To Die Another Day: Reclamation

Chapter 4: The Liberation of Canterlot

Ponyville was far easier to take than Winter had initially anticipated. It was completely secured within an hour, but the only survivor, Nurse Redheart, was badly injured and close to death. Thankfully, Winter was able to use his magic to heal her wounds.

"Thank you, Prince," said Nurse Redheart with gratitude.

"Nurse Redheart, weren't you on the second floor when Zecora...changed," Twilight asked.

"I was," Nurse Redheart replied. "I shut myself in the closet until everything was quiet. When I came out, the barricade was broken and the hospital was empty."

"So you barricaded yourself in," asked Twilight, gesturing to the gurneys around the reception area.

"Indeed," replied Nurse Redheart. "Thankfully, we keep a good stock of non-perishable food cans, so I could have been in here for many more months, had my barricade not failed. Was I really in here for thirteen years?"

"Indeed you were, Nurse Redheart," Winter said, "With all that was going on, you must have lost track of time."

"I suppose," said Nurse Redheart.

"One thing still bothers me," said Twilight. "I didn't come into contact with any of the infected, and yet I still, well, died. Why didn't you?"

"She, like Spike and Trixie, is immune to the virus, even in it's airborne form," Winter said. "You are fortunate, Nurse Redheart. We only finished developing our cure weeks ago, and without a base. The griffons got a cure ready, but they fell shortly before I assembled the army."

"I...see," said Nurse Redheart. "I feel very fortunate indeed."

Winter nodded. "Nurse Redheart, I would ask that you accompany us to Canterlot, where the rest of my forces are working to take back the capital."

"I would be honored," said Nurse Redheard with a bow.

"To Canterlot, then," said Winter.

10 Minutes later, outside Canterlot...

"FIRE ARROWS," yelled Stormcry as yet another squadron of flyers approached. For some reason, the infected here were actually organized, much like an army or some kind of trained force. While this was unexpected, it did little to slow Stormcry's advance.

"Marshal," Winter said as he approach, Cadence, Twilight and Nurse Redheart close behind.

"I see you found Twilight and a survivor," said Stormcry. "Care to take the lead?"

"With pleasure," Winter said as Stromcry bowed and stepped aside, making way for Winter, who quickly took Stormcry's place while raising his sword.

"SOLSTICE GUARD! FORWARD MARCH," boomed Winter. "WE MUST GET INTO THE CITY IMMEDIATELY! ONWARD TO VICTORY!"

A massive cheers was let out as the army began it's march forward, disposing of walkers and flyers like they were but flies, and soon they'd reached the gate.

Not wasting any time, Winter fires a blast of magic from his fingertips, blasting the gates open, and allowing his army to march into the city itself.

The moment the gates stood ajar, walkers began pouring through in the hundreds, but were no match for the blades of the Solstice Guard, who diced the walkers the moment they were within striking distance.

As soon as the immediate path ahead was cleared, the Guard continued their march into the city, taking down dozens and dozens of walkers.

Elsewhere in Canterlot...

Midnight Blue heard the horns blaring minutes ago, and the sounds of fighting were slowly getting closer and closer, until someting began slamming into the door.

"STOP IT," Midnight said, "WHO IS IT?"

"Midnight," came a muffled reply she instantly recognized. She quickly disassembled the barricade and swung open the door, only to be greeted by a pink alicorn with milky white eyes.

Midnight screamed as she jumped, falling on her back. As the mare approached, Midnight slowly scurried backwards until she scurried right into a wall, making a few books fall off a nearby shelf.

The mare stopped right in front of Midnight, who was cowering in fear. "Midnight," Cadence said in a gentle tone as she laid down infront of the terrified mare, "It's okay. I'm not going to hurt you."

"How can I trust you," stammered Midnight, "Your eyes...you're one of them!"

Cadence sighed. "No, my dear, no I'm not."

At that moment, Prince Winter appeared in the doorway, a smile crossing his face as he saw the two mares.

"I see you've found your daughter, Princess Cadence," Winter said.

Cadence turned and nodded. "She's really scared of me."

Winter nodded and walked over, kneeling and putting a hand on Midnight's shoulder. "It's okay, Midnight. She's your mom again."

Upon hearing Winter say that, Midnight thrust herself into Cadence, crying and hugging her tightly. "Oh mommy, I missed you. I missed you so much."

Cadence returned the hug. "I missed you too, sweet Midnight."

Meanwhile, Cantelot Castle...

Two mares an a human who was missing an arm watched as the armies of Solstice cleared the streets far below, destroying any infected pony they crossed. They managed to spot Winter with a few other ponies in tow, but couldn't identify them other than one was pink, one was white, one appeared to be black, and one was lavender, and the black, pink and purple ones were alicorns.

"Do you think the black one's Midnight," asked Crystalia.

"I would think so," replied Luna, "Cadence did tell her to go to her shop and hide."

"The pink one's Cadence," said Alexander.

"How do you know," asked Luna.

"She came back weeks ago," stated Alexander. "She left the city, then headed north towards The Crystal Empire, probably to check if any of her ponies were still alive."

"And the lavender one," asked Crystalia.

"How many lavender alicorns do you know," stated Luna, making Crystalia facehoof.

"That's three, but what about the fourth one," Crystalia asked after lowering her hoof.

"Judging by the apparel, the third one must be a nurse," said Alexander.

"Nurse Redheart, perhaps," asked Luna.

"I would think so," replied Crystalia, to which Alexander nodded in agreement.

"They've almost reached the castle gates," observed Luna. "Maybe we should open them once they get there."

"Agreed," said Alexander. "Come on, then. Let's get to it!"

Meanwhile, Below in the city...

Resistance from the infected was far greater than Winter had expected. They, despite being mindless beasts, were showing signs of actual organization, traveling in small groups rather than large hordes. Regardless, the Solstice Guard made short work of them before continuing to the castle itself.

"HALT," commanded Winter. They had finally reached the gates of Canterlot Castle, and Winter could see infected only just beyond. He turned to to face the ponies and his troops.

"PREPARE YOURSELVES! WE ARE ABOUT TO TAKE THE CASTLE," boomed Winter. "ONCE I BLAST THE GA-"

Winte stopped as a loud creaking sound could be heard. He turned just as the gated began to shake, then open seconds later. Winter was dumbfounded until the castle doors burst open, revealing two alicorn mares and one of his Generals, who he thought long dead.

Winter decided not to waste this good fortune. "FORWARD MARCH!"

Winter drew his sword and immediately began moving forward with his army. The ponies took a step off to the side, as they were to weak or unprepared to fight as of yet.

Within minutes, the Solstice Royal Army cleared the courtyard and the rest of the castle, giving them time to rest and recuperate. Winter took this time to chat with his old friends.

"Luna, Alexander, Crystalia! I never thought I'd see any of you again," Winter said as he approach the trio.

"Prince Winter," Alexander said, saluting with his remaining arm.

"At ease, General," Winter said. "I must say, you all look absolutely terrible, especially you, Alexander."

"Thank you, sir," Alexander said with a chuckle.

"Now then, how did you all fair here," asked Winter.

"Well, I got killed," said Luna, "Then I came back, but was soon killed again, by Spike, though. Then I came back a few hours ago, and here I am."

"I was holding a flame shield spell for the last thirteen years," said Crystalia. "If it hadn't been for Alexander showing up, I would've been dead."

"I lost my arm soon after the initial attack," said Alexander. "I didn't try to use lethal force, as it was still Luna, and she was saying my name. She said Spike's name when he severed her back, and thanked him just before she died. I stayed there, in the throne room, to watch over her and Celestia. Unfortunately, Celestia didn't make it."

Winter turned to Luna. "I'm so sorry, Luna."

Luna lowerd her head, a tear coming to her eye. "Don't be, Winter. There was nothing you could have done."

"And least we have the city," said Crystalia.

"Yeah," Winter said solemly, "At least we have the city."