The Fallen

"War?"

"Yes. Captain Spitfire informed me last night. We will be meeting with Princess Celestia for further explanation," I said seriously, looking at each of my squad mates individually to emphasize my point. They all looked at each other with unsure glances and a hint of fear in their eyes. I couldn't blame them, I too was scared for my own life. This wasn't something to just wake up to and be fine with. A war? A war between all of Equestria, turned against itself for the worst. Of course, there was nothing I, nor anypony, could do to change it now.

"Captain Shadow, when will this meeting take place? And... When is the actual... war?" Ember Flame, my second in command, said with hesitation laced in her tone. I gritted my teeth, the news of the war's timing was unsettling to talk about.

"The meeting will take place today at High Noon. The war," I paused, steadying my breath, "...is tomorrow."

A look of pure shock and terror filled all 3 of their faces. The newest member of our squad was nearly in tears, blinking his eyes twice and staring forward blankly. Ember's jaw dropped as she took a step back and started to breath heavily. Her expression suggested that she felt sick. Her bright yellow eyes darted about the room as she continued to take in fast shaky breaths. My vision blurred a bit, but I pushed away the tears, for the sake of staying strong, for the sake of my team. I straightened my posture and inhaled deeply before opening my mouth to speak.

"Captain Spitfire will provide you with your armor. Meet her in her office as soon as possible. And listen," my expression softened, their eyes drew towards me, "A family always stays together." I smiled weakly nodding towards the door. They all left me alone in my quarters to contemplate just what I was to do. I looked at my closet, on a mare size plastic model, was my gold plated armor.

"By tomorrow. We're broken. We can't be fixed. We are damaged beyond repair," I said to myself softly, looking down at my hooves. "Will I make it out alive? Probably not. Will I be undamaged? Definitely not."

First, the lead squad. All three of them brought us along the winding corridors of Canterlot castle in squad order. Two members of the Royal Guard escorted us to the throne room, where Princess Celestia would explain everything, and hopefully clarify any questions that lay dauntingly in our minds and lay heavily on our hearts. I looked back, all the Wonderbolts behind me had a fake sense of confidence and pride in their steps to conceal their melancholy emotions. I, too, was walking confidently, trying my best to stay strong and powerful. Even Spitfire had faltered a bit. Just for a second, we were all equally horrified. I would be fighting for my country, there was no burden from that perspective, but I was also fighting innocents. I bit my lip as sickening images danced around my head, trying desperately to push them away.

The grand doors before us creaked open, light flooding the area as the Sun goddess herself sat in her throne regally. Her violet eyes cast toward us, causing each and every pony to bow instantly. In short swift movements, we were in the room, standing in a strict formation with stoic expressions.

"At ease, my subjects," Celestia bowed her head, allowing a bit of tension to escape the air. Ponies beside me and behind me all stared longingly at the Princess, awaiting an explanation.

"Your Highness, we have accepted your invitation to meet for further explanation of the war," Spitfire said in her captain voice, which echoed a bit due to the hollow room and her loud tone. Celestia nodded and stepped off of her throne. The metallic tap of her shoes filled the atmosphere as apprehension built around us. She stopped two yards from the front row of Wonderbolts and cast her eyes slowly among all of us.

"As most of you may have heard," Celestia began, steadily pacing the floor, "the war will take place tomorrow. I am aware that it is very sudden, but due to the dispute between our fair land, a raging warfare has been declared. I was recently spoken to by the council of each and every region of Equestria, and debated whether the battle should take place. I agreed, for reasons, I fear, may not be relieved by this mortal conflict. I do ask, that for the sake of yourself, and our mighty home, that you do choose where you stand. Is it Canterlot you will fight for? Or your home of birth, if you weren't from these parts." She said regally, making sure to firmly press her point to us. I had already chosen my side, with great morals and reasoning behind my choice. My teammates, however, I couldn't be so sure of.

"As of these next few moments, I will answer questions. But, if you are not to partake in the Canterlot side, do leave once I instruct to do so," the sun princess said. "You."

An indigo stallion in the back cleared his throat.

"Ah, yes. What is the conflict previously mentioned?"

"Exceptional question. We are calling it the 'Bolt Strike'. It is a code name for Equestrians only," Celestia responded. Bolt Strike?

On my way back to my quarters, I happened to forget to check the time. I looked around, my eyes landing on a plain wall clock beside somepony's door. 8:00 sharp, and due time for resting. What tomorrow holds is unknown, and there is no possible way to prepare. So, with the weight of the awful bloodshed that awaited me, I forced myself to sleep.