The Perfect Ones
By CanadianFluttershy
Chapter 1: Departure
Celestia sighed while looking at the war map in front of her. The lack of rest clearly unhidden since bags were formed underneath her eyes. She spent most of her days and nights in the Royal Equestrian Forces headquarters, along with the commanders and captains of the royal guard and fleet. She was desperately trying to find a way to reverse the current turn of event. Since the occupation of Trottingham and Baltimare, Equestria relied on only a few handful of cities like Stalliongrad for their troop recruitment. Ponyville was transformed into a refugee camp since the Manehattan siege. The union of the Griffin Kingdom, The Changeling and the Minotaur Clans gave them no mercy. The New Dawn Alliance or N.D.A, was what they called themselves. The war was fueled by fear and jealousy. Most races of the land of Equestria were threatened by the sudden war, the dragons, the zebras and the other nations of the land were at edge.
Everywhere they'd go, they'd kill. Stallions, Mares, Foals and elders alike, nopony made exception. Those who were taken prisoner, were transferred in a concentration camp. Those who weren't so lucky were exterminated right away. Death would only wait ahead for the one who tried to flee, some shot down, others by the misfortune of a step on a landmine. Those who succeeded though, died from starvation or blood loss from their injuries. The ones who stayed were used as slaves, but when a pony was judged useless, they would simply killed them off in chambers full of deadly gas. Does who had to face this terrible fate, were told that they were just simple showers, unfortunately they were only met by a slow and painful eternal slumber. The little fillies and colts were as much use as laboratory rats. The N.D.A used them to test their biological weapons, by injecting them with horrible viruses. The results were beyond horrifying.
"I can't believe such atrocities exists." Celestia said to herself while eyeing the war map.
Since the war broke out, she didn't do anything except eat, sleep and strategies. Although the war took place here in her remaining land, her eyes weren't locked on Equestria or New Dawn territory, she was looking at another large continent. There, at the far West of the Sparkling Sea, stands another continent. Aurora.The race that lived there referred to themselves as human. They ruled over this humongous land as one nation. That nation was named, The Federation of Aurora. Old manuscripts of ponies that set hoof on that land, described it as incredibly stunning. Large cities and majestic palaces that even competed against Canterlot.
"Me too highness, but we need to learn to not fear such crimes and fight against it in every way possible." A voice said from behind.
Celestia sighed, "You're right Captain Armor." She turned around to face the stallion. "And I suppose everything is ready?"
"Yes majesty. Admiral Sky Hoof set up the airships and are ready to depart for Aurora."
"Is my sister already in the ship?" Celestia asked intriguingly.
"Princess Luna is already in the HMEA Bella Mare, waiting for you highness." Shining Armor answered.
"Good, soon we will head to Aurora and meet the humans. After all those years, I wonder how much they changed."
"Lets hope they haven't changed into bloodthirsty monsters and shoot us on sight." Shining said while thinking in disgust of the possible scenario. "But with all due respect your majesty, are you sure these so called humans will help us? Our history with them is not something to be glad about."
Celestia sighed and turned around to look at the map once more. "To be utmost frank, I do not know. Although like you said, we must fight this threat in every way possible, and another ally by our side would aid us greatly. It is, at the very least, worth the try."
Shining looked at the floor with sorrow. "You know highness... I would do anything to protect my sister and my parents from harm. And if this means going to another land and find a dangerous species to help our cause, then you can count on me."
Celestia turned her gaze to the now confident captain and smiled. "We will depart soon. Go tell my sister that I will be there in a minute."
"Yes your highness." Shining bowed and exited the command centre.
Celestia sighed, and for one last time returned her gaze at the map.
"""MUSIC"""(Listen while reading)
Canterlot shipyard was full of activity. Workers and Soldiers were loading the ships with supplies and weapons. The weather was clear, and the sun brightly shone in the blue sky. Celestia approached the huge structure that was called the Bella Mare. The biggest ship of the Royal Equestrian Fleet. The ship was 80 meters long 35 meters wide. Standing on top of the main structure, was a huge golden ellipsoid shaped balloon. The balloon was 10 meters longer and five meters larger and taller than the actual ship. Large banners waved at the sides of the ship, showing the great Equestrian emblem. Underneath the main structure, was a big circular command bridge with dozens of huge windows. At each side of the ship, were huge bat like wings that helped thrusting the ship forward.
The alicorn princess entered the airship and roamed the white hallways, skipping between many military personnel. The staff consisted of engineers, navigators and weapon masters. The captains and the admiral were mostly on the bridge, planning operations and receiving reports of current situations. The bridge was exactly where Celestia was going. Arriving there, her sight was to behold. The giant room was brewing with activity. The large windows offered a wonderful panoramic view of the outside world.
"Admiral Sky Hoof." Celestia called the white stallion in front of her.
He was wearing a blue uniform adorned with golden stripes on the shoulder insignias. The grey coated, white maned and white bearded earth pony was gazing at the outside through a large window, making sure that the other ships were ready. After all, he is the Admiral of this fleet. He was there to assure the security of his Stallions and Mares, and that every single operation was checked and re-checked.
The stallion turned around to look at his ruler who was casually walking towards him. He bowed with respect, and approached his leader as well.
"It's an honour to have you on board your highness." The stallion said with a husky voice.
"The pleasure is mine admiral. May I ask for status report?"
The stallion nodded and motioned Celestia to the window.
"The HMEA Night Spirit just finished loading its weapons and ammunition. The HMEA Sun of Dawn is already in position and ready to head for Aurora. HMEA Starswirl is awaiting orders." The stallion replied with pride.
"Perfect, tell the HMEA Starswirl to take position immediately via Magicomm."
"Yes your highness." The stallion replied, and turned around to look at one of the crewpony.
"Shimmer Flight!" He yelled. Quickly a young black stallion came in front of his admiral.
"Yes sir?" He asked
"Tell the HMEA Starswirl to take position immediately. We're heading to Aurora."
"Aye aye Admiral." The young stallion replied.
Slowly the Bella Mare and escort trusted forward, as the sound of the humongous magic powered wings pushed the air behind. The ponies on the docks waved farewell to the majestic airships as they slowly disappeared off the horizon.
Author's Note
IMPORTANT
Here's a glimpse of what I was working on. I know the prologue is small, but I promise the next chapters will be longer. I wanna know what you think guys. Hope you like the concept, and may the shy be with you.
P.S: If you guys find any grammar mistakes, please PM them to me. Thank you.
Author's Note
Promised an update of 3000 words. Here it is! FIIIIIIIIINNAAAALLLLYYYYYY, something came together. Now I made sure to check three times for any mistakes here in there. If you see some that slipped through the radar, please feel free to post them in the comments below. Anyhow, now I need to sleep. See ya'll!
Chapter II: The Arrival
The Perfect Ones
By CanadianFluttershy
Chapter 2 :Arrival
The light of a clear late afternoon bounced off the mighty balloons of the Equestrian airships. Captain Shining Armor was doing his daily report gathering before night time."Anything on sight Swift!?" The great captain Armor asked loudly to a pony standing high up in the crow's nest of the Bella Mare. The deck was buzzing with activity. The wooden floor was glimmering from how clean and well kept it was and the mighty wings of the airship were pushing enormous amount of air behind, bringing the ship gracefully forward. A couple of weeks past since the Bella Mare and escort departed to soar above the vast stretch of clear water of the Sparkling sea, in search for the mighty land called Aurora.
"Nothin' yet capt'n!" The earth pony yelled back, making sure is captain could hear him "Only a couple o'seagulls and some dolphins."
Shining thanked his soldier and walked towards the captain's cabin, until he was interrupted midway by princess Luna.
"Any news I should be aware of captain?" Luna asked simply.
The unicorn looked at her liege glad in her black armour, ready for any eventual attacks. "Only some seagulls and dolphins your majesty. Still no land in sight" Shining answered.
"Seagulls? We must be close then. We'll probably be there by tomorrow morning." Luna stated, before looking at the sea in front of her. The light of the sunset was reflected by the deep waters of the Sparkling Sea, giving a gorgeous glow of orange. "For now we must prepare ourselves for what is upcoming. May our strength protect us, if the humans react badly."
Shining bowed in respect, and returned towards is cabin. Luna kept looking at the sea, enjoying every bit of peace that it gave. She was so absorbed by the moment, that she didn't even noticed her sister coming by her side, staring at the beautiful scenery too.
"Wonderful, isn't it?" Celestia asked, without even turning her gaze from the ocean.
"Yes, it is quite a show to behold." Luna answered, but then looked down at the water only a few meters below. "But I can't help but fear that our subjects are in great danger as we speak, with us being so far from home..."
Celestia looked at her sister and smiled warmly."You don't have to worry Luna. I'm sure princess Twilight and princess Cadence have everything under control. Plus the Elements of Harmony would do anything to protect our subjects."
Luna turned her gaze to Celestia with surprise. "The Elements? Didn't we give them back to the tree of harmony?"
Celestia smiled again at her sister's curiosity. "Tools are useless for both those who don't know how to use them, and those who simply don't need them." Luna pondered a little bit at what her sister just said. The tired princess Celestia was already starting to head for her room, but stopped midway before looking back at her sister. "Oh and one more thing, you should watch the water at night. We don't call it the Sparkling Sea for nothing."
(With) With that said Celestia, continued her own way, leaving her sister alone as the last sun rays disappeared off the horizon. Luna was about to raise the moon when something got her attention. She thought of what her sister said and headed to the side of the deck to look at the water below. The sight was breathe taking. Numerous glows of cyan, magenta, green, purple, red, indigo, all were decorating the ocean floor. Luna could even distinguish some of the ocean fauna. She looked for a minute, and then closed her eyes.
"We are a long way from home indeed..." Luna muttered to herself, before reopening them to look once again at the beauty that laid under her.
___________________________________________________________________
Celestia and Luna were sleeping soundlessly in there cabins. Their armour on a ponyquin near their beds. Calm reigned in their regally decorated rooms. But it wasn't present on the deck of the Equestrian airships.
"Princess! You may want to see this quick!" Shining Armor yelled from outside.
Quickly, both alicorns rose from their beds and quickly equipped their armour. With both princesses ready, they swiftly ran to the deck to meet with the captain. Arriving there they found Shining trying to look down at the water.
"What's happening?" Luna asked in concern to the Captain.
Shining turned to look at the alicorns glad in their armour."Something is going on in the water. We don't know what it is, but it's big and it's following us."
The word *following* wasn't fancied by Celestia who immediately reacted. "Prepare your stallions, load up the cannons. If this thing wants a piece of us, then it will be the taste of our steel!"
Shining saluted and ran to prepare his soldiers.
Both princesses looked down at the water, wondering what was hiding in the depths. It was obvious that they didn't liked that at all. Rumors about sea monsters lurking in the depths weren't unheard of, especially concerning the Sparkling Sea. Luna looked down for a bit and then turned towards her sister.
"I'll take a look from the bridge. Perhaps I'll get a better view of whatever that thing is. I'll make sure to ask Sky Hoof if he has seen anything unusual. " Luna said to Celestia, who simply nodded in response.
Luna went to her room grabbed her sword and the headed to meet Sky Hoof
____________________________________________________________________________________
It was a peaceful night in the beautiful city of Canterlot. Most of the city folks were sleeping as the moon shone brightly in the night sky. Of course the night guards were awake and were patrolling the city with scrutinizing eyes.The enemy could come up at any moment, and everypony knew that. But for now, everything seemed calm and restful.
"I hope they're okay..." Twilight said while walking back and forth in the throne room.
Cadence looked at her sister in law from her own throne and chuckled."Don't worry Twilight. They are only gone for two weeks. Plus, not everypony can fight Shining Armor and expect to win."
"I know that Cadence." Twilight said before sitting on her throne with a huff. "It's just that they are so far away from home and who knows what's out there!"
"Celestia knows what's out there Twilight." Cadence retorted. "She traveled there with her father remember?"
"I know..." Twilight sighed and paused for a couple of seconds before saying something again. "But what's out there that could possibly help us here?"
Cadence looked downwards while pondering at the question. "I don't know Twilight. Princess Celestia only said that they were going on an excursion to a land called Aurora."
Twilight's eyes widened in surprise at the word land. "Land? I heard about stories of monsters, storms and pirates over Sparkling Sea before, but I never heard nor seen any information about actual land out there!"
Twilight grunted "This is really confusing. Why there? Why didn't they tell me about this? What's out there!?"
Cadence simply shrugged "Maybe there's some ancient magical artifact that could help us turn the tide of the war."
"Maybe." Twilight sighed. "All I want is that war to come to an end. So that my family and my friends can finally live without the fear of being attacked, or even worse."
Cadence had a look of sadness plastered right on her face. She had just realized how hurt her little sister in law was. She could lose one of her family member, or even her friends at anytime .
"Twilight?" Cadence said, trying to get Twilight's attention. Which succeeded. "Everything will be fine, you don't need to worry. Plus you and your friends overcame many foes, many of which threatened Equestria's very existence!"
"Yes we did, but this time it's different. The elements didn't work the first time! They absorbed it like it was nothing!" Twilight yelled, but then looked down in sorrow. "I...I just hope that whatever princess Celestia planned will work..."
_______________________________________________________________________________
Ponyville looked normal that day. the only exceptions were the recruitment centres and the refugee camps on the market place. Their presence alone was an awful reminder of the war going on. With the EAF, or Equestrian Armed Forces, commonly patrolling the remaining cities, the presence of a slight tension was always palpable. Posters to promote the recruitment were everywhere in town, and a lot of ponies decided to join afterwards.
Stallions patiently waited in line at the recruitment stall, for their turn to be enlisted. Among them was a certain red coated, and rather bulky stallion known as Big Macintosh. One by one, stallions were enlisted. Slowly, the line shortened until it was Big Mac's turn.
A grey black maned earth pony in a green uniform pulled down his sunglasses to take a clearer look at the stallion before him.
"Name and age please." The earth pony asked dully.
"BigMacintosh Apple, 27." Big Mac answered, while looking at the pony who was writing the information on a sheet of paper.
"Height?"
"4,11 in" Big Mac simply answered
"Any infirmities, allergies or vision problems?"
"Nope" The stallion simply added while shaking his head.
"Alright, take that sheet to the pony over there." The recruiter said while pointing at a mare pegasus, who seemed to be doing measurements on a new recruit."She'll measure you and provide you with your uniform and gear. After that, you'll be tasked to bring your gear to the train station, where you and the other recruits will take the train to Canterlot for training and role assignments. For now, welcome in the EAF."
Big Mac nodded thankfully and immediately went to the mare, who quickly proceeded to measure the stallion and giving him is equipment.
The uniform was nothing special. The colour was a bland green, and the only exception was the Equestrian flag patch on the right shoulder. The stallion then casually made is way to the train station, along with dozens of other ponies. Arriving there, everypony was busy saying what could possibly be their last farewell to their family and friends. Bigmac was about to enter one of the coaches, when something unexpectedly got his attention.
"Big Mac!" A voice from the crowd called. Big Mac recognized the voice of his sister and looked around. He then noticed her trying to get through the crowd of recruits and their families, with tears pouring down her eyes. Applejack was finally able too take a breather from running, after stopping right in front Big Mac.
"What in tarnation are ya doin! Do ya even know what is fixin to happen out there!?" Applejack yelled at her brother, but the stallion didn't even flinch. "The family needs ya! Me, Granny and Applebloom need ya!"
Big Mac took a quick glance of annoyance at his sister, but shook it off to look elsewhere.
"Don't you dare look away from me Mac! Listen to me for Pete's sake! You can get killed out there!" Applejack yelled furiously, almost on the verge of crying.
(Big mac) He looked back at his sister with obvious grief. He knew he could probably be killed during a firefight. But he was determined to serve his home country if it meant that it would keep is family safe. Even if the war could take is life away. The red coated stallion then placed his right hoof onto Applejack's left shoulder. Both then embraced each other tightly. Applejack was now letting her tears flow. She knew her stubborn brother would go anyway.
"Please take care of Applebloom alright? I'll write home as often as I can" The stallion asked before breaking the hug.
Applejack wiped off her tears and nodded.
Big Mac smiled warmly at her, and then walked into a passenger car before sitting down on one of the unoccupied seats. He then looked through the window, to see Applejack staring back with tears still waiting to be dropped.
"Wait!" A voice yelled from afar.
Applejack turned her gaze towards the path that connected the station to Ponyville. There, she saw little Applebloom quickly trying to pass through the crowd. Unfortunately, the train loudly whistled and started moving. Applebloom was in tears as she desperately tried to make her way through. The ponies in the train were now pulling their windows up and started waving their hooves at their loved ones. Applejack quickly took the filly in her hooves, but Applebloom tried and struggled to break free, jolting in every way possible. She was now crying out loud, as tears came down her heart-broken face.
"Please!! Don't go! Big brother please don't leave us!" The filly cried, while still trying to get free from Applejack's grasp.
Applejack was letting her tears flow too. "Don't worry little sis, big brother will be fine I promise." She whispered in the child's ear.
Suddenly, both sisters saw a familiar red face and a hoof waving a them.
Applebloom cried in her sister's hooves as the train slowly left, bringing the red coated stallion with it.
________________________________________________________________________________________________
Celestia eyed the water carefully, paying attention to every bit of odd detail she could possibly find. Luna did the same on her side. The large windows offered a panoramic view, as well as better chance of finding whatever that thing was. The last minutes were calm. So calm in fact, that it almost looked like time stopped for the crew. Everypony were geared up, ready for everything. Celestia started to get nervous about this, and decided to join her sister down in the bridge. Everything was silent, only the sound of the sea below was heard. Arriving there, Celestia noticed her sister still looking at the sea. She immediately joined her.
"May I ask if you have seen anything sister?" Celestia asked calmly.
Luna sighed. "Unfortunately no sister, It has been silent since we spotted it."
Celestia scrutinized the water again before giving up. "Ugh, it's useless. Tell the crew th-"
Suddenly out of nowhere, the sound of millions of gallons of water being pushed made everypony return their gazes at the water. What they saw was not to be laugh at. A humongous metallic structure slowly rose from the depths, moving an enormous amount of water in is way. Behind it, were small little tower like structures with what looked like three barrels of a cannon sticking out of them. Over a hundred of those rose quickly, until a full line of them was made. All of them were pointing right towards the airships.
The sight was even more threatening, when weird flying objects flew out of the massive structure, and started to spin around them like a swarm of bees.
Celestia quickly understood that this thing wasn't a sea monster. "It's....Them.." She muttered, still baffled by what she was seeing.
Luna heard what her sister said, and decided to take an action. "We should return back to the deck and try to reason with them."
Celestia nodded and they quickly left the bridge. Up on the deck, most of the ponies were already wavering. Until suddenly, a large cracking sound was heard.
Everypony turned their gaze at the source, their eyes widened at the sight. Three bipedal beings, holding strange black metallic devices, and having what looked like black metallic wings on their back, were crouched right in front of them. The cracks on the floor made it evident that they landed hardly, but none of the creatures seemed fazed by it. Their weird black armour made them look very sleek and aerodynamic, followed by the strange black helmet with a dark tinted glass that seemed to cover their faces, making them look even more mysterious and intimidating. Another thing they noticed about them, were their heights. They were standing as high as their equestrian princesses, probably even a inch higher! Their mere presence was enough to make the crew of the Bella Mare tremble in fear. All of a sudden, the wings on the creatures backs folded in such a manner, that it was enough to make the ponies recoil in fear. Suddenly, one of the creatures spoke.
"The mighty Equestrians are paying us a little visit" It spoke in a strong and rather hefty voice. "And with swords, rifles and bayonets? Please do let us speak to the horse in charge of that shameful display, or else we'll have to remind you of what happens to those who break the treaty!"
Shining tried in vein to not grudge at the insults the creature made on his stallions and mares.
Celestia looked at Luna who nodded confidently. "Greetings humans of Aurora, my name in Celes-"
"We already know who you are princess, now what is the reason of your presence? Speak quickly." The human said harshly.
Suddenly, the sound of a angry hoof stomp resonated, and a not so happy captain of the royal guards approached the humans. "You ape! Nopony disrespect the princesses and the royal guards!"
Shining Armour unsheathed his weapon from the scabbard on his right hip, which forced the guards to do the same. The humans although, weren't impress by the weak demonstration of force.
One of the creature, that the ponies assumed to be the female of the group, calmly took a sword from a nearby rack. She then slowly held it in front of her by both ends, before casually bending it upwards without a ditch of effort. When finished, the sword was bent at a 90 degrees angle. She then threw it right on the floor, in front of the captain.
"Iron bends easily. Will you bend as easily?" She said coldly, before crossing her arms unimpressed.
Shining was about to lose is temper but somepony interrupted him in the act. "Captain,put your weapon away immediately, it's an order."
The white unicorn turn his gaze, to see admiral Sky Hoof slowly walking towards him and the humans.
The captain grunted in annoyance, while sheathing his weapon in his scabbard.
"Sorry for the inconvenience, I'm admiral Sky Hoof, leader of the HMEAS Bella Mare and escort. We come to discuss diplomatic affairs with your nation's ruler." Sky said with ease.
The third male human on the left, who wasn't as big as the first one, looked at his bulky leader and nodded. The leader nodded back and returned his view towards the admiral."You're lucky, seems that our leader heard our little discussion and the reason of your visit. Also, we've just been informed that our general had given you the green light to pass. Although you, along with your escort, will be monitored during this entire visit and we will not tolerate any suspicious behaviour by you, your leaders and your crew. Did I get myself clear?"
The pony looked at the princesses who nodded in agreement, before looking back at the human.
"Fair enough." Sky answered simply.
"Good." The human added before reaching for an handshake, which was greatly accepted by the pony. "For now, welcome to Aurora."
"This is Falcon-3, requesting shut down of cloak E-302. Over" The third man said out loud.
"Roger that Falcon-3, green light given, shutting down cloak E-302." A voice in his helmet answered back, to everypony's astonishment.
What they saw afterwards, was the pure definition of beauty and prosperity.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
The musics belong to their respective owners, I did not create them nor am I using them for commercial purposes. All credits goes to the creators of those pieces of art. Thank you.
