Note: I'm so sorry I have not upated this story in ages. But here I am, back with another chapter for this story. I'm introducing a few more characters to help get the story going again. But some will be going sadly. The angst is strong with this one.
6th January 1946 - Early morning
In Yakyakistan...
Minuette had been in a hastily-made undecorated cube-shaped 4-wheeled chariot for several days now. She is in the chariot with 10 other ponies, all of whom she doesn't know. The chariot inside has a single massive blanket that everypony shares, to keep warm amidst the cold weather. On both sides is a solid wooden door with an open window. But despite the window opening, everypony's warmth kept each other warm. But outside, are 2 stallions that are trekking and pulling the chariot tirelessly in the brutally cold snow, without rest. They are determined to the end to help ponies get away as the Soviet lines keep encroaching into western Equestria.
Minuette hasn't seen her 3 closest Canterloter friends, Lemon Hearts, Twinkleshine and Moondancer, who used to live in Canterlot, have not been seen since, as they got separated during the chaos. She doesn't know if they got out. She hasn't been able to be in contact with her friends since the opening hours of this conflict. Just before the 2nd December 1945, she was just still relieved that war in Europe ceased, but unaware of what was to unfold afterwards. Then after the fateful 3rd, any of her bubbly happiness that had stayed intact had been ripped out of her as if her heart had been ripped out.
Like the others in the chariot, Minuette had not been able to sleep for a few days either. The Soviet air supremacy meant bombers and fighters and bombers were a constant danger to fear. Everypony in the chariots shared this fear that had been scarred into their minds since December 3rd which keeps them up at night. They all fear that they won't wake up to see the next day.
Minuette only looks down, because the sky has become something horrible. The sky was once something beautiful to look at. But now it is now something to fear. There's normally at least between 5 to 10 Soviet aircraft flying about in the sky, most likely on a patrolling the skies. But so far, Yakyakistan has for the most part been a safe haven from Soviet aerial attacks, with the odd incursion. As this may be the last time for an extremely long while that the sky may be 'beautiful'.
Minuette turns her head right to look through the open window. The sky is an ugly ice-coloured blue, but it is relieving, because there are no Soviet aircraft in the sky currently. This is the first time she hasn't seen any in the sky. She leans her head back and tries to get some sleep, as there isn't any threat in the sky constantly looming over like in other areas in Equestria. Other ponies in the chariot are too afraid to sleep, but Minuette makes an attempt to sleep.
But then, the chariot breaks to a rough jolt. Everypony in the chariot didn't flinch, as they have been rocked by much bigger things than a mere jolt. Some have seen gored bodies, and a few have seen the gored bodies of somepony they knew.
"We're here," A male voice dryly spoke in a depressed voice. One of the stallions, a big brown earth 'pony', comes over to open the left-side door. He is a gigantic monolith of a stallion. His eyes have green irises, has a white stripe in the middle of his face, has a dark mane and tail, and has a green horse shoe as their cutie mark.
Meanwhile, the second stallion comes over to open the right-side door. They are just as enormous as the other stallion. He is dark grey. He has blue irises, a black mane and tail, and has a mountain as his cutie mark.
One by one, each of the ponies in the chariot hop out. There is relief, but no happiness. They are safe, but are not back home. They know they are for the most part out of Soviet reach, but don't know when they will go home again.
The ponies are all outside a large and round settlement. The fences are made of really dark and round oak logs, which are held together by large stone frames. Minuette, happening to be ahead of the other ponies that were in her chariot, starts walking toward the entrance, which is a large stone door, which is open. Outside are 2 yaks, standing guard. As Minuette is about to walk through, the 2 yaks block her. Minuette shakingly steps back.
"Yaks must check you aren't a changeling," The yak on the right ordered firmly.
"Yaks must stop Soviet-aligned changelings from getting in," The yak on the left stated. They use their left double-toed hoof to create a snowball, and throws it at Minuette's face.
"Agh!" Minuette jolts back in shock, and wipes her face with her forehooves, getting all snow off her face.
"Yaks see you aren't a Soviet-aligned changeling, you may go through," Said the yak on the right, granting Minuette entry into the settlement. She shakes her face as she walks through the entrance, while the yaks moves onto the next pony to see if they are one of the bad changelings or not.
"Next!" The same yak barked.
Inside the round settlement are round wooden huts with roofs made of straw, with snow on top. Minuette weeps when she sees foals playing in the snow. Any smile on the faces aren't full in their meaning. The trauma behind any of the smiles are easy to see. There is nothing to smile about, as all things had been forcibly and barbarically ripped apart from them by the war that had forced them out of their once warm and comforting homes. The foals are being as 'happy' as they can be.
Meanwhile, there's a couple Royal Guards patrolling the area. They are there to keep order. With a mass of traumatized and homesick ponies, any fight that occurs would dramatically get out of hoof very quick.
Minuette starts navigating around the settlement, trying to find out how she will find a hut to sleep in. Maybe her friends have found their way here, maybe she'll find their hut and get to sleep with them.
"Ugh that isn't likely..." Minuette muttered to herself while wiping her eyes. She hasn't seen them in over a month though, and hopes of seeing any of her friends again is waning. Is Twilight alive still? Is any of her friends at all alive?
Minuette sits down and starts to cry, and covers her eyes. Not being able to speak to a friend for a month has had its toll on her mental health. She completely breaks down.
"Minuette? Minuette!?" A female voice called for her. She feels a hoof on her back, but Minuette can't move her head to see who is there. The voice sounds somewhat familiar, which makes Minuette cry even more.
Somepony moves Minuette's forehooves and then lifts her head. Minuette struggles to keep her eyes open as she looks at the pony. Her vision is blurred by her tears, but she can make out that another unicorn is in front of her, a mint-coloured unicorn.
"It's me- come with me- I don't want you getting too cold..." The mint unicorn softly spoke as she helps Minuette up and guides her walking, kindly letting her not worry about anything else other than letting out the tears she needs to.
A minute later...
Lyra has brought inside her hut, Minuette, and closes the door behind. Lyra sits her down, then sits next to her. Like all huts, there is a massive hay bed at the back, blankets, and nothing else, other than some belongings and rations. Everything that was in the huts had to be stripped bare due so the Royal Guard could use desperately-needed supplies with the war with the Soviet Union.
"We need tissues here!" Lyra called for Bon Bon, who is on the other side.
"Minuette- It's me, Lyra- it's me," Lyra softly reassured, weeping as she hugs Minuette, while Bon Bon reaches into a small cream-coloured suitcase for tissues.
Bon Bon comes over, offering Minuette some tissues, which she takes with her magic, and wipes her eyes with it.
"I haven't seen any of my friends in over a month... I thought all my friends were dead... it's so good to see you... please don't stop hugging me..." Minuette begged, she didn't want to be separated from friends again.
"Where's the others?" Bon Bon asked, worried for Minuette's friends who lives- well, used to live in Canterlot.
"I don't know... I haven't seen Lemon, Twinkle- or anypony from Canterlot since... since- no I can't think back to that day..." Minuette tearfully curls into a ball, as a flashback of the violent bombs that were dropped on December 3rd sweeps through her mind. Lyra and Bon Bon sits next to her to support her.
"Why should I be crying- I mean, other ponies seen and been through worse..." Minuette mumbled as she blinks repeatedly, trying to push back tears.
"Everypony's been through a lot, everypony can cry." Lyra hugs Minuette tighter as did Bon Bon as well.
Knock knock knock...
There is somepony knocking, and Bon Bon lets go and gets up. While Lyra stays to comforting Minuette, Bon Bon goes to answer the door. She pushes it open, and outside is Pinkie Pie.
"Hey I just wanted to check on you two- wait- Minuette!?" Pinkie Pie dully spoke, until she saw Minuette and exclaimed as she pushes past Bon Bon, trotting over to Minuette to hug her tight. Meanwhile, Bon Bon closes the door to keep the warmth inside the hut.
"Hey..." Minuette weakly murmured, wiping the last of her tears.
"I'm so glad you're alive! I was worried you hadn't of made it!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed, hugging Minuette tighter.
"Barely... Twinkle and Lemon... or Moondancer... I... I don't know if they... I don't know if they got out of Canterlot..." Minuette stammered with an ache in her voice.
"I haven't been able to speak to a friend in a month... I'm happy you all are here... but I'm still worried for my other friends..." Minuette dryly spoke, pausing in between a few times from stress. Pinkie Pie doesn't know how to appropriately respond, so she just continues hugging her, making sure she is okay.
"Is your group holding up?" Lyra gently asked Pinkie Pie. Each time she saw the pink earth pony, the more depressed, agitated and stressted she is. Lyra wanted to check if she was holding up as well as she could.
"Terribly..." Pinkie Pie shook her head. Lyra just notices Pinkie Pie's eyes are slightly bloodshot. She has been crying.
"It is getting too much... seeing my friends and especially my sisters hurting is too much... I'm trying to keep a happy face and get everypony crack a smile but it is so horrible seeing them hurting and no matter what I do to make them better... me and my sisters lost both of our parents too- I just want this war to end..." Pinkie Pie's voice went low, her throat aching in pain, on the verge of breaking down and crying. Bon Bon steps over to give Pinkie Pie a big tight hug.
"You can sit here with us if you need a refresher, okay," Bon Bon softly spoke, weeping as she hugs Pinkie Pie, who's eyes are shut, whimpering as her tears force their way past her eyelids.
"I... can't, I promised to my sisters... that I'd quickly come back after checking. I'll come back later though..." Pinkie Pie wipes her eyes as she steps back. She turns around and walks out the door.
(The hut opposite)
Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy are sitting next to each other in one corner. A tearful Applejack and Rarity are thinking of whether they should stick with their friends or head back east to join the fight. Twilight is by Starlight and Sunburst to comfort them. Spike is waiting to magically recieve a letter from Shining Armour. Maud is awake, looking over Marble and Limestone so they can sleep. Coco Pommel and Spur are out together to grab rations.
"You alright?" Fluttershy asked Rainbow Dash, who looks down at the ground.
"No, I just want to do something about all of this. I'm also worried about them two- we haven't seen them since... Hearth's Warming," Rainbow Dash grumbled. Fluttershy nods, feeling the same. Everypony is worried for all the ponies they know and they haven't seen for a while.
Meanwhile opposite Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy, Twilight is crying as she hugs Starlight, who hugs back, also crying. Sunburst, also in tears, gently and softly rubs Starlight's back.
"I'm so so sorry for y- you..." Twilight stammered in shock and distraught for her friend. Starlight quietly shared her harrowing ordeal with Twilight.
Meanwhile near the door, Applejack and Rarity are looking around at their friends, deciding whether they should stay with them or head back east to join the fight.
"I don't know if we should darling... our dear friends need us," Rarity wept at seeing the pain in all their faces. She wants to go out and fight, but she also wants to stay with her friends.
"Ah've lost pretty much all of mah family. First, it was ma and pa all t'ose years back, t'en ah've lost Big Mac... t'en grandma... and now I may've lost mah lil sister..." Applejack frowned as she starts to cry.
"Ah've got nothin' to lose Rarity... ah've got nothin' to lose..." The air Applejack is breathing in and out feels heavy as she cries. But she quickly glances behind her, looking at Limestone. Applejack and Limestone have grown quite close.
"Ah don't know..." Applejack mumbled. She does have things to lose. Her friends, and her new very close friend, Limestone.
Outside...
Coco Pommel and Spur are walking back to the hut, carrying the rations they and the others need. The rations are in baskets, carried on their backs, which falling snow lands on them.
Coco Pommel briefly glances at Spur, and sees no life in them. Spur doesn't feel anything, she has lost Biscuit and Bloofy on 24th December. She mourned, and now without him or their pet, life is meaningless.
All of a sudden, a humming noise is heard in the sky. Coco Pommel trembles, holding in the urge to scream. She continues walking back with Spur, but Coco Pommel's legs are trembling, and walks really close to Spur.
"P... please..." Coco Pommel's voice trembled as she wants to hug somepony. But when she tries hugging Spur, she pushed her hooves away. She isn't too phased by the humming in the sky, on top of not being in the mood to hug.
Coco Pommel grudgingly looks up at the sky, and sighs with relief and the trembling stops. It is an American cargo plane flying by, probably carrying humanitarian aid. It is being escorted by a squadron of P-51 Mustang fighters.
There's also a British cargo plane in the sky, which could be carrying weapons. It is being escorted by a squadron of Spitfire fighters. This squadron also hosts a Gloster Meteor jet fighter in it.
The British and American planes are being escorted by several dozens of Wonderbolts. Both the British and American planes must be looking for somewhere to land.
In the air...
Vapor Trail and Sky Stinger are among the countless Wonderbolts escorting the planes. The Wonderbolts are equipped with a machine gun that's strapped underneath them. There's a string attatched between the right forehooves and the trigger of the machine gun. The Wonderbolts also have a radio strapped on their back and a mic sellotaped to their right-side cheeks.
"The Soviets have bombed the heck out of where we were going to land you guys. The nearest available safe place to land will have to the west of the Crystal Empire," Sky Stinger stated, speaking into that mic.
"That would work better mate. The mountains will offer some protection from Soviet planes. The Red Air Force have been getting more aggressive towards the ships and cargo planes that is getting supplies into Equestria, but so far they all had been bluffs, but the next time we're intercepted, it may be the real deal," One of the Spitfire pilots responded on the radio.
"Shit! We're being intercepted! Two o'clock!" One of the P-51 pilots shouted. There's a squadron of Soviet Yak-3's and a handful of Yak-9's approaching, and they are roughly 300 metres away. They are also accompanied by 2 evil changelings per Soviet plane.
"Oh bollocks, we may be in for an actual dogfight today lads," The Gloster Meteor's pilot stated as they, as well as the other British and American fighter pilots manoeuvre their aircraft and disperse, ready to fight the Soviet fighters.
"There's two more squadrons, twelve o'clock. It looks like they are attempting to conduct an air raid on some of the settlements. Some of you Wonderbolts will have to go back to defend them, as we cannot risk esculating this war. Our fighters only have permission to defend our aircraft only. They aren't allowed to intercept air raids, as much as we want to," The British cargo plane's pilot noted. More Soviet fighters and evil changelings are spotted in the distance. There are also bombers in those Soviet squadrons as well.
Hearing this, Vapor Trail turns around and flies back in the direction of the settlement they all flew over. Seeing her go back in that direction, Sky Stinger does as well. They both hear bullets firing behind them already.
"Why aren't the other Wonderbolts coming!?" Vapor Trail exclaimed, petrified that it'll only be just them defending the settlement.
"Those cargo planes are carrying the hope of many ponies such as food and water. But it doesn't matter, because if we die, I'd rather die with you," Sky Stinger wept as he kisses Vapor Trail on the forehead. He holds her right forehoof with his left forehoof.
"We've got this, we're in it together," Sky Stinger reassured as he held her hoof tight for a few seconds before letting go. Vapor Trail is still petrified, but she feels it will be okay in the end.
At the settlement...
Vasily is walking through the settlement, after getting those he was with on 25th and were badly injured, to the settlement's hospital. He is looking for somepony. He still doesn't know if Rainbow Dash survived escaping the gulag he was in with her. So he is looking for the next best ponies, Rainbow Dash's friends. He is walking left and right and up and down the paths, looking at each hut and at each pony.
After minutes of searching, Vasily finds 2 ponies, one that's an earth pony with a milky coat, and a pegasus with a brown coat. He overhears them mentioning Rainbow Dash, and a few other names, meaning Rainbow Dash is here, and alive! Elated, Vasily quickly walks up to the ponies.
"Hey, have you seen Rainbow Dash? Is she alive? Is she well?" Vasily desperately asked. The 2 ponies tremble as they step away from the scary human. Vasily steps back as well, showing he means no harm.
Coincidentally, the door of the hut to his right opens, and a light blue pegasus quickly walks out. She looks at Vasily. Vasily looks at her. It is definitely...
"Rainbow Dash!" Vasily chuckled with joy as he extends his arms out, and the light blue pegasus lunges at him with open forehooves.
"Vasily!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed as she closes and places her forehooves around the human, and accidently tackles him to the ground, also full of joy. Rainbow Dash gets up and helps Vasily to stand up. Vasily doesn't stop petting her head and under her jaw and neck.
"Prehaps we shouldn't speak Russian here," Vasily suggested with a chuckle. Rainbow Dash realizes why, and nods in agreement. The frightened expressions on some of the refugees in the settlement are shocking.
"I've told my friends about you... how you've kept me safe... I want to introduce you to them," Rainbow Dash requested, and Vasily nods.
But as Rainbow Dash was about to introduce Vasily to the others, suddenly, the settlement's German-made air raid sirens started going off. Everypony starts screaming as they all rush to the back of the settlement, on the opposite side of the entrance. At the back is where the air raid shelter is.
"Quick! Do you have something on you!? Anything!?" Rainbow Dash demanded, shaking Vasily as he hands her a knife from the left inside pocket of his coat. Rainbow Dash grabs the knife with her left forehoof.
"It's all I have on me since... no time to explain. Удачи товарищ," Vasily smiled as he salutes Rainbow Dash, who flaps her wings and b-lines for the sky, where there is a squadron of Soviet fighters and bombers, accompanied by evil changelings.
(In the sky)
Vapor Trail and Sky Stinger fly in different directions. They force the Soviet squadron of fighters to also split, pursuing the 2 pegasuses.
"Oh dear gaw- AHHHH!" Vapor Trail screamed in terror as she flies in zig sags as the Soviet fighters as well as evil changelings try to pursue her.
BRRRRRRRRRRRR! BRRRRRRRRRRRR! BRRRRRRRRRRRR! BRRRRRRRRRRRR...
Vapor Trail weaves and dodges the bullets, screaming, petrified to meet her end from this bullets. Her speed is what's keeping her alive, being able to outpace and out-manoeuvre the Soviet planes and the bad changelings accompanying them.
Then, Sky Stinger comes vertically swooping down on one of the aircrafts pursuing Vapor Trail. Sky Stinger slows down, and while still vertically b-lining, he yanks his right forehoof, pulling the string attached to it as well as the trigger of thr machine gun that's strapped underneath him...
BRRRRRTRTRTRT! BRRRRRTRTRTRT!
Sky Stinger pulls up his direction of flight, flying upwards. As he turns around, he sees the Yak-3 he was shooting at is spiralling and falling. From seeing that, he knew he had successfully struck its pilot with those bullets.
"Keep dodging and weaving! Worry about nothing else! Leave the shooting to me!" Sky Stinger ordered, instructing Vapor Trail. He can hear her screams of panic on the radio, as well as the bullets from the Soviet planes pursuing her.
As Sky Stinger flies up to get another good strafing run on the planes, he sees a Yak-3 to his right, it's snout perfectly aligned on him. Sky Stinger flies up and down, trying to get out of the line of fire.
BRRRRRRRRRRRR! BRRRRRRRRRRRR! BRRRRRRRRRRRR! BRRRRRRRRRRRR...
But then...
BRRRRRTRTRTRT- BOOM! The Yak-3 pursuing Sky Stinger bkew up in a fiery ablaze.
The pilot of the Gloster Meteor has come and turn around, away from defending the 2 cargo plane carrying the humanitarian aid as ordered to, to assist Sky Stinger and Vapor Trail. The jet aircraft wooshes by and swiftly swurves right, towards the Soviet fighters pursuing Vapor Trail. Sky Stinger follows the jet close behind.
"I'm going to get a big telling off and get demoted, but fuck it. Relations between my country and and the Russians have completely broken down. We've all passed the point of no return since we began sending the humanitarian aid. Either way, I weren't going to leave you two alone to intercept these bastards," The Gloster Meteor's pilot spoke with a firm tone. There is a hint of fear in the tone as well. Whoever the pilot's superiors are, from the sounds of it they will most certainly be very angry with the pilot for disobeying orders.
BRRRRRTRTRTRT! The Gloster Meteor clips one of the Yak-3's wings, forcing the Soviet pilot to eject from his aircraft, who then activates their parachute.
While the Gloster Meteor flies off to turn back around, Vapor Trail manages to safely swurve back around, temporarily shaking the pursuing Soviet plane's line of sight on her. She then slows down to perfect her aim on the ejected Soviet pilot. She yanks her right forehoof, pulling the string attached to it as well as the trigger of the machine gun that's strapped underneath her...
BRRRRRTRTRTRT!
Vapor Trail bloodily shreds the ejected Soviet pilot with bullets, making them now scream instead. She also rips the parachute with the bullets, and the shreeded body plummets for the snowy ground below.
The Gloster Meteor then comes back around, and the pilot of it aligns its line of fire perfectly on a Yak-3, then...
BRRRRRTRTRTRT! BRRRRRTRTRTRT- BOOM! The Yak-3 blows up in a spectacular fiery fashion.
Then, just as quick as they came, the Soviet fighters and bombers as well as the bad changelings accompanying them being ti turn back around. Vapor Trail and Sky Stinger know it is mostly thanks to the Gloster Meteor. The presence of such an advanced aircraft alone had deterred the plane.
The 2 pegasuses and the pilot want to pursue the Soviet planes and the evil changelings, but they can't. They are outnumbered, and one slip up will cost their lives. So they also turn back around to regroup with the other Wonderbolts and the British and American planes.
"They were only a mile away from that settlement. But the Lord's grace had let me come to help you at the right time. Thank you Jesus for giving me the wits to get here and help deter the enemy on time," The pilot spoke, not giving himself the credit, but the one he follows. He feels and is absolutely certain he felt the Lord's presence. The pilot strongly believes that without faith, he would've not turned around in time to help, and had he and his Gloster Meteor not been there, the squadron of Soviet bombers would've reached the settlement. Vapor Trail and Sky Stinger alone couldn't of done anything about it.
Meanwhile back on the ground...
Back in the hut, the rest of the mane 6, Spur, Coco Pommel, Starlight, Sunburst and the Pie sisters are hearing the air raid siren go off. They are shaken by it, and are panicking. As soon as Twilight opens the door, they all quickly trot out the door, except...
... Limestone turns around and sees Marble, whimpering while covering her ears. Pinkie Pie and Maud, seeing Limestone walking back, follows her back into the hut.
"I don't want to go..." Marble whimpered.
"You two, we'll meet at the shelter," Limestone mumbled as Pinkie Pie and Maud nod and reluctantly step outside the hut. But they stay outside, making sure Limestone and Marble are okay.
Limestone wraps her forehooves around Marble. She hugs her tight. They both begin to tear up.
"I understand why you don't want to go to the shelter... because I don't want to go there too..." Limestone's voice trembles as she spoke.
"I'm scared there will be those communist ponies who have infiltrated into this place and in the shelter they try to r..." Marble paused, unwilling to finish what she was about to say, but Limestone understood her. They both understood their fear of a repeat of the 23rd, when their already impacted lives were destroyed without actually being destroyed, what happened and almost happened to them.
Pinkie Pie and Maud trot back into the hut to get Limestone and Marble to the air raid shelter before they all die from the bombs and the Pie family tree put to an end. But the bombs from the supposed Soviet bombers never came falling down. Instead, the air raid sirens slowly lower in volume until they become quiet.
"Oh thank goodness that their air raid failed!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed, then sighing with relief, as she pulls Marble and Limestone into an embracing hug. Maud, preferring not to hug at this moment, stands very close to her sisters instead.
"We're sorry... we were scared to go to the shelter..." Limestone's voice is very shaky.
"But we could've all died had the bombs been dropped. Nopony can manage losing more friends and family," Maud wept, wiping her eyes.
"B- but w- we don't know who would've been in th- the shelter," Marble spoke. Her voice is even more shaky than Limestone's.
Pinkie Pie and Maud understand why Limestone and Marble are so scared. The wounds from 23rd December are still fresh and open and very understandably do, their minds heavily bleeding out trauma. This makes Maud come closer and hugs her sisters. Limestone and Marble cry because they are scared. Pinkie Pie and Maud cry because of the pain they themselves and especially their 2 other sisters are going through.
Meanwhile...
Seeing the Soviet planes turning back around and flying away, Rainbow Dash starts flying back to the settlement. She grumbles she didn't catch a single Soviet pilot or one of the Soviet-aligned changelings, but she thought it wouldn't be worth it. She would also rather make sure her friends are okay as well.
On the way down from the sky, coming back to the settlement. Her heart skips a beat, her wings almost freeze in dread, because of what she sees, and she doesn't like what she sees. She sees Ralph, but there is no sign of Adorabella. Very swiftly, she comes soaring down, landing in the snow in front of Ralph.
"Hey- I'm glad you're okay- but where's Adorabella!? Is she alive!? Where is she!?" Rainbow Dash screamed as the heart-dropping thought of Adorabella being dead has her extremely anxious. Rainbow Dash is almost tempted to fly away in fear, so if Adorabella is dead, she doesn't want that confirmation. Ralph flinches as he stumbles back, taken by extreme surprise by Rainbow Dash's very distressed appearance.
"Woah- calm down- didn't know you had this activity side to you," Said another voice. Rainbow Dash, now with tears forming in her eyes, turn to look right. It is only Vasily.
"Vasily- please- is she okay!? Is she okay!?" Rainbow Dash kept repeating, not calming down.
"That's the white one, your wife, right? Sorry, I'm very bad with names. Takes months to properly remember them," Vasily asked, looking at Ralph in the bloodshot teary eyes. He nods.
"Yeah she's alive," Vasily confirmed. Just hearing the confirmation Adorabella is alive, the sheer feeling of relief in Rainbow Dash makes her fall face first into the snow. Vasily helps her up, then hugs her.
"But... she won't leave the hut..." Ralph's voice trembles with a mixture of distress and rage over what happened to the one he was meant to protect. He feels he had really failed her on 25th December, Hearth's Warming, the day that is meant to bring everypony together.
"I have to see her- my head can't relax unless I see her breathing- I need to see her," Rainbow Dash strongly insisted. Adorabella will always be the sisterly friend of Rainbow Dash. Ralph, knowing that seeing Rainbow Dash will make Adorabella a tiny bit happier, nods and starts taking Rainbow Dash to the hut she is in. On the way over there, the rest of the mane 6 (minus Pinkie) come over. They were on the way back from the air raid shelter to their hut.
"Ralph! You're okay!" Fluttershy is happy that Ralph is okay.
"Rainbow where did you go!?" Twilight exclaimed.
"I'll explain everything shortly- Adorabella's alive and I'm going over to see her- I just need to see her," Rainbow Dash spoke with a fast-paced, unrelaxed tone. The rest of the mane 6 that are present are also relieved.
"Oh right- friends, this is the Russian guy I've been on about. Vasily, these are the friends I've been on about," Rainbow Dash briefly introduced Vasily and the rest of the mane 6 that are present, to each other.
"Wait- what happened- we must see if she's okay too!" Rarity excmaimed.
"We can't overwhelm her. We have to leave the door slightly open until we come back in, because every time we open the door without warning, she screams. If she hears multiple ponies coming in, we're going to give her a heart attack. And I mean it literally," Vasily very sternly and firmly warned.
"Trust me. Ten, eleven years ago before falling out with the authorities, I used to work as a doctor back in Leningrad, and treat whole range of patients. I know the signs. We must take all precautions," Vasily sternly stated, backing his warning. The rest of Rainbow Dash's friends are caught off guard by how serious the man's tone is. But as Rainbow Dash trusts the man, her friends also trust the man.
"I'll be back, I'll update you all on everything, I promise," Rainbow Dash reassured to her friends, who begin to head back inside their hut. Meanwhile, Ralph and Vasily begin to lead Rainbow Dash to their hut.
"I... I- how did you get out? Where's Soarin?" Rainbow Dash asked.
"Soarin was shot in the head, right in front of my eyes, as soon as you escaped. The guards used him as an example of what would happen to me if I tried escaping again," Vasily replied.
"N- no... I refuse to believe tha-"
"I saw what I saw Dash. The guards even forced me to dig... big hole, in middle of nowhere, to bury him in it. What matters, was that his death didn't mean nothing," Vasily interrupted Rainbow Dash. He sees the sadness and tears as well as the anger in Rainbow Dash's eyes. Vasily wants to feel sad for Rainbow Dash's pain in having to hear this, and tries to feel sad, but the long time he had spent in the gulags made death common to him. Death was a common occurrence, Vasily was used to seeing death.
"I was then transfered to another gulag, met a few new faces. Mac, Sugar, Feathers, Glider and a few others, we escaped. We had no choice but to do it right. Or I and they too would've been killed," Vasily began explaining the events up to now.
"We were lucky, and got Soviet army uniform on, which we stole from a poorly guarded site that weren't too far from the gulag, and took a truck. Then all it took was to find somebody to get us deployed to Equestria. Then we were truly free. We just arrived today," Vasily explained a very short summary of events leading up to now. The amusing stories of stolen trucks is beginning to get old. The Soviet lack of care for their equipment was funny at first, but it is getting really old.
"How many more friends have to die?" Rainbow Dash muttered to herself. If the temperature of her feelings were physical, the tears coming out her eyes would evaporate, she's that angry and furious.
"You said Mac and Sugar... as in Big Mac and Sugar Belle? The earth pony and unicorn?" Rainbow Dash inquired while heavily breathing in and out. Rainbow Dash really hopes it is them, because it would lift Applejack's spirit a bit.
"Yes, but they are in the medical area of the camp. While we were getting out of Ponyville, a tank fired at us. Some of us were lucky to avoid the blast and the shell's shrapnel, but some others... they got hit or hit the ground really hard. Big Mac was more lucky, but Sugar Belle..." Ralph couldn't finish what he was saying, and wipes his eyes. The hope in Rainbow Dash sinks as she hears that. The medical area he mentions, which is located on the far left side of the settlement, leaves some hope for those who were unfortunate to get hit by the blast and shrapnel or hit the ground really hard.
A minute later, Ralph, Rainbow Dash and Vasily come up to the hut, and it's door is open. Ralph starts to cry more, as he starts to very slowly walk in. Meanwhile, Rainbow Dash was about to step in, but Vasily firmly yanks her back.
"We must be careful to not startle her-"
"Vasily I know who she is," Rainbow Dash growled. Vasily steps back to give her space.
"Walk in slowly," Vasily sternly cautioned. Rainbow Dash very slowly walks in. The inside of this hut looks basically identical to the hut she is staying in. A massive hay bed at the back, blankets, and nothing else, other than some belongings and rations.
Ralph is sitting down in the bed area, where Adorabella is, who has put a white blanket over her head. Over there next to her is also Derpy and Dinky. Derpy is hugging Dinky.
"Hey," Ralph whispered to Adorabella.
"May I move the blanket off for you?" Ralph gently asked. Adorabella remains quiet, and puts her forehooves on the blanket.
"A... Adorabella- Derpy and Dinky too- I'm so glad you're alive!" Rainbow Dash quickly steps forward to where they are, relieved that they are alive. Rainbow Dash sits down in front of them. The relief in Rainbow Dash disappears, and is replaced with dread, because she knows something horrible has happened to both of them. Seeing Dinky's eyes, it is easy to see she has seen horrible things to.
"You alright?" Rainbow Dash asked as she offers the teary Derpy a hug, which she accepts and lets her. The hug lasts a few seconds, and they let go.
"Wh- what happened, y- you look..." Rainbow Dash stutters when she feels and then sees how skinny Derpy had gotten, to the point that her ribcage is very visible under her skin.
"I had to, to keep Dinky fed... it was so hard when Ponyville just kept getting shelled and shelled..." Derpy cried. Rainbow Dash's eyes water, while her inner anger builds. She then turns to Adorabella, who is still hiding herself under the blankets.
"Hey, please... it's only me... Rainbow, sis. Me, Ralph... all of us are here for you," Rainbow Dash tearfully and softly spoke.
"I'm worried for you. Please- I haven't seen you since Hearth's Warming eve! Please, I just need to see your face and see you're actually alive!" Rainbow Dash cried, begging to see her. Reluctantly, Adorabella slightly lifts the blanket up. Her eyes are very bloodshot, and very watery. She has been crying a lot. Rainbow Dash is taken aback, as seeing Adorabella look so terribly suffering really hurts. Rainbow Dash can only just imagine how Ralph must feel. Extremely distraught, stressed, and most certainly, furious. Adorabella then quickly covers herself back up.
"Who hurt you- I'll sort out whoever it is that for you," Rainbow Dash spoke in a very heavy tone. The anger in her is about to overflow from the inside to the outside. Ralph isn't sure if he should tell Rainbow Dash what happened yet, he can see the anger building up in her. But Ralph feels his left forehoof being poked.
"You want me to tell her what happened? You sure? You can say no, it's okay," Ralph wanted confirmation from Adorabella, who pokes Ralph twice, meaning yes she wants him to tell her.
"Vasily, stay here. This is between me and Rainbow," Ralph requested. Vasily nods. Ralph and Rainbow Dash walk back outside of the hut. Ralph knows Rainbow Dash will explode when she hears what happened, but he must tell her regardless. Rainbow Dash is still a very close friend to Adorabella, and Rainbow Dash deserves to know, so she can support her too.
Meanwhile...
The mane 6 (minus Rainbow), Starlight, Sunburst, Coco Pommel and Spike are back in their huts. They see by the bed, Pinkie Pie and Maud are comforting their 2 other sisters, Marble and Limestone. All 4 are crying, Limestone and Marble especially. The Pies are done, and somewhat moved away from each other. Applejack, slightly crying as well, walks over to Limestone and gently puts her right forehoof on the shoulder.
"Wanna talk 'bout an'thing Sugurcube... let off ah bit if steam?" Applejack gently asked.
"Shelters have stairs... and I'm scared of stairs now..." Limestone very quietly whispered to Applejack. Limestone's voice trembles as she spoke about it.
"Hey hey hey, shhhh..." Applejack gently whispered back. She leaves herself open, in case Limestone wants to lean in to hug.
"I'm fed up of being like this... I'm the oldest sister... I'm meant to be the strong one... I want my old self back and not be scared of... stupid stairs," Limestone spoke as she tears up more, and begins leaning on Applejack.
"Th' strong ones can be hurt too, and t'at is alright," Applejack gently assured. Limestone was a very firm, but stable and hardworking mare before 23rd December.
"I miss waking up everyday to do my responsibilities, looking after my family, and... and that day took it all away... and now I can't even look after Marble... or even function myself..." Limestone quietly spoke, her speech being muffled by her tears. Applejack lets Limestone vent to her. Limestone misses the days before 23rd December.
"I saw Ma and Pa get blown to pieces... I rushed upstairs for Marble... then the Soviet soldiers came and stole our belongings... and then next moment I was dragged downstairs... I fought and fought but the red stallions kept overpowering me and they almost raped me as well as Marble..." Limestone shudders and her tears keeps her from continuing speaking what she was trying to speak. But she quickly finds the courage to speak on.
"... and because of that... I'm scared of stairs... I as well as Marble were also scared of being in the shelter... where that day could've been repeated... had if it hadn't of been for that officer, I- I don't think me or Marble would've been alive..."
"... how will I move on, forget that- how will Marble move on!? I'm a stubborn mare, I'll eventually get over it, but... Marble... she'll never be the same... she was barely getting the hang of being around other ponies beforehoof... but now she'll shut herself away thinking that will be best- I just don't know how I'll help her- she is going to find it much tougher than me..." Limestone finished, and tries to stop crying, but she can't.
"Y'don't need teh get over anythin' alright- those things that happened t'at day... t'at ain't somethin' you can jus' get over. You may feel helpless r'now... but jus' know you and Marble will be safe from now on. It'll be ah very difficult road not gonna lie... but better days will definitely eventually come. Today though... just let t'ose eyes cry, and don't hold em back. Let it all out," Applejack softly spoke as she hugs Limestone, who doesn't resist, because she needs one to feel safe. She then completely breaks down, and Applejack gently rubs her back.
Meanwhile, Marble is sitting away from everypony else. She keeps her face covered, hiding it behind her large thick mane. She feels somewhat safe with her 3 sisters all right by her, but when they disperse to have their own spaces again, Marble feels very vulnerable. Her mane is her only shield to keep herself protected from the world.
"Darling? Do you want me to sit with you?" Rarity offered support. Marble partially uncovers her face, looking at Rarity with her left tearful eye. Seeing the pain in the eye, Rarity sits down next to her. Marble doesn't shuffle away, she stays where she is.
"Everything will be okay," Fluttershy softly spoke as she gently holds Marble's left forehoof. Marble doesn't uncover her face, but she does feel a little more at ease for now.
Meanwhile, Spur is starring blankly into space, whatever is in front of her. The brown pegasus is almost devoid of any feelings. Biscuit and Bloofy getting killed in the artillery bombardment on 24th December had also 'killed' Spur without actually killing her.
"Hey," Coco Pommel said as she sits down next to Spur.
"I miss Biscuit and Bloofy... but everypony has been through worse..." Spur sighed. She feels the loss eating her away. She also feels very empathetic for everypony else.
"It's still okay to miss them. And other ponies going through worse doesn't invalidate your pain. Pain is pain, and your pain still matters," Coco Pommel assured.
Meanwhile, Sunburst and Starlight are huddled together on the opposite side to the doors. Starlight is asleep, feeling safe that Sunburst is with her and being her pillow. She is fully relying on him, because she trusts him so much. Sunburst is determined to death in keeping that promise. He has sworn to not let bad things happen to Starlight ever again.
Meanwhile, Twilight and Spike are waiting for letters, letters they actually wrote weeks ago to Rainbow Dash's and Fluttershy's parents to let them know theur daughters are alive. Then suddenly, a green flame briefly appears, and a letter takes its place. Twilight as well as Spike jumped slightly. They weren't expecting to get a response. As Spike begins to unroll it, he sees it isn't from Rainbow Dash's or Fluttershy's parents.
"Dear Twilight. I know you want to help me run Equestria. But right now, it is safer that you and your friends get out of Equestria as soon as possible. You and your friends are high priority targets. You say you and your friends feel like you're not doing anything, but you're all doing so much, your names are keeping up the morale. Right now, morale is very low, and the situation isn't looking good, but your names is what's keeping morale from breaking point. So please, I urge you and your friends to get over to somewhere safe until the war has settled. You all will be needed during Equestria's recovery after the war. From your brother, Shining Armour."
After listening to Spike reading the letter, Twilight looks down. She knows Shining Armour is right. Twilight was almost killed the once by the surprise attack far down south during the mane 6's attempt to visit and inspire the front line troops. Morale is barely holding on without collapsing. Twilight also has her terribly hurt friends to look after.
Meanwhile outside...
Rainbow Dash stays silent. The anger that had been building up inside of Rainbow Dash has now boiled over. What Ralph said what happened in Ponyville on 25th December, had hit Rainbow Dash very hard. Rainbow Dash briefly gives Ralph a hug, but quickly steps back.
"I got to go somewhere really quick," Rainbow Dash uttered as she spoke as she extends her wings and flaps them, lifting herself up off of the snowy ground.
"Um, where are you going?" Ralph nervously asked.
"I've been trying not to do it... I tried to, but... hearing these stories about what keeps happening to my friends... plus my own experiences during Kolyma... I'm doing what I've wanted to since the start... what I should've done at the start," Rainbow Dash explained with a quiey demeanor. Her quiey tone isn't of nervousness, it is a chilling uneasy quiet tone.
"What?" Ralph raised his eyebrows.
"Let's just say... if Moscow gets hit, maybe they'll turn it down a notch," Rainbow Dash replied.
"Wait- no- wait!" Ralph exclaimed, knowing what Rainbow Dash can do when she lands on the ground very hard. Ralph must do what he can to keep Rainbow Dash here.
"Sorry, but at this point, eye for an eye is the only thing the Soviets will understand!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed back.
"W... what?" Rainbow Dash stammered. She felt like being crushed by hearing that. The CMC, hurt? She must check to see if they are okay! On the way to the huts in the medical area, Ralph returns to the hut he's staying in, to stay with Adorabella.
"W... what?" Rainbow Dash stammered. She felt like being crushed by hearing that. The CMC, hurt? She must check to see if they are okay! On the way to the huts in the medical area, Ralph returns to the hut he's staying in, to stay with Adorabella.
In one of the medical huts...
Apple Bloom wakes up, disorientated, and with a blurry vision. She is still not used to peace and rest, as she had been fighting alongside her friends as well as her coltfriend, up until 25th December. She isn't in anywhere near as much pain as she was on 25th, but she still feels weak, but she feels okay for the most part, physically.
"W... what?" Rainbow Dash stammered. She felt like being crushed by hearing that. The CMC, hurt? She must check to see if they are okay! On the way to the huts in the medical area, Ralph returns to the hut he's staying in, to stay with Adorabella.
"W... what?" Rainbow Dash stammered. She felt like being crushed by hearing that. The CMC, hurt? She must check to see if they are okay! On the way to the huts in the medical area, Ralph returns to the hut he's staying in, to stay with Adorabella.
"Agh..." Apple Bloom grunted as she barely manages to get up onto her hooves. She only sees the 2 other original CMCs, but no Silver Spoon, and none of the colts.
"Oh mah- you're alive-" A voice cried, and then Apple Bloom feels forehooves around her and hears crying. As her vision becomes less disorientated, she sees orange fur and a blonde mane. Her vision gets clear, and she cries when seeing who it is, Applejack.
"I missed you AJ..." Apple Bloom cried as she leans forward, Applejack's forehooves keeping her from falling. Meanwhile, Rarity and Sweetie Belle tearfully hug, while Rainbow Dash checks Scootaloo, and then disappears off after nothing something wrong.
"I missed you too..." Applejack doesn't let go of Apple Bloom. Both then feel big hooves around them. The filly and adult mare completely break down into tears to see who's red forehooves they are, it is Big Mac.
"If only Granny was here with us..." Apple Bloom mumbled under tears.
"It's okay... we'll... we'll be strong... t'at is w'at Gran would want... right?" Applejack sorrowfully spoke as she did her best to smile. Apple Bloom and Big Mac weakly nod. Big Mac pulls away, and turns around. He checks on Sugar Belle, who is asleep and attached to a drip and a beeping heart monitor. Applejack helps Apple Bloom up, and they both check on Sugar Belle with Big Mac.
"Please... please wake up from the coma, please..." Big Mac wept as he leans on Sugar Belle's bed and holds her right forehoof tight with both of his forehooves. Unlike Scootaloo's coma, Sugar Belle's isn't induced, it was caused by hitting the ground extremely hard at an angle and causing a brain bleed. Applejack and Apple Bloom stand on either side if Big Mac, being supportive of him, letting him know he's not alone, which is all they can really do.
Big Mac notices something is wrong. Sugar Belle looks a bit pale. He puts his left forehoof just above Sugar Belle's face and feels nothing. He feels nothing coming in or out of her mouth or nostrils.
"Buck- she's not breathing," Big Mac gasped as he quickly springs into action, and covers Sugar Belle's nostrils as he begins blowing into her mouth, getting his tears on her. Applejack and Apple Bloom are too overwhelmed, and they look away while hugging each other.
Then, a unicorn medic in white clothing rushes over. He has a brown mane with a short fringe, and a light tan-coloured fur.
"Rainbow noticed and alerted me." The medic stated. Seeing a proper professional medic, Big Mac hesitantly steps back and lets the medic take over doing CPR. That was what was wrong, which Rainbow Dash very sharply noticed, Sugar Belle's colour.
Applejack and Apple Bloom hug Big Mac as he very tearfully comes over to them. It isn't looking good. Sugar Belle's monitor is beeping faster and faster, while her body is shutting down.
The 3 Apples are soon joined by Rarity and Sweetie Belle. They cry into one another, as all are going through a lot. Big Mac withdraws and gets up to go anxiously watch over Sugar Belle, who the unicorn medic is trying his absolute best to revive, as more medics rush in with defibrillators and other western-supplied medical equipment. Applejack, Rarity, Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle come over to Big Mac, all crying, as they can only watch and hope they save Sugar Belle. They don't want more friends and other loved ones to die. They have all lost too many faces they know.
Meanwhile, Rainbow Dash goes back over to Scootaloo, who is in bandages. Rainbow Dash gently places her left forehoof on Scootaloo's chest, and cries hard. Rainbow Dash was told Scootaloo has a very low chance of making it through.
"I..." Rainbow Dash's tries to speak, but her voice gets very croaky as she cries. But then her grief and sorrow disappears, replaced with rage... and a desire for revenge.
"I know you would get them back if you was me... so I'll get them back for you... don't worry, Scoots, I'll make sure they'll pay, just make sure you'll be safe... wherever you go, whether you choose to stay here or pass on, alright..." Rainbow Dash tearfully whispered gently strokes Scootaloo's forehead, before stepping away. She carefully observes the others, makes sure she isn't noticed, and exits the hut.
Once outside, Rainbow Dash growls as she flaps her wings. She heads straight for the sky, and flies south. Her destination isn't in Equestria.
"I'M COMING FOR YOU MOSCOW!" Rainbow Dash angrily scream and shout. Nothing but absolute brazen rage pulsing through her.
Hearing everything go on over time was very tough. Hearing Fluttershy's traumatic experience at Vorkuta was very tough. Seeing her friends struggling was very tough. Hearing about friends or anypony she knows getting killed was very tough. Hearing about friends and siblings of friends almost getting raped was very tough. Hearing the ordeals everypony in general are going through was very tough.
But seeing Scootaloo in that condition has pushed Rainbow Dash over the edge. Seeing Scootaloo looking like that was too much. Scootaloo was like a little sister.
"Scoots would avenge me if I was going to die... so it's only fair I do the same and avenge her..." Rainbow Dash muttered angrily as nothing but getting justice for her friends, and Scootaloo.
"Whether everypony will agree or disagree with what I'm about to do... it's for them... I'm gonna settle the scores for them..."
(White House Oval Office)
7th January 1946 - 11:45 AM US Eastern Time
Truman is sat inside the Oval Office in the White House. He's sitting on the black leather chair, in front of the large dark wooden desk. Truman is also on the telephone, holding it in his right hand against the right side of his head.
"Yes Bedal?" Truman questioned.
"There had been a massive incident yesterday. Russian fighters intercepted one of the air force's squadrons escorting their cargo planes. I don't have exact details, but we've lost ten planes in total, and taking five casualties. Wonderbolts took about twenty casualties," Bedal reported on the phone. Truman grumbled as he looks down on his desk and briefly closes his eyes.
"Oh, but there's... worse news," Bedal stated, the hesitancy in his voice as he said that being very obvious over the phone.
"Go on," Truman grumbled.
"There was apparently... a rainbow-coloured mushroom cloud in Moscow left by an explosion that's... that's like the explosions from the bombs that were dropped in Japan. Around seven or eight thousand Moscow residents were killed..." The hesitancy in Bedal's voice to speak is very evident.
"... and the Russians suspect we gave Equestria the bomb. We've lost all diplomatic contact with the Kremlin now. The Brits also lost diplomatic contacts with the Kremlin. And since early morning yesterday, our cargo ships and cargo planes have been under constant harassment, and we're beginning to lose ships to Russian subs and planes," Bedal stated. He grits his teeth so hard it's heard over the phone.
"For goodness sake..." Truman muttered, as he streches and postures his back up right, and with his right hand, beats his chest, then both shoulders, and then his stomach, making a cross.
"I want to call Patton back and say to him we're putting him back in charge of the Third Army. The way things are going... it's looking like we're gonna be needing him. Turns out what he says about them is true indeed," Bedal muttered as he finishes reporting the new catastrophic issue at hand.
"Are there any photos of the damage done in Moscow?" Truman inquired.
"No, the Russians are keeping tight-lipped about it. I don't think we're going to have an answer any time soon," Bedal replied.
"Well, there's still time to sort out this complete shitshow. What I can do is try to convince Stalin to pause all operations, and we send resources and money to pay for the damages in return. But back to Patton, yes, call back Patton if you can, in case attempts at a peace settlement fails," Truman grumbled as he says goodbye and puts the phone down.
"God help us," Truman said while clenching his teeth. There is still time to avoid the catastrophic geopolitical disaster that is about to happen, and Truman immediately gets to work to trying to resolve the issue peacefully. This is the only chance left to solve the problem peacefully. The public will become extremely enraged if another European continental war kicks off, because it would mean all their loved ones that went out to fight and die to free Europe would've all been for nothing.
Meanwhile in a training ground south of Leningrad...
Dysthanasia and Zhukov are attending a war exercise, involving all 3 of the allies. Soviets, 'red' changelings and CS Storm Creatures. They are on 2 different teams. One side consist of well dug-in Soviet forces, pretending to be a western force. On the other side is an attacking force of Soviets, 'red' changelings and CS Storm Creatures. There's also a mix of conscripted Equestrian prisoners in the attacking team. Both sides had access to tanks, artillery and aircraft, all using blank ammunition.
An hour later, the results of the exercise was what was very correctly predicted. The attacking team steamrolled the defending team's defenses, even despite the attacking team being poorly organized. But the defending team already knew the capabilities of the Soviet-Changeling-Storm coalition. A western force won't be expecting or even prepared for such a powerful advance that should by then be much more prepared, should war with the west come.
Another hour later, in a train carriage with a polished wooden interior, tables and hard red-cashioned seats, on the way back to Leningrad, Dysthanasia and Zhukov are sat down and writing notes on a sheet of paper. They're both writing down what the attacking team could do to improve the efficiency in the event they have to initiate an offensive for real.
"Who's taking over your position in Equestria?" Dysthanasia asked.
"A man called Ivan Konev. I'm glad I'm not commanding the forces in Equestria now. It is a headache, because in one situation, in theory we should have an advantage, but the Royal Guard's abundant magic makes them have the advantage. That's why we lost so many in the first attack on Klugetown. There was too much magic at their disposal, something we are still adapting in combating against," Zhukov replied and explained. Zhukov hates but loves magic. Learning how to combat against it was an absolute nightmare. But Zhukov also sees the tactical use magic has in battles, and its potential in turning tides of different scenarios.
"Now, what I'm about to say next must stay between me and you," Zhukov sternly and quietly spoke towards Dysthanasia, who nods. Zhukov quickly glances all around him. Luckily it's just him and the changeling in the carriage.
"This war shouldn't be happening, at least not yet. My concern is the economy and industry. We've lost so many men women and children in the fight against Germany, our country isn't going to truly recover for a couple of decades at least. This war and heavy spending on military production is going to hurt us in the long run, when the spending could be used to rebuild. This war with Equestria could've waited until the country had got back on its feet while also better planning the invasion," Zhukov very quietly shared his deep-down true opinions on the war with Equestria, while also making sure nobody else is around and eavesdropping on the conversation.
"Now we've reached a point of no return with the west. Relations weren't smooth with them, but they were okay. Now those relations have gone down the gutter. If war with America occurs, we're going to have to win it quickly. American resources saved the USSR, and now we're expected to fight those same resources? Ridiculous," Zhukov very quietly muttered.
"Then we should plan the hypothetical attack, so should we carry it out, it'll catch our enemies completely by surprise," Dysthanasia responded with a changeling hiss.
(Yakyakistan, next day)
8th January 1946 - 8:50 AM Equestrian Time
In the hut...
Coco Pommel walks in, holding a newspaper with her teeth. Everypony as well as Spike, are beginning to slowly wake up, as Coco Pommel drops the newspaper on the floor, and rolls it out flat.
"You all should see this," Coco Pommel spoke with a shocked tone. Twilight, who is the most awake besides Coco Pommel, looks at the picture. Twilight sees an image of Moscow and a rainbow-coloured mushroom cloud, and the number of deaths stating to be around 8,000, and dozens of thousands more being injured. Twilight instantly knew Rainbow Dash had done it. Rainbow Dash, who's also more awake, sees the newspaper. Twilight looks at Rainbow Dash, trying to come up with something to say.
"I'm... I'm extremely disappointed with you. You're... very lucky... that the Soviets suspect America supplied us with an atomic bomb. Just please... don't do what you just did again. You could be put on trial for that if caught," Twilight urged Rainbow Dash. Twilight knows what Rainbow Dash did could be tried in court and could have the pegasus imprisoned, or worse, executed.
"Y'all have been hurt, some of y'all have been terribly violated... Scoots is also dying and now Apple and Sweetie Belle are unable to cope with that... we just found out the other four that were with them are also dead and we have to break that news to Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle too... Sugar is barely hanging onto life... everypony is needlessly suffering and dying... for what!? I know what I did was a bit reckless... but how do they expect somepony react!? When they're pushed to the edge...? And-"
"I know you're angry... but... what you did was a bit reckless!? You've just killed eight thousand innocent civilians with a single blow! That is more than... just a bit reckless!" Twilight raised her voice as she frowns strongly, interrupting Rainbow Dash.
Meanwhile, the rest of the mane 6 are now awake. They see the front page of the newspaper. They are all of course shocked, as they can tell by the colouring of the mushroom cloud, it was Rainbow Dash's doing. Her many vents about wanting to strike Moscow were more than just vents, Rainbow Dash was very serious in wanting to do that.
"I tried keeping that anger towards the Soviets in. But yesterday, it became too much... and the Soviets had to be given karma back one way or another. I was so fed up that all of you suffering and I just wanted to get revenge... I was just... so full of... vengeful desire..." Rainbow Dash stated, sounding like she somewhats regret what she did towards the end. She was about to continue speaking, until she gets cut off again.
"You jus' given Stalin a prop'ganda tool. T'ats all you did, to be honest. He's prob'ly gonna use t'at to rally the whole Soviet population now," Applejack stated.
"They can also use what you did to make our images a lot worse in the USSR, and 'justify' what they are doing to us," Rarity pointed out, and agreeing with Applejack. Both Applejack and Rarity takes Twilight's side.
"I definitely don't condone what you did. But I understand you wanted to get justice for what happened to all of us. That's all I'm going to say," Fluttershy shared her opinion, and takes no sides. On one hoof, Rainbow Dash had done something so extreme. On the other hoof, the Soviets had put Rainbow Dash through a lot, and she wanted justice for her friends. But deep down, Fluttershy extremely disagrees with what Rainbow Dash had done.
"I would've done the same," Pinkie Pie declared, taking Rainbow Dash's side.
"Was what Rainbow did bad? Of course, but can you blame her? No, we can't blame her. The Soviets had it coming to them. Even when we were manipulated to help Germany... we treated the Soviets we captured with respect. How do they treat us when they capture us? They use deport, murder, and use rape as a weapon," Pinkie Pie explained her decision to side with Rainbow Dash's actions. Pinkie Pie feels Rainbow Dash's anger, and sympathized with her. Twilight senses a fight is about to occur over the differing opinions of Rainbow Dash's actions.
"Everypony please! Don't fight amongst each other... what Rainbow did was very wrong, but just... keep this just between everypony in this hut. Everybody is gonna try and figure out who really did it... and if we wanna keep Rainbow off that story... we should stay dead quiet," Twilight spoke, sounding a lot calmer. She is trying to not get angry, despite what Rainbow Dash did.
"It's gonna be difficult to keep her off the list of suspects if that mushroom cloud is rainbow-coloured," Said Spike.
"If you all would let me finish adding onto what I was saying... I struck a random factory... and I made my impact way harder than I intended. I was originally going to strike Red Square itself, but I knew it was wrong because of there being a lot of civilians... so I found this factory in Moscow and... I was so angry and made the impact too hard and made the nuke so much bigger than I anticipated for..." Rainbow Dash spoke in a low tone, the remote regret in her growing bigger and stronger. Everypony now understands a bit better about what happened.
"I'm... sorry for losing it with you Rainbow... but you know that eight thousand dead civilians is still eight thousand dead civilians, accident or not. But... at least it wasn't deliberate... I suppose," Twilight sighed as she faceplants into her left forehoof. She does feel 'remotely' better that it was an accident, a big massive monumental cock-up of an accident, but an accident. But it still doesn't feel right describing this as an accident, it just doesn't.
"What I find weird is that it shows Red Square and an image of an atomic explosion, even though that place wasn't hit," Said Maud. She then notices something even more odd, and she starts pointing at the details of the image.
"You can just about see that around the mushroom cloud, the black and white shading is slightly different to the black and white shading of the sky around it. The image of that explosion had been cropped and stuck over an image of Red Square," Maud pointed out.
"Not surprising, the newspaper is from The Sun. They said Ponyville would be captured by Boxing Day... but we're actually slowly pushing them away from Ponyville now. Looking at different Sun newspapers... it seems like the producers make big misleading titles to get a lot of attention." Pinkie Pie notices a pattern with western newspapers, particularly with the Sun newspapers. Moscow was hit, but not Red Square itself.
"Anyway, Rainbow, do not go off and do that again. I'm happy you tried to hit a valid military target instead of the centre of Moscow... but you've killed too many civilians in the process. I'm worried you'll kill even more next time, and you end up getting convicted. You're extremely lucky that they somehow don't suspect it was you... yet," Twilight sternly urged Rainbow Dash to not repeat that act. Twilight is also concerned about more Soviet civilians dying. She already has a terrible gut feeling that the Soviet response to the incident is going to be extremely harsh.
Meanwhile in the Crystal Empire, in the throne room...
Shining Armour is putting all of his belongings in a suitcase made of blue crystals. He isn't going anywhere, but it's so if he has to evacuate, he can do so quickly with his belongings. As he is packing, he hears the doors open. He turns around and sees it's Patton.
"You've summoned me, is there an issue, Sir Armour?" Patton stated.
"No, but I got a letter from a guy called Bedal, and he's calling you to come back. They are coming to pick you up by plane," Shining Armour replied.
"Damn, they really must feel sorry for those poor Russians that I kicked the asses of," Patton lightly sniggered. Shining Armour smiles back.
"Your expertise have helped us immensely, and I'd love for you to stay and help our generals and commanders more. Unfortunately, Bedal wants you back. He said that you're being put back in charge of the Third Army," Shining Armour stated. Patton's eyes widen in surprise.
"They must want me back because they've finally grown the damn balls to confront those commie bastards." Patton's state of shock is a result of being very pleased. He would only be wanted back in charge of an army for only one reason. America must be preparing for war.
"I remember calling Truman on the 8th, not too long after this shitshow started. I remember getting angry with him, very angry. My choice of words in my call with him weren't... professional, but this whole complete and utter shitshow had really angered me. This could've easily been avoided had if our government did something... all I could think about was all the men that died while under my command... their sacrifices were for nothing because of this new war," Patton began ranting, he has nothing but admiration for those he commanded. He is still hurting inside for all of those brave souls who fought under his command..
"Had we of pushed those Russians back earlier right after the Nazis surrendered, none of this would be happening. I'm not scared of many things, but if one thing really scares me, it's something like this happening again. Governments being complacent and lacking the guts to take action until it's too late," Patton finished ranting.
"If they are helping, it needs to come quick. I'm concerned about the current situation... the Soviet lines are beginning to push us back again, and their changelings and Storm Creatures aren't making this any easier..." Shining Armour sighed.
"Listen, at any cost, don't withdraw from Ponyville, Canterlot and this place, then you'll hold out for long enough to do my thing. I'll then have my men at war with these sons of bitches and we'll together kick them back into Russia where they belong! I'll make sure I'll get my men involved as soon as possible, even if it's the last thing I ever do. You have my word Sir Armour," Patton firmly promised as he extends out his right hand, which Shining Armour grabs with his left forehoof, and they both shake before letting go.
(A few days later)
11th January 1946 - 16:05 UK Time
Roseluck amongst many many other Equestrians had just arrived in The Port of Dover. She doesn't have much on her, other than a puffy green coat and a leather pouch around her neck. Her pouch has a small amount of British pounds and Equestrian bits.
After getting off the big civilian boat and then stretching her legs and shaking her hooves, she looks all around her. The snow-covered site is massive, with large buildings dotted around here and there, as well as docks for ships. Around the site, there are recently-placed large speakers.
"All refugees, listen and follow all instructions given by our guides. They will be leading you to the train station nearby and you will be taken to Canterbury East. Once there, find buildings with 'Refuge' and from there, a citizen will be there to welcome you in for the duration of the ongoing war back at your home," The speakers blurt out very loudly, so all Equestrians could definitely hear. At the front of the mass of refugees are guides, leading the way to Dover's train station.
Roseluck feels extremely nervous, just like many of the others are. For many of the Equestrian refugees, including Roseluck, this is the first time stepping outside of Equestria and into another country. However, they deep down know they all know they are safe, they all feel reassured.
(45 minutes later)
Outside Canterbury East station...
Roseluck had left the carriage, and is outside the station. Now in the streets of Canterbury, she begins walking, looking for buildings with signs that say 'Refuge'. Most of the time though, she is looking down at the ground as she navigates around East Canterbury. She didn't want to look up too much.
Just like all places are in Equestria, ruined buildings are a common sight, despite it being over 6 months since war in Europe ended. Canterbury's buildings alone shows that rebuilding Equestria will take an extremely long time, and that's if there will even be an Equestria left.
While walking, Roseluck almost bumps into a man. Roseluck wobbly steps back. Humans appear very tall especially when up close, but this man looks even taller than tall. The man is white, has very dark brown hair and a beard. He is 6 foot tall, and is wearing a big puffy jacket.
"Oh crikey- I'm sorry, you alright?" The man politely asked.
"Y- yeah... do you know where the... the 'Refuge' places are, where I can look for those offering a places, for us coming from Equestria, to stay?" Roseluck nervously asked.
"Yes. Follow me, I'll take you back to my place once we got the documents and all that sorted. My wife Catherine will have supper and tea ready for us. I said to her I wouldn't be back until I found one of you to take in," The man reassured as he rubs Roseluck on her head like he would rub a dog's head. She follows the man to find one of the 'Refuge' buildings.
Meanwhile...
Catherine had done a lot, she converted the rough violet red sofa with big armrests on each side, into a bed. She had prepared vegetable soup in 2 bowls, one for Jack and one for the Equestrian refugee that Jack agreed that he wouldn't come back home without the refugee. There's also 2 cups of tea. The bowls are on the the rectangular sleek dark wooden table that is front of the sofa, and she moved the circular glass ashtray off of it. She had also moved radio from the table to under the table.
Catherine is sitting down on the sofa, patiently waiting for Jack to come home with an Equestrian. Her head turns to the left as she hears and sees the door rattling, then opening. Catherine gets up and walks to the door. Jack walks in, and with him is an Equestrian mare, who is wearing a green puffy coat. She has pale yellow fur, a raspberry mane and tail with light raspberry streaks. Her eye's irises are green. There is an image of a rose on her flank, which is called a 'cutie mark'.
"Hey... I'm Roseluck," The mare nervously greeted, shyly waving.
"Lovely name, oh, I made you some hot soup and tea. Your journey getting here must have been exhausting. Come sit down and make yourself feel at home," Catherine complimented as she gets Roseluck to sit down on the sofa. Jack sits down next to Roseluck.
"Mmm, vegetable soup, good for the body," Said Jack. Both the pony and the man pick up their bowls and begin to consume the soup.
"Would you like me to hang your coat up... Roseluck?" Catherine asked. Roseluck puts her bowl down.
"In a bit... thanks for the soup. It's delicious," Roseluck gratefully spoke as she picks up the bowl again and continues consuming her soup. Meanwhile, Jack has already finished his soup.
"She's the best wife, you can't go wrong with a good wife," Said Jack.
"Don't you have a husband?" Catherine asked Roseluck, who looks down, having a sad face.
"Oh I'm so sorry if that was too sensitive to ask," Catherine quickly apologised. Roseluck finishes her soup before speaking.
"It's okay... but no, I don't. I am- well, was dating somepony though..." Roseluck spoke as she gets teary-eyed. The pain in her voice is heartbreaking to hear. Whoever the pony was, Catherine and Jack could tell Roseluck was very close to this pony.
"They operated one of the anti-air guns near the hospital in Ponyville. Then I was told he was killed, during the opening hours of the attack on December 3rd... all the blood and deaths I saw that day too... the horror, the horror..." Roseluck shook as he puts her forehooves on her head. Jack scratches behind Roseluck's ear, which helps her ease a little bit.
"We're... we're so sorry- I'm sorry for bringing up a sensitive question," Catherine very sincerely apologised. Her heart aches for Roseluck's loss.
"Don't worry... but thanks for taking me in... I got lucky, unlike some other ponies who were caught in... horrifying situations... situations I was petrified getting in myself..." Roseluck tearfully said while wiping her eyes.
"Well you're safe in this house. You're welcome to stay for as long as you need to," Jack assured.
"Is there... is there anything I can do to help? You two have been so nice and welcoming to me... I want to repay at least some of the favour and be of some help," Roseluck asked as she wipes her eyes of her tears.
"Hmm... well, there is some laundry to wash. You can go and do that if you would like to help out around the house. Catherine will help you out," Jack responded, giving Roseluck a task to do as she wanted one to do. Before Roseluck gets up, she hears static speaking. She notices a radio is under the table.
"Good evening, it's the 6:00 PM news, 10th January, with some breaking news. The Russians are beginning to amass their forces along the borders that both us and the Americans, control in Germany. The Kremlin had closed all diplomatic channels after the attack in Moscow occurred."
"In Equestria, the situation is looking less hopeful by the hour, as the Red Army regains the initiative and begins a new offensive on Ponyville-"
Jack turns off the radio. He imagines that Roseluck doesn't want to hear about the situation. Equestria's situation is beginning to look helpless, and Jack figured Roseluck hearing about it over and over wouldn't do her any good. He as well as Catherine sees the uncomfortable look on Roseluck's face.
"It's okay, I'll do the laundry myself today. Just make yourself feel at home, and relax, Roseluck... for now. You deserve some rest," Catherine warmly spoke with a forced smile. But she can feel the pain in Roseluck, which makes even forced smiles a struggle. While Catherine takes both of the now empty bowls and walks into the kitchen that's to the right, Jack leans forward to grab his cup of tea off of the table.
"Try it, she makes great tea," Jack encouraged. Roseluck grabs her cup of tea with both forehooves and takes a sip. It felt very warm, so warm that its heat warms up her entire body.
"Good tea, isn't it?" Jack smiled as he takes another sip from his cup. Roseluck nods, and cracks a smile, albeit, a brief and slight smile.
"That smile's more like it," Jack spoke hyperactively, roughly scratches Roseluck's head, which she leans against, trying to get more of Jack's hand. Seeing that Roseluck likes it, Jack continues the rough head stratches.
(Time-lapse)
The Soviets and Soviet-loyal changelings began amassing along the borders of the American and British occupation zones in Germany. While doing so, Soviets began a blockade of West Berlin, blocking western resources coming into the western half of the German capital. This was in retaliation to the West sending in weapons to Equestria. The British, French, American, and later the Spanish, could only amass their forces along the borders of the Soviet occupation zone in response.
Meanwhile in Equestria, the situation worsened. With the attack on Moscow killing 8,000 civilians, Soviets began using chemical and biological weapons on Equestrian targets. Soviet brutality and all kinds of violence against Equestrian civilians became much worse. Suicide rates of Equestrians in Soviet-occupied territories skyrocketed. As things get worse for Equestria, the Soviets began a new offensive into Ponyville. As the snow was beginning to melt, the only thing that has been helping Equestria hold the Soviets to a standstill, will mostly be gone.
As if things couldn't get any worse, Operation Horseman had been put on hold sinve 13th January, and weapons from the West had stopped being supplied. This was an attempt by the West to reopen diplomatic contacts with Moscow and to figure out how to bring an end to the Soviet war against Equestria, which so far have been futile. As the ships evacuating ponies were halted, ponies were left with practically no safe way to get out of Equestria (Twilight and her friends are still in Yakyakistan as this happens, remaining stuck in Equestria).
Meanwhile in Asia, Stalin had sent some CS Storm Creatures into China. Those Storm Creatures were to assist the CCP against the KMT in the ongoing civil war in the country. This freed up some of the Chinese revolutionaries, and the CCP could rotate more of their fighters and more often, giving them another edge over the KMT. All of this would be massively under-reported, as the vast majoirty of the western media attention is focusing on Europe.
For the rest of January and into early February, the Soviets as well as western forces kept on amassing their forces at the borders of their respective occupation zones. All the while, the Soviets along with their changeling and Storm Creature allies, practice their strategy, ready for when everything kicks off.
(End of time-lapse)
(Time-skipping to 10th February)
10th February 1946 - 7:45 AM German Time
North of the German town Coburg, American forces are beginning to rotate their soldiers. As far as they're aware of, the rotation goes well, and nothing goes wrong. As far as their forces are concerned, nothing suspicious had gone on. The forces are having to keep on rotating, because an attack could come at any time, and the most refreshed men must be the onee to fight first.
Just as Larry's shift began to start...
VMMM VMMM VMMM VMMM VMMM! VMMM VMMM VMMM VMMM VMMM! VMMM VMMM VMMM VMMM VMMM! VMMM VMMM VMMM VMMM VMMM!
VMMM VMMM VMMM VMMM VMMM! VMMM VMMM VMMM VMMM VMMM! VMMM VMMM VMMM VMMM VMMM! VMMM VMMM VMMM VMMM VMMM!
VMMM VMMM VMMM VMMM VMMM! VMMM VMMM VMMM VMMM VMMM! VMMM VMMM VMMM VMMM VMMM! VMMM VMMM VMMM VMMM VMMM!
VMMM VMMM VMMM VMMM VMMM! VMMM VMMM VMMM VMMM VMMM! VMMM VMMM VMMM VMMM VMMM! VMMM VMMM VMMM VMMM VMMM!
VMMM VMMM VMMM VMMM VMMM! VMMM VMMM VMMM VMMM VMMM! VMMM VMMM VMMM VMMM VMMM! VMMM VMMM VMMM VMMM VMMM...
KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM!
KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM!
KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM!
KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM!
KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM...
"SHIT! ARTILLERY BARRAGE, GET DOWN AND GET COVER!" A man screamed at the top of his lungs as the Americans scramble for cover. Explosions occur all over the place, blowing up or/and sending Americans flying in a bloody manner. While down on the ground and carefully crawling to find cover, Larry is in a state of shock, he can't believe it is happening.
However, the Americans fight back. They return fire with their own rockets, using their M8 rocket launchers. Their rockets screech and roar as ferociously loud as the Soviet rockets.
VWOSH VWOSH VWOSH VWOSH VWOSH! VWOSH VWOSH VWOSH VWOSH VWOSH! VWOSH VWOSH VWOSH VWOSH VWOSH! VWOSH VWOSH VWOSH VWOSH VWOSH!
VWOSH VWOSH VWOSH VWOSH VWOSH! VWOSH VWOSH VWOSH VWOSH VWOSH! VWOSH VWOSH VWOSH VWOSH VWOSH! VWOSH VWOSH VWOSH VWOSH VWOSH!
VWOSH VWOSH VWOSH VWOSH VWOSH! VWOSH VWOSH VWOSH VWOSH VWOSH! VWOSH VWOSH VWOSH VWOSH VWOSH! VWOSH VWOSH VWOSH VWOSH VWOSH!
VWOSH VWOSH VWOSH VWOSH VWOSH! VWOSH VWOSH VWOSH VWOSH VWOSH! VWOSH VWOSH VWOSH VWOSH VWOSH! VWOSH VWOSH VWOSH VWOSH VWOSH!
VWOSH VWOSH VWOSH VWOSH VWOSH! VWOSH VWOSH VWOSH VWOSH VWOSH! VWOSH VWOSH VWOSH VWOSH VWOSH! VWOSH VWOSH VWOSH VWOSH VWOSH...
KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM!
KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM!
KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM!
KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM!
KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM! KBOOM...
But then, those American rockets began falling on their own forces. More American soldiers are being bloodily ripped apart and flung about by their own rockets, as well as the Soviet rockets. Larry stays laying down, with is face partly burried into the mud to protect it. He shuffles his arms and takes off his backpack to put it over his neck, further protecting himself. He is petrified, the screeches of the Soviet rockets sound like literal demons from the deepest depths of hell.
After an hour of constant shelling of artillery, it stops. But Larry dares not to move. He stays down, he knows he'll have the most chances of surviving if he plays dead. It took every ounce of effort in him to stay down on the ground.
Then, streaks of dark clouds began moving forward, roughly a hundred feet from the sky, over the American forces. There's a shadowy appearance of airships in the clouds. Then from those dark clouds, big armoured black and white bipedal yeti-like creatures with large black shields and spears jump from the sky. They are those CS Storm Creatures. While placing their shields in front and pointing their spear forwards, they began charging towards the tiny-in-comparison American soldiers.
Some Americans bloodily shred and rip apart the Storm Creatures with bullets...
POW POW! POW POW POW! POW! POW...
But some bullets bounces off of the Storm Creature armour. Some Storm Creatures get close enough to pierce their spears through the human skulls, taking the top of their skulls off, their brains falling out, blood going everywhere. Some of the Americans were unlucky to be trampled. They scream in utter agony as they get crushed and left to slowly die of blood loss.
VVVRRRRRMM! VVVRRRRRMM!VVVRRRRRMM! VVVRRRRRMM!VVVRRRRRMM! VVVRRRRRMM!VVVRRRRRMM! VVVRRRRRMM!VVVRRRRRMM! VVVRRRRRMM...
As if things couldn't get any worse, swarms of Soviet squadrons consisting of Yak-3 fighters dive out of the dark cloud. Their presence was originally masked by the dark clouds made by whatever it is that's creating them. The Soviet planes were able to get very close undetected until it was too late, giving the Soviet aircraft the jumpstart and the ability to withdraw before American aircraft even have a chance to intercept.
BRRRRRTRTRTRT! BRRRRRTRTRTRT! BRRRRRTRTRTRT! BRRRRRTRTRTRT! BRRRRRTRTRTRT! BRRRRRTRTRTRT! BRRRRRTRTRTRT! BRRRRRTRTRTRT! BRRRRRTRTRTRT! BRRRRRTRTRTRT...
The Soviet planes shoot at the American soldiers on the ground. They get instantly obliterated in a bloody fashion. All the Storm Creatures leap out of the way if a Soviet plane comes in their direction, as to avoid friendly fire.
"Retreat! Fall back fall back!" Americans scream to their comrades as they fight back while retreating. Deafening bullets and explosions coming from both sides fill the air.
Hearing the call to retreat, Larry puts his backpack on agaim while getting up and joins back with his comrades. All the while, CS Storm Creatures pursue them. Many of the CS Storm Creatures are bloodily mowed down by bullets, while many Americans are pierced by spears or trampled on.
KLOMBF! KLOMBF! KLOMBF! KLOMBF...
Also now pursuing them are countless armardas of IS-3's, crashing into the defenses, obliterating Americans left right and centre. They, along with the CS Storm Creatures, cut extremely deep into American lines. As the American soldiers attempt to hide and take cover behind their M4 Shermans, they began firing at them.
KWOMP! KWOMP! KWOMP! KWOMP...
Then came the horrifying revelation. Every person manning the machine guns on top of the M4 Shermans, glow green. The people in these tanks are actually changelings, and they have very likely killed the real American tankers of those tanks. Every American tank in the area is firing on American soldiers. The situation must be the same in other places too, and not just with American tanks.
Every western tank in Germany must be currently operated by changelings! Every tank has been taken over by changelings! The sane story must be true with those that were operating the M8 rocket launchers, they must've been taken over by changelings! All western equipment must've been taken over by changelings!
As the American infantry continue getting eviscerated, any remaining American soldiers see up ahead are swarms on top of swarms of IS-2's and T-44's as well as T-34-85's, supported by Soviet infantry, conscripted 'red' ponies, and a fly-like infestation of changelings armed with the same guns as the Soviet infantry.
With absolutely no support, the American soldiers drop their guns and raise their hands. But their requests to surrender are ignored by the rapidly and ruthlessly advancing Red Army sweeps over them, bloodily ripped apart by bullets, blown up by tank shells, fried by magic, trampled or speared by CS Storm Creatures, drained by changelings, or ran over by the Soviet tank's mighty treads. They are now pushing really deep into the American occupation zone.
11th February 1946 - 9:40 AM US Eastern Time
In the White House Oval Office, Truman is being recorded before the cameras. He has heard of the viciously savage Soviet assault on American and British forces in Gernany. He is finishing addressing his speech to the public.
"... we have tried every option and opportunity to deescalate the tensions. We have tried every opportunity to restore relations with our former Russian allies. We have even offered incentives to them to end their war with Equestria. But the mericless Russian attack on our forces has brought us all to a point of no return. Their attack isn't something we can't ignore and it must be swiflty and very harshly punished. From this day, 11th February, 1946, a state of war has existed between the United States and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics."
Meanwhile...
11:30 AM UK Time
Meanwhile on every news radio, the Prime Minister, Clement Attlee is speaking. He is just finishing his speech.
"... they may have been an ally in our fight against Germany, but now they have become the enemy. Because of the attack yesterday, consequently, this country is at war with Russia."
The US and UK have just declared war on the Soviet Union. Equestria is finally not on its own in their fight against the Soviet Union. But Equestria's position isn't looking good. Equestria's Royal Guard is on the brink of collapse. The West's position isn't looking good either. The West was dealt a severely crippling strike by the Soviet surprise attack.
The savagery of the Soviet surprise atrack has left any remaining western forces in mainland Europe severely beaten, outnumbered and without most of their equipment. Up against the West, is over nearly 6 million Soviets, 2.5 million Soviet-loyal changelings and 300k CS Storm Creatures, all of which are battle-hardened, and are storming into the western half of Germany.
The real question is can the West send enough reinforcements to mainland Europe in time while simultaneously reinforcing Equestria?
Note:
Again I'm so sorry for no updates to this story in so long. I hope this chapter really makes up for this and you liked it.
So uh yeah... things have definitely went over 'breaking point'... :O