Equestria AM (after magic)by bayleaf9514ChaptersWar Never ChangesChapter 1: Left Alone to My WorkChapter 2: The ShieldChapter 4: ReflectionsChapter 5: Battle PlansChapter 3: New BeginningsWar Never ChangesAd by WebsteroidsXX War Never Changes AJ sat atop a hill, frowning at the devastation that she had helped create. Blood stains filed the streets, and buildings layed in heaps of lumber and stone. And it was all her fault. She was the mare to blame to all the anarchic and death that now plagued Appaloosa. She had thought, had hoped, that with her fifty soldiers, the battle would be swiftly won, with vary few, if any, casualty’s. A sort of ragtag attack. In and out, hit hard and fast, so that they could force surrender. Being wrong had never bothered her all that much, at least not as much as, say, Twilight or Rainbow Dash. But this was the worst possible thing she could have been wrong about, and everypony knew it. What was to be an easy battle to retake a tiny town, became a massiker. Reports said there where 20 zebras holding the small, desert town of earth pony farmers. 50 on 20 should have been easy as baking an apple tart. But, the zebras had an ace up there sleeves, (or wherever zebras hide cards in poker). while the rebels where sneaking up to retake the small farm town, 20 zebras flew out of the town, right towards AJ's troops. The sight left them all dumbfounded, starring up at the winged zebras, right up until they unleashed a barrage of magic bolts on them. It was a disaster. Sure they had won, but at the price of 37 casualty’s. 37 pones left dead, or nearly so. Apple Jack wouldn’t even fare attacking 5 zebra warriors if they where to attack what her plan had left of the small town. She had sent word to the red herd about the situation, hoping that some of fluttershys people where someplace close by. The red herd where a group dedicated to helping others. created when the was first started, they bided there time going from battle field to battle field helping any who had been effects by the tragedy. They offered consoling to those who have lost loved ones, and treatment to the physically and mentally wounded. She hoped that they would send a few of there doctors and nurses to help the wounded. Sure, they wouldn’t help unless the could fix up the enemy zebras to, but at least she wouldn’t have to see more of her friends put underground. It warmed her heart, seeing the town of earth pones, many of which where her relatives, bandaging and medicating the wounded, and making repairs on the damages buildings. Sure, none of them had magic or wings, but that didn’t mean they couldn’t lend a hoof. Lost in thought, Apple Jack hadn’t even noticed that rainbow had flown up beside her, standing with her at the overlook. AJ jumped when she looked over to see the rainbow maned mare suddenly standing beside her. “pht...ha ha ha ha ha, you jumped like six feet!” Rainbow cried, laughing. “you-you should have seen, your face! Hahaha!” “Rainbow!” Applejack shouted, causing Rainbow to stop what she was doing. “it...really wasn’t that funny.” Rainbow said, biting her lip to keep from giggling. “yea, right...” Applejack said, again looking out at the ruined town before her. “Why are you so down, Apple Jack? Aren’t you happy? Come on, we won!” Rainbow said, patting Apple Jack on the back. “If Pinkie Pie where here, she would already be throwing us the biggest town freeing party ever.” “Well, yea, I guess so.” Apple Jack said, picking at the ground with her hoof. “Its just that...we led 37 pones to get hurt, even killed, because we didn’t know that zebras had some flying magic. its bad enough they have saddle mounted spell blasters, but now... If we had been more prepared, even spoken to Zecora for a few minutes, we could have been ready.” Rainbow sighed, and put a hoof around apple jacks shoulder, and sighed. “This is a war, Apple Jack. And the fact is, war isn’t a pretty thing. Its bloody, horrible, and terrifying. But, if you cant find happiness in the little things, and hold onto it, you will loss yourself. The depression will tear you apart from the inside. And that is when, and only when, the zebras win.” Apple Jack looked up at her friend, and smiled the first real smile she had in days. “Thanks Rainbow.” “No prob. And That, is why they call me loyalty.” “Ha ha, yea. its funny to think we only got these jobs because of our elements. Darn spys have been tipping off the zebras.” "I heard about that. smart to have honesty and loyalty be in charge of an attack." "yea." apple jacks smile slowly faded as she ralized rainbow didnt fly all the way up there to chat. She sighed, closeing her eyes, and asked. “You didn’t come up here to give me a pep talk though, did you?” “Nope. The people of Appaloosa have offered to join our ranks. If we can arm them, that gives us...fify... minus thery-sevi...umm.... 27 men.” she said grinning. “did I do good, or what?” “Rainbow, that’s great news! Send out our fasted flier,” Apple Jack said, as Rainbows smile widened farther. “That isn’t you, to have camp sent us more weapons.” “Wow, you know how to shot a girl out of the sky, don’t you?” rainbow asked, giving her wings a flap. “Alright, anything else?” “Send a messenger to twilight. I’m betting if any pony knows something about that wing magic, it'll be her.” Fluttershy moved through her clinic, moving from patient to patient to make sure they were all doing well. Sometimes they would ask for a drink of water, or ask about a loved one or someone from there platoon. Most times, however, they just nodded and thanked her. Sometimes they did more then that, making fluttershy feel vary uncomfortable. The ruble of Detrot city was like nothing fluttershy had ever seen. The town was left in ruin by the giant battle. Building lied in heaps, ruble congested the streets. And even worst, where the pones and zebras who were hurt in the battle. When she first started the red herd, she told herself that is she could change one pones life, then she would be happy. The fact that the red herd was giving aid to all the pones and zebras hurt in combat warmed her heart. Nothing put a bigger smile on her face then telling some pony that there friend or loved one was going to be perfectly alright. It made her feel almost as good as helping the hurt pones out in the first place. Sadly, it wasn’t true for all of them. Earlier that morning, a stallion had come in looking for his brother. having checked everywhere else in the Detrot city, he figured he would be at the temporary clinic. Fluttery couldn’t even think about giving them the news without getting emotional. Luckily for her, rarity had steeped in and let them down easy. The idea of having to tell some pony that they had lost a loved one, a friend, or a family member was nearly enough to put Fluttershy to tears. With Rarity off to help apple jack, it was only a matter of time until she would have to give some pony the bad news. The temporary clinic they had set up looked like something out a horror movie. He beds where mostly piles of blood stained blankets, scavenged from the ruins of houses and stores. The actual clinic was made up of a few dozen tarps, help up but metal poles. It wasn’t much, but it was better then the collapsed hospital. They where understaffed, overwhelmed by all the wounded that keep making there way there, and, painfully low on meds. She had her unicorns doing there best with healing magic, but the zebras wouldn’t let them cast it on them. And some wounds where to bad for magic alone. It was an uphill battle, and vary soon they would be treating people in the streets, but wasn’t worried. Where ever you turned, you would see zebras and rebels working together, offering what little help they could to make a difference. The aftermath of the battle brought a unity to those who suffered on it. If only the two races could be united otherwise... The helpers might not have been doctors, but they had a growing number of field medics from both sides who kept showing up. Some of them even knew how to treat combat wounds better then the red herds own doctors. It warmed fluttershys heart, but not enough to wipe the determined and tired look off her face. They had been at if for nearly two days, and in that two days, they all learned two things. You cant save every pony, and coffee is a great substitute for sleep. “Help! Some pony help us!” Fluttershy raced through the clinic, not even thinks as she dodged volunteers, and weaved around beds, searching for the source of the voice. In seconds, fluttershy had left the safety and comfort of the tarp that had kept the rain and sun off of them and the wounded, into the wasteland that was detrot city. In front of her, was the demolished buildings that had once made up town square. The once lush and beautiful down center was now decimated and bleak. Nothing but gray stone and brown dirt. In the distance, two figures where trudging towards the tent. A stallion, and a zebra, walking side by side. It wasn’t the two walking towards her that worried her, but what was laying across the stallions back. A bright purple pagasi mare lied motionless, supported by the barely conscious pony carrying her. She appear to be soundly sleeping on the backs of the two strong men. fluttershy knew better. Futtershy broke into a gallop, leaving a cloud of kicked up dirt and ash in her wake. The distance the little yellow pony had covered left the stallion in awe, until he fell over on his side, sending the purple mare rolling off of his back. Fluttershy crouched down beside the mare and checked her vital signs. Then, she did the same with the stallions. “umm, excuse me, zebra, sir?” Fluttershy asked, looking over at the stripped creature. the zebra looked at the pony for a moment, studying her, and nodded. “would you mind terribly, about going into the clinic, and searching for a unicorn named sunray. Shes my vary best healer, and I just know she can help these pones better then I can.” the zebra simply nodded, and ran off towards the clinic, quickly disappearing in a cloud of dirt, dust, and ash. Fluttershy jumped as the stallion got to his feet. “Oh, im sorry I startled you.” he said, giving her a small smile. “Oh, um, its alright. What are your names.” “I’m apple seed. As fer her, I don’t know in the slightest. I just found her laying in the street under some rubble.” He said, breathing heavily. “Is she gonna to be ok?” “I need to see whats wrong with her first, but don’t worry. I promise, you'll be the first to know.” Fluttershy gasped, pulling her hoof away from the back of the purple mares neck. Her hoof had changed from its normal, bright yellow, to a sickly crimson. “Oh dear celestia!” The stallion said, falling onto his side. “Oh my.” Fluttershy said, looking at the pony who had just fainted in front of her. She understood being a little unnerved by the sight of blood, by she had never actually seen a pony faint from seeing it. In itself, in was a little unnerving. “Fluttershy!” A mare yelled from behind. She locked back to see a bright yellow unicorn, with a first aid saddle bag hanging out of her mouth. A zebra fallowed shortly behind her. The yellow mare sat down across from fluttershy, on the other side of the purple patient. “What happened to her?” Sunray asked. “I think she may have hit her head off of something. Could you, maybe, take her inside and try to slow the bleeding. Then, umm, use your X-ray spell to make sure her brain isn’t bused to badly. If you wouldn’t mind.” “I'm on it.” She said, wrapping the pagisi in an aura of green magic. “Mr. zebra, can you help me get this stallion inside please?” The zebra only nodded. Fluttershy hated the harshness of the world she now found herself living in. Every day she had to go though watching pones die. Watching loved ones hear the bad news. She could only imagine what it would feel like for the ones who planed the attacks. Worst part was, the rebels attempt at making things like they use to be was making things even worse. Every battle since the zebras took over was caused by the rebels, fighting to take back what they had lost. Every innocent pony... But she cant blame them for fighting. The zebras have princes Luna and princes celestia. They banned the use of magic to all none government officials, and the organization she had governed. And they took over the rule of cloudsdale, ordering them to change the weather as they saw fit. But that doesn’t justify it all. the fighting has to stop, or soon, there would be no pones left for her to save. Chapter 1: Left Alone to My WorkChapter 1: Left Alone to My Work Ad by WebsteroidsXXChapter 1: Left Alone to My Work Twilight wiped the fog away from the window to see what was going on out side. She had been working in her room, when a loud, angry shout broke her concentration. Across the street, three zebras, silhouetted by the moon light, where standing outside of her neighbors house. Apparently, they weren’t welcomed guests. Twilight sighed, and walked back towards her room to get back to work, having confirmed what she had already guested. Peace keepers where arresting the mare across the street. Twilight had seen the mare use magic multiple times out in public, and knew it was only a matter of time before the zebras made an example of her. They called the soldiers stationed in towns peace keepers, but they where just bullies. Ever since they became the law enforcers, crime had sky rocketed. Twilight had never really made a habit to get to know her neighbors. She wasn’t really as keen on making friends as pinkie pie, But that didn’t mean she didn’t feel for them. The vary idea of being trapped in a prison for 6 months was terrifying. She couldn’t even think about the alternative. It was so alien to her, living in fear of those in power. Having to lock your door when you went out. Staying clear of dark alleys. It was so unlike anything she had ever felt. She feared equestria. She feared for equestria. What made it worse, was that for the first time in her life, twilight had no pony to turn to. All her friends had left to try and make the world a better place. Her teacher- x-teacher, was gone. what did she do? Spent her time trying to find a way, any way, to contact her. To ask her what she had to do next. She wanted to find the princes as, (if not more) badly then the rebels. But for a different reason. The rebels needed a powerful leader to help them fight off the zebra overlord. Twilight just wanted to be given a job to do. To be told how to help the people of her land. Some princes she was. She felt like a filly, waiting for her mother to tell her how to salve a math problem. Not that her mother had ever helped her with math, more like the other way around. Twilight dragged herself back to her her desk, trying her best to keep herself awake. Twilight sat down at her desk, and downed the remainder of her coffee, the bitter taste attacked her taste buds. Soon, the caffeine would give way to a creative spark, that would hopefully lead to a plan. “I’m not a leader. I’m not a princes.” She muttered, levitating some books off of the shelf, and setting them onto the desk. “Might as well keep working on the tracking spell. Just have to re-read every book on tracking and scrying magic in the library. No biggie.” “Alright twilight, lets do this. Tonight, you find princes celestia.” “Twilight. Twilight. Twilight!” Twilight opened her eyes, responding to Spikes voice as it guided her out of her dreams. She squinted as the bright day light assaulted her vision. “Go away Spike.” She muttered, putting her hoof over her head and closing her eyes. “I need to rest.” Spike wasn’t surprised to find Twilight passed out at her desk. Over the past few months, it had become a regular thing. He always joked that she should work time for sleeping at her desk in her schedule, but Twilight didn’t find it nearly as funny. “Come on Twilight, its morning.” Spike said, shacking the purple mares foreleg. “Its time to wake up. I made you oat pancakes.” “Ugh...fine.” Twilight lifted her head up off the book she had fallen asleep on, and rubbed what was left of sleep out of her eyes. Her body felt stiff and achy, a felling that she was getting use to waking up to. Oak wood made a vary nice house, but not such a nice bed. As she stood up, the weight of her eye lids threatened to close her eyes again. “Spike, can you put on some coffee to?” She asked, “Already on it!” He yelled from the kitchen. Twilight got to her feet and stumbled down the stairs and into the kitchen, working the stiffness out of her legs. “Wow Spike, that smells amazing.” She said groggily, taking a seat at the table, again rubbing her eyes. “I try.” Spike says, setting the food and coffee down in front of her. Twilight griped the coffee mug in her magic, and brought it to her lips. The heat from the coffee filed her belly, warming her up. She hadn’t even noticed how cool it was in the house. Twilight didn’t really like coffee all that much, but it had become a necessity on days like this. Some mornings, she just needed a little help starting the day. Just as twilight was about to cut into the amazing looking omelet in front of her, a loud banging made drew her attention, causing her magic to falter. Her fork feel to the floor. “What in the-” KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK “Oh, for crying out loud!” Twilight snapped. “Can't I get through a single meal without some pony interrupting me?” “Hey, its your fault. I’m not the one that dropped a fork.” Spike asked. “what?” “When you drop a fork, company comes. Every pony knows that.” “They do not-” KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK “Ugh....” “So, do you want me to get that?” Spike asked. “No. im going to get through one meal without being interrupted.” She said, stomping her foot. “What if its important?” Spike asked, picking up twilight’s fallen fork and getting her a new one. “Then it can wait ten minutes.” She said, graving her new fork in her magic. She picked up a forkful of omelet, and brought it to her mouth, is aroma filling her nostrils. KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK “Ugh! Just get the bucking door!” She snapped, throwing her fork on her plate. “I thought you would never ask.” “every time I go to eat.” She muttered, as Spike left the room. Spike opened the front door of the library, and beckoned for an energetic pink pony to enter. “Heya spike.” Pinkie Pie said with a smile. “Wheres twilight?” “She in the kitchen eating.” He told her. “Thanks. La lala lala.” She sang, bouncing towards the amazing smelling food. “Helloooooo Twilight!” Pinkie sang, coming into the kitchen. Again, Twilight’s fork fell from her magic and clattered to the floor. “Ugh.... Hi pinkie.” “What'cha doing?” “I was eating.” “Oh. Well don’t let me stop you, I just thought I would drop by.” “Whys that?” Twilight asked, picking her fork back up and cleaning it off. “Well, you've seemed really down lately and I thought that you could use some cheering up.” “Thanks Pinkie, but im fine, really.” “Well I I know that silly. But im here to make you super duper ultra amazingly GREAT!” She squealed, bouncing around the table. Pinkies constant circling made Twilight a little bit dizzy. She wondered how the mare herself was faring. “I’m sorry Pinkie, but I have a lot of work to do, and-” “Nope. Your taking a day off, and that’s final.” “But-” “Nope.” “What about-” “Nope.” “I need to-” “ 'fraid not.” Twilight let out a deep sigh. “Alright Pinkie, you win.” “Oh my gosh!” “Did you really think I wouldn’t go?” “No, my pinkie sense, my pinkie sense!” “Is something going to fall!” Spike shouted from the other room, cowering under the table. “No, nothing like that.” She said back. “Well then what?” Twilight asked. “I had and eye flutter, fallowed by floppy ears, and then an itchy nose! Isn’t it great!?” “Ummm...sure. What does that mean, exactly??” “It means, some pony I know is going to make a new friend. And its you!” “You sure about that?” “100-million percent.” “Well, I don’t have time for a new friend right now. I barely have time for the friends I do have.” “Well, my pinkie sense says your going to make a new friend.” “Right. So, whats first on your list of things to cheer me up?” “Ha ha, I don’t make lists Twilight, that’s a you thing. Half the fun of doing things is figuring out what super fun things your going to do!” “Umm...alright.” “Come on.” Pinkie said, grabbing Twilight and pulling her towards the door. Twilight tried to fight her, but the mare managed to pull her away from her untouched meal. Chapter 2: The ShieldChapter 2: The Shield Warding Soul hated small towns with a burning passion. In Manehatten or Canterlot, he could easily move about without drawing any ponies attention. The moment he walked into ponyville, every pony on the street was stairing at the strange midnight blue unicorn who had flew into town. Maybe that’s why everyone was starring at him. A unicorn flying into town probably was an unlikely event in this tiny settlement. As much as he wanted to tell them all that the rubbery bat like wings he had were a simple spell, it was a lot safer for them to think he was some sort of alicorn. The pones in the town seemed to perk up a bit at seeing the new comer, although ward has no idea why. The pones of the town still seemed on edge despite there happy nature. Something he come to expect in most pony settlements. He had been to this tiny town once before, and he had found it nice. Now it just felt...darker somehow. All the pones out in the streets where doing business with street venders, or talking quietly to each other. Not a single filly or colt seemed to be out enjoying the evening sun. Ponyville wasnt as bad as some of the other places he had wondered through though. In fillydelphia, he had been mugged right after landing. That poor thief... He sighed as every head on the street turned his way, watching the new comer and gauging his intent. They almost seemed to be guessing how many bits where in his saddlebags. Don worry about them, you have a job to do Ward shook his head slightly, pushing back the voice in his head. He didn’t need her breathing down his neck. Not for something like this. Shortly ahead of him, a peace keeper was trying to barter with the mare running a fruit stand. Ward studied the zebra, trying to figure out if he looked familiar. Ugh, they all look the same! If ward passed by that zebra, and he recognized him, it was all over. They would take his horn for what he had done. Ward continued to walk towards the center of town, fainting interest in the wares some of the venders had. He made his way past the zebra guard, his crystal horn gleaming as the sun shone through it. Ward smiled to himself as he moved pass the zebra, silently congratulating himself on not getting busted. “hey you, wait!” Ward froze, paralyzed by the fear of being imprisoned. He had made it to far for his journey to end here. He had to find her. Ward turned towards the voice, breathing slowly to keep himself from panicking. Ward let out a sigh of relief. It wasn’t the zebra that had yelled at him, but the green earth pony running the fruit stand. She was beckoning for him to come over. “Your new in town, right?” The green mare running the stand asked as Ward walked up beside the zebra. “Ugh...yea, that's right,” He said, nodding. “Just got here from detrot. Why?” “Well, this zebra here seems to think im trying to rip him off.” She said slyly, motioning at the zebra with the muzzle. “That’s cause you are!” The zebra snapped. “Calm down, or get lost!” She snapped at the zebra, stomping a hoof. She turned back to ward. “So, out-of-towner, what would you pay for a watermelon” “Well. Umm...in detrot city, it would cost 18 bits... usually.” Ward said. “What do you charge?” “15 bits.” She said, looking at the defeated zebra. “So, are you convinced now?” “Fine.” He muttered, dropping 15 bits on the stall. The zebra levitated the melon into his saddlebag, using his crystal horn implant, and walked away. The earth pony chuckled as the zebra muttered something about greedy pones. “Thanks for that.” the mare said, smiling. “Most pones would have kept on walking.” “Im not most pones.” Ward said. “So wings, what brings you to ponyville?” “Im looking for some pony. An old relative I haunt seen in a while. She lives in a haloed out tree, but I have no idea where it is. Also, do you now a good place to get a bite?” “Well.... The library is a tree. Its down over that way.” The mare said motioning with her hoof. “Go two blocks, take a left. Giant tree, you cant miss it. As for a place to eat, im going to assume by good you mean cheap. the Hay Burgers not bad.” “Oh, thanks...umm...” “Clear Sky.” “thank you, Clear Dky..” She smiled, as ward turned and made his way to the nearby restaurant. Sure his mission was important, but he hadn’t had a hot meal in over a week and a half. “Whats the matter twilight, you've hardly touched your food?” Pinkie asked, motioning to twilight’s barley touched meal. Pinkie pie had never seen her eat so little at her favorite restaurant. Twilight poked at her burger, and sighed. “It looks good, but I just don’t feel like eating.” “Come on twilight, its your favorite.” Pinkie sung. “Just forget about all that work stuff and enjoy yourself.” “Im trying pinkie, I really am. Its just that, I cant take my mind off it.” “Sometimes, the answer your looking for comes to you when you stop thinking about it.” Pinkie said, smiling. Twilight couldn’t help but giggle at the ketchup dripping down her face. “See, there you go. Laugh, smile, have some fun.” “Alright pinkie, I’ll try harder to have some fun.” “Good, i-” Pinkie stooped as she looked at her left hoof. “Cold hoof, cold hoof!” “What does that mean?” Twilight asked. “It means that im going to meet some pony new!” “Come on pinkie pie, who could that possibly be? You already know everypony in ponyville.” The moment warding soul stepped foot into the restaurant, he was assaulted by the succulent aroma of food. After weeks on the road, even a simple daffodil burger tasted like gourmet food. He had to stop himself from drooling, as he made his way to an empty table, and sat down on the barrel. He had never eating anywhere like the hay burger, but he didn’t care. The smell of the amazing burgers and the crispy fires made his mouth water and his stomach rumble. “Welcome to the hay burger.” His waitress said as she walked up. “May I take your order?” “Hi, I’ll have a double chess burger, extra lilac and daffodil, hay fries, and a mug of hard cider.” He told the orange mare “Ok, they’ll be 54 bits.” “54 bits!” he burst out, utterly shocked at the price. Clear Sky said the place was cheap. “Times are tough kid.” “Ugh.” Ward stooped himself from levitating the money out of his saddle bag, and reached in to get it. Not the best idea to use magic in public with all the pones eying the new guy in town. Ward put his little bag of bits on the table, and counted out 54 bits. The waitress took the money, and left. Ward looked at his nearly empty sack of money, and then placed it back in his saddle bag. A few minutes later, the waitress returned with a plate full of awesome. The food looked nearly as good as it smelled. Ward bit into the burger, closing his eyes and chewing it slowly. its perfect mixture of flavors flowed through his mouth like a river. It was the single greatest thing he had tasted in weeks. So much better then the bitter dried fruits he had to eat on the road. Ward opened his eyes to find a pink mare with a messy mane starring at him happily. Ward took a drink of his cider, which tasted nearly as good as the burger. “Umm...hi?” Ward said to the strange earth pony watching him eat. “Hi.” the Pinke mare said back, wairing a giant grin. “Ugh... can I help you?” “I did really want a cup cake earlier, but im eating lunch now, so I doubt I would have room. Thanks for asking though.” “ugh, okay....” ward said. There was something about this mare that made him vary uncomfortable. “So, what brings you to ponyville?” “Business.” “Ohhh, what kind of business? Is it cider? Realastate? Or delivery? Maybe selling zap apple jam? Are you a courier?” “Im looking for some pony.” “Well in that case, your talking to the right pony. I know everypony in ponyville. Well, except for you. I’m pinkie pie.” “Warding Soul.” “Awe, I was going to guess!” Pinkie cried. “Oh well, to late now. So, wardie, who is it your looking for?” “I cant tell you.” “Because its a secret?” Pinkie squealed. “No, because...I cant.” Warding Soul new he needed to get out of this conversation, but he couldn’t figure out how without offending the filly. “You can tell me, I wont tell any pony.” “Do you really now every pony in town?” “I do now.” “So, you could help me find her?” “So its a her...Was it an X-mare friend? Or a long lost relative? Is it a mare thief that stole from you?” “No, no, and no. If you really want to help, you have to promise not to tell any pony.” “Cross mu heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye.” She said, doing a vary strange set of hoof gestures as she said it, after which she poked herself in the eye. “Alright then... Im looking for a student who lives in a tree.” “A student?” “Yes.” “Well, i don’t know any pony like that.” Pinkie pie said. “Why do you need to find her.” “Because its my mission. My quest.” “A quest? Sounds super duper fun!” “Yea, sure, fun. Now why don’t you go back to your table so I can get back to it?” “Okie dokie lokie.” Pinkie said, walking back to her table, and sitting beside a purple alicorn. “Crazy mare.” He mumbled, continuing his meal. Just as ward was finishing up his meal, he got another surprise visit. The purple alicorn that pinkie had been sitting with had trotted over. “Hey, lesson, im sorry about my friend.” The mare said. “She can be kind of....” “Eccentric?” he asked. “Yea, lets go with that.” “Its fine. Really.” “So, I heard something about a quest?” “Yes.” “Care to share?” “If the wrong pony finds out about in, im boned. So... no.” “what if I told you im close to Apple Jack?” Twilight said. She knew that every pony in the rebellion knew or knew about Apple Jack. Maybe this colt was on a mission for them. If he was, she had no doubt him knowing she was close friends with AJ would get him to open up. It took a moment for wards brain to kick in. Apple Jack was one of the generals for the rebellion. She had helped him out in filliedephia. If apple jack trusted this mare, then maybe he should give her the benefit of the doubt. “Well, if the element of honest can trust you, I guess I can.” “Wait, really?” “Yea. Just let me finish up, we can talk outside.” Chapter 4: ReflectionsAd by WebsteroidsXXAd by WebsteroidsXX Chapter 4: Reflections “Wow, this is really good.” Twilight told ward, as she ate her french toast. “You know, you didn't have to make breakfast. That’s usually spikes job.” “It was nothing.” He said, putting down his coffee. “I figured I would do something for you since you let me stay the night here.” “After a long journey like that to find me, I wasn’t going to let you wast the little money you have left on an inn.” “Yea, but you didn’t have to, so I figured I would repay you.” “Thank you regardless. so...” “So...?” “Anything else I should know about this quest of yours?” “Skipping over the small talk? ok. I was sent to find you to help you end the war.” “By finding the princesses?” “No.” “I don’t understand. We need the princesses to lead the rebellion. If we had there help, we could attack canterlot and they could-” “Loss. Again.” Ward cut her off, nearly sending Twilights eyebrows through the roof. “The overlord has only gotten more powerful since his rise to power. The two sisters are weaker then he was, and far weaker then he is. If we want to win, we need a real leader. Some pony who understands the zebras magic and the art of war.” “But...that’s not possible. Zebras have less magic then earth pones, a single zebra cant have possibly taken-” “Do you even no what happened the day of the take over?” Ward asked. “Do you even now how we lost?” “No pony dose.” “I do. I was there.” Twilight gasped, prepared to call her guest on his bluff. Her brain betrayed her, of course. It made sense that he was there when the zebras attacked because he was Lunas student. In fact, she couldn’t come up with any scenario that would stop him from being at the castle that night. “The zebra army advanced into the city, wielding weapons crafted from gems. The strange crystal tipped spears absorbed any spell cased at it. any defensive or offensive spell we threw at them was useless. “The guards where forced to go spear to spear with the zebras, but where heavily outnumbers. All our forces had been sent to to the border towns to keep them from falling. The idea of the zebras attacking canter lot directly was never even considered. The zebras used there strange magic to make themselves invisible, and then they just walked. An army marched through our country, to the heart, without any pony seeing it. “Shine armor ordered the guards to fall back to the keep, so that they could protect the princesses. The princesses protected the royal guard just as much as the guard protected them. Soon, they where dug into the castle keep, more then ready to ward of any attack. “By this point, both Shining and I had both tried to put up magical barriers around the castle, but the moment a zebra touched there magic reducing spears to them, our magic would falter. Luna ordered us to stop wasting our energy. “The zebras had taken most of the castle, and most of the guards with them. Forty guards stood in the castle keep, waiting for the zebras to try there hand at taking our alicorn rulers. We all figured that without magic, defeating the princesses was impossible. “Then, Discord showed up. I didn’t have as big of a problem with the chaos spirit as Luna did. Heck, some of the pranks he would pull around the castle were really funny. He said, “if any of you wish to live, you best get out while you can.” “Of course, Luna and Celestia assumed that he may be becoming hostile, so they got up. Shining stood in front of Celestia and out a shield around her. I did the same for Luna, but I was outside of mine. “Im not making a threat.” He said. “just simply stating a fact. I've seen the leader of these zebras. He makes me look like an earth pony.” “I asked him what he meant, but he just laughed. He said, “Not even you can protect any pony from him, Warding Soul. The more they kill, the stronger he gets.” With that discord left, walking out a door he made appear, and closing it behind him. Shortly after, we all saw what he meant. “The zebra overlord walked into the keep, and right through all our defenses. He had a large crystal horn sticking out of his head, glowing a bright red. With a single nod, all of the guards were pushed up against the walls, save for me and shining armor. “We both put up out shield spells around the princesses, as we were trained to do. I helped develop the tactic. Once Luna had a spell ready, I would open up the shield enough for her to cast at the target. I got the idea from a daring do book. “Anyway, we did that, but every time a spell neared him, it became this swirling mist of red. It got absorbed by this red gem he wares around his neck. Luna and I new what it was right away. “A while before, the zebras had asked us for a magical weapon. We had the elements of harmony to keep evil at bay, but the zebras had nothing. They feared that when the stars attacked, there land would be left to ruin, as it has been in there past. “We gave them a small red gem, said to be star swirls final invention. It would absorb the energy of anything that was cased at it. Or anything that died nearby. It was called the dragon tear. we gave it to them as a peace offering, but instead, they used it to destroy us. It was never meant as a weapon, but as a shield. Somehow, the zebras found a way to fashion working horns out of gemstones, and surgically implant them into themselves. “Then, celestia and Luna looked at each other, and nodded. There was this brilliant flash of light. the next thing I new, shining and I where standing in the main hall of the crystal empire.” Twilight sat at the other end of the table, staring down at her food. She was trying to process everything that had been said, but she could make sense of it. She felt like she was staring a paradox in the face. For some reason, she had thought equestria lost because there where more zebras then pones. But from what the rebels said after missions, the opposite was true. Twilight sat silently in her chair, thinking it all over again and again. An artifact that absorbed the energy of anything fired at it, and took the magic of the dead. It sounded familiar, and yet, it felt like fiction. Ward hoped he hadn’t upset twilight in some way. She was just sitting at the table, staring into her plate. He knew the look she was wearing. It was the look princess celestia got when ever she was in deep thought. Much like when he had given himself wings, which Luna had kindly let him keep. Spike stood near the stove, apparently thinking about what he had said as well. Ward had no clue how long the baby dragon had been standing there, or how much of the story he had heard. “So...that’s how it happened?” She asked quietly. “Yes. I’m sorry I don’t know more, but...they teleported us out. They saved our lives.” “I-I have to go upstairs. I just-i need a minute.” She said, getting up from her chair, tears streaming down her face. “Take all the time you need.” Ward sat in front of his plate for another five minutes, his apatite gone. He was about to clear of the table when spike grabbed his plat first. “Here, allow me.” He said, clearing off the table and taking the dishes over to the sink. “Thank you.” “No, thank you. I don’t know about any of that stuff you said, but She needed to hear it.” “I know she did, as much as it hurt me to tell her.” He sighed. “I made her cry.” “I know, and I’ll get you back for that by the way. But i think...i think you may have gotten through to her. The hole time the zebras have been in charge, all shes done is make up theorys about what happened to the princesses. for every theory, came a stream of spells to find, speak, or get to them. Now, maybe she can help end the war.” “Yea, maybe.” He said. “Should I go check on her?” “No. when shes ready to talk, she'll come back down. Its best to wait for her to proses it all on her own.” “Alright.” “So, was it all true?” “What?” “The story, is that how it happened?” “I left out everything to graphic.” Chapter 5: Battle PlansAd by WebsteroidsXXAd by WebsteroidsXX Chapter 5: Battle Plans Twilight lied in her bed, crying softly into her pillow. She had never really mourned the loss of the princesses before. She just thrown herself into one project after another, avoiding the fact that she was alone. No, not alone. Ward had seeked her out. He had told her the truth. Had shown her the way. If she was going to end this war, she was going to need his help to do it. Now that she knew what she was up against, she could make a plan. They could make a plan. At least now she new they where still alive. No way Luna could go into Warding Souls dreams and tell him to find her otherwise. Discord was alive too, which was something at least. Maybe she could get him to give the zebras a little chaos. Twilight new now that she had to do something. All the time spent trying to find celestia was simply a search for closer. Now she had it. Next on her list, to get back at the bastard that had taken her world from her. Applejack and Rainbow Dash sat in the thrown room of the Castle of the Two Sisters, which the Rebellion had made there base of operations. The place was heavily fortified, invisible from the air, and had more then enough rooms of accommodate the troops. Not everyone there was there to fight though. Many of the pones that now lived at the castle where refugees, or just didn’t want to live under zebra law. Thanks to the civilians, the castle had its own small farm, a black smith, an enchantress, a cook, and even an architect. The castle was getting restored, thanks to the architect and the many unicorn workers who have offered to help out. The rule was, if you stay at the castle, then you had to help out. Many of the pones staying there have come to calling the place fort freedom. The only truly free place in equestria. The name fit pretty well. AJ and Rainbow sat at a conference table, with 10 other stressed mares and stallions. They where trying to plan there next move, after the failure at detrot city. They have 400 fighting pones left, plus the troops posted in towns that they've liberated. The rebels where ran by a council of 12 generals, 4 of each race. 2 male, 2 female. “All im saying, is that if we don’t act now, then they will. If they where to attack any of our towns, we wouldn’t win. The pones we have posted there would die, or be captured.” One of the earth pony leaders said. “We cant win a frontal assault on canterlot, we cant even get through the force field.” Shining armor said, shacking his head. “Not with that attitude.” Rainbow said. “If we can get one of those magic reducing spears, then we can take out the shield and come in from the top.” She said smiling. “Dash, we have 130 pagisi here, none of which have any fighting experience, save for the ones who got wounded at Appaloosa.” Spit Fire said. “I wouldn’t trust half of them with a spit ball, let alone magic element blasters.” “The great and powerful Trixi believes that she can shield the pagisi long enough for them to get to the castle.” “Ya mean like that one time you said you could beat down an Ursa, then you did?” Apple Jack asked. “Oh, right, that was Twilight.” “Do you doubt, the great and powerful trixi!” “Yes!” Every pony at the table shouted. “I think I may have an idea.” A black mare said, standing up. She had a bow clipped to her saddle, and a quiver attached to her saddlebags. The purple bows color almost seemed to move and shimmer as its magic became restless. Swirls of midnight blue energy weaved through its wood. “Alright Shadow Soul, what'ch you got?” Rainbow asked. “Its a long shot, but I think it will work. We need to get a smell team inside the city.” “You realize how hard it would be to get rebels into the city without being noticed?” Shining asked. “Yes, but it'll be worth it. they go in, takes out the guard posts, takes out the shield, then the pagisi move in under the cover of night and attack. I can teach a unicorn a portal spell to move in the unicorn and earth pones.” “The great and powerful Trixi would like to learn this spell.” She said. “Oh, give it up Trixi, we know your not great and powerful.” Rainbow shouted. “After this, I will be known as the unicorn who saved equestria! I'll go down in history as a hero!” She shouted. “I think shadow would be in there a'fore you.” AJ said. “its her spell and her plan.” “Ya got that right.” shadow said. “Right. Like they would let a hornless unicorn in a history book before me.” Trixi said laughing. “What did you just say!” Shadow shouted, getting up from her chair and drawing her bow with her weak levitation magic. “Oh, whats the mater shadow, zebra got your horn?” Trixi asked. “You bitch!” She shouted, preparing to strike trixi with her bow. “Hey!” Shining shouted, drawing every pones attention. “There is a war going on outside that door.” He said, pointing towards the exit with his hoof. “There is enough fighting in equestria already, we don’t need it in here to.” “Im sorry shining armor.” Shadow soul said, putting her bow away and taking her seat. Trixi stuck her tung out at shadow, which she wisely ignored. “Would it be possible for this team to make it to the treasury?” Apple Jack asked shadow. “That depends on where your going with this.” She said. “The rebels need bits sure, but not that badly.” “No, nothing like that. I think me and rainbow would be more helpful with our elements, is all.” “Buck yea. We get those, then it is over for that zebra. One blast from there magic, and boom!” Rainbow said, hovering three feet above her chair, and making what she thought was an exploding gesture. “The elements are useless without the other four users. But I guess we could get them just in case.” “The elements are our best shot at wining.” Rainbow said. “the princesses couldn’t beat Discord or Nightmare moon. with the elements, we did. I think its safe to say that if we get them back, then we can take out the zebra overlord, easy.” “Hmm...that is true. Alright then, we can work that into the plan.” Shadow said. “I want a battle plan drawn out and on my desk as soon as possible.” Shining said, standing up. “We need contingency plans for everything that could go wrong, and multiple fallback points. Meeting adjourned.” Chapter 3: New BeginningsChapter 3: New Beginnings Twilight and Warding Soul walked away from the hay burger, Pinkie bouncing alone beside them. There where vary few ponies moving about the streets, giving the town an and empty feeling, something ward seldom felt in larger cites. “Where is every pony?” Ward asked, looking around for any signs of life. “Pones usually only come out to go to the market. Ever since the change in government, the market started closing early. Every pony tries to spend as little time outside as possible, hoping to avoid “Peace Keepers”.” “That’s to bad.” “Well, im going to go home now.” Pinkie said. “Its getting late, and I have to go feed Gummy. You seem a lot happier then you where Twilight, so, my work here is done.” Pinkie Pie leaped away, singing alone to a song only she could here. “So,” Twilight said, turning towards ward. “Whats this quest your going on? How is it you have bat wings? Where did you come from.” “The last town is as in was Detrot. As for the wings...The wings are a spell I made. I charmed myself with it.” He said, stretching out his wings and giving them a flap. “You...what?” “I gave myself wings using magic.” He said, shrugging. “No pony has ever done that before, as in, never. Who taught you magic?” “Luna took me on as her student shortly after you and your friends blasted her with the elements of harmony. She had me learn a number of spells, but I used my power and skill to...Take it up to the next level.” “That must make you the most powerful unicorn in equestria.” Twilight said. “With magic like that...” “Oh no, im not that powerful. I’m just really creative. Now, for my quest, it started about two months ago....” “I had this odd dream one night, like none I had ever had before. It felt so real, almost like I could reach out and touch it. I was standing in the canterlot thrown room, standing before princess Luna. “She told me she had little time, and that I had to pay attention. She used her magic to conjurer an image of a tree house. Not a house built in a tree, but an actual hallowed out tree that some pony was living in. “Luna told me that I needed to find her sisters student, but before she could tell me who I was searching for, I woke up. I spent the next three nights hoping that luna would visit me again, but she never did. So, I decided to search equestria for who ever it was I was looking for, until I found him or her.” Ward stopped, realizing that Twilight had stopped walking a few yards back. He turned tail, and walked up to the purple mare. “Um, are you ok?” He asked. Twilight sat down on the road, and looked up at warding soul. “You where told to find lunas sisters student? Who lived inside a tree? In a dream?” “Ha, when you say it like that, I sound nuts.” Ward chuckled. “But yea. I've been flying across equestria looking for the tree house where he or she lives. I hope she still lives there. I was told the library was a tree, so I was going to check there after dinner. “Is that, the house, you saw?” twilight said slowly, pointing towards her library. Ward looked over at the house, and gasped. “That’s it! That’s the house from my vision! The library’s the house from my vision! Do you know the pony who lives there?” “W-wow.” Twilight stammerer, looking at the ground. “What?” “That house, the student, shes...” “Spit it out.” “Me. Warding soul wandered through Twilight’s library, looking at the vast selection of reading material that littered the walls. It wasn’t nearly as big as the canterlot library he was use to, but it was far greater then anything he had been in his travels. The first thing ward had noticed about Twilight sparkles house was that it was vary clean. Everything was set up exactly where it belonged. Every book in the right place, every quill, ink well, and list perfectly set where they belonged. This was one vary organized pony. Once they had arrived at Twilight’s house, Twilight had polity excused herself from the room to go speak with her dragon spike, in the kitchen. He wished he could here them, knowing that he was the topic of conversation. He sighed, continuing to go over the hundreds of books on the shelf. It was quite the library. Many of the books where on different forms of magic. Enchanting, amniomorphic spells, warding spells, combat magic. Ward smiled as he found a book that was his speed. “Protective magic and warding spells, volume 3.” He had read the first two volumes of the book, but he didn’t know there was a third volume. He excitedly lied down on the floor and cracked it open. Twilight came back out into the library, after her long chat with spike, to find her guest laying on the floor reading a book. At least he likes books, that was a start. She had no clue where to start. There where so many questions she had for him, but didn’t know which ones to ask. It seemed rude to ask him a billion questions after he went on such a long trip to find her. “So...” Twilight said, getting wards attention. “What are you reading?” “Protective Magic and Warding Spells, volume 3.” He said, closing the book. “I’ve read the first two already, so I figured the three might have some cool stuff in it. “Ah. So... what now?” She asked sheepishly. “huh?” He asked, getting to his feet. “You went all that way to find me. Now what are you going to do?” Ward sighed. “I don’t really now. I was sort of hoping you had some sort of plan to save equestria. You have a way better track record then I do when it comes to saving the world.” “Yea, but that was always with the elements of harmony. Without them, me and my friends are powerless.” She said, looking at the ground. “Now I know that’s a lie.” “What?” “You saved ponyville from an Ursa minor. You saved it from the alicorn amulet. You exposed the changeling queen. You didn’t have the help of the elements then, did you?” “Well no, but-” “no buts. You didn’t need them then, and you don’t need them now.” Twilight looked up and smiled. “I guess you might be right.” “I am right.” “can I ask you another question?” “I was expecting a river of them, go on.” Ward said nodding. “Tell me more about your bat wings. I understand you made them, but how? I haven’t seen you cast on them at all today.” “Well,” He said, sitting down. “First I changed a wing growing spell I found in a book slightly, and charmed myself with it. Then, I used a bone regrowth spell, and a healing spell, both slightly modified, and grew bones into it. Grew on some flesh, then, boom, permanent wings.” “You can that?” Twilight asked. “I didn’t think anything like that was possible.” “Why wouldn’t it be? When your using magic, your only limited by knowledge and imagination.” “But, how did you get that kind of power? I can barley do a normal wing spell.” “Really? I don’t know why, but I always thought alicorns had a little more juice then unicorns.” “Oh, this was back before I got my wings.” “Oh. Luna taught me a lot of things, including how to increase the amount of magic I have. If you practice a lot, and strain yourself, overtime your magic reserves will get larger. Like how if you eat a lot, you stomach grows.” “Wow.” “Its nothing really. Just what I do.” “So, why warding magic?” “My special talent is defending people with magic. Since in my eyes, all magic can help pones, I can learn all magic. I just like warding and shielding magic. It comes easily to me.” “Is that what you cutie mark means?” She asked, looking at the dark blue gem inside a blue force field on his flank. “Yea, that’s right. I got it when my sister was about to get crushed by a rock slide. I knew vary little about magic at the time, and...i managed to put up a barrier of telekinesis over us, so that we wouldn’t get crushed. The gem is represents the boulders, but at the same time, those im protecting. It shows how close we are to danger, without even knowing.” “That’s amazing.” “Its really not.” Ward sighed, and picked up his saddle bags off the floor with his magic. “Well, it was nice talking to you, but its getting late. I had better go find an inn before Cerf.” “You could sleep here.” “Really?” “Yea, if you don’t mind sleeping down here on an air mattress.” “Wow, thank you.” “Your vary welcome.” An hour later, ward was laying down on an air mattress pumped up in twilight’s living room. Normally, he would never be in bed at such an early hour. It was only around nine. But, he was tired from the long journey, and enjoying the short brake that finding twilight had brought. Twilight, however, wasn’t nearly as ready to hit the hay. She was up stairs, working away on some sort of project that she was to busy to talk about. Spike had told him that she would get like that whenever she found a new led on finding or speaking with the princesses. Ward sighed, staring up at the ceiling of the cozy tree house. He wanted to sleep so badly, but when he lied down, his dreams refused to come. After about ten minutes, he decided if he cant sleep, he might as well bid his time. Ward levitated the spell book he had been reading earlier over to him, and cracked it open. The book really did have some vary interesting spells in it, magic he would no doubt refit to be more useful. He laughed quietly to himself. With all the spells hes rewired, he could publish his own spell book. Maybe that’s what he would do when the conflict finally ended. So, is she really who we've been searching for? Ward gasped a bit as he felt the flow of thoughts and emotions that accompanied the telepathic connection. There was no other feeling like it. For a brief moment as the minds connect, its impossible to tell what emotions and thoughts belong to who. Ward closed his eyes, allowing the telepathy spell to connect to his mind, so he wouldn’t loss it. “I think so.” He thought. “She was celestias student, and she is vary gifted in magic.” She has no drive, and no ambition. The other wielders have all joined causes to aid in the war except her. She just sits in this tree, waiting for her old teacher to tell her what to do. “Have you been scrying me?” No, I cant and you know it. I just peak into your head and tap into your senses on occasion. “Shes been through a lot, ok? All she needs is some guidance, that’s why im here.” He said out loud this time Your here, because you had a dream you had to be. While I don’t totally agree with the execution, I cant deny that with her and her friends, we might have an edge. Just remember, we know nothing about who this mare has become. “I’ll keep that in mind.” Ward pushed his the mares mind out of his own, not forcefully, but enough for her to know that she was no longer welcome. As there minds separated, ward again felt the flow of confusing thoughts and emotions. He closed his eyes, waiting for them to pass. With his mind free for the moment, he returned to his book. Spike watched the powerful unicorn return to his book from the stairs, the light from his horn casting an eerie blue glow around the room. It was a good thing twilight had charmed the windows so no pony could see him casting spells through them. He didn’t know why, but something about the pony made spike feel uneasy. And the way he was just talking to himself didn’t help him feel any safer around him. Spike returned to his and twilight’s room, quietly pondering what he had just seen and heard. “Ok, so either hes crazy, or he was using magic to talk to some pony. What did he mean by Twilight needing guidance, and what is he supposed to keep in mind?” Spike paced back and forth in front of his basket. “Oh, if only I knew.” “Who?” Owlishis asked, flying into the room. He landed on twilight’s bed post, and starred down at the baby dragon. “Warding soul.” Spike said, walking up to the owl. “Theirs something off about him, but I don’t know what it is.” “Who?” “The pony downstairs, the unicorn!” “Who!” “Oh, never mind.” spike said, waving a claw at the owl. “Oh, I thought I heard talking in here.” Twilight said, walking into the room, causing spike to jump. “Spike, what are you doing up, I thought you went to bed.” “Oh, umm... I did, but I, ugh, went to get a drink. Yea. Then Owlishis flew in and started his, “who-ing”.” “Well, try and get some sleep. We have a big day tomorrow.” “Maybe you should get some rest to twilight. You look really tired.” “I will in a bit. I'm really close to a brake through, I can feel it.” “Alright, just don't burn yourself out.” Twilight went over to her desk and continued her reading. Spike returned to his basket, to try and get some rest. He wasn’t sure how mush sleep he was going to get having a stranger in his house.
War Never ChangesAd by WebsteroidsXX War Never Changes AJ sat atop a hill, frowning at the devastation that she had helped create. Blood stains filed the streets, and buildings layed in heaps of lumber and stone. And it was all her fault. She was the mare to blame to all the anarchic and death that now plagued Appaloosa. She had thought, had hoped, that with her fifty soldiers, the battle would be swiftly won, with vary few, if any, casualty’s. A sort of ragtag attack. In and out, hit hard and fast, so that they could force surrender. Being wrong had never bothered her all that much, at least not as much as, say, Twilight or Rainbow Dash. But this was the worst possible thing she could have been wrong about, and everypony knew it. What was to be an easy battle to retake a tiny town, became a massiker. Reports said there where 20 zebras holding the small, desert town of earth pony farmers. 50 on 20 should have been easy as baking an apple tart. But, the zebras had an ace up there sleeves, (or wherever zebras hide cards in poker). while the rebels where sneaking up to retake the small farm town, 20 zebras flew out of the town, right towards AJ's troops. The sight left them all dumbfounded, starring up at the winged zebras, right up until they unleashed a barrage of magic bolts on them. It was a disaster. Sure they had won, but at the price of 37 casualty’s. 37 pones left dead, or nearly so. Apple Jack wouldn’t even fare attacking 5 zebra warriors if they where to attack what her plan had left of the small town. She had sent word to the red herd about the situation, hoping that some of fluttershys people where someplace close by. The red herd where a group dedicated to helping others. created when the was first started, they bided there time going from battle field to battle field helping any who had been effects by the tragedy. They offered consoling to those who have lost loved ones, and treatment to the physically and mentally wounded. She hoped that they would send a few of there doctors and nurses to help the wounded. Sure, they wouldn’t help unless the could fix up the enemy zebras to, but at least she wouldn’t have to see more of her friends put underground. It warmed her heart, seeing the town of earth pones, many of which where her relatives, bandaging and medicating the wounded, and making repairs on the damages buildings. Sure, none of them had magic or wings, but that didn’t mean they couldn’t lend a hoof. Lost in thought, Apple Jack hadn’t even noticed that rainbow had flown up beside her, standing with her at the overlook. AJ jumped when she looked over to see the rainbow maned mare suddenly standing beside her. “pht...ha ha ha ha ha, you jumped like six feet!” Rainbow cried, laughing. “you-you should have seen, your face! Hahaha!” “Rainbow!” Applejack shouted, causing Rainbow to stop what she was doing. “it...really wasn’t that funny.” Rainbow said, biting her lip to keep from giggling. “yea, right...” Applejack said, again looking out at the ruined town before her. “Why are you so down, Apple Jack? Aren’t you happy? Come on, we won!” Rainbow said, patting Apple Jack on the back. “If Pinkie Pie where here, she would already be throwing us the biggest town freeing party ever.” “Well, yea, I guess so.” Apple Jack said, picking at the ground with her hoof. “Its just that...we led 37 pones to get hurt, even killed, because we didn’t know that zebras had some flying magic. its bad enough they have saddle mounted spell blasters, but now... If we had been more prepared, even spoken to Zecora for a few minutes, we could have been ready.” Rainbow sighed, and put a hoof around apple jacks shoulder, and sighed. “This is a war, Apple Jack. And the fact is, war isn’t a pretty thing. Its bloody, horrible, and terrifying. But, if you cant find happiness in the little things, and hold onto it, you will loss yourself. The depression will tear you apart from the inside. And that is when, and only when, the zebras win.” Apple Jack looked up at her friend, and smiled the first real smile she had in days. “Thanks Rainbow.” “No prob. And That, is why they call me loyalty.” “Ha ha, yea. its funny to think we only got these jobs because of our elements. Darn spys have been tipping off the zebras.” "I heard about that. smart to have honesty and loyalty be in charge of an attack." "yea." apple jacks smile slowly faded as she ralized rainbow didnt fly all the way up there to chat. She sighed, closeing her eyes, and asked. “You didn’t come up here to give me a pep talk though, did you?” “Nope. The people of Appaloosa have offered to join our ranks. If we can arm them, that gives us...fify... minus thery-sevi...umm.... 27 men.” she said grinning. “did I do good, or what?” “Rainbow, that’s great news! Send out our fasted flier,” Apple Jack said, as Rainbows smile widened farther. “That isn’t you, to have camp sent us more weapons.” “Wow, you know how to shot a girl out of the sky, don’t you?” rainbow asked, giving her wings a flap. “Alright, anything else?” “Send a messenger to twilight. I’m betting if any pony knows something about that wing magic, it'll be her.” Fluttershy moved through her clinic, moving from patient to patient to make sure they were all doing well. Sometimes they would ask for a drink of water, or ask about a loved one or someone from there platoon. Most times, however, they just nodded and thanked her. Sometimes they did more then that, making fluttershy feel vary uncomfortable. The ruble of Detrot city was like nothing fluttershy had ever seen. The town was left in ruin by the giant battle. Building lied in heaps, ruble congested the streets. And even worst, where the pones and zebras who were hurt in the battle. When she first started the red herd, she told herself that is she could change one pones life, then she would be happy. The fact that the red herd was giving aid to all the pones and zebras hurt in combat warmed her heart. Nothing put a bigger smile on her face then telling some pony that there friend or loved one was going to be perfectly alright. It made her feel almost as good as helping the hurt pones out in the first place. Sadly, it wasn’t true for all of them. Earlier that morning, a stallion had come in looking for his brother. having checked everywhere else in the Detrot city, he figured he would be at the temporary clinic. Fluttery couldn’t even think about giving them the news without getting emotional. Luckily for her, rarity had steeped in and let them down easy. The idea of having to tell some pony that they had lost a loved one, a friend, or a family member was nearly enough to put Fluttershy to tears. With Rarity off to help apple jack, it was only a matter of time until she would have to give some pony the bad news. The temporary clinic they had set up looked like something out a horror movie. He beds where mostly piles of blood stained blankets, scavenged from the ruins of houses and stores. The actual clinic was made up of a few dozen tarps, help up but metal poles. It wasn’t much, but it was better then the collapsed hospital. They where understaffed, overwhelmed by all the wounded that keep making there way there, and, painfully low on meds. She had her unicorns doing there best with healing magic, but the zebras wouldn’t let them cast it on them. And some wounds where to bad for magic alone. It was an uphill battle, and vary soon they would be treating people in the streets, but wasn’t worried. Where ever you turned, you would see zebras and rebels working together, offering what little help they could to make a difference. The aftermath of the battle brought a unity to those who suffered on it. If only the two races could be united otherwise... The helpers might not have been doctors, but they had a growing number of field medics from both sides who kept showing up. Some of them even knew how to treat combat wounds better then the red herds own doctors. It warmed fluttershys heart, but not enough to wipe the determined and tired look off her face. They had been at if for nearly two days, and in that two days, they all learned two things. You cant save every pony, and coffee is a great substitute for sleep. “Help! Some pony help us!” Fluttershy raced through the clinic, not even thinks as she dodged volunteers, and weaved around beds, searching for the source of the voice. In seconds, fluttershy had left the safety and comfort of the tarp that had kept the rain and sun off of them and the wounded, into the wasteland that was detrot city. In front of her, was the demolished buildings that had once made up town square. The once lush and beautiful down center was now decimated and bleak. Nothing but gray stone and brown dirt. In the distance, two figures where trudging towards the tent. A stallion, and a zebra, walking side by side. It wasn’t the two walking towards her that worried her, but what was laying across the stallions back. A bright purple pagasi mare lied motionless, supported by the barely conscious pony carrying her. She appear to be soundly sleeping on the backs of the two strong men. fluttershy knew better. Futtershy broke into a gallop, leaving a cloud of kicked up dirt and ash in her wake. The distance the little yellow pony had covered left the stallion in awe, until he fell over on his side, sending the purple mare rolling off of his back. Fluttershy crouched down beside the mare and checked her vital signs. Then, she did the same with the stallions. “umm, excuse me, zebra, sir?” Fluttershy asked, looking over at the stripped creature. the zebra looked at the pony for a moment, studying her, and nodded. “would you mind terribly, about going into the clinic, and searching for a unicorn named sunray. Shes my vary best healer, and I just know she can help these pones better then I can.” the zebra simply nodded, and ran off towards the clinic, quickly disappearing in a cloud of dirt, dust, and ash. Fluttershy jumped as the stallion got to his feet. “Oh, im sorry I startled you.” he said, giving her a small smile. “Oh, um, its alright. What are your names.” “I’m apple seed. As fer her, I don’t know in the slightest. I just found her laying in the street under some rubble.” He said, breathing heavily. “Is she gonna to be ok?” “I need to see whats wrong with her first, but don’t worry. I promise, you'll be the first to know.” Fluttershy gasped, pulling her hoof away from the back of the purple mares neck. Her hoof had changed from its normal, bright yellow, to a sickly crimson. “Oh dear celestia!” The stallion said, falling onto his side. “Oh my.” Fluttershy said, looking at the pony who had just fainted in front of her. She understood being a little unnerved by the sight of blood, by she had never actually seen a pony faint from seeing it. In itself, in was a little unnerving. “Fluttershy!” A mare yelled from behind. She locked back to see a bright yellow unicorn, with a first aid saddle bag hanging out of her mouth. A zebra fallowed shortly behind her. The yellow mare sat down across from fluttershy, on the other side of the purple patient. “What happened to her?” Sunray asked. “I think she may have hit her head off of something. Could you, maybe, take her inside and try to slow the bleeding. Then, umm, use your X-ray spell to make sure her brain isn’t bused to badly. If you wouldn’t mind.” “I'm on it.” She said, wrapping the pagisi in an aura of green magic. “Mr. zebra, can you help me get this stallion inside please?” The zebra only nodded. Fluttershy hated the harshness of the world she now found herself living in. Every day she had to go though watching pones die. Watching loved ones hear the bad news. She could only imagine what it would feel like for the ones who planed the attacks. Worst part was, the rebels attempt at making things like they use to be was making things even worse. Every battle since the zebras took over was caused by the rebels, fighting to take back what they had lost. Every innocent pony... But she cant blame them for fighting. The zebras have princes Luna and princes celestia. They banned the use of magic to all none government officials, and the organization she had governed. And they took over the rule of cloudsdale, ordering them to change the weather as they saw fit. But that doesn’t justify it all. the fighting has to stop, or soon, there would be no pones left for her to save.
Chapter 1: Left Alone to My WorkChapter 1: Left Alone to My Work Ad by WebsteroidsXXChapter 1: Left Alone to My Work Twilight wiped the fog away from the window to see what was going on out side. She had been working in her room, when a loud, angry shout broke her concentration. Across the street, three zebras, silhouetted by the moon light, where standing outside of her neighbors house. Apparently, they weren’t welcomed guests. Twilight sighed, and walked back towards her room to get back to work, having confirmed what she had already guested. Peace keepers where arresting the mare across the street. Twilight had seen the mare use magic multiple times out in public, and knew it was only a matter of time before the zebras made an example of her. They called the soldiers stationed in towns peace keepers, but they where just bullies. Ever since they became the law enforcers, crime had sky rocketed. Twilight had never really made a habit to get to know her neighbors. She wasn’t really as keen on making friends as pinkie pie, But that didn’t mean she didn’t feel for them. The vary idea of being trapped in a prison for 6 months was terrifying. She couldn’t even think about the alternative. It was so alien to her, living in fear of those in power. Having to lock your door when you went out. Staying clear of dark alleys. It was so unlike anything she had ever felt. She feared equestria. She feared for equestria. What made it worse, was that for the first time in her life, twilight had no pony to turn to. All her friends had left to try and make the world a better place. Her teacher- x-teacher, was gone. what did she do? Spent her time trying to find a way, any way, to contact her. To ask her what she had to do next. She wanted to find the princes as, (if not more) badly then the rebels. But for a different reason. The rebels needed a powerful leader to help them fight off the zebra overlord. Twilight just wanted to be given a job to do. To be told how to help the people of her land. Some princes she was. She felt like a filly, waiting for her mother to tell her how to salve a math problem. Not that her mother had ever helped her with math, more like the other way around. Twilight dragged herself back to her her desk, trying her best to keep herself awake. Twilight sat down at her desk, and downed the remainder of her coffee, the bitter taste attacked her taste buds. Soon, the caffeine would give way to a creative spark, that would hopefully lead to a plan. “I’m not a leader. I’m not a princes.” She muttered, levitating some books off of the shelf, and setting them onto the desk. “Might as well keep working on the tracking spell. Just have to re-read every book on tracking and scrying magic in the library. No biggie.” “Alright twilight, lets do this. Tonight, you find princes celestia.” “Twilight. Twilight. Twilight!” Twilight opened her eyes, responding to Spikes voice as it guided her out of her dreams. She squinted as the bright day light assaulted her vision. “Go away Spike.” She muttered, putting her hoof over her head and closing her eyes. “I need to rest.” Spike wasn’t surprised to find Twilight passed out at her desk. Over the past few months, it had become a regular thing. He always joked that she should work time for sleeping at her desk in her schedule, but Twilight didn’t find it nearly as funny. “Come on Twilight, its morning.” Spike said, shacking the purple mares foreleg. “Its time to wake up. I made you oat pancakes.” “Ugh...fine.” Twilight lifted her head up off the book she had fallen asleep on, and rubbed what was left of sleep out of her eyes. Her body felt stiff and achy, a felling that she was getting use to waking up to. Oak wood made a vary nice house, but not such a nice bed. As she stood up, the weight of her eye lids threatened to close her eyes again. “Spike, can you put on some coffee to?” She asked, “Already on it!” He yelled from the kitchen. Twilight got to her feet and stumbled down the stairs and into the kitchen, working the stiffness out of her legs. “Wow Spike, that smells amazing.” She said groggily, taking a seat at the table, again rubbing her eyes. “I try.” Spike says, setting the food and coffee down in front of her. Twilight griped the coffee mug in her magic, and brought it to her lips. The heat from the coffee filed her belly, warming her up. She hadn’t even noticed how cool it was in the house. Twilight didn’t really like coffee all that much, but it had become a necessity on days like this. Some mornings, she just needed a little help starting the day. Just as twilight was about to cut into the amazing looking omelet in front of her, a loud banging made drew her attention, causing her magic to falter. Her fork feel to the floor. “What in the-” KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK “Oh, for crying out loud!” Twilight snapped. “Can't I get through a single meal without some pony interrupting me?” “Hey, its your fault. I’m not the one that dropped a fork.” Spike asked. “what?” “When you drop a fork, company comes. Every pony knows that.” “They do not-” KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK “Ugh....” “So, do you want me to get that?” Spike asked. “No. im going to get through one meal without being interrupted.” She said, stomping her foot. “What if its important?” Spike asked, picking up twilight’s fallen fork and getting her a new one. “Then it can wait ten minutes.” She said, graving her new fork in her magic. She picked up a forkful of omelet, and brought it to her mouth, is aroma filling her nostrils. KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK “Ugh! Just get the bucking door!” She snapped, throwing her fork on her plate. “I thought you would never ask.” “every time I go to eat.” She muttered, as Spike left the room. Spike opened the front door of the library, and beckoned for an energetic pink pony to enter. “Heya spike.” Pinkie Pie said with a smile. “Wheres twilight?” “She in the kitchen eating.” He told her. “Thanks. La lala lala.” She sang, bouncing towards the amazing smelling food. “Helloooooo Twilight!” Pinkie sang, coming into the kitchen. Again, Twilight’s fork fell from her magic and clattered to the floor. “Ugh.... Hi pinkie.” “What'cha doing?” “I was eating.” “Oh. Well don’t let me stop you, I just thought I would drop by.” “Whys that?” Twilight asked, picking her fork back up and cleaning it off. “Well, you've seemed really down lately and I thought that you could use some cheering up.” “Thanks Pinkie, but im fine, really.” “Well I I know that silly. But im here to make you super duper ultra amazingly GREAT!” She squealed, bouncing around the table. Pinkies constant circling made Twilight a little bit dizzy. She wondered how the mare herself was faring. “I’m sorry Pinkie, but I have a lot of work to do, and-” “Nope. Your taking a day off, and that’s final.” “But-” “Nope.” “What about-” “Nope.” “I need to-” “ 'fraid not.” Twilight let out a deep sigh. “Alright Pinkie, you win.” “Oh my gosh!” “Did you really think I wouldn’t go?” “No, my pinkie sense, my pinkie sense!” “Is something going to fall!” Spike shouted from the other room, cowering under the table. “No, nothing like that.” She said back. “Well then what?” Twilight asked. “I had and eye flutter, fallowed by floppy ears, and then an itchy nose! Isn’t it great!?” “Ummm...sure. What does that mean, exactly??” “It means, some pony I know is going to make a new friend. And its you!” “You sure about that?” “100-million percent.” “Well, I don’t have time for a new friend right now. I barely have time for the friends I do have.” “Well, my pinkie sense says your going to make a new friend.” “Right. So, whats first on your list of things to cheer me up?” “Ha ha, I don’t make lists Twilight, that’s a you thing. Half the fun of doing things is figuring out what super fun things your going to do!” “Umm...alright.” “Come on.” Pinkie said, grabbing Twilight and pulling her towards the door. Twilight tried to fight her, but the mare managed to pull her away from her untouched meal.
Chapter 2: The ShieldChapter 2: The Shield Warding Soul hated small towns with a burning passion. In Manehatten or Canterlot, he could easily move about without drawing any ponies attention. The moment he walked into ponyville, every pony on the street was stairing at the strange midnight blue unicorn who had flew into town. Maybe that’s why everyone was starring at him. A unicorn flying into town probably was an unlikely event in this tiny settlement. As much as he wanted to tell them all that the rubbery bat like wings he had were a simple spell, it was a lot safer for them to think he was some sort of alicorn. The pones in the town seemed to perk up a bit at seeing the new comer, although ward has no idea why. The pones of the town still seemed on edge despite there happy nature. Something he come to expect in most pony settlements. He had been to this tiny town once before, and he had found it nice. Now it just felt...darker somehow. All the pones out in the streets where doing business with street venders, or talking quietly to each other. Not a single filly or colt seemed to be out enjoying the evening sun. Ponyville wasnt as bad as some of the other places he had wondered through though. In fillydelphia, he had been mugged right after landing. That poor thief... He sighed as every head on the street turned his way, watching the new comer and gauging his intent. They almost seemed to be guessing how many bits where in his saddlebags. Don worry about them, you have a job to do Ward shook his head slightly, pushing back the voice in his head. He didn’t need her breathing down his neck. Not for something like this. Shortly ahead of him, a peace keeper was trying to barter with the mare running a fruit stand. Ward studied the zebra, trying to figure out if he looked familiar. Ugh, they all look the same! If ward passed by that zebra, and he recognized him, it was all over. They would take his horn for what he had done. Ward continued to walk towards the center of town, fainting interest in the wares some of the venders had. He made his way past the zebra guard, his crystal horn gleaming as the sun shone through it. Ward smiled to himself as he moved pass the zebra, silently congratulating himself on not getting busted. “hey you, wait!” Ward froze, paralyzed by the fear of being imprisoned. He had made it to far for his journey to end here. He had to find her. Ward turned towards the voice, breathing slowly to keep himself from panicking. Ward let out a sigh of relief. It wasn’t the zebra that had yelled at him, but the green earth pony running the fruit stand. She was beckoning for him to come over. “Your new in town, right?” The green mare running the stand asked as Ward walked up beside the zebra. “Ugh...yea, that's right,” He said, nodding. “Just got here from detrot. Why?” “Well, this zebra here seems to think im trying to rip him off.” She said slyly, motioning at the zebra with the muzzle. “That’s cause you are!” The zebra snapped. “Calm down, or get lost!” She snapped at the zebra, stomping a hoof. She turned back to ward. “So, out-of-towner, what would you pay for a watermelon” “Well. Umm...in detrot city, it would cost 18 bits... usually.” Ward said. “What do you charge?” “15 bits.” She said, looking at the defeated zebra. “So, are you convinced now?” “Fine.” He muttered, dropping 15 bits on the stall. The zebra levitated the melon into his saddlebag, using his crystal horn implant, and walked away. The earth pony chuckled as the zebra muttered something about greedy pones. “Thanks for that.” the mare said, smiling. “Most pones would have kept on walking.” “Im not most pones.” Ward said. “So wings, what brings you to ponyville?” “Im looking for some pony. An old relative I haunt seen in a while. She lives in a haloed out tree, but I have no idea where it is. Also, do you now a good place to get a bite?” “Well.... The library is a tree. Its down over that way.” The mare said motioning with her hoof. “Go two blocks, take a left. Giant tree, you cant miss it. As for a place to eat, im going to assume by good you mean cheap. the Hay Burgers not bad.” “Oh, thanks...umm...” “Clear Sky.” “thank you, Clear Dky..” She smiled, as ward turned and made his way to the nearby restaurant. Sure his mission was important, but he hadn’t had a hot meal in over a week and a half. “Whats the matter twilight, you've hardly touched your food?” Pinkie asked, motioning to twilight’s barley touched meal. Pinkie pie had never seen her eat so little at her favorite restaurant. Twilight poked at her burger, and sighed. “It looks good, but I just don’t feel like eating.” “Come on twilight, its your favorite.” Pinkie sung. “Just forget about all that work stuff and enjoy yourself.” “Im trying pinkie, I really am. Its just that, I cant take my mind off it.” “Sometimes, the answer your looking for comes to you when you stop thinking about it.” Pinkie said, smiling. Twilight couldn’t help but giggle at the ketchup dripping down her face. “See, there you go. Laugh, smile, have some fun.” “Alright pinkie, I’ll try harder to have some fun.” “Good, i-” Pinkie stooped as she looked at her left hoof. “Cold hoof, cold hoof!” “What does that mean?” Twilight asked. “It means that im going to meet some pony new!” “Come on pinkie pie, who could that possibly be? You already know everypony in ponyville.” The moment warding soul stepped foot into the restaurant, he was assaulted by the succulent aroma of food. After weeks on the road, even a simple daffodil burger tasted like gourmet food. He had to stop himself from drooling, as he made his way to an empty table, and sat down on the barrel. He had never eating anywhere like the hay burger, but he didn’t care. The smell of the amazing burgers and the crispy fires made his mouth water and his stomach rumble. “Welcome to the hay burger.” His waitress said as she walked up. “May I take your order?” “Hi, I’ll have a double chess burger, extra lilac and daffodil, hay fries, and a mug of hard cider.” He told the orange mare “Ok, they’ll be 54 bits.” “54 bits!” he burst out, utterly shocked at the price. Clear Sky said the place was cheap. “Times are tough kid.” “Ugh.” Ward stooped himself from levitating the money out of his saddle bag, and reached in to get it. Not the best idea to use magic in public with all the pones eying the new guy in town. Ward put his little bag of bits on the table, and counted out 54 bits. The waitress took the money, and left. Ward looked at his nearly empty sack of money, and then placed it back in his saddle bag. A few minutes later, the waitress returned with a plate full of awesome. The food looked nearly as good as it smelled. Ward bit into the burger, closing his eyes and chewing it slowly. its perfect mixture of flavors flowed through his mouth like a river. It was the single greatest thing he had tasted in weeks. So much better then the bitter dried fruits he had to eat on the road. Ward opened his eyes to find a pink mare with a messy mane starring at him happily. Ward took a drink of his cider, which tasted nearly as good as the burger. “Umm...hi?” Ward said to the strange earth pony watching him eat. “Hi.” the Pinke mare said back, wairing a giant grin. “Ugh... can I help you?” “I did really want a cup cake earlier, but im eating lunch now, so I doubt I would have room. Thanks for asking though.” “ugh, okay....” ward said. There was something about this mare that made him vary uncomfortable. “So, what brings you to ponyville?” “Business.” “Ohhh, what kind of business? Is it cider? Realastate? Or delivery? Maybe selling zap apple jam? Are you a courier?” “Im looking for some pony.” “Well in that case, your talking to the right pony. I know everypony in ponyville. Well, except for you. I’m pinkie pie.” “Warding Soul.” “Awe, I was going to guess!” Pinkie cried. “Oh well, to late now. So, wardie, who is it your looking for?” “I cant tell you.” “Because its a secret?” Pinkie squealed. “No, because...I cant.” Warding Soul new he needed to get out of this conversation, but he couldn’t figure out how without offending the filly. “You can tell me, I wont tell any pony.” “Do you really now every pony in town?” “I do now.” “So, you could help me find her?” “So its a her...Was it an X-mare friend? Or a long lost relative? Is it a mare thief that stole from you?” “No, no, and no. If you really want to help, you have to promise not to tell any pony.” “Cross mu heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye.” She said, doing a vary strange set of hoof gestures as she said it, after which she poked herself in the eye. “Alright then... Im looking for a student who lives in a tree.” “A student?” “Yes.” “Well, i don’t know any pony like that.” Pinkie pie said. “Why do you need to find her.” “Because its my mission. My quest.” “A quest? Sounds super duper fun!” “Yea, sure, fun. Now why don’t you go back to your table so I can get back to it?” “Okie dokie lokie.” Pinkie said, walking back to her table, and sitting beside a purple alicorn. “Crazy mare.” He mumbled, continuing his meal. Just as ward was finishing up his meal, he got another surprise visit. The purple alicorn that pinkie had been sitting with had trotted over. “Hey, lesson, im sorry about my friend.” The mare said. “She can be kind of....” “Eccentric?” he asked. “Yea, lets go with that.” “Its fine. Really.” “So, I heard something about a quest?” “Yes.” “Care to share?” “If the wrong pony finds out about in, im boned. So... no.” “what if I told you im close to Apple Jack?” Twilight said. She knew that every pony in the rebellion knew or knew about Apple Jack. Maybe this colt was on a mission for them. If he was, she had no doubt him knowing she was close friends with AJ would get him to open up. It took a moment for wards brain to kick in. Apple Jack was one of the generals for the rebellion. She had helped him out in filliedephia. If apple jack trusted this mare, then maybe he should give her the benefit of the doubt. “Well, if the element of honest can trust you, I guess I can.” “Wait, really?” “Yea. Just let me finish up, we can talk outside.”
Chapter 4: ReflectionsAd by WebsteroidsXXAd by WebsteroidsXX Chapter 4: Reflections “Wow, this is really good.” Twilight told ward, as she ate her french toast. “You know, you didn't have to make breakfast. That’s usually spikes job.” “It was nothing.” He said, putting down his coffee. “I figured I would do something for you since you let me stay the night here.” “After a long journey like that to find me, I wasn’t going to let you wast the little money you have left on an inn.” “Yea, but you didn’t have to, so I figured I would repay you.” “Thank you regardless. so...” “So...?” “Anything else I should know about this quest of yours?” “Skipping over the small talk? ok. I was sent to find you to help you end the war.” “By finding the princesses?” “No.” “I don’t understand. We need the princesses to lead the rebellion. If we had there help, we could attack canterlot and they could-” “Loss. Again.” Ward cut her off, nearly sending Twilights eyebrows through the roof. “The overlord has only gotten more powerful since his rise to power. The two sisters are weaker then he was, and far weaker then he is. If we want to win, we need a real leader. Some pony who understands the zebras magic and the art of war.” “But...that’s not possible. Zebras have less magic then earth pones, a single zebra cant have possibly taken-” “Do you even no what happened the day of the take over?” Ward asked. “Do you even now how we lost?” “No pony dose.” “I do. I was there.” Twilight gasped, prepared to call her guest on his bluff. Her brain betrayed her, of course. It made sense that he was there when the zebras attacked because he was Lunas student. In fact, she couldn’t come up with any scenario that would stop him from being at the castle that night. “The zebra army advanced into the city, wielding weapons crafted from gems. The strange crystal tipped spears absorbed any spell cased at it. any defensive or offensive spell we threw at them was useless. “The guards where forced to go spear to spear with the zebras, but where heavily outnumbers. All our forces had been sent to to the border towns to keep them from falling. The idea of the zebras attacking canter lot directly was never even considered. The zebras used there strange magic to make themselves invisible, and then they just walked. An army marched through our country, to the heart, without any pony seeing it. “Shine armor ordered the guards to fall back to the keep, so that they could protect the princesses. The princesses protected the royal guard just as much as the guard protected them. Soon, they where dug into the castle keep, more then ready to ward of any attack. “By this point, both Shining and I had both tried to put up magical barriers around the castle, but the moment a zebra touched there magic reducing spears to them, our magic would falter. Luna ordered us to stop wasting our energy. “The zebras had taken most of the castle, and most of the guards with them. Forty guards stood in the castle keep, waiting for the zebras to try there hand at taking our alicorn rulers. We all figured that without magic, defeating the princesses was impossible. “Then, Discord showed up. I didn’t have as big of a problem with the chaos spirit as Luna did. Heck, some of the pranks he would pull around the castle were really funny. He said, “if any of you wish to live, you best get out while you can.” “Of course, Luna and Celestia assumed that he may be becoming hostile, so they got up. Shining stood in front of Celestia and out a shield around her. I did the same for Luna, but I was outside of mine. “Im not making a threat.” He said. “just simply stating a fact. I've seen the leader of these zebras. He makes me look like an earth pony.” “I asked him what he meant, but he just laughed. He said, “Not even you can protect any pony from him, Warding Soul. The more they kill, the stronger he gets.” With that discord left, walking out a door he made appear, and closing it behind him. Shortly after, we all saw what he meant. “The zebra overlord walked into the keep, and right through all our defenses. He had a large crystal horn sticking out of his head, glowing a bright red. With a single nod, all of the guards were pushed up against the walls, save for me and shining armor. “We both put up out shield spells around the princesses, as we were trained to do. I helped develop the tactic. Once Luna had a spell ready, I would open up the shield enough for her to cast at the target. I got the idea from a daring do book. “Anyway, we did that, but every time a spell neared him, it became this swirling mist of red. It got absorbed by this red gem he wares around his neck. Luna and I new what it was right away. “A while before, the zebras had asked us for a magical weapon. We had the elements of harmony to keep evil at bay, but the zebras had nothing. They feared that when the stars attacked, there land would be left to ruin, as it has been in there past. “We gave them a small red gem, said to be star swirls final invention. It would absorb the energy of anything that was cased at it. Or anything that died nearby. It was called the dragon tear. we gave it to them as a peace offering, but instead, they used it to destroy us. It was never meant as a weapon, but as a shield. Somehow, the zebras found a way to fashion working horns out of gemstones, and surgically implant them into themselves. “Then, celestia and Luna looked at each other, and nodded. There was this brilliant flash of light. the next thing I new, shining and I where standing in the main hall of the crystal empire.” Twilight sat at the other end of the table, staring down at her food. She was trying to process everything that had been said, but she could make sense of it. She felt like she was staring a paradox in the face. For some reason, she had thought equestria lost because there where more zebras then pones. But from what the rebels said after missions, the opposite was true. Twilight sat silently in her chair, thinking it all over again and again. An artifact that absorbed the energy of anything fired at it, and took the magic of the dead. It sounded familiar, and yet, it felt like fiction. Ward hoped he hadn’t upset twilight in some way. She was just sitting at the table, staring into her plate. He knew the look she was wearing. It was the look princess celestia got when ever she was in deep thought. Much like when he had given himself wings, which Luna had kindly let him keep. Spike stood near the stove, apparently thinking about what he had said as well. Ward had no clue how long the baby dragon had been standing there, or how much of the story he had heard. “So...that’s how it happened?” She asked quietly. “Yes. I’m sorry I don’t know more, but...they teleported us out. They saved our lives.” “I-I have to go upstairs. I just-i need a minute.” She said, getting up from her chair, tears streaming down her face. “Take all the time you need.” Ward sat in front of his plate for another five minutes, his apatite gone. He was about to clear of the table when spike grabbed his plat first. “Here, allow me.” He said, clearing off the table and taking the dishes over to the sink. “Thank you.” “No, thank you. I don’t know about any of that stuff you said, but She needed to hear it.” “I know she did, as much as it hurt me to tell her.” He sighed. “I made her cry.” “I know, and I’ll get you back for that by the way. But i think...i think you may have gotten through to her. The hole time the zebras have been in charge, all shes done is make up theorys about what happened to the princesses. for every theory, came a stream of spells to find, speak, or get to them. Now, maybe she can help end the war.” “Yea, maybe.” He said. “Should I go check on her?” “No. when shes ready to talk, she'll come back down. Its best to wait for her to proses it all on her own.” “Alright.” “So, was it all true?” “What?” “The story, is that how it happened?” “I left out everything to graphic.”
Chapter 5: Battle PlansAd by WebsteroidsXXAd by WebsteroidsXX Chapter 5: Battle Plans Twilight lied in her bed, crying softly into her pillow. She had never really mourned the loss of the princesses before. She just thrown herself into one project after another, avoiding the fact that she was alone. No, not alone. Ward had seeked her out. He had told her the truth. Had shown her the way. If she was going to end this war, she was going to need his help to do it. Now that she knew what she was up against, she could make a plan. They could make a plan. At least now she new they where still alive. No way Luna could go into Warding Souls dreams and tell him to find her otherwise. Discord was alive too, which was something at least. Maybe she could get him to give the zebras a little chaos. Twilight new now that she had to do something. All the time spent trying to find celestia was simply a search for closer. Now she had it. Next on her list, to get back at the bastard that had taken her world from her. Applejack and Rainbow Dash sat in the thrown room of the Castle of the Two Sisters, which the Rebellion had made there base of operations. The place was heavily fortified, invisible from the air, and had more then enough rooms of accommodate the troops. Not everyone there was there to fight though. Many of the pones that now lived at the castle where refugees, or just didn’t want to live under zebra law. Thanks to the civilians, the castle had its own small farm, a black smith, an enchantress, a cook, and even an architect. The castle was getting restored, thanks to the architect and the many unicorn workers who have offered to help out. The rule was, if you stay at the castle, then you had to help out. Many of the pones staying there have come to calling the place fort freedom. The only truly free place in equestria. The name fit pretty well. AJ and Rainbow sat at a conference table, with 10 other stressed mares and stallions. They where trying to plan there next move, after the failure at detrot city. They have 400 fighting pones left, plus the troops posted in towns that they've liberated. The rebels where ran by a council of 12 generals, 4 of each race. 2 male, 2 female. “All im saying, is that if we don’t act now, then they will. If they where to attack any of our towns, we wouldn’t win. The pones we have posted there would die, or be captured.” One of the earth pony leaders said. “We cant win a frontal assault on canterlot, we cant even get through the force field.” Shining armor said, shacking his head. “Not with that attitude.” Rainbow said. “If we can get one of those magic reducing spears, then we can take out the shield and come in from the top.” She said smiling. “Dash, we have 130 pagisi here, none of which have any fighting experience, save for the ones who got wounded at Appaloosa.” Spit Fire said. “I wouldn’t trust half of them with a spit ball, let alone magic element blasters.” “The great and powerful Trixi believes that she can shield the pagisi long enough for them to get to the castle.” “Ya mean like that one time you said you could beat down an Ursa, then you did?” Apple Jack asked. “Oh, right, that was Twilight.” “Do you doubt, the great and powerful trixi!” “Yes!” Every pony at the table shouted. “I think I may have an idea.” A black mare said, standing up. She had a bow clipped to her saddle, and a quiver attached to her saddlebags. The purple bows color almost seemed to move and shimmer as its magic became restless. Swirls of midnight blue energy weaved through its wood. “Alright Shadow Soul, what'ch you got?” Rainbow asked. “Its a long shot, but I think it will work. We need to get a smell team inside the city.” “You realize how hard it would be to get rebels into the city without being noticed?” Shining asked. “Yes, but it'll be worth it. they go in, takes out the guard posts, takes out the shield, then the pagisi move in under the cover of night and attack. I can teach a unicorn a portal spell to move in the unicorn and earth pones.” “The great and powerful Trixi would like to learn this spell.” She said. “Oh, give it up Trixi, we know your not great and powerful.” Rainbow shouted. “After this, I will be known as the unicorn who saved equestria! I'll go down in history as a hero!” She shouted. “I think shadow would be in there a'fore you.” AJ said. “its her spell and her plan.” “Ya got that right.” shadow said. “Right. Like they would let a hornless unicorn in a history book before me.” Trixi said laughing. “What did you just say!” Shadow shouted, getting up from her chair and drawing her bow with her weak levitation magic. “Oh, whats the mater shadow, zebra got your horn?” Trixi asked. “You bitch!” She shouted, preparing to strike trixi with her bow. “Hey!” Shining shouted, drawing every pones attention. “There is a war going on outside that door.” He said, pointing towards the exit with his hoof. “There is enough fighting in equestria already, we don’t need it in here to.” “Im sorry shining armor.” Shadow soul said, putting her bow away and taking her seat. Trixi stuck her tung out at shadow, which she wisely ignored. “Would it be possible for this team to make it to the treasury?” Apple Jack asked shadow. “That depends on where your going with this.” She said. “The rebels need bits sure, but not that badly.” “No, nothing like that. I think me and rainbow would be more helpful with our elements, is all.” “Buck yea. We get those, then it is over for that zebra. One blast from there magic, and boom!” Rainbow said, hovering three feet above her chair, and making what she thought was an exploding gesture. “The elements are useless without the other four users. But I guess we could get them just in case.” “The elements are our best shot at wining.” Rainbow said. “the princesses couldn’t beat Discord or Nightmare moon. with the elements, we did. I think its safe to say that if we get them back, then we can take out the zebra overlord, easy.” “Hmm...that is true. Alright then, we can work that into the plan.” Shadow said. “I want a battle plan drawn out and on my desk as soon as possible.” Shining said, standing up. “We need contingency plans for everything that could go wrong, and multiple fallback points. Meeting adjourned.”
Chapter 3: New BeginningsChapter 3: New Beginnings Twilight and Warding Soul walked away from the hay burger, Pinkie bouncing alone beside them. There where vary few ponies moving about the streets, giving the town an and empty feeling, something ward seldom felt in larger cites. “Where is every pony?” Ward asked, looking around for any signs of life. “Pones usually only come out to go to the market. Ever since the change in government, the market started closing early. Every pony tries to spend as little time outside as possible, hoping to avoid “Peace Keepers”.” “That’s to bad.” “Well, im going to go home now.” Pinkie said. “Its getting late, and I have to go feed Gummy. You seem a lot happier then you where Twilight, so, my work here is done.” Pinkie Pie leaped away, singing alone to a song only she could here. “So,” Twilight said, turning towards ward. “Whats this quest your going on? How is it you have bat wings? Where did you come from.” “The last town is as in was Detrot. As for the wings...The wings are a spell I made. I charmed myself with it.” He said, stretching out his wings and giving them a flap. “You...what?” “I gave myself wings using magic.” He said, shrugging. “No pony has ever done that before, as in, never. Who taught you magic?” “Luna took me on as her student shortly after you and your friends blasted her with the elements of harmony. She had me learn a number of spells, but I used my power and skill to...Take it up to the next level.” “That must make you the most powerful unicorn in equestria.” Twilight said. “With magic like that...” “Oh no, im not that powerful. I’m just really creative. Now, for my quest, it started about two months ago....” “I had this odd dream one night, like none I had ever had before. It felt so real, almost like I could reach out and touch it. I was standing in the canterlot thrown room, standing before princess Luna. “She told me she had little time, and that I had to pay attention. She used her magic to conjurer an image of a tree house. Not a house built in a tree, but an actual hallowed out tree that some pony was living in. “Luna told me that I needed to find her sisters student, but before she could tell me who I was searching for, I woke up. I spent the next three nights hoping that luna would visit me again, but she never did. So, I decided to search equestria for who ever it was I was looking for, until I found him or her.” Ward stopped, realizing that Twilight had stopped walking a few yards back. He turned tail, and walked up to the purple mare. “Um, are you ok?” He asked. Twilight sat down on the road, and looked up at warding soul. “You where told to find lunas sisters student? Who lived inside a tree? In a dream?” “Ha, when you say it like that, I sound nuts.” Ward chuckled. “But yea. I've been flying across equestria looking for the tree house where he or she lives. I hope she still lives there. I was told the library was a tree, so I was going to check there after dinner. “Is that, the house, you saw?” twilight said slowly, pointing towards her library. Ward looked over at the house, and gasped. “That’s it! That’s the house from my vision! The library’s the house from my vision! Do you know the pony who lives there?” “W-wow.” Twilight stammerer, looking at the ground. “What?” “That house, the student, shes...” “Spit it out.” “Me. Warding soul wandered through Twilight’s library, looking at the vast selection of reading material that littered the walls. It wasn’t nearly as big as the canterlot library he was use to, but it was far greater then anything he had been in his travels. The first thing ward had noticed about Twilight sparkles house was that it was vary clean. Everything was set up exactly where it belonged. Every book in the right place, every quill, ink well, and list perfectly set where they belonged. This was one vary organized pony. Once they had arrived at Twilight’s house, Twilight had polity excused herself from the room to go speak with her dragon spike, in the kitchen. He wished he could here them, knowing that he was the topic of conversation. He sighed, continuing to go over the hundreds of books on the shelf. It was quite the library. Many of the books where on different forms of magic. Enchanting, amniomorphic spells, warding spells, combat magic. Ward smiled as he found a book that was his speed. “Protective magic and warding spells, volume 3.” He had read the first two volumes of the book, but he didn’t know there was a third volume. He excitedly lied down on the floor and cracked it open. Twilight came back out into the library, after her long chat with spike, to find her guest laying on the floor reading a book. At least he likes books, that was a start. She had no clue where to start. There where so many questions she had for him, but didn’t know which ones to ask. It seemed rude to ask him a billion questions after he went on such a long trip to find her. “So...” Twilight said, getting wards attention. “What are you reading?” “Protective Magic and Warding Spells, volume 3.” He said, closing the book. “I’ve read the first two already, so I figured the three might have some cool stuff in it. “Ah. So... what now?” She asked sheepishly. “huh?” He asked, getting to his feet. “You went all that way to find me. Now what are you going to do?” Ward sighed. “I don’t really now. I was sort of hoping you had some sort of plan to save equestria. You have a way better track record then I do when it comes to saving the world.” “Yea, but that was always with the elements of harmony. Without them, me and my friends are powerless.” She said, looking at the ground. “Now I know that’s a lie.” “What?” “You saved ponyville from an Ursa minor. You saved it from the alicorn amulet. You exposed the changeling queen. You didn’t have the help of the elements then, did you?” “Well no, but-” “no buts. You didn’t need them then, and you don’t need them now.” Twilight looked up and smiled. “I guess you might be right.” “I am right.” “can I ask you another question?” “I was expecting a river of them, go on.” Ward said nodding. “Tell me more about your bat wings. I understand you made them, but how? I haven’t seen you cast on them at all today.” “Well,” He said, sitting down. “First I changed a wing growing spell I found in a book slightly, and charmed myself with it. Then, I used a bone regrowth spell, and a healing spell, both slightly modified, and grew bones into it. Grew on some flesh, then, boom, permanent wings.” “You can that?” Twilight asked. “I didn’t think anything like that was possible.” “Why wouldn’t it be? When your using magic, your only limited by knowledge and imagination.” “But, how did you get that kind of power? I can barley do a normal wing spell.” “Really? I don’t know why, but I always thought alicorns had a little more juice then unicorns.” “Oh, this was back before I got my wings.” “Oh. Luna taught me a lot of things, including how to increase the amount of magic I have. If you practice a lot, and strain yourself, overtime your magic reserves will get larger. Like how if you eat a lot, you stomach grows.” “Wow.” “Its nothing really. Just what I do.” “So, why warding magic?” “My special talent is defending people with magic. Since in my eyes, all magic can help pones, I can learn all magic. I just like warding and shielding magic. It comes easily to me.” “Is that what you cutie mark means?” She asked, looking at the dark blue gem inside a blue force field on his flank. “Yea, that’s right. I got it when my sister was about to get crushed by a rock slide. I knew vary little about magic at the time, and...i managed to put up a barrier of telekinesis over us, so that we wouldn’t get crushed. The gem is represents the boulders, but at the same time, those im protecting. It shows how close we are to danger, without even knowing.” “That’s amazing.” “Its really not.” Ward sighed, and picked up his saddle bags off the floor with his magic. “Well, it was nice talking to you, but its getting late. I had better go find an inn before Cerf.” “You could sleep here.” “Really?” “Yea, if you don’t mind sleeping down here on an air mattress.” “Wow, thank you.” “Your vary welcome.” An hour later, ward was laying down on an air mattress pumped up in twilight’s living room. Normally, he would never be in bed at such an early hour. It was only around nine. But, he was tired from the long journey, and enjoying the short brake that finding twilight had brought. Twilight, however, wasn’t nearly as ready to hit the hay. She was up stairs, working away on some sort of project that she was to busy to talk about. Spike had told him that she would get like that whenever she found a new led on finding or speaking with the princesses. Ward sighed, staring up at the ceiling of the cozy tree house. He wanted to sleep so badly, but when he lied down, his dreams refused to come. After about ten minutes, he decided if he cant sleep, he might as well bid his time. Ward levitated the spell book he had been reading earlier over to him, and cracked it open. The book really did have some vary interesting spells in it, magic he would no doubt refit to be more useful. He laughed quietly to himself. With all the spells hes rewired, he could publish his own spell book. Maybe that’s what he would do when the conflict finally ended. So, is she really who we've been searching for? Ward gasped a bit as he felt the flow of thoughts and emotions that accompanied the telepathic connection. There was no other feeling like it. For a brief moment as the minds connect, its impossible to tell what emotions and thoughts belong to who. Ward closed his eyes, allowing the telepathy spell to connect to his mind, so he wouldn’t loss it. “I think so.” He thought. “She was celestias student, and she is vary gifted in magic.” She has no drive, and no ambition. The other wielders have all joined causes to aid in the war except her. She just sits in this tree, waiting for her old teacher to tell her what to do. “Have you been scrying me?” No, I cant and you know it. I just peak into your head and tap into your senses on occasion. “Shes been through a lot, ok? All she needs is some guidance, that’s why im here.” He said out loud this time Your here, because you had a dream you had to be. While I don’t totally agree with the execution, I cant deny that with her and her friends, we might have an edge. Just remember, we know nothing about who this mare has become. “I’ll keep that in mind.” Ward pushed his the mares mind out of his own, not forcefully, but enough for her to know that she was no longer welcome. As there minds separated, ward again felt the flow of confusing thoughts and emotions. He closed his eyes, waiting for them to pass. With his mind free for the moment, he returned to his book. Spike watched the powerful unicorn return to his book from the stairs, the light from his horn casting an eerie blue glow around the room. It was a good thing twilight had charmed the windows so no pony could see him casting spells through them. He didn’t know why, but something about the pony made spike feel uneasy. And the way he was just talking to himself didn’t help him feel any safer around him. Spike returned to his and twilight’s room, quietly pondering what he had just seen and heard. “Ok, so either hes crazy, or he was using magic to talk to some pony. What did he mean by Twilight needing guidance, and what is he supposed to keep in mind?” Spike paced back and forth in front of his basket. “Oh, if only I knew.” “Who?” Owlishis asked, flying into the room. He landed on twilight’s bed post, and starred down at the baby dragon. “Warding soul.” Spike said, walking up to the owl. “Theirs something off about him, but I don’t know what it is.” “Who?” “The pony downstairs, the unicorn!” “Who!” “Oh, never mind.” spike said, waving a claw at the owl. “Oh, I thought I heard talking in here.” Twilight said, walking into the room, causing spike to jump. “Spike, what are you doing up, I thought you went to bed.” “Oh, umm... I did, but I, ugh, went to get a drink. Yea. Then Owlishis flew in and started his, “who-ing”.” “Well, try and get some sleep. We have a big day tomorrow.” “Maybe you should get some rest to twilight. You look really tired.” “I will in a bit. I'm really close to a brake through, I can feel it.” “Alright, just don't burn yourself out.” Twilight went over to her desk and continued her reading. Spike returned to his basket, to try and get some rest. He wasn’t sure how mush sleep he was going to get having a stranger in his house.
