I paced in circles as the sun shone brightly over me. It’s rays reflecting the sweat streaming down my face. C’mon, you’ve got this, you’ve done crazier things in your life already! A little presentation to Princess Celestia never hurt right? okay okay, perhaps presenting your ideas towards an immortal Alicorn Princess isn’t as easy as you might think, but you shouldn’t be this nervous now. Just… cool yourself and breathe, that’s what Fluttershy suggested right? breathe, breathe in, breathe out.
The pressure that was building on top of me seemed to ease as I focused on my breathing, my mind calming down, my vision getting clearer, my resolve stronger. With my mind cleared enough, I looked up at the stained glass windows surrounding me, pictures of great figures, ancient battles, my former enemies defeating the spirit of chaos, and of the 4 princesses, all reflecting sunlight in their own unique way. Shining brightly under the sunlight that’s given to them, yet somehow never overstepping the brilliance of each other, very Equestrian, and very beautiful.
My head turned towards the picture showcasing Celestia, sunlight reflecting It’s rainbow mane so well it almost looks like It’s flowing, the white alicorn’s body shone intensely towards whoever views it, enough to give it a sense of awe and majesty, yet not enough to overwhelm it. It feels like you’re being embraced by Celestia herself. The majesty, the warmth, the sense of ease you felt whenever you are near the princess of the sun.
Whoever made these stained glass windows needs a pay raise.
The door suddenly opened when I was about to pay attention towards Luna's portrait. Reflex took control of me as my body stiffened. I stood forward, looking at whoever is going to meet me. All those years of planning, cajoling, and convincing has come to this, hopefully the Princesses will understand my reasoning.
It has been such a long time since I’ve returned, I cannot leave them behind just like that. Not after what they’ve done for me.
“I know, I know Wind Shuffle, you don’t have to tell me that the public is anxious with that proposal, just tell them that the proposal for the rail extension towards Vanhoover has been approved, and land will be bought via eminent domain. Obviously compensation towards land owners will be given, that should calm them down a little bit. Alright? thank you, you are dismissed.”
I certainly didn’t expect that voice, as the door further opened, a part of me expected Celestia’s a bit sick. No matter, if she is willing to lend me time to hear out my proposal even when she’s sick, then I have to give my best shot no matter what.
Finally the door fully opened, and instead I saw an alicorn with a coat as blue as the night sky.
“Princess Luna?”
“Hello there, General Tempest Shadow.” The figure replied.
Huh… weird.
To say that I’m confused is underselling it, I rarely see Luna, but the times I have seen her, It’s usually at either my dreams or at night time. I have never seen her in broad daylight like this.
Fortunately enough, she noticed my face and smiled a little bit. “Do not worry. I am here at the behest of Celestia herself, my sister is busy meeting with leaders of the Equestrian Diet, and asked me to hear you out on her behalf. I trust that you would have no problems with this arrangement?”
I stared at the Princess for far longer than I should have, shook my head and finally replied. “Not a problem your majesty. I assume that you have read the short report I gave to Celestia.”
“Concerning the Stormleucid Empire? yes. I have read it.” She responded. “Pray tell, why do you concern yourself with the Storm King’s remnants? they seem to be a minuscule threat now that both the Storm King and his most effective commander has left it.”
“And that is why I came here to present to you your majesty. I have a plan that would effectively neuter the remnants of the Storm King for good.”
On cue. I saw a couple of royal guards bringing in the slides I made, I saw Princess Luna taking a good close look at the slide, and then towards me, her head running with many questions by the looks of it. I would not be surprised, the title of the first slide gives the whole thing away.
To liberate a land, strategies for the liberation of the Stormlands.
By: Fizzlepop Berrytwist.
“And what did she think?” the mare right in front of me asked. The only response she got was me busy staring at my coffee cup, perhaps a bit too busy contemplating what response I’ll get after yesterday’s exposé. The coffee cup foams as I played with it, twisting my spoon as the upper foam layers mélanged itself into the coffee. She’s patiently waiting for an answer, but what else does she expect?
The plan might not even work for Celestia’s Sake! It’s such an ill-conceived idea! that place is too far out, too remote! relies on luck being on my side the entire time! Uhhh, I shouldn’t even have presented to the Princess in the first place. Why do you do this to yourself Tempest, why?!?
“Uhh, Tempest? are you okay? you seem to be spacing out.”
The mare’s question jolted me out of my trance, prompting me to stare right back at her. My rounded eyes meeting with hers.
“Uhh, yeah Swift. Yeah. She thinks that It’s interesting, and she wants to ‘explore the idea further’, but you know how it is. She has to consult Celestia first.”
“Ah yeah, makes sense.” She responded. Still looking at me for some reason. C’mon Swift! drink your damn coffee!! I need some time for personal introspection here! I don’t need your eyes peering through my soul and let me spill out my darkest secrets. I don’t need that anymore. Not after that incident.
No.
Never.
Never again.
“Tempest, something’s wrong. Do you want to tell me about it?”
I broke.
“Alright alright!! stop staring at me Swift Wing! gosh, you’re getting a bit too good at this. You should stop you know?”
The white pegasus mare laughed. “Good old Fizzlepop, too uptight as always. Calm down, I know both the Alicorn sisters, they won’t put you on a firing line just because you wanted to liberate a country. Especially not when they’re the Storm King’s remnants.”
“Seriously though, do calm down Fizzlepop. It’s an order.”
I faked a salute and drank from my coffee cup. Thank goodness we booked the whole café for this, I knew that we both needed some time to wind down. This whole ‘being a general’ thing is starting to wear me down something fierce.
“Alright Swift. You win, and now I’m going to expose my entire life story and tell you all the embarrassing things I did as a filly. Happy now?”
“Nothing too embarrassing Tempest.” She replied, a knowing smile forming around her face. Gosh, she’s so good at prodding me. “Maybe just your current concerns about the plan you proposed should be enough.”
I sighed. “Are all Severyani ponies like this? forcing everyone they know to confront their doubts and fears?”
“No, I think It’s just me. I learned that It’s better to just let your feelings out, makes things easier to solve, at least from my experience. I’ll keep this only between the two of us. I promise.”
I looked at her. her eye patch and her one good eye practically staring at my soul at this point. “Fine. I’m just not sure of myself, after all I’ve done under the command of the Storm King. I just don’t feel I should be doing this.”
“Look, before I came to Equestria, back when I was conquering other lands for the Storm King. I’ve made, well, I wouldn’t exactly call them friends, comrades is the closest thing I can call them. We shared beds together, we fought together, we lead armies together. But just as we are finishing our latest campaigns. The Storm King pulled me out and asked me to lead his personal retinue for a personal project. I think you know what that personal project is.”
“The invasion of Equestria?” She asked.
“Yep. Landed here, imprisoned the Princesses in stone, you know the whole ordeal. Spent a long time discovering myself after that. At least before you came in and that whole war thing blew up. I practically forgot what happened to my comrades after that, busy fighting Changeling armies, and then, Imperial Griffon armies after that. I’m starting to regret not reconnecting with my comrades after all this. It’s been 10 years since Griffonian-Equestrian war ended, 10. Freaking. Years. And not a single word from me. I can’t do that to them Swift, not to my comrades who I fought and bonded with during those years.”
“I know I want to save them Swift, I know you’ve read the reports about the Stormlands and the oppression there. I just.... I don’t know if I have the skill to pull it off. The plan is rather straightforward, and I know our allies in the region will assist us on the endeavor. But I don’t know if I can do it, how would I even face my old comrades after what I did?!? I know that what they’re fighting for is wrong, misguided at best. But seeing first hoof of the very mare that betrayed their sovereign in the flesh? I don’t think they even want my help, just the sight of me is enough to disgust anyone down there.”
“I don’t know if I can do this. I… I really don’t.”
Swift Wing finished drinking her coffee and stared into the distance, Canterlot is always beautiful, but It’s definitely more beautiful at night. The lights of the buildings illuminating the streets, ponies milling about after the end of their work hours, Bat Ponies now waking up and starting to work their night shifts. It feels vibrant, yet, at the same time, it feels as friendly as a small town. I saw a bat pony filly, no more than 5 to 6 years old by the looks of it, trip down, crying and screaming for her mother to find her, only to see an Earth Pony Stallion take his time to bring the bat pony filly up to his back, and walk with her towards the nearest police station.
We made sure that the Stallion made Its way to the station. Just in case anyone is wondering. I swear we both watched that Stallion for a good ten minutes, up until he opened the door of the nearest station and got in.
“Did you see what you did there?” The white pegasus asked.
“Hmm? you mean the staring at the Stallion thing?”
“Yes. That. That should be a good enough indicator that you will succeed in your endeavor Tempest. You have your heart in the right place, and if nothing else. You’re the most resourceful general I’ve ever known.”
The mare pointed right at my horn, It’s tip still buzzing with channeled raw magic, ready to electrocute the Stallion in case he tries to do anything unusual with the filly. “You already have that spell prepared. You are ready to burst out of this café and put yourself on the line, all just for a Thestral filly. That heart of yours is going to take you far into this world, I know that now. Remember the first time I received you under my command? remember the first thing I said?”
“Faker.” I responded. “And you’re not wrong. I was… still learning about friendship, what it truly means, and I can count the times I nearly abandoned it. But, Equestria needs generals and I was one of the few ponies who have military experience, so we both have to get used to each other.”
“But you proved me wrong.” Swift Wing interjected. “You are no faker, and that heart of gold deep within you changed the southern campaign forever. Troops would flock to you, ready to die at your command. ‘Tempest will keep us safe!’ they said, and you made sure that phrase was not a lie. We liberated the entirety of the west coast, drove to Vanhoover like a madmare, took a side route liberating the deers from the Changelings, and… well, remember that incident Tempest?”
“Yeah, of course. A lone Changeling soldier, surrounded and starving. Every single one of my soldiers were braying for his execution. I walked towards him and after convincing him to drop his weapons, I went forward and hug him.”
“I have to stress this Tempest, you’re the only general that did that, the only one. Perhaps your compassion wasn’t necessary back then. But when Thorax came back to his home, and tells everyone of his story, about how you saved him. It… perhaps it made sure the rebuilding of Changelingia was never a terribly bloody affair. Just one simple action Tempest. Even after that, when we were fighting the Griffons. You were the general our enemies most respected, not only because of your skills, but because of your heart. You know of what they’re fighting for, how much a resurgent Griffon Empire meant for the average soldier, and tried your best to keep casualties on both sides at a minimum. Even the Emperor himself told Celestia that your actions has done more damage to the Empire’s war efforts than 10 generals of similar skill. You treated griffons and changelings, everyone really, as people that have their own aspirations, their own wants and desires. While you used that knowledge of yours to great advantage in combat. Your actions ensured that Equestria’s allies, whether they are near us or far away. Would be loyal to a fault.”
“That is why I have full confidence that you can do the same if the Princesses would go with your plan.” She finished. “Who would’ve thought that Tempest Shadow, the former second in command of the Storm King, would become ‘the army’s moral compass.’ Certainly not me.”
I blushed at the praise Swift Wing gave to me. “Well, thanks for the pep talk Swift. I don’t know if I need that or not. Whatever happens. Our friendship will never break. Right?”
Swift laughed once more. “Never Berrytwist. you saved me from losing my only good eye, proved to me your worth and then some, and-”
“Alright alright!!” I stopped her. “No need to give my entire resumé in some café here.”
We seemed to both finish the coffee at that point. I coughed some bits from my saddlebags, more than willing to cover Swift Wing after that talk, and left.
As we proceeded to trot out of the café, thinking about some rest. a rushing pony stopped right in front of us.
“Are you General Fizzlepop Berrytwist and Field Marshall Swift Wing?”
I nodded my head. “Yes, what is it?”
“The Princesses has summoned you. High Priority, cannot be delayed any longer.”
At the mention of those last two sentences, we both rushed past the pony and reached the castle as fast as we could. Only Celestia knows what’s in store for us there.
We finally reached the castle grounds after that bout with the messenger. The glistening halls of the throne room now illuminated with electric lights, a bit jarring, but not important, the most important aspect in the room right now is neither the glass stained windows, nor the polished marble lining the halls, but in the three figures staring at both of us, each of them unfurling their wings before they trotted down their thrones, okay, 2 thrones really.
“Field Marshall Swift Wing, General Fizzlepop Berrytwist. I think it would be prudent for us to discuss this matter at a more private setting.” The alicorn with the flowing rainbow mane declared. “Why don’t you follow us, we would like to discuss further on your plans to liberate the Stormlands.”
Just as fast as the Princesses bought us in. We were ferried in by three alicorns right into the back of the throne room, in front of them stood three pedestals, and they lighted up their horns into the objects. It seemed to respond, with the floor below the pedestal giving way to a series of staircases, each of them cascading downwards. We all walked downstairs, the cascading staircase automatically closing behind us as we moved further. As the last of the staircase closes in, the three alicorns lighted their horns, providing illumination as we finally reached the bottom.
The bottom of this seemingly endless staircase was nothing but a short hallway, ending with a black door in the end. Celestia trotted first, presenting the door for us. “Come, we have much to discuss General Berrytwist.”
To say that I was disoriented was an understatement. The atmosphere changed drastically from the serene majesty of the castle, to the dark and claustrophobic staircase, and now to the tense hallway, all leading up to this black door. A lump formed on my throat, and my eyes focused on the three alicorns, their faces changed from their usual serene self to a look of solemn determination. Their lustrous smiles lost, with all that’s left being robots in pony form.
I looked towards Swift Wing, my uncertain eyes meeting hers, and we nodded together. Walking towards the doorway, opening it, preparing for our inevitable end.
And we saw multiple chairs lining up what looks like a wooden table in the middle, television screens littering the upper walls, and a symbol of Equestria, a shield with the sun and moon in the center, and scenery depicting day and night on the sides of it, within the center of the room.
“Sorry, that staircase was intense.” Twilight trotted past us, taking a seat at one of the chairs. “I designed this crisis center first, building the accessways to the throne room was more an afterthought. There is a more normal way of entering the crisis center, but It’s going to be too long a walk to get there, so uhh, sorry!”
I rolled my eyes. “Typical Twilight” I commented, taking a seat alongside Swift Wing. I noticed that the other two Princesses were seated right next to Twilight, effectively sitting to the opposite of me. Almost as if they’re preparing to confront me on something. I steeled my nerves and calmed myself down, awaiting their questions.
“So.” Celestia started. “After some deliberations between myself, Luna, Twilight, and members of the Diet. We decided to support your plan. In Its entirety.”
I let out a visible sigh and everything feels less tense. So much for confronting me on my ideas...
“But, we need to have some details that needs discussing. Namely, on the stationing of troops and your efforts to reconnect with your former comrades.”
I lifted a part of my eyebrow up. “Is there any problems with my plan, your highness?”
“A little bit.” Celestia continued. “Namely, you proposed insertion either by Helicopter or by Parachute, I don’t think that is necessarily wise. Luna does have a proposed alternative though.”
The moment Celestia finished, her sister floated a piece of design paper and unfurled it towards the table. “It’s a new design, but I believe we can use this. It’s silent, heavily armed, highly classified, and our enemies would not realize that we’ve infiltrated operatives into their lands until it’s too late.”
I looked at what was in front of me, and my eyes went wide. “What? last time I heard, they’re still being built right?”
“Well, yes and no.” Luna responded. “Yes, most of them are still being built. But, during the later stages of the Griffonian-Equestrian war, plans were already being drafted for It’s construction, Celestia and I approved it, with the end of the war in sight though, we only have enough funds to construct two of them after the peace treaty.”
Huh…
I never thought the Princesses would ever do that. Looking at the technical specifications though, I now realize why they only built two of them.
“I’m assuming all the capabilities advertised are available?”
The night princess nodded. “Every single one.”
“Then yes, It’s very possible.”
Now with that finished, I must ask them about this. Way too important to not ask them.
“You know, I never thought the Princesses had it in them to pull this off, I still remember the time when I said all your energy were wasted on parties, now, I’m not sure if I should be glad or terrified. It… it reminds me of the Storm King’s ascent. Talking about how power is all that matters in this world, and how only with power, will the Stormlands ever gain Its majesty and grandeur back.”
“We all learned a great many things during the turbulent times.” Celestia interjected. “We learned on how to modernize the nation, on how to coordinate a war effort. But perhaps most importantly, we all learned that heroes and the elements will never be enough. There needs to be a guarantor, a guarantor outside of the elements that are strong enough to compel everyone to not tear each other apart. Starswirl and his group planted the seeds of the tree of harmony on the assumption that if the main leader could be compelled to accept the ways of Harmony, the rest will follow, I think that the last few decades have proven that those assumptions are no longer valid.”
“Power is only a tool Berrytwist.” Twilight complemented. “Perhaps the battles we fought against Tirek, Discord, and even you are the last echoes of a dying age. Power is a tool, It’s where our intentions lie that makes wielding that power impactful. Some wield it for tyranny and oppression, or some vain sense to regain some long lost glory. But if you wield this power for the intention of Friendship, of Harmony, of ensuring the coexistence between species, and wield it well. You can accomplish things that not even the elements of harmony can do.”
I tapped my chin, thinking to myself after that bout of discussion. “I think I’ll put it at the back of my mind. Thanks Twily, and thank you Princess Celestia, I’ll mull and further think about the wisdom you just shared.”
“Oh shucks, It’s nothing.” Twilight replied. “Me? giving wisdom? nah! smart? maybe, but wise? ehh, still working on that part.”
I giggled a bit at her declaration, such a typical reaction of her. So humble yet so powerful at the same time. It seems that Twilight maintained her cheerful self, even after all this destruction and suffering.
Being an element wielder does have Its perks I guess...
“Twily. I can start preparing for the operation immediately. Do I have full command of my task force as is outlined in my plan? or will I be assigned to a different army?”
“No. Task Force Tempest will be stationed in Maregypt and will advance should you give the go to order. I’ll make sure your regimental commanders get the word. The special Pegasi Rangers and Royal Marine regiments you requested will also be stationed on Hippogriffia, Princess Celestia has contacted Queen Novo on the issue, and she has pledged full support for your plan. Everything is ready, just expect an order to meet with the specialist crew to come in a couple days.”
“Alright then. I guess that concludes our meeting then?” I finished. To which all three Princesses nodded. “Well, we’ll see ourselves out. Thank you for the audience Princess, I am very grateful of your support for my plan.”
“Oh, one more thing.” Luna said. Interjecting our exit. “Swift Wing, could you please stay with us for a moment. We have some other things we need to discuss with you.”
“Oh, me?” I heard her reply, quite curious at the request. “Of course. Is the information so sensitive that General Berrytwist cannot hear it?”
“Unfortunately, yes.” Luna replied. “You are dismissed Fizzlepop Berrytwist. We shall see you in a hopefully liberated Stormland.”
I nodded and walked my way out, apparently there’s another set of doors opposite to that one weird black door the three Princesses showed me to, so I took that one instead. Leaving the Princesses with my friend to discuss other matters.
The city of Mareidian is definitely tiny, at least when you compared it to the likes of Las Pegasus or Manehattan. Nested in the southern edge of the Yucoltan region. On the few coastlines not dominated by the Teopixqui jungle. It’s roughly a 2 hour drive from Tenochtitlan, 5 hours from Baltimare if anypony’s willing enough to drive the distance. While it does possess a distinctive culture, it isn’t too jarring a town like the ancient Tenochtitlan or the Bat Pony haven of Ayacachtli. It isn’t even a new town that suddenly got big like Tall Tale or, very recently, Prancisco. Nor is it a center of learning or trade, like Whinnyapolis or Bales.
Overall, a bit of a tourist trap, the appeal quickly wearing off the more you explore it.
Still, I am here, in this small city, because it hosts one of Equestria’s deadliest weapons of war. A weapon that’s just located in that small, artificial island off the coast of the city center.
I arrived at the gates of the facility. ‘Mareidian Naval Station’ it reads. For a supposed highly important facility. It doesn’t necessarily have the most intense security I’ve seen. Just some metal fences with some barbed wire on top. Somehow I expected much more than what was offered. It feels a bit disappointing for some reason, to have your expectations subverted like that, Regardless, I am here on a mission, and a very important one, I cannot let some simple defenses distract me from that.
I approached the entrance, naked (I am still getting used to walking around naked), sunglasses on my face, and looking way more like a civilian overall. Predictably the guards that were on the front gate didn’t like that very much, and approached me with a scowl on their faces.
“Ma’am. This area isn’t for tourists.” One of the guards declared. “Please leave or we will have to take you into custody.”
“Oh, don’t worry about me.” I replied. “I just need to talk to your commanding officer. Tell them that Tempest Shadow is here.”
The guards were silent for a moment, but they all broke into laughter, straight into my face no less. Is it the lack of clothes or the sunglasses? perhaps the popular image of me, with that padded black armour and clothes, stuck too hard into the public eye. I guess everyone forgot about the broken horn or something.
“Ma’am, please don’t joke with us. We’ve only got enough patience here. Please leave or else-”
“Sir. Need I remind you that ignoring a superior officer’s orders is not good military conduct. I also know that it is within every Equestrian’s right to speak to a commanding officer of a military installation, I should know, I was there when Celestia signed the Military Transparency Act into law.”
There was another silence, before the guards gave off a visible head shake and walked back towards the booth. One of them opened the phone line, and a couple minutes later. A pegasus mare with a spiky blue mane walked towards the gate. I opened my glasses and the figure immediately ran towards me. Her face bristling with excitement.
“Fizzlepop!!” She screamed, hugging me with all her might. “Oh how I missed you! Just got word from Celestia herself yesterday, those commandos are ready to go!”
“I miss you too Cynosura.” I replied. “So, can I get into the base now?”
“Oh, of course! were my guards bothering you?” The mare then glared at the now confused guards.
“Don’t worry don’t worry, I’m just playing with them, that’s all!” I replied. Walking past towards the guards and showing them a wink or two before disappearing into the base.
“Oh, since you’re here, you have, HAVE to just see what we have in store for you!” The pegasus mare declared, finally taking me into what looks like a hangar. “The magic lies right across this door. C’mon, open it! open it!”
“Jeez Cynosura. Calm down. It’s not like we’re going to Las Pegasus or something. it should be nothing-”
And then all words left my mouth.
I saw it right in front of me. A massive ship with a tower on top, a literal black silhouette overlooking me. I saw ponies maintaining it, walking on It’s surface and carrying weird tools to check It’s seaworthiness. On It’s side, crew members are relaxing, working, and maintaining various other tools, most I don’t know about, but most likely designed to maintain it.
“Brilliant isn’t it?” Cynosura spoke right next to me. “Not only is it the world’s first nuclear powered submarine. But also the world’s first nuclear powered, ballistic missile carrying submarine. We can launch a missile to just about any place in the world. Some even carrying magi-nuclear warheads! Shame we currently only have 2 of them.”
“It’s a time of peace Cynosura, I’m quite surprised we possess two of these monsters in the first place. Have you… you know, tested-”
“The ballistic missiles? well… yeah! I can’t disclose the location, but we definitely do test it. Frightening is the thing that comes to mind Fizzlepop.”
I am not particularly surprised that my good friend here is all over the submarine. The Super Prowler Class is truly a piece of fine engineering, able to run submerged for 2 years, possessing rooms for special forces insertion, the most advanced torpedos and guidance systems, and 4 Ballistic Missiles, which, by law, requires at least 2 of them be magi-nuclear. Not to mention all the sensors and other advancements I don’t know about. This will be the vessel that will insert me into the Stormlands once more. A mighty underwater vessel, deploying myself and my team just off the coast, ready to wreak havoc while my army stands by to be deployed.
“Remember the last time you and I were on a joint mission together? I think it’s during the battle of Skyfall. Remember what I said when the Equestrian flag was brought on top of that city?”
“Yeah, I think It’s something along the lines of ‘what have we turned into?’ It’s been so long since those battles Fizzlepop. Sorry for my faulty memory.”
“Close, It’s actually ‘what have we turned into? how powerful will we get? we’ve gained this much power in such a short time, are we sure that we have the wisdom to wield it?’”
I still remember those words from Twilight. ‘Power is a tool Tempest, It’s where our intentions lie that makes wielding that power impactful.’
Those words contain wisdom, but is there a point when there’s too much power? a point where this power becomes too much for anyone to handle?
“Where’s my team?” I asked my friend.
“Of course! they’re actually hanging out on the lounge, let’s go!”
They called it the Stormlands for a good reason.
The lands of Southern Zebrica are famed for Its turbulent waters. The cold antarctic waters from the south collides with the warmer waters coming in from Storm bay, as if the clash of temperatures aren’t enough. Warm winds coming in from the Equator are carried southwards, picking up sand particles from central Zebrican lands, before finally reaching the bays of the south. This confluence of energy creates a land where storms are regular, and rains an almost daily occurrence.
Fortunately enough. I’m currently inside a submarine that officially doesn’t exist. A submarine that frankly makes me feel like a ghost, everything’s so silent, with only the hum of the nuclear reactor and the occasional orders from the sub captain filling the air with sound.
It’s been some further 2 weeks since I’ve left Mareidian. The sub leaving port already submerged, a necessity to maintain operational security. I’ve met my squad, a brave group of mares, veterans of both major wars. They know their way around their weapons, very motivated, and more than willing to give their lives in support of Equestria. That’s all I needed for the moment.
As I trot past the various hallways of the submarine. I eventually came across a mare standing right next to a plaque. It reads ‘ERNS Guiding Light’ on the top, while at the center of the plaque, a simplified image of a white earth pony looking upwards towards the sun. Finally ending with the letters ‘Defending Equestria at all costs’ at the bottom.
“Magnificent isn’t it?” The mare right next to the plaque said to me. “A ship designed at the end of a war, equipped with the most advanced equipment and weaponry that has ever existed. Named after one of the most important figures in Equestrian history, and yet, this is the ship’s first combat mission in a decade.”
I took a glance at the mare that’s talking to me. Much younger than I am, probably somewhere in her mid 20s, Her mane styled like Rainbow Dash and shone a bright green, while her coat shone a brilliant yellow. Her face says it all. Tough, as if she can take the entire world right here and now, looks like someone with something to prove. A definite mare I shouldn’t mess with.
She’s… similar to me in that regard. When I was much younger anyway.
“Yeah, well, what can you do. It’s a time of peace ms?”
“Wave Breaker.” She introduced herself. “Chief Petty Officer Wave Breaker.”
“Oh, sweet! Nice to meet you, I guess you already know my name.”
“Obviously. You’re Tempest Shadow. Hero of Vanhoover, Liberator of Skyfall. You spearheaded Swift Wing’s southern thrust. It’s an honour to meet you ma’am.”
I only brushed off the compliment given to me. “It’s nothing special Wave Breaker. I just did what was ordered of me to do. If you’re in my boots, and have the same knowledge as me. I don’t think much would change really.”
The yellow mare blushed at my response. “Aww shucks. You’re too humble Tempest.”
I laughed a bit at her response. Filling some joy to what would be otherwise a dead ship. It seems wonderful to be able to talk to somepony, particularly somepony that understands you. Even in this age of magi-nuclear weapons and rapid advancements in technology, you can’t replace just having a good talk with somepony.
“Anyways, Wave Breaker. You mentioned that this is the first combat mission of the ship. It seems that you’re framing it on a negative manner, why so?”
“Isn’t it obvious? with the weapons this ship possesses, we can enforce harmony wherever we go! no tyrant ruling from distant lands can possibly oppose us at this point, so why even bother with decorum! we’ve seen what this form of tyranny can lead. Millions of lives are paying for it! perhaps, with these weapons, we can prevent millions of lives more from unnecessary death.”
That last word struck me. ‘millions of lives more from unnecessary death.’ Is that what she thinks? is this what the Harmony is in this new age? somehow, her tone strikes me in the wrong way. A voice inside of me screams to immediately refute her, I’ve probably seen more deaths in my life than she has years on her belt. And I fear what this mindset can lead to.
Unfortunately, I didn’t get to respond, as I was about to open my mouth, a Stallion walked right in front of both of us. “Tempest Shadow?” He called. “Come with me, we’re approaching the bay.”
The waters of this particular bay we’re inserting isn’t particularly tumultuous, nonetheless. My group and I still inserted with full diving gear, accompanied with diving propulsion devices just because the waters are still very turbulent. I remember as we approached the SOF insertion berth of the submarine, full diving gear in tow. Crewponies making sure our equipment works, a couple minutes of waiting before the berth was suddenly filled with water, my training kicked in, I activated my diving propulsion device, and off we went, the magical compass guiding our insertion team into the beach.
My crew and I dislodged our diving gear, putting it all safely into a compartment within the diving devices. Alright, first things first, I grabbed a radio from my saddlebags.
“Check radio check radio.” I called.
“Thunder Wind. Check.”
“Purple Caramel. Check.”
“Blue Carapace. Check.”
“Teal Ocean. Check.”
“Windflow. Check.”
“Tempest Shadow. Check.”
“Good. Comms are all working. Check weapons.” I further commanded. Unfurling my saddlebags and revealing the assault rifle, battle saddle already on tow. It’s a black object with extensive modifications made into it. Grenade launchers, advanced optics, laser sights, ponytinny railings, the whole 9 yards. The official documents say that this is the Starlight SOPMOD assault rifle, whatever that means, for me, it’s just another tool to get the job done.
“Tempest Shadow. Weapons Clear.”
“Windflow. Weapons Clear.”
“Blue Carapace. Weapons Clear.”
“Thunder Wing. Weapons Clear.”
“Purple Caramel. Weapons Clear.”
“Teal Ocean. Weapons Clear.”
I nodded towards the team, “we move to the jungle, and we brief there. I will discuss our objectives once we’ve reached our objective. Get night vision equipment out, it’s dark, don’t want anyone to get lost.”
The rest of the team nodded, and we moved from the beach and straight into the jungles ahead of us. The fact that this area has a tropical rainforest is part of the reason we inserted here, very hard to find just about anything once they’re in that rainforest. My team perused through the jungles like phantoms. Barely making any noise despite the heavy equipment we’re all carrying. Eventually, we came across a clearing in the forest, checking for any hostiles, and finding none. I motioned the group to form up.
“As you’ve seen in the briefings. We are here to, 1. Meet Stormland Resistance Leaders, their leader is called Black Garnet, a Stormland pony and a former friend of mine. 2. Convince/ Terminate high ranking Stormleucid government officials. Most of them will be my friends, so I highly advise that we convince them to join our cause before terminating them. Our targets for the 2nd objective would be Minister Ali Bin Neighmad, minister of the interior, a former friend of mine, and former Saddle Arabian, General Thunderclaw, Stormland native, commander of the 1st Storm Army, another friend of mine, and finally General Dark Forest, another Stormland native and commander of the 2nd Storm Army. If we convince these three figures to switch to our side, we would have the most important ministry of the stormlands and their two major armies in chaos.”
“I must stress, we MUST put high importance on convincing them. Not only are they my friends, but if they resist, there will be a much more significant amount of bloodshed once Equestrian forces cross that border. We’ve already spilled enough blood, we don’t need any more. Is that understood?”
“Ma’am yes ma’am.” Was the response I got, much more subdued than usual due to the situation. But that’s all I need.
“The Stormland Resistance is located 2 kilometers to the north. If recon is good, we should be able to meet them in two and a half hours. We move, now.”
It has been 2 and a half hours. We’re still trudging through the jungle with nopony in sight. This isn’t right, we should be reaching the resistance camp at this point, catch our breaths, and get some rest. Where are they? trudging through the rainforest is no easy task.
With the resistance camp still nowhere in sight, my mind is racing with possibilities, did Garnet abandon us, has something else happened that we don’t know of? We continued trudging through the forest until the foliage opened up and we came upon a road, Huh? what? this… isn’t supposed to be here. Reconnaissance didn’t inform us of any roads in this jungle.
“Tempest, incoming convoy!” I heard Teal Ocean whisper on the radio. We all dispersed off the road, crouching down. Waiting for the convoy to pass through.
“Permission to fire ma’am?” Blue Carapace whispered.
“Negative negative. Just observe, we don’t have the ponypower to really destroy a convoy this big.”
I saw trucks, half-tracks, and infantry carriers roll past us. Their bright lights illuminating what would otherwise be a very dark forest. I noticed Satyr soldiers, wearing their typical stormlander armour, carrying weapons either smuggled or stolen, and I see hundreds of them. Us 6 ponies and changeling ain’t going to make a dent on such a force.
“Alright.” I whispered on the radio. “Just keep a low profile until-”
A rush of air and heat suddenly hit my face. I turned my head, and saw the top three lead vehicles in the convoy suddenly ablaze, blocking the rest of the convoy. Stormlander soldiers disembarked from their vehicles, intent on investigating the issue, for a while, there was silence, the Satyrs confused why the lead vehicles exploded like that.
What followed next was absolute chaos, a wall of lead greeted the soldiers, dropping them like flies. Cries of ‘For Harmony!’ or ‘For the Resistance!’ was shouted, as Ponies, Griffons, Birds, Satyrs and Zebras unveiled themselves and unloaded on the Stormlanders. “Keep your head down!!” I ordered the group. “We don’t know if this is the resistance we know, stay down!!”
We all watched as chaos was unleashed in the jungle. More Satyr soldiers disembarking from their vehicles, only to be met with lead and magic bullets. Resistance members were being shot, but so are the other soldiers as well. I suddenly heard a cry from one of the resistance members, just as the battle reached a fever pitch.
“Tempest Shadow! we know you’re there! come out and help us! please!!”
Yep, that’s Black Garnet’s voice alright. I suppose there’s no better way to respond than to help a former friend of mine.
“All units, target Stormlander soldiers. Weapons free, weapons free!”
On command, fire and fury was unleashed. Stormlander soldiers were confused that other parts of the forest were unleashing bullets, concentrated and precise rifle fire started decimating the rest of the Satyr soldiers, with the combination of our team’s and the resistance’s attacks. It wasn’t long before remaining Stormlander soldiers either flee, was killed, or surrendered.
“Cease fire cease fire!!” I ordered. FInally coming out from our cover. Our black and segmented body armour almost bringing disaster since one of the resistance members was about to aim a gun at us. But that was averted once the leader noticed our faces.
“You’re with the resistance?” I asked the group, and they all nodded. “Good, I am-”
“You’re Tempest Shadow.” A voice rang out, I felt the fur on my coat straighten up as I heard that voice. “Former second in command of the Storm King, and currently one of the most famous and capable military generals in the Equestrian military.”
A black coated pony with a green and white mane walked out of the group. Her eyes baggy, probably due to fatigue, but she seems to be holding it together. She approached me, her face tired as tartarus, and did something unexpected.
I felt her reach her outer hooves and grabbed me by the neck, she nuzzled my neck and tightened her grip on me. I felt tears flowing through my neck, quiet sobs from her followed suit.
“You idiot!” She said, still sobbing. “Leaving me for some no good Equestrian ponies! don’t you care about us or anything?!?!?” She continued. “Dammit. Now I’m getting all sappy from all this, the damn hero of the central campaign, reduced to some crying wreck of a mare.”
I only responded by hugging her in kind. It’s been so long, such a very long time since the gang are back together, with her back. Perhaps… perhaps the rest can be convinced to join. Perhaps…
“It’s nice meeting you again Garnet, but I don’t think this place is safe right now. Shouldn’t we go to the camp?”
“Yes, we shall go.” Garnet responded. Leading us away from the jungle, to temporary safety so that we can plan our next move.
The camp itself was quite spacious, definitely hidden within the trees, and would definitely be seen as just part of the jungle from up high, nonetheless. The base is quite extensive, with armoured cars and even some IFV’s being maintained and looked for, multiple large weapon depots, a mess hall, and some tanks?!? this is definitely Black Garnet’s resistance. She’s practically mad when it comes to logistics, always ensuring her troops would get all the supplies needed for her campaigns, I remember her butting heads with the Storm King over the provision of rifles one time. Ah, the good old days. How I miss them and not miss them at the same time.
“So, how’re you doing?” I heard Black Garnet ask me. “How’s life in Equestria treating ya? is all that stuff about Ponies there true? and like, how did they managed to defeat the Changelings AND Griffons?!?”
I only giggled at Garnet’s comment. They don’t get a lot of news from Equestria down here. “Lots of things happened Garnet. But yes, most of It’s true, Equestria is the land of peace and harmony and friendship and all the nice things you can say about it. But… a lot has changed Garnet, frankly speaking. Equestria is quite terrifying now. Their armies are probably the most powerful in the world, especially with both the Changelings and Imperials smashed to pieces. I should know, I commanded one of their armies right now.”
Black Garnet only smiled at that comment. “And I would assume you’re planning to bring the cavalry down here right?”
“Eventually. But there are some loose ends. Loose ends that are better discussed in a more private setting.”
I motioned the team to be on standby, and asked Black Garnet to bring me to her office.
“Alright, so what’s on your mind?” She said, sitting on an office chair. “I’m sure your formations can smash the Stormlander armies without any issue. The jungle wouldn’t be an issue since I’m pretty sure Southern Equestria is jungle territory and you’d probably train them there.”
“True, all Equestrian soldiers must go through mandatory winter, desert, and tropical climate acclimatization training. But that’s not why I’m here. I’m actually here to talk about these three.”
I lifted something from my saddlebags and sprawled it into the table. Black Garnet’s eyes widened at the three figures shown there.
“Are… are you going to kill them?” She asked.
“If I have to. Yes. But I don’t plan to do it initially, I think you know why.”
The black coated pony nodded. “I still remember it like it was yesterday. Us 5, the battles we fought, the camaraderie we shared, when we were all in the field, armies would flee in our wake. The exile from Saddle Arabia could tear armies apart with his rapid maneuvers, my army would just blast them to oblivion, Dark Forest and Thunderclaw would unleash unstoppable waves of troops to enemy lines, overwhelming them and overrunning them at the same time. While you. Well, I guess you know what you did.”
I nodded. “Wait until the enemy comes to my lines, unleash my troops upon them, pin them into killzones, before eventually mopping up the rest. Yeah, those were the days. You remember the time when Neighmad would offer us to try some of his Saddle Arabian tea? gods, those downtimes were always the best.”
“I remember those tea parties we used to have, well, we wouldn’t call them tea parties, but It’s effectively that. Neighmad would pour over tea as we chat about things, plan our monthly outings, build bonds. Have fun. It’s a shame those all had to go.”
For a moment, all was silent, as both of us closed our eyes, remembering our accomplishments the past gone by. Those were indeed the times, but times does change, and that change is staring at me in the face right at this moment.
“What… happened to you Tempest? It’s not like I don’t detest your change of heart, but really, what happened?”
I sighed, closing my eyes at her question. “To be honest. I don’t know, maybe It’s just Princess Twilight opening up my heart, maybe It’s the betrayal of the Storm King, but really, I have no idea. I’m probably the last of the five that would turn Harmonic, if you want my opinion on the issue.”
“Tempest. When news reached the Stormlands of his death, things began to unravel, fast. We couldn’t believe that the Storm King’s expedition would end up in such a disaster. When news of your betrayal hit though, everything went belly up. Prominent leadership officials began to question the wisdom of the Storm King, riots commenced in the streets, and, one way or another, the Stormlands descended into civil war. That’s when I began to read into Harmonic Philosophy, to truly understand what these Equestrian Princesses are thinking when they created such an ideology, turned me to a Harmonic just like that.”
“I know that if my three colleagues realized what happened to me, I’d be a dead mare. So I ordered my troops to seize all equipment in my bases, and ran into the jungles, we’ve been here since. Mounting a resistance as the Stormleucids slowly emerged victorious in the civil war. I thought that I’d die alone in this jungle, Equestria is at war, the Griffons are in total chaos at best, and the Riverland Ponies are too far away, but we endured. The principles of Equestrian Harmony and Friendship guiding us through these times. Never in my wildest dreams would I ever imagine that Equestria would lend a hand, and they would send you out of all ponies to lead that project.”
She hugged me after that. “It’s good to see you again Tempest, will you stay here just for a little bit longer?”
“Of course.”
I wasn’t there when Garnet was fighting in the jungles alone, now that I’m here, and with this power. I will make things right. It’s the least I can do for her.
It’s been a further two weeks since we entered the Stormlands, communications with the forces in Maregypt was established, Royal Equestrian Navy ships have departed from Hippogriffia and are now steaming towards the Stormlands, ready to assist whenever necessary, not to mention the contingent of Royal Marines that are on their way as well. Everything is proceeding as planned. Now we just need one more piece of the puzzle.
Black Garnet’s spies have gathered a particularly interesting piece of information. The upper leadership of the Stormleucids aren’t idiots, and they know about the amassing of troops at the border as well as the Naval task force south. They are about to meet in a supposedly secret government compound to further discuss matters, so many high ranking officials (my friends included) in a single place…
The ERNS Celestia and ERNS Harmony Carrier Group will be deploying a strike force to blast through the outer defenses, 24 Buccaneer Strike Planes will be assigned, with a further 50 Sea-Hunter fighters providing air cover in case something goes wrong. Once through, my team and Black Garnet’s resistance will storm the compound, capture/ kill anyone that resists, and hopefully secure the 3 individuals of interest.
Hopefully, the airstrike will be significant enough to cause chaos, and we’ll utilize the chaos to storm the compound, keeping casualties at a minimum. That was the planned outcome, but nobody will really know once we storm in. Thank goodness this compound’s located in the jungle, enough room for me and my resistance to just hide out and recon the compound.
“And that’s the last of the ministers.” I whispered on the radio. “Can the squad confirm insertion of all prominent leaders?”
“Confirmed. Counted some 24 government ministers and generals entering the compound.” Teal Ocean responded. “Confirmation for strike mission ma’am?”
“Confirmed, lase the target, I’ll talk.”
Getting my radio out, I adjusted the frequency, frequency tuning is very important when you’re coordinating a strike like this. Make sure no one gets misinformed. Once I was tuned however, I started speaking.
“Blackbuck lead, Harmony lead, Applesauce lead, Big Mac lead. This is Crimson 1. Confirm strike mission on grid Bravo 7, I repeat, confirm strike mission on grid Bravo 7, target is already lazed. Good luck.”
There was a minute of silence before I heard a response. “Crimson 1, Blackbuck lead. Strike Mission is a go, ETA 30 Seconds, keep your heads down and laser pointers up.”
30 seconds pass, 30 seconds where I saw the soldiers standing guard visibly panic as the sound of jets was heard, eventually culminating in an explosion in the main compound. A visible hole was blown in.
Through the fire and destruction, I ordered. “Crimson 1 to Blackbuck lead, good hit. I only need one more run and we’re good to go.”
“Copy that. laze the targets and we’ll blow it up.”
Another 30 seconds pass, with me ordering my soldiers to lase the heavy vehicles, now rolling out and ready. The same noise, the same shriek of the jets, and the same explosions as tanks and anti aircraft pieces were systematically destroyed.
“Blackbuck lead to Crimson 1, we’re bingo fuel. Switch comms to Harmony lead. Good luck girls.”
“Thanks Blackbuck flight.” I responded. Switching the radio frequency towards Harmony flight, but, seeing the damage to the outer building, I ordered all flights to loiter around the area.
What happened next is what you’d expect. We all unveiled ourselves from the jungle, stormed through the visible hole in the walls of the compound, with myself and my team gunning for the main building itself. Firefights blazed through the compound as my team and I systematically gunned down anyone trying to oppose us, it wasn’t even that hard, the enemy is disoriented and confused, while we were trained to handle this exact kind of controlled chaos.
“Find the ministers!” I screamed. “I want them alive and taken care of. Search all of the buildings if you have to!”
“Ma’am yes ma’am!”
We ransacked the building, opening doors and turning over tables before, finally, we hit the jackpot. A veritable meeting room filled with all the big shots. Some of them shocked, some of them, realizing who I was, tried to tackle me, something I either responded with a nice shot, or a sweep through the leg, hurting but not killing them.
Quite convenient timing too, since members of Black Garnet’s resistance eventually came streaming through the door. Shouting for all of them to get down.
“Take all of them.” I ordered. “All of them except Neighmad, Thunderclaw and Dark Forest. Leave them here, Crimson team, stay with me, you’ll be my security detail.”
After some time patting down the officials for potential weapons, cuffing them before escorting them out. I was eventually left with them. They all took their seats, with myself still standing, weapon on hoof in case anyone tried to do something weird.
My brain is screaming this won’t work, but my heart screams the exact opposite. Guess It’s time to find out who’s right.
“Neighmad, Thunderclaw, Dark Forest.” I greeted them.
The Saddle Arabian spitted on the table, with the other two just scowling at me. Understandable considering the circumstances.
“So the traitor decided to rear her ugly head again.” Neighmad started. “I assume this isn’t some friendly conjugal visit? the airstrike certainly didn’t indicate such.”
“I’ll get right to the point. I highly suggest that you order your troops to stand down. My task force is already on the border and awaiting my command, I know that even if you’d kill me, they’d still go through and attack, and we all know who’s going to win.”
“As IF some simple speech from a traitor is going to do that.” Dark Forest replied. “You’re dead Tempest. DEAD I tell you!”
I sighed. “Listen, either way, you’re defeated, all your government officials have been taken, I can practically call on my army and they’d mop up your forces like It’s nothing. Spare your soldiers, I implore you.”
The three figures are still stalwart in their stance, muttering insults and mockery in front of my face. The brain in my body is winning this argument, but I’m not through yet. Time to bring out the big guns.
“I’m sorry for abandoning all of you, I know that I am a bad comrade to you, killing your only hope to regain some form of national glory, destroying the Storm King’s first expedition into another continent, and perhaps so much more. I know of the humiliation your species suffered for a long time, how much you yearned to be respected, to be seen as an equal. I am here because I have not lost sight of it. I want to see the Satyrs prosper, and I’m here because of that. Neighmad, Thunderclaw, Dark Forest. I am sorry for abandoning you, and I am here to right that wrong.”
“By attacking and bombing our government offices. Is that what you call righting a wrong?” The Saddle Arabian mocked. “Tempest, you have done more to torpedo the war effort than any other traitor I’ve ever known, if you think, just for a millisecond, that your actions here will make us your friends?!? then you are sorely mistaken. We’ve taken an oath to make sure that Tempest Shadow will be brought to justice one way or another, and I’d rather die than see the very traitor that brought down the Storm Empire walk on top of us!!”
Something stung my heart after that last sentence, something very deep inside of me hurt when those words were uttered. It feels almost like I have just… lost something very dear to me. If only…. if only things were different. I thought to myself.
The brain won, and my horn crackled.
“I’m… sorry, I am very sorry, all three of you.” I said, before my spell activated, instantly, all my former friend’s eyes has a visible purple tint on it. All their rage just a while ago were gone. Replaced with a face devoid of emotion.
“Here’s what you all three are going to do. Neighmad, you’re going to announce that the Stormlander government is no more, Equestrian forces have arrived in the area to assist in the rebuilding of the Stormlands, and announce that all government officials who resist are traitors. Dark Forest and Thunderclaw, you are going to announce to your respective armies to stand down to any incoming Equestrian forces, do not engage under any circumstances, You are free to interpret my orders as you see fit, so long as you maintain the spirit of the order intact.”
Once I finished my sentence, the Saddle Arabian minister immediately trotted into a table, one with an unusual looking microphone setup, with a plaque on top of it reading ’For Public Announcements Only.’ As for Dark Forest and Thunderclaw, they whipped up their radio sets and did exactly as I told. It was a tense couple of minutes, but what’s done is done, the army is either in chaos or surrendering, and the civilian government has been thrown for a loop by that announcement.
I grabbed a radio set inside my saddlebag, pressed the button, the silence giving way to a voice slightly distorted by the crackling of the radio.
“Yes?”
“This is General Fizzlepop Berrytwist, It’s done. Move into the Stormlands immediately, inform the Royal Marines and Pegasus Forces the same thing. The order has been given, I repeat, the order has been given.”
“Understood General, commencing operation southern thrust.”
