Dawn of the Force

Everfree Forest, Equestria

06/15/2025

1900 hours

The trio of Minuteponies, Artemis, Gale Wind, and Thunder, had spent most of the previous day and a good bit into the night carving out a hidey hole in the Everfree Forest. Because of all that the forest holds, it was the last place the trio wanted to set up base, but they figured the dangers would make it so it'd be the last place the Changelings would think to look for them.

"Alright, so... what should our first move be?" Gale Wind asked.

"We need more ponies if we're to take back Equestria," Artemis pointed out, "Gale, you should head out towards Hollow Shades. I have no doubt that having more Bat ponies in our ranks will be incredibly useful".

"But, sir, Hollow Shades is at least two days flight from here," Gale pointed out.

"I understand that, but that's where your nocturnal nature comes into play," Artemis said, "If you fly by night and sleep by day, you shouldn't be caught. If you do get caught... well, you're one of the best night guards out there, in the top three I believe. You have that position for a reason".

"Not only that, but night strikes will be crucial for us," Thunder said, "The more bats we have, the more strikes we can perform".

"Very well... I'll do it," Gale said.

"Great," Artemis said, turning to face Thunder, "I'll need you to go to Ponyville. The Element bearers call that town home, and the residents have no doubt seen their fair share of strange things as a result. Not only that, but everypony there treats each other as family, so it shouldn't be difficult to convince the whole of the town to join us if we bring up the Element bearers being injured, or worse, in the attack".

"Understood, sir," Thunder said.

"So, what'll you do?" Gale asked.

"We're going to need a base," Artemis pointed out, "This forest should keep us safe for some time. During that time, we will gather allies and work on getting this base ready for very possible attacks in the future. Not only that, but we'll need a place for everypony to sleep and eat safely".

Once the three were in agreement, they all set off to complete their tasks.

Ponyville, Equestria

06/15/2025

1900 hours

The sky was dark, indicating night time. It would appear as though the princesses were allowed to perform their duties of managing the day/night cycle. Thunder walked through the peaceful looking town of Ponyville, the streets illuminated by lanterns, and not a changeling in sight. He walked up to the first house he saw and knocked on the door.

"Who are you, and what in Tartarus do you want at this late hour?" The pony asked.

"My name is Thunder, and I'm here recruiting for the Equestrian Resistance against the Changelings," Thunder said.

"First off, what the hay are changelings?" The pony asked, "Secondly, I'm not interesting in joining the guard".

"Changelings are bug like pony creatures that have recently taken over Canterlot," Thunder explained, "We're not entirely sure how they succeeded, but they did. Me and a couple of other guards have decided to start a resistance to free Equestria".

"Uh-huh," The pony said, "Look, I need to get some sleep so I can work properly tomorrow and provide for my family. So, if you'll excuse me".

"Have you taken notice of six mares missing, by any chance?" Thunder asked as the pony started closing the door.

"Last I heard, they were heading up to Canterlot for a big party of sorts or something like that," The pony said.

"That is correct," Thunder said, "We aren't sure of their well being, but they might have been lost in the attack".

"Lost, as in... dead?" The pony asked.

"We still hold out hope for otherwise, but I can't say for sure," Thunder said.

The pony in the doorway stood there in thought for a minute or two, pondering what Thunder had told him.

"What proof do you have of this attack?" The pony asked.

"Did you happen to see a pink shield around Canterlot a day or two ago?" Thunder asked.

"Yea, I saw it," The pony said, "Thought it was kind of odd, but almost nothing those six are involved with is ever normal".

"It was there because of a threat made against Canterlot just before a wedding," Thunder explained, "When it went down was when the attack started. We weren't as prepared as we should have been, admittedly, and the changelings managed to take over in force. If the resistance can't fight back, Equestria will soon be lost entirely".

"Alright, I suppose you're making some kind of sense, but I still don't buy this whole story," The pony said, "But, with the Element bearers gone for right now, if there IS an army taking over... well, Ponyville wouldn't be safe at the moment, so neither is my family. I'll trust you for now, but don't underestimate me. You so much as look at my wife or kids wrong, I will end you on the spot".

"That's the spirit we're looking for," Thunder said.

"Where should we head off to?" The pony asked.

"The Everfree," Thunder said, "It's dangerous enough to shield us for a long while. After all, why look for ponies in a place they're afraid to go?"

"You're coming with us, then," The pony said, "If I'm taking my family into that Celestia damned forest, I demand protection".

"And you shall have it," Thunder said, "My first duty is towards Equestria's citizens first and foremost".

"And by the way, name's Iron Tail," The pony said.