The Dead Frontier

Chapter 1
Ponyville Library
28th June, 2016 - Tuesday, 06:07

Celestia's bright sun pierced through the clouds, and the clouds parted to reveal an orange-blue sky. The early birds were chirping, the wind was blowing through town, and all the townsfolk started waking up, ready to start the day. But of course, Twilight Sparkle and Spike was already up and about in the Ponyville Library. They were always the first to wake up. The library was always busy, morning and night.

"Spiiiike!" Twilight's shout pierced through the library. Spike came from the kitchen, his face darkened from smoke. "Yes, Twilight?"

"Spike, can you make me more coffee? Oh, and what happened to your face? It looks like it was torched!"

"Oh, that's nothing. Just a little... accident at the kitchen. Nothing to worry about!"

"If you say so, Spike." Twilight handed Spike the empty mug. Spike took it and went back to the kitchen to make some more. While he was busy making it, Twilight took the morning newspaper and opened it. She quickly skimmed through the minor stories, taking mental note of the 'interesting' stories, and instantly came to the headlines.

Let's see what's happening today... shall we?

MASS NATIONWIDE DEMONSTRATIONS IN PROTEST OF PONY TESTING
Princess Celestia sends highly-trained special forces to control the demonstrations and investigate any possible violation of pony rights!

EXCLUSIVE FROM THE EQUESTRIAN POST!

In a surprising act, Princess Celestia has acknowledged the demonstrators and protestors against pony testing by the leading pharmaceutical company, Secronom, after much alleged rumors and reports of violations of basic pony rights and horrible treating conditions. A Secronom facility has been targeted for a raid by the royal guard, a spokesman for the R.G.S.O said earlier this week.

"We have acknowledged the reports of pony rights violations, and we will investigate the rumors appropriately. A raid on the Secronom research facility is planned and will be coordinated with a few of our inside sources. Needless to say, the court decide whether Secronom is violating basic pony rights or not. This is no laughing matter. It shall be resolved, judged fairly, and be brought to order."

The recent protest in various cities has escalated to the highest point in weeks. Peaceful demonstrations in Baltimore, Canterlot, and Trottingham have come to major streets. Other major cities such as Manehattan are having riots and looting in the streets. The City Guard has advised everyone to stay away from major population centers where violence is widespread. Cabs and private transportation has been halted in most cities. Surveys and polling shows that around 85% of ponies in Equestria are opposed to the use of pony test subjects, while 70% of other creatures staying or living in Equestria are opposed to the pony testing.

"Oh my..." Twilight said, as she read the rest of the news. Spike came back with her coffee and handed it to Twilight. "Thanks, Spike."

"No problem," Spike said as he took a chair and sat on it.

Oh my, I don't know if I should tell Spike about this, thought Twilight. "Hey, Spike, where's Rarity going off to this weekend?"

"Oh, she's going to Manehattan," replied Spike. "She's visiting a major fashion convention with Coco Pommel and Sweetie. She'll be back next week. Why'd you ask?"

"Spike, I think you should read this," said Twilight in a somber tone. Spike was confused by the sudden change, and took the newspaper from Twilight's hooves.

Spike's eyes slowly widened as he realised the meaning of what he was reading. His eyes opened wider and his pupils shrank. "Oh, no. No no no!" He re-read the headline over and over, while clutching onto his face with his left arm. "This is bad!" All Twilight could do was look.

"Twilight, why didn't you tell me about this? Riots in Manehattan? She'll be in enormous danger! Especially Sweetie!" Spike glared at Twilight with a fierce look in his eyes. Twilight tried to explain.

"Spike, I just knew! When I read the headline just now I knew you'd react badly to this! Besides, it's Rarity, she knows how to handle herself! She might be on her way back right now after seeing the chaos." Twilight looked at him and pleaded with her eyes for him to understand, but he shook his head.

"Rarity wouldn't run away just like that. Not when she knows that Coco might be in danger. I'll guarantee-- no, wait, I'll bet my life that she's out there right now, risking her safety, and Sweetie's, in a--" Spike was interrupted by a hoof entering his mouth. His words were instantly muffled.

"Spike, please, calm. Down. We already gave her a warning to be careful ever since the demonstrations started last week. She knows what she's facing. Besides, she's an Element! No one would risk messing with her." Twilight removed her hoof from Spike's mouth and got an even fiercer glare.

"Look, Twilight, she's in danger and you know that. I won't do anything crazy, but know that I will be going there to help her. With, or without you. Or the rest of the girls." Spike said as Twilight sighed and shook her head.

There's no changing his mind, is there? she thought, pondering about the current situation and what she was going to do about it. Finally, she relented.

"Alright, we'll go with you. I have to ask the girls about this, though I'm sure they share your same worries. Alright, you know what? You've made me very worried too. But we're not doing anything crazy, alright, Spike?"

"Much better, Twilight! I thought something got over you, with you not being worried over Rarity!"