Of Fire and Iceby Thunder_BirdChaptersprologueChapter oneChapter two - The Train RideChapter Three - The Quiet Before The StormChapter Four - The Eve Of BattleChapter Five - The Baptism Of Fire - Part OneChapter Five - The Baptism Of Fire - Part twoChapter Six - The AftermathChapter Seven - Brave's Brave History TripprologueThe lands of Snowholt have been forced into a war for over a century: a war of religion; of power and of great sacrifice. Nopony remembers why the war started, but they know to not pick a side is certain death. The Great Firelord and his worshipers or The Ice Master and his cult. Chapter oneThunder was walking through the streets of Kayrock, it was said that the city was once a great economical center before the war started but the days of great wealth have past and now the years of crippling poverty have taken hold. As Thunder approached the street he was born on he was overcome by the memories of his father and mother; the few weeks Thunder’s father was allowed to have a home visit were the best weeks of Thunder’s and his mother’s life, however on Thunder’s 16 birthday his Father never came home a few days later, Thunder got a letter informing him of his Father’s death this was too much for his mother who ended her life the next day. As Thunder looked around the happy memories were overpowered by the negative memories: him finding his mother died; when he was forced to leave home to go to the mandatory military training. As the streets grew darker Thunder knew it wasn’t safe, even for somepony who was getting shipped to the front lines the next day, he decided to head back to the barracks but before that he looked back to his street his home and his life. “Goodbye friend...” he sighed “The Firelord will cleanse the sins from this world.” Soon Thunder was at the barracks where he spent his life after his mother passed, it was one of the only buildings in the city that was maintained and expanded it looked out of place among the decaying houses and shops. When he entered the barracks he could hear the training session was still going on. Good he thought. Looks like I slipped out unnoticed. As he looked into the room designated as Training & Evaluation he could see the unicorns in one half practicing magic and the other side was the earth ponies in their heavy plate armor, but no pegasi. Meaning one of two things, one: he didn’t have to spend 2 hours training something he has aced or two: his battalion has been shipped off to the front and he will be classed as a coward and killed on sight. Brave was in training, after destroying four of the targets it was pretty obvious that his ranged magic was sufficiently strong, when he saw a Pegasus with a electric blue coat and an electric yellow mane styled in to look like a lightning bolt flying into the ground. After a while of waiting for the instructor/ nightmare material to get occupied with a Earth pony dropping his armor Brave went to talk to the mysterious pegasus. “You do know that your training is over.” “And who the hell do you think you are?” Thunder inquired, not really liking unicorns with that magic of theirs. “Wanting to know why a Pegasus who is probably too high on whatever it is you fly with to know what time of day it is” Brave retorted. “Well at least i don’t need to have magic to do stuff for me, I can do shit myself!” Thunder exclaimed “And with that teleportation spell you can do i wonder if you know what it is to walk for a day!” “Oh come on! I bet you fly everywhere, even fucking a mare I bet your wired wings flap all over!” Brave retaliated. “At least I don’t fire a magic beam when I cum!” And with that Thunder walked away, not listening to the unicorn with a beige coat and dark maroon mane, everything about that pony was boring. And why did he have to bring up sex? of all the things Thunder was uncomfortable with sex is high in the list. The day passed with the expected ceremony and final lesson on the Wonders and what will happen to your family if you join with them. Family. The one thing they can’t use against Thunder. As Thunder was walking to the station that would take him to the front he could see why it was sometimes referred to as a pen, claustrophobic rooms full of soldiers and their equipment. Thunder walked around trying to find his commanding officer and then try to find out who is in his squad, if he is going to die tomorrow he would at least like to find out how he is supposed to keep him alive.To Thunder’s surpise he knew the comander but unfortuatly his comander was his late fathers’s. “Sir, Thunderbird here to sign in” He said with a salute “Okay soldier just keep out of my way until the train comes.” He grumbled aggressively “Okay sir and I was --” Thunder was cut off “And i hope you are not like your coward of a father.” The commander was looking straight into Thunder’s eyes, looking for any source of weakness, but what he found was pride honor and bravery. “Don’t worry sir, I’ll make sure to fight when my time comes, no matter who I have to kill!” Thunder walked away and found a bench to sit on I suppose he can kill me right now. But no punishment came, only a nod of respect from the rest of the squad who were slowly meeting eachother. Thunder looked around and saw the unicorn from training. Thunder watched him, for reasons he couldn’t explain he felt there was something different about him: not talking to the others; doing everything he could to stay away from the center of the station. well Thunder thought there's a good story behind him. As Thunder went to talk to him the train came and the commander ordered everypony to collect their arms and armor and board. Chapter two - The Train RideThunder boarded the train as the last call from the whistle sounded with an ear piercing screech. The train started with a lurch and then it moved smoothly along the tracks. Soon the sprawling mess of slums passed to show the complex system of farms that each city has to provide basic food to the residents, unfortunately the towns have grown but the farms have not, ending the period of comfort among the ponies. As the train passed the food production areas Thunder started to walk around the train due to getting bored of looking at trees and bushes. Soon Thunder walked into a carriage with at least ten different ponies, mostly Earth ponies with three unicorns and one pegasus, so Thunder walked up to this pegasus. Upon closer inspection the stallion had a grey mane and tail, his coat was a coal black one eye hidden behind a eye patch, the other, mustard yellow. “Excuse me?” The stallion said in a gruff tone “Can I help you? Or do you just want to stare at me all day?” “Sorry sir., I was just looking around for something to do” Thunder replied, trying not to look at the stallion’s eye. “Sir? Do I look like an officer to you?” Somehow the stallion sounded aggressive but was laughing at what was said. “calm down kid, and stop being so formal. they are no high ranking soldiers on this train. not even your commander you saw at the station” “What makes you think that?” Thunder grinned thinking he had caught the stallion in his lie. “Simple … But first I will need to trust you before I tell you” The stallion walked away before he said anything else that might alert any of the soldiers who don’t have the backbone to think for themselfs. Brave found himself on an empty carriage, it was quiet and peaceful, apart from the occasional pony walking through the carriage talking about what they are going to do to the ice cult’s army or the first pony who they “shared their bed with”. Despite the inconvenient interruptions Brave spent most of the train ride thinking of his past, what things might have been if he did something different; but all the time one memory kept appearing, one Brave didn’t fully understand the situation didn’t seem familiar it sempt almost alien. He decided that he was going to find something to do to distract him from the strange and unfamiliar feelings, he found himself at the end of the train. A canopy was erected from glass, providing a cover from the rain whilst not obscuring the view. This place was nice. Brave, being slightly inquisitive looked for some of the supports and found that the entire glass roof came around from the roof of the adjacent carriage and sloped down to the end of the one Brave was stood in. I wonder why it was built like this. A voice from the doorway, seemingly on cue to Brave’s question said “I think it was built like that to stop any of us from bringing our inevitable demise any faster than what it will be” Brave looked over to the where the voice came from; he could only make out the pony’s body shape showing he was an earth pony. “What do you mean?” The Pony sounded like he was chuckling slightly “Really? Don’t you want to just end it now before you get to know any of your squad and think that they are actually nice ponies and not just soldiers?” Brave began to sound defensive, for he was a smart pony and to question this was like attacking him with a sword “I knew what you meant, do I look like a Pegasus that has his head in the clouds? or an Earth whose entire family pushes ploughs in a field -” The pony cut Brave off, “Do me a favour and shut the hell up and stop thinking unicorns are superior to everypony else before somepony pushes you into a spear. Second, think about this entire situation this “war” who are we fighting? and no it’s not the ice cult, it’s not the enemy it’s …” Brave sounding slightly dumbfounded asked “who are we fighting then” The stallion began making his way back to the carriages “Think, who is making you come here” The doors closed slowly, and once again the glass carriage was pludged into silence. Brave was thinking about what the stallion had said when suddenly he saw a large mountain range beginning to appear from the east. Soon it encompassed the train. This meant one thing, the train was near it’s final destination. Thunder was back in his carriage, thinking about all the things he could've done if he just had taken a stab at the dark and went for it. Then he began to see the giant wall of Bittering, a marvel of engineering. built entirely from fire hardened stone, it dwarfed even the largest mountains of the Qrith Mountain range and the Vlyk Mountains that split west and east. Thunder looked to the wall, the towering wall of black stone;the banners on top of it where battered and weathered by the strong gale force winds that thunder would come to learn where at times more dangerous than an arrow or crossbow bolt being fired at him. well, I wonder how many of these ponies will die in the first battle. chances are I will. best make my father and mother proud. this is for you mom, dad. Thunder soon made his way to the barracks where he would spend the rest of his days when not fighting. how long that would be however was any ponies guess. “good news, they have arrived and our agent made contact with them. the bad news however is that our agent is not sure if he can trust them, or if they can do what we all hope they can” “We will find away, we always have done in the past” “Shall I give the order?” “Yes, and make sure that you stress the point that this is our last chance.” Chapter Three - The Quiet Before The StormThunder was sat atop of his bed, the room was dark making hard to make out the shapes of the the other bunks in columns of two and ten rows deep, they covered the barracks. Thunder looked around for something to do, and as expected Thunder saw nothing inside the sleeping area; and he had a feeling in the X amount of other sleeping areas the situation would be the same so he decided to go for a walk. As he stepped out into the dark, cold night, he gazed upon the wall where a few bright becons of hope where glowing; only to be hidden when one of the many sentaries walked past. A wind blew down from the wall cutting Thunder to his bone so he pulled his black fur cloak closer to his chin, he looked to the mess hall, seeing ponies were still inside eating and drinking themselves into oblivion. Thunder walked into the mess hall only to get out of the cold winds. Well he thought this is better than freezing my balls off. As he looked around he saw many ponies, a brown Earth, a red Earth and a jet black Earth. Shit! Don’t tell me I am in the earth hall he thought, fearing a drunk Earth wanting a fight with him. But as he looked he saw a group of Pegasus of many colours, none really stuck out to him. He walked to a dark corner in the room, the darkness covered him like a thick black cloak made of crow feathers. A few hours passed, and with the passing of time Thunder got more drunk. He looked as a mare walked in, she had a medic's uniform on, this was nothing new everypony had to answer the call it had been this way since the beginning. He watched as her marron tail gently bounced as she walked; his eyes followed the tail until he came to her buttocks, thanks to the tight uniform he could see there firm shape. He looked back at his drink and got totally pissed. Brave was in the indoor training area, wearing the armour designated to all unicorns.A chain link shirt under a padded, boiled leather tunic with the emblem army emblem, The Phoenix, over his heart. His arms were protected by chain link mail and steel plate over his shoulders and elbows. His lower body was protected by a layer of boiled padded leather, and steel plate over his knees.He had a wooden kite shield that had iron around the sides and the surface that would block the blows had a sheet of an iron and steel compound. His weapons were a 6ft long spear, the shaft made of ash wood and the spear head was cold forged steel in a leaf shape, and for closer combat he had a 80 cm long steel arming sword. The room was cold and dark, the dark stone walls were illuminated by a few torches dotted sparsely around the room.All of the stallions that spent the day there had gone save Brave and a Pegasus who was practising his airborne spear throwing and maneuvering. Brave was working on his sword technique. Slicing a mannequin across the throat than spinning on his heels and thrusting the sword into another mannequin’s chest, then he reached for a spear a threw it into the last mannequin's intestine. Whilst he was catching his breath he removed the sword from the mannequin's chest and sheathed it in the leather scabbard. The Pegasus walked toward Brave. He could see the Pegasus had a grey coat with a midnight blue mane, his armour was similar to that of Brave’s but he didn’t have the plate on his shoulders and knees. Brave placed one hand on the sword's hilt and asked “If you don’t wish to train with me what do you want?” “Is your name” the stallion looked at a list. “Bravesoul?” “Yes, but I go by Brave.” “Come with me.” The stallion said. “Now why would I do that?” Brave asked with a tone of superiority in his voice “i don’t even know who sent you, for all i know you could turn around and kill me!” “No, if i wanted to do that you would be dead already, were you paying attention to my training?” “No...” Brave admitted “No” the pegasus echod “I hit every target in the heart, i cut every neck. in a fight between us it’ll be over in the blink of an eye” The Pegasus took a breath “My name is Nightglider, our mutual friend sent me.” “i have no friends” “He was on the train with you, his name is Grey. he asked you ‘think, who is making you come here’ remember?” “What does he want?” “Meet us by the east end of the wall at noon tomorrow.” Before Brave could answer with another question Nightglider opened his wings, showing the crimson red feathers flowing like blood as he took flight out of the room. Thunder was now in a drunken haze, he still watched the medic. Her shapely figure and her firm buttocks. Thunder was just about to stand when the three stallions from earlier came to him, the one with the brown coat and the one with the red coat held him down. “Hi guys … to what do I owe the honor?” Thunder said, the alcohol on his breath making the jet black coated stallion think his dinner was going to make a nasty appearance “Just listen to us and listen well”The jet black one said, Thunder could see the colour of his mane, a deep dark maroon “My name is Hard Knox, his name is Volcanic Wrath” he points to the stallion with the red coat and a grey tail. “Don’t piss him off, his brother is Volcanic Axe” He points to the one with a brown coat and a dark green mane, he is chuckling at the joke made at his brother’s expense. “Now we want to tell you that the mare you have been drooling over is not one of them who let you sleep with them for the ‘glory’ of giving birth to a warrior's child, she is a medic, she will save your life one day. Show some respect.” Thunder nodded “Good. Oh and your name?” “Thunderbird, you can call me Thunder. Why?” “Good” Volcanic Wrath said. “Very good” Volcanic Axe repeated. “meet us at the east side of the wall tomorrow at noon.” Hard Knocks instructed and walked away, the Volcanic brothers followed like well trained lap dogs. Thunder shrugged and went back to drinking. Chapter Four - The Eve Of BattleThe bells rang out throughout the compound, waking Thunder. He looked around and saw that the others were climbing out of bed and running toward the armoury. He jumped out of his bed and followed the crowd. Inspite of his hangover he pulled his chain link shirt over his torso, he fastened up his padded leather tunic and pulled up his chain link trousers, buckling up his plate armour over his elbows he looked at the others. The unicorns had their medium weight armour on, the Pegasus had on the army designated armour Thunder was wearing and the Earth had their full steel plate armour on. The standard weapons for the Pegasus was similar to the Unicorns gear, the only difference was that the Pegasus had no shield making it possible to carry the spear and sword at once when fighting in air. However the Earth ones could use a greatsword, a battle axe or a arming sword and kite shield.Thunder put on his helm, a simple Leather cap with two steel wings coming out of the top. Thunder jogged to the courtyard that was in the shadow of the old circular keep. The roof had long fallen into the keep’s top rooms. The keep, like everything in the compound, was in the shadow of the towering wall. Thunder looked at the commander of the forces as he gave a speech about what the day will contain, Thunder noticed he had no weapon at his side, his body language suggested that he had been in few battles. “ … The barbarians of the Ice cult have been seen gathering their numbers at Wayland Keep for over a month! Last night we saw scouts in the tree line. We are expecting an attack sometime today. If the past is anything to go by they will launch small forces at us throughout the day and the main attack will be at night. Now go to your positions, and when the battle starts I want you all to know what your role is in the army! Dismissed!” Thunder walked toward the old wooden lift that was installed years after the wall was completed. It was added so the soldiers on the top didn’t have to climb the stairs and get in the way of them the soldiers firing the ballista at the incoming army’s siege towers.He looked at how the lift was rotten and the ropes were close to snapping. He was thankful he was born with wings. As the first force of soldiers boarded the lift Thunder extended his wings, his yellow feathers blowing in the winds, then he gave a flap of his wings with an audible clap as he lifted off the ground. He sawed high up the wall the wind in his mane. He felt like the young colt he once once, gliding around the cliffs of Kayrock with his father, a simpler time.He reached the top of the wall, a good 30 minutes before lift, a few Pegasus who had the same idea where landing on the wall now. Thunder looked out to where the “barbarians” had made camp. From the amount of tents, fires and banners Thunder guessed they were around 400,000 swords their, and double the number of cooks, medics and other personnel. 400,000 “barbarians” against 250,000 soldiers and one big ass wall Thunder thought .Gotta love them odds. Thunder was standing at the battlements looking down at the 300 feet drop. “I hope I don’t fall.” a shiver ran through him. The sun was high in the sky and the first force who was on guard of the wall were making their way down the wall, Brave was using the steps and Thunder and a few other Pegasus were gliding their way down. Thunder was the first the reach the east side than the grey Pegasus joined him. Thunder gave him a look, he most definitely didn’t look like an Earth that was for sure.They was an uneasy silence until the Pegasus spoke, “My name is Nightglider, but the question is not who am I. It’s who are you?” Thunder had an idea “Hard Knox.” The Pegasus burst into laughter “Don’t be dumb, I know who you are. Thunderbird, your father was murdered when it was your sixteenth birthda-” He was cut off by the song of steel exiting it’s scabbard. “How do you know all this!?” Thunder was near shouting now. “Okay, hang around and you’ll find out, but please. put the sword away” The sword found it’s home back in it’s scabbard. A voice called over to the group, one Thunder recognised, Hard Knox. “See you got a friend Night!” Thunder and Night both looked over to greet him, they saw that his lap dogs were following him, laughing over some unspoken joke. A grunt came from Night, Thunder walked to Hard Knox, and asked him “Why did you want me to come here? That Pegasus somehow knows shit that i thought i only knew” “That Pegasus is called NightGlider, show some respect to your peers. And there's a reason we want you here, wait for a while. he’ll show when we are all here” “How many of us is they to go?” “Just the one now” “Well he better get a move on” The group shared ideal chatter about where they came from and their family. Thunder was the only one who came from Kayrock, Night came from a dusty old sea town named White Harbor The volcanic brothers came from a place named Ashford and finally Hard Knox hailed from Hellhot. Soon Brave joined them and informed them that he was too from Kayrock, a tone of aggression and superiority in his voice.After a while a Pegasus came walking toward the group, his leathers shining in the sun, his helmet under his arm and a spear in his left hand. Thunder recognised the coal black coat and grey mane, Brave did not, both his eyes were on show, but only one was open to the world the other had been closed for ever by a scar across the most of the left side of his face. “I see everyone is here, that is good. Any questions?” Brave was quick on the draw “who are you? the stallion i spoke to on the train was a Earth” “My name is Grey, the stallion you talked to unfortunately was killed right after talking to you, make sure his death is not in vain. How about you Thunder?” he looked at the Pegasus who was in clear shock “Yes we know your name, we know a lot about you, shame about your father. We represent the Wonders, that is the name we go by on this side of the wall. The other we are known as The Snow Holt Unification Party. In the north we have a very different political policy to you southerners. We elect our leaders, your leaders force there way to power in the cover of night. Two very different systems but they started roughly at the same time, when our leaders were killed a few miles from the wall. I’ll tell you more later, but we are drawing attention. Go and spend your day as you see fit. I’ll send for you.” And with that he turned on the balls of his feet and walked away, as did every pony apart from Brave as his heart was telling him one thing and his heart was telling him the opposite. Brave’s thought trail was cut off by the war horn blowing, he knew that this could be the beginning of the end. He looked around the entire place was in chaos medics rushing to their appointed positions, soldiers running to the lifts and up the stairs. Brave began running to the lift, thankful for his armour not being too heavy. When he reached the top he saw that his squad was there, the Volcanic brothers, Nightglider, Grey, Thunder and Hard Knox. Chapter Five - The Baptism Of Fire - Part OneHours had passed since the horn was blown. The attack was near, but the only soldiers who had seen action were the Pegasus. Arrows filled the sky, both sides seemed contempt to keep the battle as a show of ranged power. But as the battle raged on the Ice cult began the true assault a huge armoured siege tower of 300 feet, the width of the sides was 71 feet. Brave dread to think how many soldiers would come from monstrous constructs bowels, a stallion looked at Brave. “don’t worry. they never hit us on the wall with that. they just use it as a shield for the soldiers … or to scare us into thinking they could take the wall” The stallion had a grey streak in his mane, a scar on his face, and the signs of old age. He was a veteran. He knew what will happen here today.But what would happen next nopony expected. The tower normally stood out of the range of the ballistas but it kept on going toward the wall. The boiled leather made it impossible to burn the tower down, They was only one hope. Use magic. Brave began to make his way toward the commander of the defence. A old soldier, his mane had lost it’s natural colour and was going white. He looked at brave, recognizing him due to watching him train his magic in training. “Thank the Flame Lord a halfe way good soldier. Listen that tower is going to fuck us in the arse, I’m sending for your squad. get on their side of the wall and take the tower down, do whatever is needed. meet your squad at the central gate May The Fires Burn Strong” “May The Fires Burn Strong...” Brave echoed, he began walking to the lift, one thought went through his mind “This could be the last time I am on the lift.” He noted. As Thunder got the command to meet the squad near the gate he was confused, a giant tower was getting pushed toward them and they wanted him to be at the gate? But like the good soldier he was he made his way to the great oaken gate. When he reached the ground he saw that Grey, NightGlider, the Volcanic brothers, Bravesoul and Hardknox. They were all talking about what they were going to do once the outer gate opened. Thunder joined the discussion with the question “How is giving the orders?” They all looked around to each other this gave Thunder the answer he needed “okay, i am giving the orders, if I die then it’s Nightglider. we can get the bird's eye view due to being pegasus. Anyone got a plan?” Brave spoke up “Why should we put you in command? You have no training!” Thunder opened his mouth but Grey spoke for him “I vote for Thunder” “Aye, Thunder” Volcanic Wrath said “i chose the Thunder one” came from Volcanic Axe, like it was the most important thing he would ever say. But it probably was. “Well in the way of the North and democracy, Thunder is the commander, Nightglider is subcommander.” Grey announced “We are in the south.” Brave corrected Grey looked at Brave with an easy stare but before he could retaliate the first of the great oak gates opened, the wood was 3 feet deep and had iron on the joints for added strength. The squad passed through, 3 Pegasus, 3 Earth and 1 Unicorn. The band made it to the staging area, they was a collection of shields on one wall and a weapon rack on the other. Thunder gave them all commands. “Brave, get a bigger shield It’ll save you. Hard Knox, Volcanic Axe and Wrath, get a spear and shield if you don’t use one. Wrath I know you use a greatsword, sheath it in the scabbard on you back” Volcanic Wrath did as he was instructed “oh, and if you don’t get a shield get one.” Light started to flood the room as the second gate was opened. One more and they would be in battle. Thunder looked around at his squad, Brave in his medium armour holding a shield that was slightly too be too big for him. The Volcanic brothers and Hardknox with their heavy full plate armour, a 4 foot spear, a shield. Hardknox’ great sword was in it’s scabbard, Volcanic Axe's Axe head was above his belt, the rest under it, and finally Volcanic Wrath and his magnificent greatsword on his back, the hilt looking over his shoulder. Thunder led them all into the second area, candles made the room as bright as a field on a cloudless summer's day. Thunder had now thought of the plan to keep them safe and take the tower down. “When we go out there, I want the Volcanic Brothers and HardKnox to form a defensive area around Brave, use your spear and shield until you have to use the weapons you trained with. the spear if you don’t know is a simple weapon, stick ‘em with the pointy end. Me, Grey and Nightglider are to make sure no Pegasus get above Brave and tries to throw their spear at them. Brave your job is easy, stay alive and bring that tower down, everyone understand?” The group noded “good”. Volcanic Wrath turned to his brother, Axe looked confused. “Hey brother,” Wrath said, “we’re going to go out there and fight the bad ponies, when we come back we can go visit mama” His brother looked at him, eyes full of hope. “But you gotta be good”. Axe nodded then said “Fight the bad ponies than see mama, can we ask her for some of her cookies. Oh please say we can have some of her cookies?” Wrath’s voice was trapped in his throat, so Grey spoke up “I’ll make sure of it, go make mama proud.” He looked to Wrath and gave him a nod. Thunder looked at Grey with a look saying what was all that about. Grey looked back and shook his head. the final gates started opening, showing the third and final area. No words were spoken in here, the next time they came through here would be as heroes who everypony will remember or corpses who nopony will remember. The latter was the most likely. “400,000 against 7 … gotta love them odds” Thunder thought. The final gate started to open bringing light to just how desperate the fight will be. The gate opened slowly with a loud creek, it was now or never, if Thunder waited on his command the enemy will be in. Thunder unsheathed his sword, pointed it toward the opening and the called out “Forward, for honor! for glory! and for a new dawn!” The squad advanced into the unknown.The volcanic brothers went first, then Hardknox, after the defensive position was secure Thunder, Nightglider and Grey then went out, after it was Brave’s turn. Chapter Five - The Baptism Of Fire - Part twoAs Brave exited the tunnel he could see the tower and enemy army was a good 15 minutes away but he could see that a small force was heading toward the 7 ponies, he knew what he had to do. And he had to do it fast. Brave pointed his horn toward the tower and began to charge the magic, his helmet had some steel that covered the horn so it was not easily cut off, it also work as a way to aim. Just point the heavy part of your head at the thing you want to destroy. Thunder was in the sky with Grey and Nightglider, watching the enemy advance. “So, Grey. want to tell me more about the north? I don’t think you’ll get another chance” Grey looked at Thunder “Win today, I’ll make sure word gets to you. Then it’s up to you. Act as a slave to your unknown masters or join the north and choose what you do in life.” Thunder nodded, then looked back at the force advancing, “May the Fire lord have mercy upon my foes as I shall spare none” The others looked at him “What? I want my last words to be somewhat heroic” They just laughed, Thunder found himself laughing too. The Volcanic Brothers could be heard from where Thunder was “We are the wind, we are the thunder, we are the flame! We are the hammers of the god!” soon a chorus of chants filled the air from Thunder’s squad. Grey however just said “Looks like I made the right choice” And Nightglider nodded. A loud war horn sounded, coming from the north. It made all the squad look foreword so they could see the tower’s doors open and soldiers streaming out with ladders,battering rams and small balista. “BRAVE! I WANT THAT TOWER GONE! DO YOU HEAR ME!” Thunder found himself shouting in a commanding voice he didn’t even know he had. Brave replied with “Yes sir!” Brave was aiming his shot, he was about to fire when a Pegasus launched himself into brave, he drew his sword “Fire warrior, you and me fight. let’s see if the flame is mightier than the ice!” Brave looked to see if the others would help him, the three Earth were fighting, and it was the same story for the Pegasus. The Ice warrior was clad in steel mail and leather from head to toe, his blade was a bastard sword, allowing use of both one handed and two handed combat; he took a wild slash into the air, Brave could hear the sound of steel on steel surrounding him. He lowered his head. “Well you're smart … or craven” The Ice warrior raised his sword, exposing his central body mass, he brought his sword down onto Brave It was fast … But not as fast as the mystic bolt firing from Brave’s horn into his torso, cutting armor and flesh alike. The limp body fell to the floor, bleeding from its wound, the hole Brave opened up some how missed most of the major organs but hit the heart in the center. Brave looked into the wound, he could see bone, musial and flesh mixed into an unholy cocktail. Some of the magical energy was still inside the body, when the small beams of magic ran around like maggots the flesh would boil and turn into a liquid. Brave stopped himself looking at the mess he made “Nopony calls me a coward and if they do they don’t life to tell about it” Brave picked up the stallions blade, a finely crafted hilt sat atop the fierce blade. The pattern of the hilt was a bird flying toward the sky, and the pommel was made of a fine stone, polished until it would shine. Even when covered in blood. Brave told himself he would keep the weapon when this was all done. Thunder came flying down “Brave. Why is that tower still -” He saw the body “I see, next shot is in that tower” Brave nodded. Seeing the lack of words Brave had Thunder called to Nightglider “Night! i want you to take command! I’m going to stay down here” Night replied “understood” Thunder looked for the first ice warrior he could see, he could see one raising his blade to cut Hardknox in two, Thunder threw his spear into the enemy. There was an audible thud as the spear penetrated the armour and found it’s new home in the spine of the soldier. Hardknox looked behind him as he pulled his sword out of another Ice warrior, He gave a nod of thanks before going toe to toe with another. then another. then another. Hardknox was a killing machine, something about seeing it made Thunder’s blood run warm. “Shield!” Thunder shouted, his response was a grunt from Volcanic Wrath as he smashed the skull of a northerner against the point of the shield, then he threw it to Thunder. Whilst Thunder was arming himself with the shield the sound of steel exiting its scabbard and sinking into the skull of the nearest nothener. “Brave! why the hell is that tower still moving!?” Thunder called out, cleaning his sword of the blood of his first ever kill, it was something he would never forget, and he knew. “It’s coming down sir!”Brave replied as the magic left him, aiming it at the tower. A large explosion was heard. The tower went up in flame and the screams of the unfortunate souls who were in it filled the air. For a moment; no, a second, they was quiet. A bird could be heard calling out to its mate. Then … after the moment of peace and a small shred of hope it brought was smashed to tiny pieces. The scream of pain filled the air, all eyes fell onto Volcanic Axe. A large piece of wood was protruding from his torso, the wood was flaming. He was, for all intents and purposes, dead. But the Brave, Thunder, and Volcanic Axe saw Wrath do something crazy. His pupils were pin points, a look of crazy in his eye as he threw himself at the north, swinging wildly. Finally it was his brother, Volcanic Axe, who put him down. “Be with … Mama … save me a cookie” Thunder felt Grey’s hand on his shoulder, pulling him away from the scene. “Hurry. Thunder, we don’t want to be around when it kicks off” Thunder pulled away from Gery, making his way to Axe, cutting all who would stand in his way. He reached Axe. He reached out to take him away. Save them all. He could hear in his head, but it was not his voice. It was a mares. He could feel the sharp point of the needle puncture his skin. Then all was white. Chapter Six - The AftermathAuthor's Note Sorry this one is overdue I had real life stuff to do ... Chapter Six - The Aftermath As Thunder woke he could make out the shape of a mare standing in front of him. He could hear the moans of wounded. was he dead? No it sempt too real. Save them all. He could hear her again. Her voice ringing in his ears. Then he could hear a voice singing, a beautiful melody. How long this lasted Thunder could not say, however when he fully woke there was a bird in the window; the sun was rising over the wall. And smoke was rising as well. His mind was racing. Are we under attack? He began to rise, he was stopped by a lighting bolt of pain rising through his spine toward the base of his left wing. He let out a moan of pain. Then they was yet another needle piercing his skin, sending him back into his sleep. Grey was sitting in his tent, watching the siege of wayland castle. The castle that flew the north banner before The Wall was even started. And it never fell. But the arrogant southern commander still thinks that the castle will fall. “One push! Then victory.” I wonder how many died due to those words alone … Thunder needs to heal soon. Grey looked toward Wayland Castle’s Barbican; the portcullis was down and the drawbridge was down, the defenders were watching the attacking army’s camp. The walls were around 10 feet high and as thick. Grey could see another wall higher than the first, than a third wall. Then the Keep, standing tall, proud and a foreboding,50 feet high, looked over the entire castle and surrounding areas. The attacking army’s camp was spread over the three attackable sides, the east the north and the south. The west side of the castle was impossible to attack due to the mountain range. The mountain range was Grey’s only hope of getting the group safe, the south won't bother to follow them and the north won’t care about killing a few deserters. Grey had everything figured out. Everything apart from Thunder, if he was still in hospital then he would have to be left, but then Wrath’s death would be in vain, And Grey would fail his duty to end the war. Volcanic Axe was sitting in his tent, mourning the loss of his brother. Thinking of all the times had been pulled from the teeth of death, all the times his brother saved him. A tear came to his eye, then it was a flood. “Momma? Momma you’re here?” “Yes silly.” came a voice from beyond the void “I’m always here for my baby.” “Why you no save Brother?” At first they was no response, then the voice came back “Somethings even I cannot stop.” Volcanic Axe was looking to the exit of his tent, the sun was shining on him with all it’s light “Momma please.” There was a sigh “we’ll save some cookies” Volcanic Axe nodded, a singular cloud covered the sun and the communication was lost. A stallion was standing in the archway “You okay there friend?” His response was Volcanic Axe pushing him to the ground and then a swift kick in the babymakers. Brave was walking around the southern army’s camp, thinking about what happened in the battle last week. Thinking about how an agent of the north killed all those soldiers of the north, was it the upset of his brother dying? Or was it just to the fact that the “agents” are just liars? and the “agents” work for the south, or are bandits trying to dismantle the north; if that was the case than it was Braves responsibility to report them and save his and many overs life. And whatever happened to the stallion he spoke to? Brave was told that he was killed, but who killed him? and what proof did Grey have to back up what he was saying? Brave needed to talk to somepony, but who? Grey’s team? No, that was a foolish idea if he ever heard one. The army? It could work but it was unlikely, he could get killed or tortured for information. After a while Brave had an idea, it was risky but it might just work. His plan would start the moment he gets back to his tent. The moment he is safe, he will use a time traveling spell, go back to the train ride and find out just what happened. He was sure it was illegal, but he has killed, so what has he got to lose? oh yeah, his life. But that was not what was on his mind, he wanted to know the truth. The idiot Thunder nearly died for a lie, Brave would not have the same fate. Red Cross was on her rounds, looking at the many empty beds where the wounded should be lying if the wall was breached, Red Cross had no idea why she was walking down the empty room. Maybe it was as it helped her to clear her mind without stallions drooling over her. Having her body in this world was a curse, she wanted change. A different system: a choice of how she spends her life; a choice of who she spends the night with and maybe, just maybe, who she spends her life with. She found herself outside Thunder’s room, some call him a hero, some call him a fool. All she called him was unfortunate, she knew it will be hard for him when he wakes from his drug infused sleep. They will be ponies looking at him differently, making jokes at his expense, and asking him if he needs help with simple things. She let out a sigh for him, her hand fell on the door handle. The handle was cold, and her hand hot. She stood waiting to be invited in, but by who? Thunder was out called and she was the only other person in the building. After a prolonged, one sided, staring contest she opened the door. She was hit by the scent of disinfectant and dead flesh, what this pony gave for the south was too much. Red Cross walked over to Thunder and checked his vital signs, he was still technically alive. She looked at his wound, a large wound ran from Thunder’s hip to the stump where his wing should've been. Red Cross looked at Thunder in pity “A Pegasus who can’t fly. Truly there is no worse fate. As The Fire Lord, The Ice lord and any other gods as my witness, help me save them all. Save them all”. A single tear fell off her face, it landed on Thunder’s cheek, glowed blue, then disappeared. The sun was setting over the wall, the warm golden glow filled the room. Thunder began to wake from his drug powerd sleep, he looked around, seeing the smoke from the wall was still rising, but instead of panicking him, the sight made him smile. Remembering what the smoke will mean, a chance to get away from the army, to go north, and end this god forsaken war. But they were a few problems with his plan, the main ones being: he didn’t know how long he had been out; he didn’t know if Grey and the others had gone, and possibly the worst and most troublesome one, he had no idea if the army had found out about the plan and if they are about to arrest him. As if on que, the door began to slowly open. But instead of armour clad guards they was a white clad mare standing, looking at him. It was the mare from the bar, Thunder recognized her, but the night he saw her the was very drunk. Why did she just stand there? did he make a move on her? She opened her mouth, her voice was weak and full of pain “I see you have woken, Thunderbird…you're lucky to be alive. My name is Red Cross, do you have any questions?” Thunder had one, a simple one “What is this pain I feel in my left side?” Red Cross held her breath, searching for a way to bring the truth to him “... We ... had to amputate your wing … I’m sorry.” Chapter Seven - Brave's Brave History TripSomething has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.
prologueThe lands of Snowholt have been forced into a war for over a century: a war of religion; of power and of great sacrifice. Nopony remembers why the war started, but they know to not pick a side is certain death. The Great Firelord and his worshipers or The Ice Master and his cult.
Chapter oneThunder was walking through the streets of Kayrock, it was said that the city was once a great economical center before the war started but the days of great wealth have past and now the years of crippling poverty have taken hold. As Thunder approached the street he was born on he was overcome by the memories of his father and mother; the few weeks Thunder’s father was allowed to have a home visit were the best weeks of Thunder’s and his mother’s life, however on Thunder’s 16 birthday his Father never came home a few days later, Thunder got a letter informing him of his Father’s death this was too much for his mother who ended her life the next day. As Thunder looked around the happy memories were overpowered by the negative memories: him finding his mother died; when he was forced to leave home to go to the mandatory military training. As the streets grew darker Thunder knew it wasn’t safe, even for somepony who was getting shipped to the front lines the next day, he decided to head back to the barracks but before that he looked back to his street his home and his life. “Goodbye friend...” he sighed “The Firelord will cleanse the sins from this world.” Soon Thunder was at the barracks where he spent his life after his mother passed, it was one of the only buildings in the city that was maintained and expanded it looked out of place among the decaying houses and shops. When he entered the barracks he could hear the training session was still going on. Good he thought. Looks like I slipped out unnoticed. As he looked into the room designated as Training & Evaluation he could see the unicorns in one half practicing magic and the other side was the earth ponies in their heavy plate armor, but no pegasi. Meaning one of two things, one: he didn’t have to spend 2 hours training something he has aced or two: his battalion has been shipped off to the front and he will be classed as a coward and killed on sight. Brave was in training, after destroying four of the targets it was pretty obvious that his ranged magic was sufficiently strong, when he saw a Pegasus with a electric blue coat and an electric yellow mane styled in to look like a lightning bolt flying into the ground. After a while of waiting for the instructor/ nightmare material to get occupied with a Earth pony dropping his armor Brave went to talk to the mysterious pegasus. “You do know that your training is over.” “And who the hell do you think you are?” Thunder inquired, not really liking unicorns with that magic of theirs. “Wanting to know why a Pegasus who is probably too high on whatever it is you fly with to know what time of day it is” Brave retorted. “Well at least i don’t need to have magic to do stuff for me, I can do shit myself!” Thunder exclaimed “And with that teleportation spell you can do i wonder if you know what it is to walk for a day!” “Oh come on! I bet you fly everywhere, even fucking a mare I bet your wired wings flap all over!” Brave retaliated. “At least I don’t fire a magic beam when I cum!” And with that Thunder walked away, not listening to the unicorn with a beige coat and dark maroon mane, everything about that pony was boring. And why did he have to bring up sex? of all the things Thunder was uncomfortable with sex is high in the list. The day passed with the expected ceremony and final lesson on the Wonders and what will happen to your family if you join with them. Family. The one thing they can’t use against Thunder. As Thunder was walking to the station that would take him to the front he could see why it was sometimes referred to as a pen, claustrophobic rooms full of soldiers and their equipment. Thunder walked around trying to find his commanding officer and then try to find out who is in his squad, if he is going to die tomorrow he would at least like to find out how he is supposed to keep him alive.To Thunder’s surpise he knew the comander but unfortuatly his comander was his late fathers’s. “Sir, Thunderbird here to sign in” He said with a salute “Okay soldier just keep out of my way until the train comes.” He grumbled aggressively “Okay sir and I was --” Thunder was cut off “And i hope you are not like your coward of a father.” The commander was looking straight into Thunder’s eyes, looking for any source of weakness, but what he found was pride honor and bravery. “Don’t worry sir, I’ll make sure to fight when my time comes, no matter who I have to kill!” Thunder walked away and found a bench to sit on I suppose he can kill me right now. But no punishment came, only a nod of respect from the rest of the squad who were slowly meeting eachother. Thunder looked around and saw the unicorn from training. Thunder watched him, for reasons he couldn’t explain he felt there was something different about him: not talking to the others; doing everything he could to stay away from the center of the station. well Thunder thought there's a good story behind him. As Thunder went to talk to him the train came and the commander ordered everypony to collect their arms and armor and board.
Chapter two - The Train RideThunder boarded the train as the last call from the whistle sounded with an ear piercing screech. The train started with a lurch and then it moved smoothly along the tracks. Soon the sprawling mess of slums passed to show the complex system of farms that each city has to provide basic food to the residents, unfortunately the towns have grown but the farms have not, ending the period of comfort among the ponies. As the train passed the food production areas Thunder started to walk around the train due to getting bored of looking at trees and bushes. Soon Thunder walked into a carriage with at least ten different ponies, mostly Earth ponies with three unicorns and one pegasus, so Thunder walked up to this pegasus. Upon closer inspection the stallion had a grey mane and tail, his coat was a coal black one eye hidden behind a eye patch, the other, mustard yellow. “Excuse me?” The stallion said in a gruff tone “Can I help you? Or do you just want to stare at me all day?” “Sorry sir., I was just looking around for something to do” Thunder replied, trying not to look at the stallion’s eye. “Sir? Do I look like an officer to you?” Somehow the stallion sounded aggressive but was laughing at what was said. “calm down kid, and stop being so formal. they are no high ranking soldiers on this train. not even your commander you saw at the station” “What makes you think that?” Thunder grinned thinking he had caught the stallion in his lie. “Simple … But first I will need to trust you before I tell you” The stallion walked away before he said anything else that might alert any of the soldiers who don’t have the backbone to think for themselfs. Brave found himself on an empty carriage, it was quiet and peaceful, apart from the occasional pony walking through the carriage talking about what they are going to do to the ice cult’s army or the first pony who they “shared their bed with”. Despite the inconvenient interruptions Brave spent most of the train ride thinking of his past, what things might have been if he did something different; but all the time one memory kept appearing, one Brave didn’t fully understand the situation didn’t seem familiar it sempt almost alien. He decided that he was going to find something to do to distract him from the strange and unfamiliar feelings, he found himself at the end of the train. A canopy was erected from glass, providing a cover from the rain whilst not obscuring the view. This place was nice. Brave, being slightly inquisitive looked for some of the supports and found that the entire glass roof came around from the roof of the adjacent carriage and sloped down to the end of the one Brave was stood in. I wonder why it was built like this. A voice from the doorway, seemingly on cue to Brave’s question said “I think it was built like that to stop any of us from bringing our inevitable demise any faster than what it will be” Brave looked over to the where the voice came from; he could only make out the pony’s body shape showing he was an earth pony. “What do you mean?” The Pony sounded like he was chuckling slightly “Really? Don’t you want to just end it now before you get to know any of your squad and think that they are actually nice ponies and not just soldiers?” Brave began to sound defensive, for he was a smart pony and to question this was like attacking him with a sword “I knew what you meant, do I look like a Pegasus that has his head in the clouds? or an Earth whose entire family pushes ploughs in a field -” The pony cut Brave off, “Do me a favour and shut the hell up and stop thinking unicorns are superior to everypony else before somepony pushes you into a spear. Second, think about this entire situation this “war” who are we fighting? and no it’s not the ice cult, it’s not the enemy it’s …” Brave sounding slightly dumbfounded asked “who are we fighting then” The stallion began making his way back to the carriages “Think, who is making you come here” The doors closed slowly, and once again the glass carriage was pludged into silence. Brave was thinking about what the stallion had said when suddenly he saw a large mountain range beginning to appear from the east. Soon it encompassed the train. This meant one thing, the train was near it’s final destination. Thunder was back in his carriage, thinking about all the things he could've done if he just had taken a stab at the dark and went for it. Then he began to see the giant wall of Bittering, a marvel of engineering. built entirely from fire hardened stone, it dwarfed even the largest mountains of the Qrith Mountain range and the Vlyk Mountains that split west and east. Thunder looked to the wall, the towering wall of black stone;the banners on top of it where battered and weathered by the strong gale force winds that thunder would come to learn where at times more dangerous than an arrow or crossbow bolt being fired at him. well, I wonder how many of these ponies will die in the first battle. chances are I will. best make my father and mother proud. this is for you mom, dad. Thunder soon made his way to the barracks where he would spend the rest of his days when not fighting. how long that would be however was any ponies guess. “good news, they have arrived and our agent made contact with them. the bad news however is that our agent is not sure if he can trust them, or if they can do what we all hope they can” “We will find away, we always have done in the past” “Shall I give the order?” “Yes, and make sure that you stress the point that this is our last chance.”
Chapter Three - The Quiet Before The StormThunder was sat atop of his bed, the room was dark making hard to make out the shapes of the the other bunks in columns of two and ten rows deep, they covered the barracks. Thunder looked around for something to do, and as expected Thunder saw nothing inside the sleeping area; and he had a feeling in the X amount of other sleeping areas the situation would be the same so he decided to go for a walk. As he stepped out into the dark, cold night, he gazed upon the wall where a few bright becons of hope where glowing; only to be hidden when one of the many sentaries walked past. A wind blew down from the wall cutting Thunder to his bone so he pulled his black fur cloak closer to his chin, he looked to the mess hall, seeing ponies were still inside eating and drinking themselves into oblivion. Thunder walked into the mess hall only to get out of the cold winds. Well he thought this is better than freezing my balls off. As he looked around he saw many ponies, a brown Earth, a red Earth and a jet black Earth. Shit! Don’t tell me I am in the earth hall he thought, fearing a drunk Earth wanting a fight with him. But as he looked he saw a group of Pegasus of many colours, none really stuck out to him. He walked to a dark corner in the room, the darkness covered him like a thick black cloak made of crow feathers. A few hours passed, and with the passing of time Thunder got more drunk. He looked as a mare walked in, she had a medic's uniform on, this was nothing new everypony had to answer the call it had been this way since the beginning. He watched as her marron tail gently bounced as she walked; his eyes followed the tail until he came to her buttocks, thanks to the tight uniform he could see there firm shape. He looked back at his drink and got totally pissed. Brave was in the indoor training area, wearing the armour designated to all unicorns.A chain link shirt under a padded, boiled leather tunic with the emblem army emblem, The Phoenix, over his heart. His arms were protected by chain link mail and steel plate over his shoulders and elbows. His lower body was protected by a layer of boiled padded leather, and steel plate over his knees.He had a wooden kite shield that had iron around the sides and the surface that would block the blows had a sheet of an iron and steel compound. His weapons were a 6ft long spear, the shaft made of ash wood and the spear head was cold forged steel in a leaf shape, and for closer combat he had a 80 cm long steel arming sword. The room was cold and dark, the dark stone walls were illuminated by a few torches dotted sparsely around the room.All of the stallions that spent the day there had gone save Brave and a Pegasus who was practising his airborne spear throwing and maneuvering. Brave was working on his sword technique. Slicing a mannequin across the throat than spinning on his heels and thrusting the sword into another mannequin’s chest, then he reached for a spear a threw it into the last mannequin's intestine. Whilst he was catching his breath he removed the sword from the mannequin's chest and sheathed it in the leather scabbard. The Pegasus walked toward Brave. He could see the Pegasus had a grey coat with a midnight blue mane, his armour was similar to that of Brave’s but he didn’t have the plate on his shoulders and knees. Brave placed one hand on the sword's hilt and asked “If you don’t wish to train with me what do you want?” “Is your name” the stallion looked at a list. “Bravesoul?” “Yes, but I go by Brave.” “Come with me.” The stallion said. “Now why would I do that?” Brave asked with a tone of superiority in his voice “i don’t even know who sent you, for all i know you could turn around and kill me!” “No, if i wanted to do that you would be dead already, were you paying attention to my training?” “No...” Brave admitted “No” the pegasus echod “I hit every target in the heart, i cut every neck. in a fight between us it’ll be over in the blink of an eye” The Pegasus took a breath “My name is Nightglider, our mutual friend sent me.” “i have no friends” “He was on the train with you, his name is Grey. he asked you ‘think, who is making you come here’ remember?” “What does he want?” “Meet us by the east end of the wall at noon tomorrow.” Before Brave could answer with another question Nightglider opened his wings, showing the crimson red feathers flowing like blood as he took flight out of the room. Thunder was now in a drunken haze, he still watched the medic. Her shapely figure and her firm buttocks. Thunder was just about to stand when the three stallions from earlier came to him, the one with the brown coat and the one with the red coat held him down. “Hi guys … to what do I owe the honor?” Thunder said, the alcohol on his breath making the jet black coated stallion think his dinner was going to make a nasty appearance “Just listen to us and listen well”The jet black one said, Thunder could see the colour of his mane, a deep dark maroon “My name is Hard Knox, his name is Volcanic Wrath” he points to the stallion with the red coat and a grey tail. “Don’t piss him off, his brother is Volcanic Axe” He points to the one with a brown coat and a dark green mane, he is chuckling at the joke made at his brother’s expense. “Now we want to tell you that the mare you have been drooling over is not one of them who let you sleep with them for the ‘glory’ of giving birth to a warrior's child, she is a medic, she will save your life one day. Show some respect.” Thunder nodded “Good. Oh and your name?” “Thunderbird, you can call me Thunder. Why?” “Good” Volcanic Wrath said. “Very good” Volcanic Axe repeated. “meet us at the east side of the wall tomorrow at noon.” Hard Knocks instructed and walked away, the Volcanic brothers followed like well trained lap dogs. Thunder shrugged and went back to drinking.
Chapter Four - The Eve Of BattleThe bells rang out throughout the compound, waking Thunder. He looked around and saw that the others were climbing out of bed and running toward the armoury. He jumped out of his bed and followed the crowd. Inspite of his hangover he pulled his chain link shirt over his torso, he fastened up his padded leather tunic and pulled up his chain link trousers, buckling up his plate armour over his elbows he looked at the others. The unicorns had their medium weight armour on, the Pegasus had on the army designated armour Thunder was wearing and the Earth had their full steel plate armour on. The standard weapons for the Pegasus was similar to the Unicorns gear, the only difference was that the Pegasus had no shield making it possible to carry the spear and sword at once when fighting in air. However the Earth ones could use a greatsword, a battle axe or a arming sword and kite shield.Thunder put on his helm, a simple Leather cap with two steel wings coming out of the top. Thunder jogged to the courtyard that was in the shadow of the old circular keep. The roof had long fallen into the keep’s top rooms. The keep, like everything in the compound, was in the shadow of the towering wall. Thunder looked at the commander of the forces as he gave a speech about what the day will contain, Thunder noticed he had no weapon at his side, his body language suggested that he had been in few battles. “ … The barbarians of the Ice cult have been seen gathering their numbers at Wayland Keep for over a month! Last night we saw scouts in the tree line. We are expecting an attack sometime today. If the past is anything to go by they will launch small forces at us throughout the day and the main attack will be at night. Now go to your positions, and when the battle starts I want you all to know what your role is in the army! Dismissed!” Thunder walked toward the old wooden lift that was installed years after the wall was completed. It was added so the soldiers on the top didn’t have to climb the stairs and get in the way of them the soldiers firing the ballista at the incoming army’s siege towers.He looked at how the lift was rotten and the ropes were close to snapping. He was thankful he was born with wings. As the first force of soldiers boarded the lift Thunder extended his wings, his yellow feathers blowing in the winds, then he gave a flap of his wings with an audible clap as he lifted off the ground. He sawed high up the wall the wind in his mane. He felt like the young colt he once once, gliding around the cliffs of Kayrock with his father, a simpler time.He reached the top of the wall, a good 30 minutes before lift, a few Pegasus who had the same idea where landing on the wall now. Thunder looked out to where the “barbarians” had made camp. From the amount of tents, fires and banners Thunder guessed they were around 400,000 swords their, and double the number of cooks, medics and other personnel. 400,000 “barbarians” against 250,000 soldiers and one big ass wall Thunder thought .Gotta love them odds. Thunder was standing at the battlements looking down at the 300 feet drop. “I hope I don’t fall.” a shiver ran through him. The sun was high in the sky and the first force who was on guard of the wall were making their way down the wall, Brave was using the steps and Thunder and a few other Pegasus were gliding their way down. Thunder was the first the reach the east side than the grey Pegasus joined him. Thunder gave him a look, he most definitely didn’t look like an Earth that was for sure.They was an uneasy silence until the Pegasus spoke, “My name is Nightglider, but the question is not who am I. It’s who are you?” Thunder had an idea “Hard Knox.” The Pegasus burst into laughter “Don’t be dumb, I know who you are. Thunderbird, your father was murdered when it was your sixteenth birthda-” He was cut off by the song of steel exiting it’s scabbard. “How do you know all this!?” Thunder was near shouting now. “Okay, hang around and you’ll find out, but please. put the sword away” The sword found it’s home back in it’s scabbard. A voice called over to the group, one Thunder recognised, Hard Knox. “See you got a friend Night!” Thunder and Night both looked over to greet him, they saw that his lap dogs were following him, laughing over some unspoken joke. A grunt came from Night, Thunder walked to Hard Knox, and asked him “Why did you want me to come here? That Pegasus somehow knows shit that i thought i only knew” “That Pegasus is called NightGlider, show some respect to your peers. And there's a reason we want you here, wait for a while. he’ll show when we are all here” “How many of us is they to go?” “Just the one now” “Well he better get a move on” The group shared ideal chatter about where they came from and their family. Thunder was the only one who came from Kayrock, Night came from a dusty old sea town named White Harbor The volcanic brothers came from a place named Ashford and finally Hard Knox hailed from Hellhot. Soon Brave joined them and informed them that he was too from Kayrock, a tone of aggression and superiority in his voice.After a while a Pegasus came walking toward the group, his leathers shining in the sun, his helmet under his arm and a spear in his left hand. Thunder recognised the coal black coat and grey mane, Brave did not, both his eyes were on show, but only one was open to the world the other had been closed for ever by a scar across the most of the left side of his face. “I see everyone is here, that is good. Any questions?” Brave was quick on the draw “who are you? the stallion i spoke to on the train was a Earth” “My name is Grey, the stallion you talked to unfortunately was killed right after talking to you, make sure his death is not in vain. How about you Thunder?” he looked at the Pegasus who was in clear shock “Yes we know your name, we know a lot about you, shame about your father. We represent the Wonders, that is the name we go by on this side of the wall. The other we are known as The Snow Holt Unification Party. In the north we have a very different political policy to you southerners. We elect our leaders, your leaders force there way to power in the cover of night. Two very different systems but they started roughly at the same time, when our leaders were killed a few miles from the wall. I’ll tell you more later, but we are drawing attention. Go and spend your day as you see fit. I’ll send for you.” And with that he turned on the balls of his feet and walked away, as did every pony apart from Brave as his heart was telling him one thing and his heart was telling him the opposite. Brave’s thought trail was cut off by the war horn blowing, he knew that this could be the beginning of the end. He looked around the entire place was in chaos medics rushing to their appointed positions, soldiers running to the lifts and up the stairs. Brave began running to the lift, thankful for his armour not being too heavy. When he reached the top he saw that his squad was there, the Volcanic brothers, Nightglider, Grey, Thunder and Hard Knox.
Chapter Five - The Baptism Of Fire - Part OneHours had passed since the horn was blown. The attack was near, but the only soldiers who had seen action were the Pegasus. Arrows filled the sky, both sides seemed contempt to keep the battle as a show of ranged power. But as the battle raged on the Ice cult began the true assault a huge armoured siege tower of 300 feet, the width of the sides was 71 feet. Brave dread to think how many soldiers would come from monstrous constructs bowels, a stallion looked at Brave. “don’t worry. they never hit us on the wall with that. they just use it as a shield for the soldiers … or to scare us into thinking they could take the wall” The stallion had a grey streak in his mane, a scar on his face, and the signs of old age. He was a veteran. He knew what will happen here today.But what would happen next nopony expected. The tower normally stood out of the range of the ballistas but it kept on going toward the wall. The boiled leather made it impossible to burn the tower down, They was only one hope. Use magic. Brave began to make his way toward the commander of the defence. A old soldier, his mane had lost it’s natural colour and was going white. He looked at brave, recognizing him due to watching him train his magic in training. “Thank the Flame Lord a halfe way good soldier. Listen that tower is going to fuck us in the arse, I’m sending for your squad. get on their side of the wall and take the tower down, do whatever is needed. meet your squad at the central gate May The Fires Burn Strong” “May The Fires Burn Strong...” Brave echoed, he began walking to the lift, one thought went through his mind “This could be the last time I am on the lift.” He noted. As Thunder got the command to meet the squad near the gate he was confused, a giant tower was getting pushed toward them and they wanted him to be at the gate? But like the good soldier he was he made his way to the great oaken gate. When he reached the ground he saw that Grey, NightGlider, the Volcanic brothers, Bravesoul and Hardknox. They were all talking about what they were going to do once the outer gate opened. Thunder joined the discussion with the question “How is giving the orders?” They all looked around to each other this gave Thunder the answer he needed “okay, i am giving the orders, if I die then it’s Nightglider. we can get the bird's eye view due to being pegasus. Anyone got a plan?” Brave spoke up “Why should we put you in command? You have no training!” Thunder opened his mouth but Grey spoke for him “I vote for Thunder” “Aye, Thunder” Volcanic Wrath said “i chose the Thunder one” came from Volcanic Axe, like it was the most important thing he would ever say. But it probably was. “Well in the way of the North and democracy, Thunder is the commander, Nightglider is subcommander.” Grey announced “We are in the south.” Brave corrected Grey looked at Brave with an easy stare but before he could retaliate the first of the great oak gates opened, the wood was 3 feet deep and had iron on the joints for added strength. The squad passed through, 3 Pegasus, 3 Earth and 1 Unicorn. The band made it to the staging area, they was a collection of shields on one wall and a weapon rack on the other. Thunder gave them all commands. “Brave, get a bigger shield It’ll save you. Hard Knox, Volcanic Axe and Wrath, get a spear and shield if you don’t use one. Wrath I know you use a greatsword, sheath it in the scabbard on you back” Volcanic Wrath did as he was instructed “oh, and if you don’t get a shield get one.” Light started to flood the room as the second gate was opened. One more and they would be in battle. Thunder looked around at his squad, Brave in his medium armour holding a shield that was slightly too be too big for him. The Volcanic brothers and Hardknox with their heavy full plate armour, a 4 foot spear, a shield. Hardknox’ great sword was in it’s scabbard, Volcanic Axe's Axe head was above his belt, the rest under it, and finally Volcanic Wrath and his magnificent greatsword on his back, the hilt looking over his shoulder. Thunder led them all into the second area, candles made the room as bright as a field on a cloudless summer's day. Thunder had now thought of the plan to keep them safe and take the tower down. “When we go out there, I want the Volcanic Brothers and HardKnox to form a defensive area around Brave, use your spear and shield until you have to use the weapons you trained with. the spear if you don’t know is a simple weapon, stick ‘em with the pointy end. Me, Grey and Nightglider are to make sure no Pegasus get above Brave and tries to throw their spear at them. Brave your job is easy, stay alive and bring that tower down, everyone understand?” The group noded “good”. Volcanic Wrath turned to his brother, Axe looked confused. “Hey brother,” Wrath said, “we’re going to go out there and fight the bad ponies, when we come back we can go visit mama” His brother looked at him, eyes full of hope. “But you gotta be good”. Axe nodded then said “Fight the bad ponies than see mama, can we ask her for some of her cookies. Oh please say we can have some of her cookies?” Wrath’s voice was trapped in his throat, so Grey spoke up “I’ll make sure of it, go make mama proud.” He looked to Wrath and gave him a nod. Thunder looked at Grey with a look saying what was all that about. Grey looked back and shook his head. the final gates started opening, showing the third and final area. No words were spoken in here, the next time they came through here would be as heroes who everypony will remember or corpses who nopony will remember. The latter was the most likely. “400,000 against 7 … gotta love them odds” Thunder thought. The final gate started to open bringing light to just how desperate the fight will be. The gate opened slowly with a loud creek, it was now or never, if Thunder waited on his command the enemy will be in. Thunder unsheathed his sword, pointed it toward the opening and the called out “Forward, for honor! for glory! and for a new dawn!” The squad advanced into the unknown.The volcanic brothers went first, then Hardknox, after the defensive position was secure Thunder, Nightglider and Grey then went out, after it was Brave’s turn.
Chapter Five - The Baptism Of Fire - Part twoAs Brave exited the tunnel he could see the tower and enemy army was a good 15 minutes away but he could see that a small force was heading toward the 7 ponies, he knew what he had to do. And he had to do it fast. Brave pointed his horn toward the tower and began to charge the magic, his helmet had some steel that covered the horn so it was not easily cut off, it also work as a way to aim. Just point the heavy part of your head at the thing you want to destroy. Thunder was in the sky with Grey and Nightglider, watching the enemy advance. “So, Grey. want to tell me more about the north? I don’t think you’ll get another chance” Grey looked at Thunder “Win today, I’ll make sure word gets to you. Then it’s up to you. Act as a slave to your unknown masters or join the north and choose what you do in life.” Thunder nodded, then looked back at the force advancing, “May the Fire lord have mercy upon my foes as I shall spare none” The others looked at him “What? I want my last words to be somewhat heroic” They just laughed, Thunder found himself laughing too. The Volcanic Brothers could be heard from where Thunder was “We are the wind, we are the thunder, we are the flame! We are the hammers of the god!” soon a chorus of chants filled the air from Thunder’s squad. Grey however just said “Looks like I made the right choice” And Nightglider nodded. A loud war horn sounded, coming from the north. It made all the squad look foreword so they could see the tower’s doors open and soldiers streaming out with ladders,battering rams and small balista. “BRAVE! I WANT THAT TOWER GONE! DO YOU HEAR ME!” Thunder found himself shouting in a commanding voice he didn’t even know he had. Brave replied with “Yes sir!” Brave was aiming his shot, he was about to fire when a Pegasus launched himself into brave, he drew his sword “Fire warrior, you and me fight. let’s see if the flame is mightier than the ice!” Brave looked to see if the others would help him, the three Earth were fighting, and it was the same story for the Pegasus. The Ice warrior was clad in steel mail and leather from head to toe, his blade was a bastard sword, allowing use of both one handed and two handed combat; he took a wild slash into the air, Brave could hear the sound of steel on steel surrounding him. He lowered his head. “Well you're smart … or craven” The Ice warrior raised his sword, exposing his central body mass, he brought his sword down onto Brave It was fast … But not as fast as the mystic bolt firing from Brave’s horn into his torso, cutting armor and flesh alike. The limp body fell to the floor, bleeding from its wound, the hole Brave opened up some how missed most of the major organs but hit the heart in the center. Brave looked into the wound, he could see bone, musial and flesh mixed into an unholy cocktail. Some of the magical energy was still inside the body, when the small beams of magic ran around like maggots the flesh would boil and turn into a liquid. Brave stopped himself looking at the mess he made “Nopony calls me a coward and if they do they don’t life to tell about it” Brave picked up the stallions blade, a finely crafted hilt sat atop the fierce blade. The pattern of the hilt was a bird flying toward the sky, and the pommel was made of a fine stone, polished until it would shine. Even when covered in blood. Brave told himself he would keep the weapon when this was all done. Thunder came flying down “Brave. Why is that tower still -” He saw the body “I see, next shot is in that tower” Brave nodded. Seeing the lack of words Brave had Thunder called to Nightglider “Night! i want you to take command! I’m going to stay down here” Night replied “understood” Thunder looked for the first ice warrior he could see, he could see one raising his blade to cut Hardknox in two, Thunder threw his spear into the enemy. There was an audible thud as the spear penetrated the armour and found it’s new home in the spine of the soldier. Hardknox looked behind him as he pulled his sword out of another Ice warrior, He gave a nod of thanks before going toe to toe with another. then another. then another. Hardknox was a killing machine, something about seeing it made Thunder’s blood run warm. “Shield!” Thunder shouted, his response was a grunt from Volcanic Wrath as he smashed the skull of a northerner against the point of the shield, then he threw it to Thunder. Whilst Thunder was arming himself with the shield the sound of steel exiting its scabbard and sinking into the skull of the nearest nothener. “Brave! why the hell is that tower still moving!?” Thunder called out, cleaning his sword of the blood of his first ever kill, it was something he would never forget, and he knew. “It’s coming down sir!”Brave replied as the magic left him, aiming it at the tower. A large explosion was heard. The tower went up in flame and the screams of the unfortunate souls who were in it filled the air. For a moment; no, a second, they was quiet. A bird could be heard calling out to its mate. Then … after the moment of peace and a small shred of hope it brought was smashed to tiny pieces. The scream of pain filled the air, all eyes fell onto Volcanic Axe. A large piece of wood was protruding from his torso, the wood was flaming. He was, for all intents and purposes, dead. But the Brave, Thunder, and Volcanic Axe saw Wrath do something crazy. His pupils were pin points, a look of crazy in his eye as he threw himself at the north, swinging wildly. Finally it was his brother, Volcanic Axe, who put him down. “Be with … Mama … save me a cookie” Thunder felt Grey’s hand on his shoulder, pulling him away from the scene. “Hurry. Thunder, we don’t want to be around when it kicks off” Thunder pulled away from Gery, making his way to Axe, cutting all who would stand in his way. He reached Axe. He reached out to take him away. Save them all. He could hear in his head, but it was not his voice. It was a mares. He could feel the sharp point of the needle puncture his skin. Then all was white.
Chapter Six - The AftermathAuthor's Note Sorry this one is overdue I had real life stuff to do ... Chapter Six - The Aftermath As Thunder woke he could make out the shape of a mare standing in front of him. He could hear the moans of wounded. was he dead? No it sempt too real. Save them all. He could hear her again. Her voice ringing in his ears. Then he could hear a voice singing, a beautiful melody. How long this lasted Thunder could not say, however when he fully woke there was a bird in the window; the sun was rising over the wall. And smoke was rising as well. His mind was racing. Are we under attack? He began to rise, he was stopped by a lighting bolt of pain rising through his spine toward the base of his left wing. He let out a moan of pain. Then they was yet another needle piercing his skin, sending him back into his sleep. Grey was sitting in his tent, watching the siege of wayland castle. The castle that flew the north banner before The Wall was even started. And it never fell. But the arrogant southern commander still thinks that the castle will fall. “One push! Then victory.” I wonder how many died due to those words alone … Thunder needs to heal soon. Grey looked toward Wayland Castle’s Barbican; the portcullis was down and the drawbridge was down, the defenders were watching the attacking army’s camp. The walls were around 10 feet high and as thick. Grey could see another wall higher than the first, than a third wall. Then the Keep, standing tall, proud and a foreboding,50 feet high, looked over the entire castle and surrounding areas. The attacking army’s camp was spread over the three attackable sides, the east the north and the south. The west side of the castle was impossible to attack due to the mountain range. The mountain range was Grey’s only hope of getting the group safe, the south won't bother to follow them and the north won’t care about killing a few deserters. Grey had everything figured out. Everything apart from Thunder, if he was still in hospital then he would have to be left, but then Wrath’s death would be in vain, And Grey would fail his duty to end the war. Volcanic Axe was sitting in his tent, mourning the loss of his brother. Thinking of all the times had been pulled from the teeth of death, all the times his brother saved him. A tear came to his eye, then it was a flood. “Momma? Momma you’re here?” “Yes silly.” came a voice from beyond the void “I’m always here for my baby.” “Why you no save Brother?” At first they was no response, then the voice came back “Somethings even I cannot stop.” Volcanic Axe was looking to the exit of his tent, the sun was shining on him with all it’s light “Momma please.” There was a sigh “we’ll save some cookies” Volcanic Axe nodded, a singular cloud covered the sun and the communication was lost. A stallion was standing in the archway “You okay there friend?” His response was Volcanic Axe pushing him to the ground and then a swift kick in the babymakers. Brave was walking around the southern army’s camp, thinking about what happened in the battle last week. Thinking about how an agent of the north killed all those soldiers of the north, was it the upset of his brother dying? Or was it just to the fact that the “agents” are just liars? and the “agents” work for the south, or are bandits trying to dismantle the north; if that was the case than it was Braves responsibility to report them and save his and many overs life. And whatever happened to the stallion he spoke to? Brave was told that he was killed, but who killed him? and what proof did Grey have to back up what he was saying? Brave needed to talk to somepony, but who? Grey’s team? No, that was a foolish idea if he ever heard one. The army? It could work but it was unlikely, he could get killed or tortured for information. After a while Brave had an idea, it was risky but it might just work. His plan would start the moment he gets back to his tent. The moment he is safe, he will use a time traveling spell, go back to the train ride and find out just what happened. He was sure it was illegal, but he has killed, so what has he got to lose? oh yeah, his life. But that was not what was on his mind, he wanted to know the truth. The idiot Thunder nearly died for a lie, Brave would not have the same fate. Red Cross was on her rounds, looking at the many empty beds where the wounded should be lying if the wall was breached, Red Cross had no idea why she was walking down the empty room. Maybe it was as it helped her to clear her mind without stallions drooling over her. Having her body in this world was a curse, she wanted change. A different system: a choice of how she spends her life; a choice of who she spends the night with and maybe, just maybe, who she spends her life with. She found herself outside Thunder’s room, some call him a hero, some call him a fool. All she called him was unfortunate, she knew it will be hard for him when he wakes from his drug infused sleep. They will be ponies looking at him differently, making jokes at his expense, and asking him if he needs help with simple things. She let out a sigh for him, her hand fell on the door handle. The handle was cold, and her hand hot. She stood waiting to be invited in, but by who? Thunder was out called and she was the only other person in the building. After a prolonged, one sided, staring contest she opened the door. She was hit by the scent of disinfectant and dead flesh, what this pony gave for the south was too much. Red Cross walked over to Thunder and checked his vital signs, he was still technically alive. She looked at his wound, a large wound ran from Thunder’s hip to the stump where his wing should've been. Red Cross looked at Thunder in pity “A Pegasus who can’t fly. Truly there is no worse fate. As The Fire Lord, The Ice lord and any other gods as my witness, help me save them all. Save them all”. A single tear fell off her face, it landed on Thunder’s cheek, glowed blue, then disappeared. The sun was setting over the wall, the warm golden glow filled the room. Thunder began to wake from his drug powerd sleep, he looked around, seeing the smoke from the wall was still rising, but instead of panicking him, the sight made him smile. Remembering what the smoke will mean, a chance to get away from the army, to go north, and end this god forsaken war. But they were a few problems with his plan, the main ones being: he didn’t know how long he had been out; he didn’t know if Grey and the others had gone, and possibly the worst and most troublesome one, he had no idea if the army had found out about the plan and if they are about to arrest him. As if on que, the door began to slowly open. But instead of armour clad guards they was a white clad mare standing, looking at him. It was the mare from the bar, Thunder recognized her, but the night he saw her the was very drunk. Why did she just stand there? did he make a move on her? She opened her mouth, her voice was weak and full of pain “I see you have woken, Thunderbird…you're lucky to be alive. My name is Red Cross, do you have any questions?” Thunder had one, a simple one “What is this pain I feel in my left side?” Red Cross held her breath, searching for a way to bring the truth to him “... We ... had to amputate your wing … I’m sorry.”
Chapter Seven - Brave's Brave History TripSomething has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.
