Chapter music: Talvisota by Sabaton.

After another hour of marching, they came to the edge of the Everfree. The road Luna had lead them along joined onto the path that went a short ways into the woods, coming out right next to Fluttershys cottage. After a brief altercation with the animals in the cottage, along with a scouting run, gave them updated intel on the state of the town.

About two months ago, shortly after the recapture of Appleousa, additional Changelings had entered the town to reinforce the already existing garrison. Like Appleousa, the hive was built out of the old town hall, a towering spiral of chitin and green light. However, the barn, cellar, and main house of Sweet Apple Acres held the captive ponies of the town.

Luna said, "We'll rescue the ponies from the orchard, due to how close it is."

"Due to the time, unless you want to do a night raid, we couldn't advance on the hive until tomorrow", Rainbow warned. "Due to the proximity of Canterlot, they could get reinforcements in a matter of hours."

Luna looked at her, a pleading look in her eye. Rainbow recognized the look; it was similar to the one Decanus Sharpener Stone had given her when he asked if he could try to convince the Brigands to surrender. A desperate, pleading look to just trust them. She sighed, then said, "We'll discuss this more when we get updated intel from the Wonderbolts on the numbers they have."

As if on que, Spitfire and Lightning Dust entered the tent. Lightning said, "Yeah, and we got it."

"It's actually rather light numbers", Spitfire said. "Maybe a few dozen normal drones, and maybe four hundred others."

"'Others'?", Vexillum questioned.

Lightning said, "Yeah. You know how the officers have been wearing blue armor and have swords?" Upon the nod, she added, "Yeah, well. ALL of these 'other' Changelings have them. I'm guessing some sort of elite unit."

"But, if you want to take Sweet Apple Acres, then it could be easier", Spitfire said. "It's defended by the normal ones."

Looking at all of the Equestrians and other officers, Rainbow sighed. "Ok then. We can get a strategic advantage by taking the orchard, as well as any food and supplies that are left. General Gallus, get a few of your troops, and I'll get a maniple to go-"

"Actually, Praetor. If you'll allow me, I want to have the Royal Guard try and take it."

Rainbow looked at her second, eyebrow raised. "Why?"

"Well, the Guard isn't as incompetent as you seem to think", he said. "At least, now anyway. Besides, after Baltimare, they're eager to prove themselves. Moral is somewhat low; a small victory like this would raise their spirits."

"What's he saying?", Stratosphere asked.

"Gallus, get your troops ready; a little more than with my guys", she said, reluctantly agreeing to Vexillum's request. "The tin cans want to take a crack at it."

Outside of the forest, on the edge of the orchard, Rainbow had Vexillum assemble the guard. As she walked up and down the line, she had to admit they were certainly an impressive sight. Over five hundred fully armored and armed stallions and mares, standing at perfect attention. The armor was outdated, the spears weren't the most effective weapon without better protection, and the helmet plumes weren't the best on a battlefield, but it was a vast improvement from the ragtag, almost pathetic level they were when she arrived.

She cocked her head, looking over at the orchard. Dead, twisted trees dotted the dry, crackled dirt. Dead and rotted apples littered the ground, while rabbits, gophers, and a few birds fought over the detritus. Past the still even rows, the barn was caked in dust and holes, with small groups of Changelings patrolling the perimeter. So far, they must've not seen them, but that would likely change soon.

"Ok, you tin cans", she bellowed, getting their attention. "Your new CO tells me you want to prove yourselves. I normally take his word for it, but I want to make sure. Do you want to prove yourselves?"

"Ma'am, yes Ma'am!", they chorused. Rainbow actually smiled.

"Finally! Some backbone and discipline from the unit. Alright, I'll give you this chance." She unfurled her swagger stick, pointing it at the barn. "In that building there, the Changelings are holding your fellow citizens in pods. They use them like batteries, and want to do the same to you. Your Princess has given me orders to capture this place, and your CO asked me to give you a shot. So, I expect nothing but all you can give. Am I right in trusting you with this?"

"Ma'am, yes Ma'am!"

"Good!" Turning to Vexillum, she said, "Sound advance. I want to see this." She then took off into the air, resting down on a cloud to watch. She had a unit of Night Guard on standby if they needed it, and her own men could come up if that failed. For now, she'd observe.

Vexillum in the lead, he lead them through the orchard. They maintained a loose formation, yet formed up in enough of a mass as to have a formation of sorts. Almost immediately, Changelings spotted them and sounded the alarm, and many began to charge out to attack the Guard. Dozens of them moved in, some splitting off to attack the Griffonians, but most went for the Guards, likely believing they were the easier target.

When the two units made contact, Rainbow was pleasantly surprised at what she saw. The guard was actually able to hold its own, fighting with renewed vigor from their last engagement at Baltimare. The Guards used spears in small groups, holding them in magic auras or with both forelegs to form mini-phalanx's. One on one, they were still outmatched, but the Lings fought one on one solely, while the guards fought in squads. In addition, they were very fast, the heavy armor seeming to weigh nothing to them. It was quite the impressive sight. They would likely be still outmatched by Pryhans, but it was nonetheless impressive. Numbers probably helped too.

Rainbow pushed the cloud closer, wanting to get a better view. The Guard broke through, encircling and overrunning the bugs. The enemy commander tried to keep order, but the survivors routed and fled, heading back over the river into the town. A larger swarm of bugs filed out of the hive, and like reported, had the blue armor and swords.

Rainbow pulled out a small horn. The Guard, she now had to admit, were good, but she didn't want to push her luck. Blowing the horn, the rest of the troops all filed out onto the orchard. Seeing the numbers, the Bugs didn't falter, but didn't advance either.

Rainbow leapt off the cloud, coming to a stop just above the ground. To her officers, she said, "Standard field fortifications. Use the old trees for stakes and reinforcements. " When they saluted and left, she turned to the Night Guards. "You know the drill. Go release the ponies inside, and gather a census."

Finally, she turned to the Royal Guard. Several of them were wounded, be tended to by Equestrian medical staff. The rest, however, were all standing around, congratulating each other and bro-hoofing. "At atten-tion!" When they did, she shot them a smile. "Well, color me impressed! You tin cans did well! I'll ensure you lot get first dibs on any and all cider found!" This was met with cheers from the guards, to which she just smiled and said, "Dismissed."