Reality and War

Chapters

8 Years
Beginning of the end
Harmony
What's To Come
Why Do Pegasus Fly

8 Years

It has been 8 years since Fluttershy’s passing, in which Twilight had blamed herself for after a failed experiment. And in those 8 years she had became the one who couldn't rationalize with the lose the most, she understood death, but not in that aspect.

In the first year she grieved with all her friends just the same. The second she couldn't separate from her studies, ignoring the majority of her royal duties and the reasons for this odd behavior was unknown. Until the next two years it was discovered that she was attempting to resurrect her lost friend, however before the other elements could stop her. The Alicorn had succeeded in conjuring her body, yet the soul was not that of the one they had loved. A demonic being had slipped through the enchantment and contaminated the ritual. Causing Twilight to unknowingly create a monster that wreaked havoc on Equestria for a short but brutal time, until Celestia Sacrificed her immortality to save everypony. And in year five Luna marched troops to Twilight’s castle due to her failure to respond to the crisis she had caused, but faith in Luna had faltered as soon as they reached the castle gates. The royal guard had either tucked tail and ran or swiftly betrayed the princess of the Night for the supposed princess of friendship. Causing Luna to retreat and flee to the Crystal Empire where attempts at negotiation ensued and failed due to Twilight's slipping sanity. However in 6 short months she had harvested enough magic to banish the entirety of the crystal empire to Tartarus despite the pleas of thousands including her own family. Still she accomplished that great feat at cost, Twilight had lost the majority of her magical power, but with Equestria all to herself and no pony to stop her it had been subjected to two years of brutality on a scale that Sombra couldn't even match.

But from that chaos was born an opposition, that in which Equestria had never expected. And with the eigth year, it has been constant conflict and dwindling resistance. However this new rebellion can stand a chance against Twilights tyranny and will for as long as their leader stands… Rainbow Dash.

Beginning of the end

Ponyville

year 1013

Nov, 4th

3:30pm

Depressed, That was the state of ponyville. In truth, that was the state of all Equestria. Dreary depression was not wasted on anypony. Even the young yellow mare, who slowly walks in the thundering rain. She kept along the dirt trail, each hoof step falling into deep mud, making it hard to walk. No matter the young mare did not waver, she was strong and stubborn minded, much like her older sister. The young mare sighed as she thought of the older mare, out on some battlefield, fighting for the rule of the princess.

Still she had a job to do as well, organize a group of ponies for a mission. One that isn’t militaristic nor political in value, it was a pure equestrian cause stemming from three filly’s dreams long ago. Only now has those dreams inspired many more beyond those three, and thats why the young yellow mare trudges through the mud, negating the weather. For her work and her trial has yet to begin, not until she reaches the doors of the Cutie Mark Crusaders headquarters.

“Heya girls, I’m not late am I?” The drenched young yellow mare inquired while walking into a massive treehouse like building shaking her mane and tail, doing her best to dry off without having to search for a blanket or two. Also she couldn’t have thought of anything else until she straightened out the huge red bow that was fastened uptop of her head. Until then she didn’t bother looking up to realize that everypony that was suppose to be attending the meeting was already preoccupied with what seemed like a struggle in the middle of the room.

“She is trying to join the war again and I don’t think my magic is strong enough to hold her this time?!” An equally young white unicorn mare desperately calls out.

Now the earth pony looks upon her surroundings far differently than before. She sees everyponies faces and their absolutely stressed expressions. Then she looks towards her two other friends who were in a complex situation all in their own. The white unicorn mare, whose voice is as beautiful as her mane and her orange pegasus companion who is constantly riled up by the current conflict. However before she could continue thinking the restrained Pegasus started to growl.

“LET ME GO!” The orange Pegasus blurted out while attempting to break free from her friends magical grip. Leaving the unicorn restraining her worried, yet the still soaking wet yellow mare was far from affected by the pegasus's bostorious display.

“Let the chicken go, ya know we gotta go through this every month.” The earth pony said while letting out an audible sigh.

“B-but…” The unicorn wailed in a strained voice

“NO, let her, she outta know this isn’t our fight, it never was.” The earth pony sternly says, mimicking that of her older sister, which was brought to the forefront of her mind after making that strong statement. Yet she still continued to speak, “We as Cutie Mark Crusaders are dedicated to guiding lost fillies and colts home throughout equestria… No matter what territory we reside in, meaning if any one of us became active in this darn conflict that only means restricted movement for our organization!”

Silence filled the room, and the orange Pegasus immediately stopped struggling as the white unicorn let down her magical grip. All attention was paid to the straight forward earth pony while she was preparing to speak again, articulating the words in her head. She begun to gaze at the few but diverse group of ponies that she saw sitting and awaiting the conclusion of her speak she wasn’t prepared to give.

“The Cutie Mark Crusaders were first created to solely help find our true talents, yet over the past few years we have grown and our missions have changed. The same goes for the world we live in and every member of our organization… Don’t ya understand… Lives are being lost along with the hope we all hold to us and Twilight, Rarity, and A-applejack seek to restore it.” The yellow mare had much more to say, but she just couldn’t put it to words. She looked in the eyes of everypony, testing their reactions, testing their faith to her words. And everypony seemed satisfied, all except for one.

“MISSIONS, we have failed at everyone of them ever since we became what we are today!” The now infuriated orange Pegasus yelled, spreading her wings to show the full span of her anger. “Our very first one was preventing this whole thing in the first place, DON’T YA REMEMBER…Don’t you, Rainbow Dash… SHE KILLED SPITFIRE AND TRIED TO DO THE SAME TO TWILIGHT!!!” The mare was now screaming. “ SOME ELEMENT OF LOYALTY SHE WAS, and now look what she is…” The screaming quickly turned into solemn weeping as she found her way into the embrace of the alabaster unicorn that was once restraining her.

“She was suppose to be my sister, she was suppose to help me find my true talent and help me learn how to fly… Instead, she betrays us all.” With that statement coming from the broken pegasus, the once stern yellow earth pony could do nothing but step back and let her distressed friend continue all while the the unicorn did her best to console her friend. This time planting a small kiss on orange Pegasus's check, causing her to fluster slightly, still her anger had yet to subside.

“Twilight, even after everything that has happened, she does her best to protect Equestria, to protect us. She taught me how to fly and helped me get my cutie mark, but if i’m not allowed to protect her after all she has been through as well, Betrayed by Luna an-and Rainbow Dash… FORGET THIS I’M JOINING NOW!” She yells, quickly sliding out of the young unicorns embrace.

“Ya can forget it!” An even sterner voice than the young earth mares from before rang out. Everypony once again returned to their previous silence, until one pony said softly.

“It’s General Applejack?!”

None other than Twilight's star general. Applejack and her heroic figure, she donned specially fitted royal armor that didn’t glisten in the sunlight as you would expect, it was rather dirty and dented from constant combat, yet the fact that she still had it one meant that she had recently returned to Ponyville. Especially if they all remembered correctly twilight’s regime had been skirmishing with the rebels main forces and if Applejack was already back, it must have been an overwhelming victory, as always expected from the hardy earth pony general, She had yet to lose a battle and was bringing the conflict to a quick end. However her presence was still extremely unexpected.

Applejack looked towards the three in the center of the group and addressed them with the utmost clarity. “Applebloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo.”

The three of them stood as still as trees as they looked up at the encroaching general. But it seemed that Applejack was more interested in the young pegasus, Scootaloo. Despite the overwhelming imitation factor Applejack had, Scootaloo stood and looked the her directly in the eyes with a fire raging in them. It was clear that she wouldn’t take back her former statements, even in the face of a general.

“Scootaloo, it’s the beginning of the end.” Applejack dead-panned, looking the all to serious Scootaloo in her eyes. “We have located the last of their hide outs and have specifically located… Rainbow Dash, it’s over.”

Some gasped, others started bickering, and the rest stayed very silent. Sweetie’s eyes grew frighteningly large at Applejacks words as she turned to observe Scootaloo who was doing nothing more that gritting her teeth in pure anger. It was clear that scootaloo wasn’t nearly as satisfied as she should have been.

“Then what… what of all of those who betrayed us!” Scootaloo says furiously. “We can’t just act if nothing never happened!”

Applejack only rose a brow to the young mares comment as she knew exactly who she was referring to, yet she didn’t exactly know what to tell her. However the unyielding pegasus demanded an answer and Applejack caught herself in a situation where she was the one that had to give it.

“When a apple becomes rotten most ponies throw it away, still it’s seeds can grow to bear a strong tree, do ya see what I’m gettin at youngin.” Applejack unambiguously responds.

“Huh?” Applebloom was the first to express her confusion at what her older sister had said, and if she was unable to interpret the quote than everypony else was hopeless.

“What my darling Applejack was trying to say is that all we need to do is contain those filthy ponies so that our Twilight can work her magic and return Equestria to it’s old beautiful self.” A luxurious alabaster mare chimes in while stepping into the room accompanied by two strapping stallions that were exactly identical to each other in every way.

“RARITY!” Applejack knew that sly and smooth voice all too well. She cut an eye at the now innocent faced Rarity who begun fluffing her main as if she hadn’t said anything important. But everypony heard her words well. Applebloom and Scootaloo pondered at her words as Sweetie Belle gave her sister a frightening stare, one that could be compared to looking at a masked stranger. Just the fact that Rarity hadn’t acknowledged sweetie had already filled the room with much more unwanted tension.

“Now now Applejack, I’m not here to meddle in the childrens fun… You know very well why I’m here, sometimes I think you're harder to find than myself.” Rarity turned her back to them as she was beginning to take her early exit with her entourage. “What would I have told Twilight if you was late to our little get together dear.”

Applejack huffed and turned her hat down so no pony could see the expression on her face. She slowly but surely followed behind the eccentric mare and her boy toys. Still she had one last thing to say as she walked out the door.

“Y’all got something going here, don’t any of ya forget that, especially you Applebloom.” And just as quick as she came, she was gone. Leaving the many of them who were holding their breath the whole time to all exhale with a great force.

Applebloom had an unchanging expression of disbelief as Scootaloo held even stronger to her previous words. Although Sweetie had a much different reaction, her flank fell straight to the floor with fearful look on her face. One that even broke Scootaloo from her enraged trance leaving the three of them in the center of a flurry of questions that would mostly not be answer.

“Beginning of the end…” Sweetie Belle murmured just loud enough for Applebloom to make out, even though Scootaloo was still oblivious to the statement.

Applebloom couldn’t see a simple solution to this conflict, just not how her sister and Rarity had put it. It just made it sound to easy, yet the way the two of them said it made is sound far from it. So the thoughts of forced peace raced through her head and if it was possible or should she be in the same disposition that Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo are in. But she knew she had a role to play and her family will would show her the way.

vVvVv

The air was still very tense as the two very different leaders of Twilight’s Regime made their way to castle where there were already a many of ponies amassing at the helm of the castle awaiting their Princess’s presence. The regime guard were on a very strict protocol today, Applejack could clearly see the intensity engraved in their faces, for the last time the princess gave a speak their was an attempt on her life. This caused the earth’s pony’s steps to grow ever more heavier with every passing memory, despite Rarities casual trot to the castle, Applejack could almost cringe at was to come. But before the depression could hit her, Rarity stopped in her tracks.

“Darling, you do know your wishful thinking won’t change the world.” The almost glistening mare quotes, not even turning around to address Applejack directly. However she bore a strange hint of seriousness in her voice. “Only our actions can make it beautiful again.”

Now continuing her trot, Rarity signaled one of her stallions to accompany Applejack behind her. The former farm pony looked disgustingly at the unnamed stallion who had a very creepy but bright smile on his face. Just the sight of him next to her made her pick up the pace, besides she knew at her previous speed she surely would have been late.

Making their way through the main road of ponyville, it was evedently clear that every and anypony were preparing to attend the speech. Every stall was closed and every house was empty for the grand announcement. The only ones that weren't attending was the likes of the CMC for very clear political reasons, they're allowed to freely roam in rebel territory. And even despite the recent de-expansion of the rebels, their mobility is vital to their mission and neutrality is something they have to keep. So with one fatal slip they could be prisoners of the rebels, or even worse an enemy to Twilight. Still most of their loyalties resided with Twilight as did everypony who lives west of Ponyville.

The sky’s are filled with Pegasi who clamors to the conflicts call to support the princess, from Las Pegasus to Cloudsdale. The hearts of them all are filled with vengeance and anger for the lose of the great Spitfire, and the fact that one of their own caused that tragedy. It was clear that the loyalist were fed up with the terrorism of the Rainbow Rebels. Who often time raid farm land and destroy Regime communication hubs. All of them were minutes away from hearing what they have awaited for what has seemed like so long. The end of this conflict, the end of tragedy that Twilight has sought to remedy.

Although none of them know of the princess’s current condition. At least not like Applejack, and Rarity. The two of them have stood by her side during the depression, insanity, and paranoia. Twilight had lost a conflict in her head long ago, something that has spawned a monster with in her, leaving those closest to suffer. But any at a distance to prosper of her vast intelligence and ability to rule a kingdom and that was enough reason for the population to ignore her violence.

Still within that great looming figure there's a pony that once embodied friendship and magic. Every once in a while, in those rare times where Twilight feels safe. Applejack, and many ponies alike receive a glimpse of what once was a strong and caring mare. The former farm pony will always hold guilt in her heart for Twilight, for the simple fact that she knew it could have all been prevented, they all could have been saved.

However as the two arrived at the castle, Rarity called off her strange entourage and had no words for Applejack as she entered the castles secure gates. Leaving the earth pony look at the cheering crowd, causing her to grimace at what was to come. But for now Applejack knew her job and she had to get into place for the speech as she saw a purple figure step out onto a high balcony overlooking everypony below.

On the balcony a alicorn of rather fair height with a very unkempt mane and coat that showed little rest and a lot of physical strain on her body looked down speculatively at her subjects. Her eyes were dull and her left pupil was a disturbing red, the side effect of exhausting magical power. The alicorn seemed as though she had been waiting an eternity for heads of her army as the Rarity and Applejack took the stage with their queen.

]

“I shouldn’t have to send Rarity to go retrieve you.” The Alicorn was visibly upset and clearly unsympathetic for anything Applejack would have had to say in response.

“Twilight, you know farm ponies, always have to be moving about.. Never indulging in the grander pleasures of life.” Rarity says in a casual tone, clearly nicking Applejack in the hooves. The two exchange a very long silent stare, until Rarity said one more thing. “Now we shouldn’t keep them waiting any longer should we?”

Twilight gave Applejack a cold look as she also turned towards Rarity, but then her expression was very annoyed. however her attention soon reverted to the crowd that has a massed before her, making her give a grim smile before starting her speech.

“Now everypony rest assure, with these words I’m getting ready to speak, harmony will be restored. Equestria will once again be a great nation, and as your princess I ensure you this is the end… The traitors known as the Rainbow Rebels are on their last leg and are in a CORNER!.” Twilight yells out, her voice echoing through ponyville, striking a chord with them all. She looked once more back at Applejack and continued. “ These stressful times have not been without pain and lose, The esteemed and great Apple family have lost many to assist Equestria and have gave everything necessary to bring this conflict to a quick end… Tomorrow will be the last day you hear the word Rebel and those who created this conflict will be brought to swift justice!”

The crowd began shouting at the tops of their lungs, “ TWILIGHT, TWILIGHT, TWILIGHT!!!” At the same time Twilight was looking up into the sky, almost as if she was staring into the sun and Rarity was waving at the raving crowd. But Applejack lingered on the words of twilight, the Apple family. Her and Applebloom were the only ones left, it was almost impossible to imagine, and Applejack still denies is all too often. Yet they all have sacrificed themselves for the legitimacy of Twilight's power, her legacy. And now she stood next to her princess, ready to do the same. For the Apples are as solid as the trees they once tended.

“I ain’t forgot what you said granny, just not yet..” Applejack whispered under her breath, however Twilight wasn’t deaf and could hear very well over the roaring crowd. But instead of addressing Applejack directly effectively causing a scene, Twilight decided to wave Rarity and Applejack off the balcony as she resumed her speech.

“Apples or Oranges, neither are worth a pony’s life.” Applejack

Harmony

Hollow Shades

Year 1013

Nov, 5th

5:13am

Injured. Broken. Dead. Whatever they could get their hooves on and bring back, the Rainbow Rebels tirelessly worked, setting up triage tents and treatment centers in their small command site of makeshift tents. They all scramble to help aid the wounded they best they could, having just suffered another crushing defeat at the hooves of Twilight’s Regime. Ponies would be given tags as they came in. one meant walking able to help. 2 meaning walking wounded. 3 meaning immediate aid. 4 meant dead or was going to be dead.

Yet among all the chaos, there is one caramel unicorn with a matted brown mane doing his best to keep up with all the names that crosses his path. With a pen and clipboard in his magical grasp, the stallion is going down a list of pages to mark all those who have returned in good condition or otherwise. However by the serious concern look on his face and all the names he has marked off the list was looking very bleak. Not to mention that some ponies that he has passed on stretchers were barely recognizable or maimed beyond belief. The disheartened unicorn found a crate to set his haunches on and simply gave up.

“It’s useless, simply useless…” He mutters in complete defeat, pressing both of his front hoofs against his face.

All while the stallion was sub coming to his frustrations, a pony came from behind him and took the clipboard with a hoof. It was a rather old crystal mare who had a blueish gray coat with a pink mane. Here crystal complexion was enough to bring the unicorn to remove his hoofs from his face.

“Now young one, I understand this is hard to do, but these ponies have families and friends. We just can’t allow ourselves to quite.” The old mare remarks wisely.

“Yes, I understand that all too well, I’m the one who’ll most likely tend to these injured you see and we just don’t have the supplies to sustain all these casualties and injuries… I’ve been forced to use medical methods that have been out of practice for years because were so low on supplies!” The stallion responds, unmotivated by her words.

They both looked up at the amount of ponies pouring into the camp and took another look at the list that had way more red markings on it than it should. And where the stallion felt defeated, the old mare still had something left to say.

“So what is that cutie mark of yours?” She questioned

“I-it’s a electrocardiograph monitor… why do you ask?” he recoils in response, not entirely sure on what she was getting at.

“Well when I lived in the Crystal Empire, I was the librarian. I kept up with more Literature than you could have ever read and my cutie mark is a scroll because I’ve kept my list right, and I’ve read them twice. So how about you let me handle this job from here and you go tell those huffing horses in main camp what we're dealing with here.” she says, giving a reassuring nudge to the baffled doctor.

And without thinking twice, or even considering the old timers capabilities to keep up with the list, he had jumped up and started to make his way deeper into the labyrinth of a forest to get to their main camp. The main camp was a small cave cornered by a large tree in the center of their makeshift network in Hollow Shades that had light encampments all around it. It was were all the current leaders of the rebels would meet and discuss strategy and plans for claimed territories, however the meetings have been happening less and less frequently due to constant defeat and decline in rebel moral. Not only that, the stallion knew he would be heading their eventually anyway, because one of their current leaders had just previously fell in the last battle against the great General Applejack. And he was sure word has not yet made it main camp.

vVvVv

Arriving at the guard outpost for main camp, he presents himself and passes through without a problem due to the fact he trots through quite often. Yet when he enters the well lit cave and opens the wooden doors to the leaders meeting room, he is met with violent outbursts and arguing, as their are six ponies in the room venting their anger. But not all of them are fighting the front lines, three of the six the stallion recognized as investors to the rebels cause and wouldn’t be caught dead anywhere near conflict. The most powerful investor in the room was none other than former ponyville residence Filthy Rich and it was said that he has thrown his net worth into the cause, as far as the stallion knows. However the other two he is unfamiliar with that are bickering next to Filthy.

Then their are the ones who are battle hardened, their is the blue unicorn mare with the light blue mane that always refers to herself in third person oddly enough. Trixie Lulamoon, A very boastful magician who tends to be distrusted by those who fight under her. Still she possess great power and specializes in Combat magic, yet she is rather unskilled to speak lightly. And then there's the reason this whole war is happening, the cyan rainbow maned Leader who is seated in front of all the yelling slowly losing her patience. Rainbow Dash, a charismatic and strong leader, however at times she experiences great faults in judgement due to some bullheadedness and not to mention her crippling fear of facing her former friends that often times causes questioning about her leadership. However she is resistant to Twilight’s magic and unwillingly stole the essence of harmony when she fled ponyville, causing many ponies to follow suite and clamor to Rainbow’s actions.

The carmel unicorn stayed in the doorway analyzing what was going on, unwilling to step forward. Until he was noticed by the sixth figure in the room, a bright pink Earth pony with a long flat dark pink mane and a hellish scowl on her face. Pinkamena, and as soon as she made eye contact with the weary unicorn it had almost seemed as if she had been activated.

“Well, what are you standing there staring at!” She shouted, breaching through all the nonsense that was being said among the leaders.

Everypony in the room turned around to look at the now dumbfounded looking stallion standing in the doorway.

“Are you deaf, or should I get a little closer!” Pinkamena yells.

“Pinkie, please! Now is not the time for this” Rainbow exclaims, slamming a hoof on the ground.

“Well she does have a point though, why are you here… you're in charge of the medical operations right?” Filthy asks inquisitively.

“Yes, you see… it isn’t good news.” The doctor said, all while his ears laid flat on his head.

“Oh great, more bad news, Trixie can never hear enough bad news.” Trixie sarcastically says, not expecting nothing else

“Wait, where is Thunderlane, I heard he was injured during ou-our last battle. Still we received word that he was on his way back to the camp.” Rainbow added in.

“He’s dead.” The stallion says bluntly.

“DEAD!” Everypony in the room simultaneously said, except for Pinkamena, who showed no emotion to those words.

Rainbow Dash flipped the large table in front of her in a fit of anger as she refuses to believe what she has heard. Not only that she began slamming her hooves violently into the dirt until it starts turning red due to the fact that her pounding is damaging her hoofs.

“RAINBOW DASH, CONTROL YOURSELF!” one of the unknown ponies to the doctor yelled out.

Still while the investors were trying to tame and control Rainbows rage. Trixie was not satisfied with the simple he’s dead, she wanted to know who claimed his life. Although it wouldn’t be for revenge, only for confirmation.

“Trixie wants to know, was it none other than Twilight’s famed chess piece?”

“If you're referring to General Applejack, then yes… The troops said he died on the way back, he took a direct hit from her hind legs and suffered from massive internal bleeding, he played it off long enough to corral his men to safety.” The doctor responded disappointedly.

After hearing what the doctor said Rainbow immediately stopped her rage and looked up at him wide eyed.

“I TOLD HIM NOT TO ENGAGE HER, I TOLD HIM!” She wailed

“That is enough of that, they are not your friends anymore. I didn’t invest my life into this only to have you dance around the enemy because of your little fantasies!” Filthy says, sternly making his point.

“No no no, I don’t want anypony to engage her because she will KILL THEM!” Rainbow cried.

“Pff, Trixie is not intimidated!” Trixie boastfully exclaimed.

But the legitimacy of her words faltered at a glance from Pinkamena. Who looked as if she had cut straight through her soul with a sharp dagger, yet she didn’t have to utter a word and with Trixie silenced one of the unknown investors left the room. Before leaving though, he had some parting words.

“Do what you will with what I’ve provided so far, but don’t expect anymore support out of me. You all have proven well enough that is is all coming to a close end and I don’t want to be here to see it.” He waved the five off and walked past the doctor.

“And if I was you I’d be finding a new profession as well.” He whispered slyly to the doctor.

“Ok, does anypony else want to jump ship while we're at it?!” Rainbow furiously yelled.

This time the second unnamed investor got up from his seat and slowly made his way to the door before anymore words could be said. Leaving Rainbow Dash to grimace the thought of losing her last investor, Filthy Rich. Still he sat unmoved by the actions of the two others, and at that it left room for the Doctor to come take a seat at the signal of Filthy who obviously still wasn’t finish with this war, just not yet.

“Ok, now that those fools are gone, let’s get down to business.”

Rainbow looked up at Filthy as if she had no Idea what he was talking about.

“Oh, now Rainbow you know what I’m talking about… The M.P.C” Filthy said, as if he was on to something.

“Wait, how did you know about the production of that thing. Only Flim, Flam, and Maud has any authorization to that project?!” Rainbow stood up, offended by his knowledge of a secret project.

“M.P.C... why hasn’t Trixie been informed of this?”

Since it was all in the air now, Rainbow Dash had no other choice but to reveal what has been under production since the beginning of the war. Even Pinkamena raised a brow to what her dashie was speaking of.

“The Modified Party Cannon. It was built off the same design as Pinkies old party cannon, however it is six times larger than its original and instead of shooting confetti and balloons, it fires eight to twenty four pound Rocks at deadly speeds. Not to mention it’s range can exceed almost an entire mile, however it’s accuracy isn’t the best in equestria.” Rainbow reluctantly explained.

“Wh- what!” The doctor was in disbelief that anything like she just explained could exist. As a doctor he has seen the scars and wounds of war left from Spears, knives, wing blades and spiked horseshoes. But he couldn’t fathom the amount of agony and death something like that could cause. Yet his horrified thoughts were cut off quickly by Rainbow Dash.

“Now if reports are true, Twi-Twilight's regime is amassing on the other side of Canter mountain and may begin their march by tomorrow at daybreak. What is our death toll from our last defeat.” She asked in a rather commanding tone.

“Well, considering our lack of aide and from where I last left of, We are going well over 200 at this rate and we expect 100 more to sub come to untreatable wounds.” The doctor responded rather sadly.

“That means there are roughly 150 left from Thunderlane's troops that are able to fight and Trixie you command 300 still rather fresh and there are at least 100 capable of fighting within our camp.”

“Trixie thinks those are rather unimpressive numbers compared to 2,000 of that farm ponies army!” Trixie said with some concerned while Rainbow was crunching the numbers.

“Hmp, not to mention the new gap in leadership we have. I see no pony fit to fill that role, they seem like they never last to long fighting against Applejack, the only way we can claim victory is if we use that little ace of yours Ms.Dash.” Filthy adds in.

“NO, we can’t handle any more deaths, we must move out while we can!” The Doctor says fearfully.

“She would only follow us.” Trixie dead panned.

“Yes she would, I know Applejack to well. She won’t let us go, so we must make our stand here.” Rainbow says while making her way to a map on the cave wall.

“We’ll make our stand at Foal Mountain, right where the rock farms are at. That their will provide a natural choke point, preventing the majority of Applejacks ranks to freely move. So if were able to route Applejacks army their we can also take the farms as well, providing vital resources for our army. Trixie, I’ll need you to prepare evacuation of the camp and take a small detachment to Manehatten, I’ve been hearing of distress among the population their and a minor resistance growing in the heart of the city. If you slip through you might be able to rally some to our cause; because reports say that their garrisons have been becoming increasingly lazy due to our… decline.” Rainbow couldn’t believe what she was saying right now, she would have never thought that she’d be capable of such things.

“Wait, what? who is engaging that farm pony if Trixie is going to Manehatten?” Trixie asked still rather concerned.

“I will, and the newly appointed Leader Pinkie here.” Rainbow said rather quickly hoping they would just nod their head in agreement.

“WHAT, THAT MONSTER IS A NEWLY APPOINTED LEADER!” Trixie frightenedly points a hoof at the motionless pink pony that hasn’t left the corner of the room.

“And what about you, the last time you was on the front. You froze up at the sight of that temptress Rarity, we had to withdraw that day…” Filthy chimed in.

“PINKIE KNOWS THAT LAND BETTER THAN ANYPONY HERE! Not to mention she has the most experience messing with cannons and rocks as well.” Rainbow Pointed out.

“Trixie knows this, Still Trixie doesn’t see how she stands as any benefit to us? Trixie doesn’t even think she has a moral compass?” She rebutted

Pinkie cut her eyes once again at the blue mare all while growling as if she was a rabid dog. Forcing Trixie to leap up out of her seat and give Rainbow a see what I’m talking about gesture. Yet Filthy and the Doctor were unmoved, leaving Rainbow to dismiss it and continue on.

“She is one of the original bearers of harmony, and she made me a Pinkie Promise that she would help me through this… And she hasn’t failed me yet.” Rainbow said boldly, making eye contact with the pink hollow figure standing behind her as if she was a bodyguard.

However Pinkamena refused to return eye contact or even acknowledgement of her words. But if anything has been proven over the short course of this war it was her loyalty to Rainbow Dash, and that could not be questioned.

“I see no problem with your decision, I assume she’ll be commanding what’s left of Thunderlane's little force and not to mention that M.P.C of yours will also be under her jurisdiction as well” Filthy says

“AUGH!” Trixie whelped while displacing the wizard hat atop of her head.

“Yet, I don’t see your role in this whole thing. No offense, but since this all begun, you haven’t been able to cut it out there on the front.” Filthy added

“She suffers from severe anxiety attacks Mr.Rich, it can’t be helped.” The doctor weighed in, aware of Rainbow’s Condition

“Well then, it wouldn’t serve well to have her prancing around on the front lines would it!”

“If you don’t have faith in me fine, take my place. Otherwise leave me to my damnation, with Thunderlane gone, with everypony risking their lives for the fact that they believe I’ve stole harmony from Twilight after her change…. THE LEAST I CAN DO FOR THOSE PONIES IS FIGHT FOR THEM!” Rainbow raged once more.

“THERE WILL BE NO MORE TALK OF DOUBT, WE ARE WASTING TIME… GET OUT!!!” Rainbow yelled at the top of her lungs, causing Trixie and Filthy to leave the room immediately. Still two remained. The doctor and her companion, Pinkamena who had been completely unaffected by the whole show.

Hesitantly the doctor rose from his seat to address Rainbow on his concerns. “ Ponies don’t think you bear harmony, they know, I know… The day you broke that barrier Twilight resurrected over Ponyville, their was those there who saw what happened. Harmony did in fact that day flee with you, that’s why you're immune to Twilight's magic now, that’s why you escaped when you did.”

Rainbow only looked down in utter disappointment remembering that day, and at this point she couldn’t even contain the tears brimming in her eyes. A steady flow begun to slide down both sides of her cheeks as she did her best to hide it. Still the doctor could see it all to well.

“You regret, that’s why you're capable of leading us. But I must ask you, PLEASE REFRAIN FROM FURTHER PRODUCTION OF THAT MONSTROSITY YOU DEPICTED! I understand it is vital now, but please don’t allow this war to exceed our capacity to dig graves! I and a couple of others will be behind your army, ready to properly handle the dead on both sides, EVEN IF IT COSTS US OUR LIVES.” The doctor emotionally blurts out.

Rainbow Dash just gave a simple nod of her head and nothing more, because at this point she was beyond emotionally exhausted. The Doctor knew this as well, so he decided to make his exit.

“I believe in you,” Were the last words the doctor spoke audible before leaving the dim room.

Rainbow fell back on her haunches immediately after the doctor left, sitting in an eerie silence until it was broken by what had seemed like fearful crying. At that point she felt that their was no reason to hold back her emotions anymore, in just another day or two their fates would be decided with one decisive battle.

“I’m still here Dashie.” Pinkamena said, forcing herself to sound vaguely emotional. Still the expression on her face proved otherwise

“Yes Pinkie I know, you're always their…”

“A doctors job in never considered a profession during times of war… Only a curse.” Doctor Stables

What's To Come

Ponyville

year 1013

Nov, 5th

3:15pm

Only a day after the Princess giving her speech, everypony in ponyville and the surrounding area returned to the everyday lives. Selling goods at stalls and talking of the latest gossip, feuds, lovers and whatever else could divert their attention from the atrocities that were happening outside their protected city, one that had a rather unfitting castle placed right in the middle of it. Still, there was an absent minded grey pegasus with a slightly disheveled yellow mane sitting all by herself at a park bench, only accompanied by her saddle bag.

The mare was simply observing sites that surrounded her. Birds dancing in the sky, squirrels quarreling over a small nut in the trees around her and young ponies all playing in the park without a care in the world. The almost picture perfect sight could even bring the strongest of stallions to crack a smile, however this mare wasn’t smiling. No, she was just taking in the serenity of it all, Knowing not many places can afford peace like this anymore. Little fillies and colts were losing parents day by day to conflicts beyond their understanding, and that was all she saw in those ponies she watched play. Kids who one day may find themselves without a mother or father. Yet those thoughts were momentarily banished from her head as a small blue ball rolled right in front of her, diverting her attention to the sound of pattering of hoofsteps that came to an abrupt halt within feet of her presence.

The lone mare looks up to see a small lime green pegasus filly, who by her looks, claimed ownership the the small ball that has rolled before her. But the filly had ignored the ball for the most part, she was paused, staring rather deeply into the eyes of the grey mare. The little one was very intrigued with how neither one of her eyes seemed like they wanted to cooperate with each other. The look that the filly gave was no different from any other look kids give her, to be quant she was quite accustomed to it. So paying the little one no mind, she simply leans down from her bench and roll the ball back in the girls direction while having a genuine smile on her face.

“Why do you have funny eyes?” The little one asks, innocently. Letting the little blue ball roll straight past her.

Extremely surprised by the little ones straightforwardness, she decides to peak her interests. For most would simply walk away or talk behind her back and compared to those experiences she’d much rather indulge this one.

“Why aren’t you curious, but I’m afraid I don’t have an answer for that.” The grey mare responds rather motherly.

“Really, then you could just make one up right?” The filly rebuttals, obviously expecting a more interesting answer as she tilts her head.

The grey mare simply giggled to herself, almost becoming a little bubbly with the idea of making a story up, “Well If you want as story, I might as well learn your name, my name is derpy.”

“My name is Lana!” The filly shouts, fluttering her wings a little.

“Well… Lana?” Derpy says questioningly, that name wasn’t very common among ponies. “Lets say I was born with a great ability and this ability allows me to do cool things, things that most ponies could never do…” She says lightly, nearly trailing off in the process, yet her focus was regained after realizing that the lime green pegasus found a seat next to her.

“But my ability cost me perfect sight, something I may never have, so my eyes are like this because I sorta have what you call a gift and a curse. Even Though I’m a bit… well clumsy at times still I manage, I even found a job helping deliver mail for the Royal Guard and the military.” Derpy finished.

“I don’t think it’s a curse, I think it’s cool.. At least when you tell it like that!” The filly exclaims, extremely satisfied with what she had just heard. “My daddy serves in the military and he says he’s proud to do so!”

“Are you proud to do what you do?” It almost seemed as though she asked a never ending stream of questions, and this one really struck a chord with the grey mare.

“Am, Am I proud…” Derpy asks herself out loud, causing the filly to raise a brow at her sudden change of expression. It was almost creepy to her, causing a strange silence to loom over the bench for a few seconds.

“Ummm, yea. My daddy said he does it to protect us, so we can sleep safe at night.” The little one chimed, doing her best to ignore the older mares awkwardness.

“Lana, where are you dear, it’s time to head home!” Another soft motherly voice rang out, catching the both of their attention.

Derpy looked up to see another lime green pegasus trotting through the playground looking for her daughter. Again her mind was devoid of any activity, she could only look blankly at all the kids in the park interacting with one and other. Her silence was eerie, however Lana managed to ignore it and found the time to say bye to her new friend before scampering off into the embrace of her mother. Who had seemed to not notice Derpy sitting blank faced on the bench.

“Am I proud…” She repeated once more, speaking to herself in a rather monotonous voice.

Reaching into her saddle bag, she pulls out a tattered note that looked like it had been handled for quite some time. It had names and marks on them that seemed to show no correlation to anything relevant within the city. The gray mare simple gazed over the paper, realizing their was two new figures standing before her. Calmly. she folded the old note and slid it into her saddle bag and got a better look at who was standing before her.

Two Royal Guard officers stood before the small mare dawning their traditional gold armor since Celestia’s era… Which only ended not so many years ago. Still she knew why they were here, they’d most likely been looking for her for quite some time as well. She could tell by the obviously annoyed looks on their faces.

“You have been requested to provide your carrier services for the Generals army.” The one on the left of her spoke up. “Do you understand this.”

“Yes.” The gray mare responds with a single word, knowing full well there wasn’t much else she could say.

“Now follow us, there are several things that are required of you before your service again… Ms.Hooves.” The Stallion on the right said, gesturing her to get up and follow them.

She simply nodded and obeyed, all while retrieving her saddlebag and draping it across her back. In effect she begun following the two officers, for this isn’t the first time she’s undergone this process. However all she could think about was that fillies words, Lanas words… It drove a hole deep into the mares heart, for no pony deserves to live in a world like this.

“The innocence of a child is a force beyond our comprehension.” Anonymous

Why Do Pegasus Fly

Canter Mountain

Year 1013

Nov, 6th

7:58am

“Quickly, move those supplies, we don’t have much time to waste!” A very large and well built pegasus with a dark blue coat and several medals pinned to a small vest he dawned rang out, clearly flaunting his rank among the marching troops.

The pegasus is in the middle of a very large pegasi division, preparing to take flight by orders from General Applejack. Meaning everypony’s emotions were at a fever pitch, they were heading straight for the heart of the rebels and failure was not an option. The Pegasi division was 500 strong and their mission was simple, survey the incoming area for any ambushes and eliminate on site. The stakes were high for them, because the entirety of the generals army had to brave past Foal Mountain after they rounded Canter Mountain. So one slip up and the whole army could easily be found flanked by the rebel forces.

Yet, not too many seemed worried about that. The rebels haven’t posted and counter offensive in months and Applejack had recently injured one of their leaders. The high ranking pegasus knew the only thing that was assured was another swift victory. Superior armor, numbers, and weapons didn’t leave much room for the rebels to work with. Making the pegasus chuckle under his breath that he would be able to return home to his family early this season.

“Whoa, what the hay are you two doing?!” The pegasus snaps out after witnessing a couple of recruits drop a crate of spears half haphazardly.

“Sorry sergeant, Magnet and I were just…” The lowly recruit was quickly cut off by his enrage superior.

“SORRY, do you not know what’s going on here oats for brains, have you forgotten why you're carrying those spears!”

“n-no sir.” The now cowering recruit responds.

The sergeants face was beginning to turn a vibrant hue of red due to the fact that he was bottling up his rage. He couldn’t believe ponies like this served in their equestrian military. Most ponies were wise enough to continue their duties and not turn an eye to the scene, still there were a few ponies foolish enough to turn their attention to the impending explosion.

“Where are you from recruit.” The sergeant sternly asks, leaving the recruit strangely baffled.

“Cloudsdale sir.”

“Oh, really, well I COULDN’T TELL!” The sergeant burst out, now stepping into the face of the hopeless stallion and it was quite clear that he wasn’t finished. “ Do you not remember Mayor Spitfire and everything she gave for our cloud city!”

Those words echoed among the troops, causing the lots of them to stop and hear what was going down. Just speaking of the great Spitfire was enough to burn any pegasus to the core, and that recruit was no exception. What was once a cowering colt in the face of a griffin was now brimming with enough anger to match that of an early Nightmare Moon.

“That rebel… RAINBOW DASH took her life and fled like a guilty dog, taking all those foolish enough to follow her to Tartarus!” The silence after those words were bone crushing, yet it was swiftly broken. “WE ARE HERE TO END THIS, TO END HER!!!”

No pony yelled with confirmation nor did any pony rally to his words. Everyponies mission was only re ensured, they all continued along the beaten path. Everything that they were doing only constituted victory in their eyes. Every pegasus their knew what Rainbow Dash did and it was unforgivable, so the recruit quickly recovered the dropped crate and replaced the spears with out fail, in effect doubling his pace. There was no time to waste, it was almost time to take flight.

And as things continued on schedule, all the pegasi were beginning to stretch out their wings and brace their armor. For their flight was close at hoof, but before the sergeant could give the signal to take flight a light blue stallion with a dark blue mane and tail stepped before him. It was obvious who this character was, especially since he was wear the new Wonderbolts armor.

“Colonel Soarin sir, weren’t you suppose to be at our front?” The sergeant questioned.

“Why yes Ironsides, but I have some time and please just call me Soarin as you have before.” Soarin calmly replies.

“Sorry sir, now you know I can’t do that.”

“I see and you know I think you can old friend.” Soarn snickers.

"What are you talking about sir?” Those words causes Ironsides to stir uncomfortably for those words was not expected from the colonel.

“Do you honestly believe that killing Rainbow Dash will solve all our problems now?” Soarin answers Ironsides question with yet another question.

“Sir, there is no time for this, we must be preparing for our flight now.” Ironsides responses, doing his best to avoid that question among the troops.

But that wouldn’t have been good enough to stop Soarins advance, however a gray figure in the distance coming in hot caught Soarins attention immediately. Giving Ironsides the opportunity to break their previous conversation before it became a debate of philosophy. Still that figure Soarin was watching was growing closer and closer, not only that… It seemed as those the pegasus velocity in question was rapidly increasing, causing alarm in the immediate area.

“Ooook, I’d step to the side if I was you.” Soarin calmly stated, as he did so himself just before that pony hit the ground at blinding speeds.

“Gah, what the?!” Ironsides yells

“Sorry, I just don’t know what went wrong…” a mares voice clearly says out from within the cloud of dust that was kicked up from her crash landing.

“Miss Hooves, are you alright?” Soarin cautiously asks, unsure of what was going to given as a response in returns.

“hehe, yea I thinks so, But I have a letter for you.” She says after the dust had settled.

“Letter?” Both of the ranking officers said simultaneously

“Yes, from General Applejack… She told me it was meant for your hooves only Colon- I mean Soarin.” The grey mare says, looking up at Soarin with her crossed eyes all while giving a slight blush for her mishap.

“See, It’s not so hard to call me by my name.” Soarin says, specifically referring to rather irritated stallion next to him, who did nothing more than huff in response.

“So letter, let me have a look at that, to be honest I wasn’t expecting anything from Applejack of recently,” the commanding officer says, taking the letter gently from the exhausted mare.

“Sorry, it was kinda short notice…” she responds, rubbing the back of her head.

“Yes, very short.” Ironsides dead-panned. Becoming rather suspicious of the innocent mare. Examining the letter closely in Soarins hooves, Ironsides notices a fatal mistake with the letter.

“Where the hay is the seal?!”

“Yes Miss Hooves, the document is missing her seal.”

“Seal? Oh, the seal… Applejack wrote it on another ponies back as they were moving and just folded it, telling me to deliver it as quickly as possible.” She says, not entirely sure of what they were talking about.

Even though their are now questions being raised, Soarin still opened the document, curious of it’s contents. Yet when he opened it, any doubt he had of the documents origins were soon dispelled. As he could easily recognize the generals rather sloppy and grammatically incorrect writing. However the contents of the letter were quite shocking.

“They discovered that the rebels have started advancing towards us?!” Soarin yelps, quite baffled at the news

“You can’t be serious, do those idiots have a death wish!” Ironsides laughs.

“She told me after I delivered the letter to bring you back immediately, she wishes to discuss alternate plans.” Miss Hooves adds in.

“Is that so?” Ironsides says, still very suspiciously.

“Ugh, we might have to take an alternate flight pattern, she probably wants to get the jump on them.” Soarin moans, not wanting to memorize a whole new flight course. “Tell the troops to hold positions until I return, I don’t want us flying off until we have Applejacks revised orders.”

“Yes sir!” Ironsides salutes Soarin before flying off ahead of the division to halt their progression.

“Ok now Miss hooves, we mustn’t waste time, take me to Applejack.”

“Ok, can do!” she says ecstatically, giving the same salute that Ironsides did causing Soarin to roll his eyes sarcastically.

Getting up, the gray mare swiftly lifts off from the ground with the colonel in tow. Following the grey mare, Soarin looks back once more at his large division of 500 to see them all nearly come to a simultaneous stop as he knew that Ironsides had reached the front. Ironsides is by far one of the most trustworthy ponies he knows and is a excellent flyer as well, possibly even better than him. The sergeant reminds him all to much of a certain pony he once knew, however he can’t allow himself to get wrapped up in those thoughts, he just needs to meet with the general to get his new orders.

It had been nearly 5 minutes, and his entire division had already entirely faded from sight. Following the messenger he felt a little uneasy, as the usually bubbly mare was oddly silent throughout the duration of their flight. And not only that, he hasn’t seen anypony from Applejacks army on the ground below. With a twitch of an ear Soarin quickly realizes that the wind is blowing west and their army was walking with the wind, not against it.

“Miss Hoov#$@!” Before he could finish his sentences a grey blur had crashed into his face, knocking his helmet clean off. His mind was boggling as he begun to free fall hundreds of feet out of the sky.

Trying to regain stability, Soarin can see droplets of his own blood fail from the sky at nearly the same speed he was. Spreading his wings to it’s full extent he quickly caught air once again bringing him to a glide before he looked up to confirm what he wish wasn’t true. But his eyes were not deceiving him, looking up he could clearly see Miss Hooves hurtling down towards him with one hind leg out reached preparing to deliver a devastating blow to his spine.

In his gliding motion, Soarin knows he was unable to avoid the surprise attack. Meaning the confused pegasus only hope was that his armor could absorb enough of the impact so that he can eventually find a moment to recoil. Bracing for impact, Soarin could feel the crushing blow to his spine as the gray mares hind leg connected with his armor. The impact was so great that he was unable to keep his wings out reached, in turn causing the doomed pegasus to barrel to the ground with no hope of recovery. Closing his eyes, Soarin was still unable to grip the reality that he might die from this impact.

“Damn it!” Soarin yells in bloody defeat, as he had just been taken for a fool. He would have never thought somepony like Derpy Hooves would be a rebel sympathizer and a terrorist.

Failing at terrifying speeds, the injured stallion crashes through the dense treeline below. Hitting every branch on his way down, unable to do anything about it. He could hear the snapping of trees and bones alike before he faded from conscious, hitting the ground with a blood curdling thud.

vVvVvVv

She was simply leading me away, how stupid of me. I should have been more weary, I mean we were completely detached from the rest of the army. But I don’t understand… Secluding us won’t stop the army, it will only delay the inevitable. As soon as Applejack notice that we haven’t reported back or merged with her forces for the battle, the strategy will only change. Still I failed none the less, hmp… I guess this is kinda deserving. I wonder what you're up to right now Spitfire

“I’m sorry, I was hoping you didn’t survive the fall, it would have been less painful for you that way.” A familiar voice sounds out. Somehow bringing the fleeting pegasus back to reality.

Opening a single eye he sees a grey silhouette of a mare standing over top of him. Soarin, almost completely unable to move only hopes that she’ll make his demise quick. But he knew he’d most likely didn’t deserve it, still there was nothing that he could willingly do at this point. He never had an opportunity to counter, he almost feels admiration for the abilities she had kept hidden for so long.

“You know, I never suspected a thing…” Soarin murmurs, coughing up a bit of blood after making that forced statement. completely admitting defeat. Gaining a bit more clarity in his right eye, he gets a better look at his assassin. Derpy was less than a foot away and she was shifting through her saddle bag with her left wing until he saw a slender metal object find its way out of the pouch. He knew it was a knife, it couldn’t have been nothing else. Closing his uninjured eye, he accepts defeat. Untill

“COLONEL!!!”

“I-it can’t be…” Soarin whispers, forcing his eye open once more to see a spear soar past him and get lodged in between him and the assassin. It was heading straight for the mare, however her reaction was quick in dodging the deadly weapon. But that was all he could see before his consciousness faded once again.

vVvVvVv

“That unicorn warned us of an infiltrator… BUT YOU!” A infuriated Ironsides yells out from a top of the broken tree layer. Looking down on the motionless mare, his rage only mounting to new heights. “YOU WAS PROMOTED TO A ROYAL MESSENGER YEARS AGO, WHY SULLY YOUR POSITION NOW!!!”

Derpy does nothing but close here right eye, as if oddly preparing for an impending attack. The blade that was once in the grasp of her wing now has found it’s way gripped in between her teeth, silence gripped the air around them. The birds and squirrels even ended their chatter, looking oddly at what was about to transpire. Bringing himself to the mares level, Ironsides cloaks the thrusted spear around his right wing, pausing for a brief second before ripping it out of the ground and securing it tightly to his side.

However through that process Derpy saw her opportunity, pouncing like a fierce manticore attempting to end the fight with one fatal strike. Yet Ironsides wasn’t amused in the slightest, truly he’d expected no less from an assassin and a rebel at that. Giving into his true talent, he quickly turned to his flank, simply allowing the mare to strike. But when her blade met the stallion, she only barely scratched his hardened armor. The batched attack left the gray mare completely defenseless for just long enough to allow Ironsides to exploit it. Whipping back around, Ironsides use his full momentum to bash Derpy with the pole of his spear, sending her directly into the trunk of a large tree. Leaving the now desperate mare breathless and weaponless from his counter, she had completely lost control of her reflexes and in turn lost her blade process.

With both eyes open she attempts to scan for her lost weapon, however her search was brief for Ironsides was coming at her full force, yelling at the top of his lungs. Placing a hoof over her chest, the mare once again closes her right eye. And in that moment it seemed as though she was out of moves and was sure to meet the end of Ironsides spear. Analytically comparing the rate of his advance and the condition for her body. It was clear she only had one option, inhaling deeply derpy closed her left eye as well and in that split second leaving Ironsides baffled. In effect derpy had nimbly averted the charge the sergeant had posted by simply out reaching her right wing and blowing unsettled dust into the face of her enemy.

Ironsides continued, however his spear only bite into the bark of the tree. Causing it to become deeply lodged with in it, rendering his weapon useless. Despite his temporary blindness, the military veteran knows better than to traverse with only one form of defense. With the help of muscle memory, he lifts his right fore hoof to reach for a blade he had hidden for times like these. Ironsides had only wish he was authorized to use a hoof blade like Soarin had, but that can be saved for another time for he only wished to end the life of the traitorous scum who was attempting to sabotage their advance. But as his hoof reached his muzzle, shock enveloped his being, for the blade he had hidden was gone… All he had was an empty brown sheath.

Forcing his irritated eyes open, he can only see a blurry aspect of Derpy before him, WITH HIS DAGGER IN HER GRASP. Attempting evasive maneuvers, Ironsides shoots upwards, thrusting himself into the air thinking it might buy him a few seconds to recover for her surprisingly effective blinding attack. However his foolishness was quickly met with Derpy’s response.

Doing the exact same upwards thrust he did, she finds her way to his exposed stomach. The one thing besides his legs that had not been completely covered in purple studded armor. The actualization of his error was realized far too late, for his own dagger had already pierced his exposed underbelly causing the once stern sergeant to reel in pain as she continued to drive it in deeper with an upwards motion as she flew. With all the strength he once had draining out of him, the stallion dropped to the ground like a sack of rocks, rasping for breath.

Derpy gently flew down before him and opened the both of her eyes again to see what she had accomplished. Two stallions laying in the dirt, clinging to life with a thread, she only lowered her head for she known that her job was not complete, not until the one she was after laid dead. Getting a firmer grip on the dagger she had stolen right under Ironsides muzzle, she step heavily to the blue motionless body before her, fully prepared to commit her sin.

“DAMN Y-OU, D… DAMN YOU TO TATARUS!!!” The blooded Ironsides weeped, “forgive me Amethyst, Rose, an-d Lana I won’t be making it home…”

Those words he spoke, no those names he spoke made the mares heart heavy with tremendous guilt. For she knew she was ending a bond, one of family and friends… One that she had lost years ago. Turning slowly to look the dying Ironsides in his dark brown eyes, the same eyes that are currently cutting sharper than any blade that they could ever wield. Derpy’s unfocused eyes begun to water right before the vengeful stallion, causing him to begin mocking her with his final breaths.

“Oh, now you regret, Ha.” The stallion scoffs, all while violently coughing up blood. “Well I don’t… I-I Fought for Equestria, I fought for cloudsda…”

Ironsides final words were cut off with his dagger being lunged through his throat by the teary eyed mare. Leaving the dagger in place, she turned her attention to the dark sight of the crippled colonel. stepping towards him now, she places her hoof on his neck checking for a pulse. Waiting and sensing nothing emanating from the torn body, it only confirmed what she had hoped. Soarin was dead, meaning she had dodged the gruesome detail of ending him herself.

Releasing a deep sigh, she reaches into her saddle bag to retrieve a small white cloth. wiping the remnants of blood that still stained her coat, she knew her charade was still not over. Not until her goal was met. After dropping the blood stained cloth, she reached once more into her saddle bag to bring out her tattered note. Glancing down at the names, Derpy simply plucks one of her feathers that had been stained by the conflict and marks out one more on her short list.

“Being able to fly doesn’t mean we're free, it only means we have the opportunity to search for our freedom.” Soarin