Equestria Divided

Chapters

Prologue
How it has Changed...
Ones company...
In clouds and on Earth
Forced Allies and Shadows
Family and Favors
Scouts and Pirate's
Old and New Acquaintances
Old Rivals and Books
Once Enemies
Reunions
Bandits
Prisoners and Opportunities

Prologue

A mood that descended upon Equestria was dark in tone. The sisters had both disappeared without a trace and surprisingly the sun and the moon cycled still. At first there was panic and disorder, from that unbridled uncertainty the fabric that had been so meticulously maintained was falling apart. The mane six were looked too for answers mainly Twilight Sparkle. She had none. Rebellion sparked and became rampant throughout Equestria, questions had been asked and several ponies began to answer, fracturing the the once whole country with ideas and misinformation. Soon factions were pushing and pulling attacking one another in the streets and on the roads nowhere was safe. Twilight survived an attack that her parents unfortunately did not.

She had a simple idea then since Cadence was not the leading type. Ascend to alicornhood and rule alongside her friends...make all of them Alicorns and nopony would dispute their claim to power. Applejack refused outright condemning it to be an act of desperation. Twilight not wanting to kill her had her banished and branded a traitor. Fluttershy left to help the refugees that were gathering by Everfree forest. As well as Rarity refused because of a developing illness, but decided to help by other means. Rainbow Dash accepted hoping to put a quick end to the conflict just as much as Twilight did but Pinkie Pie was unsure. Blackmailing Pinkie, Twilight threatened to put all the blame of current events solely on her shoulders and so she participated in the experimental transformation. The transformation went horribly wrong. The magic burned and scared Rainbows face and chest while Pinkie's body gave out and she died. Twilight escaped unscathed to everypony's surprise.

Rainbow since the transformation, distanced herself from everypony soon gathering like minded pegasus ponies whose militaristic view was to rule Equestria in the absence of the sisters. Building airships and training several ponies complex flight patterns she soon was elected as the Commander of the group that soon called themselves House Stormwing. Their first act as a house was influenced by information given to them by Twilight who said the rebellion was being lead out of Ponyville. Ordering a sudden strike, Rainbow had to town flooded killing hundreds to root out the problem at its core.

Twilight focused her studies into the arcane hoping to solve the problems happening to Equestria with powerful magic. She summoned and chained the soul of her mentors mentor Starswirl the Bearded. Pinkie Pie was laid to rest in a sarcophagus in a tomb meant for honored ponies and a year after her body was laid to rest it was stolen by a group of skilled thieves, Twilight had many search for it but it was never seen again. She then redoubled her efforts into her studies blocking both Cadence and Shining Armor out of her life, who had both take up station as the leaders of the house they now named Moon and Star.

Applejack after hearing the fate of Pinkie made a solemn choice to remove unicorns from Equestria believing their magic was more harmful than helpful. The problem arose when the town of Ponyville was attacked and flooded by House Stormwing. Applejack and her family along with survivors of the attack retreated to family in Dodge City. There Applejack had become a loud voice of outrage. Her words turned to action and her words reached the Buffalo tribes who more than willing to join the cause. During the agreement between the two races, as a gift the tribe had Applejack join in a sacred ritual where she was contacted by a spirit of justice who offered his help in return for her right eye. Giving her eye, the spirit bestowed the vision of true sight seeing through any lie told to her or plan that was made to cause harm to her family.

Fluttershy had spent her time helping the refugees of the conflicts around the country. They had pooled resources to better care for everypony. On a return trip from a neighboring refugee camp she came home to her own camp ransacked for supplies by an Earthborn scouting party. In a fit of rage her cry was answered by the beasts of Everfree who she had hunt down the perpetrators. Many ponies had seen the Everfree forest as a sanctuary and many tribes sprang up but all would answer to Fluttershy. She asked for nothing but to defend their home when asked. Having the sisters old castle restored as her home she began to hear a voice she came to call The Everfree liege. Fluttershy then began to ask that the forest expand and then Equestria would become one forest where everypony was equal.

Rarity had other plans when it came to taking a piece of power. She found her way into the heart of Blue Blood and married. Their marriage was not long spent for the prince met with an untimely demise. Rarity was left as sole heir to Manehattan and its gem mines. Soon after she began to fall I'll with a disease called Crystallization. Her body would be slowly become encased in a crystal that would slowly drive her insane. She has yet to circum to the crystals only thanks to her little sister Sweetie Belle. Rarity's temper was also well known to flair uncontrollably, but Sweetie Belle would always be able to calm her.

Not much is known to what happened to Pinkie Pie's body but hushed whispers speak of a mare with a smile that promises happiness and laughter for all of Equestria. Her name is the Laughing Mare and she is the only true name behind a dark Cult known only as the Cult of Laughter.

The land has fallen into shadow, war, famine, and pestilence runs rampant in this world but there are those who know nothing about race or allegiance to one pony kind. Nurse Redheart tries her best with the help of Volunteers to help the wounded and the downtrodden in a area only known as Redhearts Refuge located in the center of Equestria and all of the main houses territory. The dark times are ahead but all is not said and done when Equestria is Divided.

How it has Changed...

Applejack Spring 21,14 ASD

Betrayal. That was the only thing that hurt now. The warm-hearted mare from the past that brought them all together was now just hellbent on finding the Alicorn sisters who had betrayed everypony. Now she was even more interested in her delusional conquest to ascend to Alicornhood. Twilight had asked her and the others to join her and that was where Applejack drew the line. It wasn’t when they found out that the Royal sisters betrayed them, or even when Twilight changed after her parents died. It was the one last attempt she thought was going to save ponykind, but it was a perverse use of magic that Applejack would not be a part of. Fluttershy agreed with Applejack and flatly refused the transformation. Pinkie Pie was against it, but Twilight had something on her that made her accept the experimental transformation. Rainbow had accepted out of some misguided loyalty to the sisters, and Rarity was showing signs of a surging disease called crystallization where crystals would form slowly encasing the body until you could no longer move.

Now the friendship that was once so strong was shattered, and from its ashes rose bitter enemies. The sun and moon still rose and set. Applejack attested that too was one of the many reasons Twilight had begun practicing such dark alternatives. The worst was the news of Pinkie’s death and Rainbow’s escaping with severe burns over the better part of her face and barrel. With that news, Applejack had put down the cart and picked up the sword. Alliances were made, troops assembled, and all-out war declared. Equestria was divided into five main houses with several smaller factions all with goals to exploit or take over Equestria.

House Earthborn, lead by Commander Applejack, was the largest in terms of territory and military might. Its goals were to rid Equestria of unicorns and their unnatural magic. With her family being the leading circle, the Apples lead an effective and tough military that relied on one another like family.

House Stormwing, lead by Supreme Commander Rainbow Dash, was the most militarily utilized with air superiority and the fastest fliers in Equestria. Repurposing the Wonderbolts into an elite group for stealth, assassination, and recon, Rainbow had proven herself a capable leader and was always the first into a fight if her advisors didn’t stop her. In her mind, the sisters did their best and everything was peaceful, and the only way for Equestria to survive these turbulent times was to enforce a strict code of military honor and duty on Equestria until the sisters’ return.

House WhiteGold, run by Rarity, had the least territory, but was by far the wealthiest. Leader of the trade union and quietly known as the Crystal Spider, Rarity was the go to mare if you need any information or goods. As the owner of the gem mines, she has imposed her will on the Diamond dogs and gained a very powerful ally. Nopony wished to cross her for her crystallization has made her unstable. Her mood was often erratic, and the only thing that seemed to keep her sane was her little sister, Sweetie Belle. Rarity’s motivations were often a secret to all, but when asked about her thoughts on who should lead Equestria, she simply smiled and said ‘Only the ones who can afford it.’

House Moon and Star was led by Princess Mi Amore Cadenza and Prince Shining Armor, but truly run by Twilight Sparkle. Her motivations were shrouded in secrecy, but one was told she planned to merge the astral plane with unicorns. Not much was known about the next plane, but one pony who did know about it in great detail was a wise wizard named Starswirl the Bearded. With dark magic she summoned and captured his soul, chaining it to her in ways nopony understood. It was unclear what she planned to do with the power she hoped to obtain, but when all was said and done, it would change the face of Equestria.

The Everfree Tribes were,as the name suggests, a collection of tribes situated within Everfree forest. They govern themselves, but all listen to Lady Fluttershy. The tribes for the longest time were content to live their lives inside the dark forest, but soon the forest began to expand unnaturally. Fluttershy had left her shy and doubtful self, only to transform into a pony who defended any under her care. It wasn’t long until the thing that made the Everfree what it was contacted Fluttershy. This creature only presented itself to Fluttershy and it went by the name “the Everfree Liege”. Her constant self-preservation changed to one of expansion to bring everypony under one tree…

The last was the Cult of Laughter, but it was anything but a laughing carefree group as Applejack understood it. This group was led by an eerie creature named the Laughing Mare. Not much was known about them but that they could be anypony and everywhere. Their goals were unclear and their methods horrendous, using necromancy and cruel forms to fight. They attacked from the shadows and kept to them.

Applejack thought back to her life before the divide, which seemed a lifetime away. Applejack looked into a mirror and her once delicate features were replaced by small scars, cuts and an eyepatch over her right eye. She had made a pact with a spirit that was summoned the night they became allies with the buffalo tribes at their large feast. She had been asked to partake in a ritual that would allow them to ask for victory in the coming battles. A spirit showed itself to Applejack and presented an offer to her that she couldn’t refuse. The eye of true sight that could see through any lie. She removed her eye and the deal was done. Nopony could lie to her now, and on more than one occasion her true sight had foiled a plot to assassinate her or her family.

A knock on her door brought her back to reality.

“Come in,” she said, turning to face the door. Big Mac opened the door and stepped through dressed in his juggernaut battle armor. It had spikes on the shoulders and was made with plates of heavy steel that kept out almost everything that tried to pierce them. Big Mac closed the door and stopped in front of Applejack’s desk.

“Scout’s back?” she asked. He nodded grimly, causing Applejack to frown.

“What is it, Big Mac?” she said firmly. He took a moment to think.

“Everfree is holding ground but not advancing. Stormwing patrols are keeping to their borders. Nothing as usual in Whitegold, but we came under attack from what the patrol said was Moon and Star troops,” He said, frowning. Applejack frowned as well.

“What were they doin’?” she asked. Big Mac shook his head and shrugged.

“The scouts retreated before they could tell. But on their way back they saw a large contingent of ponies flying. No colors. They looked to be traders heading east toward Redheart’s Refuge,” he said. Applejack digested this information before she looked up at him.

“Send a contingent to take a look-see inta’ the Moon and Star. I want to know what they are doin’. Everything has been too quiet lately.” Big Mac nodded his understanding and turned to leave, before stopping and looking at her as he opened the door.

“Dun’ burn yourself out, sis. Get some rest,” he said, walking out of the door and closing it. When he left, Applejack sighed and looked at her desk and where there had once been orchard numbers and lists of chores had been replaced by troops movements and battle plans.

“Oh, how the world has changed,” she muttered.

Ones company...

Rarity Spring 23,14 ASD

Rarity massaged her head with her good hoof as the throbbing increased. She had lashed out at the last pony who had disturbed her. Her numerous advisors had given her space as she coped with her mood. A small knock on the door sounded like a loud thunderclap.

“What!" she exclaimed angrily as it opened slowly to admit Sweetie Belle. She had grown up and looked much like Rarity had when she was younger, and although that would make others in her position envious, all she felt was love for her baby sis.

“Sweetie Belle? I’m sorry but my head is really hurting. I wish to be alone, dear," she said, exhausted. Sweetie Belle smiled and approached her, laying a comforting hoof on her shoulder. Rarity lifted her crystallized hoof to it. Crystal fragments cracked and clattered as they broke off and began to bleed.. Sweetie Belle began to stroke her mane and softly sing as Rarity closed her eyes, focusing on her voice. After a moment, Rarity opened her eyes and looked up at her sister.

“You always know how to make the pain go away," she said with a small chuckle. Sweetie Belle looked at her.

“What’s got you so distraught?" she asked. Rarity lowered her crystal hoof and waved her other back and forth as if waving off a fly.

“It’s this," she said, lifting a letter with the seal of the Moon and Star.

“Twilight? She contacted you?" Sweetie said, slightly surprised. Rarity nodded as she leaned back into her seat.

“What did she say?” Sweetie asked.

“The sum of it is to have a meeting," Rarity said, shaking her head. Sweetie Belle looked at the letter, unfurled it with her magic and began to read out loud.

“Rarity, I know we have not always seen eye to eye on matters concerning how Equestria should be run but that must be set aside. Blah blah blah…," Sweetie Belle said, skipping over the trivialities.

“Ah, I wish to converse with you regarding matters of trade between our houses, as well as things that are best left out of messages brought by couriers. I await your response. Archmage Twilight Sparkle," Sweetie finished and sighed, then looked at her sister.

“What are you going to do?" she asked as Rarity looked at her with an unsure look.

“I’m considering it… but the real question is what has she found after fourteen long years that is worth seeing one another now of all times. Who else has she told? These are the questions I have that are giving me a headache," she said exhausted. Sweetie Belle put the paper back on Rarity’s desk and shook her head.

“Don’t worry too much, sis. You might get wrinkles," she teased as Rarity looked up at her, shocked.

“Please don’t tell me I have wrinkles!" she said, aghast, and Sweetie Belle laughed lightly.

“No, no, you look fine. But seriously…" she said, before the door opened again, admitting General Fancy Pants who bowed curtly to them both. Rarity’s mood changed from light hearted to a stone cold glare.

“Mistress Rarity. News comes and it is dire," he said, resolutely. Rarity straightened her back, giving off a most regal appearance.

“What is it?" she asked venomously. Fancy Pants hesitated a moment.

“Some of the Diamond dogs are acting out against you in the mining quarter," he said briskly. Rarity didn’t bat an eyelash.

“Make an example of them," she said. Fancy Pants frowned.

“In what way milady?" he asked, unsure.

“Have the leader dragged and beaten. I’ll have no disobedience from them. Then have them chained and lead to the gem mines. Was there anything else?" she said coolly, as if stating a fact. Fancy Pants nodded.

“Yes Milady. There are rumors of the cult working out of the poor quarter," he explained. Rarity gave a soft glare at nopony in particular as she thought a moment.

“Investigate and have my sirens try to gather intel. We have to root out those corpse raising zealots," she said as Fancy nodded and left quickly to carry out her orders. Sweetie Belle looked at her sadly.

“A lady's work is never done, I’m afraid, dear. Thank you for visiting me. I’ll get back to you about what I will do with Twilight's proposal," Rarity said, lifting her red rimmed glasses to her eyes as she began to read again. Sweetie Belle nodded to her and quietly left.

Twilight Spring 24, 14 ASD

The stone walled room had the feeling of a dungeon, but Twilight moved about it with ease and familiarity. The ghostly visage of an old pony with a long white beard watched her with a neutral expression. Starswirl the Bearded sighed, and Twilight's eye twitched and annoyance.

“What?" she said pointedly.

“Nothing…" he said passively.

“You always sigh when you're deep in thought or have something to say," she said as she lifted two vials and began to mix the two.

“What would Celestia think of you now?" he murmured. Twilight froze.

“What did you just say…" she turned on him was a dark look.

“I remember that look," he said coldly.

“Then you should be afraid of it…" she said, continuing to mix her two potions evenly.

“No, that was the same look Sombra gave Celestia and Luna when they refused to ally with him. That began the Crystal conflict all those years ago," he said, thinking back.

“Don’t compare me to a tyrant," she said angrily. He simply watched her with a look of overwhelming sadness.

“It's not too late you know. Yes, you’ve made mistakes, but you can try to mend them," Starswirl said carefully. Twilight was quiet for a moment before she spoke softly, putting the vials into their holders before turning showing a neutral expression to him.

“I was so sure of myself and in my haste, I murdered my friend Pinkie Pie and severely hurt Rainbow, who was so loyal to me even after Applejack refused," she paused as her face cracked and twisted, overbearing guilt washing over her. Then she continued.

“No Starswirl, the only ponies close to me are you, Spike, and at a distance Rarity, who is just as secretive as I am. Nopony trusts me and nopony should. I also don’t trust in anypony but myself," she finished. Starswirl bowed his head slightly.

“If there is one thing I know from my long life, it’s that guilt will always eat you away unless you forgive yourself," he said gingerly as he looked up at her again.

“Starswirl, its war we are in and Applejack has no reservations about cleansing this country of unicorns calling our magic unnatural. I'll abandon this land for a better Equestria, and all Unicorns will know peace from the threat of the Earthborn," Twilight said, turning to her vials again. Twilight finished as she then heard scuffling and the yelling of a pony.

“That must be the spy," she said as she combined the two liquids causing the two colors to combine and become a dark inky black with a soft sizzle.

“The last potion I tested seemed to give the unsightly effect of burning one's insides to the point that his insides spilled onto the floor. I wonder what this one will do…" she said, lifting the veil up for a closer inspection as she smiled cruelly.

In clouds and on Earth

Rainbow Dash Summer 1, 14 ASD

The sun crested over the clouds as the first day of summer arrived, along with the throbbing pain that never truly left her alone. She rolled out of her bed and walked to her dresser that contained several pill bottles. She opened a few, taking one or two at a time. After her daily ritual, she looked at the mirror that reflected an odd sight. The right half of her face was scarred by burns that would never allow her cyan coat to regrow. Her chest had a similar scar, but it looked like it was drawn on deliberately. A knock on her door turned her ear toward the source of the sound.

“Yes?” Rainbow said, her voice grave. The door opened, and Scootaloo poked her head in.

“The captains are awaiting your presence in the war room. The scouts are back," she said, before coming into the room fully. Rainbow cursed under her breath. She had slept in.

“Ya, ya, I got it. I'll be out in a minute," she said, waving her hoof. She then caught Scootaloo quickly glance at her scars. Rainbow remembered the day Scootaloo saw her the first time. She was crying and never left her side in the hospital.

“Are you ok?" she asked, more as a friend than as a subordinate. Rainbow appreciated everything Scootaloo had done, but she couldn't afford to have anypony close to her. She knew ponies plotted against her, and anypony close to her was a target.

“No, that will be all, Scoutmaster Scootaloo," Rainbow said, and with a sullen look Scootaloo nodded.

“Yes, Supreme Commander," she said and left the room.

Rainbow dressed in her military uniform and made her way down the cloud corridors to the war room where she could hear a heated argument going on between her officer's.

“It's not in the budget!” Commander Spitfire exclaimed.

“If we want to keep our borders, figure something out. You’re chief of logistics," Commander Soarin said, annoyed.

“You’re chief of tactics! Figure out how to work with what you have," she shot back.

“Quite loud for the morning don't you think?” Rainbow said, walking in. The room came to attention and she waved her hoof.

“Carry on," Rainbow said.

“Supreme Commander," Commander Fleetfoot said with a nod. Scootaloo stood to Rainbow’s side as she placed a file with reports.

“We will leave logistics and movement of assets for after I hear what is going on," Rainbow said before either Spitfire and Soarin could voice their opinions. Scootaloo walked to a wall with a map of Equestria and several icons indicating their forces as well as information on opposing factions movements based on scout reports.

“Spies indicate that Rarity and Twilight are talking to one another. We don't know the contents, so we are still investigating. The borders of Everfree are becoming more active with the amount of Earthborn troops amassing at the westwood. Several earthborn ponycopters have been spotted making routine flybys along our borders," Scootaloo said, taking a breath.

“Do we know why they are amassing their army at the forest's edge?” Soarin asked. Scootaloo shook her head.

“No idea. The last assault against Everfree was fruitless, but the force now isn't as large as the force that was amassed last time," Scootaloo said, tapping her chin and trying to come up with a suitable idea.

“A distraction," Soarin said, almost without thought. They all looked at him.

“Explain," Rainbow said. Soarin looked at them and shrugged.

“Have a force drain the population of Everfree and send in a small, more discrete force to take out Fluttershy. That's what I believe," he explained. Rainbow frowned in thought as she mulled this over.

“We need to take advantage of this. Have scouts follow the Earthborn group in, and when they get into conflict our forces will end the Everfree Tribes once in for all," Rainbow said coldly.

Fluttershy Summer 3,14 ASD

Trotting through the forest, she stopped slowly,took in a deep breath of flowers, and smiled. Three birds flew down and chirped happily as she watched them swoop and dive playfully. She looked at her reflection in the clear glass like water. Her head had curved horns as well as a tuft of hair forming around her neck. Her once blue eyes now were a solid green and improved her night vision. The gifts of the Everfree Liege had been a boon to be sure, and, though they had scared her at first, she had gotten used to them. The birds landed in the water and began to clean and preen themselves until heavy steps scared the birds away and she looked over her shoulder at the massive minotaur.

“Lady Fluttershy. The Earthborn force is standing its ground and have been for the last few days. I suggest we attack. Fortune favors the bold," Iron Will advised. Fluttershy turned to face him then walked past him.

“I will consult the Everfree Liege. Wait for my orders. Stay defensive. Fortune may favor the bold, but victory favors the prepared," she said. Iron Will placed his hand to his chest and bowed to her.

“Wise words, milady," he agreed and fell into step beside her. They made their way to the castle, passing through the village that had sprung up around the castle she had renovated and claimed as her own. Many were missing as all but the mothers and fillies had relocated to the western forest to fend off the Earthborn.

“Lady Fluttershy!” a small voice said as a group of fillies and colts ran up to her. She smiled warmly at their smiling faces.

“Hello everypony. I hope you all are taking your schooling seriously," she said in a motherly tone. A few of them scuffed their hooves in the dirt avoiding eye contact.

“L-Lady….F-Fluttershy…” a small, meek voice spoke and she looked down at a small colt whose green coat made him almost blend in with the grass. His face was mostly covered by his dark blue mane. His shy demeanor made her think back to who she use to be, and she felt her heart swell as she took a step toward him. He lowered his head and she smiled.

“No need to worry little one. What is it?" she asked softly, making the young colt lifted his head with a small smile.

“I-I'm just wondering...are we safe from the Earthborn here?" he asked. Fluttershy placed a hoof on his head and softly rustled his mane so she could see his face.

“What's you name, young one?" she asked with a light laugh.

“Green Trees," he said, looking up at her.

“Well, Green Trees, if any bad ponies come here I will save you from them, just like Iron Will has saved so many before you," She gave him a wink. The voice of their teacher called out, and the kids all looked at each other. They each said their goodbyes as they went back to their teacher.

“Bye, Lady Fluttershy," Green Trees said as he ran off. She continued to the castle, and Iron Will chuckled, causing her to look at him with a sidelong glance.

“What?" she asked.

“I remember how much you have changed, and I am glad you lead us. Your kindness knows no bounds it seems," he said. Fluttershy was quiet a moment before saying.

“My kindness has its limits," She said cooly. They entered the throne room, and she entered a door that would lead down to the depths of the castle.

“Wait here," she ordered, and Iron Will obeyed. She descended into the darkness as the smell of moss, sounds of creaking wood and rustling vines surrounded her. A voice echoed in her mind as she stepped into a large dimly lit chamber.

“You come because of the mass of unwelcome life at my borders," the voice said.

“Yes. Do you wish to attack and end them?" she asked. The ground shuddered a moment.

“No… there are intruders… close. Keep to the borders. If they attack… rain wipes away all," it said.

“We shall be the rain,” she said as she turned and left, ascending the stairs. As she came to the door she heard a loud explosion and the sound of hoofcannons.

“Protect the village!" she heard Iron Will's voice bellow as she bust from the door, seeing Earthborn troops smeared in forest trimmings and mud used as a camouflage to sneak into Everfree.

Screams of fleeing ponies filled the air as well as war cries of the Earthborn. She charged out of the doors and past Iron Will, who reached out for her.

“No, Milady!” but he missed her. He growled and charged after her with a battle axe in hand.

“To the lady!” Iron shouted as several minotaurs joined him, forming a group. A colt’s screams caught Fluttershy's attention as she looked to see Green Trees running towards her with fearful tears in his hopeful eyes.

“Green Trees!" she shouted before a crack of a hoofcannon filled the air, and Green Trees fell into the mud, motionless. Fluttershy stood as the world slowed and a deep pain lanced her heart. She closed her eyes, lifted her head to the sky, and let out an unequine scream of sorrow, sadness and fury. Everypony stopped for a moment before the earth burst upward with tendrils of vines that impaled several Earthborn troops near her.

“Kill them!" she ordered, and Iron Will gave a battle cry as he and his minotaurs charged forth, cleaving the shaken Earthborn ponies. Fluttershy approached Green Trees and nuzzled him, but he did not move. She heard the steps of a large Earthborn Juggernaut, and she looked up at him. Her glare was dark and cruel. The Juggernaut lowered his horned helmet and charged. Fluttershy's eyes glowed green and vines sprang from the ground, trying to slow down the rampaging Juggernaut.

“Lady!” Iron Will said, slamming into the side of the large pony and knocking him off balance, causing him to trip and fall onto his side. Vines soon encased the Juggernaut. Iron will removed his helmet. Fluttershy approached him, and his red coat and orange mane were all too familiar.

“You will pay for this, Big Mac," she said darkly.

Forced Allies and Shadows

Apple Bloom Summer 6,14 ASD

“Damn the Sisters to Tartarus!” Applejack screamed and kicked a chair, then bucked her desk in frustration.

“I shoulda never agreed ‘ta let that apple-for-brains brother ‘o mine go on that mission!” she exclaimed.

“He insisted, sis. The fact we got so close is because of him,” Apple Bloom said, trying to calm her sister, though she knew well that it would be fruitless.

“You should have helped me stop him!” Applejack lashed out.

“What did the letter say?” Apple Bloom asked, looking at the crumpled paper on the desk.

“That his head will be on display on the treeline in a week’s time unless we pull our forces back and relinquish all of the northern part of Earthborn Territory,“ she said through her teeth while staring out of the window. Apple Bloom approached the crumpled paper on the desk and noticed a small red stain. Unwrapping the paper, she gasped and recoiled as a disembodied red ear fell from it. She looked up at her sister in shock.

“What are we gonna to do, Applejack?” She asked.

“My hooves are tied. I have to give inta’ Fluttershy's demands. We lost our parents a long time ago, and I won't lose my brother too.” She said, glaring at Apple Bloom.

“We took a big gamble and we lost,” she said angrily. Apple Bloom covered the severed ear tip and looked at her sister.

“How does she want to do the exchange?” Apple Bloom asked, unsure.

“Removing the troops from the forest’s edge is easy, but relinquishing the top part of the Earthborn territory will be harder. I've ordered the troops away from the forest. Hopefully that will buy us time.” she said, becoming infuriated by her own words.

“Buy us time for what?” Apple Bloom asked. Applejack looked at her sister.

“To sneak in and rescue Big Mac,” she said. Apple Bloom’s eyes widened in shock.

“You'd not giving up the north?!” she said.

“Buck no! We fought hard for that land,” Applejack said. Apple Bloom eyes darted left and right in thought, finally coming up blank with answers.

“How!” she exclaimed. Applejack took in a deep breath and was silent a moment.

“I'm asking Rarity for a favor.” She said. Apple Bloom’s jaw fell open.

Cranky Doodle. Summer 7, 14 ASD

The smell of death permeated the air as Cranky Doodle stood before the sarcophagus of Pinkie Pie. Her skin was well preserved, and the wounds she had received from her forced transformation were stitched carefully closed.. Her eyes were colored with a light purple eyeliner along with a necklace of pearls. A permanent peaceful smile was on her muzzle, giving her the look of her having a pleasant dream.

“Cranky…” a female voice resounded in his mind as a shadow took form beside the sarcophagus. A dark pink mare with a sharp toothed smile wearing a jester's outfit looked at him with black eyes only lit by a single red dot that burrowed into Cranky Doodle.

“Milady Laughing Mare.” He said, respectfully bowing.

“The astral plain is abuzz. It's good you came as quickly as you have. Something is happening that will remake the borders of this country. Step up recruitment and prepare for my word.” Her voice echoed within his mind. Her eyes and uncomfortably happy smile bore down upon him.

“As you command,” he said as he felt her presence disappear. Standing, he stood up and left the inner sanctum that was guarded by several unmoving and ever vigilant undead. He entered a double-doored room and several faces looked at him.

“What is the good word?” Derpy asked as she smiled. Cranky found his place at the head of the table and looked at his prophets.

“We have need of the herald,” he said to Derpy who smiled and clapped her hooves together happily.

“Yay! What is her lady's message?” she asked. Cranky looked at the other prophets.

“We have new orders from the Laughing Mare.” He looked at Lyra Heartstrings who sat on his right.

“You must begin to get ready for more members. We are commanded to increase recruitment and work toward a major event that will be occurring soon. Surprise, you are to also begin recruiting more Euphories.” The pegasus gave a salute in acknowledgement. Cranky then continued.

“Pokey Pierce, have your jesters spread out and keep their ears to the ground for movement of forces,” he finished and looked at Screwball who waved her hoof, making him silent till she closed her eyes.

“So much to do. Let me just do my thing, ok? I'll let you know if the astral plane coughs up something other than riddles and poppycock,” she said. Cranky nodded. He refocused on Derpy who sat there with her blissful smile,her one eye looking at her while the other looked away.

“Take this information to the other cult cells in the cities, then tell them after this to wait for the word,” he said. Derpy nodded and stood up, signaling the meeting adjourned. The doors opposite to him opened, admitting Mayor Mare who had several papers with her. She nodded to each of the prophets and approached Cranky Doodle.

“What is it?” he asked, looking at her.

“Some things need your attention, High Prophet,” she said, putting a report before him.

“There is a matter involving the diamond dogs that were smuggling us crystals and gems. They attracted attention and, well, now they are being punished. We need a new source, the ones from the Earthborn connections aren't enough. The demands for gems is getting higher since we’ve begun teaching more about necromancy,” she said, concerned.

“Try to make another contact within the diamond dogs. We will have to silence those discovered. Does anypony know if they are connected to us?” he asked to which Mayor Mare shook her head,

“So far, they are silent,” she said. Cranky thought for a moment.

“Better safe than sorry. Silence them,” he said. She wrote it down and then looked at him expectantly.

“Was there something else?” he asked with a raised eyebrow. She cleared her throat and nodded.

“We captured a pony who was trying to bring information to one of the guards in house Whitegold, asking for sanctuary. Thankfully, the guard he told was one of us, but if he hadn’t been it could have been disastrous.” She looked up at the door and nodded to a hooded figure who nodded back and disappeared. A yelling and kicking pony struggled as he was pulled into the room and as soon as his eyes landed on Cranky and his struggling intensified.

“No! No! I promise I won't do it again!” he pleaded. Cranky stood up as the approached the pony and smiled

“All is forgiven brother,” he said and the pony looked up at him and chuckled.

“I promise I will serve the Laughing Mare.” he said with a crooked smile. Cranky nodded and smiled warmly.

“Oh, I don't doubt you brother. But... ” he said, looking at the hooded pony to his left and nodding. A dagger was plunged into the pony’s spine, causing him to scream and kick as the second hooded pony joined and plunged another blade into the pony. The two stabbed him repeatedly until Cranky held up his hoof, stopping them. The blades dripped red and the floor was a lake of blood. Cranky dipped his hoof in the blood and placed it on the dead pony’s forehead as his lifeless eyes stared at emptiness.

“You will serve us, brother,” he said with a smile as the two hooded ponies pulled their hoods to reveal their smiling faces. Cranky began to recite incantations in a dark gravelly voice and soon the body jerked and began to struggle to stand as the skin and bowels fell away, revealing bone and a permanent smile that forced itself on the stallion’s face. Tears fell from his eyes.

“You are going to spread Laughter across Equestria like your brothers and sisters,” Cranky said with an insane smile.

Family and Favors

Twilight Sparkle Summer 7,14 ASD

The castle halls of Canterlot were quiet as Twilight walked alongside Trixie Lunamoon who turned to her.

“I advise against this Archmage Twilight.” She said sourly.

“Be against it as much as you want but I need to talk with Rarity.” Twilight said flatly as she opened the doors to the library with her magic.

“If you have found the sisters why tell her about it? She has so much power as it is why give her this as well.” Trixie said frowning not understanding her superiors motives.

“Rarity is a valuable resource.” Twilight said as she passed the curator of the library.

“I trust her as far as I can throw her without magic.” Trixie said with a note of distaste.

“You don't trust anypony.” Twilight said looking at the bookshelves intently.

“That's because everypony has something to hide.” She said as a poof of Magic appeared in front of her and she grabbed it with her magic and read it. She smiled as if at an amusing joke.

“What is it?” Twilight asked looking at a book seemingly uninterested in the scroll.

“Big Mac is being held for ransom by house Everfree. An attempt on her life by Applejack failed.” Trixie said as she read. The sound of a book falling and Trixie looked up at her. Twilight fumbled the book in her hooves and laughed it with her magic and looked at Trixie again.

“What?!” she exclaimed. The look of surprise apparent on her face.

“This is good right? One less apple?” Trixie said perplexed by Twilight's surprise. Twilight shook her head slightly to regain her composure.

“It's good news for us but still a surprise. How did we not know about this attempt of Fluttershy?” Twilight said frowning.

“I want to know everything. Get our spies on it. If I know Applejack now she's complying to Fluttershy's demands. Which were?” Twilight asked. Trixie overlooked her report.

“The removal of her troops from the borders and the upper part of Earthborn Territory it seems.” Trixie said with raised eyebrows. Twilight scoffed and shook her head.

“Well Fluttershy is bold to think Applejack would go that far.” Twilight remarked.

“This reports that they look to be complying.” Trixie said lowering the scroll.

“Looks can be deceiving. I don't know what Applejack will do but I doubt it will involve giving up the north of her territory.” Twilight said assured by her knowledge in the earth pony. A knock at the end of the bookshelf caused them to both look. Shining Armor stood there.

“Mind if I cut in?” He asked Trixie who nodded respectfully.

“I'll work on getting more information for you rest assured.” Trixie said and left them alone. Shining Armor looked awkward for a moment.

“What do you need?” She asked sounding more sharp than she intended. Shining Armor tilted his head.

“Do I need a reason to see if my baby sis is doing ok?” He said. Twilight sighed and shook her head.

“No of course not but I'm busy can't it wait.” She said as she was about to brush past him.

“Ever since mom and dad died you've been so cold to me.” He said outright causing her to stop.

“I love you Twily, I hate seeing you like this you're just hurting me and everypony when you push us away. Let me in.” He pressed. She turned and looked at Shining Armor.

“I have gotten over mom and dad's death. I think it's time you do to.” She said and left him alone in the dark library.

Rarity Summer 8,14 ASD

Not much could excite Rarity but the fact she received a letter yesterday from none other than Applejack of all ponies meant she was desperate. Rarity was sitting in her study with Sweetie Belle, content as to the reason Applejack asked for a meeting. Her spies had told her what Applejack had refused to say in her letter. The door opened and a small group consisting of Applejack, Applebloom, and 6 bodyguards entered lead by General Fancy Pants.

“Applejack leader of the Earthborn, oppressor of Unicorns as your requested Lady Rarity.” Fancy Pants said sharply and Rarity smirked.

“Now now. They are here to conduct business General. No need for hostility.” she said dismissively. He nodded respectfully in response and left the room along with Applejacks bodyguards. The room was quiet awkwardly quiet until Rarity looked at Sweetie Belle.

“I think it would be nice to show Applebloom the tearoom.” Sweetie Belle gave a barely controlled smile. Rarity saw a smile from Applebloom who looked at her Sister for approval but there was glared at and AppleBloom's head and ears drooped.

“Applejack no need to be so harsh dear. If I wanted to do something to you I would have. Let the ones who can still be friends remain so. We are here anyway for a reason you asked for so let me be a host and make your stay more comfortable dear.” She said as Applejack glared at her.

“Your as slippery as a snake covered in oil. My eye ta see past lies don't work on you for some reason and it makes me uncomfortable regardless...dear.” She said back spitefully. Rarity raised her hoof unfazed.

“Go play Sweetie. Take Applebloom to your Arts district instead this will be a long conversation.” She said and Sweetie Belle approached Applebloom giving Applejack a wide berth. The two mares left the room and they were alone for once in over 14 years.

“Care for something? Tea perhaps?” Rarity asked.

“Cut the hay. You know why I'm here.” Applejack said angrily.

“Oh all your letter said was you wanted to speak about a job. Sure I found it a bit vague but I was interested.” She said feigning ignorance. Applejack grinded her teeth and slammed her hoof on the ground.

“Stop delayin! You know why I am here. You and your connections most likely know about my problem.” She said stubbornly. Rarity eyes became half lidded as she looked at her once former friend.

“You know the fact it's so hard for you to ask me for something is so like you. Always stubborn when you should be forthcoming. I have heard through the grapevine that a foiled attempt on Fluttershy’s life ended up with a certain member of the Apple family in custody.” She said as she leaned forward putting her head on her hoof to support her.

“So you know you lied to me.” Applejack accused.

“No I said I didn't see anything in you letter for the reason of our meeting. You didn't ask what I knew, you simply stated I knew. So I didn't lie. So about this...what do you want me to do about it?” She finally asked. Applejack sighed and looked slightly defeated.

“I was plannin on askin you for some Diamon dogs for a rescue mission to save Big Mac.” She said. Rarity perked up and looked at her.

“Oh dear Applejack.” She began which made Applejack glare hatefully at her in the face she was talking to her as if she were a child.

“I can give you what you need but I have a good relationship with Fluttershy so what am I to do?” She said looking puzzled. Applejack had a backup plan but it was crap compared to a her first.

“Why don't you go to the mercenaries? Surely some could help you why come straight to me?” She asked.

“Everypony knows that you have a hold on everything that goes on in this city. If I did most likely you would hav just got a way for you to have me meet ya. So i skipped the middle pony and came to you.” She said. Applejack wasn't wrong, she probably would have done just that.

“Ok... I help you get your brother back.” She said as Applejacks face seemed to light up for a moment.

“But there's the matter of compensation. This is a business transaction.” She finished and Applejacks mood became dark again.

“Ah knew this was commin but I still don't like it.” Applejack stated.

“What do you want?” She asked Rarity. Rarity thought for a moment.

“Applebloom.” Rarity said and Applejacks heart stopped a moment and she growled.

“Go Buck yourself with that crystalline horn of yours! I'm not losing my sister to maybe regain my brother!” She bellowed angrily before she realized Rarity was laughing at her expense.

“You….hahahahahaha..” She held her sides before breathing and fanning her face to make sure her eyeliner didn't run.

“That's not funny Rarity.” Applejack grumbled folding her forehooves in anger.

“I-I know but I couldn't resist. Ok for real this time. You owe me a favor and… 2 of those ponycopters and say...a shipment of hoofcannons.” She stated. Applejack was quiet as she thought.

“One ponycopter, a small shipment of hoofcannons. The favor stands as well.” Applejack said.

“If you want it that way I'll get two favors from you.” Rarity said back. Applejack didn't want to have to keep her word to Rarity once but twice was dangerous. You never knew what she would call in but it was the best of what she could get and Rarity knew this.

“Deal.” Applejack agreed.

“Splendid!” She opened the door with her magic.

“Yes milady?” General Fancy Pants asked.

“Send for Warchief Rover. I have work for him.” She said as he nodded and left.

“Rover?” Applejack asked perplexed.

“Oh he's a treat. Smarter than your average Diamond Dog, also got a reputation as known as Rover the Rabid. He gets the job done.” She explained. Before the doors opened admitting a large Diamond Dog. His fur was black with long claws that could tear through a pony as easily as they tore through rock. His midsection had a simple leather vest upon closer inspection was made of faded colorful fur of once was ponies.

“You summoned?” He asked.

“I have a job for you...Applejack here will give you the details but be sure you are doing this for me...fail and you know what will happen.” She said cooly and Applejack thought she saw fear in the large dog's eyes as he looked down away from Rarity.

“As you wish, coins good though right?” He asked looking back up at her.

“Of course.” she said with a rehearsed smile. Applejack gulped despite herself, just what has she gotten herself into making a deal with a pony who could scare a Warchief Diamond Dog?

Scouts and Pirate's

Scootaloo, Summer 8,14 ASD

Breathing heavily, Scootaloo and her scout group had just gotten out of Everfree Forest. Since Fluttershy went total beast control Scootaloo deemed it too dangerous to go in for the kill. The Earthborn were slaughtered and she called the retreat. The going had been slow considering the constant attacks from enraged beasts and vegetation.

“Scootaloo…” she heard her name and looked back at her second in command, Rumble.

“What is it, Rumble? We’re almost out,” she said, slowing. Rumble nodded but looked uncomfortable. They all felt that way.

“We are almost out, but we don't know where we are in the forest. We were chased for so long we could be in the north or the south. We don't know,” he said. Scootaloo had to agree with him. They had no idea where they were in the forest. Flying wasn't an option because the skies above the Everfree forest were more dangerous than walking through it.

“I'll scout when we break the treeline,” she said, looking at her group of what once was twelve, now whittled down to five. The trees began to part and open up more at the edge of the treeline. She held up her wing making everypony freeze. She signaled them to hide and they found trees and rocks to hide behind as she opened both wings and took to the air. She was glad to be out of the confining forest and she took to the sky. Scanning for familiar landmarks proved difficult because of the cloud cover. Landing on a cloud she kept looking until an odd buzzing sound on the wind caused her to frown. A thunderclap caused her to jump and launch off the cloud. An explosion of pain caused the air to leave her lungs as she was crashed into by a blue and yellow blur. Crying out, she brought down her hoof on the back of her assailant, knocking the attacker. Breathing was hard and she winced at the sharp pains with each breath.

“Ahhh!” she cried out, and on a cloud above her stood a pegasus wearing Earthborn colors.

“Shit,” she cursed under her breath. The pegasus whistled and then the beating of several wings announced the arrival of reinforcements. Scootaloo dove trying to get to the forest to outfly them but her ribs jabbed her with pain. She looked over her shoulder and saw three Earthborn pegasi chasing her. She looked at the treeline and saw Rumble who was about to charge into the fray when the buzzing became louder as a ponycopter flew from a cloud banking towards her. Rumble was about to take off to her aid when all of her scouts tackled him holding him down.

“Try and catch me!” Scootaloo taunted, looking away from her subordinates and planned to put as much distance between her and them. Scootaloo banked towards the copter and down as it fired a barreled hoofcannon at her. She flew under it and stuck close to the ground beating her wings as though her life depended on it. She looked back over her shoulder and she was being pursued by only one. A fearful thought came across her mind that they had seen Rumble and the others until she looked forward and saw the other two with a net which she flew right into and crashed into the ground. She tumbled and heard a snap and felt an explosion of pain in her left wing. She screamed in pain as she layed there and began to weep.

“Gotcha,” she heard one say.

“She was fast even with the ribs you broke, Lighting,” she heard another say. Scootaloo looked up with blurry eyes and saw Lightning Dust.

“Not as fast as Rainbow, eh Scootaloo?” Lightning Dust said with a smirk before Scootaloo felt a hoof to the back of her head, knocking her out.

Pipsqueak, Summer 8,14 ASD

The roar of cannons defeaned him, but made his blood pump.

“Fire again! Hoist the colors!” he ordered as the ponies under him reloaded their massive cannons. A pony hoisted a black flag adorned with a pony's skull and crossbones.

“Let them have it!” Another blue coated and pink maned unicorn stallion ordered as he pulled the ripcord of a cannon.

“Sea Swirl! Get the hooks ready!” Pipsqueak ordered. Sea Swirl nodded, giving the ripcord to another and running to complete his job.

“Incoming!” a mare shouted, and the sound of cannon balls snapping wood and cutting through ponies filled the air. Pipsqueak stepped over the body of one and helped push a cannon back into place.

“Captain Pipsqueak!” He heard his name called by an earth pony mare with a brown coat and bright silver mane named Silverspeed.

“What is it?” he demanded, looking at her as she ran up to him.

“We're close enough to use hooks!” she said. Pipsqueak smiled and looked over to an odd looking mare who appeared to be more beast than pony. Being a wraith from Everfree, not many asked her questions.

“Screw Loose! You’re up!” he said as she looked at him with her cat-like eyes. Her sharp, dagger-like teeth flashed in a smile.

“Pull ‘em in, boys!” Sea Swirl ordered as he flung a hook at the merchant ship flying House Whitegold colors. Several more hooks followed Sea Swirl’s and began to haul the boat in.

“Prepare to board!” Pipsqueak ordered as several ponies drew swords. Speedsilver was by the helm as she took aim with her modified hoofcannon that was far more accurate than the mass produced Earthborn hoofcannons.

“Prepare to defend yourselves!” Pipsqueak heard from the merchant ship. A shot rang out from Speedsilver’s hoofcannon. The two ships banged against each other. The sound of cracking wood filled the air.

“Take ‘em, boys!” Pipsqueak ordered, and his pirate crew, shouting war cries, landed boards and charged over, taking the fight to the merchant ships. Pipsqueak followed and landed on the deck, stabbing a sailor through the back. He turned to see a charging mare with a spear leveled at him. She dropped suddenly and Pipsqueak looked up to see Speedsilver give him a small salute, to which he nodded back in reply. The battle lasted several minutes but the conflict ended, the merchant crew dropping their weapons at sword point.

“She's ours!” Pipsqueak proclaimed, garnering a euphoric cheer from his crew. He turned and approached the last surviving officer.

“What are you moving?” he said with a smile.

“Supplies, mostly.” the officer said back with a wince of pain. Pipsqueak looked at his crew.
“Plunder her, boys. Take everything of value.” He looked at the defeated officer.

“Tie him up with the others,” Pipsqueak said as he walked into the captain’s quarters to see a hole in the side and a headless corpse he assumed was the captain’s.

“So that’s why their response was delayed.” Sea Swirl said as he walked in from behind Pipsqueak. He began to rummage around looking for charts and ship manifests. He lifted one up with his magic and scowled.

“That's odd,” he said, looking at Pipsqueak.

“What is?” he inquired.

“They are coming from Stalliongrad, and they’re going to… I don't recognize the language,” Sea Swirl said, showing it to him. Pipsqueak looked it over and frowned. He recognized it but it didn't make sense.

“That's changeling language,” he said, puzzled.

“Captain!” He heard Speedsilver yell his name. He left the cabin and saw Speedsilver.

“What?” he said, annoyed, which earned him a glare.

“You need to see this,” she said. He knew he’d pissed her off. He would deal with it later, privately. He followed her down as a rancid, stomach-turning smell grew around him. Opening a door the smell intensified and a new sense overcame him.

Anger.

Rows of ponies, both young and old, mare and stallion, were crammed together, shackled, and had bags over their heads. Filth littered the floor and they all looked malnourished. Pipsqueak turned on his heels and went up to the main deck where he saw the captive merchant crew.

“Bring me the officer,” he growled. Three ponies grabbed the officer and threw him down in front of Pipsqueak. Bending down, he looked the officer in the eye.

“How long have you been trafficking slaves from the Moon and Star?” he said, cooly. Several of his crew shifted angrily upon hearing this. Most of his crew were rescued from the slave domes of the Moon and Star.

“I…” he began, but Pipsqueak lifted a hoof to his chin, cutting him off.

“Answer carefully. My crew are a bit uncontrollable when it comes to slave traders,” he said warningly. The officer gulped, steeling himself.

“They are from the Moon slave domes. We have been doing this run for the last three sails. We have been taking them to the changelings but were told they are only going there to feed them. So it's not so bad,” he said as if he was genuinely sure their lives would be better. Pipsqueak spat on the deck beside him.

“You know changelings don't just eat love. Ponies are sapped for it. I've seen what happens when a pony is drained of too much. They lose their will to live. They just lay there, starving themselves to death, and then they’re disposed of. So tell me, is that a better life?” Pipsqueak said, pulling his head away from the officer as he was dragged back to the group.

“What do we do?” Speedsilver asked quietly. Pipsqueak looked at the group of merchant ponies.

“Put them below, in place of the slaves. We’re taking this ship. We'll give them to Junebug,” he said

“You can't keep dumping ponies on her. Redheart’s Refuge doesn't have endless supplies,” she said, annoyed. Pipsqueak smiled at her with a side long glance.

“Guess we're going to have to step up our game to keep them operating,” he said with grin.

Old and New Acquaintances

Big Macintosh Summer 9,14 ASD

‘How long had it been.’ He asked himself. Hanging by his hooves upside down his head hung limply back just touching the ground. His body was beaten and wounds all over his barrel and neck made it hard to move without pain lancing through him. He hated everything that was around him, cursing himself for failing in such an important mission. Hoofbeats made him push away his brooding thoughts. A torch light reflected off the wet stone under the door. The sound of jingling keys fitting into a rusted lock opened the door admitting his minotaur jailer and torturer who reached for the chain that had held him up and punched the break making him hit the ground in a groan with a symphony of jangling chains. Big Mac laid there finding it hard to breath but forcing himself to.

“Get him.” The jailor ordered and two more minotaurs entered grabbing his forehooves and began to drag him out. They lead him down a corridor going towards the torture chamber. He tried to fight back but his body refused to heed his orders. Then suddenly they turned down another corridor going up a flight of stairs. It wasn't long till sunlight made him close his eyes. The feeling of grass against his legs felt refreshing before he was dropped suddenly. He tried to get his hooves under himself but he was socked in the jaw by a heavy fist.

“That's enough.” He heard a female voice he recognized as Fluttershy. He cracked open his eyes and got a look around, they were in a garden with three minotaurs one being Iron Will and Fluttershy.

“As you wish.” Iron Will said waving his fist to shake away the pain of punching him.

“Enjoying your last days on this earth?” She asked and big Mac couldn't help himself but look at her defiantly.

“Eyup.” He said taking all of his strength to look at her. Fluttershy's eyes flared for a moment with anger but calmed down.

“You suspect that I mean to kill you? No Big Mac I have better plans for you.” She said looking at him flaring her wings. She looked at Iron Will and nodded then looked back at Big Mac.

“You have seen my wraiths right… Have you always wondered how they are made? Well I'll show you first hoof. You will become my slave Big Mac.” She said as the three minotaurs turned him over and held him down as Fluttershy walked over and lifted her hoof biting into her own skin as blood flowed to the surface and held it over his face. Big Mac closed his mouth as his heart raced. Iron Will grabbed his face holding him still and began to force his mouth open.

“You will be more beast than pony...but you will be my beast.” She said with a cruel smile. The ground burst open and several ponies in Earthborn regalia lept out and charged the group. Iron Will was the first to act letting go of Big Mac charging the group the two other minotaurs joined him. Fluttershy turned to face them with a look of fury. The war horn sounded and the village sprang to action. A Diamond Dog leapt out of the hole and tackled a minotaur who yelled in surprise as he was silenced by its long claws. He stood up and bound for Big Mac and in one full motion scooped up the pony tucking him under its arm. He then whistled and the Earthborn troops began to retreat back to the hole. Iron Will stood protectively in front of Fluttershy alongside the other minotaur who was wounded from the skirmish. The Diamond Dog jumped into the hole. The Darkness of the earth embraced them both before the Diamond Dog threw Big Mac to another Dog as the black coated Diamond Dog closed the hole behind them and turned towards the group.

“Mission complete let's get the hell out of here.” He ordered.

“Rover were out a ways should we dig confusion tunnels?” The dog carrying him asked. Rover shook his head.

“Just collapse the tunnel and run they will have Wraiths and Thorners after us soon enough we need to get to Earthborn territory as soon as possible. They began to move. Rover looked at the ponies.

“How many did you lose?” He asked.

“5.” One said solemnly. Rover nodded in understanding.

“Could have been a lot worse.” He said. Big Mac felt even heavier than ever as his eyes began to droop when a small spike of pain lanced in his stomach as his eyes could suddenly see in the darkness without a problem. A sense of dread overcame him, he had taken some of Fluttershy's blood and did not know if he was going to be the same ever again.

Junebug Summer 9,14 ASD

“Where is he?” a yellow coated unicorn mare with black and white striped mane paced uncomfortably.

“Junebug calm down Pipsqueak is always like this, don't worry.” A white coated and cyan blue mane said confidently.

“Sweetheart, I…” Junebug said annoyed before the sight of Pipsqueaks ship was seen coming around the bay entrance. Which made her smile. Her smile lost its luster when she saw the second pair of sails.

“Oh boy… I'll get the girls ready.” Sweetheart said trotting away to a large tent that housed several ponies that had volunteered to help bring supplies to Redhearts Refuge. An two hours passed as the two ships found dock at a small pier not meant to really house such large ships. The gangway was lowered and Junebug trotted up to Pipsqueak who greeted her with a roguelike smile.

“Junebug… my favorite mare how are things?” He said nonchalantly. She looked at him with half lidded eyes.

“You brought me trouble didn't you.” She said as if stating a fact. Speedsilver struck Pipsqueak behind the head lightly.

“Flirting with every mare…” she said quietly before looking at Junebug and giving her a hug.

“I'm sorry Junebug we came across a slave ship, luckily it had some good medical supplies you need.”she said as Junebug sighed in defeat.

“Nurse Sweetheart! Patients!” Junebug said. Nurse Sweetheart walked past her alongside several other ponies wearing masks and manes tied back. Several other ponies approached Junebug.

“Where do you want to supplies put.” One stallion asked. She indicated a place where several wagons were.

“Pack them there and tie them down.” She said and Pipsqueak turned to his ship.

“You heard her Sea Swirl!” He said who nodded and turned to the crew.

“Everypony who isn't doing anything pack the cargo and follow lady Junebugs orders sooner we're done the quicker we can relax!” He said getting a cheer from the crew that popped to the task. Pipsqueak looked at Speedsilver and Junebug.

“We found that they were taking them to Changeling territory.” He stated.

“What? Why?” Junebug asked shocked. Speedsilver shrugged.

“What's weirder is the fact it's being run by Whitegold merchants from Moon and Star.” Pipsqueak said explaining his puzzlement. Junebug waved her hoof.

“I don't dabble in politics and hope you have more sense than to poke your muzzle into business between houses. We trade with Whitegold as well you know. You’re a great provider but were constantly running low.” She said concerned. Pipsqueak shook his head with a smile.

“I do what I can. But this concerns me, Nopony ever deals with the Queens.” Pipsqueak said drawing questioning looks from both her and Speedsilver.

“Queens? And in plural meaning more than one?” Junebug asked. He shrugged

“I don't know much about them but I know their names and such.” He stated.

“Why didn't you tell me?” Speedsilver asked annoyed.

“You didn't need to know besides who really brings them up in conversation?” He said defensively. Speedsilver gave him a small playful glare.

“I'm curious now who are they?” Junebug wondered. Pipsqueak seemed to be thinking before he explained.

“The most well known is Queen Chrysalis of course because of her adult into Earthborn territory which failed, the other two are Queen Teranid and Queen Roatsa all leaders of their respective hives but well… they have a Coalition of mutual agreement. There is fighting between them but not all out war, if all three could stop bickering they could overtake Equestria if they wanted.” He finished his little lesson and Junebug shivered.

“That would be scary, hope they always fight it out. As much as I want change in Equestria for the better I don't think Being ruled by Changelings would be any better.” she said and Speedsilver nodded in agreement. Nurse Sweetheart joined them with a disheveled look.

“They are OK a few broken bones but mainly malnourished food and water is what they need. I have the others looking after them but we can't bring them along with the protection we have now were to big of a target.

“Were not going anywhere just yet I can give some of my crew to help you along your route.” Pipsqueak stated.

“That's much appreciated Pipsqueak.” Junebug said happily.

“Of course, gives us time to get ready to investigate the Changeling port down south.” He said with a smile.

“Wait? What?!” Speedsilver said shocked.

Old Rivals and Books

Rainbow Dash, Summer 9,14 ASD

Rainbow sat at her desk, pining over reports and random information. She couldn't focus. Scootaloo was late to report in and she was worried. The doors of her study burst open, and she reached for her sword before relaxing at seeing Spitfire, who was breathing heavily as if she had hurried there.

“What is it?” she asked with a frown.

“Scootaloo… Captured by Lightning Dust.” Spitfire said between gasps of air. Rainbow's eyes widened.

“Celestia curse that flying rip-off!” she swore and slammed her hoof on her desk.

“What happened!” she demanded.

“Rumble!” Spitfire ordered. A voice echoed from outside the room, and a heavily breathing Rumble, who looked like he had been through quite the ordeal, marched into the room and stood at attention. Spitfire closed the door and flew to a spot beside Rainbows desk.

“Report,” Rainbow ordered. Rumble took in a breath before he began to explain.

“Scoutmaster Scootaloo had us retreat from the mission against Fluttershy. The Earthborn engaged and civilians were caught in the fray. By the time Fluttershy arrived on the scene she had taken control of the forest and called reinforcements. We had no opening, so we retreated,” he stated. Rainbow nodded for him to carry on.

“The going through Everfree became more treacherous as we tried to fly out due to assaults by parasprites and carnivorous birds. We lost five in that engagement, and then we stuck to the ground, where we were subject to several other surprise attacks from overly aggressive beasts. By the time we made it to the edge of the forest, we had no idea where we were. Scoutmaster Scootaloo had us hide while she scouted. After several minutes we heard a ponycopter and saw Scootaloo being pursued by Earthborn forces… I… I wanted to go assist her, but my fellow comrades held me back. Scootaloo taunted them, leading them away and allowing us to escape,” he said, visibly angry with himself.

“Applejack… Damn it.”

“Big Mac was part of the Earthborn raid. I didn't see the end result, but he must have been captured,” Rumble added on, making Rainbow look at him.

“We know from other sources that Applejack went to Rarity for a reason I can only guess is related to this,” she said, thinking out loud.

“You are dismissed, Rumble,” Rainbow said, and Spitfire flew to the door and opened it. Rumble stayed there for a moment, looking awkward.

“Is there something else?” Rainbow asked.

“No ma'am, but if you intend to rescue her please consider me for a position on the rescue team,” he said urgently.

“We haven't considered all the options available to us. Carry on, Rumble,” She ordered. Rumble saluted her and left as Spitfire closed the door behind him.

“What do you want to do?” Spitfire asked.

“Get me my armor. I'm going out. I don't plan on being back for a few days.” Rainbow said, standing.

“You can't abandon your post!” Spitfire argued.

“I'm not. I'm just going to go get what is mine,” Rainbow stated, causing Spitfire to frown.

“You know, you make looking after you hectic for me,” she said, sighing and sounding defeated.

“Good to know I can count on you. One last thing,” Rainbow said, making Spitfire look at her.

“Tell Soarin to dust off his armor,” she said. Spitfire smiled despite herself.

“I'll deliver the message personally,” she chuckled.

Dr Whooves, Summer 10,14 ASD

A stallion's hooves clacked against stone floor as he looked side to side, examining the bookshelves of a long abandoned library. He had stumbled upon the mentions of the place in a book he had acquired from the Canterlot library. He was lucky to have escaped there with his freedom, let alone a book. Dr Whooves stopped in front of a door and frowned. His brown coat and mane were plain enough, but it made him impressive was his knowledge in science and ancient history.

“This is…” he wondered out loud.

“What is it?” asked a female voice. A light orange mare with a fire red and yellow mane walked out of the shadows, carrying her saddlebags.

“This door. What do you make of it, Sunset Shimmer?” he asked. She approached it and looked at the markings.

“Protections wards. Old ones at that. Maybe there’s something interesting behind them?” she said with a sly smile. Dr Whooves’ eyes became half lidded as he sighed.

“You only thirst for knowledge and mystical items. Such a waste…” he said, looking for a lever but finding none.

“What? You going to complain again and hope I help you on your useless quest to find the Sisters? It's been fourteen years, Whooves. Why don't you give it up?” she said, placing her hoof against the door, brushing away the dust and revealing more lettering in ancient equine, a language that few scholars even knew about.

“They are still alive,” he said, as if in prayer.

“Yeah, yeah,” she said, her horn glowing as she pressed it against the door. A blinding flash of light followed with a loud explosion that sent Sunset Shimmer stumbling back. She fell to the floor, unmoving.

“Sunset!” Whooves exclaimed as he rant to her and placed his head to her chest. He quiet for a moment, then heard a heartbeat. He breathed a sigh of relief. The sound of stone grinding made him look back at the door that was opening. A gust of stale air wafted into the room. He looked at Sunset Shimmer and lightly tapped her face.

“Sunset, Sunset.” he whispered as she groaned. Her eyes fluttered open, but her pupil took a moment before focusing on him.

“Bucking hell…” she said, closing her eyes in a wince of pain.

“How you feeling?” he asked, sliding his bags off of his back and lifting her head onto it like a makeshift pillow.

“Feel like I've been dehorned by an overzealous Earthborn,” she said angrily.

“Can you get up?” he asked. She shook her head.

“No. Give me a few.” she said, trying to relax. Dr Whooves looked at the door and took a few steps forward.

“I'll be back in a moment,” he said, stepping into the doorway. The space was empty save for a lone pedestal that held two books. There didn’t seem to be any way to get to them. He frowned and stepped past the door, looking down at the blackness.

“Well I am no pegasus. Maybe…” he asked and kicked a small bit of dirt that flew and landed in mid air.

“Ah. Genius,” he mused and stepped onto the invisible walkway. Feeling his way, he found a few turns and dead ends that made his stomach lurch and jump. He stopped when he finally reached the pedestal. He looked at the books and frowned. They were not what he expected. The one on the left was encrusted with precious gems, precious metals, and had a large embellished title labelling it “Power”. It's neighbor was tamer and looked like a normal book but for several spots of ink and its frayed spine. In simple lettering it was titled “Knowledge”. He placed his hoof on his chin and mulled it over for a few minutes.

“What is it? How did you get over there?” he heard Sunset Shimmer ask. He looked back at her.

“There is an invisible walkway. But there are two books here. One says “Knowledge”, the other says “Power”. I think I have to choose,” he said as Sunset sat down.

“Power, obviously.” she said.

“But what kind of power?” he asked which did give her pause.

“I'm guessing you're also thinking the same of Knowledge.” She guessed and he nodded.

“Well both would be nice, but there’s too much uncertainty. It's too dangerous,” he said and turned from the dias to leave.

“What are you doing? Just grab power. I didn't come here to leave empty hooved,” Sunset said, annoyed.

“You are wise little pony.” A voice echoed in the chamber, making him freeze as they both looked around frantically for the source of the voice.

“Where are you?” Dr Whooves pushed out. A white mist swarmed from the books, taking the form of a pony. It stood in front of Dr Whooves.

“What is your name?” it asked.

“Dr Whooves,” he said, unsure of what to make of this situation.

“Why have you come to this place?” it asked as its glowing yellow eyes narrowed at him.

“I'm looking for the Sisters.” he stated.

“The sisters?” it asked, unsure, before its glowing eyes widened.

“Celestia and Luna?” it said without prompt.

“Yes, Equestria is in need of them.” he said before he heard a angered noise from Sunset Shimmer.

“I know of the sisters, but I was placed here not by them, but by their Mother and Father.” it said, causing both Sunset and Whooves’ jaws to drop.

“They… had parents?” Sunset Shimmer said, surprised.

“You act surprised, young pupil of Celestia.” it said as it drifted towards her.

“How?” she began.

“Did I know? Only those chosen by the Royal family for planned ascension may enter these doors. This was a test for those who would become a new princess. Only those who are Alicorn may take the test.” it said as it looked at Dr Whooves.

“If you had touched either of the books, you would have died.” it said matter of factly. Dr Whooves looked back at the books and took another step away.

“That is amazing to know, but I'm am on the search for the sisters. They have disappeared without a trace,” Dr Whooves said.

“Like I said, they are gone. They’ve been missing for fourteen years. If they would have come back theybwould still have to explain why the sun and moon still move.” Sunset Shimmer burst out with several feelings for her old mentor. The mist form’s eyes shimmered.

“There are things in this world that can freely manipulate time and space. If you have the right magic, you can do anything. The culprit you seek is a draconequus named Discord. He was sealed by the sisters, or so the Ather had said. His power surged around fourteen of your years ago,” it said as it looked at them.

“The princesses were kidnapped and being held by a draquonus? What is this creature's name?” Dr Whooves inquired.

“Discord, the god of Chaos,” it said coldly.

“How do we find him?” Sunset Shimmer asked.

“I do not know, but even if you find him, you cannot defeat him as you are. You will need the Elements of Harmony,” it stated. Dr Whooves shook his head.

“That's going to be almost impossible…” he said, shaking his head. The mist showed him the way back to Sunset Shimmer. He followed it back to her and looked back at the mist form.

“Is there any other way to defeat Discord?” Sunset Shimmer asked, turning from a sullen Dr Whooves. The mist shook its now ponylike head.

“If the old bearers are not as they were then you must find new ones,” it said as the door began to close and both Sunset and Dr Whooves left the chamber. The door closed with a boom and magic flashed across it, resealing it. The silence felt heavy before Dr Whooves raised his head.

“Fourteen years I've been looking for the answer of what happened to the sisters. Now I know and I can't do anything about it,” he said, defeated. Sunset Shimmer looked at her current employer.

“I am a mercenary, Dr Whooves. A business mare. I may be hired. I'll give you a discount, and we will find new bearers,” she said hopefully. He looked at her with a smile.

“Yeah, that's a good idea, but first things first… we need all of the Elements themselves. One from each of the house leaders…” he said with deep pitted nervousness. “This won't be quick or easy.”

“I'll take that commission,” Sunset said with a shrug.

Once Enemies

Scootaloo Summer 10,14 ASD

Her whole body ached as she tried to get her bearings. Scootaloo tried to move causing shackles to jingle slightly. Her teeth pressed together in a grimace as she tried to stand. Her eyes had spots dance in them as she felt like her mouth was a desert. A water bowl was beside a brown apple mush by the smell of it. Scootaloo made her way to the water and drank deeply before stopping to breath. She sat back looking at her surroundings. She was in a jail cell that looked like the old western architecture she had come to know of Earthborn buildings. She looked at her wing and it was splintered and bound, that she was at least thankful for. Across from her she saw a unmoving body of a yellow coated and mint green mane stallion with his back to her. She pressed her head against the bars to see down the hall but didn't get to see anything. The stallion moved and he groaned. As he lifted his head and he looked at her and she saw he was a unicorn whose horn had been destroyed.

“You're awake huh?” he said, his voice was rough and bitter.

“How long have I been out?” she asked sitting by her food and began to eat and recoiled at the taste of the mush. It was apple maybe at one time but no anymore.

“You got here a day ago.” he informed as he shifted himself up and walked to a pot at the back corner and he began to relieve himself. Scootaloo looked away feeling awkward and after he finished he walked back and sat down.

“Where are we exactly?” She asked trying to get any information she could.

“This is a prison or jail somewhere in the Earthborn territory but were near the border or so I've heard.

“Is there a way out of here?” She asked knowing it was fruitless. The stallion laughed and laid on his side.

“Not that I know of, if I had my magic maybe.” He said solemnly.

“Can you?” She asked not really knowing what happens to a dehorned unicorn. The stallion frowned and lifted his head.

“No, if I try I get a massive migraine because the magic gets backed up and presses against my skull. If I focused on trying to do magic for a long period of time I would die from a brain hemorrhage.” he stated.

“I'm sorry…” she said before she tried to force down her food.

“What's your name? You look like a Stormwing.” he inquired.

“Scootaloo a scout for Stormwing.” she said after taking a bite and chasing it with water.

“Sour Lime, I used to be a lemon and lime farmer on the borders of Earthborn territory my family was hiding me till they found me out and hauled me off and dehorned me and threw me in jail awaiting execution.” He said sounding as he had become resigned to his fate.

“That's barbaric.” Scootaloo said with a feeling of disgust. It would be like removing the wings of a pegasus a thing that was most terrifying to even imagine.

“Well it happens often enough.” He said bitterly as the doors of their cells opened automatically catching Scootaloo off guard.

“Whats going on?” She asked stepping out of her cell as Sour Lime did the same.

“Exercise time. It happens every day for an hour. Then lunch, followed by back into the cell , it's like clockwork.” He said walking beside her. All the other convicts were walking out of the doors at the end of the hall that lead into a dusty yard she looked outside the fences and got a look at where she was. Her rigorous study of the maps could give her an idea of where she was. Mountains that stretched all along the left and right of them.

“We're on the westernmost part of the border of Earthborn territory. That must be the Changeling territory.” She said looking out into the land that she had not much info on.

“How do you even know that?” Sour asked

“I'm a scout need to know the lay of the land in order to know where you are.” Scootaloo answered before she was approached by three other ponies the one that lead them was all too familiar.

“Scootaloo?” The grey coat and lighter grey mane and tail.

“Silver...Spoon?” Scootaloo asked slightly surprised.

“I never thought you would be here last I heard to were dead.” Scootaloo continued.

“I was kidnapped and whisked away to a cult hideout, it was then an Earthborn raiding party saved us but when I was relocated… I was helping Unicorns escape Earthborn territory but I was caught and so I'm here.” She explained and Scootaloo blinked as it took her a moment to think that her once bully was trying to help ponies was odd but time changes everything some say.

“That's an amazing story.” She said with a smile. Silver Spoon looked at her with a smile that had a hint of more than a friendly gesture.

“Scootaloo we have been down one for a plan I have to get out of here.” She said as she looked at Sour Lime as well

“Ok maybe two more but you in?” She said as Scootaloo nodded.

“I'm in if it will work.” She said. Silver Spoon nodded.

“Oh don't worry we will get out of this place soon enough, I'm kinda glad you're here, it's not often I see somepony I know from before ponyville was flooded.” She said as she nudged Scootaloo’s shoulder.

Sweetie Belle Summer 10,14 ASD

The arts district of the fortress of Manehattan was a place that not seemed to harken back to times before the war. Sweetie Belle sighed as she overlooked the projects regarding sculptures ordered by all places within Manehattan and a lot of the sculptures that went to Canterlot, Stalliongrad, and several other capitals whinin Moon and Star territory. Many earth ponies that took jobs there came back changed or bitter towards the faction. A knock at her door shook the thoughts from her mind as Diamond Tiara poked her head in.

“Sweetie Belle, can I ask you about a few things the merchant guild is having some problems,” she said fully coming in. Diamond Tiara had been through alot since the disappearance of the sisters. Losing both parents and only a few years ago during the Cult of Laughters uprising in Manehattan, Silver Spoon was missing and presumed dead.

“Sure, what is it?” Sweetie Belle said waving her in.

“I think some of the funds are missing and it's taken me a while to figure it out I think somepony has been embezzling money on the side.” Diamond said with a frown placing the papers on her desk. Sweetie Belle felt her stomach tighten as Diamond Tiara began to state her case.

“Several small amounts from several establishments have skimped out on several payments of tax. Usually 5-10 bits at a time but the amount and scale it's happening on totals to an amount of 17000 bits! I'm surprised Lady Rarity hasn't seen this discrepancy.” She said baffled. Sweetie Belle gulped as Diamond looked at her.

“Is..that right.” She said before Diamond Tiara frowned at her.

“Did you know about this?” She asked accusingly.

“Ok let me explain.” Sweetie Belle began before Diamond Tiara stood up alarmed and angry.

“Explain what? You stealing money from your sister she...will kill me for missing something like this.” She said looking around the room as if expecting somepony to spring from the shadows and arrest her.

“No, no you are the only one who knows…” Sweetie Belle said harshly whispering.

“Quiet down or we'll both get caught. I've been taking money from the taxes but replacing the bits I take with my own money. So everypony still pays their taxes.” She explained before Diamond Tiara found herself sitting down again still on edge.

“What have you been doing with the bits?” Diamond asked.

“I've been buying medical supplies to have delivered to Redhearts Refuge.” She said quietly. Diamond Tiara seemed to be thinking now.

“That's dangerous, ever since Rarity banded business with Nurse Redheart because of doing business with pirates.” she said recollecting.

“Exactly I can't do anything really so I do it anonymously.” Sweetie Belle said looking sullen.

“Everything you do is under your sister's eye. This is a great risk.” She said before looking around.

“Why do you tell me? We don't have the best history.” Diamond Tiara finished.

“You found out and well...I see how you treat others now. I've come to depend on you regardless you knew it or not. Now I have put my life in your hooves.” Sweetie Belle said with a smile.

“No, you put our lives in my hooves, if I say anything I'll disappear.” She said with a glare and pointing her hoof at her. Sweetie Belle smiled innocently.

“You are Rarities sister… covering your bases while getting what you want.” Diamond Tiara huffed crossing her hooves.

“I'm in with you till the end. Whatever end that will be.” She finished looking at Sweetie Belle.

Reunions

Applejack, Summer 10, 14 ASD

Her nerves were shot. Applejack couldn’t remember how long it had been since she had felt this thinly stretched. It had been days since she had returned to Dodge Junction, and still she waited for news on her brothers rescue attempt. A knock on her door made her look up and see it was Applebloom.

“You need sleep, sis,” she said, looking at her with concern.

“Ah know, but I can’t without knowin what’s happened to them,” Applejack said before a messenger burst into the room, causing her to look at him angrily.

“What in Tarnation!” she began to say before the messenger cut her off.

“It’s a diamond dog, commander!” he said. Applejack’s eyes widened, and she rushed past him, followed by Applebloom. Bounding down the steps, she burst out of the door to see Granny Smith fawning over the body of Big Mac. A black diamond dog stood beside them, looking up at her as she made an entrance.

“He’s alive, but it was touch and go for a bit,” he began to explain before she completely ignored him, focusing on Big Mac.

“Get me the Medics! You,” Applejack indicated to the diamond dog, “my office.”

The dog glared at her but grudgingly obeyed, ducking under the small door frame and going to her study. Three nurse ponies arrived on scene and began to look at him as the Matron Granny Smith looked up.

“Y’all go about your business. He’ll be alright,” she ordered, and the crowd began to disperse as two large stallion juggernauts helped their commander up, taking him to the hospital. Applebloom followed after them with a concerned look as Granny turned to Applejack.

“We need to talk to that dog,” she said sternly which caused Applejack to frown.

“What is it?” Applejack asked cautiously. Granny Smith walked past her, going to her study as she followed after her.

“Somthin’s wrong with Big Mac,” she said coolly.

“Yeah, ah know he’s missin a bit of his ear and been tortured. I’d be surprised if he didn’t have somthin’ a bit wrong,” she said pointedly. They both walked into the room and Rover stood by the window, looking larger even than before in the comparatively tiny office. Granny Smith walked up to him and gave him a light kick, making Applejacks heart stop for a moment.

“You have gal,l old pony,” Rover said as his razor-like claws flexed angrily.

“What did you do to Big Mac!” she accused.

“I did nothing, you old dolt. He was like that when we fought for him!” Rover growled. Applejack looked at them both and after all the stress and sudden relief, and now this, she snapped.

“What are you both buckin’ talkin about? What's goin on?” she exclaimed, causing both to look at her. Rover turned toward her, giving Granny Smith a slight nudge.

“Everything was going well, we got through the forest undetected and were planning to tunnel right into the dungeon he was held in, but before we could he was taken and brought before Fluttershy. I, two of my own, and your group had to improvise. We burst from the ground and snatched him from Fluttershy, who was doing some kind of ceremony. Over the last few days Big Mac has been having nightmares, convulsions, and small physical changes. If I were to guess, she was making him into a wraith, but we stopped the process mid-way. So your brother is partly turned,” he finished explaining. Both Granny Smith and Applejack paled.

“No…” Applejack said before an angry rage overtook her. “we just got him back!” She bucked the door cracking it in two, leaving the door to hang on broken hinges. Granny Smith looked at Rover and took in a deep breath.

“I’m sorry. I get emotional when it comes to the young ‘uns. I am thankful you were able to save him,” she said, and Rover crossed his arms with a nod.

“I do what I am paid to do,” he said before looking at Applejack, who hadn’t calmed down in the slightest.

“I’ll take my leave now. Rarity will expect her payment within the week,” he said, walking to the door and feeling awkward he simply ripped the broken door off its hinges and placed it against the wall before departing.

“You need to calm down, Applejack,” Granny Smith advised, getting an angry glare from Applejack. Granny Smith gave a hard glare back and put her hoof on her nose.

“Now listen here! You don’t have time to be a’ fussin’ about things like your brother. You have a house to run an’ you can't be emotional. Leave that to Applebloom. Go see your brother and tell him you're happy to see him. He’s your brother still, and you’re his little sister. Quit your bellyaching,” Granny Smith finished before indicating for her to go see her brother. Applejack looked at her for a moment before leaving the room and making her way towards the hospital. The smell of antiseptic hurt her nose as she walked through the doors, but she went to the desk nurse, who looked up and fumbled to attention.

“Head c-commander! Commander Big Mac is down the hall in room 110,” she said quickly. Applejack nodded, walking down the hall to the room that was guarded by the two juggernauts that had helped him get to the hospital. They both saluted her as she walked into the room.

“Carry on,” she said, to which they both nodded and stayed at their posts. Applebloom was sitting beside the hospital bed with tears in her eyes as the head nurse looked up at Applejack and approached her with a worried look on her face.

“He’s…” she began before Applejack lifted her hoof to quiet her.

“I know. Keep this quiet,” she ordered, and the nurse nodded before leaving the room to her and Applebloom. Applejack placed a comforting hoof on her sister’s shoulder.

“Is he going to be alright, sis?” Applebloom asked. Applejack took in a breath looking at her big brother.

“I sure hope,” she began to say as Big Mac’s eyes opened. His old green eyes now held cat like irises, and he looked around afraid before his eyes fell upon them.

“Big Mac…is that you?” Applebloom asked, reaching for him before Applejack could stop her. Big Mac smiled showing his teeth had become more predatory.

“Eeyup,” he said as Applebloom and Applejack both smiled.

Rarity, Summer 10, 14 ASD

It had been a while since she had been in Canterlot. The sights and smells brought back memories of a time when life was fair. More innocent. But being here now, the sights had changed dramatically. Both earth ponies and pegasus ponies that lived there were treated as second class citizens. Any one of them that were free and living under the Moon and Star house had to deal with unfair trade and racial bias. If you didn’t have a job, you could easily be sold into slavery by neighbours or kidnapped. It made other factions not seem so bad in comparison. Looking out of the carriage window, the cathedral dedicated to the sisters stood as a shining beacon to all those who worshiped the missing alicorns. Rarity couldn’t care less about them anymore, but speaking ill of the sisters could get a pony branded as a heretic by the Inquisition, who would force them to confess their sins by rather unholy means.

The carriage approached the castle where she was planned to meet Twilight. It was surprising to have received a letter from her asking for a meeting. Such a meeting was long overdue in any case, but there was something about Twilight's letter that piqued Rarity's curiosity in particular.

Passing the gates that were guarded by Sun and Moon guards, the carriage pulled into the roundabout and stopped by the front steps where Twilight and Trixie both awaited her. Slowing to a stop, she waited a moment before the door opened, and she moved her leg. The crystals that encased her leg began to crack and break, and the pain she was all too used to cut into her like a knife.

“Rarity,” Twilight greeted with a curt nod. Rarity nodded back as she stepped down, her wounds beginning to open, and her blood beginning to trickle down onto the blue crystal.

“This is a treat. Being greeted by both the Arch Mage herself and the Head of the Inquisition! Either I am considered important, or this is the last time I will see daylight,” Rarity jested as she forced a smile. Trixie looked at her stone faced and Twilight smiled half-heartedly.

“I am glad you could come, Rarity. I would like to request your help in a matter,” Twilight began before Rarity raised her unaffected hoof.

“Yes, yes, in due time my dear, but I am simply famished. Shall we discuss this over lunch?” she said with a more implied tone. Twilight sighed and nodded with a smile that came more naturally.

“You always had the flare for elegance. I have had lunch made for us in the dining room,” Twilight said before turning to Trixie with a look and a nod. Trixie nodded back and bowed to Rarity before departing. Rarity looked after her as she left before following Twilight through the large doors. Blood trickled down her leg as she walked, but she paid it no mind, wrapping a teal and red bandage around her leg to stem the bleeding.

“How is life for the most powerful unicorn in Equestria?” Rarity asked as she strode beside Twilight, looking at the stain glass windows that depicted the sisters in all their glory.

“As well as you can expect. But all the magical power I possess, and I still haven’t found an answer to what happened that day,” she said.

“Which day? When the sisters disappeared, or when Pinkie died?” Rarity said offhandedly. Twilight stopped as Rarity slowed and looked over her shoulder. The air of the corridor seemed to come to a standstill. Twilight's face twisted into an expression of anger and grief before Rarity turned away.

“Forgive me, I did not think. Please forget I said anything,” she said as she began to walk Twilight followed after her.

“You always knew what to say and when to say it,” Twilight said hotly.

“Tricks of the trade dear. You’re gifted in magic. I’m gifted in getting what I want,” she said simply as they entered the room where a table had been prepared for a meal. Several unicorns stood by the wall, waiting to move into action to serve their noble guests.

“I asked you here for something important. What do you know of the relationship between Dr Whooves and Sunset Shimmer?” she asked, taking a seat at the table.

“I have hired Sunset Shimmer quite a few times to work for me. Dr Whooves is a scholar who came to talk to me about hiring a mercenary a while back. I introduced them, considering their interests aligned usually. Why?” she asked, sitting across from Twilight. The servants quickly put food on the table and filled each of their glasses before departing, leaving them alone in the room.

“I sent you a message saying that I have found something odd, but I didn't elaborate on it,” Twilight said as Rarity calmly began to pick and choose between the food displayed before her.

“Indeed, it was rather very cryptic, but I am here now. Please just say what you wanted to say and how I can be of service,” she said then took a bite of a biscuit. Twilight seemed annoyed at her overly calm demeanor.

“I thought I found evidence that someone or something is still raising and lowering the moon,” she said, causing Rarity to stop her from drinking from her glass.

“You mean to say that the sisters did not lie to us? But if that is so, where are they?” Rarity asked, lowering her glass with her magic.

“Apparently they've been kidnapped by a creature named Discord. I had a theory that they were still in Equestria, but I've recently received evidence from Sunset Shimmer and Doctor Whooves." She said, almost as if she was a giddy filly again. Rarity was quiet a moment before she looked at her former friend.

“I'm guessing you want my help to find the hiding place of this Discord?” she presumed. Twilight nodded without reserve before realizing what she was doing. Rarity was quiet a moment.

“No,” she said which caused Twilight to look at her in disbelief.

“Wh-why not?” she exclaimed as her horn glowed, her power beginning to overflow, causing utensils and vases to float in the air.

“You don't want to find them Twilight. The old you wants to find them. You're not a filly anymore, Twilight,” Rarity said, taking another drink before looking at Twilight again.

“Why will you not help?” Twilight asked with open hostility across her features.

“What would happen if we did find them? More importantly what would happen to us? All the power we have would be stripped. I know what I have done won't be forgotten or forgiven, so tell me, Twilight, do you really wish to find the Sisters?” She said with a cold tone. Twilights eyes widened as all the things she had ever done resurfaced. Twilight sat back back into her chair with a look of defeat.

“I didn't think so. So here's what we do, Twilight. Anyone who knows of this we silence. Sunset Shimmer and Doctor Whooves included. Or all we have come to work for will be undone,” Rarity said, and Twilight looked up at her with a hard look in her eyes.

“Long live the memory of the sisters,” Twilight said with a nod, conceding to bury the truth.

Bandits

Pipsqueak, Summer 11,14 ASD

The group had been walking for a day and a half to Redhearts Refuge. Pipsqueak had planned to stay with the ship, but Speedsilver goaded him into accompanying the large group of slaves and nurses. He had gotten fifteen of his own crew to come along to defend the caravan from bandits and beasts. The journey often only took a day, but this time the going was slow. The former slaves were still weak from the conditions in which they were transported.

“Pipsqueak.” He heard his name said, which pulled him away from his thoughts.

“What?” he asked, slightly perturbed.

“You sure you want to go down south? Nopony knows what’s it’s like down there,” Speedsilver said, attempting yet again to sway their course.

“It’s important we take a look,” he said, assured, but the look on Speedsilver’s face didn’t seem convinced.

“You mean your gut says it's important,” she accused, but she wasn’t wrong.

“Say what you think, but that’s what we’re doing,” he said finally which caused her to sigh and look out at the woods. They were passing just on the inner edge of White Tail woods. A notorious group had been known to be active in these parts, run by a pair of pegasi named Hoops and Dumb Bell, and a group this big was all too hard to pass up.

“Boss!” he heard somepony raise an alarm. Pipsqueak looked up to see one of his earth pony crew pointing up at the sky, and he saw an outline of four pegasi. They circled the group at a safe altitude before flying deeper into the forest. Pipsqueak cursed to himself before he saw Junebug trotting up to him with a grim expression on her face that surely matched his own.

“We need to get off the road,” he said, but she shook her head.

“There are too many of us. We have to push forward. We’re at least 2-4 hours away from Redheart's Refuge,” Junebug said, showing frustration.

“We cannot fight off an entire band of bandits, Junebug. There are too many to protect.” He looked around and his eyes found one of his pegasus crewmembers, Cloudstriker.

“Cloudstriker! Come here,” Pipsqueak said, and the dark blue coated, maroon maned and tailed stallion jogged up to him.

“What’s up?” he said, but Pipsqueak could tell he was on edge from the flyby of the pegasus scouts.

“I need you to go to Redhearts Refuge and get reinforcements,” Pipsqueak ordered which caused Junbug to shift uncomfortably.

“I hope you can fly fast,” Junebug said, to which Cloudstriker smiled confidently.

“I’m on it,” he said as he took to the sky and flew ahead of the group losing sight of him in moments.

“We need to get the group moving to a better defendable position.” Pipsqueak said as Junebug and Speedsilver went about giving orders. He guessed that the bandits would be on them in at least an hour if not sooner. The mass of refugees was becoming panicked as the word spread that bandits would soon be on them. Moving them along some of the refugee mares and stallions began to take up more leadership roles to calm the crowd as they came close to a cliff with a cave. Pipsqueak looked at Speedsilver and gestured to the cave and she understood his intention. She grabbed the attention of three others; one unicorn and two earth ponies, and quickly approached the cave to investigate. The small group disappeared into the dark mouth. For a moment everything was fine till the sound of Speedsilver’s hoof cannon echoed from the cave with the sound of curses and shouts.

“You five stay here and defend the herd rest of you with me!” Pipsqueak barked as he pulled out his sword with his teeth and charged into the cave after Speedsilver. He was the first into the cave after them and discovered what the fuss was about they had stumbled into a timber wolf den. Five of the buckin things were eyeing the Speedsilvers group barking and growling. One of the earth ponies was dead while the other was severely injured. The crew behind him caught up and he sheathed his sword.

“Make torches! We’re going to burn em out!” he ordered. Three or four of his crew left and came back with bundles of torches that were in the wagons. They began to light them as several others with spears advanced and retrieved Speedsilver and the two others. The Timberwolves snapped at the spears but remained defensive. As the torches were passed around Pipsqueak grabbed one and threw it landing on one of the wolves that yelped and backed away.

“Put some pitch in a pot he ordered.” As his crew mates began to encircle the cornered wolves as one of his torch acquiring ponies put a small pot full of pitch near him. Pipsqueak looked at the unicorn whose name escaped him at the moment, but had gone in originally with Speedsilver.

“Throw the pitch at them.” He ordered. The unicorn mare looked at him confused but lifted the pot and threw it. The pot hit the roof of the cavern and poured pitch over all the wolves.

“Torches!” he exclaimed and soon the wolves were engulfed in flame. The sound was horrible wood cracked and the yelping made his skin crawl but he knew they were just magical beasts or leaves and tinder. The wolves were left to burn as the group came out of the cavern only to see a contingent of pegasus in the air fast approaching. Covered in soot and smoke escaping the cave it was like a beacon for anypony with ill intent to follow.

“Everypony in the cave now! Fighters draw your swords, hoofcannons in front of the fighters!” He ordered as his crew went about trying to accomplish what they could amid the hysteria of the herd corralling themselves into the smoky cavern.

“Stay low! Try not to breath in the smoke!” Speedsilver ordered barely audible by the cries and shouts of others. He goaded others into the cave before turning around to see some of the refugees had begun to push the two carriages to create a barrier to help defend the mouth of the cave. The pegasus bandits landed on the grass and began to butcher the stragglers. A deep seated anger flared up in Pipsqueaks chest as he stood his ground as the last of the survivors hide behind his crew who stood ready. His crew poked their hoof cannons out on the carriages however they could training their barrels on the bandits waiting for the signal to fire. Pipsqueak stood between the two carriages that formed a bottleneck.
Two pegasi walked to the front of the bandits, one had dark chocolate brown coat with cream colored mane and tail with a thick build the other was more lengthy with a light orange coat and brown mane and tail with three basketballs on his flank which he safely assumed was Hoops.

“Well they seem organized.” Hoops said looking at Dumbell who eyed the group warily.

“Just do yourselves a favor and give us your valuables and we’ll send you on your way.” Dumbbell said barely withholding his hostility. Pipsqueak thought it ironic really; he steals from merchants, now he’s being robbed by bandits, kind of a taste of his own medicine. All he really needed to do was hold out for reinforcements.

“I agree place down your valuables and we'll consider the ponies you just killed atoned for.” Pipsqueak said with a dismissive wave of his hoof. The two looked at one another as they began to laugh. Hoops wiped a tear from his eye as he seemed to come to an end of his laughing fit.

“Listen, Friend we get what we want, these are our woods and you’re passing without even telling us. We feel hurt and ask for compensation. You are in no position to negotiate.” He said ending on a crisp note. Pipsqueak sighed as his crew looked to him with side long glances, as he smiled shaking his head looking to the ground for a moment. Speedsilver grumbled under her breath.

“Crap, he shouldn’t have said that.” She said as one of the refugees overheard her.

“What?” a filly asked as Speed looked down at her.

“Never tell Captain Pipsqueak what he can and can’t do, especially when negotiations fail.” She said before smiling. Pipsqueak looked at the two, with a simple smile.

“I’m not your friend, buddy.” He said before he drew his sword.

“Kill the lot.” Dumbbell said which garnered a hearty cry from his bandit mob as they rushed the cave entrance. Pipsqueak backed further into the semicircle and the first earthpony bandit tried to rush through but was impaled through the throat by a spear and then a second found his eye socket.

“Fire,” Pipsqueak ordered over the sound of conflict as he plunged his sword into a pegasus spilling his innards in a gory mess. Several bodies fell limp as his crew dropped their used hoofcannons and took to defending the cave mouth. Pipsqueak felt a sharp pain in his flank as he tumbled to the ground. He wrestled for a moment with an earthpony who stopped moving after a moment's struggle. Pipsqueak saw that a member of the refugees had picked up a fallen spear and stabbed the earthpony. Pipsqueak pushed the body off of him and stood up giving the stallion a nod; he nodded back shakily and joined his crew to defend themselves. Blood had soaked into the ground making it muddy and hard to maneuver as pony slayed pony, the pace of the battle slowed as the two sides pulled away from one another. The bandits still far outnumbered them and it looked like they lost 40-50 of their company. Pipsqueak was riddled with small cuts and bruises from the skirmish as well as a goof gash from the one pegasus who got the drop on him. He took a count of his own force and several had been killed, even more were wounded, but all of them were exhausted. Speedsilver was wounded as well but stood beside him.

“What now…” she said with the sound of defeat creeping into her voice. Pipsqueak nudged her making her look up at him.

“Don’t tell me your tired.” He said as he laughed which caused all of his crew and the refugees to look at him oddly as the fear and anxiety began to wash away.

“Well I have to say you put up a good fight. But this will be fruitless for you.” Dumbell said as he walked forward, he hadn’t even gotten a scar or looked fatigued for that matter. Pipsqueak kept his head high and glared at the pegasus. The bandits readied themselves for another assault. Pipsqueak glanced up and smiled lowering his head into a charging position as the ones who could stand found themselves beside him for the last stand.

“Boys it’s been a riot!” he yelled and charged the bandit line which caused a momentary confusion as his crew yelled at the top of their lungs following their captain into the mouth of the manticore.

“Kill them!” Dumbbell ordered and the bandit’s descended on the small attacking force before another source of noise caught the attention of Dumbbell and forty armored pegesi carrying the colors of a medical cross for Redhearts Refuge, led by Cloudstriker bombarded the bandits. The battle for Tmberwolf cave lasted only moments before the bandits broke and began to flee into the woods carrying wounded or outright abandoning their comrades. Dumbbell and Hoops were nowhere to be found amongst the bodies.

“Captain.” Cloudstriker said with a salute to which Pipsqueak smiled.

“You did good. Help the wounded. Bury our own.” He ordered as Cloudstriker looked grim and nodded to go carry out his orders. Pipsqueak looked around for Speedsilver and couldn’t see her. Adrenalin spiked as he looked around.

“Speedsilver…Speedsilver!” he began to call and frantically look for her. He caught a glimpse of her tail under a body of a large earthpony. He ran to the body and pushed the body off of her, rolling her over.

“Speedsilver…talk to me.” He said pleading.

“Quiet, you're too loud.” She moaned. He tapped her cheek and she swatted him away.

“Im fine!” she said annoyed. Junebug trotted up to him and looked at Speedsilver.

“You are far from fine we need to get you into a stretcher.” She said looking at two of the pegasus who had arrived with Cloudstriker.

“Take her to Redhearts Refuge. Only the top priorities get medical evac.” She said before turning back to Pipsqueak who fawned over her for a moment before standing.

“I’ll see you at the Refuge,” he said to Speedsilver who nodded and he walked towards the carriages and Junebug fell into step beside him quickly.

“I can’t thank you enough.” She said as he shook his head.

“Thank the ones who died for them, not me.” He said with a pained expression. Junbug looked at his flank and saw the almost river of blood that was flowing down his leg and her eyes widened.

“Medic!” she yelled out.

“You know w-was it always this dark?” he slurred his words before passing out.

Dr Whooves Summer 11,14 ASD

The two sat beside a road sign just outside a village that was located on the border of Moon and Star territory. Dr Whooves was irritated and looked at Sunset Shimmer.

“Why in the blazes did you inform Twilight Sparkle?” Dr Whooves said angrily.

“She and I have an understanding.” She said sifting through her bag that was now full of books and a few artifacts she planned to keep herself. Ever since they left the ruin he had been itching to get his quest underway and acquire the elements of harmony.

“I hoped you would keep it to yourself,” he said pointedly as he began to walk toward the village. Sunset Shimmer quickly packed her things again and followed after him, when she caught up she rolled her eyes.

“Twilight and I have this kind of code, since we both were once Celestia’s students.” She said as they entered the village. The lack of ponies was unnerving but then again it was normal given being on the border where disputes would often arise between Stormwing Troops and Moon and Star forces. Sunset took the lead and walked into a store that was labeled ‘Tibber Brook Library.’ Dr Whooves followed her in and began to peruse the books. The library was small but again what else could you expect from a small village. He perused the shelves as Sunset Shimmer began to talk with the librarian who incidentally was her contact to Twilight and sharing her wares. The discussion was becoming heated when Dr Whooves approached her from behind.

“What is it Parchment? Why are you holding out on me?” she said angrily. Parchment was an elderly unicorn pony with years etched into his features. His glasses made his eyes appear big and dopy.

“I-I’m sorry Sunset I just need to run into the back Twilight gave me specific orders for you.” He said as Dr Whooves looked at the old stallion, his features were sweaty and his voice shaky. Parchment turned and pushed aside a drape going into the back.

“Let’s go…I don’t feel like we should be here. He’s acting peculiar.” He said as Sunset waved him off.

“You're just paranoid, he’s just an old coot he can’t do anything.” She said teasingly.

“Please Sunset, we need to get out of here.” Dr Whooves urged as the door behind them opened but he couldn’t see who had entered. Sunset looked at him and finally rolled her eyes.

“Fine well go. I don’t understand what the fuss is about.” She said turning to leave.

“Oh please don’t leave Sunset Shimmer, we have a few questions for you.” A male voice said causing her to freeze. Sunset Shimmer looked over her shoulder and a tall thin tan coated stallion with a cyan blue mane that poked out from under his red cowl. Walking out from the back of the library, wearing a cloth outfit that was dyed red with the symbol on his chest of half a moon and sun combined into one, the symbol of the inquisition.

“Inquisitor Snips….” She said breathlessly. Dr Whooves began to move towards the door, when a second stallion with a shorter but thicker build blocked him from exiting.

“Don’t forget about me Sunset, it’s good to see you both here Dr Whooves.” Snails said with a bucktooth grin. Dr Whooves backed up into Sunset Shimmer as they looked at one another.

“There is a disturbing rumor that we would like to ask you two about.” Snips said with a gentle smile.

“If you here you don’t want what I have to say only what you want to hear.” Dr Whooves said hotly.

“You wound me good sir.” Snails said not losing his smile.

“On the contrary we would like to hear what you have to say. Arch Magister Twilight asked us personally to deliver a message after we ask you a question.” Snips said tilting his head.

“Oh and what would that be?” Sunset Shimmer she said placing herself against Dr Whooves side.

“Can you truly find the sister and save equestria from destruction?” Snips asked and the air in the room became quiet.

“We have information that may lead to a better equestria and saving the sisters.” Dr Whooves said with all the hope he could muster. Snips looked at Snails and nodded to one another.

“Sunset Shimmer, Dr Whooves you two are under arrest for suspicion of heresy, believing our holy goddesses could be captured is nothing short of blasphemy.” He said as his horn glowed. Dr Whooves heart stopped a moment before the world around him warped and hig gut lurched causing him to vomit.

“Come on!” Sunset Shimmer exclaimed, Dr Whooves looked up at her groggily as the area around them was now outside the village in the forest. He nodded and followed after her.

“What the dickens was that?” he forced out running after her.

“You were right. Twilight is….is insane!” she said angrily.

“You only have to look at what she allows to understand that Sunset!” he exclaimed.

“I don't want to hear it!” she snapped. Running through the foliage causing her mane to get tangled in brush and leaves she stopped at a clearing and looked up to see pegasi flying overhead. She looked to him and looked lost.

“We need to get to Stormwing territory or the neutral zone.” he said determined. Sunset smiled weakly.

“The inquisition will chase us till the ends of Equestria.” she said hopelessly. He pulled a twig out of her mane with his teeth and spat it onto the ground.

“You forget my dear i've been on the run for decades. I have friends that can help us.” he said with a crooked smile.

“What kind of friends.” She said frowning.

“Ever heard of the Caravan?” he said with a smile.

“A rag tag of traveling gypsies and cast aways.” she said with a frown.

“If you want to evade and get around borders my dear it's the ponies of the caravan.” he said with a smile.

Prisoners and Opportunities

Scootaloo Summer 12,14 ASD

A bucket of water hit her face causing her to jerk awake.

“Gah!” She yelled as she blinked through her blurry vision along with furious coughing. Scootaloo was strapped into a chair with her wings bound and covered in facial bruises. Lightning Dust looked at her as a blue coated earth pony lowered the now empty bucket.

“Now Scootaloo, I have some questions for you.” Lightning Dust said calmly and in full control of the situation. Scootaloo glared at her.

“Go fly into a volcano you traitor.” She said venomously. Lightning Dust looked at the earth pony and nodded. The earth pony approached her as Scootaloo couldn't help but feel fear build up in her as the pony stepped on a lever causing the back of the chair to fall back and her legs to come up forming a table under her. A second pony appeared holding another pale and suddenly a cloth was placed over her face forcefully and water was slowly poured over her. Scootaloo held her breath for as long as she could and after a few moments her lungs burned and she gasped for air and took in water mixed with air. Her body instinctively convulsed against the restraints as she coughed and spat inhaling air or sometimes water. The cloth came off and her body felt completely drained and suddenly her body was forced back into the sitting position thanks to the lever being pressed her head hung forward as Lightning Dust pushed her head back and Scootaloo's eyes were half open unfocused but then looked at her.

“What are the locations of the your house spies in our territory?” She asked with a smile. Scootaloo gave a weak smile.

“Ok...they are next to your second place medals you bucking bitch.” She said and Lightning Dust hit Scootaloo's head against the chair and looked at the earth ponies who started the waterboarding procedure again.

“I have all the time in the world Scootaloo, you on the other hoof is very limited.” She said with a malicious smile.

The water poured as she struggled hard before slowing and stopping. The earth ponies stopped and removed the cloth and one put his ear close to her mouth and didn't feel any breath. He looked at his friend and nodded. Covering her nose he pressed his lips to hers and blew into her mouth causing her chest to rise and the second earth pony began chest compressions and after a few more breaths her body expelled the water and she coughed violently before being brought upright to Lightning Dust's smiling face.

“You won't die till I say so. Again where are your agents.” she said cruelly.

“You know I've had worse kissers…” she said with a weak smile. The earth pony looked at the other with a small smile and Lightning Dust did not find that amusing before she nodded again and the process began again.

The process repeated itself for what seemed like forever, her mind had become blank and a few more times she needed to be resuscitated. She soon felt herself lifted up and carried to her cell and dropped unceremoniously onto the ground and the door was left open. After several minutes the other cells were opened for physical allotted time. Several male stallion prisoners approached the cell looking at the weakened Scootaloo hungrily before three of them entered her cell. Scootaloo looked up at them and her eyes widened in fear, her body did not move how she wanted and one stallion pushed her head down and felt his breath on her neck her tears began as her whimper began.

A loud scream of pain followed by a scream of rage and the stallion who was over her pulled back and the sound of a scuffle could be heard, it was soon over and hoofsteps could be heard and looking up she could see Silver Spoon with a bloody muzzle and makeshift shank in her mouth. She spat it out and helped her up with assistance from a bloodied Sour Lime.

“Well that was entertaining.” Silver Spook said with heavy breathing. Two more ponies walked in also bloody.

“Everything is ready. It's now or never.” A stallion said. A loud explosion an alarm was raised Sour Lime with help from Silver Spoon put Scootaloo onto his back.

“We can't take her she's dead on her hooves.” The faceless mare said to which Silver Spoon glared.

“I would do the same for you.” She said and soon they made their way quickly through the crowd of ponies. A riot had broken out and quickly they approached the door that was usually barred but stood open. The same blue stallion who was in charge of her torturer appeared by the door and Sour Lime slowed obviously scared that they had been caught. Scootaloo managed to look at him and he looked around quickly.

“Silver, hurry up we need to get the hell out of here. The group hurried past and Silver stopped with him giving him a kiss. He closed the bars behind them locking it and running to catch up. The reached the gates that lead outside the compound and then several cracks of hoofcannons could be heard and bits of dirt were kicked up all around them. The gate began to close.

“Go! Go!” Sour Lime was slower than everyone else and the gate had almost finished closing and Scootaloo began to feel despair again as the exit was almost there. Suddenly she felt her body get flung and she tumbled under the gate as Sour Lime had gotten her out by sacrificing himself. He looked up as several earth pony guards swarmed him tackling him to the ground with brutal force.

The blue stallion with Silver Spoons help lifted her up and began to run to a waiting wagon. Where the two unknown ponies began to hitch themselves.

“Sour!” Scootaloo cried out before seeing Lightning Dust appear before Sour Lime with a look of rage on her face. She hefted a hoofcannon from a guard that was beside her and unloaded a shot into Sours face killing him instantly.

“Shit it's Lightning!” Silver Spoon said.

“Nopony can fly in that area, it's covered by magic totems that remove pony magical properties. Flight is impossible right now we need to go!” The blue stallion guard said as the two had finished hitching themselves and the wagon began to move Scootaloo looked at Sour Limes body and then Lightning Dust and her body couldn't process everything that had happened so quickly. But two thing were prevalent in her mind as she passed out. Sadness...and Revenge.

Changeling 3678 Summer 13, 14 ASD

Another boring day at the border. The changeling looked at his compatriot who stood there with resolution of a newly born drone. Individuality was frowned upon usually unless you were given a personality by the queen. Well not was much known about ponies besides them being food. A steady food supply was being manufactured by new means that was beyond him really something to do with a factory cooked up by some other Changelings with more porpoise then he had. He had been an odd one for sure during his education, if you could call it that, it was more like indoctrination than education. Questions were answered but mostly with if you need to know you will be told. Absolute obedience to the matriarch.

“Guard switch.” A voice said behind him and he realized he was leaning against the wall.

“4 hours already?” He said jokingly but the changeling looked at him puzzled.

“Yes, that is why I am here.” He said matter of factly.

“Nothing to report. All quiet on the front.” He said turning over the responsibility to the oncoming guard. He made his way down the stairs and found his cot with a foot locker that held all of his worldly possessions consisting of one armor set he was currently wearing and a blanket. He quickly removed his armor and went to the mess hall. He was given a bag full of blue liquid that was produced by the foundry. Liquid love in a way but truth be told he had never had real love before. After eating he left and took flight to get away from the monotony of the camp.

He flew for an hour mindlessly when the sound of hooves and trampling and the crack of hoofcannons made him blink. Earthborn troops this far in?! He thought surprised and charged towards the sounds and saw three pegasus chasing after a wagon full of ponies. Most likely criminals he summed up but still. He lit up his horn and fired a green burst up into the air which detonated in a green flair. The pegasus stopped instantly and zeroed in on him. He smiled and then was surprised as a Pegasus bolted at him with speed that left a slight yellow trail.

“Shit….” He said and stopped flying instantly and dropped like a stone just missing the blades on the wings of his yellow pegasus attacker. He opened his wings again and found refuge in the trees as he weaved between the trees and saw the wagon zoom past a pegasus was gaining on it. Making a decision he aimed for the pegasus. He covered himself in his green shielding and body slammed into the pegasus breaking ribs and puncturing its side with his horn. The pegasus dropped dead after striking a tree. The yellow one, of two pegasus was about to pursue but was stopped by the remaining teammate. The two left angrily but quickly. Flying up he saw why, a group of his companions were on their way. He quickly looked at the wagon which was finding a spot to hide behind a large rock and bushes. His companions approached.

“Changeling, was it you that fired the flare.” The head changeling asked. He nodded.

“A small group was ch….checking out the forest for openings but I engaged them. I got one but the others retreated that direction.” He said pointing in the direction after them. The head changeling nodded and the groups took off with a quick pace. Soon they were far enough and he flew and landed in front of the wagon and all eyes were on him in surprise and unease. It's not like him to want to disobey his superiors but for some reason he just….hated how his life was and for better or worse an opportunity had presented itself and he was taking it.

“So what are ponies like you doing in a Changeling infested territory like this?” he asked with a fanged smile The group all looked at one another before a grey mare with a silver mane matted with dry blood giving her a savage appearance.

“I am Silver Spoon. Who are you and why did you help us?” She asked flatly. He placed a hoof on his chin in thought.

“Why indeed...if I were anydrone else I would have you arrested and taken to the Foundry to work at however they produce love these days but….i'm not just a drone. Lucky for you I'm in the market for new employment.” He said putting his hoof down. The blue stallion in a uniform looked him over clearly apprehensive at this sudden development.

“We do need a guide.” He said and Silver Spoon frowned. The changeling smiled as she looked over the opportunity, she couldn't have asked for a better guide. It was just too good to be true.

“Best make up your mind. The patrol will be back soon.” He said with a shrug.

“What is your name?” Silver Spoon asked. The changeling thought a moment.

“Officially my name is Changeling 3678 but i didnt take to it, i chose the name Thorax.” he said with a neutral expression. The mare that was hitched alongside another stallion looked at him and laughed. He didn't understand why she was laughing.

“I like that...Thorax.” She said with a smile. Silver Spoon looked at her brown coated, grey maned companion.

“Who said we were going to let him come Rose Soil.” she interjected.

“Like your guardsmen squeeze said Spoony. We need a guide.” The dark red coated, white maned stallion pointed out.

“Not you too Powder Keg.” She said frustrated. Thorax looked at her expectantly knowing full well the outcome.

“Fine you're in but for the record I do not trust you. This is Rose Soil, Powder Keg.” She said formally introducing the two earth ponies. She turned to the blue stallion wearing the guards uniform.

“This is Cargo. I am Silver Spoon, and the one here is Scootaloo.” She finished pointing down at the limp looking Scootaloo who was on her side breathing but weakly.

“Ok first let's get off the road. What happened to her?” Thorax asked. Cargo looked hard at him.

“Alot has happened to her. Let's go.” He said in a gravely voice. Thorax smiled and shrugged.

“Sure thing, Where do you want to go?” he asked. Silver Spoon thought a moment.

“South. I hope we can get sea transport. We need to get away from Earthborn territory.” She said resolutely. Thorax chuckled.

“Out of the frying pan and into the fire as they say….” He said offhoofedly.

“What do you mean by that?” Rose Soil asked as they began to follow after him.

“The further south we go the more populated the areas. We're in the boons here. We will have to get by the Foundry unless you want to take the long way round.” He said.

“Better to be safe right?” Cargo said as Silver Spoon was about to say Thorax laughed.

“Who said anything about being safe? Fastest way is past Foundry city.” He said. Trotting along the path leading them.

“Ok then we go sneak past the Foundry.” Silver Spoon decided. Thorax chuckled nervously thinking well he wanted something different but this might be a bit much but then again he had reserved himself to go against everything he was supposed to be.

“Whatever you say.” he said with a nervous smile to accompany his internal nervousness.