War of the worlds.

*Canterlot*

There were dozens dead ponies on the road. Their outlines softened by the black dust. All was still. houses locked and empty, shops closed... But looters had helped themselves to wine and food and outside of a jewelers shop some gold chains and a watch were scattered on the pavement.

"ULLA!"

I stopped, steering towards the sound. It seemed as if that mighty desert of houses had found a voice for my fear and solitude.

"ULLA!"

The desolating cry worked upon my mind. The wailing took possession of me. I was intensely weary, foot so, hungry and thirsty Why was I wandering alone in this city of the dead? Why was I alive? When Canterlot was lying in state in its black shroud. I felt intolerably lonely, drifting from street to empty street, I was drawn inexorably towards that cry.

"ULLA!!"

I saw, over the trees on Starswirl Hill the fighting machine from which the howling came. I crossed the canal. There stood a second machine, upright, but as still as the first.

"ULLAAAAA....!"

Abruptly the sound ceased. Suddenly, the desolation, the solitude became unendurable. While that voice sounded, Canterlot had still seemed alive. Now suddenly there was a change the passing of something and all that remained was this quiet.

I looked up and saw a third machine. It was erect and motionless, like the others. An insane resolve possessed me. I would give my life to the Martians here and now.

I strode  recklessly towards the titan and saw that a multitude of black birds was circling and clustering about the hood. I began running along the road. I felt no fear, only a wild trembling exultation.  As I ran up the hill towards the motionless monster. Out of the hood hung red shreds at which the hungry birds now pecked and tore.

I scrambled up to the crest of Starswirl Hill and the Martian's camp was below me. A mighty space it was, and scattered about it, in their overturned machines were the Martians. DEAD...slained after all Equestria's devices had failed. Killed by the humblest things. Bacteria. Minute, invisible, bacteria!

When the invaders arrived and drank and fed, our microscopic allies attacked them. From that moment, they were doomed.

The torment had ended. The people scattered over the country

desperate, leaderless, starved... The thousands who had fled by sea (including Twilight) all would return. The pulls of life growing stronger and stronger would beat again.

As life returns to normal the question of another attack from Mars causes universal concern. Is our planet safe? or is this time of peace merely a reprieve? It may be that across the immensity of space they have learned their lessons and even now await their opportunity. Perhaps the future belongs not to us, but to the Martians...