Equestria: Barbarian Invasion

Ponyville Train Station

The military train was armored from engine to caboose with iron plates. four passenger cars were for Royal Soldiers and in this case, six mares who were the heroes of Equestria. Applejack and Rainbow Dash came first before the train came, Fluttershy arrived next, after making sure her animals were watered and fed. Rarity and Pinkie came next, which Rarity wearing what Rainbow thought was very ridiculous. Rarity had come wearing a fancy yellow dress and a pith hat studded with gems, while carrying a Parasol. "What the hay?" Rainbow said, trying hard not to laugh, "What in Equestria are you wearing?"

"My Travel wear." Rarity said, "I made it my self after that whole affair when we met Daring Do."

Rainbow started at Rarity with her hands on her hips. "You look more like a Canterlot fufu lady would wear!" She said. Rainbow Dash was wearing a fur lined bomber jacket, a sports bra and a pair of tight spats. Applejack was wearing her shirt, leather west and a pair of jean shorts along with her hat while Fluttershy was in a sundress.

As for Pinkie Pie, she was in a t-shirt, a a flannel skirt and a pair of ankle high boots, a gift from Applejack for Pinkie's birthday. What really made it odd was the fact Pinkie was wearing something very odd on her head.

"An't that one of them Sombrero hats?" Applejack asked. "Yep" Pinkie said, smiling. "This morning I was thinking 'should I wear a hat?' after I saw Rarity wearing the explorer hate and I decided to wear a hat, but I had no pith hats so I put on my sombrero!" the others just stared at her. "Pinkie, you are so random." Rainbow said.

"I hope Twilight will tell us what is going on if that is ok with her." Fluttershy stated. Fluttershy was a bit nervous. She did not know what was going on. In fact none of them knew why they were asked to be here.

Finally, Twilight Sparkle arrived, dressed in a silk shirt, a flannel vest and a petted purple skirt. She was carrying a small suitcase. "Sorry I'm late gals." she said, "had to pack a few things." She held up her suitcase, which was full of books of course.

Spike was staying in Ponyville, mainly to keep a eye on Fluttershy's animals and to keep a eye on three young fillies and a Spirit of Chaos. The last time The Cutie Mark Crusaders and Discord were left alone together, the Town Hall was burnt down and that was three months ago!

"So, Twi, what is going on?" Rainbow asked.

"I wish I knew." Twilight replied, "All I got was that I get you guys and we get in this train to Berry Town." Just as she said that, the door to one of the cars opened and a soldier of the Solar Guard stuck her head out. "Ladies, Princess Sparkle," She said, "If you please come in." and With that the six friends went into the passenger car as the Train started up and headed off to Borea.

In the car was a large table with chairs around it. on one end of the Table was a large stallion wearing silver and gold armor of the Solar Guard. he was white with a red mane, dark brown eyes and a square jaw. he had the look of a pony who had seen many battles.

"Welcome, Princess, Ladies," he said. "I am General Panzer Track of the Royal Guard." Twilight looked at him. "I have heard of you!" she said, "You were the one that saved Trottingham from that dragon a few years back!" She had heard of the event when she lived in Canterlot. Panzer Track lead a team of dragon-slayers to fight a black dragon, one that was attacking Trottingham. the dragon was using black sorcery along with it's dragon fire to kill many ponies in the town. It was said that he killed the dragon by tossing his spear into it's heart, saving his men and the ponies of Trottingham from the killer monster.

"Yes I was," he said, then he continued, "I assumed you got Celestia's message?" Twilight nodded, "She said that you would have more information about why we are heading for Berry Town." she said.

Panzer nodded then sat down on the chair, fallowed by Twilight and her friends. "What I am going to tell you all is Top Secret, not to be discussed beyond this train." He then looked around then continued. "For several months now, after Tirek's Defeat, forts and settlements along the Northwestern Borderlands have been attacked by unknown assailants." the six mares gasped and started talking before Panzer held up his hand for silence, then continued. "Many of the forts were destroyed, along with the towns. from all the signs, it appeared that they were raided and sacked. Food and tools were taken along with some valuables like vases, silver plates, gems and other things. The attacks never took any Bits. the only thing they left...were dead ponies."

Fluttershy's eyes were watering up, while Pinkie Pie's Mane deflated. Rarity held her hands to her mouth. "D-dead?" Twilight said, shocked, "as in....killed?" Panzer nodded.

"That attackers did not only target soldiers, but civilians as well, stallions, mares and foals, all killed." Panzer lowered his head. Twilight looked around and saw Applejack having a look of horror, mouthing, "why?" Rainbow Dash had a look of anger on her face. "HOW DARE THEY MURDER INNOCENTS!!!" Dash yelled.

The General continued, "We only found out after traders and supply trains discovered the forts and towns destroyed. So far we have not found any bodies of the attackers. The soldiers and civilians that were killed had blood covered weapons and there was evidence that they did kill some of the attackers, but their bodies were dragged off when they left. What we did also find out was that not all the civilians were killed. Evidence showed that some were taken by the attackers."

"Then the attackers must be Slavers!" Twilight said, only for Panzer to shake his head. "We thought that too, until one of our patrols discovered a slaver camp that was also attacked, same M.O."

He said pulled out a large map of Northwest Equestria. "What we know is that the attacks came from The Region of Borea. What we know of it is that it is thought to be uninhabited. The attackers used iron tipped arrows, the only things the attackers left and from the marks on many of the dead, they used bladed weapons and lances. they rode in on animals of unknown origin and they also wear boots. We have ruled out Centaurs, Minotaurs and Griffins. We even had to rule out Changelings!"

"Is that why we are going to Berry Town?" Twilight asked, wondering if they were going there to protect it from attack.

"Just today, Celestia her self got a blood covered scroll, teleported by magic. It begged for help and that Berry Town was under attack. Outpost 20 may have been also attacked and destroyed."

He then looked at each one of the mares. "While I have my reservations about bring you civilians along." He had a glare shot at him by RD before he continued, "You have saved our nation many times over and Celestia her self hopes that you will do it again." He then sighed, "I hope that you can help us find out who or what is attacking us."

Twilight then looked up. "Because you think they will go deeper into Equestria?" she asked. Panzer nodded gravely. "I fear that this will not end in the Northwest." he said.

That Night, none of the six friends could sleep. Applejack stayed up to comfort Fluttershy. The Poor Pegasus was distraught over the fact that ponies were killed. Rainbow Dash looked like she want to kill who ever was attacking their land. Pinkie Pie was still depressed as was Rarity. Twilight Sparkle was not only shocked and sad.......She was afraid.

Who ever was attacking in the Northwest could attack The heart of Equestria it self. Not even Canterlot or Ponyville were safe. They had to stop the attacks now, before more ponies were killed or taken away.

It was to be a very long night.