” Bernd told Hans how they found Ruby. Hans also had sympathy for her.
“You poor girl. Don’t worry, we will protect you.”
“Your helmet looks so strange.”
“I know. I am a Marksman. I fight enemies over a long distance. For this task we are armed with the Bombenschuss bolt action rifle. The scope can be swing over for close combat. The rifle has a 5 round magazine. My helmet has a built in zoom function, just in case when no scope is available."
“Interesting. And what kind of weapon are you using, Helmut?”
“I use the Assault rifle 46-T. It has a 30 round magazine and can be fired fully automatic or in 3 Round bursts. Standard equipment for every Soldier. And this,” he pointed to Bernd’s Handgun, “Is the standard Sidearm for officers, the Handgun 1946. But I also have one.” He pointed to his holster. “You know, where I live in Wulfburg, my mother makes very good pretzels. I am sure you would love it.”
Before Ruby could answer she heard a growl. Greta barked at her but Helmet stood protective in front of her. “Greta. Heel.” Rudi Jäger walked in. “What’s the matter, Greta?” He spotted Ruby. “Another intruder?”
“No, no. This is my daughter…Anna. Since I had no time to look for someone to watch over her, I took her to work,” Helmut explained.
“If you say so. Hold it.” Ruby was afraid of Greta. “Wulfburg? So you’re a Wulfburger?”
“Yes. Eh, a… 'pretzel‘.” Ruby was nervous. Rudi laughed. The soldiers laughed too and so did Ruby for no reason.
“Funny guy. ‘Pretzel’. A good joke.” Jäger waved at her to get closer. “Like those stupid Americans say! ‘Hot dog!’ They’ll see when we take over. You can be proud of your father for his service for the Fatherland.” He patted her right foreleg. “A cute Costume I must say. I hope you enjoy your stay. But now, I need to look after the prisoners. Carry on.” He left, Greta close behind. He didn’t notice Ruby’s glowing eyes.
“Anna?”
“Reckon I had to say something Hans.”
“Who was this man?” Ruby was still a little bit shaken.
“That was Rudi Jäger, Helga’s second in command. I hear he feeds his dogs with prisoners from the castle’s dungeon. But we won’t let end you like this, I promise.” Bernd patted her back.
“Oh, I forgot, I will be needed in the cellar. See you later.” Hans left.
Ruby tried to stand up. “Better Ruby?”
"Much better.”
“What about I show you my home when my shift is over?”
“Good idea.” None of them knew that they were watched by an escaped prisoner.
To kill the time, Helmut and Bernd showed Ruby the castle, and told her everything they knew about it, king Otto and who Helga von Schabbs was. Ruby showed great interest.
A Super Soldier crossed their way. He pointed his MG 46 at her but lowered it as Bernd said that she was a visitor.
“This was a Super Soldier. Created by General Strasse himself. After the human subjects are going through a chemical therapy, their bodies are surgically enhanced with steel and cybernetics and encased in bullet-proof armor. To purify the human subject's killer instinct, its brain is degenerated into a more primitive state, making them erratic and extremely violent. This variant has no internal batteries and needs either a wired connection that provides them with energy or a power source on his back. I don’t know how they can be controlled. This version is also a stupid idea. The Super Soldiers we had in 1943 were better than these guys if you ask me,” Helmut explained.
“Okay. They just look scary.” Ruby was a little afraid of them.
They walked to the cellar. They heard how Hans had a conversation with a Soldier.
“So, I was laying in bed next to this girl and…”
"Lying.”
“What?”
“You were lying in bed. Not laying.”
“Laying, Lying. What’s the difference?”
"You lay eggs. You lie in bed. I assume you’re not a bird, are you?”
“Do you want to hear the Story or not?”
“It’s important to speak correctly.”
“Why do you always have to pick on everyone’s grammar?”
"Because I believe in preserving the purity of our beautiful language. Lest we descend into barbarism.”
“Well, I’m not telling the story now.”
“I’m just saying, if we…“
“Keep quiet.”
Ruby giggled, “This reminds me of my father. He died shortly after I was born... I didn’t really know him all too well... but my mother always told me how he corrected others.”
“My father also died when I was young. I’m sure my mother would like to meet you.”
A creak filled the room, the wood in the castle had seen better days. "Is this normal?" Ruby asked slightly worried, fearing that something could collaspe.
"Completly normal. This Castle was bulit in the middle ages, so it's very common to hear the wood creak here." The Marksman explained.
The Creaking did not stop, it grew more intensive, like something was about to gave out.
"Are you really sure about that?" The creaking made the filly nervous.
Suddenly the ground began to collapse, sending Ruby with a scream into the lower catacombs. “Ruby!” Helmut looked down worried. ”Is there another way down?”
"Yes Helmut, come with me, move it!” Hans said.
Ruby drowned as she had never learned to swim. But she felt how someone dragged her out of the water.
“Are you alright?” a bare-chested man asked her.
“I’m fine. Who are you?”
"William J. Blazkowicz, US military.”
”Ruby.”
“I need to find a friend of mine. Can you help?”
“Why should I? How can I trust you?” Ruby didn’t trust B.J.
“I saved you from drowning. So I saved your life.”
“Okay I get it. I’m really good at finding things so this should be no problem.”
They walked through the catacombs until B.J stopped. “You wait here. I will take care of this.”
“What do you mean? “ Ruby asked, as suddently, a small object flew by, a hiss next to her ears, followed by serveral more hisses.
“Open fire!” a Soldier shouted. B.J. returned fire with his Assault rifle. After a short firefight, he looked after Ruby. She was covering her ears.
“Damn, was this loud!”
“I know. Let’s move.”
She heard B.J. mumbling, “Don’t worry, Wesley. I will get you out of here, and then we will meet Kessler in the tavern.”
“So that's your friends name.”
“Yes. And Kessler is our contact in the village.”
After a few minutes they reached the upper catacombs. “Do you hear that Radio chatter?”
“Yes. Bernd explained that this is coming from his Headset.”
“Stay low and quiet. I take the commanders out. If they spot me, things will get very difficult.”
B.J. drew a Handgun from his holster and put a silencer on it.
“Sounds like the commanders are above us.”
“I can hear them too, Ruby.”
She stayed on cover while B.J. took them out. After that, he signaled her to come out.
They came to a cat walk. Ruby spotted something. “Hey, is this a scope?” She pointed with a hoof at it.
“Yes. Could be useful.” B.J. put the scope on his rifle.
A loud sound ringed in Ruby's ears, followed by a metallic sound as something it the metallic floor, causing the pony to yelp, jumping back in surprise and fear. “Where did that come from?!” The American shouted alerted, looking from where the shot had come from.
“From the tower over there!” Ruby shouted as she saw a glint from it.. Before the Marksman could fire another shot, he was killed by B.J. with a headshot, causing the Marksman to fall off the tower. He used a lever to open the entrance to the castle. “Now we can go in. Wesley should be in there.”
But as they stepped in, a Super Soldier on a balcony spotted them. He jumped down and fired at them. Ruby quickly got to cover. B.J. saw the power source, a blue "Ball" pulsing with electricity on the Super soldier's back and fired at it. Due suffering significant damage, the power-pack shut temporarily down, causing the Super Soldier to drop in his knees, giving B.J. a chance to take him out. He took his pipe to remove the chest plate after the Soldier was disabled, revealing his heart.
Again he fired at the power source until the Super Soldier dropped again on his knees. After this was done, he destroyed the heart of the Super Soldier by ramming his pipe into it. Ruby saw steam came out of the Soldier, he stumbled before dropping on his knees. He exploded. She had to throw up after she saw the remainings of the Super Soldier, armor parts, blood, bones and organs were left in a bloody mess.
“Sorry. Not used to something like this.”
“It’s alright.” In a control room B.J. used a switch to open a gate. An alarm sounded. “Stay here until I cleared the area.”
“Yes, B.J.” Ruby was covering her ears from the screams and shots, and hoped that Helmut wasn’t one of the soldiers who were killed by B.J. when the alarm stopped. Above a kitchen, they overheard a conversation.
“Feels like Jäger has been torturing that Englishman for hours in the theatre now, he still hasn’t talked.”
“I know. Never seen anything like that. Everyone crumbles to Jäger.”
“What if he actually doesn’t know anything?”
“Well, then he should make something up! I know what Jäger is capable of. I’ve seen it. He can drag out the pain forever without actually killing a man. I think…He’s a little bit crazy.”
“Yeah. I’ve never seen anyone so attached to his dog as he is.” “Should continue this conversation over a beer at the tavern after our shift.”
“I’m short on cash at the moment.”
“Don’t worry. I just tell that stupid bartender Kessler to put it on my tab. Then I never pay him back.”
The soldiers laughed. “Right! Carry on!”
While the American took the commanders out, Ruby stared into the fireplace as she could saw herself into it, until B.J. tapped her shoulder. “Everything alright?”
“What? Oh, just lost in thoughts.” She replied.
Three moved to a room where a soldier looked over a fireplace. “Wasn’t this fireplace supposed to be fixed last week? Damn, incompetent idiots not doing their jobs properly.”
“Sounds like a typical regime soldier,” B.J. whispered before killing him by smashing him against the fireplace.
“Just for your information: Helmut is NOT a typical soldier but a caring young man.”
“I know Ruby, didn’t mean to hurt Helmut’s dignity.” As he saw a skull; he couldn’t help but to imitate Shakespeare. “Helmut, Poor Ruby.” He chuckled as he laid it down but it fell from the table. “Oops.” He picked it up and putted it back on the table. Ruby had to suppress a giggle.
They came into a Library. B.J. took the guards out while Ruby waited. They saw a portrait of King Otto. “There appears to be a room on the other Side.”
Ruby looked around until she saw something that looked like a key. “That a key? Mister Blazkowicz, I think I found something.” She showed him the key.
He put the key into the lock and the portrait moved to the side. “This castle has a lot of secrets. You’re really good at findings things. And Blazkowicz or B.J. is just fine.” He patted her mane.
Ruby blushed. “Thank you.”
They found Wesley in the anatomical theater. Before Ruby could go, the door closed preventing her to follow B.J. She tried to open it but to no avail.
After a while she heard a message. “Attention all guards. I want every goddamned one of you to assault the anatomical theater. There is a filthy rat on the run in there and I want him squished, right now! Move it!” An Alarm went off. She heard Gunshots.
After a while, there was silence. Before she could do anything, she was knocked out.
She awoke when someone splashed ice cold water in her face. “You are alright there?” A male voice asked. Then he gently putted her head up. “Ah, I was a little bit worried we had lost you. Maybe you can help me. One of my men saw you with the escaped prisoner.” Ruby whimpered a little and trembled in fear. Her interrogator had blond hair and was muscular, he showed lightly rage, yet stayed calm as he grabbed a box with a button in it.
“My father died of electrocution. Such accidents were not unusual in the coalfields of Ruhr Valley. I remember my uncle telling me that he was standing in water when it happened. Water is a conduit for electricity. And what is in our bodies? That is right. Water. When I press this button, electricity will flow through your body carried by this water and it will cramp up and you will feel the most intense pain you have ever felt in your life. If you do not want to feel this pain, which is completely understandable, you need to answer my question without hesitation. So… Who is the contact in the village?”
This reminded Ruby of her painful death, the suffering. But she managed to gather her courage, not wanting to be responsible for the death of someone she didn't knew. "I don't know." Jäger just titled his head, "You were seen in the company of a American, Mr Blazkowicz I believe, a known fugitive. What did he tell you?" "Nothing, he refused to tell me anything, that it wouldn't matter." The muscular man looked at the box almost contemplatively. "I'm not entirely sure why I don't believe you. No matter, we'll know in a moment." His finger slowly reached for the button. No, Wait!" She yelled, "I-I only know that the contact is a man named Kessler. That's all he told me! Please I have been tortured and suffered before. Please don’t hurt me.” She wimpered the rest.
“That was the answer I was looking for. Commander Karl, prepare your men. This American will pay for killing my dog.”
"What about her?” Karl pointed at Ruby.
Jäger looked at the frightened ghost filly. “Throw her into the prison cellblocks. I will deal with her later.”
“Yes, Sir!” Two Elite Soldiers grabbed her.
She was too scared to do anything. She knew that she had no chance against the Soldiers. “Prisoner incoming!” They threw her into a cell and she curled up and cried.
The guards were stopped by Hans, Helmut and Bernd. “We take from here.”
“We only take orders from Herr Jäger personally.” The Elite Soldiers were not convinced by Bernd’s order.
“Then you leave us no choice.” Just when Bernd was finished, Hans and Helmut knocked both Elite Soldiers out with the butts of their weapons.
She panicked as the door opened a few minutes later. “Please don’t feed me to the dogs!”
“Shh, it’s me. Did he hurt you?” Helmut checked if she was harmed.
“No I’m alright. Who are those men?” Helmet picked her up and patted her back.
“Those guys are the Elite Soldiers of the Paranormal Division. They are feared and respected for being brutal and merciless. But don’t worry; we will protect you from all harm.” "H-he wanted to t-torture me and feed me to his dogs!" She cried, burying her head into the solider's chest. He rocked her, "Shh, calm down, he won't hurt you anymore. Now, we're here." "Ruby, we keep you save, no matter what, promise by our honor as soldiers." Bernd gave her a smile to let her know he was honest.
Ruby cried herself to sleep. “I suggest you bring her to your home in Wulfburg. She will be a lot safer there.”
"You’re right, Hans. My mother will be happy to have a guest. If I get my hands on Jäger…”
“I have the feeling that that American will deal with him.” Bernd added after he saw the many dead Soldiers.
“Okay, see you later.”
It was a bit difficult to get off the Castle, as the cable car connection was destroyed, but he did find a way. He had no own car, but Bernd gave him a Kübelwagen until he could afford his own car. Now, I need to find a way, how I explain this to my mother.
Helmut thought after he got Ruby in and drove to Wulfburg.
When he arrived at home, he was greeted by his mother. “Helmut! Thank god, you’re alright! After I heard about the escaped prisoner, I feared the worst!”
“No mom, I’m unharmed. And I have a guest. But please, be gentle with him as he is still shaken after he met Rudi Jäger."
He stepped aside to reveal the still sleeping ghost filly. “Ahh isn’t she cute. Where did you found her?” Helmut took a deep breath.
“This may sound crazy.” Then he told her how he found Ruby and what happened to her.
Heike so was the name of Helmut’s mother, showed sympathy and looked at Ruby with a few tears in her eyes. “So, you tell me that she was killed by her friends, only to be a ghost that can still feel and act as it was alive?”
“Would I lie to you?”
Heike knew her Son. He would never lie to her. “Oh you poor girl.” She kissed her on the forehead. Ruby awoke after a cute yawn. Heike saw that she was a ghost by her glowing eyes. “Hello little one. I’m Helmut’s mother Heike.” The elderly woman had black hair and blue eyes.
“I’m Ruby. Nice to meet you.”
Heike couldn't believe it. Her brain wasn't playing a joke, before her was a talking ghost pony. It was strange but still, her hositality got the better of her. “This may sound silly, but do you want to eat something? I made some cookies.”
Ruby’s ears stood at full attention after those words. “Since I can feel pain, yes I would like to eat something. And I always loved the cookies my Mommy made.”
“Then come in.” Ruby took a bite of a cookie and enjoyed each bite. It was understandable for Helmut and Heike, as Ruby had probably not eaten for years.
“Thanks. I almost forgot how it was to taste food."
“You’re welcome, Ruby. Do you want to tell us about your life before this happened?” Heike didn’t want to make her sad.
Ruby gave her a light smile. “Before this all happened, I had a normal life just like everypony else. I had friends, a mother who loved me with all her heart. I just wish sometimes this had never happened.” She started to cry. Helmet had taken his gear off while Ruby told them about her life before her death. He stroked her mane to calm her down. She looked up. He had brown hair and blue eyes.
“Shh it’s alright. You’re safe with us.” Ruby calmed down.
“Thank you. Even if it was just a few years after my death, it’s feels so good to have somebody’s shoulder to cry on.”
“I know. You can stay here as long as you want. I and my mother are known for our hospitality.”
“Helmut, why you don’t take some cookies too? You always liked them when you were a child.”
“Thanks mom.” He took a cookie. “I was just so focused on our guest that I forgot about it.”
“Even if you’re an adult now, you are and will always be my little boy. Father would be so proud of you.”
“I know. Ruby, should I show you our house?” She nodded.
While Helmut showed her the house she asked, “Why did you join the military? You don’t look like that you like to be a Soldier.”
Helmut was a little nervous. “I was conscripted. Every man at the age of 18 can be conscripted. I never had the chance to think what I wanted to be, before they took me. You?"
“I wanted to be a detective or to open a lost property office since I'm good at finding things. Do you have a girlfriend?”
“No. I’m just a recruit. The girls are more on veterans that have experience and are badass." Helmut looked on his watch. It was already evening.
“Time for Dinner!” Heike called from the kitchen. She made some bun for herself and Helmut and for Ruby some pretzels. They were still warm as they came fresh out of the oven.
Ruby enjoyed the pretzels. “A little bit salty, but it tasted very good. I never have eaten something that is delicious like this.”
“Thank you, Ruby. Those are pretzels. A very popular pastry in our country.” Heike smiled at her.
Ruby let out a yawn. “It may sound silly, but even as a ghost, I need sometimes sleep.”
“We have a guest room. Helmut, may you tuck her into bed?”
“Yes, mom.”
After Ruby was in the comfortable bed, Helmet saw her worried. “What is wrong?”
“It’s just…my mother. She blames herself for what happened to me. I just hope she is safe. And my friend.”
“Don’t worry; I’m sure she is safe. And so will be your mother.”
“You’re right. They will be safe, I must believe in it.” Ruby fell asleep. Helmut couldn’t help but give her a kiss on the forehead. "Strange isn't it, a ghost that still needs sleep, can feel pain and eat." He asked quietly his mother, having a strange feeling about it.
“Agreed, it's strange for me too, I was at first wondering if we both went crazy but still, you’re going to be a great father for her I just know it.” His mother had watched everything from the floor.
“But am I ready?”
“You know, your father asked me the same when you were born. And he was a wonderful father. And so you will be too.”
“You’re right mom, goodnight.” He went into his own bed. His father died when he was just 5. Still, he enjoyed every minute with him. “Don’t worry Ruby, you are safe with me.” He spoke to himself before he fell asleep.
Ruby woke up and rubbed her eyes. She looked out of the window it was still night. She was startled by a thud. Her glowing eyes gave her the ability to see in the dark. She saw Helmut at the end of the floor after she opened the Door. He made strange noises, like he had trouble breathing. His uniform was also covered in blood.
“H-Helmut, are you alright?” She asked a little scared. But Helmut didn’t react. She turned him around with a fore hoof. Helmut faced the filly. His eyes had a fiery glow, and his mouth was covered in blood too. “Helmut?!” He burst into flames.
Ruby pushed him away. She ran back to her room, tears in her eyes. She had slammed the door shut, as the monster formerly known as Helmut charged at her. Ruby dashed to the bed to hide under it, where she curled up in fear. The monster began to bash at the door. It took only a few seconds to destroy the Door. Ruby covered her eyes as the burning Helmut slowly walked into the room.
Ruby, told herself that is wasn’t real over and over again. She slowly uncovered her eyes. She heard the noises of the monster. It was in front of the bed. Ruby looked in horror as the monster looked into her eyes. In the blink of an eye, it charged at her.
She woke up with a scream. She also painted heavily and had cold sweat on her face. In record time, Helmut ran in, worried about his guest. “Ruby? Are you alright?” She hugged him tightly while sobbing. “Shh, it was just a dream, shh, calm down.” By her action, he knew that she had a nightmare.
Heike also came. Her heart melted and broke at the same time. “You can sleep with me, Ruby.” Helmut carried the filly to his bed. Again she cried herself to sleep.
“You are already a father for her.” Heike said to him before she went into her bed.
“Don’t worry Ruby, Daddy is here.” He whispered into her ear before he was asleep. His mother was right, Ruby saw him already as her surrogate father.
In the morning, Helmut woke up. He smiled when he saw Ruby sleeping peacefully. He climbed carefully out of the bed not to wake her. After all she had experienced, Ruby deserved some rest.
After a good breakfast, he heard hoof steps. Ruby trotted into the kitchen. “Good morning, Ruby. Did you sleep well?”
“Yes, I have. What’s for breakfast?”
“How about some oatmeal and juice for you?”
"Yes please.” Heike joined them for breakfast.
Ruby enjoyed her breakfast. “I have an idea. How about I show you the village?” Ruby lowered her ears.
“A good Idea. But most people will probably freak out when they see me.”
“Don’t worry. I just tell the people that you are just my daughter in her costume. And I will say that your glowing eyes are just part of it.”
“This could be working.” Her ears stood again.
There was a knock on the Door. Helmut was surprised to see a woman with brown hair, a bandage around her left leg, in the uniform of an Obersturmbannführer. “Hello Frau Obersturmbannführer von Schabbs. I’m Private Helmut Neumann, how can I help?”
“Hello Herr Neumann. I was on my way back to my room in the tavern, but my leg kills me. Since your Family is known for their hospitality, I thought I’d drop by. If you don’t mind.”
“Not at all, Frau Obersturmbannführer. Come in.” Helga von Schabbs entered the house.
“Do you want to drink something?”
“Yes. The best Wine you have. Who is this?” She looked at Ruby.
“This is my daughter in her Costume, Anna.”
“Why does she have yellow eyes and a magnifying glass on it?”
Ruby answered her question, “Because I am interested in spirits and I am really good in finding things.” “Where is your mother?”
“S-she died a few years after I was born. She gave me the nickname Ruby.” The filly replied sad, remembering her father's death, which was always painful for her to tell, dispite never knowing him.
“Ruby. A nice name.”
“Thanks.”
“Ruby, would you help my mother with the wine?”
“Yes, Dad.” Ruby trotted off.
“Where I put the wine again?” Heike wondered . “Over here.” Ruby pointed with a hoof to a Shelf.
“A Château Margaux from 1921. Frau Obersturmbannführer von Schabbs will like this for sure. Thank you for your help, Ruby. You are really good in finding things.” Ruby blushed at the complement.
Heike followed by Ruby walked with a wine glass and the wine into the living room. “Here, Frau, Obersturmbannführer von Schabbs. A Château Margaux from 1921.”
“Thank you. 1921 was certainly a great year for the French estate.”
Ruby wanted to walk away, but Helga said, “Wait Ruby. Have a seat.” Not wanting to get into trouble, she obeyed.
Helga showed Ruby a map. “Does it fascinate you, Ruby?”
“Yes it does.”
“As a child, I would draw my own maps and dig for treasures in the forest outside our estate. It was my escape. Then a polio epidemic spread through the area. Months I spend in bed, dreaming terrible dreams while my leg withered and died. Do you think I broke down and cried over this? Of course I did. Crying is human behavior. Giving up, however, is for degenerates. I never gave up. I took control of my fate. Are you in control of your fate, Ruby?”
“But of Course.”
Helga gave Helmut the wine glass. “Go ahead, taste the wine for me.” Helmut wasn’t much of a wine drinker but he tasted as ordered. “Good?”
“Delicious.”
“Your daughter has a curious accent.” While Ruby spoke fluently German, she still had a barely noticeable accent. Helga drank the wine. “It’s been very long that I drank a good wine like this. But now I have to leave, before this idiot of Schreiner comes. Thank you for your hospitality.”
“You’re welcome,” Helmut said.
“I must say that Helga von Schabbs is a very nice person.”
"Yes she is, Ruby.” Heike said to her.
“Let’s go Ruby, we don’t have all Day.”
“Have a nice Day!” Heike called out while they left.
Helmut showed Ruby Wulfburg. First stop was the Boathouse. “It smells of fish.”
“I know Ruby. The local fishermen use this to unload their catch, which is why it constantly smells of fish.”
At the docks they saw Bernd and Hans. “Bernd, Hans didn’t expect to see you here.“
“After the American escaped, we were transferred here. Hello Ruby, how are you?” Bernd kneeled down to her.
“I am doing great. Helmut shows me the village.”
Bernd smiled, “Glad to hear it. These are the docks of Wulfburg. Wulfburg thrives on its fishing industry. The neighboring villages, however, have not been as fortunate. Vicious rumors attribute the Wulfburg fishermen’s unnatural success to the worshipping of some pagan underwater deity. But we don’t believe this.”
“And what is this?” Ruby looked with curiosity at the pump house.
“This is the pump house. It was built in 1822, but it burned down in 1853 due an unfortunate smelting accident. It was rebuilt the next year but burned down again in 1884 when a worker dropped a lantern during routine maintenance. After being rebuilt it was destroyed in a large fire in 1915 due a lighting strike. Locals prefer to it as the cursed pumping station since it seems to burn down every 31 years,” Helmut explained it.
“Looks like your Village isn’t very lucky with their buildings,” Ruby said.
Bernd had an Idea. He putted his cap on Ruby’s head. Helmet gave her a piggy ride. “Awaiting orders, Commander Ruby.”
“Show me more of the village!” She commanded happy.
“As you wish, Commander.”
They came to the Canal. “This is the Wulfburg canal. Wulfburg is a city made up of dozens of smaller islands separated by canals. It’s located where the Paderborn River flows out into the clear and clean waters of Wulfsee, a big alpine lake southeast of Castle Wolfenstein abutting the Austrian border.”
“Interesting.”
All Soldiers that saw Ruby just smiled and commented how cute her “Costume” was. Now they were in the old Town. “This is the old town. It dated from the 11th century when the town was rebuilt after the great fire.”
“That’s sad.”
“I know. Nobody knows why it was burned down.”
“And what is this?” Ruby could saw the Church ruins from the distance.
“This is the old Church ruins of Wulfburg. They have been shunned by the superstitious locals ever since the great fire that consumed the whole village centuries ago.”
“O-okay. Then we should stay away from it.”
“If only it was so simple. I already told you that the excavation is here. I don’t know what Helga von Schabbs is searching in there, but I don’t care and I am glad when it is over.”
“Hey you! Stop right there!” A Soldier shouted. Helmut turned around to see a Heavy Soldier.
“Easy there, this is my daughter.“
“Sorry. But after the American broke out, we can’t be careful enough.”
“What are you?” Ruby looked at him with curiosity.
“I am a Heavy Soldier. Heavily armed and heavily armored, we have traded mobility for protection and superior firepower. Armed with combat shotguns, we wear sealed and armored suits that have an integrated closed respiratory which draws oxygen from pressurized tanks worn on the back. This is the Schockhammer. A heavy but very powerful double barreled semi-automatic combat-shotgun. It fires from alternating barrels for increased rate of fire. It has a magazine of 10 rounds.”
“Your armor reminds me of an old diving suit.”
“Yes, we are the frogmen of the Kriegsmarine. If we are not needed in the water, we are fighting with the ground forces.”
Then, Ruby spotted two children. A boy and a girl. The girl had brown hair and green eyes, the boy blue eyes and blond hair. Helmut knew them.
“Julian, Laura, how’s it going?”
“Great, Helmut!” Julian replied. Their parents were good friends of his mother.
“Who’s this?” Laura asked. As the Heavy Soldier left, Helmut explained who Ruby was. The kids understood that they should keep this secret. “Sorry about you. But do you want to play with us?”
"With pleasure, Laura!” Ruby exclaimed as she hadn’t many friends back then, apart from Apple Bloom. They were drawing on the ground, played tag and other games. Helmut smiled as she had found some friends around her age when she died. After a while, he looked on his watch.
“Oh, look at the time. We should go home.” Helmut said as it was getting late. Ruby gave Bernd his cap back and said goodbye to everyone. Bernd gave Ruby a Scho-Ka-Kola, which she enjoyed.
On the Way home, Helmut told her more about Wulfburg, “It’s a nice place to life. But this is a city of secrets. Beset through history by death and destruction.”
“And some secrets should be never discovered.”
“Yes, Ruby, you’re right.”
Ruby spotted a man with torn clothes, broken glasses and a flower on his right ear.
“It’s the undead, I tell you. They’re coming. Helga will wake them. They will haunt us all down and tear us to pieces. Warmongering, hateful jerks!” the man talked to himself and a bottle he was holding in his right hand. He looked at the filly. “Hey! Kid! Spare a couple of coins?” Ruby looked at him in pity then at Helmut. He gave her some coins.
She threw them into a cup. “For soup.”
He grabbed her leg. “Beware the undead, kind child. Kind child.”
“I don’t understand.”
He pulled her closer. “Do you not hear their screams?” He let her go. “The undead will devour us all, if we do nothing.” He hugged his bottle. “Well, as long as I got you nothing bad will ever happen.” He fell asleep.
“Who is that man?”
“The Village Drunkard. He usually hangs out around the market square in Paderborn where he rambles about whatever occupies his drunken mind for the day. Sometimes he’s in Wulfburg just like now. But even I feel sorry for him. I always give him some coins when I see him,” Helmut explained.
At home, Heike had already made Dinner for them. It was only bread but still Ruby enjoyed it. “I will be in the Living room if you need me.” She said before she left. Helmut helped his mother with the cleaning.
After that he looked after Ruby. She was asleep. She had drawn a picture. Helmut and Heike shed both a Tear. On the picture was a mare. She had a light grey coat and a dark red mane. Under her were the words “Mother” and “I miss you so much.”
Heike hang up the picture on the fridge, while Helmut brought Ruby to bed.
“I enjoy every minute with her. But her mother must be worried about her.” He looked sad at her.
“Don’t worry, my Son. I’m sure that she will be soon at home again. I can feel it,” His mother said to him before both went into their bed.
When the next morning came, Helmut walked into the kitchen. Ruby had already made breakfast for them. “Good morning, Ruby.”
“Good Morning, Helmut. I made breakfast for you.”
He had Toast with coffee. Ruby learnt probably from her mother. Ruby had Toast with strawberry jam. “I love strawberry jam. Sweet and delicious.”
“I love it too. Tell me, where did you learn to make breakfast so well?”
“From my mother. I always helped her with cooking. And she loved it when I made her breakfast. Do you like it?” “But of Course.”
Ruby took a deep breath. “Is something wrong?”
“Yes. I wanted to tell you about my nightmare I had., Then Ruby told him about her nightmare.
“Don’t worry Ruby, these… Zombies aren’t real. And no matter what will happen, I will stay at your side and protect you.” He tried to comfort her.
“I know. It’s just it felt so real.” Ruby shivered a bit.
“If you have a bad dream again, you can come anytime to me.”
“O-ok.” Ruby tried to calm down. "Funny is, I dreamed tonight that some kind of exterminators were trying to catch me with backpacks with a hose attached to it. After I escaped them, a tiny man in green clothes with a vacuum cleaner tried to catch me."
“Sometimes, our brain can get the weirdest things as dreams. Dramed once that I used a radio by playing it like a harmonica. As much I would love to take you to my work, I can’t today. But you don’t mind to be with my mother?”
“Not at all. I love the company of both of you.”
Helmut smiled, “Glad to hear it. Bye.”
But after he left he frowned. The patients in Castle Wolfenstein have similar dreams about these burning People. A coincidence perhaps?
He was greeted by Bernd. “Good morning, Helmut. Slept well?”
“Yes. But Ruby had a nightmare. It was about the same burning people that the patients had dreamed about.”
“Yes I read about it too. Nonsense! But if Ruby had a dream about it too, it could mean something.”
“Could be. But now, enough of this chit-chat. Need to stay on alert after the American broke out.”
“Right, Hans,” Helmut said before Bernd and Hans leaved.
While Helmut was alone on the streets, he whistled to kill the time. Suddenly someone turned him around. It was the American! He wanted to scream, but the American put a hand over his mouth before he could react. “Promise not to scream and I will spare you.” The private was able to understand English as he learned in case that he would be transferred to the front. Bernd could also speak English.
Helmut wanted to life. So he agreed. “You! You are the American!” He pointed his rifle at him. He was so nervous that his hands began to shake. But the American used a pipe to lower it.
“Relax kid. I have seen you before. You were with that filly Ruby. She needs you.”
“I know but Jäger did almost torture her. Because of you!”
“But I also saved her life when she fell into the water. So you owe me something.”
“Okay, you have a point. What do you want?” Helmut was defeated.
“Can you tell me where Schmidt’s baker shop is?”
“Just a couple of Blocks from here. Just this way.” He pointed at an old street.
“Thank you. What’s your name, Kid?”
"Helmut.”
“Name's Blazkowicz. You are a good guy Helmut and a good father for Ruby. Stay that way.” He said and gave him a pat on the shoulder before he left.
“This place is infested with Regime soldiers. You should be careful. Do not kill anyone unless you have to.” A male voice said to B.J. on the radio.
“What’s that? Kill as many of them as I can?”
“No I said…”
“Can’t hear you, Kessler. Lots of static.” He made some fake static sounds before he was out of sight.
Before Helmut’s mind could proceed, this Bernd found him. “Ah, there you are! Frau Obersturmbannführer von Schabbs needs us at the excavation.”
“Coming!”
After some work, he went to the tavern to drink something. Unlike his comrades, he does only drink alcohol free. He had a conversation with two other Soldiers. “Rudolf thinks they will open the way in today,” One Soldier spoke to him.
“I know. The digging has gone really well. Helga may be pushing us hard, but she is really efficient, I have to say. And she’s not afraid to pull her sleeves up and help out.”
“I just can’t wait for it to be over,” The other Soldier said.
“What? Don’t you want to see what’s down there?”
“I mean the war. We know we will win this one. And I’m just wondering why can’t they just get it over with? So I can get back to Kristine.”
“I know. It drags a bit.”
“The allies are clearly inferior, it doesn’t make sense.”
“Yes, but did you hear about this guy that broke out of Castle Wolfenstein? An American. He must be really good.”
Helmut’s comrade was taunting, “American. He’s no match against German steel.”
“Oh I bet he’s lurking around here as we speak,” Helmut said when he recognized the waiter as Blazkowicz. “Time for a refill. Excuse me.”
He gave Blazkowicz a sign without being noticed that he must go upstairs, as he saw the wine on the tray. “Hey, another beer!” He sang with his comrades, before suddenly an earthquake came. He was knocked over and knocked out by falling debris.
Ruby cleaned the house with Heike. “Heike, where’s Helmut?” She was getting a little nervous.
“You know, after an exhausting Day, he goes like many other Soldiers to the Wulfburg tavern. But don’t worry, he drinks only alcohol-free and does not stay very long.”
“Okay.”
Suddenly the ground began to shake. “An earthquake! Ruby, get to cover!” Heike shouted, but before Ruby could react, she was knocked out by falling debris.
Helmut woke up. He was trapped under debris. The tavern was destroyed. He saw two Soldiers. They were burning. Helmut saw that they were already dead, but returned as Zombies.
However they were both killed by B.J. “Over here!” Helmut called out.
“Don’t move I get you out,” B.J. used his pipe as a Crowbar to move the debris from Helmut. “Are you hurt?”
“No I am alright; let’s get out before this whole building collapses!”
As they stepped out, undead Civilians attacked them. Helmut had still his knife. After the zombies were defeated, Helmut saw the burning city. “My God. The whole city. What happened?”
“I don’t know. But I am sure that Helga is responsible for this. Kessler, come in! You read?” Only Static. “Goddammit. Can you swim?” “Of course. I can only hope that Ruby and Heike are alright.”
“I promise Helmut, we will look after them. But for now we need to move.”
Both men walked to through the remains of the fountain to the Hospital. Green gas came from the ground. “I think the Gas has something to do with this undead people,” Helmut suspected. B.J. tried to move the debris with the pipe. Pippa, also known as Nurse Inga shot a zombie. But the deceased man in her bed attacked her.
“Pippa, behind you!” B.J. warned her put it was too late. The Zombie grabbed her and threw her in the burning bed. Enraged B.J. charged at the zombie and with a strong punch, the Head was gone. He was about to get his weapons, as Pippa reanimated. “Oh no,” B.J. quickly grabbed his Handgun from the chest and shot Pippa in the Head. “You deserved a better fate then this, Pippa.” He collected his remaining Weapons. Helmut could tell that she was a good friend of B.J.
“It seems that the visions that the patients in Castle Wolfenstein had are true. They called the undead ‘Shamblers.’” A Regime Shambler came through the Door and fired at them with an Assault rifle. B.J. shot the Fire extinguisher causing it to explode and killing multiple Shamblers. Helmut grabbed the rifle of his former comrade.
They fought their way through the hospital, shooting undead civilians, Soldiers and even undead fighting dogs. Some Shamblers broke through the floor or used Assault rifles but were not very accurate.
“Blazkowicz, can you hear me?” Kessler asked via radio after he and Helmut exited the hospital.
“Kessler. Listen. Helga’s gone. Took the folder with her. She’s digging up something beneath the church ruins. Must’ve been what caused this Shitstorm. What’s your location?”
“I don’t know. Some kind of workshop. Close to the old town.”
“On my way, Kessler. Hang in there.”
“I know where the workshop is. I can you lead there.”
“Ok Helmut. But first, let’s go to the boathouse. That is where I have last seen Kessler and Annette.”
“Good idea. The Boathouse is close to my home. If we are fast enough, we can find Ruby too.”
At the boathouse B.J. found a double-barreled Shotgun. “Hello.” As he was about to saw it, a Shambler fell through the ceiling. Helmut’s rifle jammed.
B.J. sawed faster. Just when the Shambler reached him, he shot him with the now sawed off shotgun. “That was too close,” Helmut said as he had fixed his rifle. Shamblers were falling from the sky. “Look at that. It’s raining Shamblers,” B.J. commented. Helmut couldn’t believe it. The whole city was burning. Even the zeppelins were on fire. He heard and saw how a burning zeppelin crashed and exploded in a fireball. “We’re almost there, come on,” Helmut said to B.J. who killed the last Shambler.
Ruby woke up after she was knocked out. She held her head in pain. That hurt. I hope Heike is alright. She thought after her vision was clear again. “Oh my…” She saw the burning city. Then she saw how a zeppelin crashed and exploded in a fireball.
“Heike? Are you there?” Ruby called out. But there was no answer. Parts of the building were destroyed and collapsed. Suddenly she heard a sound. It was the same sound Helmut, made in her dream.
Carefully Ruby followed the Source of the sound. At first she was glad to see Heike, but when she noticed how Heike was standing and that a wooden spike was jammed through her skull, Ruby knew instantly that Heike was dead, but reanimated as an undead. She had her back to Ruby. She slowly backed away but tripped. The sound alerted the now undead woman.
Heike’s torso was covered in blood. Two other Shamblers joined her. One was a Civilian in a suit with hat while the other was a Soldier. His torso was open, revealing his internal organs. Ruby crawled backwards until she was trapped in a corner. She cried and covered her head. She didn’t want to “die” and end as a snack for the undead. She slowly uncovered her eyes when she heard gunshots.
Helmut and B.J. stormed in and killed the Shamblers. “So sorry, Mother. It wasn’t supposed to end like this,” Helmut said after he saw his former mother.
“Why do they hate me so much? A-All I wanted to do was help Roneo his present... I only wanted to help...” Ruby sobbed as she had a flashback of her death.
“Cause the brain got broke I recon.” B.J. looked over the dead bodies while Helmut comforted Ruby as best as he could.
“We can’t stay here. We need to move or we are dead.”
“You’re right, Helmut.”
“Stay by me and B.J. and we’ll keep you alive!”
It sounded silly since Ruby was already dead. But she didn’t know if she would “die” here, if she would live again or would be dead forever. When she died at home, she woke up in the forest again.
The pump house was destroyed again. “I guess they were right. It’s really hunted. 31 years ago it was destroyed and now again. Looks like we need to swim. I can carry you on my back Ruby. It’s no problem.”
Ruby hugged him tightly when they entered the water. But she didn’t drown as she feared. “Herr Kessler, I have to find her.” “How can you be sure that she is still here?”
“I don’t know. Just a feeling, I guess.”
“Does she mean a lot to you?”
“I think about her. All the time.”
“Then I will pray for her. That she will find you once again.”
Ruby and the young man heard everything since B.J.’s radio was loud enough. “I hope that Julian and Laura are still alive and not one of those… undead.”
“Ruby, I’m sure they’re safe and sound. We got to have faith.” Helmut knew that the kids wouldn’t have a chance against the Shamblers.
They spotted Annette and Kessler. “They in trouble. Gotta find a way to get to them.”
“B.J. you help Annette, I help Kessler, I know the way through the workshop. Ruby, you help B.J. through the bathhouse, since I showed you it before.”
“Alright, Helmut. Just be careful.”
“I will.”
B.J. looked at Ruby. “Trust me, Ruby. I protect you from these undead Monsters.” He smiled before they entered the bathhouse and the Workshop.
Helmut saw some other Soldiers who tried to defend themselves from the undead. However, they were quickly outnumbered since every killed Soldier turned into a Shambler. Only a Heavy Soldier was left. “Helmut! Thank God, you’re alive!” He was glad to see him. It was the same Soldier he had met earlier.
“I am here to help a friend in need!” He responded while killing some Shamblers.
“Then go! I will keep them busy!” The Heavy Soldier said. But before he or Helmut could react, a Shambler with an Assault rifle shot as his Tank, causing it to explode.
All Shamblers were killed by it. Helmut was quick enough to go to cover. “You did your duty, Soldier,” He said before he continued to go for Kessler. He found him surrounded by Shamblers. He shot all of them before they could harm Kessler.
You okay, Kessler?”
“Who are you?”
“A friend of B.J. He’s helping Annette.”
“Annette is gone. She wanted to find her friend. Stubborn as mule, that child.” Kessler got up.
“I will take these flyers and cast them out over Berlin. Just like my wife did. Maybe it’s like pissing in the ocean. But every drop spreads ripples across the water, no? If you choose to do nothing because you feel insignificant in the grand scheme of things you might as well be an ant. And if I die, I know I will have deserved to meet her again.”
“I heard about your wife. My condolences.”
“It’s alright. It’s best if I go alone. First, help me open a way through the blocked doorway.”
Helmut lifted the beam up. “Thank you. I will be fine.”
After he helped Kessler, he saw how Ruby and B.J. helped Annette.
Bathhouse a few minutes earlier
Ruby and B.J. entered the bathhouse. Soldiers were fighting Shamblers. The Soldiers were killed only to be reanimated as Shamblers. B.J. took care of them before they could harm him or Ruby.
As they went the Stairs up, a Heavy Soldier fired at B.J. but he killed him with a headshot. Annette was surrounded by Shamblers. B.J. killed a Shambler with his Rifle while Ruby gave another Shambler a strong buck with her hind legs causing him to stumble. B.J. gave him the rest with a headshot.
“Why do they hate us so much?”
“Cause their brains got broken I recon.”
“I killed one of them. Did you see that, Mr. B.J.?”
“Good on you, kid.” Annette stood up and looked around.
“I have been here before. The week after weihnachten. My friend she made me, sneak in here so we could look for the bath house ghosts. The heating was off because of the bombs. And there was ice in the pool. We danced to gramophone records in Herr Obermann’s office and I remember laughing and freezing and being afraid someone would catch us and take me away from her. I made a promise. Whatever happened to me I would find a way back to her.”
“You can’t go by yourself. Not with them monsters out here.”
"If I do not go I might as well let the monsters rip my insides out." Annette looked up. “I will go up through that hole. And you will help me. I know you will, Mr. B.J.”
“Here. Listen. I can come with you.”
“No, silly soldier man. You will stop Helga. I will be careful.”
Before Annette climbed up, Ruby spoke to her, “See you later… Friend.” She reminded Ruby of Apple Bloom.
“You too. You’re reminding me of my friend.” Ruby blushed.
Ruby and B.J. looked over to the other Side. Helmut was also successful. “With the Laderoboter, we should make it to the old church ruins!” He called out.
Then, he jumped into the water. B.J. gently picked Ruby up and did the same. Before they reached the Laderoboter, Ruby and Helmut heard B.J mumbling, “I was a kid; we had a monster in our basement. My father said if I done wrong it’d creep out at night and come for me. I tried to do no wrong. But the monster came all the same.”
B.J. putted Ruby in the Laderoboter and started it. “I will follow you on foot.” Helmut checked his weapon before they made their way through the old town.
“Head for the Church ruins. Helga’s gotta be there. Whatever she’s doing its bad you gonna stop it. Than snatch the goddamn folder. Only one more hill, Billy boy. Only one more,” B.J. talked to himself.
He destroyed the Gate. Some Shambler, were alerted by this. One tried to climb up to the cockpit to attack Ruby, but Helmut killed him before he could harm her. “Get away from her!” Helmut screamed in rage.
After the Shamblers were dead, Helmut shot the ropes that were holding the bridge. After the gate was destroyed, they saw a lone Soldier fighting Shamblers. “Die, you ugly Monsters!” But then, his rifle was out of ammo. Helmut threw a grenade to kill the group of Shamblers.
“Hans! I’m so glad to see you!”
“Same here. And you’re brought reinforcements.” He was also glad that Ruby was alright.
Where’s Bernd?”
“He set up a defense in a building just around the corner.”
More Shamblers came out of a destroyed building. Hans shot at a canister on a destroyed Kübelwagen. He exploded and took the Shamblers with him.
“Fire!” They heard Bernd scream as they saw that more Shamblers fell from the sky.
He and two other Soldiers had barricaded themselves in a building. But there were too many undead. One Soldier struggled with a Shambler for his rifle, but had no chance as he was killed. The other one was killed by a charging Shambler. Bernd’s handgun was out of ammo. He closed his eyes ready to die.
Suddenly, there was a stomping noise and gunshots. Bernd, you’re alright?” Helmut was worried about him. “I’m fine.” He was also glad to see Ruby.
“Who are you?” He wondered who the man on the Laderoboter was.
“B.J. Blazkowicz U.S. military. I’m here to stop Helga, are you in?”
“Of course, grab some supplies.” He reloaded his handgun. B.J. helped Ruby to climb down. She spotted a letter. Curious, she read it.
My dearest daughter, Julia Writing this letter, hoping to deliver it myself. I fear that will not be the case. That morning all those months ago. It was so difficult to part from you. I hope you understand this. Forgive me. But my obligation to fight for the fatherland compels me. I am locked inside a house. I have barricaded myself from the monsters walking around outside. I have food to last me for a couple of Days. Maybe, if God wills it, I will survive. But I think not. Eberhard used dynamite to open a stone door. It was a disaster. One of our men, Fritz, was hit by debris falling from the cave ceiling. Then, something began leaking out of the opening. Some kind of gas. Fritz died later that night from his head wound. I was with him all the time. When I left, I heard a strange awful shrieking and the medic who was taking care of him started screaming. I ran back over there and I saw him! Fritz! He was standing up again! He had been dead just seconds ago, I assure you my daughter! He was moving strangely, shambling towards the medic, swiping at him with hands formed like claws. The poor man tried to defend himself, but the dead thing tore his throat out. I know this sounds horrible, but I need to write it down. You are old enough to handle this. I managed to escape with a few of the others. One of the scientists from the expedition told me that the green gas was some kind of “biochemical agent”. It infects the brain of recently dead. Causes them to be trapped in a dead-alive state, only focused on death and destruction. He rambled on about using this gas in war, but I stopped listening at that point. He was killed a few hours later. I miss you, my beloved daughter. I will do my best to stay alive. But I want you to know that if I do not live to see you graduate from the League of German Girls, know that I will forever be with you, in your heart. Your loving father, Helmut.
This reminded Ruby so much of her father. “I promise I will take this letter to Julia.” She thought to herself.
Bernd had opened the gate for them. Ruby climbed with the help of B.J in the cockpit and he smashed the gate. Again, some Shamblers waited for them. But they were no problem, as B.J used the arms of the Laderoboter to smash them. Helmut searched the Key for the Door that leaded to the switch that opened the gate to the church. After he killed an undead civilian in his former house, he found the key only to be contacted by Kessler.
“Are you still there, Helmut?”
“I’m here, Kessler. What’s your status?”
“Status is airborne. I took over a zeppelin. Flying it to berlin to spread the flyers.”
“You’re crazy as a loon, Kessler.”
“I know I will not make it out alive. It’s a strange feeling. To meet your end with determination. But I feel a sense of, what’s the word…? ‘Glückseligkeit…’ Bliss. I hope that someday, you will know this too.”
“I hope so too.”
B.J. and Ruby waited outside when a transmission reached them. “Hello? Can you hear me, Mr. B.J.?”
“I hear you, Annette.”
“I think I found my friend. She’s locked inside this big house. There’s a back way. I will save her.”
“Just…”
“No time, Mr. B.J. Have to run. And take care of her.”
“I will. Just be careful.”
“I got the key.” Helmut opened the Door. Two Shamblers fell from the Sky but Hans and Bernd shot them before they could get up. “You stay behind us, Ruby. You will return to your mother Safe and sound, that I promise.” Helmut was ready so sacrifice his life for her if necessary.
But there were many Shamblers. They were either falling from the sky or came out of the burning basements windows of the burning buildings.
“Where’s a human zombie killer when you need one?!” Hans asked as he fired his rifle.
B.J. grabbed an MG 46. “Get out of my way!” He said before firing it. The power of the MG was enough to kill any Shamblers that came into their way.
After they reached the switch, B.J. got with Ruby on the Laderoboter while Helmut opened the gate. At the Ruins, B.J. used the Robot to climb over. Ruby, Helmut, Hans and Bernd, followed him, ready to meet the secret that was buried in the ground.
At the dig site, Bernd had a suggestion. “I suggest that you and B.J. stay here while we will take the soldiers out.”
“No thanks, I will do this by myself, watch this.” B.J. drew his handgun with the silencer and headshot a commander that was on a Tower. Then he took this pipe out and sneaked behind two Soldiers. He waited until their conversation was over before he attacked.
“I heard noises coming from Old town. Maybe it’s that American Helga was talking about with Herr Schreiner?”
“I don’t think so. He must be dead already. It’s probably those undead things.”
"Why did we have to get stuck up here with these things lurking in the darkness?”
“Are you scared, Hans?”
“Maybe I am. Did you see what they did to Fritz?”
“I liked Fritz. But he had it coming, frocking with the wrong people, if you know what I mean.”
“He made a very good strudel.”
“Maybe so, but he was a sinner. A pure body and mind will keep the Devil away.”
“I hope he doesn’t end up in Hell.”
“I’m pretty sure of it. Now, enough of this chit-chat. Need to stay on alert.”
“Right.” They moved.
B.J. used the same move against the Elite Soldier he used against Helmut, but rammed his pipe through his skull. He killed the other Soldier with a throwing knife.
Then he killed the second commander with his Handgun. Hans killed the Heavy Soldier with a shot on his tank and then the last soldier that was on patrol.
Inside the dig site, B.J. spoke again to himself, “What have you been digging for, Helga?”
Helmut stealth killed a Soldier with his knife. B.J. killed another Soldier with his silenced Handgun. He turned into a Shambler. But a Marksman killed him. Then Bernd shot him. They tried to sneak their way to the lift, as a Super soldier was also here.
They all except for Ruby made it to the lift. She tripped with a loud thud. The Super Soldier aimed at her ready to shoot. “I surrender! Don’t shoot!” She cried. But Hans made the cable of the Soldier snap with a well-aimed shot. “Thanks. I owe you one.”
“You owe me nothing. I protect you until my last bullet.”
In the lift B.J. asked himself, “What drives this madness? You’re like a blind worm tunneling your way through the soil. Deeper and deeper into the rotting bowels of the earth. Into the dark places better left forgotten.”
“Do you often talk to yourself?” Ruby asked.
“It helps be to stay focused on my mission. Damn. Another Commander. I take care of him, you wait here.” He heard the Radio chatter.
He discovered an alternative way by using his pipe. The Soldiers were no problem, even the Heavy Soldier. Helmut threw a grenade at the Super Soldier causing his chest plate to fall off and exposing his heart. Hans finished him off.
Ruby stayed in cover and said where she found supplies. In the entrance to the catacombs, three Soldiers were fighting Shamblers who were at the entrance of the inner vault. The Soldiers were too busy to notice the intruders.
Helmut climbed as first through a shaft. One of his comrades was about to throw a grenade, but a Shambler that charged at him caused him to drop it, killing him and the Shambler when she exploded. Helmut helped the rest of the team through the shaft.
They were fighting Regime Soldiers and Shamblers until they came to a destroyed stairway that leaded into the water. Helmut gently took Ruby when they jumped into the water and swam to the ladder. They had to dive to get to the vault. Ruby felt safe in Helmut’s and B.J.’s arms despite not able to swim. She heard how Helga and Schreiner were complaining about something but could not hear about what when she was underwater.
After B.J. pushed the button to open the vault, he said, “You ready for what’s going down there, Helga?” They had to fight waves of Shamblers until the Door was fully opened. Ruby bucked them as hard as she could to get them to stumble. That made them easier targets for the Soldiers.
“Helmut, you, Ruby and B.J. get in. I and Hans will keep the Shamblers busy.”
“But they will overrun you.”
“They will, but we will give you enough time to get the job done and get out of there alive. Now go, that’s an order, Soldier!”
“Yes, Sir. It was an Honor to serve under your command.”
Ruby opened the final Door only to be caught with B.J. by a chain.
“Franz? My ‘waiter’? You can’t keep away from the fire can you? Well this time you are going to get burnt!” She punched him. “You’re that American, aren’t you? Who killed my hunter, Rudi? I must say you’re stubborn.” She turned to Ruby. “And you are that filly who was with Helmut, right? Who was interrogated by Rudi? I must say you are really good at finding things. But this time, you found the biggest trouble of your life!”
She was about to punch her too, but Helmut screamed, “Don’t even dare to touch her!” He aimed at Helga who was not impressed.
“Helmut, you are about to see how history is written. What have we here?” She took the map from B.J. “Well, this would have saved us some time.”
“I don’t understand these symbols…” Schreiner said.
“Oh, Fortuna. So strange and unpredictable. I could just…” She gave Ruby a kiss on the cheek. “I feel like I’m a child again digging for the treasures in the woods. This moment will put me in the history books amongst the greatest of adventurers. Do you see, Schreiner?” She walked to him.
“Yes, but this changes nothing. You failed to impress both on me and General Strasse thus far, Helga.”
“My God, Schreiner! Look. The code on King Otto’s map. It corresponds to the symbols on this pedestal. It’s the combination, you idiot. There we go.”
The room began to rumble. “Are you sure this is right, Helga?”
“Oh, Schreiner. You toe sucking coward.”
The rumble increased causing B.J. and Ruby to fall on the ground. “Helga, what is it?” Suddenly a large monster came from the ground. Schreiner aimed his Handgun at it. Helmut did the same with his rifle.
“Got gibiotit! Firstulle!” Helga calmed it down while B.J. tried to free himself and Ruby. “Oh, hello! King Otto’s little secret, huh? You look so terrible lonely. Well, I’m here now. I am. And I have a tasty meaty treat for you. Yes. American Flesh.”
She pointed at B.J. and Ruby who trembled in fear. “No, please! I didn’t do anything!”
The monster however looked as it was about to attack Helga. “Gaganhöre!” The monster calmed down so that Helga could touch it. “There we go. Schreiner? Schreiner, do you see? This is how you control a monster. Would you like to try?”
Schreiner replied with a light nervous laugh, “I must admit, Helga. I am somewhat impressed.”
“But why on earth did King Otto hide your pretty face from the world? Hm? Oh never mind. Time to feed. Anabikke!” She pointed at B.J. and Ruby who screamed in fear.
The monster attacked Helga instead and threw her back to the entrance of the vault. “My God!” Schreiner panicked and shot at the monster who responded by killing him too.
Helmut had do duck to avoid being hit by Helga. B.J. finally freed Ruby and himself.
Helmut was about to shoot but B.J. lowered his rifle. “Wait! Look!” Then Ruby and Helmut realized that the monster wasn’t attacking. Just “looking” around. “It’s blind. It seems only to attacking when we made noise, see?” He walked to the other side of the room and fired at the glowing mouth. He stepped aside to avoid its attack.
“I suggest that we are attacking it from both sides to confuse it. Aim for the glowing mouth. Ruby, stay in cover.”
“Yes, Helmut.” She was still scared but was understood with the plan.
After a while, Soldiers joined them to attack the monster. Helmut heard how they screamed several lines like, “Backup! We need more men!”
“Keep fighting! Until the last man!”
“No Retreat! We will continue to fight!”
“Backup! Come on!” or
“Do not be afraid!” But the Monster smashed all of them. Some of them turned into Shamblers.
Helmut was not sure if, they were sent by Helga or if Bernd had sent them. Helmut looked again and again at Ruby, as he was worried about her safety. She did her best to avoid being smashed by the monster, but was now surrounded by Shamblers.
B.J. fired a flare at one of the Shamblers. The Shambler that was hit by it stumbled. Ruby used this to get free before it exploded. After a while, the room began to catch fire identical to the opening of the vault.
More Shamblers entered the room. Bernd and Hans were among them. It was not easy for Helmut but he managed to end their misery without making too much noise.
Distracted by this, he was startled as the monster let out a scream and died.
“Ruby!” he checked her.
“It is over?” She asked, her voice shaken.
“Shh, it’s over.” He comforted her. They walked to Helga. She was seriously injured.
“I lost… control. I lost… control. I lost… control. I lost… control…” She said multiple times before she died.
B.J. took the folder. “You don't understand, you never were in control.”
Suddenly, multiple boulders were falling on them. Helmut clutched Ruby protectively, before they were knocked out.
Ruby and Helmut woke when they heard someone saying, “Jesus Christ. Corpses everywhere.” The voice had a Scottish accent. It was a male voice. The man removed the debris from them.
He, Ruby and Helmut were still buried under debris, so Fergus said to a comrade “Come on! Give me a hand, you lazy bastard!”
After B.J. was free, he helped to get the debris off Ruby and Helmut. “Why are you helping him? He is one of them!”
“He’s a friend of mine. And he helped me to get the folder. He is a Soldier of the Regime but he deserves a second chance. And Ruby too. How are you, Helmut?”
"Just a Headache but otherwise fine.” Ruby had not a scratch. Still she had also a Headache.
Fergus leaded them out to a jetty. “Well, we are going separate ways now. Thank you for your help.” “
You’re welcome, Blazkowicz.” Helmut looked a while after B.J. and Fergus before they were out of sight.
Ruby smiled when she saw that Annette had found her friend. They were hugging each other. “Come on, miss. We have to get you out of here.” An Allied Soldier said to them. Ruby noticed a young woman that looked like she was searching something.
“Have you seen my father?” She asked desperately.
“You are Julia, right? Your father wanted me to give you this.” Ruby gave her the letter. Julia started to cry, but Ruby hugged her to cheer her up.
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
“Ruby!” her friends cried and hugged her.
“You’re alright! I was so worried!"
“We were in the same house were Annette’s friend was. But our parents are dead.” Laura started to cry but Helmut hugged her.
“Sorry to hear that. But I will take care of you.”
“Thank you!” Both said happy. They walked through the remains of Wulfburg until they were blinded by a white light.
In front of them were Princess Celestia and Mitta. “Mommy!”
“Ruby!” Ruby hugged her mother with tears in her eyes.
"I missed you so much! I was afraid I would never see you again, Mommy!”
“I am also glad to see you. And I’m sorry for not be able to safe you.”
“Stop blaming yourself, you did what you could. Wait a second…”
Ruby then noticed that her mother was no longer a zombie. She had her light grey coat and dark red mane. “Mommy! You are no longer one of them!”
“That’s right. After you helped Apple Bloom out of the Town, she told her friends to get help. They destroyed the curse with the Elements of Harmony. Since I was the only one who was fighting against it, I was freed from it and got a second chance. And you get it too when we are home again. Who are you?” She asked Helmut who tried to hold back tears.
My name is Neumann. Helmut Neumann. I took care of your daughter until you arrived.”
“And we’re her friends Julian and Laura.”
“Thank you, for taking care of her. What happened here?” Mitta saw the collapsed and still burning buildings.
“I think it is better when you tell us that in Equestria.”
“That is a good idea miss…”
“Princess Celestia. But Celestia is just fine.” Her horn glowed white and they vanished.
They were now in Apple Bloom’s home. She greeted Ruby with a big smile. “Hello Ruby and welcome to my home.”
“Apple Bloom! I‘m so glad that you made it out alive!”
“And we wanted to thank you for your help.” Ruby saw a Mare with orange coat, a blond mane and green eyes. She was wearing a brown Stetson hat. She had three red apples as Cutie Mark. Next to her were a large stallion with a red coat, also green eyes and an orange mane. He had a green apple as Cutie Mark. Next to him was an elderly Mare with a lime green coat, white mane and also orange eyes. She had an Apple pie as Cutie Mark.
“Ah’m Applejack, the big sister of Apple Bloom. This is her big brother Big McIntosh also called Big Mac for short,”
“Eeyup.”
“And her grandmother Granny Smith.”
"Howdy there.”
“Sorry to interrupt, but can you tell us what happened, my dear?” Mitta asked her daughter. She shivered at the memories but Celestia putted a wing over her.
“You don’t have to tell us my dear subject, here, let me try something.” Her horn light up and touched her forehead.
Everypony could now saw what Ruby had been through. Mitta hugged her daughter to comfort her. “It’s over. You’re safe.”
“Mommy?”
“Yes, my dear daughter?”
“Since Helmut and my friends have lost their homes and parents, I thought they could live with us.”
“That’s a great Idea. What do you think?”
“Yes, I would love it.”
“We too.” Laura replied.
“You can live with us until your home in Ponyville is build.”
“Thank you Miss Applejack. Ruby, do you agree with that? Ruby?”
Mitta saw how her daughter was tickled by Apple Bloom and her human friends. “Please, stop it!” She laughed. Mitta smiled at the cute sight. Suddenly Ruby and Mitta were surrounded by a white light, blending everyone.
After it vanished, Laura exclaimed, "Ruby! Your eyes, they’re normal again!” Instead of yellow glowing eyes, she had normal yellow eyes.
“Mitta, you got your Cutie Mark!” Apple Bloom pointed to her flank. It was a heart protected by a shield.
“Guess my special talent is to protect those I love and care for.” Mitta smiled happy to have her Cutie Mark.
“If I can ask you you’re Highness, how you did you find her?”
“After we used the Elements of Harmony, a path of Magic showed us the way to her. It was left after Ruby helped Apple Bloom.”
"Oh, okay.” Helmut smiled that Ruby was reunited with her mother. He was sad about his mother, but he knew that she would stay alive in his heart. Forever.
A few years later
Helmut was helping Mitta in the new built house. Ruby and her friends became members of the Cutie Mark Crusaders and good friends of Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo. They were also in the same school class as them. Ponyville accepted Helmut.
“Mommy, Daddy, we’re home!” Ruby called out.
“Welcome home. I made some pretzels for you. How was school?”
“Great!” Helmut was not married with Mitta, but for Ruby, he was her surrogate father. And for Julian and Laura their surrogate parents.
After they were finished with their meal, they went to the club house of the CMC. Helmut looked after them with a smile until they was out of sight.
Helmut didn’t care how the war ended. But he was wondering what happened to Blazkowicz and Annette.
But for now he enjoyed his new life. And he knew that his parents would be proud of him.
He also knew he would love every moment with Ruby. Her yellow eyes, her smile, everything. The same applied to Julian and Laura And that he did knew that even in death, that Ruby’s father loved her, and Julian’s and Laura’s parents would love them.
And Helmut was sure that Bernd and Hans would guard them from above. He knew he could count on them. Always.
