Equestria: The Crystal War

Chapters

Prologue
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Introduction

Prologue

Equestria was in ruin. It had been 30 years since Starnet took over, raining down the nuclear bombs with the intent of wiping out the Equestrian race. And it nearly succeeded. But one stallion, Braveheart, led most ponies to safety within the Stables. The Stables were fallout shelters that the ponies used to survive until the nuclear fire subsided. When it had, they emerged from these shelters to find a new threat. Starnet had built machines to hunt down the survivors of the nuclear bombs. Terminators and Hunter Killers patrolled the ruins of Equestria, searching and destroying any surviving ponies. To combat the machines, a resistance rose up. Led by Braveheart’s adopted daughter, Velvet Remedy, the Resistance has made significant progress in bringing down Starnet. 10 years after the destruction of the T-800 factory, the Resistance has set up a base in the depths of the charred and burned White Tail Woods.

Velvet Remedy was sitting in her quarters in the Resistance base, checking over her guns. She was cleaning barrels, polishing scopes, checking ammo, among other tasks. Her wounds from the T-800 factory in Skynet Central had healed, leaving facial scars. Remedy wore a General’s emblem on her uniform. A knock came from her door.

“Come in,” Remedy said. The door opened with a loud creaking, and Braveheart walked inside. He wore a Lieutenant General’s emblem on his torn and patched up uniform.

“Hey Remedy,” he said. Upon hearing her father’s voice, Remedy looked up from her weapon maintenance. Braveheart gave his daughter a warm smile and stepped inside, closing the door behind him. It made a loud clang, but neither pony flinched. Remedy stood up and walked up to her father. They wrapped their hooves around each other in a tight embrace, then held it there for a moment. Remedy broke the hug. She and Braveheart sat down at the table. Remedy looked into her father’s eyes. Despite not being able to age beyond a point, Braveheart started to look old to Remedy. Most would say it was exhaustion from the war. Remedy thought otherwise. She believed it was from his experiences before Starnet even took over. The Rainbow Factory, Pinkamena in her basement, followed by her murder, the second Changeling attack, the Dazzling takeover in the human world, his wife’s death at Sombra’s hooves at the former Crystal Empire, his discovery of Adagio Dazzle’s Pizza’s history, and his enlightenment after meeting Celestia and Luna’s spirits. Braveheart had told Remedy his entire life story during the wait for the fallout to subside from the nuclear fire. His mechanical right front hoof and mechanical wings were proof of his experiences. And Velvet Remedy, she was only here because Braveheart had saved her from the Rainbow Factory years before. Remedy was taken there when her house was ransacked and her parents were killed. She was under forced labor, until Braveheart saved her. When Starnet first took over, Braveheart saved her again as the bombs fell. Now, 40 years later, here they were, about to end this destructive war against Starnet.

“You’ve grown so much,” Braveheart said. “It seems like only yesterday you were a little filly, living with everypony else in the Stables.” Remedy smiled, then it quickly faded.

“Those were better days,” Remedy sighed. “The machines may have taken over, but at least we were safe.”

“True,” Braveheart agreed. “But we had to leave when we did. Otherwise, the machines would have found us regardless.”

“Yeah, you’re right,” Remedy said. “I just want this fighting to end.”

“We all do, baby,” Braveheart said. “Nothing good ever comes out of it.” Remedy’s face fell. She put a hoof over her heart. “What is it, Remedy?” Braveheart asked.

“I can’t stop thinking about Pinkamena,” Remedy said. “Her sacrifice to save me.” Braveheart sighed.

“Yeah, me neither,” he said. “We were good friends before Starnet took over. Except for that one time.” Braveheart clenched his robotic hoof. Remedy looked up.

“Dad, what if we don’t succeed?” she asked, worried. “What if Starnet isn’t stopped, and the Resistance falls?” Braveheart was silent for a moment.

“I don’t know,” he mumbled. “But I do know we can’t fail.” Remedy nodded. Another knock came from the door.

“It’s open,” Remedy said. The door opened, and Rainbow Dash walked in. Dash had grown older with the war. Her flying abilities had faltered slightly, rendering her unable to perform a rainboom, but her senses were as sharp as ever. She was a resilient lieutenant under Remedy’s command, and was Littlepip’s firearms instructor.

“General,” Dash said. “The Resistance is waiting for you. We’re all ready for the attack on Starnet’s central core.”

“I’ll be right there,” Remedy said. Dash nodded and left the room. Braveheart and Remedy stood up, slinging their rifles around their shoulders. Braveheart put his mechanical hoof on his daughter’s shoulder. Remedy nodded with a smile, and the two left the room for the hangar.

Rainbow Dash walked around the hangar, making sure preparations for the attack were in order. Remedy walked into the hangar with Braveheart, and the troops stopped what they were doing and saluted to them. Remedy stepped up onto a plane ladder and faced the troops.

“This will be the end of Starnet’s global network,” she said. “We will finish what we started 20 years ago when this resistance was first formed. This day will mark victory for the Resistance, and defeat for Starnet. Now, let’s crush these machines at their core. Let’s go!” The troops cheered and ran to their transports. Braveheart, Velvet Remedy, Littlepip, and Rainbow Dash got into their helicopter transport. The aircraft took off from the hangar, and flew off to Canterlot, where Starnet’s central core was located. The aircraft engines roared loudly.

“General,” the pilot of Remedy’s chopper called. “Are you sure this is a good idea, going into Starnet’s core hot like this?”

“I want the machines to notice us so the bombers coming in from the south can get a clear shot,” Remedy explained. Braveheart finished putting on his electromagnet suit. Remedy’s suit linked to Braveheart’s, and Pip’s linked to Rainbow Dash’s.

“You ready kid?” Dash asked.

“Ready as I’ll ever be,” Pip nodded. A nearby explosion suddenly rocked the aircraft. Braveheart looked outside. The Resistance was coming up on Starnet’s central core. Plasma shots blasted by the helicopters, some hitting their mark. One of the choppers was blown from the sky, and it was sent careening down.

“This is it!” Remedy cried. “Call in the bombers!” Littlepip nodded and pressed a button on her wrist. Within seconds, a group of VTOL attack jets stormed below, dropping their payload. The bombs fell to their targets, and they detonated on impact. The explosions took out the main wall and security gate of the Starnet courtyard, sending rubble in all directions.

“Bombing run successful,” Spitfire reported as she led the jets away. “General Remedy, you are cleared for entry.”

“Copy that,” Remedy said. She and Braveheart connected their electromagnets and started their freefall. Rainbow Dash and Littlepip did the same. The rest of the ground troops dropped from the helicopters, following them down. The Terminators below couldn’t pinpoint the skydivers at their altitude, so they shot wildly in the air at the choppers. The helicopters turned tail and retreated to a safe area. Braveheart did a quick check of his equipment while in freefall. Twilight Sparkle, part of the infiltration team, came close.

“How you doing, Twilight?” Braveheart called over his radio.

“Doing fine,” Twilight replied. “Except that I lost my entire infiltration team. I need more troops.”

“Roger that,” Braveheart nodded. He tuned his radio to Littlepip and Velvet Remedy. “General, Major Sparkle has lost her entire team, leaving us without a way to shut down Starnet. I’m going with her with Littlepip.”

“All right,” Remedy agreed. “You be careful down there.”

“We will,” Braveheart assured. The skydivers were coming up fast on the ground.

“300 meters!” Rainbow Dash called out. “…200…100…NOW!” The Pegasi divers opened their wings and let loose their cargo. The Resistance fighters dropped onto the ground and began their assault. Terminators and Resistance soldiers alike were shot down in the laser fire. Braveheart and Pip followed Twilight around the warzone to a ventilation shaft. Twilight opened up the grate and put it aside.

“In here,” Twilight instructed. She crawled inside, followed by Braveheart, who was followed by Littlepip. Pip shut the grate behind her. The team crawled through the vents quietly, directed by Twilight’s tracker. After a time, Twilight stopped.

“Down here,” she said. She used her magic to open a grate below her and flew down. Braveheart linked up with Pip and flew down as well. They landed behind an unoccupied control panel, and Braveheart and Pip unlinked.

“What’s the plan?” Braveheart asked. Twilight pointed to specific areas.

“Place charges along the main power grid,” she said. “Destroy any Terminators you see. We’re leaving nothing behind.” She gave Braveheart and Pip each a bag of charges, and they slung them over their shoulders. An alarm suddenly sounded through the room.

“Time displacement equipment activated,” a computer voice said. “Preparing Unit 800 Model 101 for time departure.”

“If that Terminator goes through, it will try and reset the future,” Braveheart said. He gave Littlepip his charges. “I’m going to go stop it.” He ran off toward the time displacement equipment, tracking its location on his tracker. Twilight and Pip got to work placing the charges.

Braveheart ran through the facility, shooting down any Terminators in sight. He followed his tracker quickly, in fear of Starnet resetting the future. He got to a viewport window and saw the time displacement equipment. A Terminator resembling Twilight’s mother walked up to it. Braveheart knew he had no time to lose. He put a thermal imploder on the window, set it for 5 seconds, and ducked behind a crate. The charge exploded, sucking in air before expanding outward with fire, completely destroying the window. He extended his wings and bolted down to the Terminator. It whipped around and backhooved Braveheart out of the air. Braveheart dropped his weapons as he fell to the metal floor. The Terminator got an angry face and stormed towards Braveheart. It grabbed him and raised him high, then slammed him back onto the ground. It threw him across the room, and Braveheart hit the sloped wall. He landed next to his fallen pistol. The Terminator walked up, ready to kill him. Braveheart noticed his pistol, and used his magic to grab it. He stood up and stuck the barrel into the Terminator’s mouth. The Terminator grabbed his neck, and began to squeeze. Struggling to breathe, Braveheart tried to pry the Terminator’s hooves away. He inched the trigger closer to firing.

“This is for my past,” he choked. He fired his gun, the blast tearing through the Terminator’s skull. It immediately released its grip on Braveheart, who stumbled back, breathing hard. The Terminator fell onto its side, its head blown inside out. Braveheart sheathed his pistol and picked up his rifle and slung it over his shoulder. His radio erupted with static and voice.

“This is Major Twilight Sparkle,” the radio cried out. “Braveheart, the charges are set. We’re back outside, and we’re suffering heavy casualties.” Braveheart focused his magic and teleported outside. He found his way to his daughter, who was with Littlepip and Twilight.

“Get clear!” Remedy cried over her radio. “Fall back!” The troops followed Remedy away from the warzone. Braveheart and Twilight stayed put. They had to wait until the Resistance fighters were clear before detonating. Terminators started to come closer to their hiding places. The Terminators gained ground on them quickly. Twilight looked over from her hiding place behind a fallen armored truck. Braveheart was ducked behind a destroyed helicopter.

“Do it.” Braveheart nodded. Twilight pulled out her detonator and flicked the switch. Braveheart focused hard and projected a force field around himself. Twilight did the same. A faint boom came from within the facility, and a split second later, the entire plaza erupted in a glorious flash of flame. The blast sent the unsuspecting Terminators flying. It took all of Braveheart’s and Twilight’s willpower to keep their magic shields up. The blast created a mushroom cloud and a shockwave that spread for a mile in diameter. Across Equestria, Terminators shut down, falling to the ground with a loud clatter. Aerial HKs plummeted to the ground, disabled, some exploding on impact. HK tanks stopped rolling and firing, leaving them vulnerable to the Resistance explosives. When the dust and smoke finally settled, Braveheart and Twilight dispersed their force fields. They dropped to the charred ground, exhausted. Braveheart struggled to stand up, but he managed to do so. He hobbled over to Twilight and helped her up.

“It’s over,” he whispered. “It’s all finally over.” The two fighters limped back to the Resistance Base. As they did, a light passed over them. Twilight had fallen unconscious. Braveheart looked up to see a Resistance helicopter overhead. Pegasus ponies dropped from the chopper, and landed in front of Braveheart and Twilight. Two of them took Twilight in their hooves and flew back up to the helicopter. Braveheart tried to fly up, but his left wing suddenly sparked and broke in half. Two Pegasi, Raindrops and Cloudchaser, caught him before he fell, and carried him up to the chopper.

“Thanks for that,” Braveheart said. The two Pegasi saluted with a nod. Braveheart looked to his left, and saw his daughter in the chopper. He smiled at her, and she smiled back, tears in her eyes.

“I’m so happy you’re OK,” she said. “I thought…” Braveheart stopped her with a tight hug, which Remedy quickly returned.

“It’s over, Velvet,” he whispered. “The war is over. Equestria is free.” The helicopter flew away as another flew back to the site. The carrier was transporting the search and destroy team. Their final mission was to shut down any still-functional machines at the site. The carrier heli landed about 100 yards from the site, and the pony soldiers continued on hoof. They wore gas masks to guard against the lingering toxic fumes from the explosion. They took cautious steps through the site, wary of still-functional machines. A young mare, a unicorn with a pure white coat and bright blue eyes and a yellow mane and tail, mane in a braid and tail hanging free, walked into the obliterated core building. Her cutie mark was a bright blue drop of water with a sparkle in the center.

“Be careful in there, Private Soul,” a stallion team member called from nearby.

“Yes sir, Sergeant,” the mare said. She carefully advanced into the facility. This mare’s name was Pure Soul.

The Starnet Central Core was black and charred, instead of the prior silver and white gleam; a result of the earlier detonation. Sparks flew from busted control panels and wiring, creating brief light. Pure Soul flicked on her rifle mounted light and shone it in front of her. She lit up a couple of flares, tossing them to her sides. The flares lit up the control room of the core. Disabled Terminators lay dead-eyed on the ground in piles near the destroyed walls. Terminator appendages were scattered throughout the facility. Soul kept alert. She followed a trail of parts down a flight of steps. She stepped inside of a scathed, but intact ball shaped room. In the center was a large ring shaped device that went from ceiling to floor. She walked up a small staircase to the device, where a control panel stood. She slid away her gun and inspected the control panel. The device appeared to be time displacement equipment. She hacked into the control panel and powered on the equipment. The lights in the room turned on, and the time equipment gave off a heavy but quiet hum. Soul got a hopeful look in her eyes. She had wanted to escape this place the moment she was put into the Resistance. She hated violence, and hated the war. Now, she had a chance to live a life she always wanted. She inspected the machine further. Any nonorganic material would not pass through the time field. This was her opportunity to change her life, but she knew she had to destroy any evidence that she had gone through.

She pulled up a nearby T-800. Its head was blown inside out, but it could still be hacked. She programmed the machine to reset the machine and attempt to pass through itself. Since it had exposed endoskeleton, it would destroy itself and the time displacement equipment when it did. The machine walked up to the control panel and set the time the mare wanted to go. August 14, 2011. She removed all of her equipment, armor, and clothing, and stepped up to the center of the machine. The reprogrammed Terminator pressed a few buttons, and the time displacement equipment activated. Three rings began to rotate around each other, creating a ball outline. Soul rose into the air as a ball of energy surrounded her. Lightning started to fly from the energy ball, but the room absorbed it, powering the machine further. The rings spun faster and faster, until the energy ball disappeared, taking the mare with it. The machine cooled down, and the Terminator reprogrammed the time equipment to go again. The Terminator walked into the machine, and it activated. The sequence repeated, but the exposed endoskeleton absorbed the electricity from the energy ball, causing the machine to overload. It started to spark and flare up with electricity. The search and destroy team Sergeant walked into the room, and saw the malfunctioning machine. He ran outside.

“Everypony get off the site!” he cried out. “The time displacement equipment is going to blow!” The team ran fast from the site, getting to a safe distance. The time equipment sparked a final time, then exploded into an inferno. Dust and rubble shot from the underground bunker, creating a black cloud. The huge explosion left a deep crater on the site, leaving nothing behind from Starnet’s central core.

~~~

Date: August 14, 2011. Location: Ponyvillle. Time: 11:39 PM. The small town of Ponyville was quiet in the night. Princess Luna had raised the moon three hours earlier as dusk fell. Up north, Canterlot was ablaze with activity. Princess Mi Amore Cadenza, or Princess Cadence, and Shining Armor of the Royal Guard had just gotten married in the city, and the reception was in full swing into the night. Most ponies from Ponyville were attending the ceremony, leaving the town nearly deserted. In the town square, electricity suddenly started to fly. The winds picked up around the lightning, blowing around loose leaves and objects. The lightning intensified as a ball of electricity formed in the center of the square. A bright flash erupted from the lightning, then everything was still. Pure Soul lay on her side in the middle of town square. In pain from her time travel, she groaned as she tried to get up. She stood up with difficulty and stretched her aching muscles. She recovered quickly, and took a deep breath of the fresh night air, free of nuclear fallout. She smiled and thought to herself. This would be the beginning of her new life, in a war free Equestria she always dreamed of.

~~~15 Months Later~~~

Pure Soul was happy. She and her husband, Valiant Effort, had settled down in Ponyville as a newly married couple. Valiant was a Pegasus stallion with a tan coat and a brown mane and tail. His cutie mark was a silver broadsword with a short cross guard. He was preparing dinner for his wife, because she was 8 months pregnant with a foal. There was suddenly a knock on the door. Valiant stopped what he was doing and walked over to the door. He opened it to see Derpy Hooves, the mailpony, standing there with a troubled look on her face and an envelope in her hoof.

“It’s from the Princess herself,” Derpy said. “It’s extremely important. Everypony in Equestria has gotten this.”

“Thank you, Derpy,” Valiant said with a nod. Derpy gave a weak smile and flew off to deliver the rest of the letters. Valiant closed the door and looked at the envelope. It had the royal insignia on it.

“What does it say?” Pure Soul asked. Valiant extended his wrist mounted blade and cut the letter open. He took out the paper inside and read it aloud.

“Dear subjects of Equestria,

I’m afraid an ancient evil has reawaken in the Frozen North. Thought to have been defeated over 1000 years ago, King Sombra, tyrant of the Crystal Empire, has returned. He has already begun to enslave his own subjects and amass an army to bring ruin to Equestria. I ask that everypony on the attached list prepare themselves. I regret to inform that war has come to Equestria. If you do not have an attached list, you must still help. Do whatever you can to help the cause. Join together to make clothes, plant and grow food, make weapons and equipment, anything to help the war effort. I will not force anypony to do this, but I highly encourage it. Help return peace to Equestria.
-Princess Celestia”

Pure Soul’s face fell. She had left her old life to pursue a new one, free of war. Now, war has found her again. She looked at her husband with a sad look.

“You aren’t going back, are you?” she asked. “I’m afraid.” Valiant Effort barred his teeth and extended his blade. He stabbed it into the letter and cut it up. He threw the pieces on the floor. He gave his wife an assuring look.

“I resigned from the service to be with you,” he said, sitting down next to her on the couch. “I’m not going anywhere. We’ll do what we can, but after you’ve recovered.” Soul smiled warmly, and laid her head on Valiant’s shoulder.

“Thank you,” she said. With Sombra’s return, Equestria’s fate was uncertain. However, one thing was certain. War made its way to Equestria, and it planned to ruin peace.

Chapter 1

Pure Soul was sitting up in her bed, smiling. She held her sleeping newborn in her hooves. The doctor had just recently left after helping with the delivery. Valiant Effort walked into the room with a tray of food.

“How is he?” he asked. Soul couldn’t help tears of joy from running down her face.

“He’s wonderful,” she said. “Absolutely wonderful.” The foal woke up and looked up at his mother. He reached out with his tiny hooves to her. Valiant sat down next to the bed.

“What are we going to call him?” he asked. Soul gave it a bit of thought while the foal wiggled around in her hooves. She thought about her past, and she got an idea.

“How about, Braveheart?” she suggested.

“It’s perfect,” Valiant agreed. Braveheart gave out a small burp, followed by a tiny laugh.

~~~

Braveheart grew up quickly. He inherited his father’s tan coat, and his mother’s bright blue eyes. His mane and tail were a dirty yellow, and much to his parent’s surprise, he was an Alicorn. Despite this, he learned fast to keep his magic in check. He learned simple spells from his mother, and learned how to fly from his father. He eventually learned about the war against the Crystal Empire, and how his family had to help. At six years old, he started helping Applejack and her brother Big Macintosh at Sweet Apple Acres. He was in charge of delivering apples to the farmhouse, where the machines inside would turn them into applesauce to be canned and shipped to the soldiers on the front. This was how he helped out every other day. The other days of the week he helped at the Ponyville textile mill. He helped sort out the clothing Rarity sewed in the boxes which were shipped to the soldiers. He would also deliver the wool from Fluttershy to the mill. Braveheart grew very efficient in his work, and would sometimes have time to himself.

It was a Thursday afternoon in January. Braveheart was hauling a harvest of apples to the farmhouse to Applejack. As he reached the farmhouse, he used his magic to dump his payload into the sorter, which led into the factory. He took a rag from his hoof pack and wiped his brow. He put it away and stepped inside the farmhouse. The machines inside made a huge racket. Steam hissing, pots rattling, and mechanisms whirring. He had gotten used to the loud noises. The air inside smelled of hot apples and burning fuels. Braveheart walked to the sorter and pressed a switch to send the good apples to the boiler.

“Good haul there, sugarcube,” Applejack said. Braveheart turned around to see Applejack behind him. She was clothed in her usual brown factory clothes and hair net.

“Thank you, ma’am,” Braveheart said with a nod. Applejack gave a small smirk.

“Braveheart, ya know ya don’t have ta call me that,” she said. “Just call me AJ.”

“I can’t,” Braveheart said.

“Why not?” Applejack asked.

“It wouldn’t be respectful,” Braveheart explained. “You’re my boss.” Applejack put a hoof on Braveheart’s shoulder.

“Braveheart, Ah respect yer thinkin’, but it’s really not necessary,” she said. She stood up and walked to the back of the farmhouse, Braveheart following her.

“Help me out with these,” Applejack requested, stopping at the barrels of canned apples. She laid one on its side and rolled it outside. Braveheart did the same and followed her out to the cart. They loaded the barrels into the cart, and the delivery pony nodded and ran off to deliver the food. Applejack sighed as she looked out to the setting sun.

“No matter how much Equestria does, it never seems ta be enough,” she lamented. “Sombra just keeps gainin’ more and more ground with each passing day. We just have ta hope an’ pray that Celestia and the ponies in the front lines can stop him.” Braveheart looked up at Applejack. She seemed lost in herself. He gave her a small nudge. She didn’t move. Braveheart nudged her a little harder. Applejack still didn’t move.

“AJ,” Braveheart said with a hard tap. Applejack snapped out of her trance and looked down at Braveheart.

“What is it?” she asked.

“Are you OK?” Braveheart asked. Applejack nodded.

“Ah’m fine,” she said. “You’re all set for today. Go ahead and head home.”

“Thanks,” Braveheart said with a smile. He walked out of Sweet Apple Acres and went back home. Applejack turned back to the farmhouse and stepped inside. Big Mac was waiting for her.

“Ah don’t know what ta do,” Applejack said. “Ah don’t want ta tell him that Sombra’s gettin’ closer ta Ponyville. It’ll scare the poor colt.”

“Eeyup,” Big Mac agreed.

“But Ah feel like he needs ta know,” Applejack sighed. “Fer fear of his own safety, as well as his folks’. He’s been such a great help around the orchard, and Ah’m worried fer him.”

“Eeyup,” Big Mac said again.

“Ah don’t know,” Applejack said. “It’s the right thing ta do. We’ll tell him the next time he’s around.”

“Eeyup,” Big Mac nodded.

~~~

Braveheart opened the door to his home in Ponyville. He walked inside and shut the door behind him. His mother was in the kitchen preparing dinner.

“Mom, I’m home,” Braveheart called out, rather quietly. Pure Soul looked over from her cooking and smiled at her son.

“Glad you’re back safe,” she said as she turned back to the pot on the stove. “Run along and clean off for dinner. It’ll be ready in a few minutes, and your father will be back soon.”

“Where is he?” Braveheart asked.

“He went to run some errands after work,” Soul explained. “He’ll be back before you finish. Go on now.” Braveheart nodded and walked to the washroom. He shut the door behind him and took off his hair net and factory garments. He folded them up and laid them on the nearby table, simultaneously turning on the shower with his magic. Since water had to be used sparingly, he got right in. He jumped at the cold water. It eventually got warmer as he washed off. Once he had finished, he grabbed his towel and dried off. Opening the nearby drawer, Braveheart pulled out a folded piece of plastic. He took it in his hoof and twirled it open in a flurry, revealing the hidden comb. He straightened out his mane to the look he liked. It hung loose and looked a bit messy, but it was neat. His tail was the same way. He fancily closed his butterfly comb he had made and slid it away.

“Braveheart!” Pure Soul called. “Dinner’s ready.”

“Coming Mom!” Braveheart called back. He brushed a bit of mane out of his face and walked out of the washroom to the dining room down the hall. Somepony suddenly poked his side, causing him to jump back and turn around. His dad was behind him, smirking.

“Dad!” Braveheart cried, annoyed.

“What?” Valiant Effort said, stifling a laugh.

“Don’t do that!” Braveheart said. “You know it feels weird.” He quickly smiled and jumped up into his father’s hooves. Valiant hugged his son tight.

“Good to see you, kiddo,” he said. “Glad you’re home safe.”

“You too Dad,” Braveheart said. Pure Soul was watching from the dining room.

“Are you two done clowning around?” she asked playfully. “You’re food is getting cold.” Braveheart jumped out of Valiant’s hooves and sat down at the table. Valiant and Soul walked up to each other and briefly kissed.

“Oh come on,” Braveheart said, disgusted. “At dinner? Seriously?” Soul rolled her eyes and sat down along with Valiant. They ate quietly for a time before Pure Soul spoke up.

“How was helping out today?” she asked Braveheart.

“Not too bad,” Braveheart replied. “Same old hauling apples to the factory.”

“That’s a good thing,” Valiant said. “You’re helping feed the soldiers on the front.”

“I know,” Braveheart nodded. They were silent for a bit longer. Valiant tapped Soul’s shoulder. She leaned in close.

“Should we tell him?” Valiant asked quietly.

“We can’t,” Soul said, shaking her head. “He just got back, and he’s in a good mood. We can’t just break that now.”

“Hon, he has to know,” Valiant said. “I care for him, and that’s why he needs to be told about it.” Braveheart sat silently and watched his parents quietly argue. This had become common in his household. His parents quietly argued at dinner every night about something. Although he never knew what about unless they told him, Braveheart had assumed these arguments were about the war. Most of them told to him weren’t, however. But this day was the day he’d finally ask what was going on.

“Let’s at least wait one more day,” Pure Soul begged. “One more day, and then we’ll tell him.” Valiant nodded.

“All right,” he agreed. “But tomorrow will be the day he knows.” Soul nodded, and they ended their argument. They turned back to the table, and saw their son watching.

“Sorry about that, kiddo,” Valiant said. Braveheart took a breath and let it out.

“Mom. Dad. I think it’s high time I ask,” Braveheart said. “I always see you two arguing over something during this exact time every single day. What’s going on?” Valiant and Soul exchanged shocked glances.

“Now we have to tell him,” Soul said. Valiant nodded in agreement. Pure Soul turned to Braveheart.

“Clear the table, and then we’ll tell you,” she said. Braveheart nodded and used his magic to quickly clear the table and hover the dirty dishes to the sink. He laid them in carefully and dispersed the spell. He turned back to his parents. Valiant sighed.

“Son, you’re fully aware that war is going on around us,” he started. Braveheart nodded. “Good,” Valiant said. “Well, this area, in fact, all of Ponyville, is now in danger. Sombra has taken Cloudsdale, and he moves to take Ponyville next.”

“What does that mean for us?” Braveheart asked, concerned. “For AJ and Fluttershy and Rarity?”

“I don’t know if you’ve heard, but notices have gone around advising to leave the area,” Soul explained. Braveheart’s understood.

“We’re moving, aren’t we?” he said. His parents looked at each other, troubled. Valiant sighed.

“How do I say this?” he muttered. “You’re the only one leaving.”

“What?” Braveheart asked.

“Honey, listen carefully,” Pure Soul said. “Equestrian soldiers are going to come to the house. They’re going to ask for you, and you have to go with them. They’re going to take you to the train station, and you’re going to get on with other ponies.”

“Where am I going?” Braveheart asked.

“To Las Pegasus,” Valiant replied. “Most of the refugees are being sent there until the war is over. You’re one of the refugees on the list.”

“What about you two?” Braveheart questioned.

“We have to stay behind and protect Ponyville with the rest of the Equestrian military,” Soul responded. Braveheart nodded, trying not to cry.

“I understand,” he quietly said. He left the table and ran into his room. Pure Soul stood up and walked after her son.

Braveheart was sitting on the shag carpet in his room, crying. A knock came from his door, and Pure Soul walked inside.

“Braveheart?” she asked. “You OK?”

“I’m fine,” Braveheart sobbed. “I’m just fine.” Soul closed the door behind her as she walked inside. She sat down next to her son.

“It’s OK,” he said. “You still have tomorrow until the soldiers come. You can tell your bosses goodbye and pack up.” Braveheart nodded, wiping some tears from his eyes. He looked up at his mother.

“I’m OK,” he said. “I’ll be OK.” Soul hugged her son tight.

“I’m going to miss you, Braveheart,” she whispered.

“I’ll miss you too, Mom,” Braveheart whispered back. “It’ll be OK.” Soul broke the embrace and stood up.

“You’d best pack up now,” she said. “Bring your pack with you to the textile mill. Let Miss Shy and Miss Rarity know you’re leaving.” Braveheart nodded. Soul patted his shoulder and left the room. Braveheart started packing up for his trip to Las Pegasus to escape the war.

Chapter 2

Braveheart woke up to the sun’s rays shining in through his window. It was how he woke up every morning. But today felt different. He had to leave his family and seek refuge in Las Pegasus. He rubbed his eyes and sat up in his bed. He hopped off the mattress and stretched out. He looked to his bedside table, where he had left his bag he had packed the night before. He levitated it to himself and opened it up to make sure he had everything. Spell book from his Mom, written story about the Wonderbolts from his Dad, butterfly comb, toiletries, Royal Guard plushie, and wing and horn care kits. Everything was in order. Braveheart nodded and closed his bag. He slung the saddlebag over his back and walked out of his room.

“Mom!” he called. “I’m headed to the textile mill and then the Apple Acres. I’ll be back in a bit.”

“Hurry back once you’re done,” Pure Soul said from the kitchen. “You don’t want to miss the train.”

“Yes Mom,” Braveheart said. He walked out the door and took flight for the Ponyville textile mill. Valiant Effort came down the stairs.

“Be safe, kiddo!” he called.

“I will Dad!” Braveheart called back. Valiant watched his son leave, then walked up to Soul. She started to cry, and Valiant took her in his hooves.

“It’s going to be OK honey,” he quieted. “We’ll see him again. I know we will.”

“I’m not worried about us,” Soul choked. “I’m worried about him. I don’t want something to happen to him.”

“The soldiers will take care of him,” Valiant assured. “They’ve always made sure the refugees are safe and well.” Soul nodded, tears running down her face. Valiant tried his best to comfort his wife. There was suddenly a hard pounding on the door. Valiant patted his wife’s back and broke the embrace. He walked over to the door and opened it up. Standing there was a black armored pony with a black helmet. The helmet’s mask had horizontal eye slits that lit up green. Black feather plumes hung loose from the back of the helmet. A group of these ponies were standing at the entrance. Valiant knew immediately that these were Sombra’s soldiers. He turned his head towards his wife, not looking away from the black soldiers.

“Dear, would you go upstairs and get my black suit?” he asked. “I think it’s in the back of my closet. You may have to dig around for it.”

“Sure,” Soul said, unaware of the threat at the door. Valiant waited until he heard Soul’s hoofsteps up the stairs before speaking. He turned back to Sombra’s soldiers.

“May I help you?” he asked.

“You can,” a deep voice said from behind the soldiers. The soldiers stepped back, allowing King Sombra himself to pass between them. Valiant bowed briefly.

“King Sombra,” he greeted, straightening up. “What an unexpected surprise. We expected you in Ponyville tomorrow.”

“Dispense with the pleasantries, stallion,” Sombra waved off. “I wish to negotiate with you. Quickly.”

“Of course,” Valiant said. “Let me change into a suitable attire. Make yourself comfortable.” He let Sombra and his soldiers inside, and closed the door once they were inside. He walked upstairs. Once he was out of Sombra’s sight, he ran into his room. Pure Soul was looking around for the suit.

“Oh, there you are,” she said, noticing her husband. “I can’t find your suit.” Valiant closed the door quietly behind him.

“That’s because it’s not there,” he whispered, bringing his wife close.

“What’s wrong?” Soul asked. “You’re flushed.” Valiant looked toward the door, then back to Soul.

“It’s Sombra,” he whispered, a bit panicked. “He’s here with his soldiers.” Pure Soul’s eyes shrunk.

“Already?!” she quietly gasped. “The military said he wouldn’t be in Ponyville until tomorrow.”

“That’s what I thought,” Valiant agreed. “But he’s here, in our house, demanding negotiations with me.”

“What’re you going to do?” Soul asked.

“I’m going to fulfill his wish,” Valiant said. “You need to stay up here. I have weapons behind the dresser. Kept them there for some time. Should he make his way up here, you do everything you can to protect yourself.” Valiant grabbed a simple beige suit from above the clothes rack and slipped it on.

“Be careful,” Soul pleaded. Valiant looked at her and extended his blade.

“I always am,” he assured, retracting the blade. “Love you.” He kissed his wife on the forehead and walked out of the room and downstairs to negotiate with Sombra. He walked down the stairs. Sombra was standing at the dining room table, twirling a fork in his magic. He put it down as Valiant walked up to him.

“Shall we begin?” he asked.

“Of course,” Valiant nodded. He pulled up a seat for Sombra, who sat down. Valiant sat down nearby. The soldiers surrounded the two seats.

“Now,” Sombra began. “I have come here not to bring war, but assurance. Assurance that Ponyville and its residents will not interfere with our effort. We will leave your little village alone. In exchange, you must cooperate with our terms.”

“I’m afraid I’m not in power to make that decision,” Valiant regretted. “You would have to speak to Mayor Mare about this matter.”

“We already have,” Sombra growled. “She was uncooperative.” He tapped twice on the table, and one of his soldiers reached into his saddlebag, then pulled out and held up the mayor’s severed head by the mane. The head was pale from no blood in the veins, and the eyes were rolled back and the tongue hanging out. Valiant kept his wits about him, closing his eyes for a moment and taking a breath to try and not throw up from the horrific sight.

“I see,” he managed to say. Sombra tapped again, and the soldier put the head away.

“I looked through the latest census of Ponyville, and found you as the next pony in authority, Valiant Effort, if I recall?” Sombra asked.

“Correct,” Valiant confirmed. “I am indeed the next pony one would turn to in a…situation…like this.” Sombra pulled out Valiant Effort’s confidential record.

“34 years of age, married to a Unicorn mare by the name of Pure Soul,” Sombra listed. “Bore an Alicorn son named Braveheart six years ago, and he works at the local textile mill and Sweet Apple Acres.”

“Yes, that is all correct,” Valiant nodded.

“Well then,” Sombra said. “Where is your family?”

“My wife is running some errands, and Braveheart has already been sent away to the refugee camps,” Valiant lied. Sombra suddenly jumped up and grabbed Valant by the neck, slamming him down on the table.

“Don’t make up stories!” he stormed. “I know when you lie to me. It’s not that hard.” He let go of Valiant and sat back down. Valiant rubbed his neck and sat down as well.

“My apologies,” he muttered.

“Back to business,” Sombra hissed. “Will you accept the conditions I have presented to you, or will you make the same mistake as your precious mayor?” Valiant took some quick thought. He looked Sombra dead in the eyes.

“Ponyville will not be intimidated by you,” he growled. He promptly extended his blade and lunged forward, driving the blade into Sombra’s chest. Two of the soldiers pulled Valiant away and threw him across the room. Valiant crashed into the wall and fell to the floor. Sombra gripped his bleeding wound. The other two soldiers helped him to his hooves, and Sombra healed the wound with his dark magic. A soldier kicked Valiant in the gut, temporarily immobilizing him.

“Search the house,” Sombra ordered. “Find the other two and bring them to me.” Sombra’s soldiers spread out around the house. They opened doors and cabinets, overturned furniture, and searched everywhere for Valiant’s family. One of the soldiers walked up the stairs after finding nothing. He opened the bedroom door, and was attacked by pure Soul. Soul swung a wooden staff with steel tips at the soldier, who blocked it with his spear. The wood clashed through the room. Both combatants seemed to match each other perfectly. Eventually, Soul got the upper hoof and hit the soldier upside the head with the steel tip of the staff. The guard staggered back against the wall, flopping onto it before hitting the floor in a daze. Soul pointed the staff at her foe, pressing a small switch on it. A blade shot out of the steel tip, and she pointed it to the soldier's throat. The soldier looked up and the tip of the spear immediately found its way into his brain, killing him. The soldier went limp as Soul pulled the blade out of his head. Blood spurted from the wound onto the floor as another two soldiers ran into the room. Pure Soul twirled her staff and swiftly cut open her adversaries' throats. Blood sprayed from the deep cuts as the soldiers fell choking onto the floor. The last soldier ran in, throwing his spear. Soul ducked out of the way as the spear whizzed past, wedging itself into the wall. Soul drove her pointed staff into the guard, impaling him. The guard died fast and fell forward, Soul's staff propping him up. Pure Soul grabbed the soldier's spear from the wall and took a bit of a breather. She sighed heavily, because she would have to clean all the blood up. A cold wind suddenly blew past, and she held up the spear as she lightly shivered. She kept her guard up as she slowly approached the door. Almost like water, a wave of black smoke poured into the room, Sombra's head bursting from it like a shark, jaw outstretched with pointed teeth. Soul didn't have time to react.

~~~Meanwhile~~~

Braveheart landed at the Ponyville Textile Mill. He saw Fluttershy unloading a delivery of wool to the mill. She was having trouble with the last load. Braveheart ran over and used his magic to lift it into the mill.

“Oh, hello,” Fluttershy said. “Goodness Braveheart. I didn't see you there.”

“Sorry about that,” Braveheart sheepishly said. “That's actually going to be my last load.” Fluttershy nodded.

“I heard,” she said. “I received the notice, just like everypony else.”

“I just wanted to tell you goodbye,” Braveheart said. Rarity walked out of the mill.

“Fluttershy, is that the last of it?” she asked. She noticed Braveheart.

“Goodness me!” she gasped. “Braveheart, dear! Aren't you supposed to be on the train to Las Pegasus?”

“I was heading that way now,” Braveheart nodded. “I just wanted to tell you both goodbye.”

“We'll miss you greatly,” Rarity said. “But we'll see each other again. I'm sure of it.”

“And when you do come back, this terrible war will be over,” Fluttershy added. Braveheart nodded.

“I'm gonna miss you guys,” he said.

“We'll miss you too,” Fluttershy replied. “We'll pray for your safe return at the end of the war.”

“So will Ah,” a voice behind them said. They all turned to see Applejack walk up.

“Ah ain't gonna ferget ya, sugarcube,” she said. “You have a safe trip now, ya hear?”

“I will,” Braveheart nodded. They all hugged briefly before breaking the embrace. Braveheart's friends all gave him a warm smile. He returned it.

“Goodbye, you guys,” he said. He turned back around and walked away for home to await the Equestrian Soldiers.

~~~

Sombra angrily threw down Pure Soul's corpse in front of Valiant Effort. Her face was bloody and full of cuts and gashes, as well as her neck.

“NO!!!” Valiant cried. Sombra breathed heavily, his monstrous side subsiding.

“This could all have been avoided if you had just cooperated,” he snarled. “Such a shame. And now, you will tell me where your son is.” Valiant glared at Sombra furiously.

“I won't tell you anything,” he hissed. Sombra's eyes started glowing green, and the purple eye smoke found its way into Valiant's eyes.

“Oh, but I think you will,” Sombra muttered. Valiant's eyes shrunk as his retinas became green like Sombra's. Weak eye smoke trailed from his eyes. Sombra kneeled down.

“Where is he?” he asked again.

“He left for the textile mill a while ago,” Valiant blankly stated, under Sombra's control. “He will be back soon to wait for the Equestrian soldiers to take him to the train station to the refugee camp.”

“Where is this camp?” Sombra asked.

“The camp is in Las Pegasus,” Valiant explained, emotionlessly. “The refugees are being taken there until the war is over.” Sombra stood up.

“Thank you,” he calmly said. “Your usefulness has come to an end.” Sombra's horn crackled, and a massive black scythe materialized from thin air, and came swinging. It impaled Valiant through the chest, killing him. Sombra tore his scythe from Valiant and sent it away. Valiant's retinas faded back to white as his eyes rolled back and he fell dead. Blood spilled from the wound onto the hardwood floor.

“Take the bodies back to the Empire,” Sombra said. His remaining soldier took up both bodies and followed his master. Sombra turned away and walked out of the house. He stepped outside and turned back toward the house. He lit up a simple fireball spell and sent it flying toward the building. It instantly caught fire, and started to burn down. As his minion dashed off, he dematerialized into shadow and flowed back to the base camp to the North.

~~~

At a small camp in the Equestrian Badlands, Equestrian soldiers were guarding the camp. A hooded Pegasus flew into the camp and showed the head guard her dog tag. The soldier nodded and let her inside. The Pegasus hurried into one of the tents in the camp. She stopped inside at the entrance and saluted.

“General,” she stated.

“What've you got?” the general asked. The Pegasus gave the general a folded piece of paper. The general unfolded it and looked it over. Her eyes went wide.

“No,” she gasped. “It's too early. At the pace Sombra was going, he was due to be in Ponyville by tomorrow. How is this possible?”

“It gets worse,” the Pegasus continued. “Undercover Sergeant Valiant Effort has been killed, along with his wife, Pure Soul.” The general slammed a hoof on the table. Nopony flinched. The general swiftly turned to the Pegasus.

“Get to Ponyville now!” she ordered. “If Valiant's son is still alive, bring him here immediately.”

“Ma'am,” the Pegasus said. “He was supposed to make the trip to Las Pegasus tonight.”

“And that is exactly why we need him here,” the general said. “Send word to the troops at Las Pegasus. Evacuate everypony to Vanhoover. Without confirmation, we have no idea if Sombra is aware of the refugees there or not. We can't let him reach those ponies.”

“Yes ma'am,” the Pegasus nodded. She ran out of the tent and took off for Ponyville.

~~~

Braveheart reached Ponyville at noon. He carefully walked into the small town. He took a sniff of the air and smelled smoke. He ran to the source to see what had happened. As he rounded a house corner, he saw his house burned to the ground. He dropped his bag, shaking his head in disbelief. Sombra's soldiers were patrolling the area. Braveheart took cover behind a nearby box. He was trying to mask his breathing, but he was scared senseless. A Sombra soldier came about two feet from Braveheart's hiding place and stood there.

“Oh no,” Braveheart mouthed. “What am I going to do?” Braveheart looked around. He reached out with his hoof and grabbed a small stone. Turning around and taking careful aim, he tossed the stone. It found its target on a light post creating a loud clang. The soldier turned his head and walked over to the lamp post. Braveheart saw his chance and ran. He quietly grabbed his bag and ducked into an alleyway. He was afraid. A faded pink hoof suddenly grabbed him and a mechanical one covered his muzzle. Braveheart didn't scream. He turned around to see a hooded Pegasus.

“Do exactly as I say,” the Pegasus whispered. “Exactly. Can you fly?” Braveheart nodded, panicked. “Good,” the Pegasus said. “When I say, you follow me, got it?” Braveheart nodded again. The Pegasus took her mechanical hoof away and turned towards the back of the alley. She motioned for Braveheart to follow her, and he did. They reached the end of the alley when the Pegasus motioned for Braveheart to stop. She turned her head, checking for Sombra soldiers. A squad of them were patrolling the area. She grabbed a rock and hurled it at an abandoned house. The window she aimed for shattered, and the soldiers took notice. They investigated the house.

“Now!” the Pegasus whispered. She took off, and Braveheart followed close behind.

“Where are we going?” Braveheart quietly asked.

“To the Badlands,” the Pegasus replied. “I'm taking you to my camp.”

“What about my parents?” Braveheart wondered, The Pegasus didn't answer. The two flew to the Equestrian Badlands, away from Ponyville, and away from Sombra.

Chapter 3 Author's Note

Rusty Ace OC belongs to RustyAce.

Chapter 3

Braveheart and the Pegasus flew to the Badlands. Braveheart had kept up for a good while, but he eventually got tired out. The Pegasus took him up on her back and carried him the rest of the way. When they reached the camp, the Pegasus landed, and Braveheart hopped off her back onto the dusty ground. The guards stopped her and Braveheart.

“Lieutenant Ace, reporting in with a survivor from Ponyville,” the Pegasus said. “Sergeant Effort’s son.” The two soldiers nodded and stepped aside. Braveheart followed Ace into the military camp. Soldiers of less rank than Ace saluted as she passed by. Braveheart shrunk as he followed Ace. He didn’t feel secure here, even though these were Equestrian soldiers. Ace and Braveheart walked into the central tent. Ace saluted to the general as she walked in.

“General,” Ace said.

“Lieutenant, tell me he’s alive,” the general hoped.

“He is,” Ace nodded. The general turned around from the map on the table. Braveheart looked up from the ground at the general. She stood tall, wearing a blue and yellow uniform. Her coat was a cyan hue, and her military cut mane and tail were colored red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and violet. She had a scar over her left eye and a mechanical left wing. Her left ear had a jagged hole. She wore a general’s emblem on her chest. Braveheart straightened up to show respect.

“At ease, kid,” the general said. Braveheart stayed as he was, unsure of what the general meant. Ace took notice.

“That means to relax your form,” she said to Braveheart. Braveheart nodded and did so. The general walked up to Braveheart and extended a hoof. Braveheart timidly shook it.

“I’m Rainbow Dash,” the general said. “Military general of the CER, the Crystal Empire Resistance. Braveheart, correct?”

“Yes ma’am,” Braveheart nodded.

“I understand you were on your way home from the Ponyville textile mill when Lieutenant Ace found you,” Dash explained. “I regret to inform you that…” Dash sighed. “…your parents didn’t make it. They were killed by Sombra. I’m sorry.” Braveheart slowly hung his head and sat down. Rainbow Dash turned to her comrades.

“All except Lieutenant Ace, leave us,” she quietly ordered. Her officers nodded and left the tent. Braveheart broke down crying. Dash walked up to him and put a hoof on his shoulder. Braveheart looked up, eyes wet with tears.

“Braveheart, there was nothing we could have done,” Dash regretted. “Sombra came too early for us to prepare for an evacuation of Ponyville. Had we known, we would have brought your family here to safety. Truly I am sorry for this.” Braveheart nodded and wiped the tears from his eyes. Rainbow Dash took her hoof away and brushed a bit of mane from her face. The tent was silent for a time.

“Braveheart,” Dash said. “I’m going to tell you my own personal story. About a few years ago during an important battle against Sombra.”

“General, are you sure you want to say what happened to him?” Ace asked. “He’s only six, and just got separated from his family. Tragically.”

“That’s why I need to tell him,” Dash said. “He needs somepony to relate to in a situation like this, so he doesn’t feel alone in his pain.” Ace nodded in understanding.

“OK,” Braveheart said. “Go ahead.” Rainbow Dash sighed and began her story.

“I was sure we got him in the Frozen North,” she huffed. “About a year later, he shows up in the Everfree with that piece of shit, Chrysalis. That was the last straw for the CER. The orders come down from Princess C. for a snatch and grab. So my honorary sister, Scootaloo, she and I go in. What a shit show.”

~~~Three Years Ago~~~

“Suffer with Me”
Castle of the Everfree, Everfree Forest
Gen. Rainbow Dash
CER Special Activities Division
December 19th, 2018

Rainbow Dash flew down into the Everfree, landing in front of her friend Soarin's temporary home. She grabbed her cap from her bag and slipped it on. As she walked towards the house, she could hear Soarin and his wife, Spitfire, furiously arguing.

“Honey, you need to calm down,” Soarin said.

“I. Am. Calm!” Spitfire stormed. Scootaloo came down from above and landed next to Dash.

“Scoots,” Dash nodded.

“Dash.” Scootaloo replied. “Good to see you, Rainbow.”

“You too, Scootaloo,” Dash nodded. The two walked up to the front door.

“We've been married for five years!” they could hear Spitfire cry out. The front door opened and Soarin poked his head out.

“Go around back,” he whispered, taking a glance inside. “She's so fucking pissed!” Scootaloo nodded and walked around the house. Soarin stepped back in, and Scootaloo and Dash could hear the argument again.

“Family?” Soarin asked. “I thought this was about tomorrow.” Spitfire grunted.

“It's about everything, Soarin!” she screamed. “I need something more in my life besides sitting around waiting to see what Celestia-forsaken place you're going to move us to next! It’s not enough Soarin. It’s not enough.” Scootaloo opened up the back gate.

“Come on, Rainbow,” she said. The two walked behind the house, where Soarin was waiting for them with a six pack of beer.

“Hey girls,” he nodded, tossing Scootaloo a beer. Scoots popped it open.

“Hey Soarin,” Dash waved. “You got the stuff?”

“Yeah,” Soarin said. “Grab the sports bag in the shed.” Dash walked over to the nearby shed and opened it up, grabbing the sports bag inside.

“The wife doesn't seem too happy,” Scootaloo mentioned. “You didn't tell her about the invasion, did you?”

“Nope,” Soarin said. “Seems like I'm the only one who didn't. She heard it from Thunderlane's wife...and Caramel's...and Filthy Rich's. Can you imagine how that made me look?” Dash walked up to the picnic table the other two were seated at and put the bag down.

“Why the fuck aren't we killing this monster, huh?” she asked. “After the shit she pulled in the Frozen North?”

“Higher ups are sick of her scheming, but they want her alive,” Scootaloo said. Dash shook her head and opened up the sports bag, revealing clothes and other junk hiding the military equipment.

“This shit don't sound right,” Dash muttered.

“Okay,” Soarin started. “Queen Chrysalis, hereforth known as Objective False Profit. It's a standard snatch and smear operation. Destroy her public reputation, and minimize any chance of any uprisings in her name. The invasion will draw attention away as we go in with the works.”

“Then we're all set,” Scootaloo nodded, finishing off her beer.

“Yep,” Soarin agreed. “Come on. I'll walk you girls out.”

“Thanks for the beer, Soarin,” Scootaloo thanked. She put her can down as Dash zipped up the bag and followed Soarin out.

“I took the liberty of looking over some of your old case files,” Soarin said to Scootaloo. “All that shit with Starlight. You really get brainwashed by the Equality folk?”

“They gave it their best shot,” Scootaloo said.

~~~Present Day~~~

“The mission was good, planning good,” Dash explained. “The only piece that didn't fit was Flitter, on the comm link running the show. It just felt off, even on the way in. I felt it, you know, it was gnawing at me. I just didn't look at it.”

~~~Flashback~~~

The CER officers ran through the Everfree to the Castle of the Two Sisters. The invasion was already under way.

“Flitter, it's Scootaloo,” Scootaloo called. “The bombing's begun ahead of schedule. Something you want to tell us?” No answer came from the radio. “Flitter, do you copy?” Still nothing. “There's no response,” Scootaloo said. “We continue as planned.” The group ran up to the edge of the castle.

“Soarin, it's Scootaloo. We're in.”

“CER teams will secure CE central HQ to prevent False Profit's escape,” Soarin informed over the radio. “I'll provide overwatch from Tower 12 off the battle map.”

“Did Flitter nix that plan?” Scootaloo asked.

“If she did, she didn't tell me,” Soarin said. “Good luck, Scoots. Soarin out.” The radio went quiet as Rainbow Dash pulled out a knife.

“Take 'em, Dash,” Scootaloo nodded. Dash climbed up a small staircase as Scootaloo went around. When Dash reached the top, she whistled. A Sombra soldier turned around, and Scootaloo stabbed it with her own knife. Another patrol prepared to shoot a flare, but Dash threw her knife, wedging it in the soldier's heart. The flare gun dropped, and fired.

“Flare!” Dash cried. The flare detonated, and more Sombra soldiers rushed onto the scene.

“You know what they say,” Scootaloo cried. “IF you're gonna fuck up, get it out of the way early.” The two soldiers fought their way through the castle to the Chrysalis. After they reached a certain point, the radio jumped on.

“Scootaloo,” a voice said. “It's Flitter.”

“Where the hell have you been, Flitter?” Scootaloo asked. There was no response. “Flitter?...Flitter?...Flitter?”

“We have confirmation on location of False Profit,” Flitter said. “Throne Room. Move to secure. Flitter out.” Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo moved to the throne room. They reached the place and found Chrysalis.

“Secure her,” Scootaloo said. Dash pointed her assault rifle at Chrysalis.

“Give me a reason to blow your head off,” she dared. “Come on!” Scootaloo searched through Chrysalis's bags.

“What are you doing?” Chrysalis asked.

“Sealing your reputation,” Scootaloo simply answered. Chrysalis turned to Rainbow Dash.

“This was not the deal,” she said angrily. “Call your boss.” Dash promptly hit Chrysalis with the butt of her gun, knocking her over. She pointed the muzzle at Chrysalis.

“Flitter, it's Scootaloo,” Scootaloo said, calling up Flitter on the radio.

“Go ahead Scootaloo,” Flitter said.

“False Profit secure. Moving to extract.”

“No, negative,” Flitter said. “Stand by for new tasking. Objective False Profit has intel on a priority Nexus target. Escort her as PC to alternate location for prisoner exchange, more to follow.” Flitter signed off.

“Precious cargo, my ass,” Scootaloo muttered.

“Nexus target?” Dash stormed. “Who's more important than this asshole?”

“I don't like it either, but let's just get this done,” Scootaloo said. “We're burning too much time.”

~~~Present~~~

“The mission was snatch and grab,” Dash growled. “Then fucking Flitter gets on the radio, says that Chrysalis is not the mission. She's a give away. She's a prisoner swap, and right fucking then I should have known, right then and there...I should have known right then and there! Like, what the fuck is wrong with me!? What the fuck!?”

“General, take it easy,” Rusty said. Rainbow Dash calmed down a little, but not a lot.

“Fucking Flitter!” she raged. “I should have smoked her at the start.” Braveheart sighed as Rainbow Dash calmed down.

“Did she go out like a soldier?” he asked. Rainbow Dash didn't answer. Braveheart got worried. “Don't tell me that Chrysalis took her out,” he gasped. Dash gave Braveheart a sad look.

“She didn't go down like that, kid,” she said. “Chrysalis was just a puppet. We're all just puppets.”

~~~Flashback~~~

Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo escorted Chrysalis through the castle until they reached the back entrance, where CER soldiers were waiting for the transfer to prisoner swap.

“Scootaloo,” Flitter called.

“Flitter,” Scootaloo cried. “Where the hell have you been?”

“Are you at the checkpoint?” Flitter asked. “Do you still have the precious cargo?”

“Yes,” Scootaloo said. “But who the hell is Nexus target? Who's more important than Objective False Profit?”

“You have to trust me, Scootaloo,” Flitter said. “You have to. Flitter out.”

~~~Present~~~

“I may have questioned orders, but I never questioned motives,” Dash hissed. “You take care of your unit and you get your guys home safe! That's not how it is. Chain of command is fucked! I'm a soldier. I take orders and I get shit done.”

~~~Flashback~~~

Rainbow Dash was traveling up with Chrysalis in custody up the south tower.

“Dash, are you in position?” Scootaloo asked over the radio.

“Moving to the top of the south tower,” Dash responded.

“I'm in the east tower, got a clear LDS in the courtyard...” the radio erupted with static.

“Fucking comms!” Dash cursed. They reached the top of the tower, and Chrysalis walked to the balcony.

“This way,” she said. “Everything is ready.” Dash followed Chrysalis out. A Sombra Soldier straightened up at the sight of Chrysalis, and Chrysalis immediately shot him with a pistol.

“Nopony must know I betrayed him,” she said. Dash grabbed the gun and threw it away.

“Him?” she asked. She contacted Flitter. “Flitter, who is Nexus target?” No answer. “Flitter.”

“It's him, Dash,” Flitter replied. “Nexus target is Sombra himself.”

“You should have told us, Flitter,” Dash grunted. “You should have told us.”

“We are ready,” Chrysalis said into her radio. “Bring him out.” Rainbow Dash grabbed a nearby DSR-50 sniper rifle.

“They're bringing the son of a bitch out,” Dash told Flitter.

“Confirm visual,” Flitter ordered. Dash looked down the scope of the sniper into the courtyard and saw Sombra struggling with two CER guards holding him down. Sombra had a bag over his head and a trench coat on.

“End this now, Dash,” Flitter said. Rainbow Dash pulled the trigger. The powerful bullet tore through Sombra's head, killing him. Chrysalis and Dash flew down to the courtyard to confirm Sombra's death. Chrysalis had a smug smile on her face. Dash took notice.

“What are you looking so smug about?” she asked. She increased her pace, but Chrysalis did not, keeping her smile. “The fuck is going on?” Dash stormed, increasing her pace to a run. “What's going on here!?” A grim thought came to her head.

“No, no, no, no, no, no...” she gasped, running to Sombra's body. She knelt down and tore off the bag over his head, revealing Scootaloo's lifeless face.

“Scootaloo!” Dash cried out.

“Fool,” Chrysalis muttered.

“You bitch!” Dash cursed. She grabbed a pistol and made a move for Chrysalis, but was shot in the left wing by a focused magic blast. The shot pierced through her back as well. She fell to the hard stone in pain. She turned and saw Sombra walking up.

“Sombra!” she growled. She crawled to her gun, her wing and body too painful to walk. Sombra walked over to the gun and slid it to Dash. She grabbed it, and Sombra stomped onto her hoof. Dash tried to fight Sombra off, but he headbutted her hard, knocking her out.

~~~Present~~~

By the end of her story, Rainbow Dash was in tears. Braveheart was in shock from hearing the tragic tale.

“I’m so sorry,” he quietly said.

“Sombra wanted her to suffer, as he supposedly had,” Ace said. “He let Dash go, her wing completely destroyed. She had to get the prosthetic you see now.”

“I haven’t been the same since,” Dash muttered. “I’d lash out at the others if they even mention little Scoots. I’ve started making rash decisions and calls. Even come close to being stripped of my rank. But, somehow I’ve controlled myself just enough to stay in command.” They went silent again. After a few minutes, Ace spoke up.

“General. We have just received word that the refugees have all been evacuated to Vanhoover undetected.”

“Good,” Dash nodded. She wiped some tears from her eyes. Lieutenant Ace removed her hood. Braveheart turned to look. Ace had a faded pink coat and a faded red mane. Her living hooves were paws, and she had a blue right eye and a red left eye, with a scar across her right eye. She was a pony-wolf hybrid.

“I’d say it’s about time I introduce you two,” Dash said, standing up and walking up to Ace. “Braveheart, meet Lieutenant Rusty Ace, CER’s top spy and my personal informant.” Braveheart and Rusty shook hooves.

“A pleasure to meet you, Braveheart,” Rusty said.

“You as well,” Braveheart agreed. A soldier ran into the tent, giving Rusty a piece of paper. Rusty quickly read it over.

“General, we have a problem,” she informed. “Sombra is advancing on Manehattan with a large strike team.”

“We can’t let Manehattan fall,” Dash said. She turned to Braveheart.

“Braveheart, it’s time you take up your father’s work,” she said. “Time for you to become a soldier for Equestria.”

“With all due respect, General Dash, I’m only six years old,” Braveheart said. “I can’t fight.”

“I’ve trained younger fillies and colts from the front lines,” Dash said. “You’re more mature than they were. I know you’ll follow my lead. Won’t you, Private Braveheart?” Braveheart stood up and straightened up with a salute.

“Ma’am, yes ma’am!” he said.

“That’s what I want to hear,” Dash nodded with a smile. She grabbed a pack of gear and a uniform and gave them to Braveheart.

“Suit up, Private,” she commanded. “We’re going to Manehattan.”

Chapter 4

Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.

Chapter 5

Since Braveheart’s first battle as a CER soldier, after proper military training under Rainbow Dash's command, he accompanied her in many battles against Sombra's forces. He moved up the military ranks as time went on, reaching the rank of Captain at 24 years old. He became command of the Gold Battalion, soon leading them to many victories against Sombra's forces. Braveheart gained much respect from his soldiers and superiors alike, even catching the eye of another captain. Sunset Shimmer. This on its own shocked Braveheart, but he was even more surprised to find out she was Captain of the Sunrise Battalion. And the Sunrise Battalion did not fuck around. They were Princess Celestia's personal choice for her security force, granting them high honor and respect from the soldiers of the CER.

Rainbow Dash and Braveheart were in the war tent in the badlands with Sunset Shimmer and other military officers. They were debating an attack plan against the Crystal Empire.

“I don't know,” Sunset Shimmer said. “A head on attack sounds too risky. Our forces would be slaughtered much too quickly.”

“She's right,” Braveheart agreed. “But even if we would try to flank Sombra's forces, it would take too much time, and he'd catch on to it.” Rainbow Dash let out a sigh.

“We seem to be at a dead end,” she said with a frown. With a sudden flap of wings and a skid of paws on the dirt, Lieutenant Rusty Ace burst into the room.

“General, we have a big problem,” Rusty said, panicked.

“Lieutenant, what's wrong?” Braveheart asked.

“Sombra has launched a massive siege on Vanhoover,” Rusty said.

“What!?” Dash, Sunset, and Braveheart cried in unison. Rainbow Dash stabbed her knife into the map, squarely in the middle of Vanhoover.

“Forget the attack plan,” she said. “We defend Vanhoover. Those refugees take top priority.” Sunset Shimmer turned on her hoof-com, and it erupted with screams, gunfire, and military orders.

“We're being overwhelmed!” a cry rang out. “Captain, we need reinforcements now!”

“Corporal, what's going on?” Sunset asked.

“Sombra's forces are pushing into the city!” the soldier on the other end cried out. “We're sustaining heavy casualties! We need...” his voice was cut off by a squelch, and a moan of agony before the com erupted with static. The officers and leaders ran from the tent.

“Let's go!” Sunset shouted. “Move it, Braveheart, double time!” The CER forces ran from the badlands, ready to defend the refugees in Vanhoover.

“Tears of the Refugees”
Vanhoover, Equestria.
Braveheart
CER Special Activities Division
January 17th, 2039

As the CER trucks rolled fast toward Vanhoover, smoke and fire could be seen from the city.

“Dear Celestia,” Sunset breathed.

“How could Sombra have known about the refugees being moved into Vanhoover?” Braveheart asked. “That order was given by the General herself. There's no way Sombra could have heard.”

“You forget what Shining Armor said, Braveheart,” Dash coldly muttered. “Before I killed him, he said 'He even has ponies in the CER.' I didn't want to believe it at first, but as the war dragged on, I found myself believing that statement more and more every day. Remember what happened at the Battle of Ponyville, when we tried to take back the town?” Braveheart shuddered.

“Yeah,” he said. “I do. Our forces were decimated in a matter of hours. We had the element of surprise too, and Sombra still tore us apart. It's like he was waiting for us.”

“There’s no doubt,” Rusty agreed. A nearby truck suddenly exploded, sending the truck Braveheart, Dash, Sunset, and Rusty were in swerving. As the driver tried to regain balance, the truck tipped, sending it onto its side. The soldiers crawled out of the truck, weapons at the ready.

“Sombra is aware of our arrival,” Dash said. She turned to the CER soldiers massing behind her. “Remember,” she cried. “The refugees are of the highest priority. Make sure they make it out at all costs. Protect them with your lives.” The soldiers followed Sunset into the city, ready to push back Sombra’s forces. Braveheart started to follow, but Dash stopped him.

“Come with me,” she said, almost demonically. “We’re going to end this.” She flew off, and Braveheart followed her.

~~~

The two soldiers landed in front of a Sombra occupied building a ways north of Vanhoover. Trucks, tanks, and soldiers surrounded the building. The bitter cold nipped at their muzzles and hooves. Snow fell from the sky, the wind blowing it into the CER soldiers’ faces.

“Do as I do,” Dash whispered. Braveheart nodded, and the two quietly hid behind a parked truck.

“What now?” Braveheart quietly asked.

“Now we wait,” Dash replied. “These trucks will drive into the building soon, and we’ll be hitching a ride.” Dash looked around the truck at the two soldiers talking next to it. Braveheart caught her drift and smirked.

“Go around the other side, and don’t get caught,” Dash ordered. Braveheart nodded and snuck around to the other side of the truck. He pulled out a knife and got ready. Dash and Braveheart assured eye contact, then Dash started the countdown.

“Three, two, one, now!” Dash mouthed. She and Braveheart ran over to the Sombra soldiers and slit their throats. The soldiers fell dead, and the two CER soldiers dragged them into the back of the truck. Dash closed the flap on the truck.

“All right, Braveheart,” Dash said. “Hurry and get on that armor.” Braveheart removed the armor from one of the soldiers. The soldier was a light blue coated crystal pony mare with a messy purple mane. Her eyes were a sickly white. Braveheart used his hoof to close the crystal pony’s eyes, mentally apologizing for her harsh treatment under Sombra. He then picked up the armor chest plate. Before he could put it on, Dash put a hoof to his chest. Braveheart turned his head to see Dash giving him a begging look.

“Braveheart, what you’re about to put on, you need to know something,” Dash said, much anxiousness in her voice.

“What is it?” Braveheart asked. Dash looked at the armor, a fearful anger in her eyes.

“This armor is nothing like you’ve ever seen,” she murmured. “The soldiers should be teaching about this stuff, but they don’t. The armor Sombra’s soldiers wear, it’s practically an embodiment of Sombra, worn by his soldiers. He brainwashes them constantly, connects them to each other. They’re almost machines wearing this. When you put this on, you must fight Sombra’s pull. Don’t let him take control of your head.” Braveheart nodded, and slid on the armor. It seemed to latch onto his body. Braveheart quietly grunted in pain as the armor seemingly fused to his body. Once Dash and Braveheart got the armor on, they slipped back outside and stood in place of the guards they killed.

“Get in the truck Braveheart,” Dash ordered. “You’ll be driving into the outpost.” Braveheart nodded and climbed into the driver’s seat of the truck. Rainbow Dash climbed into the passenger’s seat. Braveheart’s head was pounding with voices. Voices from every soldier under Sombra’s control, from Sombra himself, and even Dash’s thoughts. Hers were most prominent. Braveheart, despite his better judgement, listened in to Dash’s thoughts. She was panicking in her head. Badly. Her own conscience was being pounded with voices, and she couldn’t take it. Physically, she didn’t show it, but her conscience was struggling to remain in control.

“Let’s go, Braveheart,” Dash said. Braveheart nodded and drove to the outpost. More trucks soon followed. As the trucks pulled up to the outpost, a hangar opened up. Inside were trucks, helicopters, jets, and ammunitions of every kind. Braveheart’s eyes went wide under the helm.

“What is Sombra preparing for?” he asked.

“He must be ready for a complete invasion,” Dash replied. “Probably Canterlot.”

“All the more reason to blow this base clean to hell,” Braveheart said. The trucks parked into the hangar, and the Sombra soldiers got out, walking into the building. Dash and Braveheart exited their hijacked vehicle and walked to the far end of the hangar, acting as casual as possible. Once they were in the clear, they opened up a nearby ventilation duct and crawled inside. They closed the duct behind them, and Braveheart took off his helmet. The voices were silent, and Braveheart breathed a sigh of relief. He helped Dash take off hers, and they crawled through the vents. Dash pulled out satchel charges and gave half to Braveheart.

“Those go along the gas line,” she instructed. “And anything else explosive. This place needs to come down. It will be crippling to Sombra, and very beneficial to the CER.”

“Yes ma’am,” Braveheart nodded. The two soldiers stayed together, navigating through the vents. They planted charges in specific places to maximize the destruction of the outpost. When Braveheart and Dash split up down a pair of smaller ducts, Braveheart found a nuclear power line. He very carefully planted a charge and kept going.

“I think I’ll be hitting a nerve with this one,” he commented to himself. He met back up with Dash above the hangar, going back to their vent. They were below a control room.

“Status report,” Dash said.

“Down to my last charge,” Braveheart said.

“Same,” Dash responded. They both looked to the control room. They had the same idea. They quietly crawled out of the vent, and snuck behind the snoring Sombra soldier at the control panel. Braveheart acted fast and stabbed the sleeping soldier in the throat. Blood sprayed onto the control panel as the soldier fell out of his chair. After getting the Sombra armor off themselves, Braveheart tossed his charge on the roof, and Dash placed hers on the control panel.

“I’m overloading the entire building’s systems,” Dash said, randomly pressing buttons on the panel. “Even if we don’t detonate the charges ourselves, they’ll blow themselves up with the building overload.” Braveheart scanned the panel, finding a big red button with yellow and black tape around it.

“Fuck it,” Braveheart said. He opened up the glass cover and slammed his hoof on the button. An alarm sounded through the building, and a computerized voice spoke.

“Self-destruct sequence started,” the voice said. “T-minus one minute to self-destruct.”

“Hope the soldiers here didn’t hear that,” Braveheart muttered.

“They didn’t,” Dash assured. “I shut down the speakers to the entire building.”

“Then let’s get out of here,” Braveheart said. He looked away and shot the charge he placed on the ceiling. It exploded, blowing a hole in the roof. The two soldiers flew from the control room back to Vanhoover. Dash detonated the charges, and the resulting blast could be seen from space, and heard all across Equestria. The mushroom cloud spread for four miles in diameter, destroying unfortunately placed Sombra outposts within the blast zone. The two soldiers flew back to Vanhoover to help the refugees escape.

~~~

Rainbow Dash landed in an alleyway in Vanhoover, and Braveheart landed next to her.

“General, what are we doing here?” he asked. “Yes, we destroyed Sombra’s outpost, but the battle is on the other side of town.” Dash cocked back her pistol, loading a bullet into the chamber. She turned around to face Braveheart. To his horror, Dash's eyes were glowing green, and purple smoke was emitting from her eyes. She smiled wickedly and pointed her gun at Braveheart.

“Kill Valiant's son,” Dash said, a demonic echo in her voice. Braveheart tackled Rainbow, knocking the gun out of her hoof. Dash grabbed Braveheart by the neck, trying to choke him to death. Braveheart fought back swiftly, getting his general off of him. He grabbed her in his magic and tossed her into the air. As Dash opened her wings and blasted back down, Braveheart grabbed her in his magic again and slammed her into the side of a building. He blasted her with a magic spell, and the green tint quickly faded from her eyes. From Dash's head sprung a puff of black smoke. It convulsed, seemingly in agony before darting away towards the battle. Braveheart took a few magical shots at it before it disappeared from sight. He looked back at Dash, who was breathing heavily on the ground of the alley.

“General?” Braveheart asked. “Are you OK?” Dash groaned, holding her head.

“I think so,” she said. “What happened?”

“I think Sombra's influence is growing in Equestria,” Braveheart said. “You were possessed.”

“Impossible,” Dash denied. “I've fought against Sombra's tyranny for years. How did he get me?”

“I don't know,” Braveheart said. “But I blame putting on the armor back at the outpost. Right now, we have to get back to the battle and help the refugees escape.” He reached out his hoof, and Dash took it. Bravheart helped her up, and they flew back to the battle.

As Braveheart, Dash, Sunset, and Rusty fired, Sombra's forces were being slowed, but not stopped.

“Keep firing!” Sunset shouted. “The refugees must be bought enough time to escape! Get them on the train out of here. I want escorts with the train on the double!” The soldiers followed her orders, directing refugees to the train. Once they were all accounted for, the train pulled out of the station, four helicopters escorting it to its new classified location. Sombra's soldiers were being cut down. Suddenly, when the battle was almost over, the CER soldiers stopped firing. They were backing away. Even Sunset and Rusty had stopped. There were two Sombra soldiers standing side by side, not attacking.

“What are you doing?” Dash cried. “Shoot them down!”

“General, do you know who those two soldiers are?” Rusty gasped, near tears. Dash looked, and instantly recognized the two Sombra soldiers. She dropped her gun in disbelief. She was looking at the rotting, walking corpses of Sergeant Valiant Effort and Pure Soul. Braveheart's parents.

“No,” Dash gasped. “Impossible. There's no way.”

“Now we know how Sombra knew our secrets,” Rusty said. “Every soldier he ever killed, he's forced them to fight for him as mindless soldiers, bent to his will.”

“They told him everything,” Sunset murmured. “Our tactics. Our maneuvers. Our soldier count. Everything! We've been fighting a losing battle since the start of the war!” Amidst the disbelief, the sobs, and the silence, Braveheart stepped between Rainbow Dash and Rusty Ace, stealing a pistol from Dash’s belt.

“Braveheart, don’t!” Dash cried. “They’re not your parents anymore.” Not breaking stride nor looking back, Braveheart cocked back the gun.

“I know,” he said. He stepped up to his parent’s walking corpses. His head was drowning in voices from the many dead soldiers through the battlefield, intensified by the undead voices of his parents. They were all chanting the same phrase, over and over again.

“One of us. One of us. One of us. One of us.” Braveheart ignored the calls of the dead. He looked into the eye slits of his undead parents’ masks. He felt the pull of the dead, calling to him to join his parents and fight for the shadow. Dash suddenly noticed the purple smoke coming from Braveheart’s eyes.

“Braveheart, no!” she cried. Rusty held her back as she tried to run to her protégé. Braveheart didn’t notice the green tint in his vision, nor the eye smoke. He stared into his parents’ undead glowing eyes. The voices flooding his head intensified; the chant grew louder, and the calls grew more powerful. He closed his eyes for a moment. He opened them back up and pointed his pistol at his father and Dash’s at his mother. He stared into their glowing eyes and said a prayer.

“Celestia, ask of me, and I shall give thee the justice of thine inheritance. For thy possession, the ends of Equestria. I shall break thy enemies with a rod of iron; thou shall dash them in pieces, like a potter’s vessel. Be wise therenow, ye soldiers. Be admonished ye judges of Equestria. Serve Celestia with fear, and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the sun lest she be angry, and you perish in the way, though her wrath be kindled but a little.” Braveheart closed his eyes, the voices in his head becoming angry at the mention of Celestia.

“There are fates worse than death,” he whispered. “You deserve none of them. Rest in peace, Mother and Father.” Braveheart pulled both triggers. The resulting blast could be heard all across Vanhoover in the dead silence. Sombra heard it. The undead heard it. The CER soldiers closest to Valiant Effort most defiantly heard it. Braveheart did not. The bullets pierced the shadow armor helms, finding their way to the brain stems of Braveheart’s parents. Blood and brain matter sprayed from the backs of their heads, severing Sombra’s connection to them. The helms shattered as the bodies fell to the ground, revealing the rotting faces of Pure Soul and Valiant Effort. As they hit the rubble scattered on the road, the voices in Braveheart’s head went quiet. He knelt down in front of his parent’s dead bodies. Their eyes were revealed to be a sickly white as the green glow faded from their eyes. Braveheart closed his parents’ eyes, allowing them peace. He stood up and walked back to the CER forces, his eyes shadowed. He walked past Dash, Rusty, and Sunset, climbing into the back of a military truck and sitting in the back.

“Let’s go,” Dash somberly said. “The refugees have made it out, and we need to mend our wounds before Sombra strikes again. Let’s go home.” She turned to Rusty.

“Take Sergent Effort’s body back to camp,” she quietly instructed. “He deserves a proper funeral.” Rusty nodded and retrieved Valiant and Pure’s bodies. The CER soldiers returned to their transports. The CER forces pulled out of Vanhoover, with Sombra having escaped capture once again.

~~~

Valiant Effort and Pure Soul’s bodies were laid in coffins back in the CER camp in the badlands. They had been clothed in a suit for formal burial. The rest of the CER soldiers wore their formal military suits and caps. Braveheart stood close to his parents’ coffins. His eyes were closed, holding back tears. Rainbow Dash and Sunset Shimmer stood next to him. Rusty stood on the other side of the coffins. Everypony was silent. Dash waited for a time before nodding to Rusty. Rusty nodded back, and she raised her bugle slung over her shoulder. As she did, the CER soldiers saluted in honor of Valiant Effort and Pure Soul. Braveheart straightened up and did the same. Rusty played Taps on the bugle, and when it had finished, the soldiers ended their salute and bowed their heads.

“Sergeant Valiant Effort was an honorable stallion,” Dash said. “He fought and died for Equestria. Even away from the service, he was ready to defend his homeland. May he and Pure Soul rest in peace.” Braveheart walked up to his parent’s coffins, and put a hoof on each one, saying goodbye to them. The service ended soon after, and everypony returned to their post, sadness in their hearts.

~~~2 Years Later~~~

Braveheart and Sunset Shimmer had retired from the service a year earlier and were married soon after, moving to a corner of Ponyville where Sombra did not control. Sunset bore a child, a Pegasus filly named Blazing Fire. Blazing had a dark brown coat and a bright red and yellow mane and tail. The war had subsided for the time being, allowing the CER time to recover from the Vanhoover invasion. But Sombra had returned to the Crystal Empire, mending his own wounds and massing his army. The times seemed peaceful, but Rainbow Dash and Braveheart stayed wary of Sombra’s return, waiting for the day he struck again.

Chapter 6

Braveheart’s alarm beeped just loud enough for him to hear. He slowly woke up, and rolled over onto his side. He tapped his wife’s shoulder. Sunset opened her eyes, attempting to wake up herself.

“Is it time already?” she whispered.

“Yeah,” Braveheart nodded. “Go wake up Blazing, and get into the basement. You know the drill.” Sunset nodded and climbed out of the bed. She left the room to go wake up Blazing Fire. Braveheart grabbed a scoped and suppressed slug shotgun from underneath the bed and walked into the family room. He could hear Blazing and Sunset in the other room.

“But Mom, I’m sick of this,” she whined.

“Blazing Fire, you are 18 years old,” Sunset quietly scolded. “Act your age.” Blazing groaned as she and Sunset walked out of the room. Braveheart gave his daughter a stern glare as she looked towards him. Blazing looked down at the floor as her mother led her to the basement. She looked back at Braveheart, giving him a pleading look. Braveheart returned the look with one of assurance. Sunset nodded and walked into the basement with Blazing, sealing the door behind her. Braveheart looked back to the windows, cocking back the shotgun in his magic. Braveheart took a moment to ponder the past.

It had been 20 years since he and Sunset had resigned from the CER. They had been married, and Sunset gave birth to Blazing Fire. Braveheart and his family now had to protect their new life. They issued new protocols for the household. Every morning, at the crack of dawn, they would check the perimeter for Sombra soldiers. They had to keep themselves secret. Braveheart sighed, then stepped up to the first window, opening it and looking outside. There was a Sombra soldier wandering the premises, stumbling around, seemingly in agony and confusion. Looking close, Braveheart recognized the soldier as Sergeant Thunderbolt Sentinel. Thunderbolt was a good friend of Rusty’s in the service, but lost his life at the Battle of Las Pegasus. Braveheart remembered the day the luxurious city fell. Sombra’s soldiers flooded the resorts and casinos, killing hundreds within minutes. The CER responded, but heavy casualties forced them to retreat. Many good ponies died that day, including Thunderbolt. Braveheart aimed his shotgun at Thunderbolt’s skull. He closed his eyes and quietly said a prayer, then opened his eyes.

“I’ll meet you in Tartarus, Thunderbolt,” Braveheart whispered. He pulled the trigger, and the slug round fired, piercing Thunderbolt’s brain. The shadow armor dissolved into smoke, flowing back north.

“Oh, that’s not good,” Braveheart muttered. He wrote a letter to Rainbow Dash.

“General, I’m afraid Sombra’s hooves have been busy. As I was going through my daily sweep of the premises around my house, one of Sombra’s soldiers was stumbling around. I regret to inform you that the soldier was Sergeant Thunderbolt Sentinel. As I put him at peace, the shadow armor he wore dissolved into black smoke, flowing north, no doubt back to Sombra. I fear Sombra is now aware of me and my family’s presence. I advise you to prepare for this when Sombra strikes again. I fear he is inventing new ways to destroy us. Please be careful. - Braveheart”

Braveheart sent off the letter to Dash, and closed the window. He sealed the blinds and locked the doors. He reloaded his shotgun and ran to the basement. He pounded twice hard, and once more softly. Sunset opened the door.

“Is it over?” she asked.

“I’m afraid we have a bigger problem,” Braveheart replied. “Sombra is aware of our residence here. We need to get out.” Sunset nodded, and ran to her room to pack. Blazing followed her. Braveheart walked into the basement, grabbing a pistol, an assault rifle, and two semtex grenades. He walked over to a wall and pressed a hidden switch. A secret door slid away, revealing a passage. He turned around to see Sunset and Blazing walking down the stairs to the room.

“Everything set?” he asked.

“We’ve got everything we need,” Sunset confirmed. “Food, clothes, and some weapons.”

“It should suffice for the trip to the CER camp,” Braveheart nodded. There was suddenly an explosion, and the clatter of hoofsteps rang out through the house.

“They’re here,” Braveheart growled. He turned to Sunset and Blazing. “Go without me,” he ordered. “I’ll deal with them, then catch up with you. That underground passage leads straight to the CER camp. Just follow it. The trip will take a few days, but the passage is lit and has no turns.”

“Come back safe,” Sunset requested. “Please.” Braveheart nodded, then kissed his wife goodbye. He gave Blazing a tight hug, when all of a sudden bullets started flying.

“GO!” Braveheart cried. He whipped around, raising his assault rifle. He shot at the Sombra soldiers, killing them. The armor they wore dissolved, flowing away. Sunset and Blazing ran into the tunnel, and Braveheart shut it behind them. He reloaded his gun as three more soldiers ran into the basement. Braveheart took cover behind a crate as the soldiers fired on him. He tossed a grenade, which stuck to the skull of a soldier. The explosion tore off the soldier’s head, killing the other two as well. Their armor flowed away, but not far. King Sombra stepped down the stairs, and the black smoke was absorbed into him. Braveheart cocked back his shotgun and shot at Sombra. The slug round deflected off of Sombra, much to Braveheart’s dismay and horror. He gritted his teeth and kept shooting. Sombra’s eyes were emitting purple mist, and his pupils were gone, replaced by a glowing green. He summoned his scythe from the air and swung at Braveheart. Braveheart avoided the strike, running at Sombra. He avoided the scythe, soon tackling Sombra. He grabbed a grenade and stuck it on Sombra’s temple. He released the pin and jumped away, ducking behind a box. The grenade exploded, sending shrapnel around the room. Braveheart waited for the ringing in his ears to stop, then raised his body up, aiming his assault rifle. Sombra’s body was motionless on the floor, his scythe dissipated. Braveheart carefully approached his enemy’s corpse. Sombra’s head was blown up, and blood was spilling onto the floor. Braveheart relaxed, then spat on Sombra’s corpse.

“You deserve no respect from me, you bastard,” he growled. He put a pistol round into Sombra’s skull, then turned around. Braveheart suddenly felt an excruciating pain shoot through his body. Blood sprayed from his chest as Sombra’s scythe ripped through him. Braveheart gasped for air as he was suspended by the blade. The scythe dissipated, and Braveheart fell to the ground. Sombra walked in front of Braveheart as the fatal opening in his face healed.

“You poor simple fool,” he growled. “It takes a whole lot more than a grenade to the face to kill me. And now, you will die, joining my army of shadow.” Braveheart used his last bit of strength to conjure up a levitation spell. He floated his pistol to his head, cocking back the slide. Sombra’s eyes went wide. Braveheart closed his eyes.

“Blazing Fire, Sunset Shimmer, Rainbow Dash, Rusty Ace, Celestia,” he moaned. “Forgive me. I have failed you all.” Before Sombra could do anything, Braveheart pulled the trigger. The bullet tore through his head and out the other end. It struck the iron wall, collapsing the bullet. It hit the floor, bloody and covered with brain matter. Sombra growled, then turned away. He walked out of the house, leaving Braveheart’s corpse inside.

~~~

Sunset and Blazing Fire walked through the tunnel. They heard the gunshots and the explosions. When there was a long pause, then a final gunshot, Sunset felt something die inside of her. But she couldn’t tell Blazing. She’d lose it. So she kept quiet. The two walked in silence. The only sound that could be heard was their hoofsteps in the dirt. Sunset closed her eyes, and started to cry. Blazing wrapped a hoof around her mother.

“It’ll be OK, mom,” she assured, oblivious to the truth. “Dad will make it out. He always does.” Sunset nodded, tears in her eyes.

“I pray to Celestia you’re right, Blazing,” she sobbed. They kept walking to the CER camp. One praying for Braveheart’s survival, the other knowing it was already too late.

~~~

At the CER camp, Rainbow Dash had just read Braveheart’s letter to her. Rusty Ace was with her.

“So, Sombra is advancing his shadows,” Dash murmured. “And Captain Braveheart has fallen. This is a dark day for the Crystal Empire Resistance.”

“We can only hope Captain Shimmer and her daughter made it out,” Rusty agreed.

“Knowing Braveheart, I’m sure he had an exit strategy for his family,” Dash assured. “They should be here within days. Still, we should send reinforcements into the passage to escort them safely. Sombra will have sent soldiers after them.”

“I’ll take the Wolf Squadron,” Rusty said. “You know what they’re capable of.”

“I was just about to say that,” Dash nodded. “Go, and hurry. Sombra’s soldiers won’t be far behind Captain Shimmer. Get them to camp safe.” Rusty saluted, and she left the war tent. Dash looked back to the map, stabbing a knife into the Crystal Empire.

“We’ll have your head yet, Sombra,” she hissed. “Just you wait, Equestria will win this damned war, and your empire will crumble with you.”

Chapter 7

Blazing Fire dragged her hooves tiredly. How long had she and her mother been walking for? She didn’t know, but she did know she was bored. She would try to ask her mother to tell her stories about her father, but every time she did, Sunset would turn away and start to cry. Blazing eventually took the hint and stopped asking. She started getting thoughts in her head. Thoughts she didn’t want. Could her father actually be dead? No. He couldn’t be. He’s told her stories of how he helped the CER win major battles for Equestria. He had to be alive. He was just catching up, that’s all.

Sunset Shimmer counted each slow step in her head as she and her daughter walked through the tunnel. Since Braveheart had sent her and Blazing through the tunnel, she had felt something inside of her slowly die. She didn’t feel that connection with her husband that she did when he was with her. Even when he was given an assignment on the battlefield and she didn’t, she could still feel that connection. Now, that connection was gone. Her husband was dead. And there was nothing she could have done.

“Mom?” Blazing asked. Sunset turned to her daughter, her eyes welling up with tears. “Is dad going to be OK?” Blazing continued. Sunset wiped the tears from her eyes, and got ready to tell Blazing the hard truth. But before she could, there was a rumbling in the tunnel coming from the opposite direction. Both mares turned towards the noise, startled. Sunset gritted her teeth.

“What is it?” Blazing asked, taking a step back.

“Sombra’s soldiers,” Sunset growled. “Stay behind me.” She pulled out an assault rifle from the duffel bag, and chambered a bullet. She aimed the rifle down the tunnel, taking steps back to keep advancing, slowly but surely, toward the CER camp. The rumbling intensified, shaking the tunnel, when suddenly a mass of Sombra berserkers thundered into view, bayonets strapped to their armor. Sunset opened fire on the berserkers, taking some of them down. But when her clip ran dry, the berserkers quickly closed in. Sunset grabbed her daughter and waited for the worst. All that met her ears was the sound of slicing flesh and she and Blazing were surrounded by body parts of berserkers. The rest of the berserkers were frozen, seemingly in fear. Sunset looked behind her, and saw a pony behind her, standing calmly with their left hoof outstretched. Something in the air shimmered a bright blue, creating a thin outline. The pony flicked their wrist ever so slightly, and the shimmering outline made sharp movements. More Sombra berserkers were cut up from seemingly nothing, while the occasional blue shimmer lit up when a berserker fell.

“Get behind me,” the pony said in a dull voice. Sunset and Blazing quickly did so, and the pony relaxed. More berserkers that hadn’t seen the carnage rushed into the scene, and something large whizzed by Sunset’s head. It exploded, killing many berserkers. Another pony with a massive anti-tank rifle stepped up next to the dull pony. Her eyes were black with red pinpricks in the center. She reloaded her massive weapon as another pony dual-wielding pistols with long rectangular slides stepped up, blasting the heads off the berserkers. When there were only two berserkers left, Rusty Ace jumped in front of the group and cut their heads off with a sword. Not one of these soldiers’ armor dissolved into shadow. Rusty sheathed her sword and turned around. Sunset straightened up and saluted.

“Lieutenant,” she said. “Are we ever glad to see you.”

“Likewise, Captain Shimmer,” Rusty nodded. “We’re glad we got to you when we did. Sombra berserkers may fall easily, but they are very dangerous in large numbers.”

“Who are you all?” Blazing asked. The three other ponies stepped up to Rusty and turned around. One looked exactly like Rusty, just with a flat manestyle.

“Sunset, Blazing, meet Wolf Squad,” Rusty said. “All bioengineered organisms designed for wiping out legions of Sombra’s forces. While Sombra was busy with his shadow armor, the CER has been just as productive. First, Quartzite.” The pony that looked like Rusty nodded. She wore dark purple eye shadow and her mane was straight and flat, hanging down from her head.

“Quartzite, codenamed ‘Angel of Death’,” Rusty introduced. “She has been gifted with a very special weapon. Using a combination of her hooves and her mind, she can manipulate a magical wire to deflect bullets, cut up soldiers, and make one mean salsa, might I add. While not the most equine way to dispatch of Sombra’s soldiers, she gets her assignments done.” Rusty moved on to the pony with the anti-tank rifle. The mare had a dark purple coat and a raised dark red mane. She smiled a wicked toothy grin, revealing long fangs.

“Crucifix,” she said. “A pony bred from dark magic harvested from Sombra’s shadow armor we’ve destroyed. Little did anypony in the CER know that some of the shadow armor from years ago at the battle of Vanhoover was secretly collected and processed, the dark magic inside being contained. This dark magic, combined with a volunteering CER soldier, produced this monstrosity. Her mind, extremely unstable, only kept intact with the weapon she carries. The volunteering mare had lost a close friend during the battle of Las Pegasus, and the only thing she could remember her by was a single incendiary steel round. Her friend was an artillery expert, you see. So, the CER created the 30 millimeter anti-tank rifle she carries. Firing either depleted uranium rounds or exploding incendiary shells, that thing will obliterate entire chunks of soldiers from Sombra’s ranks. It’s the closest thing Crucifix has to remember her friend by.” Rusty tapped the last pony on its steel shoulder. The pony was a metallic white with shimmers of light blue. She wore a blue screen over her eyes, which lit up with a light blue.

“And finally, Circuit Frost,” she presented. “The first robotic pony with artificial intelligence. Her outer shell is comprised of a titanium and Kevlar alloy, making it virtually indestructible. Inside houses a mix of hydraulics and magnetics, allowing her to lift massive amounts of weight with little effort. Her heads up display can allow her to give detailed and highly accurate predictions of Sombra’s attacks, not to mention analyze wounds on our own soldiers. The guns she carries are very powerful custom longslide pistols. The silver gun fires 454 casull rounds, weighing 6 kilograms and firing 7 rounds per magazine. The black gun is different, firing custom made 13 millimeter exploding rounds and weighing 16 kilograms.”

“Incredible,” Blazing gasped, amazed.

“And if you look, you can see that none of the shadow armor returned to Sombra,” Rusty added. “Celestia herself foresaw this as a possibility, and she ordered that special bullets were to be made. The new rounds are blessed with magic straight from the princess, allowing them to pierce through the shadow armor while preventing it from dissolving. My blade and Quartzite’s wire were given the same properties. We have been preparing for Sombra’s return, most thoroughly.”

“Well, that much is obvious,” Sunset agreed.

“Come on,” Rusty urged. “We need to get back to camp. Sombra will surely have sent more than these berserkers.” Sunset nodded, and the group kept going through the tunnel.

~~~

At the Crystal Empire, Sombra stood in the war room, overlooking the map of Equestria. The areas he had control over were lit up black, while the areas neutral and CER occupied were lit up red. A soldier walked up to him, letting off a series of clicks and groans. Sombra’s eyes narrowed.

“What do you mean, the berserkers haven’t returned yet?” he hissed. “Their mission was simple. Kill Captain Shimmer and bring her daughter back alive. If they are dead, their armor should have returned by now.” The soldier clicked and moaned again, and Sombra’s eyes started to glow in anger.

“What ‘new technology’?” he growled. The soldier took a step back, uttering more clicks and moans. Sombra whipped around, grabbing the soldier by the throat in his magic. The soldier clicked once, and Sombra tore his head off, the armor flowing back to him. He turned back to the map.

“What have you been up to, Celestia?” he snarled. “If you’ve started to get involved, wonderful. It will be a delight to kill you. I forgot how long it’s been since I’ve tasted your personal soldiers’ blood. With Captain Braveheart dead, I presume the morale in your soldiers is falling. It will be your downfall.” Sombra turned away and left the room, gripping a red collar in his hoof.

“As for you, Lieutenant Rusty Ace,” he quietly snarled. “You have betrayed me since the start, and I will kill you for it.” The war room door slammed shut behind him as he dissolved into shadow, flowing toward Braveheart’s house.

~~~

Sunset, Blazing, Rusty, Quartzite, Crucifix, and Circuit Frost continued to walk through the tunnel. They moved quickly, but at a reasonable pace. Suddenly, Circuit Frost stopped dead, looking back the opposite direction.

“What is it?” Rusty asked. Circuit narrowed her eyes. Her HUD lit up and started beeping. Suddenly, it lit up red and let off a violent alarm.

“It’s Sombra!” Circuit cried. In response, Quartzite summoned up her wire, surrounding the group with it. Crucifix aimed her anti-tank rifle down the tunnel, while Circuit shut off her HUD alarm and aimed her custom longslide pistols. Rusty drew her sword and raised a pistol. Sunset and Blazing stayed in the center of the soldiers. The group waited for Sombra’s attack. They all felt a sudden chill as the air temperature quickly dropped around them.

“Here he comes,” Quartzite said. The torches in the tunnel went out, shrouding the group of soldiers in darkness. Only Circuit could see, using her night vision to survey the area. Sombra suddenly jumped out of the shadow, targeting Rusty. Circuit shot her silver gun, briefly lighting up the tunnel and putting a bullet into Sombra’s temple. It didn’t kill him, but the force of the shot forced him sideways into the tunnel wall.

“Move!” Rusty cried. Sunset lit up her horn, casting just enough light to see, and led the group through the darkened tunnel. Circuit and Quartzite stayed in the rear to keep Sombra at bay. Sombra recovered from his bullet wound, and dissolved into shadow to chase down the soldiers. He burst up again, and Quartzite launched her wire at his body. The wire slashed away at Sombra’s flesh, but it healed quickly, proving Quartzite’s efforts worthless. Circuit shot her black gun, and the bullet exploded in Sombra’s face. The wound healed quickly, and Sombra continued to pursue.

“Keep running!” Rusty ordered. “Wolf Squadron, keep him off of us.” Crucifix, Quartzite, and Circuit Frost stopped, ready to defend against Sombra. The torches lit back up, but with green fire. Sombra materialized in front of the three bioengineered soldiers. They all got ready for a fight. Quartzite’s wire flowed around them in spastic patterns, reacting to her state of mind. Sombra’s eyes lit up green, and purple mist started flowing from his eyes.

“You don’t intimidate us, Sombra,” Crucifix hissed, sliding an incendiary round into her anti-tank rifle. “We’ll send you to Tartarus where you belong.” Sombra smirked.

“Then why didn’t the CER before?” he asked. “No matter how many soldiers they send, they can never kill me. Even your best soldier, Captain Braveheart, was it? Not even he could kill me one on one. The CER will fail, and the shadow of the Crystal Empire will consume everything.” His scythe materialized in front of him, and he charged at the super soldiers. Quartzite flicked her hoof, and her wire flew at Sombra. Before he knew what had happened, Sombra had lost all his limbs, and he tumbled to the ground. He bled out, but he quickly started to heal himself. Circuit fired an explosive shot from her black pistol, and it struck Sombra in the face. The shot exploded, coating the walls with blood and brain matter. Sombra rematerialized in seconds, and came swinging. Crucifix fired, and Sombra cut the shell in two. The two halves flew by his head, exploding behind him. He advanced on the soldiers, taking a powerful swing at Quartzite. But the scythe didn’t make contact. Quartzite’s wire had gripped onto the scythe handle, keeping it from moving. Sombra tried to tear his scythe free, but only succeeded in severing the blade from the handle, leaving him with nothing but a stick. He dissipated the scythe remains and conjured up another one from behind the soldiers. Circuit noticed, and whipped around, firing her silver gun. The bullet ricocheted off the scythe, knocking it away while simultaneously sending the bullet to Sombra’s head. The blast pierced his brain, but it grew back almost immediately.

“Damn you!” Crucifix cursed. “Why won’t you just die already? You’re no pony! You’re…”

“A bioengineered regenerator agent,” a calm, older female voice behind the soldiers said. “And they’ve upgraded your healing. You’re a thing.” The three super soldiers turned around, and saw a tall mare with a flowing translucent blue mane and tail, twinkling with white stars. Her coat was a dark blue, and her eyes were teal. She wore black armor with a moon on the chestplate. The helmet kept her mane in a ponytail, and she wielded a sword with a moon on the handle. Despite the threat in front of them, all three soldiers bowed in respect.

“Princess Luna,” Quartzite said. “We are honored by your presence.”

“At ease soldiers,” Luna dismissed. The three super soldiers stood back up as Luna stepped in front of them. Sombra growled and charged, bringing his scythe to him. He swung down, and Luna blocked the attack with her sword. She pushed the scythe up and impaled Sombra through the heart. Sombra gasped for air. Luna tore the sword out of him and cut off his head. Sombra’s corpse fell dead, his head rolling onto the floor of the tunnel. Luna summoned a sword of magic and impaled Sombra’s head to the dirt. She turned around, facing the soldiers.

“Take me to the CER camp,” she ordered. “I have much to discuss with General Dash and my sister.”

“Yes ma’am,” Circuit nodded. The soldiers led Luna through the tunnel to the camp.

~~~

Sunset Shimmer, Blazing Fire, and Rusty Ace had safely made it to the CER camp in Canterlot. Blazing was crying, held in a hug by her mother. The truth of her father’s fate had been told to her, and she was heartbroken. Crucifix, Quartzite, Circuit Frost, and Princess Luna had just recently emerged from the tunnel, and Luna requested an audience with Rainbow Dash and Princess Celestia.

“What?!” Dash cried in anger. “You mean Braveheart wasn’t killed by Sombra at all? It was a regenerating clone? A damned clone!?”

“General Dash, contain yourself,” Celestia scolded. “But Luna, please explain. What was it?”

“King Sombra has developed bioengineered versions of himself to carry out tasks he would rather not,” Luna explained. “Such as killing Captain Braveheart and attempting to kill Captain Shimmer and her daughter. These clones have been given very powerful regenerative properties, allowing them to heal from all manner of wounds, even the blessed bullets, blades, and Quartzite’s wire. Sombra uses artificial armor on his soldiers now as well.”

“We heard,” Dash said. “It returns to Sombra, giving him the location and reason of death.”

“Well, that’s half right,” Luna said. “Instead of returning to Sombra himself, the dissolved shadow armor returns to the regenerator agent, increasing its power and speed of recovery.”

“The bullets we have created nullify the armor’s ability to return to the regenerators, but the bullets are useless. At least against the regenerator agents.”

“Which is why I paid a visit to the Dragon Lands,” Luna said. “Dragon Lords Ember and Spike helped me craft a special blade designed to kill the regenerators. However, they only agreed to make one. They said that they dare not get involved with the war. They wish to remain neutral in this time of conflict.”

“Understandable, but we could use their aid,” Celestia said.

“I spoke with them on the matter, but they refused,” Luna regretted. “A shame too. The dragons have been known to be great hunters back in the olden days of Equestria, wiping out entire legions from existence.”

“Regardless, we have to prepare for an assault,” Dash said. “With Captain Braveheart dead and Captain Shimmer returned to the CER, Sombra is surely preparing for a full assault of Canterlot.”

“And we shall prepare as well,” Celestia said. “Blazing Fire must be given military training, morale must be restored, and Canterlot must be fortified.”

“Indeed, sister,” Luna nodded. “Come then. We have much to do, and little time to do it.” The two sisters began to issue orders to the Crystal Empire Resistance, ready to be the last stand against King Sombra, bringing his rule to an end once and for all.

Chapter 8

Five months after Braveheart’s death, both the Crystal Empire and the Crystal Empire Resistance forces were ready for the final battle. Weapons had been upgraded, vehicles had been crafted, and soldiers had been trained. The CER forces had gathered in the Frozen North. They could see the Crystal Empire in the distance. Princess Luna paced up and down the line of soldiers ready for battle. She held her sword in her magic. Her armor was glowing a dark purple, and her blade shimmered white. Quartzite, Crucifix, Circuit Frost, and Rusty Ace stood in front of the CER soldiers. Rainbow Dash, Sunset Shimmer, and Blazing Fire stood next to them, Dash on the left, Sunset and Blazing on the right. Princess Celestia followed her sister, talking to her while she paced. The sky was thick with grey clouds, and the snow came down in sheets. The CER soldiers shivered in the bitter cold, fear starting to take over.

~~~

King Sombra himself stood on a raised black crystal overlooking his army. 10 of Sombra’s regenerating agents stood in front of the tens of thousands of Sombra soldiers. They were all armed with the same assault rifles, lined up and ready for war. Sombra used a bit of dark magic to amplify his voice and began to speak.

“Today is the end of Celestia,” he said. “The end of a regime that acquiesces to disorder. At this very moment, in Canterlot, Princess Celestia lies to Equestria while supporting the treachery of the loathsome resistance.”

~~~

Princess Luna stopped pacing and faced the CER soldiers, a fiery determination in her eyes. Celestia stopped next to her, raised her voice, and spoke to her soldiers.

“Ponies of Equestria, I see in your eyes the same fear that would take the heart of me. A day may come when the courage of ponies fails, when we forsake our friends and break all bonds of fellowship, but it is not this day.”

~~~

“This fierce empire which you have built, upon which we stand, will bring an end to the princesses, and their cherished monarchy.”

~~~

“An hour of wolves and shattered bones, when the age of ponies comes crashing down, but it is not this day!”

~~~

“All remaining ponies shall bow to the Crystal Empire, and remember this as the last day of Equestria!!”

~~~

“This day we fight! By all that you hold dear on Equestria! I bid you stand, ponies of Equestria!!”

~~~

All of Sombra’s soldiers and agents raised their right hoof to a 45-degree angle, saluting King Sombra. Sombra lowered himself to the ground and led his soldiers in the charge against Celestia.

~~~

Princess Celestia and Princess Luna charged with their soldiers to the Crystal Empire, renowned courage in their heart. They were ready for the final battle, ready to drive Sombra off his throne and restore peace to Equestria. And so it came to pass that those who had gathered before a painted line of spears found themselves reunited before the real thing. On one side, all divisions of ponies from Equestria’s Crystal Empire Resistance: 3619 soldiers of the free Equestria. On the other side, 5482 shadow soldiers under King Sombra: the black army of the Crystal Empire. All is ready; the players prepare to take the stage, and the curtain rises over this day in the Frozen North. As both armies charged, the thunderous stomping of hooves could be heard from the Dragon Lands. Celestia’s soldiers let out a war cry as they charged towards Sombra’s forces. The armies clashed, and the battle began.

“Fall of the Crystal Empire”
The Frozen North, Equestria.
Lieutenant Rusty Ace
CER Wolf Squadron
July 4th, 2060

Rusty drew her sword and swiftly cut off a Sombra soldier’s head. She cut away, severing the heads off of many of Sombra’s forces. Her flank felt cold, and she instinctively held her pistol behind her and shot. Sure enough, a Sombra soldier fell dead behind her. She could see Quartzite’s wire slicing through the air, and blood sprayed whenever the wire made a sharp movement. Over all the noise, Rusty could hear Circuit Frost’s guns blasting away, making a loud clang in combination with the gunshot. Explosions went off every five seconds, meaning Crucifix was going at it. Both Sombra soldiers and CER soldiers were dying in the clash. Suddenly, a massive column of black crystal erupted from the snow, killing a group of CER soldiers. King Sombra stood atop the column, overlooking the battle with glee. He laughed, knowing the CER couldn’t hold out for much longer. Rusty decided to deal with him now. She spun around with her sword outstretched, killing Sombra soldiers around her, then spread her wings and bolted upwards toward Sombra. He noticed, and jumped out of the way. Rusty collided with Rainbow Dash as she missed Sombra.

“Sombra’s mine!” Dash yelled at Rusty. She shook off the collision and chased after him.

“General, wait!” Rusty cried. She followed Dash as Sombra fled to the Crystal Empire. Rusty could see that Sombra was leading Dash into a trap. She increased her flying speed in an attempt to stop Dash before it was too late.

Sombra ran into the courtroom hall of the Crystal Tower. The stained glass windows all bore the same design: Sombra’s successful takeover of the Crystal Empire after 1000 years. As he waited for his prey, he summoned up his scythe. Rusty and Dash crashed through one of the windows. Sombra smiled. Dash wasted no time in tossing a grenade. It landed next to Sombra, exploding on impact. The smoke lingered, and Dash and Rusty hovered in the air.

“Is that really it?” Rusty breathed. It, in fact, was not. A black crystal column rammed Dash away. Sombra stood on the crystal, glaring at Rusty with a wicked grin. Rusty pulled out her sword, and was immediately blasted to the floor by Sombra. He heard a shimmer, and looked to where Dash was rammed to the wall. It lit up with a rainbow light, and the crystal exploded, Rainbow Dash charging at Sombra. She grabbed him and threw him to the ground. Rusty looked up to see crystal raining down. She deflected each piece, then stopped a downward strike from Sombra as he landed in front of her. Rusty knocked Sombra away, then jumped into the air, planting herself on the wall of the room. She could see Dash doing the same. They nodded to each other, then bolted downwards towards Sombra, letting out a battle cry as they did. Sombra’s eyes lit up green, and he slammed the base of his scythe into the floor, creating walls of shadow around him. The two CER soldiers were stopped by the walls of shadow, and were promptly sent flying into the walls. The shadow morphed into black crystal upon impact, and Rusty was knocked out cold, suspended by the crystal. Dash fought back, breaking the crystal and blasting towards Sombra. She made contact, and a cloud of smoke arose. Dash couldn’t see Sombra anywhere.

“Show yourself, coward!” she yelled into the smoke. She could hear Sombra laughing, but she couldn’t tell where. She stayed quiet for a moment, then whipped around, stopping Sombra’s scythe with her mechanical wing. She pushed it away, then grabbed her knife and stabbed Sombra in the chest. He was caught by surprise. Dash drove her knife deeper into Sombra’s flesh.

“It’s over, Sombra,” she hissed. “Yield!” Sombra grinned as his eyes lit up green, and he started to laugh. Dash tried to pull out her knife, but she couldn’t.

“So much hatred,” Sombra said, feeding off of Dash’s hatred towards him. He made a move, and Dash backed away, tearing her knife from Sombra’s armor. Sombra raised his scythe and slowly walked towards his adversary.

“You speak of cowardice?” he asked. “Have you forgotten whose domain you are in?” Dash barred her teeth. She swung her knife, and Sombra deflected it. Dash used the opening to deck Sombra in the face. She swung, missed, and swung again, ending up in a weapon lock with Sombra.

“I don’t care where the fuck I am!” Dash raged. She took another swing, which Sombra easily blocked. “You will fail!” Dash cried. Sombra’s eyes lit up green.

“Don’t forget how your protégé died,” he taunted. “Not Braveheart, but the other one. What was her name? Oh, yes. Scootaloo, that’s right.” Dash erupted with rage. She pushed Sombra back and pulled out her pistol.

“SHUT UP YOU BASTARD!!” she screeched. She fired a shot, and Sombra dissipated into shadow, avoiding the bullet. The bullet struck the crystal pillar Rusty was suspended on, sending a crack through it. Smoke engulfed Dash, and she covered her face. The cracking sound in the crystal woke up Rusty, and she looked down. Through the smoke, she saw a faint green glow. She grabbed her sword and started to get herself free.

~~~

Dash regained sight at the Castle of the Two Sisters. She looked around in confusion, looking for Sombra.

“Show yourself!” she demanded. She suddenly saw a pony figure in front of her. She recognized the figure as Scootaloo.

“Scootaloo?” she asked, shocked. Scootaloo turned around, her face covered with a shadow armor helmet. Dash’s eyes shrunk in horror.

“No,” she gasped. “No, it can’t be.” Scootaloo’s standing corpse stepped towards Dash, whose whites of her eyes turned green, and purple mist started to emit from her eyes. She fell onto her flank, and Scootaloo’s corpse stood over her, straightening up, as if ready to finish Dash.

“SCOOTALOO, I’M SORRY!” Dash cried. She was actually stuck in an illusion, and Sombra was standing over her, scythe poised for the final strike. A knife suddenly wedged itself in the back of his neck, making him lose focus and drop his scythe. He looked to where the knife came from, and saw Rusty drop to the ground, sword in her hoof and an angry look on her face. Sombra tore the knife from his flesh and healed the wound with dark magic. Rusty tossed six throwing knives at Sombra, who raised a crystal column and stopped the knives. He launched the column at Rusty, who cut through it with her sword, splitting it in two. She knocked it away and charged at Sombra, clashing her blade with his scythe. Sombra launched Rusty over and behind him, but Rusty used the momentum to land on the wall and spring herself back. Sombra jumped back as she hit the ground, creating a cloud of dust. It settled quickly. Sombra landed, his teeth barred.

“Relentless,” he hissed. “Why such lengths to protect your petty imperialistic interests?”

“You're a fool if you think that's what I'm trying to protect,” Rusty retorted. She called upon her wolf instincts and charged at Sombra, faster than he could see. She struck him twice, then was stopped as he slammed down, pinning her to the floor. Her sword flew into the air, wedging itself into the floor behind Sombra. Sombra raised his scythe, intent on finishing off Rusty for good. Suddenly, Rusty swiped at Sombra, catching him in the neck with her sharp claws. Sombra staggered back, allowing Rusty to stand up. Both combatants caught their breath, and Sombra healed the deep cut in his neck with dark magic. Before Rusty could run for her weapon, Sombra destroyed it with shadow, simultaneously trapping Rusty in a makeshift crystal cell.

“Release me,” she growled. Sombra chuckled.

“In due time,” he said. “I was curious as to why Equestria would fear you. It seems they are right to do so.”

“Equestria does not fear me!” Rusty snarled, offended.

“You will see before long,” Sombra assured. “Do you honestly think you can keep the beast within you trapped forever?”

“Do not pretend you know her as I do,” Rusty muttered aloud.

“Oh, I know her perfectly,” Sombra smirked. “You find me a tyrant, but the best kind of slave is the one who is willing. That was who you were, don't forget that.”

“SILENCE!!” Rusty yelled. Sombra grinned.

“You can deny my warnings all you wish,” he said. “It won't change your fate.”

“Save your breath for when I gut your insides out,” Rusty growled.

“Even if by some miracle you were to defeat me, you'd only soon fall to the beast within. Why be forced to choose?” Rusty breathed heavily out of her nose, showing her anger.

“Equestria will see more foes in its future, that I can assure you,” Sombra said. “Would it not make sense for us to stand against them together, as before?”

“We would soon rather take our own lives than submit to you,” Rusty stormed.

“Submit?” Sombra asked, fascinated by her word choice. He chuckled. “Just like you have to Kashluna?” Rusty clenched her teeth tight.

“I admire your resolve,” Sombra admitted. “You are strong. Far more so than you believe. You now have an opportunity to take back control of yourself, to show the nation what it truly means to fear the demons.” Rusty closed her eyes.

“You truly are a fool,” she sighed. She opened her eyes, and in a surge of power that made her eyes turn yellow with red slitted retinas, she shattered the crystal around her, ready to attack.

“So be it,” Sombra muttered. He transformed into shadow as Rusty charged, and engulfed her as she made contact. Rusty lost control and hit the ground, tumbling to her stomach. Her flesh cracked, and she had reverted to an alicorn's state. Her eyes became monstrous as she tried to remain in control. Sombra rematerialized behind her.

“Such a shame,” he frowned, turning away. Rusty struggled to keep in control, but to little avail. She collapsed to the floor. Sombra sighed.

“I wished only for you to remain with me,” he murmured. “You chose your own fate.” He suddenly heard a demonic laugh behind him. His eyes widened with fear and shock.

“You think you know who I am?” a new demonic voice said. “You can not possibly comprehend the powers I possess. Nor come to have them yourself.” Kashluna turned around. Her coat was a blood red, and her mane and tail were a dark gray. She bore seven tails and sharp fangs and claws.

“Just who do you think tried to stop me?” Kashluna hissed. “Even when BrokenStar did, he had to take his own life, and nearly sacrifice Rusty's to seal me away.” She grabbed Sombra's scythe from the floor with her magic.

“You have no idea what I can do,” Kashluna said. “What I could do to Equestria, and to you.”

“Stay back!” Sombra panicked, launching a blast of dark magic. Kashluna deflected the blast away.

“You are nothing compared to Rusty,” she snarled. “You are nothing compared to me!” She rushed at Sombra, pinning him to the wall, the blade of the scythe at his throat. Sombra was terrified.

“You claim to know fear!” Kashluna cried. “I will show you true terror!!” Sombra struggled to speak.

“What...are you!?” he stuttered. Kashluna grinned and pulled the scythe away from Sombra's throat, chuckling.

“I am your death,” she said. She let out a growl, bringing the scythe down. Sombra's head rolled as the scythe went through his neck. It stopped, only for Kashluna to bring the scythe down again, pinning his head to the floor. Kashluna reverted back to Rusty as she calmed down. Rusty exhaled a breath.

“Burn in Tartarus Sombra,” she muttered under her breath. She ran over to Dash, who had started to wake up. She groaned.

“What happened?” she asked Rusty.

“Sombra is dead,” Rusty said. “I killed him. Without him, the warriors should be easy pickings for the CER.” Dash’s eyes narrowed.

“He was supposed to be my kill!” she cried. “He took more from me than anypony else! He deserved death from my hooves, and mine alone!”

“General Rainbow Dash, calm yourself!” Rusty sternly shouted. Dash stopped dead. “You need to control yourself!” Rusty scolded. “Sombra has taken far too much from all of us. You are not the only one. Stop being so selfish.” Dash hung her head.

“You’re right,” she said. “Ever since Scootaloo’s and Braveheart’s deaths, I’ve been losing my head.”

“General, the war is essentially over,” Rust said. “Sombra is dead. All that’s left is to remove the rest of his influence from Equestria, and we will have peace again.” Dash nodded, smiling.

“Come on then,” she said. She and Rusty spread their wings and flew out of the Crystal Tower, which had started to collapse. As they escaped the tower, it crumbled, creating pulses of dark energy. As the last remains of the tower collapsed, a massive blast of purple fire erupted from the corrupted Crystal Heart.

“Barriers, now!” Luna ordered. The unicorn soldiers projected magical barriers around themselves and their earth pony comrades. Celestia and Luna took to the sky with the Pegasus soldiers. The fire pulse moved fast, incinerating the rest of the Sombra soldiers. The snowy landscape was charred, and the snow had been vaporized. Once the fire subsided, the unicorn soldiers released their shields, and the Princesses and Pegasus soldiers returned to the ground. Amidst the smoke, only one regenerator agent remained, barely wounded. This was the regenerator that had killed Braveheart. Blazing Fire barred her teeth and stormed over to the regenerator, yanking Luna’s sword from the dirt. The regenerator smiled wickedly, summoning his scythe.

“You killed my father,” Blazing hissed. “Now I will return the favor.” The regenerator let out a laugh.

“You disgust me, puny Pegasus,” he scoffed. “Your father was weak. What makes you think you will be any different?”

“My father fought with honor for Equestria, our home!” Blazing cried. “Sombra is nothing but a tyrant, now dead. You will never see the light of day again!” She rushed at the regenerator, and was immediately impaled with his scythe. Her eyes shrunk in pain as she tried to hold on to her life.

“NO!!” Sunset cried. The regenerator let out an evil laugh, then turned to Blazing.

“How does it feel to die?” he asked. Blazing barred her teeth and looked up at the regenerator in anger.

“Not die…” she managed. “Sacrifice!” She thrust Luna’s blade through the regenerator’s body, the tip of the blade coming through his head. The regenerator and Blazing Fire fell dead. The CER soldiers and the Princesses were silent, including Sunset Shimmer. Celestia stepped forward and turned to the soldiers.

“Ponies of Equestria, the war against the Crystal Empire is over,” she somberly said. “But at the cost of many, many lives.”

“We must not mourn for them,” Luna said. “As they gave their lives to defend their home. We must celebrate their life, and honor their sacrifices to Equestria.”

“For now, we must rebuild,” Celestia said. “Even though Sombra is defeated, we still have much to do. Come. Let us repair what has been destroyed, and return what has been taken from us.” The CER soldiers withdrew from the Frozen North, Sombra dead and the Crystal Empire defeated.

~~~One Year Later~~~

“The reports have just come in, sister,” Luna said. “The record of the Crystal War.”

“How many ponies were lost?” Celestia quietly asked.

“Equestrian casualties, 649,889, including Captain Braveheart and his daughter Blazing Fire” Luna responded. “Crystal Empire casualties, 1,483,290. That includes the reincarnated bodies of our fallen soldiers.” Celestia let out a heavy sigh and buried her head in her hooves.

“Too many,” she murmured. “Far too many lives were taken in that dreadful war. If only there was something that could have been done to prevent it. Sombra returned without warning, and we had barely any time to prepare. It’s a miracle we won.”

“Indeed,” Luna sighed. “But, it’s over. The war is over, and Equestria has peace.”

“Yes,” Celestia nodded. “That, I truly am thankful for.”

Introduction

“When the Crystal Empire returned, it brought King Sombra with it. It didn't take long for him to force every one of his subjects to fight for him against Equestria. And even with Princess Celestia leading the charge, it still takes every last pony in Equestria doing their part, working day and night to keep up the fight.” –Applejack, Crystal War Timeline

King Sombra's return brought ruin onto Equestria. The war spread like wildfire, forcing ponies from their homes. The ponies who were not called into duty still had a part to play, making clothes, saving rations, building military equipment, and doing anything else they could to help against the fight with King Sombra and the Crystal Empire. The ponies called into service had to say goodbye to their families, some of them for the last time. The war was drastic, taking many lives from both sides. Some ponies were trained as foals to fight for Equestria. Princess Celestia tried to keep hope alive, but it was failing. Sombra's reign had grown over half of Equestria, taking with it innocent pony lives and military morale. This devastating war seemed to have no end in sight, and it seemed that Sombra might win.

“Time is a riddle where even the tiniest changes seen, can lead to a cascade of effects downstream.” –Zecora, Changeling Resistance Timeline

There is another timeline where Sombra never came to power. Instead, Starnet and the machines rose up, destroying most of Equestria. Starnet had believed that the Equine race would be its downfall, so to combat the ponies, Starnet built search and destroy machines, called Terminators. These Terminators hunted down and killed most of the remaining ponies in Equestria. The small number of survivors banded together to form a resistance against the machines. The Resistance fought bravely, eventually crippling a major factory that manufactured cyborg T-800 Terminators. The leader of the Resistance, Velvet Remedy, has led many major victories since with the help of her father and closest friends. Now, the Resistance moves to strike Starnet’s central core, and bring down Starnet’s control of Equestria.