Chapters To Die Another Day: Reclamation
Chapter 1: Rue and Woe
Dear Winter,
The infection is spreading at a rate unprecedented. Most of Cantelrot has already fallen. The only thing holding them back is the doors, now. All the guards are gone.
I fear this is the last time I speak to you, my love, and I hope this reached you.
Love,
Princess Luna
Winter lowered the blood stained note. He had recieved this seconds after Canterlot Castle had fallen to the infection. His closest friend had died there, and he had been powerless to stop it.
As soon as the first cases of the infection began, Winter had closed the borders. Any who tried to enter or leave without prior notification to the guards were killed on sight, and this had happened a lot. Now the guards stood on the walls of Solstice itself, fighting back the oncoming zombie hoard. Winter picked up the last letter he'd recieved and began to read:
Prince Winter,
If you recieve this, I beg of you to send aid to Griffonia. We have the cure, but are hopelessly outnumbered.
We do not have much time left.
Emperor Constantine XV
Winter put down this letter. He had recieved it mere hours ago, but by the time it had arrived, Griffonia had already fallen. He raised his hand as he lowered his head in sorrow.
"How could this happen," asked Winter in a gutteral tone, "How could I let this happen?"
"Sire," said a familliar voice. Winter looked up to see his Field Marshal standing before him.
"What is it, Marshal Stormcry," Winter asked hoarsely.
"The army is ready, as you requested," said Stormcry.
Winter nodded as he rose from his throne, renewed power flowing from him as if he'd rose from the grave. "We march at once. Let the cleansing of Equus begin!"
10 Minutes later, Solstice Square...
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"SOLDIERS OF SOLSTICE," boomed Winter in the Royal Canterlot Voice as he paced before the gates of the Winter Palace, "FOR TOO LONG HAVE WE SAT IDLY BY WHILE EQUUS FALLS TO THIS VIRUS. WE ARE ALL THAT REMAINS OF THE EQUESTRIAN COALITION, AND I AIM TO RECLAIM EVERY INCH WE HAVE LOST!"
Every one of the seven million troops gathered in the square raised their weapons in one temendous uproar of approval.
"AIRMEN, TO YOUR SHIPS," boomed Winter, "SOLDIERS, FORM RANKS AND PREPARE TO MARCH! AS SOON AS THAT GATE OPENS, WE ARE AT WAR!"
A tremendous cheer resonated through the empty landscape, attracting walkers and flyers from all across the kingdom, all now converging on Solstice while the men rushed to form ranks or to the battleships.
"Sir, we have massive ground and air contacts closing in on the wall," said Captain Flynn as he lowered his hand from his ear.
"Let them come," Winter said as in the distance, the fleets could be heard taking off. "The Solstice Fleets will deal with the flyers. OPEN THE GATE! DRAW SWORDS AND FORWARD MARCH! LEAVE NONE ALIVE!"
As the great gates of the city opened, six million men drew their swords and began marching forward in perfect sync. The rear batallions drew bows and readied them as the gates finally stopped as the walkers rushed in.
"GET THAT FILTH OUT OF MY CITY," commanded Winter as front row of guards swung their swords upwards in perfect unison, and the arches fired in a manner that allowed an unending barrage of arrows into the walkers. The Fleet began firing above, effortlessly clearing the skies of flyers.
Nightmare Moon came up beside Winter, along with their daughter, Moonless Midnight.
"I should have done this when the outbreak began," Winter said with a sigh.
"Then we would be dead as well," Nightmare Moon said, nuzzling her husband..
"Still," Winter said, pausing before continuing. "Have your Shadowbolts go with the Fleet. Get them to search for survivors. I know the chances of there being any are slim, but I want to be sure."
Nighmare Moon nodded as a Changeling Queen with the blackest chitin you'll ever see and a mane and tail whiter than snow approached, along with a stallion who's coat matched the Changeling Queen's mane, and had a golden mane and tail. Winter nodded as they stopped beside him.
"Captain Elegance," Winter said, "Once again, I am glad you and your wife made it here in one piece." They had arrived not two weeks ago with a great hoard of zombie changlings and royal guards that had been under Elegance's command were in pursuit. Now, only he, General Valor and a handful of others were all that remained of the Canterlot Guard, though Winter wasn't sure about Valor until a message a few days ago stating he was alive and well, and Castle Rosethorn was holding against the zombie ponies and dragons. He had a small garrison of Canterlot Guards that had made the journey to The Badlands to seek shelter when Canterlot fell, and most were still around thirteen years later.
"Do you have any priority targets," Elegance asked.
"Castle Rosethorn for relief, Canterlot and The Crystal Empire must be taken, and Ponyville must be secured," Winter said.
"What's so important about Ponyville," asked Fate, Elegance's Changeling wife.
"It is where the Elements of Harmony are buried," Winter said. "While Spike took the elements themselves when he went to Equus Prime, he left their bearers behind."
Meanwhile, in Canterlot...
A great white mare stood in Celestia's bedchambers while it burned around her as a continuous stream of golden magic poured from her horn. Her fur had burnt away years ago, back when she'd started this protective gout of fire, and now her white chitin shimmered brilliantly in the flames, sun cutie mark and fangs still leaving her easy to recognize.
Crystalia knew she couldn't hold her spell much longer, and more and more walkers and flyers came in an endless barrage, never tiring or slowing down.
She hoped her old friend would act, and soon.
Elsewhere in Canterlot...
A strange pony paced back and forth in a shop in Canterlot's market district. She appeared to be an alicorn, but had elements of a Changeling Queen, such as the holes in her legs, fangs and her serpetine eyes. She has feathered wings and an actual mane and tail. He coat was midnight blue, and her mane and tail regular blue, with eyes like sapphires.
When the outbreak had reached Canterlot, she had been visiting her mother, Cadence. Once the infected reached the castle, Cadence had ordered her back to her shop and to barricade the door, saying she'd be right behind her.
That was thirteen years ago.
She went up to a window and watched as the walkers moved through the streets, oblivious to her presence there by means of a magical barrier she'd erected with a focus gem. She watched her old friends swaying to and fro, milky white eyes staring blankly ahead.
Midnight Blue sighed. "I hope Winter is okay." 'And if he is, I hope he's coming' she thought.
To Die Another Day: Reclamation
Chapter 2: Shattered Empire
Chapter 2: Shattered Empire
Winter's army cut a bloody swath across the Kingdom of Sostice, brutally dealing with any walker or flyer foolish enough to cross them. Their progress slowed as the neared The Crystal Empire, or what was left of it. Winter stepped forward and beheld the desolation before him.
The Crystal Empire lay in ruins. Building of crystal that had stood for millenia now lay shattered and burnt, and headless bodies and body parts littered the streets, their blood that had once flowed like rivers now dry and cracking. All seemed to be dead, as nothing in the city moved.
The castle, though, was a different story.
A pink shield surrounded the Crystal Castle, protecting it from the desolation beyond. Bodies lay piled up against the shield as high as the buildings had once stood.
"Do you think we should investigate," asked Marshal Stormcry.
Winter nodded. "Be careful, though. It will be close quarter once we enter the city. Be weary of ambushes."
Stormcry nodded. "ALL RIGHT, LISTEN UP! WE ARE TO CLEAR AND SECURE THE CITY BEFORE PROCEEDING TO THE CASTLE! BE WEARY OF AMBUSHES, AS WE'LL BE IN CLOSE QUARTERS! MOVE OUT!"
The front row of troops raised their swords as they broke into columns, each heading to one of the city's entrances before they all moved in in unison. Occsionally, a large group would break off as they passed a side street to clear it, but rejoined their main foce once the job was done.
Using this method, the city was cleared in less than fifteen minutes, leaving only the castle and it's protective shield to investigate.
"What do you make of it," asked Stromcry as he came up beside Winter.
"I think somepony must be alive," Winter said. "The magical energy of the spell is not coming from a focus crystal. It is too poweful for that."
"Who could it be, then," asked Stormcry.
"Cadence was at Canterlot when it fell," said Winter, "And Spike killed her. As she was the only pony I know of with a pink magical aura, I cannot say who is projecting this shield, as no pony except an alicorn can produce a shield as large as this."
Suddenly, the shield began to flicker, going down moments later.
"Stay here," Winter said, "I wish to investigate this personally."
"As you command, my Prince," Stormcry said as Winter proceeded into the castle.
Winter had difficulty opening the door, but soon figured out why as he finally managed to push it open, spreading the pile of rotting corpses across the entry hall. Winter remained emotionless, as always, but his eyes clearly showed disgust at that moment. There was obviously something in there, and it had killed every other uninfected pony. He quickly closed the door, just in case whatever it was was close by.
Winter began slowly making his way across the hall. There were a few growls and gurgles from down the castle's corridors from the infected that remained, but other that that, all was quiet.
Until he heard a scream.
It was definitely feminine in nature, and was quite distinct as marking it as one of the uninfected. To top that, it was in a tone that was very familliar, as he'd visited her here very often. He quickly sprinted down the halls, cutting down dozens of the undead as he went until he finally came to the throne room, and a sight that defied all logic.
"WINTER! HELP ME," screamed Cadence as she noticed Winter, but was pulled away as she blasted another walker that got too close.
Winter wasted no time, quickly raising his sword as he charged forwand, cutting a walker from the horn to the tail, and blasted through the two halves as he engaged another walker with even greater furiosity. Within moments, the throne room had been cleared. Winter turned to look over Cadence. What he saw shocked him.
Cadence's eyes were milky white, and she had a hole starting under her jaw and ending in the back of her head. It had healed over, of course, but the sheer size of the hole should have killed her, despite the fact she was obviously dead.
Winter raised his sword above her head.
"WINTER! PLEASE NO," she begged.
Winter was again shocked. He faltered, for once unsure of what to do. "Cadence, is that really you?"
"IT IS, I SWEAR," Cadence begged. "PLEASE DON'T KILL ME! PLEASE!"
Winter slowly lowered his sword and extended a hand to the crying mare."I would never hurt you, Cadence."
Cadence looked at his hand repulsively before acknowledgeing the gesture and placing her hoof in it. Winter gently eased her to her hooves, noticing sharp pang of pain cross her face as he did.
"Are you okay," Winter asked as Cadence went to sit in her throne.
"No, no I'm not," said Cadence with a shiver. "I feel so cold, and it hurts everywhere. I remember the faces, biting and tearing into me. I remember dying, and wandering the halls. Winter, I-I killed Shining." She broke down in tears.
Winter came over and kneeled down beside her before pulling her into a hug. "Shhh, it's okay, Cadence. You weren't in control of yourself. There was nothing you could do."
"But I killed him," said Cadence through her sobbing, "I killed my Shiny."
"Shhhh," said Winter as he stroked Cadence's mane, "You weren't in control. There was nothing you could do."
"I know," said Cadence as she finally calmed down, "But I watched. It was scary, like I was watching somepony else through their eyes. Tell me, Winter, how long has it been since Spike..." She trailed off, not wanting to say the last words.
"Since Spike put you to sleep," Winter said gently, getting a nod from Cadence, "Thirteen years. You've been dead thirteen years. Don't ask me how you're alive again, well, somewhat, as I have no idea."
"Do you think anypony else came back like me," asked Cadence.
"We'll find out soon," said Winter with a smile, "Don't worry, I'm sure Midnight found a place to hide."
"She's not the pony I'm worried about," Cadence said as Winter's eyes widened.
"Luna."
Meanwhile, in Canterlot Castle...
"AAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"
Luna's eyes flew open, revealing the milky white pupils of an undead pony. At that moment, though, Luna wished she hadn't opened her eyes.
Almost directly in front of her was her own horn, and beyond that was a horde of infected digging into a flailing Celestia.
"SOMEBODY HELP ME," Celestia cried seconds before a sickening snap was heard, her limbs falling lifeless to the floor.
Luna squeezed her eyes shut as the infected began to spew blood from the dead alicorn across the tiled floor.
The events of thirteen years ago were still fresh in her mind, as she had at least kept that intact until Spike had...dealt with her. Knowing that she was incapable of moving her hind legs, she sat as still as possible while the infected fed upon her dead sister.
'Winter, please save me' she thought as the infected continued to eat her sister.
To Die Another Day: Reclamation
Chapter 3: Onwards to Equestria
Chapter 3: Onwards to Equestria
Winter stood before his army once again, the undead Cadence standing at his side. Over the last few hour, she told him of the Fall of Canterlot, her infection, death, and perilous journey to The Crystal Empire. She was also thankfull the Solstice had managed to survive this long, as nations coming only second to it fell like dominos.
Winter cleared his throat. "MEN AND WOMEN OF SOLSTICE! IT HAS COME TO MY ATTENTION THAT ALICORNS CAN, IN FACT, CURE THEMSELVES AFTER BEING KILLED. FOR THIS REASON, WE MUST MARCH ON CANTERLOT IMMEDIATELY! THE 2ND ROYAL GUARD WILL ACCOMPANY ME TO PONYVILLE, THE REST OF YOU ARE TO MARCH ON CANTERLOT! UNDERSTOOD?"
A massive cheer droned from the masses before him.
"YOU HAVE YOUR ORDERS," Winter boomed, "MOVE OUT! AND BE WEARY OF ANY SURVIVORS!"
Flashback, Canterlot, 14 years ago...
Winter stood before Princess Celestia. They were busy discussing the strange virus that was sweeping the nation when General Alexander came in. He had accompanied Winter on this visit, and looked distressed at the moment.
"Prince Winter! Something is happening to the infected," said Alexander, panting as he stopped before the Prince.
"What is happening," asked Winter.
"They're dying," Alexander said, making Winter and Celestia's eyes go wide. "But that's not all. The ones that die are coming back, and they're killing all the ponies in the city below."
Celestia turned to Winter. "Go home, Winter. Seal your borders until this crisis passes."
"I can't do that," said Winter.
"You must," Celestia stated, "I know I've failed you in the past, but I want to rectify my mistakes. Please, Winter."
Winter considered for a moment before he sighed. "Very well, Celestia. But I'm leaving General Alexander here to protect you, and this is not up for debate."
"Very well," Celestia said as Winter nodded before turning to Alexander.
"Keep them safe."
"I will do my best, sire," said Alexander with a salute. "To the last breath."
Winter nodded before turning back to Celestia. "I hope you know what you're doing."
And with that, Winter disappeared in a brilliant flash of blue light.
Winter shook his head as he came back to reality. The main force was barely a glimmering silver dot on the horizon. The 2nd Royal Guard still stood before him, waiting for orders. He turned to see Cadence staring at him, a worried look on her face.
"Just remebering when I last saw Celestia," said Winter with a sigh. "She said she'd have this under control, but look what happened." Winter gestured to the landscape before him. "I know she meant well. I just should have intervened while there was still somepony left to save."
"You don't know that they're all dead," Cadence said in a reassuring tone. "I'm sure somepony made it."
"You're right, as always," Winter said with a smile before turning to his force. "WE MOVE NOW! TO PONYVILLE!"
The guards saluted and began their march as soon as Winter took the lead position, Cadence and General Maximillion close behind.
Some time later, just outside Ponyville...
The fields were peaceful and empty for the first time in a decade, the infected having left hours ago. In this quiet field lay six gravestones, each with a name bearing one of the bearers the Elements of Harmony. One had been apparently dug up, but that was because Rainbow Dash hadn't been properly dealt with at the time.
Suddenly, a lavender hoof shot from the ground under one of the gravestones, this one reading 'Here lies Princess Twilight Sparkle, my closest friend, mentor and big sister'.
Slowly, the rest of the mare began to emerge from the ground. Her head had reformed since Spike's beating, which she remebered all too well.
As soon as Twilight cleared the hole ahe saw the other gravestones as well as her own, and burst into tears. All her best friends were gone, and Spike had killed them all. 'At least it was Spike and not some other pony' Twilight though, realizing she had control of her body.
Back when she first turned, she'd tried desperately to regain control of herself. In the end, she had suceeded, and had allowed Spike to kill her. She'd felt the baseball bat smash her skull to bits, but that left one question.
"How am I alive," Twilight said to herself.
At that moment, something sounded in the distance. It was a horn, and from the distinct sound of it, and the faint yells she could hear in the distance, she could safely guess who was coming.
2nd Solstice Royal Guard, near Ponyville...
For the major part of the journey they encountered minimal resistance, the main force having cleared most of the infected. As they approached Ponyville, though, the resistance began to increase dramatically, reaching into the tens of thousands.
"SOUND THE HORN," yelled Winter as General Maximillion blew into the battle horn. "FORWARD MARCH! KILL THEM ALL!"
The front rows of the formation raised their swords as they began marching forward, Maximillion blowing the horn every so often as the infected fell in the thousands.
"BURN THE BODIES! SHOOT THE FLYERS FROM THE SKY," yelled Winter. "FORWARD! WE MUST TAKE PONYVILLE!"
Within ten minutes the area had been cleared of the massive horde of infected. The troops were clearing up a few stragglers before marching on the town, giving Winter some time to stop and meditate.
Winter sat at the top of a grassy field overlooking Ponyville. Below, he could see the infected moving through the streets, moving ever onward with no destination in mind. Cadence sat beside him, also meditating on what has happened to her and everpony else. A twig snapping behind them broke their concentration. They turned to see a milky-eyed lavender mare staring at them.
"Ah, my dear Twilight," Winter said as if nothing was wrong, "Care to join us? We were just meditating."
Twilight was shock at, well, Winter's lack of shock. That's when she noticed Cadence's milky white eyes.
"She's dead," said Twilight nervously.
"She's dead, you're dead, the ponies down there are dead, everything that wasn't in Solstice as of this morning is dead. Only me and my people still live, as far as we know," Winter said.
"Your people," Twilight asked, as Winter had said it in a strange way.
"Oh, there's General Valor up at Castle Rosethorn, Captain Elegance and Queen Fate, I'm sure you remember those two, and then there's me and those in my city," Winter said. "All that's left of the once great Equestrian Coalition, not that it's not great anymore. We've already retaken The Crystal Empire since we marched out this morning, and the rest of the army is on the way to Canterlot, that is, if they're not there already."
"Wait, weren't YOU in Canterlot," Twilight said as she turned to Cadence.
Cadence nodded. "Spike,' she said, pointing to the bare skin on her head. "Shoved his claw right through."
"Oh," said Twilight in shock, "I'm sorry. It must have hurt a lot."
Cadence nodded. "I killed Shining."
"You WHAT," Twilight said, making Cadence shrink in fear of the purple mare.
"ENOUGH OF THAT! SHE FEELS BAD AS IT IS," boomed Winter.
"Sorry," said Twilight in a small voice.
"It's okay," said Winter. "Now, would you care to join us?"
Twilight nodded as she came and sat between Winter and Cadence, and the three began to meditate.
Canterlot Castle...
Luna dragged herself to the window. The infected that had fed upon her sister had left a short time ago, giving her time to figure out what to do next. That was when she heard a battle horn blare through one of the broken windows. Now reaching the window, Luna was stunned at what lay before her.
Far below, a massive army clad in silver armor was marching on the city, with banners depicting the White Tree of Solstice at regular intervals. Luna had to admit, even after the world ended, the Solstice Army remained as disiplined and organized as ever. She watched as they continued their march upon the city, striking down any walker or flyer that crossed their paths.
Something growled behind Luna, and she pulled her horn close to herself. She had grabbed it the moment the infected had left, but now it seemed that one had stayed behind. She turned to see Shining Armor standing before her, eyes white and teeth barred in a evil smile.
"Fooooooooooooooooooooooooooood," he hissed.
Luna could not so anything as the one she once knew as Shining advanced on her, opening his mouth to bite her and make her a zombie again.
That bite never came.
Luna watched as a sword was thrust through the stallion's head, and watched him fall over limp when the sword was removed. Luna pulled her eyes away from the body of her once good friend to see her savior, and gasped in horror.
Before her stood General Alexander, still clad in his jet black ebony armor. His ebony sword was covered in the fresh blood of Shining Armor, and his armor was coated with layers of dried blood. He was missing an arm, and Luna remembered she was responsible for that. What shocked her, though, was his eyes. They were still normal.
"Princess Luna," asked Alexander, recieving a nod from the disabled mare. "Thank Winter. Can you move?"
Luna shook her head. "My legs. Spike severed my spine before I died."
"I know," Alexander said, "I watched, and waited until now. I'm sorry I couldn't save Celestia. I may be strong, but that doesn't mean I can't be overpowered by sheer numbers, like back when they took the castle."
Luna nodded. "Did anypony else make it, uh, alive?"
Alexander nodded as he lifted Luna. "Elegance and Fate made a break for Solstice a few weeks ago. Crystalia is in Celestia's chambers. She's been holding a flame shield for the last thirteen years, and I don't think she'll las much longer. Midnight Blue, as per her mother's instructions, is holed up in her shop. That's where I'm taking you now."
"No, we need to get Crystalia first," Luna stated. "If they're still attacking her, then she won't be around much longer."
"But Luna, you can't fight," said Alexander.
"Put my horn where it used to be," Luna stated.
Alexander looked at her questioningly for a moment, then shrugged and took the horn, placing it on the stub where it used to be. Almost instantly, the horn reconnected with the stub, and in a few seconds it appeared as though the horn had never broken in the first place. Luna surrounded herself with a magical aura, fixing her broken back and returning her appearance to normal, except her eyes. No matter how hard she tried, they would always return to that milky white colour.
Sighing, Luna turned to Alexander. "Thank you."
"No need," Alexander said with a bow. "Now, let's save Crystalia."
To Die Another Day: Reclamation
Chapter 4: The Liberation of Canterlot
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."
