Chapters The Cause: One Blanket at a Time
A clock chimed twelve in the distance as Princess Celestia sat in her sister's bedroom reading a scroll that had been recently sent from Baltimare. The Princess always felt closer to her sister when she was in Princess Luna's royal chambers though she was hundreds of miles away. Distracted, she looked up at the moon where the silhouette of a mare could be seen. Celestia often asked herself what her sister would have to say about these situations. Rest my sister, I will watch over the night . Luna would have said sweetly, then softly nudge her into bed. But her sister was gone, banished, once again to her far away prison. Celestia had also been forced to single handedly send Discord back to his prison of stone, and battle Queen Chrysalis with the help of her niece Princess Cadence. Though princess Celestia was immortal, she felt old.
A loud knock echoed through the silence, the princess sighed.
“You may enter.” She called to the pony on the other side of the door and continued reading about a flood in the area of Baltimare. Just then the door was flung open and a guard entered.
“Your Highness, we have received a scroll from the Crystal Empire,” stuttered the white stallion. A look of shock flashed across the Princess’s face but she quickly hid it not wanting to startle the guard.
“Thank you Flashing Comet, you may go.” The guard bowed and left the room leaving Celestia to read the mysterious letter. The Crystal Empire is gone, it is only a barren wasteland of snow! Thought Celestia as she broke the seal, which was red wax, and had a crystal imprinted on it. Her eyes opened wide in shock as she read the letter’s contents
Dearest Princess Celestia,
I have escaped my prison in the icy north In order to send you this message. I have my full strength back now and have returned the Empire to it’s former location. I plan to recapture it however I want more than the Empire, I want you to rule by my side as an equal, we can rule over the Crystal Empire, Equestria, and beyond! Join me and we will become the rulers of the world! In order to find me again, meet me in the “special place”. I will be there awaiting your arrival. Join me and we can rule together, do not and I’m afraid I must consider you an enemy.
Your Friend or Foe,
King Sombra
Celestia simply sat there in shock unable to think a clear thought Sombra…Crystal Empire...Friend or Foe... Celestia shook her head in an attempt to come to her senses and make a plan. Deep breath in...And out . She told herself and she began her planning. She would first alert her niece Cadence and her husband Shining Armor, they could be trusted to stay calm. Then she would begin preparations for war. Then? Then she would have to tell Sombra that her decision was the latter, Sombra’s foe. There was no time to lose, the princess ran through the castle to Princess Cadence’s chambers.
Knocking, then bursting open the door when she got an answer she said as calmly as she could.
“Please get Shining Armor, it's an emergency.” She paced up and down the bedroom, from the bed to the door and back again as her niece raced to get her husband. Soon she returned, pulling the stallion’s hoof as they ran into the room.
“What is it?” Asked the pink mare worriedly.
“The Crystal Empire has returned!” Announced Celestia, then she read them the Letter, leaving out the part about “the place”. Cadence and her husband looked horrified but quickly came to her senses.
“With your permission Aunt, I will draft a newspaper article to the public telling them what they need to know.” Said Cadence, worry was in her eyes but Celestia was grateful to have such a bright, smart niece.
“I can send out some guards to watch our Northern border and some to set up drafting posts in each town.” Offered Shining Armor. Celestia’s heart began to return to it's normal pace. Thank heavens I have these two! Thought Celestia, then returning to the real world she replied,
“Thank you, please do, and let me know if you need something from me, I will be working on planning the supplies we need.” She nodded respectfully to her niece and nephew in law then conjured a scroll of parchment to begin her list.
***
It had been three days of planning and restless short nights, Equestria would soon be ready, factories would be built and workers of all types were being recruited, but Celestia was not ready. She knew she couldn't put off the meeting any longer, so she put on a simple cloak and stepped out into the evening on the balcony of the tallest tower, she then took off and flew over the countryside to “the place”.
The Princess landed in a clearing in a small forest by a small pond. The place brought back many memories of the days in her youth when she would sneak away from Canterlot to play with her friend Sombra, during those happy times they would play on the banks of the pond or go swimming, carefree, neither knowing their Destiny. It was now overgrown but the Princess walked over to the pond and bent over to drink. She then heard hoofsteps behind her and slowly rose to her full height. Turning her head so that she could see the Stallion out of the corner of her eye she said quietly,
“Hello Sombra.”
“Celestia, I am glad to see you have come.” Sombra walked up beside Celestia studying her face carefully, looking for the filly he used to play with. “You have made your decision?” His eyes were full of certainty, there is no way she could refuse thought the king.
“Yes--” Sombra put his hoof next to hers a triumphant gleam in his eyes. “I have decided.” Sombra’s face fell, he thought the Princess had agreed but she had only made her decision.
“Celestia, we can spare unnecessary bloodshed, become the most powerful rulers in the world!” Sombra said with less certainty.
“I will not side with you, we may have been friends in our youth but we have gone separate ways, I refuse to fight alongside you and your brainwashed soldiers. It is my duty to protect my people, and I will!” Snarled Celestia. Sombra looked crushed for a moment then hid his emotions.
“Have it your way Princess, We could have ruled together, but you leave me no choice. You have five days to change your mind before I declare war on Equestria.” said Sombra coldly.
“Very Well Sombra” said Celestia anger rising in her voice, “But the foal I knew would not be so foolish.” Then the Princess flew off to Canterlot leaving Sombra staring at her as she slowly became hidden in the mist of the night sky.
The Cause: One Blanket at a Time
It was a normal morning for Fluttershy. She sat down to eat her breakfast with Angel Bunny as usual and laid her plate on the table, three big pancakes, Straight from the griddle, all stacked up with maple syrup. A bit of slowly melting butter oozed from the heat of the freshly cooked breakfast treat She looked up to see Angel sitting on the table holding A Complete Guide to Salad. He was thumping his foot pointing to a recipe Maretonien Daisy Special .
“Oh my Angel, are you sure you don't want this yummy one?” Fluttershy asked, pointing to the bowl she had prepared. “Mmmmm Canterlot Carrot Delight.” Angel shook his head and handed Fluttershy her wicker basket that she used at the market. “Oh alright Angel, I wouldn't want you to starve!” Fluttershy picked up the basket in her mouth and left the cottage looking back once to see Angel waving at her. “Bye Bye Angel Bunny!”Fluttershy called then turned around the corner towards town.
When the pegasus arrived at the market she saw a large crowd of ponies all crowded around the newsstand this was highly unusual so she headed over to see what was going on.
“This is the worst possible thing!” sobbed a unicorn with a perfectly curled purple mane.
“Tarnation!” cried a mare that Fluttershy knew was called Applejack.
“Eeyup” said a big red stallion sadly who then put his hoof on Applejack’s shoulder. Fluttershy stood at the back of the crowd trying to see.
“Um, excuse me.” she muttered, “Can I please see?” Then reluctantly she began flapping her wings and hovered a few feet off the ground so that she could read the headline of the newspaper, CELESTIA ANNOUNCES: WAR IS UPON US. Fluttershy shrieked landed quickly, then ran away to buy the salad ingredients as fast as possible as though Ponyville would be attacked any minute. By the time Fluttershy was finished royal guards had already begun setting up a drafting tent. A shiver went down her spine as Fluttershy ran home.
***
Fluttershy hadn't left her cottage all day so she was very startled when there was a knock on the door. Slowly she went to the door and cautiously looked through the peephole. There were two stallions dressed in Canterlot Royal Guard uniforms standing on her doorstep holding stacks of fliers.
“By order of the Princess please open the door!” Said the gray stallion loudly, his voice full of authority. Fluttershy opened the door and looked at the guards, fear in her eyes.
“M-May I help you?” She stuttered.
“Yes.” Said the white stallion. “by order of the Princess every citizen must fill out a form, we will be back at your place or residence in an hour to pick it up.” He read off of a slip of paper then handed Fluttershy a form.
‘Uh, ok,” whimpered Fluttershy. “Thank you.” Fluttershy closed the door and sat down in her favorite armchair to read the form, quill in mouth.
Dear Citizens,
As you may have heard, war is upon us. The Crystal Empire has returned along with King Sombra , who has escaped his prison in the icy North. King Sombra has informed me he will declare war on Equestria in five days, preparations must be made and we need YOU to help. Please fill out the following form so that we can separate you into what category best suits you. We will then draw and unless you are unable to serve because you are expecting a child, very ill, or hurt you will be required to serve. Volunteers welcome, sign up at your nearest Drafting Stand.
Thank you for serving our great Equestria,
Princess Celestia and Princess Mi Amore Cadenza
Fluttershy gasped, I can't fight! She thought, and with a sniff, holding back tears she read through the form. Well I have to fill it out, so stopping the inevitable. Fluttershy filled out the top half, which was easy since it was just personal information but she paused when she got to the last question. What is your very special talent?, What do you do best?
“Oh my, Angel Bunny, what IS my very special talent?” asked Fluttershy. Angel pointed at himself. “Oh of course, caring for critters, though I don’t know how caring for animals will help Equestria win any wars, Oh well, I have nothing better to write down.” Sighed Fluttershy.
Soon there was a knock on Fluttershy’s door and she gave to two guards her form.
“Thank you Miss Fluttershy, we will get back to you soon about your application,” said the white
stallion, then Fluttershy nodded and closed the door. As soon as it closed she began sobbing and fell to the ground leaning against the door.
“I can’t fight,” she whimpered and Angel patted her leg softly.
The Cause: One Blanket at a Time
It was now four days until war would begin and all of Equestria was busy preparing. Canterlot was filled with many stallions and some mares who were in line to sign up at the newly organised recruiting office that had been set up in a room right off of the entrance hall of the Canterlot Castle. Royal Guards walked around all of Equestria’s towns and cities to keep up the spirits of the citizens, trying to show them that Equestria would remain strong.
Fluttershy woke with a start, shivering she sat in bed contemplating her dream. Angel hopped up and rubbed his head against her hoof.
“Oh Angel Bunny,” Sniffed Fluttershy. “I dreamed that I was on the battlefield and- and then- then Sombra was looming over me, he kicked me to the ground th- then he stuck a helmet on my head! All I could hear was his voice, commanding me to- to k- kill Celest- Celestia!” Fluttershy put her head on her pillow as her body shook with sobs but she was interrupted by a knock on the door.
“By order of the princesses come to the marketplace!” Yelled a stallion at the door, Fluttershy recognized the voice as the gray royal guard. Fluttershy got out of bed and flew to the door. She hovered by the door and opened it carefully looking through a window next to it.
“Hello? Oh, I’ll be at the marketplace in a moment.” She said pulling herself together. “Thank you.” Fluttershy closed the door then grabbed her bag of bits and keys off of the table. Fluttershy was about to leave when she heard Angel thump his foot. Fluttershy turned around and looked at him questioningly. Angel pointed at himself then the door, so Fluttershy scooped him up and put him in her basket.
Fluttershy walked to the market as usual though her mind was full of worries. She couldn't stop thinking about her dream and snippets of it raced around her head You Will Kill Celestia! Said sombra voice over and over again inside her head. She tried in vain to remove the helmet that was issuing the command. Sombra repeated himself again and again, more forcefully now the words washed over her until she thought in the back of her head, growing and growing until she was about to open her mouth and murmur the terrible command.
“Fluttershy! Are you ok?...Fluttershy?” Fluttershy looked around, then up to see Flitter. Flitter was waving at her though she looked concerned.
“Oh! Hello Flitter, Sorry I was lost in thought.” Answered Fluttershy forcing a smile. Flitter flew down until she was hovering right next to her.
“I heard through the grapevine that they have an announcement, something about the drafting pool.” Explained Flitter.
“I hope I’m not drafted,” squeaked Fluttershy.
“Oh I wouldn’t worry about it,” answered Flitter, “they probably won’t draw names for a while yet, war hasn't even begun we still have four days!” Said Flitter, trying to comfort the shy mare.
“I suppose,” muttered Fluttershy, “thanks for walking- er flying with me. What do you call it when one pony is walking and the other is flying anyway?” Fluttershy wondered aloud.
“Wying?” Offered flitter with a giggle. Fluttershy smiled for the first time all day. Leave it to Flitter to keep up everypony’s spirits she thought. They had arrived at the market and the first thing that Fluttershy saw was a podium and a crowd of ponies standing around it.
“Oh my”, was the only thing fluttershy could say before Mayor Mare walked onto the podium and the crowd quieted.
