Heart of War- Act XXIV

“That’s the only thing you’ve said to me since your nap.”

 

“So, we’ll need to create a station here, but I think it should work as a final construction yard and testing ground.”

“Most of the other work can be dealt with in Canterlot. I’ve purchased multiple ruined city blocks to set up the beginning and intermediate steps. Also the weapon’s factory for my first order can be solely in Canterlot.”

“It will…”

“Starting now, you’ll be state funded. But, if events allow to expand operations beyond sole military uses, you’ll be head of the new… company.”

“Workhorse Fabrications. Once Tartarus is beaten back, you’ll be able to start expanding to civilian products. Profits and operations at that point will be for you to deal with, but if Equestria needs something…”

“Because that’s clearly the most important thing I just said.”

“Imagine how many more lives will be saved by taking one pony off the frontlines in exchange for the quality of weapon I have in mind.”

“Now, I want you to search for anyone you might need on your team. Workers can be found, but if you need any more minds working with you, we’ll get you whoever and whatever you need.”

 

“Hannibal… hey buddy.”

“Sorry, don’t have any apples… do elephants eat apples?”

“I’m sure you’d like one. Or a dozen.”

“Just have to get the last word in…”

 

“What can I do for you? A one way ticket back to Equestria is out of the question.”

“Would you like a bedtime story?”

“Your parents never told you a story to help you sleep at night?”

“I was going to make a joke about all my stories being about war and killing, but that’s just sad.”

“You think Harv can absorb the background magic?”

“Well it’s at least worth a try.”

 

 

“How are you doing?”

“Is it painful?”

“Did you hear about Wave?”

 

“Well how’s Lancer?”

“Feeling ready to get back into-“

“Good.”

“Catch.”

“Lancer is unresponsive, Wave is off the grid, and Arrow is still adjusting to his position. Like it or not, you’re the ranking Army officer.”

“Congratulations, Major General.”

 

“Brairheart and Tiara will deal with most of the smaller details. In broad terms, with more divisions reinforcing the armies, there’s been a minor shift in what regions of Equestria are protected by who. The 1st remains in the heartlands, ready to move out. The 2nd remains in the west and southwest. The 3rd is going to be focused on the northwest, leaving the 5th to take over the south and southeast. The 4th is still over in the north and northeast, with a division reinforcing the Crystal Empire and it’s militia.”

“Right. I guess we should-“

“You better have a damn good reason for not tracking down Night right now!”

“EVERY SINGLE TIME!”

“Sorry, I said that out loud. Somepony get Brairheart. And Call… get out there and find Night!”

 

“Admiral!”

“Get up.”

“What’s so funny?”

“That was quick. Usually you can’t keep your face together that easily.”

“Still hanging higher than your eye.”

“The Bison say there might be a Tartarus incursion out west. Dry yourself off and get dressed.”

“Yes, I could have.”

 

“Don’t give me that.”

“You’re a lost cause.”

“So what’s at the end of the mountains?”

“I don’t think we can all fit into a single boat.”

“And how long will we be on the river?”

“Those would be?”

“You don’t get to cliché me.”

“Well I’m glad one of us is enjoying this.”

“I-“

“One of these days…”

 

“Now.”

“Moving armies so far out west will be difficult. From the 1st army, I’ll be taking the 5th infantry and 101st airborne. Once we hit Fort Expanse, the 33rd division will split from the 2nd army to join the expeditionary force. The 21st and 51st logistic divisions will need to work overtime to keep supply lines up. If necessary, additional divisions from the 2nd army will join us.”

“How long until the Prydwen’s sister ship is ready?”

“I’d rather not take her so far from Equestira until then.”

“Carrier. The word you’re looking for is carrier.”

“Well see to it.”

 

“Can you feel it?”

“No… it’s much greater than that. Each and every attack from Tartarus so far has been nothing but a bookmark in the greater battle.”

“But that was one attack. If it hadn’t been dealt with, it may have threatened your people as a whole. Now that the focus has mainly been on Equestria, there’s been one attack after another in a timely fashion. Sure, there might have been some overlap, but most of it was directed at my people.”

“I fear for the day that a full scale attack occurs across Equestria and our neighbors. We can stop a single pit, or a few concurrent pits, but if multiple ruptures form across the world… I’m not sure.”

“And who are the first?”

“Heh.”

 

“Well you better hope that a generation born into war can overcome the coming storm.”

“Anon reformed warfare. By the time I’m done, I’ll have revolutionized it.”

“Et tu Glimmer?”

“What’s this about?”

“Someponies think I’m under the parasite’s influence.”

“Then by all means. Lead the way.”

 

“Well. Before we met in the Changeling hive, I can’t say that I knew any of you personally. But each and every one of you has proven yourself. Even if I had to rescue you after the hive’s trap. This road is a hard one, but we’ll get through it. So take tonight, and rest well.”

“I mean it. I could have come out here with the most hardened veterans I’ve ever known. But you’ve exceeded the expectations I’d have held them to. I swear to each and every one of you- I’ll make sure you get home.”

“Or at least what remains of home. If there’s nothing left, I’ll make sure you have a new home waiting for you. Because if even if you’ve had your time stolen, that won’t stop you from getting what you’ve earned.”

“Harv, you’re on thin ice.”

“You’re Mister Illusion. Why don’t you?”

“You all hear that?”

“Been a while.”

“Want a song?”

“Almost heaven, West Virginia…”

 

“Happy?”

“I’m not infected- you would have been able to see that after a minute or two. What’s wrong?”

“What do you mean? Going from barely able to open a door to turning a mountainside to glass seems like a reasonable step to recovery.”

“Okay, that was in poor taste. What’s the problem?”

“Now you’re starting to spook me. What’s wrong?”

“Well?”

“I’m not sure I follow completely.”

“Do you need to ask?”

“I’m literally fueled by anger?”

“And that’s a problem… why?”

 

“Sorry, let me explain myself. Worst case, I adopted some ability of the parasites. If so, I can use that against them should the time come- meanwhile, I can use it to protect Equestria from Tartarus. On the other hoof, this has always been a part of me. And if so, it only proves who I am and was meant to be- the Princess of War.”

“What does Equestria need? An infant, or a leader?”

“This isn’t the old days. Tartarus can’t be beaten by friendship and love- only be iron and blood.”

“Fear. The parasite amplified her uncertainty of the future. I don’t fear Tartarus- I respect the threat it poses, but I am not ruled by that threat. Beyond my own abilities, and that of my subordinates, I trust in the will and strength of our people to overcome Tartarus. If we stand united, then this enemy and all future ones will be dispatched: and there is no limit to the heights we can achieve.”

“I…”

 

 

“If I was who you think I am, why would I choose this form?”

“You saw what he did in Ponyville. And you’ve heard what happened to other Old Guard families south of it. Now you’re thinking big again- he hit your family and command. But with the increased guard with the family in Ponyville and in the Palace, he won’t strike again soon. He’ll hit the family of command outside of those cities- and Brairheart’s family is here, Offense’s daughter is here. Think about it.”

“If I was Night, why would I choose Thunder’s from- and why would I try to hide that form with a cloak Why would I, Wave?”

“Wave. I’m on your side. Both of our families are gone- taken from us. I won’t take your desire for revenge against the changeling from you. But you need to trust me- even if it’s for the first time you’ve really trusted me.”

“Because it isn’t trust you value. It’s duty towards your own ideals. With nothing left to lose, you only have hopes. No matter what you think of me, I want to stop Night- and you want to hope I can help you stop Night.”

 

“Ponies are watching.”

“You free? Let’s go get some coffee.”

“Offense’s daughter and Brairheart’s son are at school now. The Admiral’s wife and their baby are going about a normal day.”

“Then I’ll tail her.”

“I know you’re wondering- no, Brairheart’s wife hasn’t been replaced by Night.”

“I can… tell. Trust me.”

“He’s not above bringing down a building. If we have the time, we should check to see if any nearby army stockpiles are missing any gunpowder.”

“He’s a changeling, why would he use a known and previously raided location as one?”

 

“At ease.”

“The word from west was scattered. I want more than three divisions mobilizing for the march. In addition to those already preparing, I want the I Corps joining the expeditionary force.”

“You heard what I said.”

“I’d take the entire 1st Army, but that would be too much of a strain on logistics.”

“What’s gone wrong now?”

“And that’s a problem?”

“How did they get the railways to give so many trains to the army without word from command?”

“What?”

“An entire division just up and left without any logistical support?”

“Well I guess the 7th is part of the expeditionary force too- but have some very choice words for their CO…”

 

“Just… get the infrastructure ready for a larger troop movement than expected. I’ll still take the original divisions out as soon as possible, the other four will join as reinforcements.”

“Now, if you’ll excuse me.”

“Men of the 3rd Army, continue on to the city. From there, rest before returning to your units.”

“That is an order.”

“As the Princess, I must label you as traitors. As an Equestrian, I must label you as heroes. You are the only ponies who have survived the horrors of the underworld. And while I cannot let desertion go unpunished, I cannot let your struggles and endurance go unrecognized. Who among you retains the highest rank?”

“What’s your name?”

“Old Guard?”

 

“Not anymore. From this point forward, you are Major Whiskey- leader of the Lost Regiment. These men are yours to command and promote as you see fit. They will fight on the forefront against Tartarus. And once this war has been won, only then will they be permitted to retire or rejoin the main army forces should they wish.”

“You now take orders directly from the throne. Is that understood?”

“Good, let your men rest. Because we march west soon.”

“All of your willingness to fight and die for Equestria will not go unforgotten. After your penance- once this struggle is over- each and every one of you will be treated as the exemplars of Equestria that you are. Until that day comes, you will be the bulwark to the horrors you’ve experienced. If any of you wish to challenge that order- I’m right here. Unaccompanied and alone.”

“As long as you live, Equestria lives. Now march on.”

 

 

“Sing. I already hummed the melody.”

“Tiara said otherwise.”

“Should I fetch her?”

 

“Excellent. Now all that’s needed is a chorus at the appropriate parts. You and Tiara will see to it. Because this song will be a symbol.”

“If there wasn’t war in the past decades, I think you’d have ended up in music. So yes- it was needed.”

 

“Come on buddy, you’re smarter than this.”

“We fill that up with water for you. “

 

“Hey, that is cold and pure water from Manehattan! Keep drinking river slime, and that’s what happens. There’s no mystical forest protecting you anymore.”

“Don’t give me the silent treatment.”

“Get back to work.”

“Nothing serious. Just stay clear of the water.”

 

 

 

“Two dozen as a retinue will be enough. You’ll know when the Guard needs to be deployed in full.”

“Upset you’re not coming?”

“You’re still too bruised up. If you had any say, you’d still try to lead from the front and just get yourself hurt even more- or worse. Besides, you need to learn how to pull your own weight with paperwork and logistics.”

“The war isn’t lost as long as there’s a single pony left with the will to fight.”

“We don’t know how far the beasts have spread. I want you ready to send a full army out as reinforcements if necessary.”

“I’m serious.”

“But don’t overextend. It’s just as likely that this attack is to draw soldiers away from Equestria.”

“Don’t burn the nation down while I’m gone.”

 

“Now just hold still. On three: one-”

“It’s easier on both sides if you’re not expecting it.”

“Move the arm around for me.”

“Alright, you’ll be fine.”

“Target rock is ten yards away, have at it.”

“Not taking it, I know he won’t.”

“Prove me wrong.”

“Told you.”

“You’re hugging the trigger too much. Again.”

“Shot was low, now you’re anticipating the recoil too much. Relax a bit, the shot should surprise you just a bit.”

“You’ll get there. Eventually. Hopefully.”

“I’ll think about it.”

“You’ve been gone for over a century, you don’t own anything.”

“Nice try buddy.”

 

“He’s on the other side of town.”

“I just… I can sense it.”

“Vaguely.”

“I think I could pick him out in a crowd.”

“No, I don’t think Night knows exactly where they live yet.”

“Alright. Let’s head this way instead.”

“I don’t know.”

“Yeah.”

“Could be another target, or the primary-“

 

“We’ve already been changed in spirit. Some of you girls are older than me, some of you are younger. But you all know the Equestria of older days is gone.”

“When you were a kid, how many ponies had their natural talents based around warfare and conflict? Now almost half of Equestrians born have a cutie mark related to direct fighting or integral parts of the war machine.”

“Can any true friendship be forged without struggle? To truly test those bonds, something important to each person has to be at stake.”

 

“No. Which is why we struggle together with our neighbors. We could have just let them fall on their own and fortify our own borders. Only by enduring hardship together are true bonds made.”

“I helped the minotaurs, and overnight they became our most steadfast ally. We helped the Saddle Arabians, and now they’re friendly towards Equestria for the first time in decades. We fought and died with the griffons, and some of them are now openly calling for me to become their direct monarch. It took barely half a year to make bitter enemies but differences aside.”

“Offer one hand and arm the other. Speak softly but wield a large stick. I understand why you might question idealism, but my idealism isn’t blind. Whatever world comes out of this struggle, Equestria will be at the heart of it. If we fail, then civilized life ends. But when we succeed…”

“We’ll all be tired of the fighting. And even if most of our alliances were forged from necessity, we’ll have battled and died alongside one another. There won’t be room for the grudges of the past, only the struggle to rebuild a better future. The minotaurs have a deep cultural and religious significance to this war against Tartarus; Equestria has faced multiple attacks and suffered most of the brunt so far; the griffons were spared from their own extinction. Either way, there are only two groups that survive this war- the dead and survivors.”

 

“The kill needs to come quick, we can’t let him teleport away… But I take it you have something else planned.”

“You’re not going to-“

“What?”

“You could have blown our cover. Aren’t you AWOL?”

“What if he did?”

“Let’s just keep going.”

 

“This is his base of operation, I’m certain.”

“Got anything useful in that cloak?”

“How do you want to play this?”

“And by starting on the south, he won’t be able to get view of us approaching.”

 

 

 

“I didn’t.”

“So, are you going to teleport away again?”

“Pin me to the wall with your magic?”

“Because I know every step you’ll take. Each move you make and every idea you have, I can sense.”

“Drop the façade. If you want to fight one on one, at least show yourself.”

“I don’t have to answer your questions. All you need to know is that-“

“I knew you had the knife on the table.”

 

“No. But he can.”

 

“I think.”

“Goodbye Night…”

 

“Chief Thunderhooves.”

“Is the town secure?”

“Are you sure?”

“We’ll have time to reminisce later.”

 

 

“What are you doing! The line are too overextended!”

“You’re outnumbered!”

“What?”

“What are you doing! Everypony will be overrun!”

 

“What the he-“

 

“So this is what the 7th has to offer.”

 

“The initial orders didn’t call for your division to be sent out.”

“You left Canterlot in an instant with all your men.”

“How many men died so far?”

“How would you like a promotion?”

“What if it wasn’t an offer?”

 

“Harv, you’re just making sheep noises.”

“Oh, I’m plenty of fun.”

“Nuoren ha vanhan se tanssiin vie,”

“Sen kansaa on vaikka mierontie”

“Säkkijärven polkkaa!”

 

“Siinä on huojunta honkien.”

“Säkkijärven polkkaa!”

“Tule, tule tyttö, nyt kanssani tanssiin, kun polka niin herkästi helkähtää. Hoi! Hepo surkoon ja hammasta purkoo, sun killä on ihmeesti suurempi pää!”

“Säkkijärvi se meiltä on pois, mutta jäi tok sentään polka!”

“Kun rakkaimmat rannat on jääneet taa, niin vieraissa kulkija lohdun saa, kun kuuntelee soittoa kaihoisaa:”

“Säkkijärven polkkaa!”

“Se polka on vain, mutta sellainene, että tielle se johtavi muistojen. On sointuna Karjalan kaunoisen:”

“Säkkijärven polkkaa!”

“Nuoren ja vanhan se tanssiin vie,”

“Sen kanssa on vaikka mierontie”

“siinä on huojunta honkien.”

“Säkkijärven polkkaa!”

 

“Tule, tule tyttö, nyt kanssani tanssiin, kun polka niin herkästi helkähtää. Hoi! Hepo sirkoon ja hammasta purkoon, kun sillä on ihmeesti suuremi pää!”

“Säkkijärvi se meiltä on pois, mutta jäi toki sentään polka!”

“Kun rakkaimmat rannat on jääneet taa, niin vieraissa kulkija lohdun saa, kun kuuntelee soittoa kaihoisaa:”

“Säkkijärven polkkaa!”

“Se polkka on vain, mutta sellainen, että tielle se johtavi muistojen. On sointuna Karjalan kaunoisen:”

“Säkkijärven polkkaa!”

“But it is. Now apologize to the Finnish.”

 

“Wha- what?”

“It’s three in the morning, that leaves at least three hours of sleep left.”

“Time, time?”

“Are you sure?”

“Yeah… let’s get to the hospital.”

“Night?”

“Did you have to leave him facing me?”

“We’re on a train.”

 

“I don’t know what strings you had to pull with what ponies, but are you sure you’re ready to just go back to work?”

“Did I ask that out loud?”

“Sorry. You can’t imagine what it’s like to… feel everything around you.”

“You have plenty of words, you just keep most of them to yourself.”

“It is, but the weight of your son’s loss won’t leave you.”

“That’s… fair.”

“You think that I can just go back to my position… like none of this has happened.”

“What if I can’t go back to that life?”

“And you hang me?”

“You didn’t even take me to a hospital?”

 

“Well, it looks like Colonel Comet decided to take initiative. The 7th defended against the beasts, and pressed them back. We need to get soldiers and supply lines forward to them. Because I don’t think the enemy are going to let us gather out strength here.”

“Now, the town is small, so we need to keep the rail lines open. Supply is of the utmost importance, and-“

“Twenty? I’ve been gone less than an hour!”

“Alright soldiers! You heard the stallion, the 7th division is over twenty miles outside of town! Are you going to let them alone make all of the gains against these creatures!”

“The 7th left their encampment like it was a ghost town, now you’re leaving your battle line like it’s been abandoned for a year. Tell the Colonel if you all die, it’s not my fault.”

 

“It’s been a long time…”

“Almost a lifetime for me.”

“Well… yes.”

“Look on the bright side. It looks like Equestrians might actually end up marching towards the sea you wanted them to reach.”

“Well, the engineers will be placing rail down as we march. One way or another, Equestria marches west.”

“Oh. Sorry I kind of flew out on you all.”

“There was a couch and a couple chairs in my room. It used to be a lounge before I got exiled here. I’d think there’s enough room for the five of you, and it’s inside instead of out here in the chill- you’d prefer to be indoors. At this time of year, the plains get pretty cold in the fall.”

 

“Yes, that was out loud.”

“Right this way.”

 

 

 

“FIRE!”

“The first stallion to reach the Bison’s line will earn a month of leave for their platoon! Now show no quarter, for none can be expected in turn!”

“For Equestria! CHARGE!”

 

“I needed some air.”

“He’s been dead for months but…”

“I can still… feel the sheer hatred he had.”

 

“That is… not what I meant.”

“I’m… yes…”

“Sure.”

“I know something’s on your mind. What is it?”

“No, it’s just rather obvious.”

“I don’t know.”

“What else would you do?”

“It’s just… there are these moments. Where everything is laid out perfectly, and I know exactly what I need to do. What has to be done and why. But other times- it’s murky. I can’t tell if I-“

“I need some time to think.”

“And I sense that’s an order.”

 

“Well don’t just stand there all day. Vacation’s over.”

 

“What’s wrong Harv?”

“Well it doesn’t feel like sand beneath my boot.”

“Look you could be- wait, vampire cactuses?”

“Look, you never scouted these paths. That was Discord proper. You might just be remembering something wrong.”

“It’s not like it’s that strange for the terrain to shift dramatically over here.”

“That we can agree on… it’s almost too peaceful.”

“What?”

 

“Gather the fliers and begin scouting.”

“Well if we’re not hoofing it, we’re back on that pile of driftwood. And you won’t be getting any breaks then.”

“Now hustle.”

“Come on people! Get those cannons out here!”

“Brace! Unicorns, make a-“

“I don’t know… Oh that’s just great.”

“Alright, who’s still moving!”

 

“We’re the only ones left. Magic doesn’t work on me, so that’s why I’m here. Hannibal is an animal, and the birds haven’t been frozen either. But what about you lot?”

“Well, you guys are going to stay here and watch the others. I’m going to go find who or whatever cast the spell and… well you can probably guess.”

“I’m immune to magic, and even though this spell didn’t work on you, it doesn’t mean another won’t.”

“Don’t forget to keep an eye on the water.”

“Alright buddy, you’re in charge while I’m gone.”

 

 

“I’m glad my drill sergeant wasn’t a unicorn.”

“We’ve seen worse today.”

“You should go easier on them- half of the kids we’ve seen today lied about their age to join up.”

“There are hundreds of thousands of battle hardened veterans already serving.”

“Someone’s become jaded.”

 

“Tartarus… cold and dark. But we didn’t get that deep.”

“Too many people died. Because of me.”

 

“I have no idea what you’re talking about!”

“What is it?”

 

“And you followed?”

“You just wanted to come too.”

“Just don’t fall behind.”

“Alright buddy, let’s go.”

“I was talking to the elephant.”

“So was there any change in the others?”

“And how did you figure that out?”

“You tried to stab him?”

“You tried to stab him!”

“Yeah, you’re quite the scientist.”

 

 

 

“Report! What’s going on!”

“To arms!”

 

 

“Then we came out this way for nothing.”

“Yeah?”

“Hell if I know.”

“Then we keep walking.”

“Magic tends not to go for that far. It’s a day or two away. Three at maximum.”

“Yes?”

“Knowing my luck, yes. Knowing yours, no.”

“What!”

“Hi Rusty.”