> Way to a New Home > by La_mug > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > A Train Ride to freedom > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Few lings would ever choose to abandon their Queen but they are indeed some ling that would flee from a losing battle such as Trimmel Hivesmarschall of the Changeling Heer and minister of defence aswell as a “Friend” of Queen Chrysalis herself The war or the Great War that the changelings found themselves fighting in had turned into a uphill losing battle. No longer does Pharynx pull of incredible victories like at the siege Vanhoover and the battle for of Talltale with many more great victories, no it had changed the UPA (United Ponies Alliance) had learned from their mistakes now they had set foot in Olenia and pushed the changelings back from Canterlot the northern front also turned into a nightmare, the northern front that Bjornling had started at first was a success but had devolved in to a brutal attritional fight which turned it to a stalemate but still consumed equipment and personnel. Trimmel had commanded the Battle of Shire the UPA mad a huge bulge in it Trimmel’s plan was too encircle and destroy the 5th Royal Guards Army and turn the tide of the war, but instead it was a massive failure the plan was flawed since the beginning, it was delayed again and again but S.M.I.L.E. had cracked the Heer’s codes and figuratively and literally saw it miles away and the delays bought time for the UPA to prepare so when Pharynx’s 1st Panzer Army, Vects 3rd Army, and Lacin Cardo’s 1st SS Heer, when they advanced against UPA forces they were brutally crushed and destroyed it was only Narcy Murx’s suicidal counter attack that saved the whole of the changeling army at the cost of Murx’s army and Murx himself, he was posthumously awarded the Queen’s cross and the Saviour of the Changeling struggle the highest award recently for those who practically saved the Changeling Lands. Now he is in a train to Ditrysium the hive of Queen Helvia and his only escape from the pony horde “Such a idiot he could’ve just left and say to the queen it was suicidal. But he chose to be a hero more of a hero then me Trimmel Hivesmarschall of the Changeling Heer!” “Well I’m sorry for that but we have to leave Queen Helvia told us to be there at Ditrysium tomorrow because it is the only window in time she can successfully sneak us in” “And what do you know corporal” “Please just call me Ocellus we are friends after all, right?” “I will think about it after we reach Griffonia” “Very well then” they sat in silence an awkward one until Ocellus spoke up again “Does Chrysalis know about this?” “It is Queen Chrysalis to you corporal” Trimmel hissed “But does she know” “I don’t believe so but if she does she will certainly kill us” “Is anyone else joining us” “None that I’m aware of” “How did you somehow become Hivesmarschall” “I had fought in the winter revolution in 995 I saw the Severyanians make armored tractors which they dubbed “tanks” they were mediocre but it proved a concept to me, I advocated for my new strategy “Blitzkrieg” I called it it was an idea that uses Panzers and other mobile vehicles as well as combining of other branches of the military such as the Luftwaffe and artillery support to overwhelm and break holes through enemy frontlines and encircle as well as overrun enemy positions causing huge casualties for the enemy and limiting our own as well as making quick work since I knew that the changeling lands can’t fight a long drawn out war, which this Great War turned into. Queen Chrysalis loved my idea of Blitzkrieg and i was rapidly promoted to Hivesmarschall I got to prove my theory in Olenia where I conquered it in a few weeks.” “Wow that is one incredible story to tell your little ling don’t you think” “If I had any. What about you how did you become corporal and why did you join me in my escape.” “Well I just graduated Hiveschool in 1010 my dad had fought in Olenia he said it was just like an adventure you meet many lings you go through dangerous tasks sorta like in the little ling books, so I thought maybe I should join the Heer to serve the Queen also did you know Trimmel you were treated and viewed like the Queen herself we thought you are the greatest military leader in all of history better the Luna, better then Kemrenski, Beakolini, and everyother general or marshall you were the greatest ling to ever live you were a god, second only to the Queen herself. Anyway I joined the Heer I was close to joining the Kreigsmarine but I wanted to serve Trimmel yourself now in retrospect I was right Mimic’s Submarines are practically decimated and Lysander’s Grand Armada sunk with even the Helvia and Chrysalis projects under the Lunar sea. I was a private at the beginning of Alicorn sunset I fought in Acornage where I destroyed 2 pillboxes with grenades and killed 11 pony soldiers then it was a rapid advance I did not fight in Vanhoover but I did fight in Talltale where I got promoted to private first class I was on leave for a few months when I came back I was tasked to take part in the battle of Canterlot where i fought valiantly and got promoted to corporal and the rest I wish not to tell” Ocellus finished “ Incredible let me ask you this are you a Harmonist” “I am but I wanted to give it on the Changelings terms how can their be harmony when Changelings are despised, i wanted to win this war then after the ponies will have to accept us they could be part of the hive where we could work and live in harmony” “Very interesting so you are ideologically motivated but in a different way you probably could’ve joined Cardo’s Waffen SS” “ But no i wanted to fight under Hivesmarschall Trimmel second to Queen Chrysalis” Occelus exclaimed “We should get some rest now we will have a long day tomorrow” They rested the war was still going on but they were going to live to tell the tale > A Lil Bit Of Running > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Once Ocellus and Hivesmarschall Trimmel had dropped of the train to Ditrysium they were not greeted by the busy and crowded hive city that Ditrysium once was, instead in its place was a hive city in ruin Equestrian bombers were flying over head dropping their payload of ordnance and the AA crew trying their best to shoot them down, with the few fighters that were not on the frontlines engaging the bombers and their escorts but that was the norm in all major changeling hive cities "Marshal, when are we going to meet Queen Helvia and leave the forsaken land which was our home?" Ocellus questioned Trimmel was startled because he knew that VOPS was doing its best to find traitors and deserters and execute them. "First don't call me marshal Chrysalis has eyes and ears everywhere and if she does find us even though I hold the Rank of Hivesmarschall she will kill us for desertion so we have to pretend to be some dockyard workers which is why I didn't where my uniform." Trimmel dug out two workers uniforms from his bag he brought along. "Here wear this you should look just like any other ling lets go to that alley back their but we have to be quick about it." The duo went to the back of the alley to find a suitable place to change to their new uniforms but before they could they heard voices of other changelings near them, they likely were military police to catch deserters trying to flee "We should probably turn around" Ocellus whispered but not quiet enough "Who was that! show yourself!" the MP officer shouted before Trimmel pulled out his Luger and pulled the trigger against the officer right at the fore head killing her instantly. "What did you do that for!" Ocellus demanded "No time we have to get out of here!" Trimmel ordered they ran as fast as they could but not fast enough before a squad of six officers caught up to the duo. The duo both dived for cover to avoid enemy gunfire, one shot hit Ocellus's ear deafening her in that one ear while she yelped in the sudden pain, Ocellus caressed her ear for a second before realizing the situation she is in and pulled out her captured Buckly Revolver and fired two shots which both missed. "Get down you are wounded I got this" Trimmel said while firing three shots which managed to hit a poor MP Officer, one on the right foreleg, another on the chest, and the third one on the neck causing him to collapse and tremble as he struggled to breath till he bled out. "Impressive but I can still shoot my gun so I can still fight!" Ocellus shouted as she shot one shot which hit a MP officer on his leg causing him to collapse on his chin which Ocellus took advantage of by firing another shot which pierced his helmet killing him instantly, Ocellus quickly pulled back to cover as the officer with the SVG 14 (Svarmgewehr 1014) sent a burst down her path "Any plan now!" Ocellus shouted in a aggressive tone demanding a answer Trimmel tried to think of a plan but the pressure was to much, the MP officer's were advancing so Trimmel said "Screw it keep shooting unless you got a plan" Trimmel answered "Yeah me too that's the only plan I have as well" as Ocellus stood up from her cover and sent her three last shots in her magazine in her Buckly Revolver hitting two of those shot she fired both landing on the Officer with the SVG 14 in the chest making him collapse and causing him to shake as he tried to make makeshift bandages with his uniform and when he couldn't make it fast enough he tried to press his hooves on the wound in a futile attempt to stop the blood lose, the rest of the officer's all retreated with the fall of the most valuable comrade dead. "Now is our chance let's go" Trimmel shouted to Ocellus and they both galloped like never before As the duo stopped running through the alleys to get away from the MP they both undressed to change to their worker uniforms, they both turned around while they were changing out of respect for each others privacy "Good follow me Helvia told us to meet her at her palace." The duo trotted through the torn up streets of Ditrysium seeing many dead changelings on the street rather to starvation because of the current love famine or because of the equestrian bombers still flying over head the duo needed to be careful because dead bodies weren't the only thing littering the streets but so were MP officers and paranoid changelings. "Wow never knew it would be this bad, I knew that bombers were bombing Ditrysium but I thought that most of the bomber never hit their targets" Ocellus whispered "It is indeed this bad not only in Ditrysium but also everywhere else in the Changeling Lands" "Also is that the palace we were looking for?" The palace was damaged but not to the extent of the other parts of Ditrysium it looked similar like the one in Vesalipolis but way less bigger and less grand with a more dark blue theme to it most likely a ocean theme to the palace. "Yes! Exactly the palace we were looking for we have no time to spare" Trimmel galloped because flying would make him stick out Ocellus aswell galloped alongside with Trimmel. As the duo galloped they saw more destruction and death on the streets many houses were gone reduced to nothing but ashes. They saw hungry lings every where they dare looked at and Trimmel said "My brothers and sisters are starving and I flee?" "Don't be so hard of yourself this is a lost cause it is perfectly reasonable to flee a losing battle. There is nothing to fight for." Ocellus reassured When the duo reached Helvia's palace they were faced by a couple guards which blocked their path. "We have business with Her Majesty Queen Helvia of Ditrysium" Trimmel told the guards with a rather rude tone. The guards stood their motionless like Trimmel and Ocellus were just the breeze for around half an hour until the doors slowly opened which revealed Queen Helvia herself. "Welcome my friends its a pleasure to meet you come in quickly the others are waiting!" Helvia exclaimed "The pleasure is all mine your majesty" Trimmel responded with a smile and followed Queen Helvia, the Queen smiled in response and lead the way for the duo in the palace. "So my friends how are you today?" Helvia asked trying to break the silence "Fine as things could be your majesty" Trimmel answered "Fine aswell your majesty" Ocellus answered too "Oh drop the titles I am not really your Queen just call me Helvia!" Helvia happily said "Also if you don't mind me asking can I get your names?" "I am Corporal Ocellus of the Changeling Heer" Ocellus answered with a very noticeable tint of pride in her voice, Queen Helvia smiled at Ocellus and said "Nice meeting you Ocellus" "And your's mister" Queen Helvia asked Trimmel startled a bit but said "My name is Sergeant Danyux!" Trimmel anxiously blurted out but it was clear that it was not his real name. Queen Helvia frowned at his answer and asked again "That was clearly not your name, so please answer my question truthfully" Trimmel looked around anxiously and laughed nervously "What do you mean Danyux is my real name" Queen Helvia looked at him and gave him a strong glare second to Queen Chrysalis "Oh Alright your majesty" Trimmel said unconfidently, he drew a deep breath and looked at Ocellus which she gave a reassuring nod till finally " I am Hivesmarschall Trimmel of the Changeling Heer!" Queen Helvia's eyes widened and thought Trimmel! Really he wants to go too! but she threw those thoughts to the back of her head. Her goal was to get as many ling's out of here as possible, so she drew her breath and said "Well that would make this operation more complicated" she said nervously "but I guarantee that you will be alive and well" she reassured the duo, "so lets keep on walking a bit more we are almost where everyone else is" there it was the palace library a modest room but still a good reading source but tonight it will house the Hivesmarschall When they reached to the palace library they saw every one else going on the trip with them, Vect, Pharynx, Queen Yaria, Recina, Silver Sheckels, and Elvir Roland. > A Lil Bit Of Talking > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- As Trimmel stood there at the library door alongside with Ocellus he heard a voice exclaim. "Join us! Have a seat we have plenty of time before we have to go, I can get some love tea if you would like" Recina called out to Trimmel and Ocellus with a inviting smile and pleasant look on her face. Trimmel obliged and said "Sure it would be nice to have some tea thank you" Recina got up to get the tea while Trimmel and Ocellus both got a seat with the other escapee's. "Nice seeing you Hivesmarschall" Pharynx called out to Trimmel "And what are you doing here of all places, don't you have a whole front to manage?" Trimmel froze for a brief moment out of fear that this was a whole ploy by VOPS "I could say the same for you general don't you have a Panzer Army to command?" Trimmel shot back at Pharynx. "Fair enough but still why are you here, I came here to get out of the mess you made" Pharynx said harshly. "I to want to get out of the mess that had occurred because at this point this whole war is pointless at this stage, we have no hope of victory we are outnumbered four to one, so I guessed that I will try my luck in Griffonia" Trimmel explained. "And whose is your mate over there, never knew you had one" Trimmel heard Vect speak, Trimmel gave a glance towards Ocellus to which he saw her blushing a small bit and looked away from the group. "She is not my mate I will assure you, her name is Ocellus she is just a ling that wants to get out of here just like the rest of us and we met each other on the train to Ditrysium, she is merely a associate I have while in this journey" Trimmel answered "And what is Queen Yaria of Soryth doing here?" Queen Yaria looked offended but still answered Trimmel's question "I am forced to flee because Bjornling betrayed us and joined the UPA and took over Soryth and established my lowly sister in charge" Yaria kept on talking " She betrayed all of Changeling kind just to pursue her friendship with that brute! They call their new nation "Hyperbearia" like what is that name even, it is something straight out of a cheap adventure novel for buck's sake, I had a whole superweapon that I was making it would've changed the whole war in our favor and I lost it all just like that we could've had all the love that we would ever want, we would never have another famine but poof I lost all my precious hard work in a instant!" Yaria ranted. Siver Sheckels the Minister of the economy and industry went to Trimmel and said "She told me of her Superweapon but it was very early in it's development and was purely theoretical it was called a Nuclear Bomb it is a whole sort of complicated reactions that would supposedly make a explosion big enough to flatten an entire city, it never got major funding and I saw many hole's in the project so you can rest your mind that this war was never winnable to begin with" he explained to Trimmel. "Thank you" Trimmel responded unsure of what they were talking about to begin with bomb that could flatten a city, yeah right as if that was possible. "So Ocellus it was" Roland spoke "how did you know of this operation, Queen Helvia only mentioned this to a few lings that would never turn her in to Chrysalis, what makes you stand out? Are you a general an ace or what?" "Well I found out about this when I was on leave in Vraks by a few friends of mine, they told me to meet at the forests out side of Vraks, so I did and they told me of this operation, I didn't know where it was but they told me to follow Trimmel. At first I was skeptical but due to UPA forces approaching Vraks I had no choice but to follow Trimmel" Ocellus explained. Roland nodded in acknowledgement to Ocellus's explanation. "So what about you Trimmel, how did you find out of this operation" Vect asked. But when Trimmel tried to explain Recina and Helvia entered with Recina with the love tea she brewed. "Alright everyling I got the tea we are expecting no more guests for this trip so tomorrow we will leave" Recina said with a motherly assuring smile. "That's right tomorrow we will leave, so I will make final preparations for our journey across to Greneclyf, to where you can decide to what to do" Helvia left to make those final preparations after her short speech. "So how are all of you lings doing? For me I'm doing great I will never have to be here again” Recina said. "Likewise" Trimmel simply said. "I'm doing as best I can for a ling about to leave her home" Ocellus answered in a sad tone. "I can simply make a new hive and remake Soryth in Greneclyf" Queen Yaria proclaimed voice filled with pride and hope. "Can't wait to go to Skynavia and fight again but for a righteous cause this time" Vect fantasized in a dreamy voice. "I just want to settle down and live a quiet life once I reach this proclaimed promised land" Roland replied stoically. "I will try to find a new queen to follow, perhaps serve in the Royal Army of Greneclyf, after all they would be lucky to find a veteran ling to command them" Pharynx said in a neutral tone. "Perhaps I can serve Queen Gytha in her minister cabinet" Silver Sheckels said unsure of his future. After all of this they all talked about there lives. "I was born in Gardis I was the younger little ling in my family, I lived I uneventful littlehood it was a good time but my sister was always bust with tutors and lessons so she could inherit the family legacy, we both did well at school I made a few friends, but I was given the freedom to choose my path unlike my sister who got her path chosen for her when I turned just to eighteen I joined my local infantry regiment and a year later I enrolled at the Officer Cadet School in Vesalipolis and graduated the next year, I was commissioned as a lieutenant, the next year I was in Equestria after being assigned to a infiltrator brigade. I fought alongside the communists in the Winter Revolution, I fought valiantly and earned the Iron Cross Second Class along side a few of the communist medal's, before the conflict was over I faked my death and returned and I got promoted to Oberst, I was soon assigned as an infiltrator in the Equestrian general staff for the upcoming invasion of Canterlot, I did my job well but it looked like I was the only ling that succeeded. After the demotion Synovial I got promoted to Hivesmarschall and molded the Changeling Heer into mobile mechanized to which led to the success in Olenia and the early parts of the Great War but Queen Chrysalis got disillusioned and changed the Heer into what it is today" Trimmel told about his life." Everyling apart from Ocellus looked bored, Trimmel rolled his eyes but digressed and asked "What about you Ocellus what about your story.” Ocellus blushed a little in response but said "Y-You s-sure I'm nothing special" she tried to persuade Trimmel but he was adamant. "Of course you are a friend after all I would love to hear your story and it would be fair because I told mine" Trimmel assured in a caring tone looking at Ocellus dead in the eye. Ocellus squeaked and covered her face with her hooves trying to hide the fact that she was blushing "S-Sure I-I can tell you" finally giving into Trimmel's request. Roland sighed at this display. "S-So I w-was born in Vraks and given to a orphanage but I got adopted to a middle class family they were nice parents but they died in the fire bombing of Vraks, in grade school I learned of the idea of Harmony at the time I truly believed that it was the answer to everything so when I turned eighteen at 1010 I went to the River Republic to see the affects and benefits of Harmony but what I saw was different I saw riots and angry mobs towards the many ethnicities of the River Lands so over night I got my dream shattered, after the whole ordeal I returned to Vraks to where I got a job as a waitress at a local restaurant until the Great War started many lings were so proud to fight in this war, the Great War, The War To End all Wars along with many other names we called it, like many others I saw this as a chance to prove my self a way to climb in the social ladder, to fight for the Queen, my adoptive mother begged me to stay because her husband and my adoptive father had changed in the Conquest of Olenia, but I still joined the Heer. My first combat display was in Acornage in where I fought Valiantly and I got promoted after the battle of Talltale I got leave but when I returned I got assigned to fight in Canterlot in where I fought bravely, after we got pushed back from Canterlot I was sent to fight in the Battle Of The Crystal City it was a six month long battle" Her eyes and face took a noticeable look of dread and fear. "Yes the Battle Of The Crystal City I remember Synovial led that battle three hundred thousand lings were lost" Trimmel said. Ocellus sighed and breathed in and continued " Yea I was in a infantry platoon, I remember all of there names, we were tasked in clearing this house *sniff* there was a pony with a MG pointed at the door and *sob* I lost all my friends I-I thou-*sob*" Ocellus was unable to continue her story. Trimmel felt sorry for her and walked over to her and sat next to her, after a moment he pulled her into a soft warm embrace to comfort her as best as he could pulling her closer and allowing her to cry on his shoulder and proceeded to caress her head and started whispering words of comfort as well as voluntarily giving some of his love he had stored since his last meal to ensure the comfort of Ocellus. "Okay how is she not his mate" Roland complained but quiet enough that Trimmel and Ocellus couldn't hear him. "I honestly don't know how but they would sure be perfect for each other don't you all think?” Recina said. "I suppose they could, but a Hivesmarschall and a lowly soldier like her how does that work?" Silver Sheckels Questioned. "Hmph no wonder you don't have a mate, it is called loving that is how a mother and father meet you imbecile" Queen Yaria hissed with a potent amount of venom in her voice. "I know what love is thank you very much but they are boundaries don't you think?" "Maybe they are, but let's keep ourselves from meddling with them, if they want to be friend's then let them if they want to be mates let them" Vect declared. Trimmel blushed at the argument they are having mates surely that is absurd she is just a friend to me but maybe we can indeed become closer, I'll think about it . > Time to go > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The next morning Trimmel woke early and did what every ling does in the morning and went to the library to recollect his thoughts and try to reason with whatever he was going to do and gathered the necessities which are needed to prepare for the long voyage like this. "What am I doing running away from this war which I myself planned and believed in, I'm better of dead leading my army in one last stand then flee a coward too a far away isolated island where I will spend the rest of my life." Trimmel bashfully kept saying to himself. "Like I said Trimmel a losing battle and a lost cause is not a cause worth fighting for, this is a losing battle and a lost cause, there is no reason to keep fighting this fight for whatever reason you can ever make up." Ocellus jumped in trying to calm Trimmel. "But don't you see! Hundreds of thousands of lings are fighting this fight with full belief in victory and full belief in me somehow pulling off a miracle and I was the one that led them to this predicament and know I'm running to let them clean up!" Trimmel yelled "First of all keep your voice down save it for later, our friends are still resting and they are going to need every minute of it, and it wasn't you Hivesmarschall Trimmel that led into this you simply followed Chrysalis she is the one to blame for this mess" Ocellus responded "That is Queen Chrysalis to you Corporal" Spat Trimmel as Ocellus rolled her eyes "Fine but you are still getting out of here one way or another, speaking of which its almost time we should probably wake up our friends up, we have to leave in a couple hours and we have a extremely longs day so best they get ready npw." Ocellus said Trimmel only responded with a "Fine *sigh*." The duo made there way from the library through the halls and then to the rooms Queen Helvia generously gave to the guests for them to rest for the night . "So what are you planning gonna do when you finally reach Griffonia or Greneclyf if you want to be more specific?" Ocellus said trying to strike a small conversation with Trimmel. "Nothing major perhaps serve in Greneclyf army as a officer if they have one in the first place, or perhaps go on to the mainland and try to take over some under developed land and turn it to my personal kingdom, or just live the rest of my days in Greneclyf and tell my very own lings the stories I have in peace" Trimmel told "What about you surely you have a plan?" "I can't get any fancy nor high ranking occupation since I am only a corporal in the Heer, I was thinking open up a shop and just make and honest business away from many problems and be a well respected ling and just live in peace with my mate and my own lings and make my mark on the community" Ocellus answered. "You have a mate I never knew?" Trimmel asked confused and shocked. "Oh of course not if I did you would've met him by now but I was thinking on finding one in Greneclyf and live my life in peace" Ocellus said as she let out an amused chuckle. "Oh" Trimmel's ears drooped clearly disappointed "Whats wrong Trimmel what did I say to up set you?" Ocellus asked concerned for her friend well being. "O-Oh nothing honey, WAIT I mean nothing Ocellus absolutely nothing that you should concern yourself about" Trimmel stammered obviously lying. You dumb dog why did you say that she is obviously going to suspect us for holding these feelings, just wait the time will show it self his inner self said to him Ocellus not convinced just let it go "Very well Trimmel whatever you say." As the duo kept silent for the rest of the walk Trimmel knocked the door to Silver Sheckels Room. The door opened and Silver's head popped out looking drowsy. "You got a couple hours so get ready Silver Sheckels" "Oh! shoot I didn't see the time, thanks Trimmel" Silver Sheckels responded nervously. "No problem see you in a bit" Ocellus knocked on Pharynx's door but he didn't respond so Ocellus opened the door to see what was up but instead she saw Pharynx's limp body with foam from his mouth from the suicide pill he consumed. "Shoot Pharynx is gone he killed himself" Ocellus said a bit shocked "Let's get going it doesn't matter to us" Trimmel said simply. "Oh dear" Silver Sheckels gasped. Trimmel knocked on Queen Yaria's room. "WHAT DO YOU WANT!" Yaria spat Trimmel taken aback simply said "remember we got to go in a couple hours" "Oh yeah, sorry I was having a bad dream where all my ministers betrayed me except it wasn't a dream! MY SUBJECTS BETRAYED ME ME SISTER SOLD MY LIFES WORK AND NOW THAT BRUTE BJORNLING HOLD MY HIVE IN HIS PAW!!" Yaria yelled proceeding to sob. Both Trimmel and Ocellus rolled there eyes knowing what she was referring to. "I'm up and ready!" Vect exclaimed enthusiastically surprising the duo. "It's a pleasure to see you all wide awake my friends, follow me to the dining room my servants spent plenty of time and made some breakfast so you can be ready for your long voyage" Her Majesty Queen Helvia said. The group nodded as they followed her. "By the way didn't you wake Pharynx up he should be up by now where is he?" Helvia asked. "Unfortunately I had seen his dead body with foam from his mouth, he committed suicide" Ocellus responded sheepishly. "Unfortunate indeed, but oh well we just have to make do without him" Helvia said disappointed. As they walked through the halls, a question crept up to Trimmel's mind. "What are you going to do after the war your majesty surely you are coming with us right, it makes sense the UPA will get you and put you on trial?" Trimmel asked "No I cannot my friends because I have more lings to save from that terrible fate I will flee though when the last ship flees but my sister Recina will be joining you for this voyage" Helvia answered "And drop the titles, after all we are friends." "Whatever you say" Trimmel said still curious. As the group followed Helvia to the dining room they saw plenty of Royal Jelly on the large table one of the most expensive food's mostly due to it being 99% pure love making it very hard to make. "Alright eat up you are going to need to eat each drop because the subs have enough to barely keep a ling alive" Helvia said with a smile. The group nodded and sat down on the chairs provided and proceeded to eat up the Royal Jelly like there was no tomorrow, all except for Trimmel eating at a snail's pace savoring the unique flavor it has. "What's wrong Trimmel?" Ocellus asked concerned for her friend. "Nothing just reliving my life." Trimmel said with a wide smile. "Okay tastes that good huh." Ocellus said with a smirk Trimmel responded with a nod and continued to consume the pure love The group ate up and are now gathered to listen to Helvia's instructions on what to do now. "Alright my friends the time is now we have a very thin window of time to get out till it closes, which is the bomber raids, we will use it as cover because the MP will be to busy maintaining order in the streets and the average lings distracted, the UPA navy is a formidable force but I assure you my submarines are very advanced so we will pass through them and once we do all of that it is just smooth sailing after." Helvia explained "A-Are you sure they c-can't detect us" Silver said very worried of the alternative outcomes. "I assure you it is perfectly safe, and now here is our plan on how we will reach to docks, we will split up into pairs as to draw less attention, I will give you a map to show which route each of you will take I also will give you dockyard worker uniforms as to draw even less attention, all of you will proceed to the submarine yards on which the crew is informed of their duty, the longer you stay the higher chance VOPS will find us so if you do not reach the submarine yards by 1600 sharp we will have to go with out you, once you reach the yards the crew will instruct you of the rest and they will do the rest of the work, so put faith in them." Helvia said Guess I have no choice, I made it this far might as well go the rest of the length to this promised land > To Glory > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Why do I this to myself? Trimmel thinks to himself as he is about to exit the palace wearing a dockyard worker uniform and armed with a pistol which he hides in his pockets, Ocellus also seems to be nervous as she seems to be sweating slightly, Are you nervous as well? Ocellus says with a quivering smile as they both are walking in the tunnels under the palace as the others gone through other routes as to the plan, the sound of the UPA bombs are heard outside adding the the anxiety they both have as they know they have limited time, and the suicide of Pharynx also unnerves them but they must keep pushing through No of course not, this certainly beats walking through the Crystal winters or the Mild West heat, Trimmel says as he is comparing this experience with his others, such as leading his army in the great Crystal Plains which are notorious for having really harsh winters, and the heat of the Mild West, when he sieged Las Pegasus and temporarily took Rockville as he was pushed back at the battle of Appleloosa due to general Zecora's expert leadership and use of her tanks and airforce, the goal was to get the southern oil fields of Equestria which ended in disaster as Trimmel's army was beaten back with heavy casualties they continue to walk through the passage silently as they ponder their situation Do you think we will make it? Ocellus asks wondering if they will survive this Of course we will make it, we have made it this far, whats another time... We will make it Ocellus, trust Helvia and trust me, you are a soldier, you are strong enough to survive this Trimmel says trying to reassure Ocellus of the situation Ocellus nods, not entirely assured, but she now has optimism Why... Why did all of this have to happen... Why couldn't Chrysalis just stop at Olenia... Why did we have to attack Equestria... Ocellus says still trying to figure out why this war happened in the first place since she see's no reason for this I... I don't know... I have no idea why we had to do this... The war seemed like such a good idea... Equestria was so weak... We though we would have won by Queen's Day... We were so close to Canterlot... But the communists had to get involved and Bjornling attacked the Nova Griffionians and the Yaks... We were so convinced that Celestia would not mobilize her nation and that the other nations would not intervene... But they did... They captured Vesapolis... And now the marshal of the Heer... The founder of the Blitzkrieg... Is now fleeing and leaving behind the mess he had made... Trimmel says as he remembers his naivety and the Queen's confidence in his abilities to bring victory and he feels like a traitor and a liar as a few tears fall from his eyes Its... Okay... But we need to be strong right now since we need to get out of this mess, you did not cause this... Chrysalis did, you were only a pawn... The right hoof of her outlandish ambitions... We all believed Equestria was weak... we all thought we would have won in the matter of months... but we didn't... we lost... and there was nothing me or you could have done about it... we had no chance at victory, its not you're fault nor mine, it was Chrysalis's fault, it was her plan, her dream Ocellus says reassuring Trimmel that it was not his fault nor his mess, but the Queen's fault But I played such a huge role in it... I led the armies... but you are right, I was only a pawn to her ambitions, no need to cry over this Trimmel sighs and wipes of his tears from his face They are approaching the end of the tunnel as they see the exit of the tunnel, this will be the hard part since now there will be more changelings and less security with a higher chance of being spotted, but they have to if they wish to make it out of this war alive and well and perhaps even more... Okay... lets calm down on our stories now... there will be VOPS agents and officers now, so lets talk of something more casual, perhaps life in general Ocellus says with a gentle smile as they exit the tunnel and are now in a subway as they make their way above ground, pretending to be workers as officers are seen patrolling and a few even arresting some lings further adding to the anxiety of the duo as they try to ignore it Okay... so... what do you want to do after this war? Trimmel asks trying to start up some small talk to appear less suspicious and to fill up the silence Like I said... start a business and start a family with the ling I love most, live a quiet fulfilling life, with joy and happiness and raising some wonderful offspring... what about you... I mean, I remember what you said before, and maybe you shouldn't say it all out loud... but I want to hear if you plan on marrying and having a family... Ocellus smiles and blushes and flutters her eyelashes as she is trying to hint at Trimmel Hmm... perhaps... maybe I should just take a rest and commit my time to the ling I love and raise some offspring... but I still have ambitions... but maybe I can give them up, I already put a huge mark on history... so yes I do plan on marrying and starting a family Trimmel says with some anxiety since the ling he wants to be with is asking him this very question Really? Do you have any idea who that lucky ling will be? And how much offspring do you plan to have... personally I would like to have three, maybe four Ocellus smiles and looks away blushing feeling like she went to far and perhaps shot her shot to early I do have an idea... a strong ling, a gorgeous ling, and how many lings do I wish to have... maybe three or four Trimmel says trying to agree with Ocellus and also hint at her They walk with an awkward silence as both don't know what to say as they exit the subway, both are blushing and trying to figure out if the other has feelings for them, as they walk they reach a officer checkpoint Halt. ID needed A officer says sternly, wielding a standard issue pistol Both Trimmel and Ocellus hand the guard forged ID as they hope the guard won't notice that they are fake as they hold their breathes The officer seems tired and overworked and just looks at the ID and compares the picture not even asking the duo any questions as he just wants to get back home Looks good to me... you may pass, Hail Chrysalis The officer hands back the ID's and lets them through, the duo quickly walk and exit the subway as they think that they have dodged a bullet, the sight outside in the city is a depressing one, many tired and poor lings are walking through the streets as some lings are hanging from lampposts with letters hanging from them saying, that they were traitors and cowards, an attempt to discourage defeatism and rebellion, many officers are also patrolling the streets as the Anti Air crews are doing their best to fight against the UPA air raids, which are constantly dropping bombs Lets get this over with quick, I don't want to stay here more than necessary Trimmel says quietly as the duo both walk to the dockyards where Queen Helvia told them to go Ocellus nods and tries to keep her eyes straight as to not get any unwanted attention The duo walk, they see many things, and the things they see make them glad that they are fleeing as they see the sorry state of the city as lings lie dead on the road from the bombings or starvation as many beggars are seen... after a while of walking and staying silent, they see the dockyards and a submarine which should be the one as they approach it trying to be inconspicuous as to draw less attention. When they do reach the submarine they are greeted by Admiral Recina and Vect Hello my friends. Recina smiles, her eyes are green and mane is blonde and conventionally attractive, she goes to them and shakes both of their hooves with a smile It is a pleasure to see you, we are currently waiting for Mr Sheckels and Yaria, so you may enter and rest, I know it was a hard journey for you two and for Vect as well, and I am honored to be in you're presence, and I promise I will make sure you will make it safe and sound, if you wish to inform me of anything or just talk to me, than you are welcome to do so Recina says with a soft smile Trimmel is mesmerized by Recina's beauty as she looks great in her uniform and her eyes are so lively and mane so well kept, Recina seems to notice this and blushes a tiny bit which makes Ocellus slightly upset The duo eventually get in the submarine with Ocellus slightly but visibly upset as they wait inside along with Vect Something wrong Ocellus? You seem to be a little upset, why? Vect asks as he is reading Hmm? Oh nothing really, I am alright but thank you for the concern Ocellus dismisses and returns to her normal self as she sighs and looks at Trimmel, then on which she decides that this is her chance, now or never You know Trimmel... I want to talk to you about something... something important Trimmel nods and smiles Sure, what do you wish to talk about? Ocellus breaths in as she is unable to look at Trimmel in the eyes as she is nervous D-Do you... love me? Ocellus blushes and hides her face in her hooves not knowing how he will react, Vect also walks to a different part of the submarine as the give the duo some privacy in their conversation and he chuckles Trimmel blushes and stammers his response as he is taken by surprise by this sudden question Uhh... y-yes... I d-do... l-love you... Ocellus sighs in relief as her question is answered and she got the answer she wanted and hoped for G-Good... I... l-love you... t-too... Ocellus gets closer to Trimmel and leans in and kisses him which takes Trimmel by surprise but he embraces it as they hold that kiss for a couple minutes until Silver Sheckels and Queen Yaria enter the sub along with Recina, interrupting the duo as they both pull away and blush as they look away, but it is too late and they saw what had happened Silver Sheckles pretends not to notice their moment and just walks through, Queen Yaria smiles and chuckles and also walks through, Recina smiles as she gives them both a pat on the shoulder and quickly walks through to captain the sub and also leave the couple to continue The couple sighs in relief and both of them share a look and smile to each other as the submarine and its crew get ready and as soon as they do the submarine sails off with he passengers all relieved that they had gotten out of there and are now approaching freedom, the future looks bright to all involved as the submarine sails and reaches the faraway land, with the sun shining and sky clear of aircraft, no lings hanging and no beggars on the street, the couple smiles as they take in this sight and sigh in relief and now enjoy the joys of life and love together