> The Creators Tale > by Timer > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Chapter One Introduction > --------------------------------------------------------------------------  So let me tell you of a tale that I for one never thought would happen to me or anyone ever. It's a tale of action, adventure, sadness, and ultimately the value of the human emotion. This is a tale about how I met the most kindness and forgiving race to every meeting which is ponies. So sit back and relax for my tale a Creators Tale.  I looked out the window toward the training grounds looking at new cadets slowly being trained into soldiers. I turned my gaze back toward my room and it's nothing special if anything, it's pretty bland. The walls of the room are white the bed is white and the door is the only color that is not white which is brown with a grey doorknob. I walked away from the window and towards the armor that I view as my second skin. I took the helmet off the rack and examined it.  On the left and right side, I see the emblem of a shield with two swords crossing it. The colors of the shield were blue and green-blue on the left and green on the right. The helmet was blue so was the rest of the armor set. But the helmet was different than most it had a visor that could appear and disappear with just a push of a button along with other features such as info red, tactical overlay, and can read thermal heat energy signatures. Then I looked at my breastplate and the rank on it which is general.  I quickly put on my armor and holstered both 45. Revolvers, two swords, and a beret 50 on my back weapon holster. Then I heard a knocking on my door. To this, I thought ”just another day at the office.” I walked over to the door and opened the door to see Butler one of my family members with an unusual smile on his face.  ”Sir, we have good news about the Equestria project we have made progress would you like to see sir?” he said.  ”Of course I would like to see the progress made so far today,” I replied. So I walked out of my room and walked through the hallways of the Creators Army headquarters. We went through fifteen hallways and took an elevator down to the first floor of the headquarters. We passed through the front desk and out the main entrance of the headquarters. Luckily it was warm outside the winter months haven't hit yet.  The warm summer air hits me but instead of relish in this air, I have better things to do. Due to the fact that I am the overall leader of the Creators Army but as I know that it is very stressful with the management of over fifty billion troops and there costs and needs. But this strain of money could be fixed if I could have a trade agreement with the ponies of Equestria then I could fix our financial situation. once I got out of my train of thought I found myself in front of the research and development building of the Creators Army.  Butler opened the door in front of me.”Sir the team of researchers is waiting for you in room five hundred.”  ”Good thanks for showing me the way even though I already knew how to get to the R&D building.” Butler just looked at me and nodded like usual Butler is a man of few words. Plus, he is not one to be emotional same as me. But before I could enter the building he put his hand on my shoulder. So I turned around to look at him.  ”William don't be hard on the team, okay the news they will tell you is both good and bad so don't get angry okay?” Butler said.  I replied back with a nod and entered the building. The inside of the building is white with three hallways leading to the different areas of research and development. To the left is the yellow hallway for advancement for medicine and cures for different diseases. The blue hallway for advancement in technology like teleportation. And finally, the green hallway for travel to other worlds, dimensions, and parallel worlds.  But one thought did still bother me, Butler only uses my name when something serious is about to happen or something bad is about to happen. I soon walked through the green hallway and turned right towards the project room numbered five hundred. I turned the door handle and walked into the room where everyone stood up and saluted. I looked at everyone in the room there were ten project lead scientists were gathered.  I shook my head.”At ease and sit down and please tell me what news you have on the Equestrian project.”  One of the men stayed standing while the rest sat down all looking at me the man who is still standing picked up a clipboard and started to read. ”Sir we have been able to send spy drones down to the planet but they have been all destroyed as soon as they landed on the surface of the planet. We don't know why or how this could have happened, but sir we were able to pick up four names which we think are important. One name was Princess Celestia originating from a large area of activity on the planet.  Another name we picked up was a Princess Twilight originating from another large area of activity of the planet. The next name we caught was a Princess Luna originating at the same place of Celestia. The final name we caught was a Princess Cadence in a place of low temperature and low activity. We can conclude that these ponies are the rulers of this world. But we can not send any more drones until we find out how they were destroyed-”  But before he could continue I interrupted him. ”Is the dimensional gate completed?”  The scientist was taken aback by the question but replied nevertheless. ”Sir the gate is complete but it's not-”  I interrupted him again. ”I do not care if it has not been tested I am going through that gate is that understood?” He just nodded his head in response. ”I will go through that gate tomorrow morning get your tests done and be ready for me to go through the gate.” I did not give the man a chance to object to my request.  Because I left the room before he could speak. I would rather go through the gate before anyone else because if this goes bad then it will be my life in danger, not someone else used as a lab experiment. One way or another I am going to be in Equestria this I am sure of.   > Chapter Two Landing > --------------------------------------------------------------------------  I was back in my room thinking about what could happen to me during the teleport like for instance being shredded into multiple pieces. Though if this worked it would be great to have another Allie as resourceful as what I have heard about Equestria. Though what I have heard from the reports could be exaggerated a bit. Still, I have traveled to other dimensions and worlds but why is this world giving the most problems? My train of thought was interrupted by a knocking at my door ”come in”.  Soon the door opened and came in a captain of the 155th  battalion one of the many elite battalions I have. His armor was a camouflaged moss green while his helmet had the battalion number and mato. ”Not one step back.” He was at full attention and saluting I turned toward him and pointed at him ”at ease captain and tell me is your battalion ready along with the portal.”  He relaxed a little and spoke. ”Sir my battalion is ready and eager just waiting close to the portal. Through the scientists what to tell you something before we enter.”  I gave him a questionable raised eyebrow no matter I guess I will just have to find out when I get there. I took my helmet next to the bed I was on and headed out the door. The captain was close behind me once I left my room. Just before we left the headquarters building I looked back at the captain and asked. ”What is your name captain I don't want to just call you, captain the whole operation.”  He looked at me surprised by the question for some reason. ”The name is Anthony but the men call me Ant for short sir.” I nodded acknowledging that I heard him but the majority of my attention was at the training field which is where the six hundred men were to come to Equestria but only get involved if needed. After walking down the stairs to where everyone was gathered one of the head scientists called me over.  The man in front of me looked tired and worn bags were under his eyes he looked at me with worry on his face. ”Sir we worked all night and into the day and finished the portal but, we found other portals small but growing in size. But just as they come they disappear from our readings. Also, someone or something has been trying and failing to close our portal look overall someone or something does not want you on that planet and you can probably guess who.”  This caused me to worry but not by much there is no way that they could have made it to this sector in such a short amount of time, could they? I looked back at the doctor and patted him on the shoulder but said nothing and moved in front of the battalion and nodded to the major who turned to the battalion of six hundred and yelled. ”Battalion helmets on!” The men put on their helmets. I raised my hand and lowered it straight toward the portal and yelled. ”Forward march!”  All six hundred men walked towards the unknown of a new world of a new possibility. I was the first through following me was the six hundred men looking in awe at the vibrant colors of the portal surrounding them as they walked along a bridge made of what appears to be light? I shrugged it off but something felt off, out of place. Then cracks started to appear on the bridge but before I could yell to get off the bridge it broke and we fell. Darkness and the sound of screaming hit me as we fell.  Then light, blue sky, clouds, air, wind, and still screaming hit me. My first thought was well we made it but now we had to survive this fall. But before I could yell out a command shock hit me first as a tree branch hit my chest and then on my legs. After that, I finally felt the ground hit me like a train. Blurriness covered my vision as I saw men fall on the ground or in trees some looked like they were in pain while others were not so lucky.  Before I could see more darkness surrounded my vision then I felt my head hit the earth all my strength gone just like that.   > Chapter Three Problems > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Location: Equestria Time: unknown Date: Unknown Condition: Severe Is what I woke up to the sound of the automated voice in my armor telling me what I had basically had to guess was going to happen. I lifted my head to see a broken tree branch on my right leg. ”Well shit” I moved my left leg and started to kick the fallen tree trunk not branch for how heavy it was, I gave one last kick to the trunk and it fell off my leg and onto the ground. I tried to get up but by the sharp pain in my leg and the weird angle, my leg was at I was going to need something to prop it up or at least some sort of splint I can make.  I looked around me to see if there was anyone around me but I only saw the dead hanging in trees or crushed by there fall to the ground. I looked around to see a dead medic due to the red cross on his helmet and shoulders. I started to drag myself over to the dead body to see if he had any medical on him. The pain was unbearable but I made it over to the corpse.  I was about to search him when I looked up to see a wooden wolf tearing into one of the corpses scattered about the raw sound of teeth tearing into flesh made me cringe. I slowly started to pull out one of my revolvers but before I could level the gun a loud bang sounded and the wooden wolf's head exploded. I turned around to see one of my men's rifle pointed towards the now dead wolf. By the insignia on his left arm, he was a sergeant by the looks of it. I put by gun away and sighed relief. ”Report Sergeant how many men do we have left and how many are ready and able?” He looked down at me and lifted took off his helmet. ”Well, sir out of the six hundred men to arrive here in this new world only three hundred are still alive and are wounded some way or another. And half our armored vehicles were destroyed on impact. That was hours ago now we have a little base set up. I was sent here by the captain to check for survivors and to find you.”  I was surprised at first but I was quick to answer back. ”Well, you found me but I just woke up not too long ago. I have yet to see if there are any other survivors in this area, but I hope there are. Do you have a medic with you by any chance?” He looked at me for a second then looked down at my leg and his eyes went wide. He quickly called out medic and a medic came out from a bush and rushed over to me. The medic looked down at my leg and started to feel my leg to see if it was broken confirming that my leg was broken, he took hold of my right leg and snapped it back in place. I had to try my best not to cry out in pain from the sudden well, pain that rushed up to my leg to the rest of my body.  I had to rest my head on the dead body behind me to try and get my mind off the pain I was not expecting to happen so quickly. I then looked back at the medic who now had a splint on my right leg and by the looks of it has stopped the bleeding to the best of his abilities. The Sargent outstretched his hand and once the medic got up off the ground did the same. ”Have you and your men found any other survivors than just me?”  As I outstretched both my hands and they started to pull me up they both looked at each other then back to me. The medic spoke first. ”Sir we were not able to find any other survivors besides you in this part of the known areas of crash zones that we think are located at due to other accounts of what other men said. Also, this was the last known or guessed crash zone where you landed.  I am sad to report that you are the last of the survivors we have found.” He put my left arm over his shoulder and the Sargent took my right arm over his shoulder and we started to walk towards wherever the base is located at. We turned a corner of trees and in a clearing, there were four other men all having their weapons pointed at us once they realized that we were friendly they lowered their weapons. The men soon organized into a column formation and we were again moving towards the base.  Then it started to rain hard but no one spoke no one complained only silence beside the sound of rain hitting the trees and the forest around us. I did vow one thing someday I will bury the men who died today and I will find out who sabotaged the portal and put a bullet between there eyes. Though right now I need to know our full situation and hopefully get success out of this mission. The sun started to set as we have a least walked a couple of hours now but that was just a guess due to the sun starting to set.  Though before I thought we were soon going to be walking in the dark the point man called out. ”We’re here.” he put his weapon on his back and walked out of sight into a tree line. We soon followed suit and when we entered the tree line I was met by a fortified camp with tents set up and spotters on every entrance of the camp and a heavy tank positioned in the front entrance of the camp.  There were also multiple medical tents set up and from what I saw from the tree line there were many medics running to and from each tent. Also, the number of tents set up were many and the biggest one out of all of them looked like the command tent. Luckily the clearing was big enough to set the base up and there was still some room left over by the looks of it. We then started to walk towards the camp and before we were allowed in a group of medics came out with a stretcher they lowered it in front of me and the men carrying me lowered me onto it.  The four medics lifted the stretcher and started to run to the nearest medical tent. I had the guess the first man who entered told the medics of the situation thank goodness for that. Soon I put onto a wooden table that had dried blood on it and then they started to try and fix my leg and see if I had any other wounds on me. Soon someone else entered the tent and lord and behold it was captain Kelo one of my many captains in the Creator's Army.  His helmet was at his hip and his left arm holding the helmet in place. Before he could speak though I cut him off. ”Tell me, captain, Kelo has the inhabitants of this planet know we are here? Also, before you reply tell me when we will be able to continue with the mission?  It took him a moment to respond though and sweat was forming on his forehead when he spoke. ”Well, sir we don't know if the population of this planet knows if we are here and the total amount of time till we are fully operational is in three days at the most.” I nodded my head and lade my head back down on the table. I waved off the captain and before he left the tent I told him we will talk further once I am done being treated. Location: Twilight’s Castle Time of day: Noon Date: Unknown Condition: Safe Twilight was gathered around the table with her group of friends Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Luna, Starlight, and Celestia were all gathered around the map. What was showing on the map was each of the ponies cutie marks all revolving around the Everfree Forest. Though they all are confused about why the Princesses would be called by the map as well. So due to this the meeting was a bit more serious than normal.  Twilight was the first one to speak. ”What I don't understand is why would there be a friendship problem in the Everfree Forest since no one lives in the forest besides Zocora so why would the map even call us up in the first place?” Celestia was sitting in one of the chairs with her one of her hooves on her chin she then spoke up her idea. ”Look from what I know about this map from what you told me is that it has also sent you to places of major trouble that is in need of help. So even if I am being called then this must be a serious matter that hangs the fate of Equestria in our hooves.”  This, in turn, made everyone present worried that more than just friendship is going to need to solve this problem, but before anyone else could comment on the problem at hand a huge *BOOM* went off and shook the castle and made Applejack lose her footing and fall down to the ground. This, in turn, made everyone try and sprint out of the castle with Fluttershy helping Applejack up. They soon were outside to see dark clouds and a massive storm from out of nowhere form from above the Everfree Forest. Then most shocking of all a crack opened up from the sky and it looked like something just came out of Hell the crack itself was hellish red with purple lines going across it making it look even more deadly.  Then huge gusts of wind hit the ponies all looking at this sight of terror. Though Twilight has never seen something this massive happen or occur in her life she for once in her life doesn't want to know how this was caused, where it came from, and what it was doing. For once in her life, she was truly terrified because she knew that something had to have dropped out of that thing and whatever it was made her doubt it was friendly. Then the storm clouds started to disappear and the wind stopped.  Twilight had an idea of what might happen next so she turned over to Luna and yelled. ”Use your Canterlot Royal Voice to tell everyone in Ponyville to head to my castle now!” Without thinking or talking back about it Luna opened up her wings and flew off into the town and yelled out. ”PONIES OF PONYVILLE THOU MUST HEAD OVER TO TWILIGHT'S CASTLE IMMEDIATELY!”  Without thinking twice there was a stampede heading over to Twilight and her friends. Once everyone was rushed over to Twilight’s Castle Twilight, Starlight, Celestia, And Luna raised a large magical dome over the castle and Twilight’s school. Then it happened the crack in the sky closed then exploded outward with a loud defining *BOOOOM* the outskirts of the Everfree Forest was blown away trees uprooted and thrown into buildings of Ponyville. The first layer of buildings was destroyed completely blown down to its foundations. The second layer of buildings near the town center was shredded by debris from the forest and some buildings had trees thrown into them. Sweet Apple Acres apple trees were blown to bits and the farmhouse was lifted off its foundations and thrown by force alone by the blast into the home of Applejack and her family. Town Hall was completely destroyed than the last layer of buildings was destroyed like the second layer of buildings. Shredded to ash by debris.  The blast then hit the dome and instantly cracks were showing up which were fixed by Starlight but the force was driving them back inch by inch so much so that hooves started digging along the ground. Then the train station was hit the train itself was blown up due to a tree hitting the engine and the train station was consumed by the fire of the blast. Then nothing no new blast the crack never reopened and sensing that the danger has passed the dome was put down and at this time the residents of Ponyville knew that what was released here was nothing and something much worse could be coming. This day was marked by fear and worry to be reminded that danger still looms. > Chapter Four Long Rodes > --------------------------------------------------------------------------  I woke up to a bright light shining through the medical tent I raised my arm to protect my eyes from the bright light. I soon realized that my armor was taken off of me I did not have to look at myself to realize it because I could just feel it. I soon set myself up halfway from the table I was placed on and looked down at my leg it looked fine and it had no splint or anything else on it. So I bent my right leg back and forth with no problem and no pain the miracles of medical improvements is interesting. I started to look around the tent to see other men who looked worse off than me in every way.  One man was missing an arm and had some bandages wrapped around his right eye while the man to the left of me had a large gash going from his left arm to his chest and he looked like he was trying to sleep with some difficulty. The tent was packed with men, my men with wounds and missing limbs that may take more time to heal and recover and some may never recover from these wounds without more medical supplies and doctors. The inside of the tent though was olive green with multiple wooden supports sticking out of the ground to prop up the tent. I looked around for any medic but by the looks of it, we are short staffed with no medic in sight. So I lifted myself off the table and started to walk with some pain due to being in one position for so long towards the exit of the tent.  I lifted my left hand and held the flap of the tent and open and walked out into the sunlight hitting me almost immediately and it took my eyes to adjust to said light that I started to spot men going through drills and others who are cleaning their weapons. Also, I spotted some of the medics helping someone who looks like a tree branch went into his arm and they are trying to remove said tree branch. Then a group of men spotted me and waved me over. I walked over to the group that waved me over and one of them a captain by the insignia on his right arm stood up from a tree log and outstretched his hand I took it and shook it.  He then cleared his throat and spoke. ”Sir, the Major is asking for you to come up to the command tent and debrief you about the situation”.  I let go of his hand and started to walk towards the command tent not looking back I passed by an armored vehicle roaring past with a least twelve men jogging behind it then I passed by some men huddled by a campfire and by the looks of it telling stories. I soon found myself in front of a hill and on top of that hill a tent with men going in and out in a hurry. I started to walk up the green grass covered hill and soon found myself at the top of the hill with two guards with a helmet with golden wings on each side of the helmet and with a golden visor open up the tent flaps. I ducked my head inside the tent and moved into the tent to find Major Kilo talking to a messenger about the state of the camp. Kilo pointed his finger and raised his voice. ”Look just get men who are willing to scout out the surrounding area to find food or a clean source of water so that we can get more men energized, and ready to move if the time comes”.  The messenger bit back saying. ”Sir, half the men are dead and only one hundred and fifty are combat ready and two hundred and fifty are wounded and the medical staff is stretched thin with treating so many wounded at the same time. We are low on medical supplies and men are starting to doubt if this mission will be successful with so many problems already appearing on the first day of this operation”.  I coughed out loud to get their attention that I was here they immediately stopped their conversation and looked at me both their helmets were on and I couldn't tell if they were surprised or not but the immediately saluted. I sighed and waved my hands in an acknowledged way and spoke. ”Look the number of times that we have been faced with bad odds before should not be surprising and instead of complaining about our current situation why not try and do something to improve it. While not fighting about it and making the problem worse. So I order you to stop this bickering and get to work.”  I ended with my conversation with giving a look of pure fury onto the messenger which in turn caused the man to nod and slowly exit out of the tent by walking away from the table in front of him and past me and through the tent flaps. I then walked to the other side of the table which was actually a holographic map of the surrounding area. Before the Major could speak I held out my hand to stop him from talking first. ”So I take it you got some power generators to work and so power is up and running through the camp which is good. Though we need to find those missing supplies fast, and I want scouts looking for a town or city nearby so we can come into contact with the locals and try to start some diplomatic talks”.  Kilo took off his helmet and I got a look of the man black hair, blue eyes, a scar on his left cheek, and tan coloration. He then cleared his throat and spoke. ”Well, sir before we do that you might want to um put on more than your boxers. Also, your armor is in that corner behind you general”.  I did not take the time to realize that I was just in my boxers and I stumbled a bit then got back up, and turned around to find my armor. I put on the armor skin suit and then put on each piece of the armor which soon connected together with a soft click. Then I took the last bit the helmet and looked at it from the front there was dust and some grime on it but no major damages to be seen. I turned the helmet around to the back and put it on.  Then I turned around to face Major Kilo and said. ”We have work to do Major and so let's get to it, shall we”. Location: Ponyville or what's left of it Time of day: Dawn Condition: Stressed Twilight looked out towards the small city or what was left of it in complete horror of the sudden destruction of her favorite city. She looked further to see ponies look at their home in shock while others walked around the destruction too shocked to realize the situation. While others searched their homes to find anything of value or loved ones. Celestia left Ponyville some hours ago to inform the press of what happened. Since it was dawn Celestia was not here to help the relief effort and instead, Luna and her personal guards have started to help remove rubble and have started to find anypony who got lost in the blast.  Sadly the body's of twelve ponies were found so far all dead and one of them was Mis. Cake and Pinkie is not taking the news well. She locked herself in her room since she found out and has just now allowed Applejack to talk to her. Fluttershy went to her cottage to find her house blown down to its foundations and almost all her animals dead except for Angle and a few others. Rarity is sad about the destruction of her shop and home. Applejacks family is safe but her farm has been almost completely destroyed. Rainbow Dash is with Fluttershy comforting her.  Starlight is helping lead the relief effort and me well I am trying to find out how this happened in the first place and what caused such a portal to open up and close so violent way. Just then to interrupt my thoughts a blue flash appeared in front of me and popped in Luna. She walked up to me on the hill overlooking the town and sat down beside me and spoke. ”I know that this is hard for you to accept and revenge might be on your mind but-” ”It is not that I don't accept it, Luna, it's that I don't know how something like this could have happened in the first place. Nor do I know what came out of that portal and if what came out of that portal wants to destroy Equestria or not I just don't know.” Luna got up and put a hoof on my left shoulder in an attempt to stabilize me and my anger at whatever caused this. Luna then turned around and started to walk away but not before saying one more thing. ”Twilight we found five more dead ponies not even recognizable at this point I would love to find who did this and kill them for such actions but right now I can't do anything without my sister's approval and the backing of the ponies of Equestria. Though this may be a hard time all we can do is wait for now at least for a time. All I have to say is this whatever did this whoever did this will pay”.  I turned around and spoke. ”And what about Celestia has she gave the okay for scouting out the area of where the portal appeared at least to know what happened?” I met Luna's gaze and she nodded. ”Well, at least we are doing something about this than just sitting around doing nothing. So has the team you sent out find anything to explain what happened?”  Luna looked at me with disappointment. ”Well, no not just yet they have made it to the area but have just started to look around for any clues. This what I have been told so far so, for now, we wait for more information”.  ”Thanks, Luna but could we help the search as well?” I said with a low tone.  Luna looked at me first and with some hesitation nodded her head and teleported away in a flash of blue. I turned away from the destruction of the city and opened the doors to my castle with my magic then closed them with my magic. Spike then started to rush towards me from the first hallway that leads to the map room. Before he could speak I spoke. ”Spike send a message to Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, and Starlight. Tell them that we are assisting with the search for what caused this to happen and tell them that it is very important”.  Spike nodded his head and started to run towards my room to start writing out the messages. All I can now do is wait for them to come and start to understand what in the hay happened and punish those who destroyed my home no our home. I walked down the hallway and to the left to be presented with two large doors with a crystal-like design carved into it the doors themselves had the colors of the elements of harmony. I opened the doors to find all my friends sitting in their seats and Starlight pacing around the seats and looking worried. All their attention were now focused on the door and at me.  Rainbow Dash was the first to say something. ”So, what took you so long to show up we were worried about you”.  ”Thanks, Rainbow but we have been tasked with something or rather have been given approval of helping the search party find any clues to try and find out what caused that portal to open in the first place. Though for some reason the map has called us to the Everfree Forest to solve this problem and this quest will be dangerous so if anypony wants to back out raise your hoof”. I looked up to see no hoofs up.  I nodded my head and spoke. ”So, in that case, let's go find who did this to our home”.   > Chapter Five Misunderstanding > --------------------------------------------------------------------------  Location: Creators Army Camp  Time of day: Dawn  Condition: contemplating  I looked up at Kilo one more time to say my farewells to go off and try and organize search parties and patrols. I opened the flaps of the command tent and started to walk down the hill to try and find men who are not wounded to start and form search parties and patrols. The clanking of my armour as I went down the hill was good to hear since I hate to take off my armour while on duty. I was soon at the bottom of the hill and I started to look around to see if groups of people were not doing anything or off duty. I soon found my luck when I spotted a group of soldiers about twelve of them in all, so I started to walk where they looked like they were eating.  They were also all huddled around a campfire when I made it over to them I was not noticed at first but when I was they all put down their food and saluted I sighed. ”At ease men, I want to know if you all will be willing to go out on an early search for any lost medical supplies or other supplies?” I said with a smile.  They all stopped saluting and sat down but one of them which I recognized as the sargent who found me and rushed me to the camp but I did not catch his name. The man in front of me put his helmet on and outstretched his hand. I shook his hand and asked. ”So what is your name I did not ask for it when we first met?”  He released his grip on my hand and spoke. ”The names Alexander and to answer your first question yes we would go with you as your search party even though five other groups have already headed out. Though only four out of the five were able to find anything for supplies such as food and ammo and some weapons. Though one group did say that they spotted some medical supplies but could not risk it for the supplies were close to town or what's left of it.”  It took me a moment to realise the last bit of what Alexander said but I had to raise the question. ”What do you mean by what's left of it?”  ”Well, sir the scouts said that the town looked like it was shredded to pieces and some of the buildings looked like they were blown down to its foundations. They also spotted some ponies starting to group together and head into the woods. They left before they could have been spotted but it seems the locals are trying to find out what could have caused so much damage or who caused so much damage.” Alexander said with a small amount of worry present in his tone.  The realisation hit me immediately the portal collapsed which means it could not have closed safely but violently. I have seen portals do this before and the destruction it leaves behind once it closes is immense. The locals are trying to find out who opened the portal but when they due they will not be taking that person alive. And guess who came out of that portal us.  ”Alexander tell the men to get ready for a long day because of the-”. BOOM was all I hear as I found myself flung in the air and I soon met the ground with a loud thud. Then all I could hear was ringing and the yells of men as they try to get to cover. Then the sound of gunfire surrounds me like a drum on repeat. Then I found myself being lifted off the ground by one of my men and heading for one of the wooden benches turned over he set me down and started to shoot.  Then sound returned to me and the sounds of battle come thundering down on me yet again. I pulled out my pistol from my left holster and looked over my cover to see gunfire coming from the treeline and a lot of it. I aimed my pistol a revolver no less and started to fire at the treeline to at least lay bullets down range. Then a bullet grazed by my helmet and by the sound of it hit someone behind me. I got back into cover and so did the man who pulled me over to this bit of cover. ”Quickly go get the mortars ready to fire on that treeline now!” It took a bit for the man to realise my order but he nodded his head and ran from cover to cover towards the mortar pit which no one was in yet. Though that changed very quickly as a mortar team jumped into the pit and started to aim towards the treeline. Then I heard the sound of mortar shells go into the air and hit their targets with three thunderous booms sounded in the air.  Then enemy artillery sounded in response and I saw men start to scatter as shells blew apart the camp gate into wooden splinters that hit men who did not have enough time to get away and did not have their armour on and were now dead because of it. I looked over my cover again and started to fire only to see in the corner of my right eye a man who no longer has his left arm trying to run towards the medic, but was shot through the neck before he could get behind the first medical tent. His helmet falling from his head into the ground as he did the same. Then I saw the locals or should I saw ponies start rushing towards the now destroyed entrance. They had on grey uniforms with what looks like German Stahlhelm helmets on their heads.  Also, some of the weapons they carried were on their side but were firing by what looks like a button be pressed by the mouth and some had their weapons floating in the air and firing. Then the sound of an engine roars behind me I turned around to see an armoured car stop between the mortar pit on my left and the first medical tent on my right start to open fire. I turned back around to see the ponies who were charging get mowed down and some ponies, front legs got completely blown away and at least ten more fell before they retreated back to the treeline. Then I turned back again to see about thirty men in all start taking positions and fire back.  ”Men we have been taken by surprise by these ponies but no longer shall we! Fight back even though I did not want this to happen they have given us no choice! So let's show them why you don't mess with the Creators Army! Hoora!” I yelled out to hear the same Hoora from all the men around me.  The sound of gunfire amplified as multiple machine gun turrets were set up by the heavy armament squads. I soon left the cover I was in to try and find Kilo in this mess. I ran past some other squads of soldiers who were carrying wounded over to the medics. I soon spotted the Major directing men to different positions of the camp. I soon rushed over to him and took cover beside him.  ”So this is one hell of a mess, isn't it?” I said with annoyance in my tone.  Kilo turned his head to face me and spoke. ”Well yes this is a major mess and also wasn't this supposed to be a diplomatic mission as in no combat!”  I shrugged my shoulders. ”Well, it turns out that it is the opposite. Though I do have a plan about that enemy artillery. I need one squad if you can spare one to slip out the back of the camp and go behind enemy lines to knock out their artillery.” He gave me a worried look but nodded his head. ”Sir this plan is a very dangerous one but it's the only one we got besides defending a camp and hope for the best. Just make it back alive or else Butler is going to have my head.” ​ I nodded my head and Kilo waved over a group of ten men who rushed over and Kilo gave them their orders to follow me. Which they did as I moved towards the back of the camp which by the looks of it have not been covered yet by the ponies. Before we slipped out of the camp through a gap between the wooden stakes, I thought how the fuck am I going to be able to recover any opportunity to talk with the leaders of this world now? Location: Everfree Forest Time of day: Dawn Condition: Tense Twilight looked at the ponies gathered before her with pride but purpose. The task given to her by Princess Celestia was due to recent info gathered by the Royal Guard of Luna that yesterday they spotted a large camp full of an unknown species that had many types of weapons. So the nobles of Equestria called it a war camp and due to the fact that Ponyville was destroyed close to where the camp is located at. The army was called in to well, destroy the camp and I am to lead them into battle so is Applejack and Rainbow Dash.  The battalions gathered here today is the 5th rifle battalion, 6th siege battalion, and the 9th artillery core. All to destroy those who took the lives of innocent ponies. The plan though was simple just surround the camp and start to bomb it with artillery, until they surrender. Though war is not that simple. Though I have been given my orders and that is that.  I soon started to walk towards the front of the soldiers gathered and took out my pistol from my battle saddle and spoke. ”Soldiers of Equestria we are gathered here today to get revenge for the deaths of those we call friends, comrades, or even civilians but one thing is assured that this act will not be forgiven or forgotten. So for all, we stand for as a nation as a species we shall not allow acts of violence go unpunished. So go forth and kill the enemies of the nation charge!” And with that, I fired the pistol up in the air and all the ponies in front of me rushed up the hillside behind me and started to set positions along the tree line facing the encampment. I fired the second shot of my pistol and the sound of artillery shooting started and with it the battle. Then the sounds of rifles and machine guns sounded like a drumbeat of battle. I soon rushed over to where Applejack was positioned with the 345th scout company overlooking the battle and sending messages back and forth. Applejack though did pick a hillside behind the battle and by the looks of it was looking out a pair of binoculars at the battle ahead.  I soon rushed by a group of ponies who were delivering messages and taking them and heading back down the hill and towards the battle. I was soon behind Applejack and then I tapped her on the back. Applejack jumped a little bit which took me by surprise at first since she was seen as somepony who is not easy to startle. She turned around and gave me a puzzled look. Then thinking ahead handed me the binoculars without question.  I spoke first.” So Applejack how is the battle going so far?”  She answered quickly though. ” It's going great so far we took them by surprise and our artillery is hitting them hard. So you can say that it is going great so far but an early charge by a squad a soldiers was met with them being cut down by what looks like an armoured car once the front gate of the camp was blown apart. Mortars have been hitting the treeline hard but soon as we get them wethered down then we can charge in our troops don't you think?” I shrugged my shoulders. ”Well just as long as we have the camp surrounded then this battle should be over quickly since the defenders would be stretched too thin. Wait do we have the back of the camp covered yet?” I looked at Applejacks face which gave me the answer of no or not yet. I almost yelled at her for a basic mistake but decided not to.  I turned around and gave one order. ”I will lead the troops who are going to be covering the back of the camp. That is all for now”. I then left Applejack to her own devices. One thought came through my mind and it was I hope that not a single one of these things has escaped past our lines. > Chapter Six Encounter > --------------------------------------------------------------------------                       Williams POV   The sounds of battle slowly fade away as me and the ten men with me started to move away from the camp and behind enemy lines. Though crawling through tall grass is a bit annoying but it's the only cover we have at the moment. I am a bit surprised that they have yet to see any enemy units or activity yet. It does seem that they have underestimated us, humans. I looked behind me to see the others crawling close behind me.   The men with me were not fully armed since we had to be quiet so that none of these ponies spots us or hears us. Though it will be very difficult since they have a better sense of smell and hearing. Sadly I can't really back that up with evidence nor would I like to. I then heard the sound of hooves hitting the ground hard. I held up my hand in a fist to tell the others to stop moving which they did just in the nick of time.    Just then I saw at least thirty ponies run by and at an alarming pace. Well, it seems that our exit has now been blocked. Just as we thought that we were in the clear an officer pony by the grey trench coat and officers cap with a horn sticking out of it, looked at the tall grass and yelled out at the last five ponies that were running by to halt. They halted and faced the officer he, in turn, pointed to the tall grass. I looked back at my men and waved for them to start moving back which they did slowly.    The five ponies pulled out bayonets and fixed them to their guns and lined up and started to search the tall grass. The officer was behind them with a pistol in the air floating. I looked behind me to see that we were running out of tall grass to move back. I sighed well it looks like we have no choice, I pulled out my revolver from my right holster and started to screw on a silencer from my bag I was wearing. The others seeing what I was doing followed my lead.    They were almost upon us and that is when I gave the command. ”Put them down”. As if on cue the closest pony fell first with a bullet going through his neck. The others surprised by what had happened took time to respond. Though they were not fast enough as the four soldiers took bullets through the head or through the neck.    The officer was about to yell, but I did not give him the chance as I stood up pointed my revolver, aimed and fired. The bullet went right through his eye and back out his skull brain matter and bits of skull hit the tall grass sticking and slowly falling down. Along with the dead officer. I laid back down on my stomach and holstered my weapon. The others did the same.   Luckily no one saw that and started to move through the tall grass again. Then after about five minutes of crawling, I heard the sound of artillery firing. We started to move towards the sound as well as avoiding some patrols we soon found ourselves overlooking the artillery position. There were six guns total all firing constantly, luckily the tall grass was concealing us I looked behind me and waved over the person with the satchel charge. The man crawled over to me and five others and started to pass each of us a satchel charge.    There was only five but each was primed with high explosives, I took the satchel charge and pulled out a lighter. I looked left and right of me as the others did the same. We then lit the fuses and got up and tossed them towards the enemy artillery. One satchel landed by an ammo stockpile of artillery shells. Another one landed on a table where two ponies we're playing cards. The others landed near the artillery guns and crews.    I looked at the reaction of the ponies to see a rainbow coloured mare realised it at first but was too late to call out as the first satchel detonated. Along with the rest killing the artillery crew, guards, and others instantly along with the guns. Through the fire and smoke raised the rainbow-coloured mare and she looked absolutely pissed off. She scanned the hillside overlooking the now nonexistent artillery position. She spotted us and pulled out her bayonet with her wings and threw it so fast that I heard it wiss past me.    The bayonet was meant for me but her aim was off and hit one of my men to the left of me right in the throat. The medic with us had zero time to react as the man died instantly as the bayonet broke his spine going through his neck. He fell down as blood spilled down his throat and mouth. The others pulled out their weapons and started to fire at the mare only for her to go so fast towards us dodging the bullets somehow.    I pulled out my revolver and aimed at the mares head. She was quickly gaining speed but soon she was right at the hillside then I pulled the trigger. The mare was too close to dodge the bullet completely. It landed and went right through her right front leg. She screamed and crash-landed into me which sent me flying right into a tree.    She was quick to recover and put her wings around my neck and started to squeeze. I would not give her the chance to kill me off so easy, as I headbutted her which caused her to stagger off me and leaving her dazed since I am wearing a metal helmet. I then got up from the ground and took off my helmet and hit the mare as hard as I could right into the side of her head, knocking her out completely. I looked at her and checked her pulse to see if I did not kill the mare. Luckily she had a pulse and I looked around me. ”Does anyone here have a rope or something to tie her up with?”    The medic raised her hand. ”I do sir,” she said.    I waved her over. ”Well don't just stand there, come over here!” I said. She nodded her head and ran over towards me and knelt down over the pony and pulled out some rope and started to tie the ponies legs together. Once done she pulled out some tape duck tape by the looks of it and taped her mouth shut.    She then noticed the wings and tied them to her sides multiple times nearly covering the whole view of the ponies sides. This took ten minutes a very long and dangerous ten minutes. Since patrols have passed us multiple times but luckily each patrol that came by did not see us lucky due to the tall grass and thick treeline. Once done we started to move back towards where we came from with me carrying the mare on my back. Once we were close to the back entrance of the camp we stopped because of those thirty ponies that we spotted earlier have dug in and we're firing at the defenders guarding the back entrance.    So the only option I could think of was to wait till night fell to sneak by the ponies, and that is what we did. We waited till midnight and started to move away from the tall grass and along the dirt road and up the hill. We moved past the foxholes where the ponies we're sleeping. Then the mare decided it would be a good time to wake up. She kicked and screamed though be it muffled.  So I quickly hit her right at the temple of her head knocking her out again. Though not before I heard a yell from behind me. I turned around to see a purple pony with anger written on her face and a glowing horn about ready to send me to kingdom come. The only thought I had was run, and run I did like a madman as purple laser bolts wissed right past me. Which of course woke up the other ponies, which were now shooting at me as well.    Thankfully the others made it inside the camp and we're providing covering fire along with the other defenders that were fighting to protect the back entrance. I was so close to the entrance which was being held open by one of my men who was urging me on. Then I threw myself onto the ground past the entrance and ordered the man to close it now. Which is what he did. The purple ponies very pissed off face was the last thing I saw as the gate closed. The purple pony did not press further as she was starting to get pinned down from what I had to guess. Though one thing was for sure we now had a valuable prisoner from what I had to guess.  > Chapter Seven Talks and Negotiations Part 1 > --------------------------------------------------------------------------   Twilights POV  How is this possible? How could I not notice that the artillery was what they were going for? Also they now have Rainbow Dash as a hostage this has turned from bad to worse. Twilight was in a command tent in the rear of the frontline, she was notified of what happened yesterday, and to put it bluntly she was pissed. She tried to rescue Rainbow Dash, but she missed her shots at that thing and had a door slammed in her face.    She crumpled up the report with her magic and then threw it out of sight. She put her hoof to her forehead and sighed. This battle has grown very unpopular with the nobility and princess Celestia who has said I should just start opening peace negotiations along with a written apology for the trouble we caused our “guests”. So in response I have called a cease fire and sent a messenger to the enemy’s fort telling them that I will talk with your commander about peace terms. As expected the enemy commander accepted the invitation and would talk with me in a day's time.     So all I do is wait and think about what I will say to this now former enemy without letting my anger get to me. I swear if they hurt Rainbow Dash in any form I will kill every last one of them myself. Twilight then turned around and looked out towards the tent flap and walked toward it and opened it up to see a low hanging sun and a massive army camp along with a beautiful view of the forest ahead of the camp. Twilight’s tent was positioned overlooking the camp on a hilltop a mile away from the main camp. Twilight had to admit it was a great view, but she has better things to think about such as opening up diplomatic relations with a new race of people that not a day before she was trying to kill.    She sighed at the fact that she failed her mission. Her officers were not in the least bit happy about the recent turn of events, but they accepted their defeat nonetheless. Her horn lit up to open her saddle for her officers cap which she promptly put on her head. She had to address the men at least those still left out of the ten divisions she had with her; in the beginning only eight were left standing; she has lost 2,000 ponies that were of the 130th siege division and the 49th siege berzerkers both divisions each a thousand strong wiped out by the enemy. Overall casualties were two thousand five hundred wounded were numbered only by one thousand. Such a waste she thought she looked to her left which showed a dirt path heading down to the army camp she looked back once more at the setting sun hanging her head low and started to walk the dirt path.    She passed by officers and soldiers alike all doing their own tasks ignoring her for good reason she thought. During her service she was nicknamed the bloody star for her cruelty on the battlefield and the integration of her foes. She was brutal but effective and was soon one of the main heroes of the war for her acts of bravery and tactical prowess which won her many a battle. The cost of the war was heavy, but most wars are not without cost. So much lost with so little gain the thought weighed her down a bit. So lost in thought she did not notice an officer suddenly appear in her path not paying attention she bumped into him.    He had little time to recover as he fell over with her an “oof” rang out of his mouth they both raised their heads at each other surprise on the young officers face with a mix of horror. Realizing what had happened the young officer was quick to get on his hooves. “I am so sorry General Sparkle… I was not paying attention. I will make sure that this never happens again”. He gave her a salute and started to walk away.    She got back on her hooves and called back at this young officer. “ What is your name if I may ask?” Curiosity has taken root since it was such a rare sight to see such eccentric behavior from an officer in her army.    He stopped and saluted. “My name is Arclight sir Twilight sorry to bump into you. Now though I must leave Captain Strongarm has asked for me to discuss the results of the battle with him.” He then turned around and ran towards another tent on the side of the dirt path.    The stallion did not allow me to say anything besides asking his name. Twilight just shrugged her shoulders and walked down the path more until she reached the end of the path and cane to a crossroads and a sign to her left had two arrows one pointing left the other right. The left said medical camp. The right said main encampment. Twilight took the right pathway and soon found herself in front of the camp entrance which was guarded by some of her personal guard which is a regiment named the Twilight Brigade or the Twilight Marauders that have fought in multiple battles with her against the griffins and mentors.    Both guards looked at her and stepped aside allowing her entrance. Twilight then walked past them and into the camp itself which seems completely deserted. Probably just at the clearing of the camp Twilight thought as she passed by tent after tent getting closer to the clearing which is where she was to make her speech. Instead she soon was at the entrance of the clearing and was met by two Solar Guards which only meant one thing: Celesta.    Twilight passed by the guards and into the clearing to find a table with a pitcher of tea, two cups, and two seats. On one of those seats was a tall Alicorn that has run this country with an iron grip ever since the beginning of the war and this individual was smiling. Celestia then took a sip of tea then placed down said cup with her magic. “Sit down Twilight we have much to discuss”. > Chapter 8 Talks and Negotiations Part 2 > --------------------------------------------------------------------------   Twilights POV    To put things bluntly Twilight was scared that this “little war” has now caught the ire of Celestia also known as the butcher of Ponyville and the iron queen. Twilight took in a deep breath and walked up to the table and took a seat and lifted a cup of tea with her magic and took a sip. Celestia meanwhile just stared at her with a smile on her face. The air of tension was so damn thick it would take a whole artillery shell just to put a dent in it.  Then Celestia laughed and took a sip of tea from her cup and placed it back down.    “You are probably wondering why I am here and not your army, I entrusted you to win this little war the news is calling it now.” Yeah no shit Twilight wanted to say but bit back her tongue. “Well since peace talks are going to be underway I sent your army home. Or rather my army, but that does not matter what does matter is your punishment for losing to a foe you should have crushed.”    Twilight interjected. “ My queen if you gave me more time I-“. Twilight did not get a chance to finish as the force of Twilight's head going through the wooden table and a loud crack sounded soon after. Twilight soon found herself on the hard ground vision blurred and blood running down her forehead. Tea was spilled everywhere around the tent they were in.    Celestia just simply got off her chair and lifted Twilight up and forced her to meet her gaze. “I gave you time and men to finish off what our scouts reported to be a small force. I hoped that this would be an easy job for you, but apparently I was wrong in this observation. Now the public wants somepony to blame. So, tell me Twilight why shouldn’t I pull out my pistol and shoot you for your failure?” Celestia released Twilight from her magical grasp to try and explain herself.    Twilight rose to all four hooves and held her head up. “My queen, the fault of this embarrassment falls to the fact we were not fast enough to cover the rear of the makeshift fort. Thus a small enemy unit got through our lines and proceeded with taking out our artillery and capturing a captain Rainbow Dash. I tried to get her back but I was unable to due to heavy enemy fire.”    Celestia stood there in front of Twilight for a moment before speaking again. “Who did you put in charge of securing the back of the fort?”    Twilight’s blood ran cold as the question hung over her head like a cloud of death. If she told the truth Applejack would be executed for her failure. She could not let that happen. “My queen I gave that duty to Captain Steelheart.” A sense of dread hung over Twilight as she just knowingly sent one of her command staff to their death. The sad truth was that this was commonplace in the military and Celestia made it that way.    All Celestia said was. “Where is he located?”    Twilight responded with. “His tent is on the dirt path leading up to my command tent.” Next thing Twilight knew Celestia teleported out of the tent and within a few minutes later she came back with a very startled stallion who looked terrified to the point of shaking. Before he could speak Celestia took out her pistol and shot him through the head without a second glance she passed now the dead Steelheart and up to Twilight.    “Thank you for your honesty Twilight. Be grateful that it was not you who was killed today but instead a traitor to the crown and a foolish Captain that is what the press will be spinning about for a couple of weeks.” Celestia then proceeded to walk out of her tent without even looking back. Before she left she stopped right at the exit/entrance of her tent. “Never fail me again like this or it will be you with a bullet through your brain.”    All the now shocked Twilight could say was. “Yes my queen I will make sure nothing like this happens again.” Celestia just nodded her head and walked out of the tent and in a quick flash she was gone. Twilight then crumpled to the ground her wounds starting to finally hit her and the shock of what she just did made her cry and hate herself like she never has done before. One of her personal guard's pony found her and helped her to a nearby medic. She stopped crying as soon as they were out of the tent. Her face was one of no emotion.    The medic said that thanks to her magical shield she was alive without it she would have very much died due to the force of impact and loss of blood but most of the major damage was healed. The medic then said that Twilight needs now to rest at least until the next day. All Twilight did was nod her head and lay down in the cot she was directed to. She then closed her eyes to the nightmares of war, death, dread, and loss. She awoke to a light tapping on her shoulder. She turned to her left to see a tall green purple dragon who has stayed with her all these long years.    Said dragon wore a large grin on his big face. “Well now who’s waking up who. I heard about the visit you had with Celestia and decided to fly over to check up on you. So how are you doing?”    Twilight just smiled back and said. “I am doing fine Spike, no need to worry about little old me.” She lied of course, because she could not show a tiny bit of weakness in the presence of military personnel who were working on other wounded around her.    Spike had a look of doubt for a moment before changing the subject. “The peace talks are going to be happening in no man's land right between the destroyed entrance of the fort and our trench lines. So do you want to walk there or fly because we got two hours to get there so we have plenty of time to walk.”    He then gestured to me for my answer which I gave very quickly. “I would not mind a walk with my most favorite assistant who has helped me so much after the war.”    He blushed for a moment and shrugged. “You give me too much credit, your friends also helped with your recovery back into civilian life those friends who did not join the military that is. Rarity and Fluttershy helped the most with your recovery.” He hesitated when he said the name of Fluttershy he seemed to dislike the name coming out of his mouth. Instead of replying all I did was get off the cot and walked out of the medical tent.    Spike soon followed suit but ran instead of walking. Twilight then gestured to the path they have to take to get to the frontlines. “Well don’t just stand there we have a long walk ahead of us and I don’t want to be late.” With that they started down a path that would lead to much good and bad.