Memories

by Dusty Tome

Rating: teen
Tags: Princess Luna, Original Character, Princess Celestia, Main 6, Dark, Sonata Dusk, Human
Length: 8681

When everything is gone, only memories remain.

Peace has fallen in the space left after Twilight Sparkle's coronation, but the silence is uneasy, and nothing can last forever. As a new threat emerges, only Twilight Sparkle, with a little help from her friends, and a new found ally, can stand between a merciless holocaust, and the rest of Equestria. When silence falls, and the dust settles, what can be left but the memories of the end?

Special thanks to Jazzy Q for the cover art.

Published 2015-02-04 18:50:01 UTC
Last updated 2015-04-10 16:19:51 UTC

Introductions

Entry 2
July 29, 2563 A.H.
07:38
Contributor Name: Dusty Tome

Security Level: Priority 2 - High
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"Um... Are you sure about this AJ? Not really sure i have much to say. Hell, Luna knows how much help I'll be against these things, or even whatever happened last night."

"It's alright sugarcube, just tell us anythin' you can remember, and a little about yourself. Any little bit helps. Oh, Dashie's back. Ah'll be back in a bit, just go ahead and start talkin' to Fluttershy until then."

"Uh, well o..kay then, where should I start Fluttershy?" Dusty Tome sighs.

"Start with yourself, um, that is if you don't mind."

"Well alright then, here goes nothing, I guess. My name is Dusty Tome, unicorn, 'bout twelve apples tall, favorite food is grilled horseapple sandwiches. Exceptionally ordinary, I would say, although the dead Revenant in the corner may disagree a tad."

"Revenant? Fluttershy said they were Reavers."

"Oh, well AJ, that one said the Revenant Legion would come for every 'Heathen' pony who 'worshipped' the 'whore goddesses', pardon the language there, just quoting Stone Cold over there. And as for him, I'm not a hundred percent sure what the buck happened. All I remember before dragging his heavy ass here was a loud bang from that strange cannon of his, and then he jumped me. Seemed quite intent on breeding me, and I wasn't exactly keen on that idea, so I grabbed my sword, and swung. Nothing special about it though, apart from those strange ass markings on the blade."

"Where'd you find it? It looks awesome!"

"Finally decide to join us huh Rainbow?"

"I don't know. I found it in the Everfree when i was taking one of my walks. Thats where Ugly ambushed me."

"So let me get this straight. You took a walk through the Everfree Forest, found a strange sword and killed one of those things?"

"I take very enthusiastic walks. I don't know, maybe Princess Twilight Sparkle can figure out what the deal is with it. Speaking of the princess, where is she?"

"Not really at liberty to say Sugarcube. She may tell you when she gets back, but until then it's a somewhat secret mission. And ah reckon you can just call her Twilight, or just Twi. Ah don't think she'd mind much."

"Okay, I understand. well back to the matter at hoof, what do we do now? Poke and prod the dead guy? I don't really know what else to say, apart from-"

"Oh dear Celestia! Your mane dear! What a mess."

"Dusty, meet Rarity Belle. Or just Rarity. Rarity, this here's Dusty. Don't mind her poking you sugarcube, she's a bit of a..."

"Maniac?"

"Ah was gonna say an eccentric, but pretty much."

"Well before I get groomed to death and wrapped in ribbons, I guess we will continue this another time. Hey! Don't poke me!"
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End Entry 2

Lessons

Entry 3
July 30, 2563 A.H.
21:10
Contributor Name: Dusty Tome

Security Level: Priority 2 - High
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"Rainbow! Shut The buck up, for Luna's sake!"

"Sorry about that. Dusty here. Again. Kinda freaking out a little, but I have news this time. Okay, good news first, Twilight is back, with an orange mare they called Sunset Shimmer, and they have three weapons, guns I think they called them, and we can start making more soon. Bad news, the hoof things the girls told me about are prosthetic hooves, called hands, with fingers. I think, not sure. Anyways, and the last of the bad news is, to use the guns, we have to get the prosthetics, which means we have to- to chop off our hooves. Or at least one. Well Me, Twilight, Rarity, and Sunset don't, on account of the magic and horns and stuff, but we're going to anyways, for the others. We thought it would be easier that way, give them a morale boost ya know? Well, this may be our last report from this thing, Twi's gonna put little cameras in our eyes. Or something. but that way we can rewatch things basically as they happen. Seems like it could be a thing, Eh. Well, I'm up first, and Twi looks like we're ready to go. I should be online in.... three hours, out of shock in two, so see you in five hours. By luna's glorious flank why did I agree to this. Oh well, see you on the other side losers."

--------

"Okay, okay. I'm cool. I'm fine. I'm alright. We uh, we're going to trim the screams and panicking out right? Okay, good. Yes Twi I'm alright. you sure I can't get my hooves back? Okay, thanks for making sure my cutie mark is still there, but why did you take the back ones anyway? Do they make my flank look fat? Don't answer that, still panicking."

"Dusty, calm down. Your right hoof is so you can fire the gun, and the back hooves, two reasons. one, for stability and speed, and whatever that thing did to you, you were going to lose the left one in a week. Blood poisoning."

"Oh. You saved my life. Huh."

"And no, your flank is still stunning. And i'm still flattered too."

"Oh stars. I hit on you when you drugged me up didn't I? Um, what exactly did I say? And flattered? I mean I know I'm good looking and all, but what?"

"Don't worry about it. I thought the attention was cute. And nothing too embarrassing. Anyways, you feeling up to running a few tests? Lets start with you just standing up, back hooves only. Oh, wait, lets turn the recorder off and switch on the Iris cam. One moment...."
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Continuation of Entry 3
July 31, 2563 A.H.
02:46
Iris Cam: DT
System Online
Protocol 2147 in effect. All further video logs subsequently transcribed as following:
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"There." Twilight said smartly, "Alright dusty, any time you're ready, try standing on just the back hooves, slowly."

Dusty slowly stood up, and began to rear up onto her new legs, feeling herself swaying slightly before balancing lightly on the metal legs.

"Oh looks like someone's back on their feet, literally."

"Oh Sunset, looks like the legs work. Glad you were here to help with the designs, i haven't had enough experience with feet and hands like you have. Okay Dusty, take three steps forward, slowly again." Twilight ordered.

Dusty stared walking forward, feeling stronger and certainly feeling taller.

"Hey!" Dusty shouts, laughing slightly "I'm like a freakin' minotaur! Haha This is awesome! Watch this!" And with that, she was off, running around, jumping over stacks of books, and finished with a flip, landing in front of the two bewildered unicorns.

Sunset chirped in, " Well she's taking to the feet better than you or I did at at first. Having fun and showing off too? I like this girl. What do you think, can we keep her?"

"Well everything looks good," Twilight said, watching Dusty flex her new fingers, pick up and throw a vase, shattering it in the process. "Let's go ahead and get the others. Then we'll see what she can do, and if these things actually work."
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End Entry 3

Author's Note

Hey there! I have a little competition cooked up special. If anypony makes a good cover art for either Memories or Forgiveness, I will add their OC to the story of their choosing. Good luck, and thank you to any one who contributes.

~Dusty Tome

Preparations

Entry 4
August 8, 2563 A.H.
11:49
Contributor Name: Twilight Sparkle

Security Level: Priority 1 - Restricted
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"Priority level: Restricted. Security measures will be enacted on this recording, however any items that may help the resistance and the fate of Equestria and Equus itself will remain untouched. Security code is delta romeo x-ray six. From this recording forward, console recordings will be at a minimum, the priority for logging will be the Iris cameras. It has been eight days since the last entry, allowing all of us to become more accustomed to our new... enhancements, as well as making and testing the firearms that sunset has helped us with. We have also gone through the mirror, to test the effects, and to provide a better learning environment for the new legs and hands, as well as a place to stock up on weapons and ammunition. I also have had the chance to look into the runes carved into Dusty's sword. This magic is old, probably from the time before Luna and Celestia, although, Discord has been around longer, so Fluttershy and Dash have gone to track him down. Twilight Sparkle out, activating protocol two one four seven."

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Entry 4
Iris Cam
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"Alright girls, how are things going?" Asked the purple alicorn, rising to her back hooves, "Any problems with the upgrades or weapons?"

"No Twi, ah think these things are makin' us more than a match for those blasted clowns out there." Shouted back Applejack, twirling a revolver pistol around a new metallic finger, before blowing on the barrel and holstering it. "Heck me and Pinkie even got a little competition goin' on. Ah reckon ah'm gonna win, but at thirty of 'em, we're both tied. although how she's managing that with a cannon, is beyond me. We still ain't got nothin' on Dusty though, somewhere 'round eighty, not even slowin' dow- oh! Speak of the Dust Devil!" AJ mused as the tan unicorn cantered in through the door, covered in a dark blue ichor, twirling the now bloodstained sword, before sheathing it in a similar manner to the orange mare.

"Ninety-three. And a half, but I let him go, after I threw one of the princess's trackers in his gut."

"Like I said Dusty, you can just call me Twilight. And why did you go out there after them like that? I didn't even know you left." Twilight seemed flustered, wondering the how, when, and why.

"Easy prin- Twilight," Dusty corrected, "Don't bust a brain vessel, please. I don't want the trophy that says 'I broke a princess' on it."

"I'm okay, just a little freaked out by the blood. And how effective we are, especially you."

Dusty merely shrugged at this and offered, "Well, we took down maybe two hundred or so, although the have maybe two hundred times that many, but if we can get this stuff to the princesses and the army? That's where it ends. I hope. Maybe. Probably. Definitely more or less." She ended with another shrug, before sitting down and beginning to clean the sword, and the light armor she had been wearing.

"Well, that's good, and everybody's back, save Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash, and Rarity is still in another room, designing armor, or something. Wait, Pinkie! What do you see?"

"Ooh ooh ooh! It's Dashie! Wait, where's Fluttershy?" It was at this point that the blue pegasus came crashing into the throne room, panting and crying. Before long, the girls calmed her down enough to get her story.

"It's Discord. He's almost dead. They.. they got to him before we did. Fluttershy spent enough time with him to be able to get his teleport magic working when he isn't able to, but she sent me ahead to warn you. And we're gonna need something to hold her down."

"Why?"

"She went Flutterrage. She killed almost three hundred by herself after she saw Discord, before I even knew what happened. And before he lost consciousness, he said something about Spike. Where is he?"

Twilight paled when she thought to her dragon companion, and how he had been with Fluttershy when her home was attacked, sending most of the animals fleeing into...

"The Everfree forest."
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End Entry 4

Panic

Entry 5
August 8, 2563 A.H.
18:30
Iris Cam
Security Level: Priority 1 - Restricted
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"Oh dear Celestia."
"By Luna's glorious flank."
"Buck me."
"Now that ain't right."

The girls collective gasped and Pinkie pie retched into a corner as Fluttershy and Discord suddenly appeared on the ground in front of them. Discord and Fluttershy were both covered in blood, which Twilight noted was mostly the draconequus's, Fluttershy was visibly distraught and shaking, trying desperately to save her newest friend. Discord's injuries were horrifying to say the least, he was missing an arm, his wings were shredded, legs shattered irreparably, and his left eye was dangling out of his socket. No telling how much damage is on the inside, Twilight thought to herself, Maybe if-

"STOP STANDING AROUND AND DO SOMETHING! SAVE HIM! DAMMIT TWILIGHT DO SOMETHING!" Fluttershy's panicked screaming broke Twi out of her inner monologue, and making her fully realize how dire the situation actually was. It was only when she looked up to Fluttershy did Twilight Sparkle not only find her always calm and shy friend screaming and crying, but speeding towards the balcony, twin wingblades drawn and ready to enact revenge for her dying friend.

"RAINBOW! AJ! GET FLUTTERSHY AND TIE HER DOWN! SUNSET, DUSTY, GET DISCORD TO THE TABLE NOW! PINKIE, GO TO THE MIRROR POOL, DRAIN IT, AND USE THE CLONES TO COMB THE EVERFREE FOR ZECORA AND SPIKE, AND PUT YOUR MANE UP TO LET US KNOW WHICH ONE YOU ARE! GO! GO, GO, GO!" Twilight Sparkle barked orders like a general , mitigating damage and making sure she had everything working under control. Unfortunately for the alicorn, Rarity chose this as a time to come trotting through the doors, carrying armor and sewing supplies. For a minute, all was quiet. Then all Tartarus broke loose, as the screaming and panicking began all over again.
--------

August 9, 2563 A.H.
08:42
Contributor Name: Dusty Tome
Security Level: Priority 1 - Restricted

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"O...kay. That was... something else. You know, I don't think any of us actually know what just happened, Except Discord's now half machine, Pinkie has an army, the dragon, Spike, I think, Is almost full grown, Fluttershy took down probably a hundred easy, before she lost her other arm and part of her wing, and then Dash and AJ finally got her, Twi and Sunset are just kind of out of it, Dash and AJ have their hands full, I'm just recording this so I don't go stir crazy, and Rarity? Well Rarity is just gone into full production mode. She made eight different suits of armor each. EACH. That seems a little overkill, although seeing what they did to Flutters in the space of 3 minutes, we need it. But right now, I'm personally more scared of her than any of those idiots out there! Flutters is on another level entirely, even though I haven't really tested myself much either so I'm jus-"

-CRACK-

"Luna's MANE! I see Fluttershy is awake again, and found the rifle. Well, at least she Isn't trying to go hoof to hoof with those damnable oafs anymore. Well, before I get a heart attack from anything ELSE going wrong, this is Dusty Tome. Over and out."

New Toys and a Prisoner

Entry 6
August 11, 2563 A.H.
20:15
Contributor Name: Dusty Tome

Security Level: Priority 0 - Declassified
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"Hiya losers! Everything absolutely DANDY here today! Oh, bless the Stars for our first run of luck in Luna knows how long. Earlier today we managed to capture a supply caravan the Revenants were transporting, get this, RIGHT by the castle! I guess they hadn't been told about the 'Yellow Terror' as we heard them affectionately call poor Flutters. I think it took probably thirteen seconds before she just chewed through them. Now that Discords awake, she is in a markedly better mood, and seems like she likes the opportunity to, quite literally, cut loose. In the three carts we took, one was full of Damascus steel, one was full of carrots and water and all kinds of well needed food, and the last one? My favorite, booze, cigars, and a butt load of chain-mail rolls. Rarity had a heyday with that one. Discord got up immediately after seeing the steel, and started making us weapons that suited us perfectly, as well as adding draconequus runes, which are whats all over my sword. He made Fluttershy a new wing, and sharpened it, as well as made matching armor for her other one. I got a new sword, and some bad ass spikes for my forelegs. Twi got a broadsword that grew sharper and heavier as she put more magic into it, AJ got a mace, Rainbow also got wingblades, as well as two blades for her forelegs, so she can just speed past and lay waste. Pinkie, down to her last six clones, got nun-chuck with spikes, and a new party cannon. For Rarity, a scimitar, like the ones from Saddle Arabia, and hundreds of throwing knives for Sunset. Spike got armor, and Discord made himself a wicked long katana. Who knew the god of chaos was a blacksmith? Huh. OH! and before i forget, look what we caught! A siren trying to make her escape from the mirror. Say 'hi' Sonata."

"Hi..."

"Oh don't sound so sad, you're making me feel bad. Here, have a taco while we wait for Twi and Sunset to get back from trying to find Zecora. Eh, things are going great, for the most part, all things considered. Discord told us he was the one who aged Spike, so he wouldn't get eaten, and even started trying to contact the Princesses. I don't think he's all bad, just misguided. On the plus, he's fought in every Equestrian war since the Beginning, so he's been helping us fight more efficiently. We have an estimated body count of somewhere in the vicinity of six thousand, out of what he presumes is well over a hundred thousand, still, every bit counts right?"

-BOOM-

"DISCORD! NO MORE BUCKING EXPLOSIONS IN THE CASTLE! BLOW THEM UP! NOT US! YOU LITTLE FOAL, GROW UP! I apologize about that, Discord's still adjusting to not pranking us. Blew up the toilet last time i tried to use it. Yes, it was funny, but not at the time, and don't get me started on the spiders. We thought Rarity was going to pass out, and I'm still finding little cotton candy creepy crawlies in my mane. Oh well, i guess it comes with the territory. Oh and new revelation from Twilight Sparklebutt herself, the Iris Cams can read our thoughts. Under any other circumstances, it would be kinky, although with this new war going on, and the fact that Twi is already spoken for doesn't help anything, although Sunset has a nice flank. And smells nice, too. Oh buck. Um, I'm gonna have to erase that part. Ignore that. Buck me. Wait, well I'll be, Twi's back. Oh. Zecora went back to the Zebra lands to help her people. Good on her, protect your people. Oh, let me switch to Iris Cam, Twi has stuff to say. Well dear viewer, shall we tune in? ALLON-Z!"
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August 11, 2563 A.H.
20:37
Iris Cam
Security Level: Priority 0 - None
--------

"Alright girls, in a few days, we are going to Canterlot. Celestia and Luna are both safe, although Celestia's magical aura is not going to let us to teleport there, so we are going to have to carve a path through whatever blocks our path. Rainbow and Fluttershy will go first as they are the fastest and most maneuverable, and the rest of us will follow behind. Sound like a- What's that?" Twilight halted her train of thought as she caught sight of Sonata Dusk contentedly munching at tacos in the cage she was caught in. "Dusty? Why is a Dazzling in my castle?"

"Well," Dusty begins hesitantly, "She tried to sneak through the mirror, but I snatched her and put her in a cage and gave her tacos. Can we keep her? Please? I'm pretty sure she's housebroken. You are right?" Sonata replied with an enthusiastic nod, not entirely sure what was going on. "See! So please? Can we?"

"We aren't going to keep Sonata as a pet. But maybe she can help us. What do you say? Want a chance to redeem yourself?" Sonata again replied with a curt nod, still devouring the tacos in front of her.

"Well then One more for the merry band it is!" Exclaimed discord sarcastically, "But really, we really should get some rest and prepare for our little mission, don't you agree Colonel Sparkle?" And with a snap of his fingers, Twilight was in an officers uniform, complete with medals of Discord's face.

"Alright then," she said strongly, ripping the uniform away, "Let's get down to business."

Setbacks

Entry 7
August 13, 2563 A.H.
05:12
Iris Cam
Security Level: Declassified
No further security enabled.
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"Shit. That's the one word to describe that catastrophic failure. When we left, it was great, for about three miles," Dusty sighs, shaking slightly, though not from the cold, "Then the beast showed its ugly face. Big, probably twenty or so ponies tall. Cerberus. It- It was bucking CERBERUS! Twilight says they must have corrupted him, though he was missing two of his heads. We weren't even sure it was him, until Discord cut off his collar. Apparently these bastards can bend things to their will. Kinda brutal I think." Dusty Tome walked deeper into the cave that had become their temporary hide out, seeing only Discord awake, and, for the first time anyone could remember, he appeared sick and worried. Dusty decided it would be as good a time as any to talk to a mad god.

"How you holding up Discord? Still upset about Flutters?"

"Oh what do you care you little horror? It's not like YOU can fix it, can go back and save her. If I had been three seconds quicker, THREE, she'd still have her other wing, and maybe she wouldn't be lying here almost bleeding to death." With that, Discord falls apart. Literally.

Oops, forgot to mention that. "Discord. Bucking look at me. I'm half metal by choice, almost none of those fancy runes, and you yourself said how terrifying I was. If you really want to help her, then you stop all this Luna damned moping, pull yourself together, and you help fix her. Yes she lost a wing, but she wasn't a good flier to begin with, and barely used them. Make her better ones. Put runes in them. PROTECT HER INSTEAD OF LETTING HER GO OUT AND RISK HER LIFE TO PROTECT YOU!" I finished with a huff, then realize I'm yelling at a GOD, half expecting to boil alive, when he quietly responds.

"You're right."

What? "What?"

"I said you're right. Falling apart now won't help her, or any of you. I'm going to fix her, then all of you. I'm going to make sure that I don't lose the only friends I've ever had, and I'm going to make sure that by the time we're done, NO ONE will EVER try to hurt my little ponies again. and this time? This time I will be the one protecting you all." He finishes seriously and darkly.

Serious? From Discord? This really must have-

-SQEEEAK-

-Almost made him sane. Damnation.

"A rubber chicken, that's a new one," I mutter to myself as I watch him hammer away with a rubber chicken at an impromptu blacksmith shop. "I almost missed the crazy one for a minute there. Oh well, seems like we may have needed that little setback." I almost spin and attack when a small voice tinged with pain surprises me from behind.

"Dusty? Is that you?"

I turn and look to where Fluttershy is laying, and immediately regret the decision. I feel hard tears start to prick my eyes as i see her, bloodied, bruised, broken, and struggling for breath, but still just as beautiful. "Fluttershy, I- I- I can't...." I trail off as she nods in understanding, as i fall to the ground beside her. She uses her good wing to pull me closer, before drawing a labored breath and speaking.

"Dusty, I know why you kept coming by my house, with a different animal and a different question every week. I know how yo ulook at me, and why you fight so hard to make sure I don't have to. The other girls don't see how you stare, but i always noticed, and every day at the same time, I'd always make sure i was there to see you. I like you too, you know, that's why i fought so hard. I saw him lunge for you, and all i could she was an image of you lying dead, and i just...snapped." She finishes quietly, starting to cry softly. before she has another chance to cry or talk again, I kiss her. A soft, lingering kiss that's over far too quickly, before she pulls me in tighter and we fall asleep together, to the sounds of hammering and squeaking, as one final thought surfaces before I'm gone as well.

Every mushroom cloud has it's silver lining.
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End Entry 7

Author's Note

Okay then, that just happened. I tried to steer it well, and hope I did well with that little bombshell there.

New Dawn

Entry 8
August 14, 2563 A.H.
02:10
Iris Cam
Security Level: Declassified
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I yawn and stretch, shivering slightly before trying to curl up tighter under my blanket. It takes a moment for the shudder and yawn from my blanket to realize that it isn't a blanket at all, but a very soft, very warm yellow pegasus. I hear a very soft noise, and feel Fluttershy pull me tighter, before i open my eyes, and I'm met with a pair of light blue ones.

"Oh, I'm sorry Dusty, did i wake you up? I'm so sorry, you just looked so cute and I just couldn't help myself."

I shake my head to clear the cobwebs, before looking at her big smile, then down to myself. I let out a gasp as i see my mane has been brushed and braided, wrapped with a yellow ribbon with butterflies, and I see that she has wrapped herself around me, trying to make sure I was comfortable.

"Fluttershy, how long have you been awake? When did you do this?" I ask, as confused as I am flattered, "Why didn't you wake me?" I take a breath and look around, before I ask an even more confusing question. "Why does Discord look like me?"

"Well," She begins, "We both agreed that you should get to see yourself when you woke up, seeing as you were the last one awake, after you took care of us, and I um.. think you look... beautiful."

I look at the way her cheeks blush, and her eyes start to sparkle, before I feel myself begin to blush. I open my mouth to say something, anything, before she puts a wing tip to my lips. I feel myself gravitating towards her, before a loud cough interrupts our moment.

"Ahem. Not that I want to spoil the moment, but we have some work to do, armor fittings, weapons tests, genocidal revenge, the works, and we wouldn't want to be late now would we?" It's extremely creepy hearing Discord's voice from my body, but before long, he is back to his normal self, plus new burns and cuts. The girls start to come back into the cave after cleaning up, and I can finally see just how bad each of us actually were. We all shared cuts, bruises, and burns, as well as a few nicks in our metals and armor. Only Fluttershy had any really bad wounds, despite Rarity's horn being chipped a little. By the time we got everyone settled down and caught up, Fluttershy was patched up by Discord, and the went out to test her new wings. The silence didn't last as long as I had hoped it would, and all of a sudden I was drowning in a flood of questions."

"How long have you known each other?"
"Are you and Fluttershy dating?"
"Did she do your mane like that?"
"Do you like her?"

"Not long after the questions came the threats." Dusty sighed.

"Ya better never give her up."
"Don't go and let her down."
"Please don't run around and desert her"
"If you make her cry, they'll find the body all over Equus."

"And just like that Rainbow Dash killed the mood, and the topic turned more to planning and weapons, as well as how to deal with Cerberus. We finally decided to let Discord handle him, and provide support. By the time we had all but talked ourselves out, Flutters and Discord returned with all kinds of fruit, and plenty of gems for Spike, who was still asleep. We ate, talked a little more, then settled down, determined to get some sleep and then set back out for Canterlot tomorrow morning. I laid down by one of the walls, and felt a welcome warmth against my side as i started to drift off, with one final nuzzle, we were asleep."

"I love you Flutters."
"I love you too Dust Devil."
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End Entry 8

Canterlot

Entry 9
August 21, 2563 A.H.
15:16
Iris Cam
Security Level: Declassified
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"My hooves hurt, and I'm tired."

"Rarity, I swear to Luna herself, if you don't stop whining, next time Discord wants to turn your mane teal and green polka dot, I won't stop him. Hell, maybe I'll even help him." We had been walking on and off for almost a week now, but it seems Rarity's lungs were still in top shape. Thankfully the threat of a Discord makeover had shut her up pretty fast, and we could already see Canterlot's main road. I think it should be maybe another six hours trot before we could be inside the city. Only six hours before we know if the Guard was any good or not.

"Hey everybody," called Sunset, "Lets rest here for the night, Fluttershy's looking kinda pale."

With the mention of Fluttershy's name, I took off towards her, knocking Twilight out of the air, and bowling Discord over to make sure she was okay. I don't know why, but the thought of her being her makes me terrified. I saw her panting and pale, struggling to keep standing, but only for a moment, as soon as she saw me she threw on a brave face and started trying to stand taller. I barely caught her in my magic as she fell. We set up camp, ate, and lay down to sleep for the night.
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I woke up to the sound of screams and gunfire. I bolted up, drawing my sword as i saw Twilight get cut down, Rarity and Dash laying off to the side, covered in a crimson red, with thick spears protruding from their sides. A dark shadow steps in front of me and draws a sword, readying itself to put me down. I ready myself for a fight, and it comes after me. Just as it stabs at me, I brace myself for the blow that never comes. I open my eyes and see a yellow blur, slowly turning more red. Fluttershy looks back at me, and whispers to me, "Run." I can't believe what I see, and I scream, full of pain and anger.
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"Fluttershy!" I bolt upright, sword and gun ready for the beast, but nothing is there. I feel a pair of hooves wrap around me, holding me tight as a muzzle finds my ear and I hear a familiar voice whisper, "I'm right here Dusty." I begin to cry, as I see her familiar, welcoming pink mane draped over my shoulder. Fluttershy. She's right here, she's okay, but then why am I crying? Why can't I catch my breath? I saw her die right in front of me, I watched her sacrifice herself for me.

"Dusty, whats wrong? Are you okay? Why are you crying?" She hovers over me, holding me down, making sure I'm okay, trying to calm me down, and yet she's still hurt. Why does she care so much for me? I break myself out of my stupor to calm her down, and look around. Dawn is beginning to break, and everyone is awake. We decide to gear up, and head out, hoping to get to Canterlot as soon as possible.
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August 22, 2563 A.H.
06:36
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We reach the gates to Caterlot, and almost don't make it any further. W were damned lucky Discord was as quick as he was, slicing through all of the arrows and boulders in one slice, although the silver hair and cherry blossoms were a bit much. As soon as the guards saw Discord and Twi, they send word to Princess Celestia, telling us to wait where we were. All of a sudden there was this overwhelming light and Intense heat, and Celestia was there in front of us. She glared down at us for a moment, the stones and pavement around us cracking and melting, singing our manes, before it all died away leaving and ecstatic and relieved looking Princess of the Sun. She began to speak in a distraught and harried tone,

"Thank Faust you're hear, things are much worse than we thought, and we need all the help we can get. Come with me."

Twilight stepped forward, asking the question on all our minds. "Celestia, where are we going?"

"To the War Room."
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End Entry 9

An Old Flame

Entry 10
August 29, 2563 A.H.
09:45
Contributor: Dusty Tome
Security Level: Declassified
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"Eight days. Eight days of nothing, absolutely nothing. I can't even go out and mindlessly slaughter random enemies. Canterlot is a pretty good little stronghold, but I wish the Princesses would push the offenses a little. Well, on the good side, they brought everything from Twi's castle, including the machine! Hehe, I missed this little guy. Oh, and get this, the guard is TERRIFIED of us, you know, because we walk on two hooves, and we are kinda half metal. Although, they are mortified of poor Flutters more than anyone else, because she overreacted. Okay, I say overreacted, but even Celestia thought she was in the right. A guard pegasus kinda, well, he kinda stabbed me. A lot. Like all the way through. Fluttershy saw me, all run through and bloody, and freaked out. He was just paste by the time she was done, and Discord had to turn her to stone to stop her from mulching every other pony in a ten block radius. When we got to the castle and got me patched up, he let her loose, and the first thing she did was clear a three meter circle around me before pouncing on me and going full panic mode. Took me four hours to calm her down after that. Swear to Luna, after this, I'm gonna make sure I don't even stub my hoof on a pillow, unless I want her flipping out. But hey, enough about emotions and all that technical shizzle wizzle, on to something more exciting, like Discord's latest present. He remade Pricess Celestia's armor, back from when she was the Omnipotens Solaris Dea! Oh, excuse me, I was fangirling. Awkward. We're all here in Canterlot castle, after the princesses called us back here for some meeting at ten. Wait, ten? Shit I'm late! See you on my side, later Taters!"
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Iris Cam
10:01
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"I suppose you are all wondering as to why I've called you all back here on such short notice," Celestia looked at the motley crew surrounding her, six ponies, one alicorn, a siren, a dragon, and the god of Chaos himself. Not a bad group for the plan ahead she thought to herself. "The first of which is that I will be joining you all on the front lines of this conflict." With that, she drew a gleaming golden helmet from under the table. The helmet was emblazoned with a blazing sun, flames wrapping around the sides before ending in wicked points at the eyes.

Dusty gasped, beginning to hop in place like Pinkie Pie, "The Omnipotens Solaris Dea? Fighting beside us? Oh my gosh!" She was trotting in place, before Twilight Sparkle interrupted her.

"Okay, Dusty, Dusty I need you to bring it back for me, take a deep breath. Contain, the calamity that is your mammaries."

She blinked a few times, blushing a deep red, before asking in a small voice, "I was fangirling again wasn't I?"

"Eeyup."
"Definitely."
"Yepperz!"

"Okay okay," She conceded, "But still, by Luna's beard this is Awesome!"

"I haven't had a beard for at least twelve centuries. I take terrible offense to that. Oh Tia, finally decided to let the Solar Flare out to play? Shall I let the Nightmare out as well? I don't think that armor will fit you quite as well anymore sister, I fear that all the chocolate cake yoWAMPHAGARBLE!"

"My DEAR sister," Celestia sighed, a slight red color, looking at Luna, "Seems to forget that if she doesn't keep her mouth closed, she's liable to choke to death." Luna was now on the floor, choking on a mouthful of her own night-sky hair.

"As I was saying, in addition to joining you, you nine shall become our personal force, something that has not been seen since the time of the Discordian war, The Eclipse."

"Not my fault by the way."

"Shut your mouth Discord, but yes, you nine shall become The Eclipse and we shall strike down this new threat. Equestria is a finely tended garden, and these enemies are simply weeds, and I shall pluck them to make it safe again for my little ponies." With that, Celestia's horn began to glow.

Luna, who had finally extracted herself from her mane, joined Celestia in her magic, before the group began to change. Their coats became pitch black as the night sky, with manes as white as a noon-day sun. They all began to marvel and show off, all except for Dusty, Sunset, and Twilight, who were all looking at a disappointed looking Sonata.

Dusty ventured in her defense, "Princess, I don't understand why Sonata wasn't changed. She has been helping just as much as the rest of us, and despite not having her siren powers, she saved Pinkie, Dash, and Rarity by herself. She volunteered for the surgery like the rest of us, even though she didn't need to do it for us. She has risked her hide for us over and over, and with what I'm told, even Sunset was given forgiveness after she went full she-demon. No offense."

Sunset Shimmer sighed as if she had heard that a hundred times, "She's right Princess, I was given a chance for forgiveness, and she was only dragged into it by her sisters. Why shouldn't she get a chance to prove herself, and learn the magic of friendship too? And plus she makes an even ten."

"I hear you all, and while I do not think she has fully redeemed herself, I shall give her the chance to prove herself, courtesy of her friends." Reaching behind her and plucking a gemstone from her armor, she turned to Sonata Dusk, eyeing her for a moment, before offering the gem and speaking. "This gem is from an old siren sage, given at the end of her life as a sign of friendship and atonement of her sins. This gem is her soul stone, the source of her power, and the most powerful siren artifact I have come across. I give this to you now, as a gesture of goodwill, and faith that you may choose the right path to forgiveness." With that, Celestia put the stone around the young siren's neck, as she too transformed like the others, before taking her place back beside her sister. "Oh and Twilight, Sunset, do you remember the other world?"

The two mares tentatively gave a quick nod.

"There is a way to bring that magic into this realm, however it is difficult, and limited. I have brought the magic into these eight gemstones, as i could only do this much, although seeing Discord and spike, I hardly think they would find them that useful. To use this power, simply will it to be, as you would will your eyes to open, or your lungs to breathe. They will turn on and off like a switch, and allow you the forms of those beyond the mirror portal." As she distributed them to the ponies, Pinkie pie was the first to use it, flashing in and out, in rapid Pinkie style, followed by Rarity, marveling at her still metal hands, already taking notes on a new line of clothing. Then came AJ and Rainbow Dash, who began to furiously arm wrestle, then Fluttershy and Dusty, who simply hugged and sat back down, and finally Sonata, Sunset, and Twilight, who merely shared a tired shrug, before sitting down themselves, still black and white, turning back to watch the others. Celestia and Luna watched all this with hopeful amusement.

"Do you think we have a chance against these adversaries of ours Tia?"

"I think that with Nightmare Moon and the strongest bunch of misfits I have ever been graced with, and certainly more so with Fluttershy at my side, we have no doubt of a sure victory, no matter how long it takes. Although, that unicorn, Dusty, I believe her name was, has a strange power about her, one that I do not even think she knows about. We may have to keep a close eye on her, at least for the time being."

"Well then sister, may I say it?"

"As you wish."

"Well then my little ponies, let the games begin."
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End Entry 10

Front Lines

Entry 11
September 3, 2563 A.H.
12:53
Iris Cam
Security Level: Declassified
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"Jesus, D! Did that just happen? I mean, I knew that those bastards were good shots, but fuck." Sunset turned to look at the guard, still twitching and bloody from where the bullet painted the walls with his last thought. "Damn, and Feather had two weeks 'til retirement. Shit. Hey D, how many did you get so far?"

Dusty Tome sat up behind the tower wall that had been her cover, before examining the stock of her rifle. Various tallies covered the wood, forcing her to engrave onto the hard cobble and brick of the bell tower wall. "Twenty-nine, and two tanks. What about you Sunny?"

Sunset shimmer sighed, looking away from the former guard, before replying with another sigh, "Twenty. I got forty-six rounds left, You?"

"Fifty-eight. Why are you such a bad shot? I thought you said back in the other world you shot all the time, and here we are, using the crystals Celestia gave us, and you are a pretty shit shot. Listen, breathe out on long shots. Easy. If you don't think you can make the shot, don't take it."

Sunset Shimmer gave the other girl an apprehensive look. "And how are you such a good shot? You're a PONY for Chrissake!"

She shrugged, "Beginner's luck, and dad was a guard, taught me to use a crossbow. Not too much different I guess, although I much rather prefer getting up close and personal, watching the life leave their eyes when they see a 'heathen' was the one ending them. What? Don't give me that look dude."

"It's not that i don't have a problem with your bloodthirsty additude, but I'm watching your hair begin to smoke. Is that normal?"

"What? What are you even.... OH DEAR LUNA!! Quick! Put it out, put it out!" Dusty began to roll around and bat at her hair, trying to put out the blaze, but only getting making things worse.

"Uh... Oh! Turn back into a pony, then use your magic! That should do it, just use a dampening charm on your mane." Following her companion's advice, Dusty did just that, but to no avail, as her mane began to smolder more than ever, her own rage and frustration growing to match it. "Oh my gods. You're getting madder, and it's getting bigger. Quick, calm down, think of something that makes you happy, like.... Fluttershy! Whew, glad that worked," She sighed, wiping the panicked sweat from her brow, "I think we need to let Celestia know about this as soon as possible."

Dusty cocked her head to the side, giving Sunset an altogether too cute look, still slightly smoking from just seconds ago, "What are you talking about sunshine? I'm a unicorn, rogue magic happens to me all the time, like when I froze my plot, or the time I magnetized my horn on accident. Nothing to really worry about, I'm sure Twi does that occasionally, especially when Pinkie's around."

Turning to face the rambling mare, Sunset asked, "How much do you know about The Solar Flare? You know, about Celestia's powers? I want you to tell me everything you know, but keep it short."

"Well, I don't know much, just that she only leaves ashes when she uses her power. I just figured it was a sun beam or something. I know that she ended a lot of wars, and is insanely fast and powerful, but not too much about her powers themselves. Why? Do you know something I don't? Cough it up lady!"

"Let's finish here first, then we can let the princess tell you herself. Deal?"

Dusty grabbed the gem, flashing back to human, before looking out over the ledge she was behind, leveling her rifle, and letting three sharp cracks echo across the landscape, "Deal. Oh, and that makes thirty-two. Catch up ace, or I'll make sure Pinkie won't let you live it down."

"Oh, now you're on little mare."
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End Entry 11

Jack And Coke

Entry 12
September 10, 2563 A.H.
13:48
Iris Cam
Security Level: Declassified
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"Goodness sugarcube, that was some nice shootin' there," AppleJack remarked, opening another drink, "But I gotta know, how do you do it so easily? Killin' 'em ah mean. Ain't it hard for you? You're normally the bashful one and all."

Fluttershy leaned back against the wall, before setting her rifle down and quickly changing back into her pony frame, and started speaking slowly and softly, "Have you ever had one of the animals at your farm hurt themselves too bad, or catch a disease the can't recover from? Or maybe found weeds near new trees that you had to pull up? It's a lot like that, I've had to put down quite a few animals because they couldn't be saved or helped. It's like Princess Celestia said, this world is a finely tended garden, and we need to take out the weeds. It's hard, but necessary, and it will get easier if you remember that." The timid mare stopped, taking a drink before nodding, and adding, "And they tried to hurt my Dusty. We're the only ones standing between them and the ponies we love. Just think about Mac and Applebloom, and focus on keeping them safe."

AJ blinked a few times before just as quietly speaking, "Wow 'Shy, I never thought of it like that. We really are the only things standin' between the Good and the Bad. Thanks for that."

"Oh, I just forgot, I, um, I have these special darts I had Discord make me, so the big ones wouldn't be so much of a problem. They are filled with a chemical called benzoyl-methyl-ecgonine. It makes animals go into a rage, before they die. I don't like using it, but I can see how it can be used after Mr. Bear's friend accidentally got some."

AppleJack sat silent for a second, blinking, before nervously asking about the elephant in the room. "Sugarcube? Why do ya'll have cocaine?"

"Oh, Mr. Bear's friend found some near Chicagcolt, and I had Twilight look at it for me. I didn't like not knowing how to treat it, so I learned alot about it. They are for you, since you are the best shot. That is, um, if you want them." Fluttershy finished rather timidly.

"Ah like 'em 'Shy, ah do. Thanks. And speakin' of Discord, where in tarnation is...." AppleJack felt the words die in her throat, as she and Fluttershy sat in silence at the scene before them, a slight and malevolent smile on her face. Before them was, what the royal guard and anyone watching the East that day, would refer to as the Rage of a mad god. Discord himself flew like a great serpent, coiling and floating through the flames and chaos, taking slices and shots at the intruders as he saw fit.

AJ and Fluttershy looked at each other, a smirk evident on their lips as the nodded.

"Well 'Shy, Looks like it's time to get back to work. And ah like how that sounds, Jack and Coke."

Fluttershy merely nodded in agreement, before starting her work again, with small words. "Don't worry, Momma's gonna make it all go away."

End Entry 12

Beginnings

Entry 1
July 28, 2563 A.H.
13:49
Contributor Name: AppleJack

Security Level: Priority 2 - High
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"Alright, seems like this stupid contraption of Twi’s is on. Huh, she actually made something that doesn’t explode, at least ah hope not. Well, ah guess if you're watchin' this then ya'll probably have a good enough idea of what's happened. Never even heard the bastards comin'. Hell, the only warnin' we got was when that weird doctor of Derpy's came racin' through town like some kinda bat outta Hell. Kept screamin' somethin' bout 'It happened too soon' or somethin'. We didnt know what he was talkin' bout 'til they came. They moved like shadows, hard ta get a good glance at 'em. Twi managed to get one of 'em though. They don't look like anything ah've ever seen before, the damn things look kinda like a minotaur, but too small, nearly two ponies tall. Fluttershy knew it though. When we managed to calm her down, she said they were in one of those stories of Twilight's, called 'em Reavers. Apparently before Nightmare moon, there was this faction of ponies that were so obsessed with some kinda 'Natural world', where The Princesses didn't control the sun and moon. They came through, slaughterin' everypony with metal sticks that shot fire and metal. Ah think it's only us six left here now. Maybe the Elements protected us or somethin' ah dunno. Anyways, we finally tracked the doc down, and he told us to find Sunset Shimmer. Said we have to let her know, that she would know what those things they were using are and she would help us. He also gave Twilight blueprints for metal hooves with bits on 'em. Apparently we'd need 'em to use these things. We all got ambushed, and He ran off, so we hightailed it to Twi's castle, and holed up inside, and now we're here. Twi went to the princess's castle to contact Sunset, Rainbow is out scoutin', Pinkie's settin' up defense cannons - makes sense with all those party cannons she carries around - to make sure the castle's safe, Rares is makin' armor and keepin' herself busy, and me and Fluttershy are down here in the basement, keepin' safe. Ah'm not sure whe- hold on, someone's here, be right back. Fluttershy get behind that bookcase."

"Who the bucks there?"

"Alright, ah'm back. Got a new addition to our happy little survivors too. She says her name is Dusty. Passed right out when we let her in, and get this, she killed one and was using it as a shield. Nopony has killed one yet. except her. We'll update when she wakes up. For now, AJ out."
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End Entry 1