God of War: Equestria

Princess Celestia sat on her throne, lost in thought, as she stroked the newest sword her blacksmiths made. The long broad golden blade seemed alive in the morning sun which radiated through the windows; the rainbow of jewels in the solid silver hilt faintly cast their colours onto the white walls of the throne room. As she ran her hoof gently down the edge, the throne room doors opened, breaking her concentration. Princess Luna and Twilight entered, with no guards left in the castle the Throne room seemed bare. Princess Celestia placed the sword down beside the throne carefully, and got up to greet her sister and prodigy. “Good Morning” she said with a smile, as she approached.

“Good Morning, Sister. Are we ready to leave?” Princess Luna asked.

“Not yet sister, I’m afraid there is one more thing to do before I can leave. Though it is unsafe for Twilight and her friends to stay, we need them to look after the blade for Kratos.” Princess Celestia replied, directing Twilights eyes to the beautiful blade beside the throne.

“Is that wise? What if she Zeus finds her?” Luna questioned, her voice sounding worried.  She had been afraid of Zeus and his unnatural power, though she hid it well she could not help but worry about him.

“I thought of that scenario, Luna. I am thinking of asking you to go with them, once you reach the camp Zeus won’t cause you any problem near Kratos.” Celestia informed her sister, as she motioned they walk towards the sword. “I will follow once I am done here. The camp should not be far, and I can send Philomena with a message informing the guards of your arrival.”

“Very well, sister, we shall leave as soon as we are ready.” Luna said, turning to Twilight who nodded as though she knew what Princess Luna was about to say, “Go get the others Twilight, take the sword and find a way to carry it, we will be travelling for a while.”

Twilight used her magic to pick up the sword, it was longer than her body, and she carefully turned to leave the Throne room, “I’ll bring the others as soon as I can” She said excitedly.

“No Twilight, Princess Luna will collect you all from your room. Now hurry.” Princess Celestia commanded, receiving a nod from Twilight. Once Twilight had left the room, the Princess closed the door and turned to her sister. “Zeus is coming, I can feel it.”

“Why is he coming this time, do you know?” Luna quizzed, sitting on the throne in panic.

“Most likely it will be more empty threats, but just be wary as always sister he will be here soon I believe” Celestia informed, comforting her younger sister.

“How do you know?” Luna quizzed, returning Princess Celestias’ hug.

“I can feel his magic; the air in Equestria is very slightly warmer when he is here.” Celestia replied.

As if on cue, a shimmer of lightning appeared in the room. The princess’ were used to Zeus’ dramatic lightning entrances, yet they were still frightening. Once the Throne was scorched, again, the princess’ withdrew their shield and addressed the other worldly God.

“What is it now Zeus?” Princess Celestia spat, stepping in front of her sister to protect.

“Oh Celestia, I have come to your aid, not to fight.” Zeus announced as he recovered from teleporting. “What will become of Equestria when this war is over, regardless of the winner?”

“What are you getting at?” Princess Celestia demanded, keeping her distance.

“Well let’s say I win, there is no one to guard and protect Canterlot about so my army will have no problem taking control. Now if Kratos and your army wins, then on their return you will have stallions that have killed, and returning to a normal life will be difficult if they are blood thirsty.” Zues said, his voice echoing throughout.

“Get to the point Zeus!” Princess Celestia fumed, making sure she was between Zeus and Luna.

“Fine. We moulded Kratos to be the perfect warrior; he fights without fear or mercy. If you continue to have him lead your army, you will always lose this war.” Zeus explained, as he walked around Celestia; never breaking eye contact.

“Sounds like you are getting scared” Celestia teased.

“You disobey me?!” Zeus’ anger grew, lightening zapped around his body. Without hesitation he bowed his head utilizing his horn to focus the lightening towards Princess Luna. Luna tried to raise a shield, but it was too late.

“LUNA!”  Celestia screamed, as she knelt beside her sisters smoking body. Luna did not respond. Celestias’ fear became true as purple mist formed around the Princesses, as rotten hooves ascended from the floor. The hooves wrapped around Lunas’ limp body as Celestia held on, but the Princess could not hold on as Lunas’ body was dragged into the floor.

“I had lost track of Hades in this world, glad he has another princess to add to his collection. Equestrias age of innocence is fading!” Zeus taunted, before leaving the same way he entered.

Celestia didn’t have time to think and ran to get Twilight and the others.

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The trek to the campsite was slow, the weather was cloudy and a cold wind blew. The ponies and the Princess walked in silence, their thoughts no doubt on the lost princess. Princess Celestia hoped her sister was with Princess Cadence but had no idea what it was like in the underworld or even if Luna was alive. She pondered on going to receive her sister.

As the sun was setting Pinkie jumped with joy as she spotted the silhouettes of guards on top of a hill in the distance. Rainbow Dash shot off to meet them, while the rest of the group continued walking towards the sentries. Rainbow Dash returned with a guard who was also a Pegasus, while the other waited.

“Your Highness” He said, as he bowed “I am Claymore, and the other guard is Swift Edge. We have been sent by Shining Armor to receive you.”

“Rise, sir.” The Princess replied, beckoning the guard to rise. “How far is the camp?”

The guard turned and began trotting towards camp with the Princess “It’s about an hour’s trot; Shining Armor has been worried about you all. Kratos however has been angered by the slow pace of the march, though hasn’t killed anypony which is always good.”

“That is indeed good news, though I won’t be at camp tonight. Now that we have found you and Swift Edge, I will be leaving to find my sister.” Princess Celestia spoke softly before turning to Twilight and her friends “Twilight please go with the guards, they will protect you till you get to camp. When you get there, keep the sword hidden.”

Twilight didn’t have time to reply as Princess Celestia teleported out of sight. “I guess we should keep going, best to get to camp before night fall.” She told Claymore, just as they headed out towards Swift Edge in the distance.

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Princess Celestia appeared in front of the cave where she met Kratos, Twilight and Rainbow Dash after their trip to the underworld. As she entered, she noticed the Cerberus seemed to be a lot more peaceful and happier, though it didn’t pay Celestia any attention. As Celestia approached the crystal wall that Kratos broke down earlier, she noticed it had started to regrow and it was growing quickly. Celestia flew to the top of the crystal wall and slipped down into the underworld without a second thought.

As she landed she noticed it wasn’t as dreary and dull as she thought she it would be. The ground was dry and dusty, and the shadow of flickering flames could be seen on the large darkend cliffs that towered in front of Celestia. As she stepped onto a narrow strip of ground that stretched between the Gates of Tartaturus and what appeared to be a courtyard, she could not help but look down into the eternal pits of flame. She shuddered at the thought of falling, even with her wings.

Once Celestia reached the courtyard, she couldn’t help but notice the stone ponies that were so perfectly carved that she took her time to study them. As she moved through the courtyard she couldn’t help notice the occasional bone and skull. It was certainly a creepy place. Celestia noticed a large stone carving of a pony with spikes protruding from its’ body, and decided that was where Cadence was, and made her way towards it. The thing Celestia noted most was how quiet the Underworld was. It was nothing like Twilight described it, there were no screams to be heard.

The way to the palace was long, but Celestia was determined to find the other Princess’. Eventually she made it to the large iron and oak doors of the palace. As she approached, they creaked open. Princess Celestia entered the castle and noticed that it was bright and colorful, the underworld kept surprising her. She heard hoof steps down the corridor, before a loud ‘Hello’ echoed throughout in a familiar voice.

Princess Celestia sprinted forward to meet her greeter, and as the corridor lead to a large open room, there in the middle stood what the Princess was looking for. “Luna, you’re alive!” Princess Celestia shouted in delight. Luna looked exactly like she did in the throne room, the lightning not marking her.

“Of course we are sister. Cadence has done a beautiful job down here.” Luna replied before giving her sister a hug. As Cadence watched the sisters hug she noticed Celestia beckon to her to join the reunion hug.

The three Princess’ hug eventually came to an end. Celestia spoke first, “How have you been Cadence? I am sorry I have not visited earlier, but I did not think I would be able to enter.”

“I’ve actually been well down here; everypony is nice if you show them love and respect. I admit cleaning the place up has been difficult but I think it went well. How is Shining Armor?” Cadence replied with a smile, though the mention of her husband brought a tear.

“Shining Armor is doing well, he misses you though. I believe it is your memory that keeps him going. When this war is over I will bring him down.” Celestia said, giving Cadence a reassuring touch.

“I will hold you to that” Cadence joked, the princess’ shared a laugh.

“I thank you for looking after Luna, I thought she was dead. We must get back to the soldiers though.” Celestia responded ; not wanting to leave so soon but knowing her job was with the living.

“I know, let us walk to the Gates. We shall chat on the way.” Cadence advised, leading the way out of her palace.

“Sounds delightful” Luna approved, walking with Celestia behind Cadence.

As the ponies walked, Cadence told them of her powers and how she can locate ponies such as Luna and save them before their body becomes ruined. Though she could do this, it was not her job to revive everypony that died and she did not want to. Life is a journey and one that must always end for mortals, was her reason for not sending ponies back. Celestia mentioned the possibility of sending some guards back should the worst happen to which Cadence agreed, but only if they are worthy. They would return at the end of the day.

Celestia and Luna said their goodbyes to Cadence at the Crystal Gates where Celestia entered. Cadence opened the gates, and watched her fellow Princesses leave. "We shall return soon Cadence. Thank you" Celestia said, entering into the orange shimmer of dawn.

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It was almost Noon as the sisters approached the white, scabby tents greeted them; the stench of hundreds of muddy sweaty ponies soon hit them. It wasn’t until they entered the camp they noticed the lack of guards, plates and swords looked like they had been left in a hurry. A sudden eruption of noise rose from the back of the camp, the sisters ran to check on the situation.

“I’ll send you to Hades’ new whore!” Came a shout as the sisters approached the center of camp, Celestia knew it was Kratos.  The Princess’ sped up to see what Kratos was doing.

As they followed the noise and shouting, the tents gave way to a crowd of guards who didn’t notice the Princess’ as they were too focused with Kratos. Soon, Celestia and Luna made their way through the crowd, guards making way when they realized the Princesses had returned. As the last of the guards moved, Celestia saw the Ghost of Sparta with his hoof on pinning Shining Armor by the neck to a table, one of his curved blades pressed against the captains’ chest.

“Kratos!” Celestia screamed “Stop!”

Kratos paid the Princess no attention and continued to stare into Shining Armors wide panicking eyes. Celestia knew she had to step in. She concentrated and focused on Kratos before trapping him in a magic bubble to pry him away from Shining Armor. As Kratos was lifted, Shining Armor fell to the ground gasping for air; Kratos, however, tried to stab and punch his way out of Celestias’ magic.

“What are you doing Kratos?” Celestia asked, lowering the angry Kratos to eye level.

Kratos gave no answer, rather just stared back. Celestia could see rage in the grey eyes of the Ghost of Sparta, but also found pain, despair and sadness deep within. The princess almost felt sad for Kratos, but kept the magic up and turned to Shining Armor whom Princess Luna was helping to his feet.

“Captain, can you explain this outburst?” Princess Luna asked, letting him go when he was stable on his feet.

“I can try. He sent Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy off to scout with other Pegasus guards, then he sent the other rest, including Twilight, to go get food in the forests when we don’t know where the enemy is. So I confronted him on the importance of family and well I think I’m lucky you arrived when you did.”

“Ah well that explains that. I don’t think we should talk about Kratos’ past anymore.”  Princess Luna said, nodding towards Celestia.

“Kratos, please calm down. Zues is powerful; you know that; we cannot win this war if we kill our own troops. Shining Armor does not know your past and made a misjudgment, either live and let live or forget and forgive but do not hold a grudge. There isn’t a God who can save you from your rage if you don’t save yourself.” Celestia said, releasing Kratos from his bubble prison. Krato simply walked away knocking guards to the ground as he walked through the crowds.

“Are you OK, Captain? You should have known not to have questioned him.” Celestia questioned, checking Shining Armor for wounds.

“It’s Twilight I’m worried about, Princess. “ Shining Armor replied, straightening his armor.

“She will be fine. She has proven herself in these last few days; she has been with Kratos and has seen things you can only imagine in your wildest dreams. She isn’t the young filly she once was.” Celestia reassured, “Where is her tent?”

Shining Armor responded with only a smile and some liquid pride in his eyes before pointing to a small grey tent nearby. Celestia and Luna entered the tent. They found Twilights’ saddle bag tucked under a make-shift bed, the Blade hidden underneath. Celestia brought the blade out; the light that shone through the holes in the tent seemed to be attracted the jewels in the handle, the golden blade shimmered even in little light. The Princess’ left the tent and went to their own, which had been put up earlier at the top end of camp, to await the return of the Elements or Kratos.

As the sun was setting behind the hills, the sky blazed deep red; Celestia watched waiting for Twilights’ return. As the sun finally disappeared, leaving its orange glow to compete with the oncoming night, the figures of ponies emerged from over the hills, several of them flying which led Celestia to believe it was the scouts rather than the hunters, though it was getting late to hunt.

As the ponies approached, Celestia recognized Rainbows mane and though glad to see her and Fluttershy return, the Princess still sighed as her student was still out in the unknown wild. Celestia started trotting out to greet them, when she felt another pony behind her. She turned to see Kratos, marching towards the scouts he sent out earlier. Kratos acknowledged Celestia, but showed no remorse for earlier, but she knew he was a general and wanted Zeus gone quickly.

“What do you think they found?” Celestia asked, trying to make conversation as they walked. Kratos didn’t reply, only looked at the scouts with burning rage.

The scouts approached the Princess, looking rather gloom but Celestia assumed that was due to them being on the move all day. Rainbow Dash was comforted Fluttershy as they landed close to Celestia, it was obvious something went wrong. Kratos was unfazed by the scruffy manes and coats and cuts, of not just the guards but also Rainbow and Fluttershy.

“What happened? Did you see anything?” Kratos asked the guards as he approached them but also kept his eye on the two mares and the Princess.

“We met Griffons. In the forest south west from camp. Only three. Possible other scouts. They saw us and attacked. We fought back and killed them. They must be close to that forest.” One said, removing his helmet and letting his blue mane flow. The other guards removed their helms after him, all keeping focus on Kratos.

Kratos thought for a moment, before walking to Celestia. He acknowledged the two mares he stormed the ruins in the Everfree with. “With the information found, we move tomorrow, attack the day after.” He said, his voice driving fear into Fluttershy and Rainbow leaving them shivering.  Kratos turned towards camp and left.

“War?” Fluttershy mumbled, her eyes tearing up. She looked to Rainbow for comfort, but her friend felt just the same. Equestria had seen one war in a thousand years, and here were two mares at the front of it when days ago they were just average ponies in Ponyville.

“I am afraid so my little ponies. You do not need to be a part of it; you have done more than I could ever have asked you too. I will not stop you helping, we need all the help we can get and you are the bearers of Elements. Please come back to my tent, out of the cold night air.” Celestia replied, wrapping her wings round the two ponies to give them comfort. The Pegasi guards walked in front, chatting to themselves about the day they had had.

Princess Celestia and the ponies arrived at the Royal tent, the Mane six had a small white tent close-by by order of Celestia. As they entered they noticed Twilight and the others sittting with Kratos and Luna, Rarity was lying down a bandage on her fore right hoof. Celestia led the way in, realizing no words were being spoken, just solomn looking faces: except Kratos' whose was angry as usual.

“I’m glad you girls are safe” Celestia spoke, sitting between Kratos and Luna. “Did you find anything interesting?”

There was no reply. Only Rarity stirred due to her hoof, the bandage slowly turning a faint red. Minutes passed. Only thoughts were spoken, the silence interrupted only by the wind. Eventually Kratos rose, looking at both Princess he beckoned them too follow. Kratos led them to his tent, he shared with Shining Armor and that was where tactics were discussed. Kratos went to an oaken table with a map of Equestria unfolded and pinned down by knives. When the Princess were stood around the table Kratos pointed out the estimated location of the enemy.

“This forest will be our best attack; we move and get ready tomorrow. Strike early the day after.” Kratos informed, pointing out the routes through the forest he knew was best for staying hidden, according to the map. “I will lead the first attack, going through taking out what we can. We get pegasi in the air for support, stop messages of our attack getting out.”

The princess’ studied the map, thinking of anything to say. Luna broke the silence. “OK, we agree. You were brought to command. We have faith in you”

“What happened with Twilight and her friends? Why were they so silent?” Celestia asked, agreeing with Luna but not wanting to hold back what she was thinking.

Kratos stared at her with his usual rage filled stare. “Twilight and the 'hunters' were not going for food, they were also scouting. They found Hercules’ camp, close to where the pegasi found the griffons.”

“You sent them scouting! They are only fillies! What happened to Rarity?” Celestia asked, astounded that Kratos would send mares to scout.

“They offered. She fell apparently, nothing to worry about. We need to get ready.” Kratos seethed, before turning and leaving his tent for the cold night air. Celestia and Luna stared at each other before leaving for their tent again, in the search for rest.

With the wind howling outside and the attack planned tomorrow sleep did not come to Celestia easily, she found herself wiping the sweat from her brow several times; but it wasn’t the fear she would rather the attack happened now. When she closed her eyes she visualized, much to her dismay, the horrors that were to come, the forest becoming a burial ground for potentially hundreds of her guards and friends.

When Celestia finally fell asleep, thanks to the rain pounding on the tent, she found herself leading an attack on an unknown village. She found herself killing ponies by instinct, she hated it and yet it felt right. Flames devoured cottages and homes around her, the light illuminating thw village. She found a rhythm killing everypony with-in reach, her blades slicing through the victims with ease. She found herself out of breath, her coat stained red and her hooves on the bodies that had fallen. A temple at the end of the village seemed hidden from Celestia, though it was right in front of her; it felt forbidden. A great evil lurked in the temple.

         Celestia paused at the doors, noticing the symbol painted the mahogany doors was Kratos' cutie mark. Lighting a torch and throwing it onto the thatched roof, Celestia prepared herself for what lay inside. As the roof caught fire, Celestias new bloodlust caused her to burst through the doors, killing the ponies that were cowering in the temple. Celestia continued, slashing and hacking, unable to resist; she killed them all. When the last had fallen, and the flames from the torch began to crawl down the walls, her senses returned. As she looked down at the last ponies she killed, her legs gave way, and she woke up panting and sweating. It was time to raise the Sun.