Mare-Do-Well is captured. Canterlot has gathered to witness her end. What will come of this one lone filly's last stand?

1000 years ago the valiant and most holy god, lord Ahuizotl, vanquished the tyrant Nightmare Moon and the pony scourge of her 1000 armies of Equestria and delivered Equus from the eternal darkness. In his infinite generosity he saw fit to give Equus the light of the sun and to come down from his celestial throne to establish his most divine Empire of Talicon, to spread peace and order throughout Equus. His chosen people, the Felis, were returned to their rightful place as peacekeepers of the realm. In his infinite mercy he allowed the Gryphons, Minotaurs, and even the sinners, the unworthy ponies, their place in his utopia.

1000 years have passed since. The blighted, cursed ponies, the bringers of calamity, continue to live with their heads hung low, harnessed and blinkered, in service of the greater good. But a strange new affliction spreads amongst them. Mysterious markings appear on their flanks. Most call it a curse, the sign of the twin devils of Nightmare Moon and Celestia. But a few embrace it as a gift. They call themselves the 'Cutie Mark Crusaders', lead by the seemingly immortal hero, Mare-Do-Well.

This is the story of one Cutie Mark Crusader, and how her end became the beginning of many.

One-Shot. Written to the tune of 'Heroes' by the Aviators

Cover Art: I didn't even know Awesome came in this flavour. Kindly provided by FenrisianBrony