The Soldier and The Empress

Chapters

Prolouge: Not This Again
Chapter 1: Hard Landings
Chapter 2: Separated
Chapter 3: The Trial of Twilight Sparkle
Chapter 4: Judgment of The Commander
Chapter 5: School Days
Chapter 6: History Lesson
Interlude: A Real Princess
Chapter 7: Reunion
Chapter 8: Family
Interlude: To Follow A Princess

Prolouge: Not This Again

It was just after noon, Celestia’s sun shone brightly as a few small clouds drifted through the sky to create just the perfect summer day as the ponies and changeling went about their days in the quaint little town of Ponyville. Some were shopping in the market place, were venders of both races hawked their wares to anyone who passed by while others met with friends to go for picnics or to do other summer activates. Some tended to personal gardens while other went about making deliveries or other wok their day jobs required of them.
It was exactly what you’d expect to see in any small town, picture perfect for a postcard one would send back to family as they traveled to show where they are and give a brief message on how they are doing.

Just outside the little town of Ponyville stood one of the newest land marks and one of the main reason people traveled to the small town just to see it or to visit those who lived there. This land mark was the Castle of Friendship, home to the Princess of Friendship herself Twilight Sparkle.

The Castle was a pleasant shade of light blue and had many gardens around it. It had the banner of the nation of Equestria flying high and proudly as well as many other aspects that made the place inviting to all those who would come to see it.

At one section of the castle a handful of workers finished painting a mural of the five Alicorns who held power within the nation, that’s princess Celestia, her sister princess Luna. The Princess of Love Cadence, her daughter Princess Flurry Heart and lastly the Princess of Friendship herself Twilight Sparkle.

The mural depicted the five Princesses enjoying a walk through the Canterlot Gardens and was done in a way to make it seem like a candied shot, like the viewer just happened to be there while the five enjoyed their walk. The perfect image to relax anyone who saw it because who wouldn’t be relaxed seeing the rulers of the land enjoying a walk through a garden?

As the painters stepped back to admire their handiwork one of them spoke up to sum up all their hard work. “By the gods I think we made it look worse.” The Stallion said and the other painters, both pony and changeling alike nodded in agreement.

Just above where the mural was sat of the Castle of Friendships massive anti-tank cannons, the 130mm cannon designed to destroy a tank in a single shot. And it wasn’t’ the only one. All along the wall spaced at even intervals were more of the AT cannons.

On either side of the mural sat small bunkers that housed heavy machinegun nests in place to deal with any infantry who would try to attack the walls. On top of the walls, where squads of combat ready soldiers and Royal Guard patrolled sat the castles anti-air defenses, alternating between the four barrel flak guns and the surface to air missile launchers that could lock onto a target and fire then let the missile track the target till it hit it.

Beyond the heavily reinforced walls of the Castle of friendship sat the actual “Castle” it self which consisted of a central tower that housed the living area for the Princess of friendship as well as guests rooms for visitors. The base of the tower expanded greatly and housed everything the defenders of the castle, both Royal Guard and Equestrian Defense Force soldiers, would need to protect the castle should it come under attack.

This consisted of armories, barracks, mess halls, training area, shooting ranges, command centers, checkpoints and security stations. The ground of the Castle of Friendship consisted of an outdoor training field completely with large track for running and various obstacle courses to ensure the defenders could stay in shape.

Scattered around in strategic places were small dug out areas where mortar teams could set up to rain 30mm death over the walls at any attacking force while other would act as foxholes for soldier to take cover in should the Castle’s walls be breeched somehow.

The sublevels of the Castle of friendship acted as a main command center from which the Princess of Friendship could give orders to the army anywhere in the nation should Equestria be invaded by an outside force through the use of the satellite network that orbited the planet.
Another part of the Castle of Friendship sub-levels housed one of the three Crusader Mainframes within the county. The Crusaders were tied into the Military Network and could monitor incoming information, process it, and then access the threat to the location it was house din. Should the facility the Crusader was housed in were to come under attack the computer would accessed the threat level via monitoring all incoming data from satellites, security cameras, reports from MNet, radio chatter as well as any other courses of information it chose to access to gather data. Once it accessed the situation it will label it with a threat level.

Level one means the Crusader allows ground forces and standard security personal to deal with the situation and make a few suggestions.
Level Two the Crusader will support ground forces with automated defenses under the control of the computer.

Level three is the extremely rare instance where a threat is so massive it overruns all friendly ground forces. At this level the Crusader will into full automated defense, bringing everything it has from automated turret, UAVs, laser grids designed to slice through all but the densest materials know to ponykind, blast doors, fire suppression system as well as anything else it can use to repel the attack. Level Three had never been reached by any attacking force yet as it would take a significant event for the Crusader Mainframe to reach this level, nothing short of another Nightmare Moon incident to Tirek could trigger this response. Should a Crusader activate a Level Three responds even an alicorn would have trouble reaching the computer core to shut down the system.

The Crusaders were the most powerful super computers ever created on Equus and were constantly being upgraded as technology advanced. However do to how advanced they were it was difficult to create one and took months of round the clock work to create just the program, it was why there were only three Crusader Mainframes in all of Equestria, One here at the Castel of Friendship, one at the Equestrian Military Science Division Facility and the last housed within Equestrian Defense Force High Command. All three locations were deemed high priority locations that simply could not fall into enemy hands at all costs.

Due to the possible risk of corruption or going rogue the Crusaders were not actually artificial intelligence but were in fact just virtual intelligences, granted highly advanced virtual intelligences, but still safe within carefully limited abilities. While this did make them slightly less effective it was a safeguard to ensure the safety of all. Though rumors spread that one of the Crusaders houses a true A.I. that hasn’t gone rogue do to the fact it likes the people around it but should it choose it could wage war against all life on the planet. Though few actually believe this is more than just plots from several movies and books as well as stories meant to scare the gullible.

Also housed within the basement was an entrance to the Changeling Hive, do to circumstances involving the Princess of friendship in the past having the entrance to the hive actually inside of castle itself so that changeling could come and go as needed, normally such an addition would be a weak point in the castle defenses since there were a few other entrances to the Hive elsewhere. But if someone really wanted to try to bypass the castles defenses by going through the changeling Hive then not only would the entire castle be alerted do to the changeling Hivemind telling every changeling within the castle of the threat, but they would also be facing the Changeling Swarm who knew the hive like the back of their hooves and could see in the low light of the hive with ease and numbered somewhere between three hundred to five hundred thousand strong within the hive itself. The hive was the size of a small city, only underground. In short anyone trying to invade the castle through the hive would have a bad time and probably prefer facing the Castle’s guns as they’d have an easier time fighting and higher chance of living, or at least a quick death.

In short though the home of the Princess of Friendship was officially called the Castle of Friendship many called it the Fortress of Solitude as no matter what the workers did to make the place look friendly and inviting it still looked like a fortress meant to stop and massive army dead in its tracks and then destroy said army in short order. Actually sometimes the attempts to make the place more inviting had the opposite effect and made it even more uninviting, such as the mural of the candid scene of the five Princesses in the garden, it was in such a sharp contracted to the rest of the castle it actually would instill fear in anyone unfortunate enough to look at it.

Current the Princess who lived here was holding court and a while the standing rule was non-nobles took priority when it came to entry to speak to the Princess she did have to see nobles from time to time, today was one of those days much to her displeasure.

One of these nobles was informed by a Royal guard that the princess of friendship would see him now. With a smile on his face the Noblepony made his way past the guard, failing to notice the two guards exchange smirks and once he was through the door both made a bet on how long till the noble ticked off their Princess, one said ten minutes, the other said three.

As the Noblepony made his way along the carpeted floor in the Castle of friendship’s throne room he came upon a scene he did not quiet expect to find Royalty in, especially Royalty who was said to be a skilled politician and one who took her status as Princess with a sense of profound duty.

The Scene before the Noblepony was the Princess he was there to see laying across her throne, her back legs hanging over the one arm and her head held in a hoof over the other as she enjoyed a sucker and spoke to the Changeling Queen who stood beside the throne. What they spoke of was even more unexpected.

“So then Queeny which would you sex with if you could, Celestia or Luna?” The Princess of Friendship asked looking at Changeling Queen beside her by tilting her head back.

“Uh…..any particular reason you are asking this now?” The Queen asked as she stared at the Princess whose view of the Queen was upside down do to her leaning her head back to look at the one she spoke to.

The Princess shrugged. “Just popped into my head. So who would you?”

“Uh….well….I’d have to say….Celestia?” The Queen said looking rather uncomfortable.

The Princess nodded. “I’d have to say Luna due to the whole Celestia raising me and being like a second mother and all that. Be kind of creepy, plus Luna has a really nice body do to all the practice she does with her short swords.” She said with another nod and then looked at the Queen. “Why Celestia for you?”

“Well….you know how Changeling Queens feel about those who are powerful, Celestia has ruled for centuries and dealt with many threats. And she carries herself with such grace and calmness for one who holds such power that it just says she knows what she can do and does not have to prove it to anyone.” The Queen said and the Princess stared at her for a few moments before the Queen sighed. “Plus she has a nice flank, there you happy princess” The Queen said

The Princess smiled. “Yes I am. “She said before patting the Queen’s head who blushed lightly.

The Noblepony could only stare, his mouth open in a very uncouth manner as his mind processed the scene before him. After a few moments she shook his head to clear it of the thoughts and cleared his throat to draw the attention of the Princess who looked at him in surprise as if she just noticed him.

“Oh, there’s more, thought I was done for the day.” The Princess said before shifting herself to sit more properly in the throne, though she didn’t sit like a pony, the noble had heard of how the Princess could stand and walk like a being who is bipedal and would alternate which she was based on her mood so the manner she sat was not that big of a surprise. The noble had been sure to do some research on the mare so even her the scars that adorn her body and the fact her legs and eyes were what she called “cybernetics” was not that big of a surprise, though no amount of reading and talk could quiet describe the mare before him. After all what he was there for it would do good to know a little more about the mare then was just common knowledge.

“So what can I do for you?” The Princess aid leaning forwards, the sucker still in her mouth and five claw like fingers extending from her forehooves and the tips coming to rest against each other as she drummed them together. “I’m all ears.” The princess aid with a kind smile.
The way she spoke had been unexpected slightly but he had been warned about the odd manner the Princess spoke, most likely coming from all the time she spent with commoners, no matter. “Greetings Princess Twilight Sparkle. I am Lord Smooth tongue from house Silvercrest.” The Noble said as he bowed. As he rose he opened his mouth to speak but was interrupted by the Princess.

“Wow, with a name like that you must be very popular with the mares.” She said with a smirk. “Or stallions, whichever you prefer, I don’t judge.” She said with a chuckle.

The Stallion blustered slightly before regaining his composure and taking several deep breaths the noblepony spoke again. “Yes, quiet Your Highness.” He said. “That actually has something to do with why I am here.”

“Oh?” The princess arched an eyebrow. “I must admit you have quipped my interest Lord Smooth Tongue, continue.” She said waving him on.
Well as I’m sure you know your Highness House Silvercrest is one of the most powerful houses in Equestria.” The Stallion began his prepared speech. “And you have enemies that would love nothing more than to see you dethroned do to some of your more…controversial actions.” The stallion said unable to prevent himself from glancing at the Changeling Queen, something that did not go unnoticed by the Princess of Friendship.

“Uh-huh.” The Princess said with a node. “Go on.”

“Well if the two of us were to enter into a sort of…agreement our two houses would be united and your enemies would never be able to touch you with our combined power.” The Stallion said.

“Wait, wait, wait.’ The Princess said holding up a hoof. “Are you proposing marriage to me?” She asked bluntly

The stallion was caught a bit off guard by the Princess bluntness but still carried on as this just made things easier. “Well…yes I am actually.” He said. “As I said out union would ensure your enemies could never do anything to you.”

The Princess stared flatly at the stallion before her. “You are aware I am in a relationship with Chrysalis here, right?” The princess asked gesturing to the Queen beside her.

The Stallion nodded. “Yes, everyone is well aware of you….relationship with the Queen of the Changelings.” The Stallion said, everyone still talked about the day the Princess of Friendship painted a very rude message on the side of the Equestrian Times building a few years ago that told anyone who looked at it who she was involved with. “However were you to join me then your power would be unmatched.” The stallion said.

The Princess looked at the stallion as did the Queen, though the Queen remained quiet as even if she wasn’t an empath she knew the stallion was treading through a minefield and had no clue. “Chrysalis here has a lot of power do to her Hive and how it functions, not to mention being a distinguished officer within the military and well decorated for her actions in defense of this nation.” The princess said calmly, a friendly smile appearing on her muzzle. “So I wonder why you would propose to me when I am in a relationship already.”

The Stallion wasn’t sure what to say but after a few moments he organized his thoughts and formed a response. “Well you see it’s that many of your enemies are such because of your relationship with…The Queen.” He said. “Were you to end it and only have a professional relationship with her then many would become your allies.” The noblestallion said and the princess nodded, the friendly smile never leaving her muzzle.

The stallion continued on as he seemed to be getting through to the Princess. “While everyone already knows of the reason your relationship exists. “ The Princess noted the stallion not mentioning the reason by name and the stallion didn’t notice the Queen take attentive step away from the alicorn. “The Queen is loyal to Equestria, only a few question that these days” The Stallion said he voice rising slightly. “But many believe your relationship with her is beyond unacceptable and that you should enter into a proper relationship with a pony and not a bug.” The stallion said before catching himself. He blinked as the air in the room seemed to grow cold and he looked around confused.

It was when he looked back at the Princess of friendship that he realized just how big of a mistake he had made as the smile that had been on her face was gone, having been replaced by a cold stare as she leaned forward, hands gripping the arms of her throne. “So let me get this straight.” The Princess said calmly. “You come into my home, stand before me and propose marriage knowing full well I am in a relationship already and have been for years.” She said her voice growing colder with each word. “You refuse to mention my daughter in anyway, taking great pains to avoid acknowledging her very existence.” The Princess said, fingers gripping the hoofrests of her throne tightly. “then you have the nerve to insult Chrysalis right in front of her and also insulting me for being in said relationship of my own free will and not because of some bullshit political angle but because I want to be in the relationship. “ She said as she glared at the stallion before her. “Do I have it correct, let me know if I left anything out.” She said.

The Stallion could only stand there as he tried to think of a way to salvage this as he realized her made a grave blunder. “But…but your highness as a Princess of Equestria it is only proper that you should enter a relationship with a pony and not….not a changeling.” HE said desperate for the Princess to see reason.

The Princess eyes narrowed. “Celestia, Luna.” She called and the stallion blinked as the Princess of friendship called for the other two rulers as last he checked they were in Canterlot.

However what arrived from behind the throne were the two floating machines he had heard the Princess kept around for some reason. “You called Commander?” The one with the word CELESTIA painted on the front asked.

The Princess gestured to the stallion. “I found a new target dummy for you to practice with.” The Princess aid as she sat back. “Please remove it from my sight.”

“No problem Commander.” The one with LUNA on the front said.

:”As you wish Commander.’ Celestiabot said.

The try barrels under both machines rotated once as there was a click and then both spoke in unison. “Training rounds loaded.”

Outside the throne room the two guards didn’t even flinch as they heard the sound of automatic weapons fire form inside and one simply held out a hoof and the other tossed a back of bits onto it as the noble shad lasted close enough to ten minutes for him to win the bet. A moment after the bits exchanged hooves the noble came galloping out, the side of his body cover with blue pain marks as he galloped for his life, the two sentry bots in hot pursuit. “Get back here! We aren’t done practicing!” Luna bot called after him before firing a burst of training round at the stallion, nailing him in the flank before he made it around the corner.

Once the bots vanished one of the guards glanced at the other. “You think they ever have to deal with this back in Canterlot?”

The other guard just shrugged. “Just another day in the Castle of Friendship.” He said and the first nodded before going back to watching for intruders.

Inside the throne room the princess of Friendship glared after the noblepony as he fled. “Fucking asshole.” She said before looking at the Queen beside her. “He didn’t upset you with what he said did he?” She asked.

The Queen shrugged. “No more than those comments usually do.” She said. “Still thanks.”

“Hey, no one insults you when I’m around unless they want to feel my wrath.” The Princess said with a smile before glancing around, after she was sure the room was clear she leaned over and nuzzled the Changeling Queen. “Want to grab an early dinner? After dealing with that asshole I’m not in the mood for anymore court today.”

The Queen chuckled. “Sure, sounds good to me.” She said and with that the Princess hopped off her throne and headed for the door as she swapped back to being a quadruped.

In another part of the castle, far enough away to not be able to hear the gunfire sat another noble of a minor house waiting his turn to speak to the young Princess. As he calmly waited in the room he felt like someone was watching him but after a quick glance around the room showed nothing he shrugged it off as just nervous, this noble having done better research on the princess so was fully aware of the alicorn’s temper and what could set her off.

As he sat there he heard what sounded like hooves walking in the room but another look reveled nothing. “Hello sir, are you here to see mom?”

The sudden voice beside the stallion caused him to jump and when he looked his vision was filled with a set of pink eyes with slited pupils, a sea green mane with a single purple stipe in it and a dark purple coat with a small curved and pointed horn a mere inch from his face and standing on the wall. Finding his personal space so drastically invaded unexpectedly the stallion recoiled and fell from his chair, smacking his head on the edge of a table as he fell that knocked him out cold.

The small filly calmly walked down the wall till she reached the floor where she stepped onto it. Once on the floor the filly walked over to were the stallion lay and poked him with a hoof. “Excuse me sir, but are you dead?” The filly asked before poking him once more.
The Filly was about the size of a normal filly her age but one look at her reveled she wasn’t a normal filly. For what she had draconic eyes and two small fangs that ran from her mouth. The filly’s upper torso was wrapped in chitin that was a slightly darker shade of purple then her fur. The chitin ran down the upper half of her forehooves as well as down her spine to the base of her tail which matched her mane in color scheme. On her fore head rested a small curved horn that ended in a sharp point.

After a third poke that received no response from the stallion on the floor two small incectoid wings buzzed for a moment as the filly smiled reveling rows of pointed teeth, though they were not sharp. “Guess so.”

“Violet Flame what are you doing?” A voice asked sternly from the door and the filly looked from the stallion on the floor to the alicorn in the doorway.

“Nothing.” She said then looked back at the stallion on the floor. “I think your next guest is dead.” She said with another poke before looking back at the alicorn. “Do you want help burying the body?”

The alicorn in the door way sighed as she walked into the room. “How many times do I have to tell you my little flame.” The Alicorn said as she reached the filly. “Use your emotional sense to check to be sure or at least check for a pulse.” The alicorns aid before lowering herself to be eye level with the filly. “And then ask to help bury the body.” She said and nuzzled her daughter.

The filly giggled. “Yeah, sorry mom, still getting used to that.” The filly said before opening herself up to the emotions around her, she could feel her mom’s emotion easily do to proximity and her being awake but she could also feel some emotions from the stallion on the floor which meant he was still alive.

“What is your sense telling you?” The alicorn asked.

“That he is still feeling emotion so it just knocked out and not dead.” The filly said looking back at her mom.

The Alicorn nodded and smiled. “Correct, we will have a medic come pick him up.” She said and got to her hooves. “Anyways I’m closing court early today so we can have an early dinner.” She said and the filly smiled before her wings buzzed and she lifted into the air. Coming to land on the alicorn back she got comfortable and the alicorn headed out the door.

The two arrived in the Castle’s small privet dining room; this room only had seats for a few people as it was meant for family and friends only. As they entered they found the Changeling Queen had already arrived with the only other pony who called the castle home besides the soldiers and guards.

The other pony was a small filly around the filly on the back of the alicorn though exact age was unknown do to circumstances. The other filly was dark blue with a red and pink mane with a small horn on her forehead. The alicorn smiled as she saw the small filly. “Hey Dawn I see Chrysalis was able to find where you were hiding.”

The dark blue filly looked at the alicorn. “She cheats because I can’t stop my emotions.” She said with annoyance.

The alicorn chuckled, the Filly had a habit of hiding whenever she was alone, a habit left over from where she grew up as noting hiding could easily result in an early death. The alicorn felt the filly on her back shift and hop off her back and smile at the filly and changeling queen. Hi Dawn, hello Sire.” The hybrid filly said getting both the other filly and changeling queen.

The queen sighed. “I still don’t know why you call me that.” She asked the hybrid filly.

“Well because. “She pointed at the alicorn.

She gave birth to me and so is mom. “She then pointed as the changeling queen. “You provided the other half of the genetic code and so you are Sire.” The hybrid said as if this was the most obvious thing in the world.

“You could call me mother.” The Queen said.

The purple filly shook her head.

No those words are reserved for mom since she actually carried me and gave birth to m where as you sired me.” The filly said tilting her head to the side.

The alicorn couldn’t help laughing. “She has you there Queeny.” She said before going to the table and the hybrid followed as well. Normally there would be a fifth person at the table but the alicorn’s assistant was currently running errands in town.

Once they were all seated the castle servants made entry and took their orders. Originally the staff was disturbed by the fact the Princess always ordered meat of some kind with her meals but they quickly got used to it and it was filed under “Just part of working in the Castle of Friendship.”

The only one who didn’t order meat was the dark blue filly as that was mostly just because she wasn’t in the mood for it today. As the four ate they talked about what they had all been up to that day, the alicorn mostly complained about the nobles who came to see her, though a couple she did praise for bringing an actual problem to her rather than the normal ridiculous requests. The queen reported on how the army had been doing as while she had been standing beside the alicorn while she held court she had been busy with the Hivemind getting reports from her changelings all across the nation and sending out orders.

The two filly’s had played tighter for most of the morning before Dawn had left to go study some books her mentor, the alicorn, had given her to study, they were books to help her improve her reading as the filly was still learning how to read. During that time the hybrid alicorn had explored the castle for a bit and spied on the staff from her perch on the ceiling, though the staff was used to the filly doing that so they just ignored her for the most part. After that she had gone to check on some of her biology experiments in her room. The alicorn was both proud of her daughter’s interest in science and the fact she did experiments to further her understanding, but absolutely terrified of the fact it was biology and that no matter what she did she couldn’t steer the small purple filly away from that particular science.

Overall it had been a typical day in the Castle of Friendship.

Right up till a hole ripped in the air on one side of the dining room and a massive wind started pulling everything that wasn’t nailed down into it.

“What the fuck!” The alicorn yelled as a blade shot from her hoof and she drove the full fourteen inched of it into the floor to anchor herself as she grabbed the dark blue filly before she was sucked like her chair was. The Queen dropped to the floor and used her wall walking ability to stay on the floor as did the dark blue filly as the table and chairs were pulled into the rift.

Though the hybrid filly was of changeling queen’s blood and thus stronger than a normal changeling in all their abilities the fact was she was still a filly and he wall walking ability gave out. Before she could go more than a foot the Queen’s hoof shot out and caught her.

She held on tight as she started to slowly inch towards the door of the room to get out of the storm, though that plan was interrupted when the door was torn from its hinges and flew straight for the Queen’s face. She had enough time to register the door flying at her before it connected and tor her from her hooves and the two channelings were pulled into the rift.

“We have to go after them!” The dark blue filly yelled over the wind.

“I will after I get you to safety!” The alicorn yelled back as she looked around the room for how to get out. She tried grabbing her magic but whatever energy this rift was made of was interfering with her spell so teleportation was out. The wind was growing stronger as it actually lifted the alicorn off the ground, the only thing keeping her from being pulled in was the blade imbedded in the floor.

“No time, they could be hurt and I’m not abandoning Violet!” The filly yelled before she jerked her hoof free of the alicorn’s finger and turned and dove through the rift as it pulled her in.

The alicorn facehoofed as she waved in the air like a flag. “Why the hell does this crap keep happening?” She said and looked up at the ceiling. “I’m getting really tired of this shit!” she yelled She focused as best she could and managed to get a small magical blast to form that she fired at the wall. The scorch leaving a message saying “RIFT OPEN. PULL IN. BE BACK LATER.”

With the message left for her assistant so he would worry too much the alicorn withdrew her blade and allowed herself to be pulled into the rift.

Author's Note

And her we have the start of our story done via mu cellphone.

Got some expontion about things that may come up later or may not. Who know.

Also got to see how Twilight runs her court and what life in the castle is like.

And yay got to meet their daughter.

Also poor commander. She can never seem to get a break.

Chapter 1: Hard Landings

In a dark forest in the southern part of Equestria a small group of ponies, some of them carrying foals, galloped through the underbrush. A mare in the group looked back behind them. “Hurry up they are gaining on us!” The pony shouted.

“We aren’t going to make it!” another pony shouted.

“We’ll make it just keep running, they ain’t caught us yet!” The mare shouted and the group galloped harder. The branches and bushes they ran through scratched at their bodies and slowed their progress but they ignored it all as they galloped as if all of Tartarus were behind them.

“There they are! This way!” a voice shouted behind the group. “Stop right there!”
The group burst into a small clearing where several stones sat in a small circle in the middle. “Hurry up an’ get to work.” The first mare shouted and the unicorns in the group galloped to the circle of stones, their horns charging spells as the others in the group ran for the middle of the stones, had a dozen ponies staying behind and drawing swords.

“What are you doing/!” The first mare yelled at the group that stayed behind in the forest as she lifted a small yellow foal off her back and handed her to another mare.

“Buying you time.” A stallion in the second group yelled back before the half a dozen ponies charged back into the forest. “Get our people to safety!” The stallion yelled before the six ponies vanished into the trees. A few moments later the sound of steel striking steel rang through the forest and was quickly joined by yells and the forest flashed with the light of discharged spells.

“Darn fools…”The mare said before looking back at the unicorns who were quacking going through the necessary spells, the stones around the group staring to glow with runes appearing across their surface. “Come on we don’t have much time!”

“We are working as fast as we can, this teleportation spell was never meant to move so many such a distance, not with so few unicorns to cast it.” A unicorn mare aid as her and two others worked rapidly. The stones around the group started to vibrate as the unicorns fought to keep the spell under control as the power flowed from them and into the teleportation platform they stood on. It had been an amazing spell discovered by some other ponies that allows groups to teleport over great distances without much risk, provided you had enough unicorns to keep the spell under control.

The mare glanced back at the forest as the sounds of battle grew quiet and she knew the six were dead, having given their lives to give the group a chance at escape. As she watched she saw ponies, griffins and a few zebras clad in dark purple armor step from the forest, weapons drawn.
“Give it up, there’s no escape.” One of them barked as the ponies closed in.
The mare glanced at the unicorns as sweat ran down the foreheads and the stones shook violently as they begin to crack. “It’s now or never!” She yelled.

The unicorns nodded and executed the spell. There was an explosion of light as the stones exploded just as the small grouped vanished, the soldier where thrown from their hooves as the energy that powered the platform was released by the destruction of the stones.

Slowly the soldiers got to their hooves and the one who had spoken before looked as the scorched area where the fugitives had been standing. “Damn it all to Tartarus” The soldier said, he was going to be in a lot of trouble for allowing the fugitives to escape. Still with how much energy was released he was just glad nothing happened as it seemed to have just dissipated into the air. “Fan out, secure the area!” he barked at the ponies under his command.

With quick salutes the ponies began to move to the perimeter of the clearing to keep watch.
In another part of the forest all the energy that escaped the collapse of the teleportation platform gathered in a single spot and a moment later a hole was ripped in the very air itself. Moments after the hole appeared a table and set of chairs appears as well as plates and other items you would find on top of a dining table.
Shortly after the table appeared a door came flying out a half a second ahead of a black chitin covered form clutching a smaller dark purple form righty to its chest as it crashed down of the ground and rolled with the impact to avoid injury.

A few second after that a dark blue ball of fur came sailing out of the hole in the air, barley being caught in a dark green glow before it hit the ground. After the dark blue ball of fur was placed on its hooves a larger purple form came sailing out and though it was wrapped in a green glow as well the purple being was far heavier and thus was unable to be slowed down till its face met a tree with enough force to shake several leaves free from its branches.
As the purple being slide down the tree the hole the four had shot out of snapped closed as the energy maintaining it ran out.

The area where the hole had appeared was silent for a few moments before the purple being groaned. “Remind me to kill whoever was responsible for opening a hole in my dining room.” Came the muffled voice of the purple one as her face was still pressed to the tree.

Slowly Twilight peeled her face off the tree and wiped a small bit of blood that escaped her nose and checked to make sure it wasn’t broke. Satisfied it wasn’t, just sore she looked back at the other three. “Oh come on why is it I’m the only one to crash into a tree and you all get to land on the ground and roll with the fall?”

Chrysalis spoke up as she checked over Violet to make sure she was ok. “Because you weigh a lot more than the three of us combined.” She said and nodded when she found the filly was unharmed.

“Yeah you need to go on a diet Princess.” Dawn said as she dusted herself off.

“I’m not fat; it’s my cybernetics that weighs so much.” Twilight said with indignation.

“Right sure it is.” Dawn said as she picked some twigs and leaves out of her mane.

“Queeny am I fat?” Twilight asked her eyes narrowing at the Changeling Queen.

“No of course not, with how much you exercise there is no way you would have any excess weight.” The Queen replied and she set Violet to the side and got to her hooves to dust her uniform off.
Twilight nodded. “Thought so.” She said and fixed Dawn with a glare who stuck her tongue out at the alicorn who returned it.

Chrysalis could only sigh and run a hoof down her face before Violet spoke up. “That was fun can we do it again?” She asked with a big smile.

“No.” Both Twilight and Chrysalis said at the same time and the filly looked down at the ground.

“Aw….I never get to do anything fun.” She said kicking a pebble with a hoof.

“You get to do lots of fun things.” Twilight said.

“Yes but not really fun things as you both always say no.” Violet said.

“Making a hoofglider out of a bed sheets and random bits of wood held together with duct tape and jumping off
the top of the castle is not ever going to be ok my little flame.” Twilight said.

“I was very careful with the construction; I know it would have worked!” Violet said.

“It burst into flames when it fell over, how the hay was it supposed to actually work?” Twilight asked.

“That was just a minor setback.” Dawn said as she walked up beside the dark purple filly.

“That is not a minor set back and I still question how the two of you thought that was a good idea.” Twilight said.

“You are always saying I should try experimenting but when I do you always tell me to stop.” Dawn said.

“Because what you keep trying to do is beyond dangerous.” Twilight said waving her hooves in the air.

“So was walking around in the wasteland, you got to take risks.” Dawn said.

Twilight’s hoof met her face. “That’s all fine and good in that gods forsaken hellhole but you aren’t there so that excuse doesn’t work.” She said from behind her hoof.

Before the unicorn filly could retort Chrysalis spoke up. “Not that this isn’t entertaining and all, what with you arguing with a foal.” The Queen said and Twilight fixed her with an annoyed glare that she ignored. “But perhaps we should focus on finding out where we are?”

After a moment Twilight nodded. “Right, good plan Queeny, knew I kept you around for more than just what you can do with your….”Twilight trailed off as she remembered who else was present. “Amazing ability to talk to changelings through the hivemind.” She finished lamely and the Queen rolled her eyes at the pathetic attempt to cover whatever the mare had been about to say, a slight blush on her face even if it was unfinished.

Dawn looked at the alicorn “You know I do know about you two f—“

“Anyways!” Twilight said suddenly cutting off the small blue filly while giving her a hard look before glancing at the small purple filly who smiles in ignorance of what the two were talking about. “Chrysalis is right and we should get moving. “She said and started walking in a random direction.

Rolling her eyes Chrysalis started following as Violet flew onto the alicorn’s back and helped pull Dawn up as well. With the two filling now secure, Twilight wings shifting periodically in an unconscious movement to make sure they were still there the four of them made their way through the forest.

<<>>

It took the four of them about an hour to reach the ended of the forest, this was mostly due to being attacked by a pack of Timberwolves that learned firsthand what two well trained and armed soldiers can do while protecting two fillies who are with them as well as the occasional stop so Twilight could fly up above the trees and use her binoculars to look for any sign of civilization.

The sun had been just above the horizon when she spotted smoke rising from chimneys in the distance and the sun was well below the horizon by the time they reached the edge of the forest.

The four of them stood staring out of the forest at the little town in the distance. “Queeny, correct e if I am wrong but….doesn’t that look like how Ponyville used to look before Tirek destroyed it?” Twilight asked as she stared at the town.

The Chrysalis slowly nodded. “I do believe that it is indeed the old Ponyville though something seems off about it.” She said.

“Yeah….you are right…” She looked back at the two changelings in the group. “You two better disguise yourselves as I have no idea how changelings will go over in town.” She said.
Violet nodded before she burst into purple flames for a moment and when they vanished she looked like a normal purple filly.

After making sure her daughter was properly disguised Chrysalis was wrapped in green flames and when they vanished a slender dark gray unicorn with a black mane and green heart for a Cutie mark stood in her place. She noticed Twilight staring at her. “What?” Chrysalis asked in a voice that sounded slightly sophisticated but still wouldn’t stick out in a normal crowd.

“Oh nothing.” Twilight said looking away after a moment. “You just look fantastic.” She said and smirked as she knew the disguised Changeling Queen had a huge blush across her face. Twilight charged her horn and cast an illusion spell on herself, mentally thanking her old teacher Trixie for the lessons.

Within a few seconds she was no longer a cyberneticlly augmented alicorn but a lighter purple unicorn with a dark blue and pink mane and a Cutie mark of a shooting star. Unlike the changeling’s shape shifting magic Twilight’s body was still in fact there and if anyone were to touch her they would feel her wings or mental that made up her legs, she had tried to recreate the Changeling natural shapeshifiting ability for use by unicorns but all attempts had failed. “Well how do I look?” Twilight asked looking back at the Queen.

“You look fine but I prefer your normal body.” The Queen said and smirked at the slight blush that adorned the disguised alicorn’s check, the alicorn still couldn’t understand how the queen found her normal body attractive with its scares and cybernetics and the Queen took full advantage of that fact.

“Anyways let’s get moving.” She said and the four of them walked out of the forest and headed for the road as walking from the direction of the forest would raise questions. Once on the road Chrysalis changed out of her uniform while Twilight changed out of her regalia, having forgotten she had been wearing it as it was a lot like her uniform after a decade of wearing it in that she didn’t notice wearing it anymore. Now looking like two normal ponies the two of them stashed the clothes and sidearm in their respective pocket dimensions before they started to trot towards the town.

“So…what’s our story?” Chrysalis asked. “I mean two ponies and two fillies just walking into town seems kind of off.”

“We are four simple travelers.” Twilight said. “Just looking for a place to stay for the night and perhaps a meal.” She said. “In short we are playing the part of the mysterious travelers who sit in the Inn and observe those around them and are secretly total badasses.” She said with a nod.

“Was that a game reference?” Chrysalis asked. “You have been hanging out with Luna too much.” The disguised queen said with a facehoof.

“I am not.” Twilight said as they walked.

Chrysalis rolled her eyes before a small smirk appeared on her face. “So what level are you?”

“Level 87 warrior mage with mostly platinum equipment, just need to get a helm and a shield and I’ll be set, after that we will be entering the Arena to see about getting some equipment we can only get from there as well as the gold.” Twilight stopped in her tracks and looked back at the laughing grey unicorn. “Ok, perhaps you are right, but in my defense I don’t get to Canterlot that often so have to hang out somehow.”

“Sure. “She said and leaned down and whispered din the unicorn’s ear. “Perhaps you can tell me more about your character….or maybe show me.” She said in a manner that caused Twilight’s cheeks to burn and grumble about Changeling Queens and their abilities to infiltrate anywhere by knowing just what to say.

Chrysalis just laughed while Dawn rolled her eyes at the two of them and Violet watched with fascination.
Soon enough they reached the edge of the town and upon entering it Chrysalis stiffed slightly.

“What is it?” The smaller unicorn asked as she looked around.

“There is a lot of fear here.” The Changeling Queen said and shivered, while fear was a very useful tool and she used it, the emotion was very bitter and unpleasant to changelings.
Twilight looked around the town, checking the corners and double checking the shadows as the group walked on. She felt Violet land on her back and Dawn moved closer to her, both of them could sense the wrongness for different reasons.

As they made their way down the street they saw that though lighters were on in the houses they seemed empty.

“Ok yeah something is very wrong; I know it’s night and all but Ponyville never was just deserted like this, its way to early.” Twilight said becoming very away of the lack of weight on her flank, while her pistol was in her side arm not having the familiar weight on her flank made the military mare’s skin crawl.

As they walked dark pink earth pony with a lighter pink mane and tail came from a side street and seemed to be in a hurry. “Excuse me.” Twilight called out and the earth pony jumped and spun around, her face showing fear for a moment till she saw who it was coming up the street and she seemed to relax.
As they neared it took Twilight a moment to recognize the pony as she hadn’t seen the old Ponyville school teacher in many years that gave her a general time frame as well as confirmed they defiantly were not home.

“Excuse me miss, but where might we find an inn for the night?” Twilight asked playing ignorant about the lay out of the town.

“Oh…um…Berry Punch runs a hotel not too far from the town square, you can’t miss it.” She said her eyes darting around. “Anyways I can take you to the town square; I was heading that way anyways.” She said and turned and started to trot away.

Twilight looked back at the unicorn beside her, neither of them needed to speak as there was no reason to go the toe town square after dark due to the market being closed hours ago. With both curiosity and caution the four displaced beings followed the school teacher.

As they neared the town square they could hear a growing murmur of voices and a lot of light coming from the town square as if there were a party going on.

Coming around the last house they found the entire town was gathered in town square all of them shuffling uneasily. Twilight looked around the square to try and figure out what they were all there for. One of the first things she noticed was the fact where Golden Oaks should have been was just a scorched crater. The second that caught her the most off guard was in front of where the Library should have been was such a shaper contrast with everything she knew about Ponyville that it almost caused her mind to shut down. Gallows

Twilight stopped and stared at the gallows. There was room for four people to stand upon it but right now there were only two nooses set up. Twilight stared wide eyed till a voice snapped her out of her shock. “You there, hurry up and join the crowd, we are about to start.” A voice said and Twilight looked and saw a griffin in dark purple armor glaring at her with annoyance.

“Right sorry.” She mumble, mind still reeling from what was sitting in the middle of her town. Quickly the group followed where Cheerilee had gone and stood beside the school teacher as Twilight looked around the square.

She saw about two dozen of the dark purple wearing soldiers. At first she thought the Griffins had taken over but these guards were made up of ponies, griffins, zebras, horses and even a couple of Minotaur. All of them patrolling the edges of the crowd with various weapons.

“What….the….hell…..”Twilight whispered as she watched the soldiers. She was trying to figure out what the hell was going on when the doors to Ponyville town hall opened and a dozen more guards came out pulling two ponies in shackled behind them and heading for the gallows.
It took Twilight a few moments to recall the name of the mint green unicorn and the tan earth pony as they were lead onto the gallows. Lyra Hearthstring and Swe….no she went by Bon Bon now and was just a simple seller of confectionaries. What the hell was going on?

As if answering her question a unicorn stallion stepped up to the end of the platform. “These two have been tried and convicted of the crime of treason against our great Empress and ruler of this land.” The stallion said, voice amplified by a simple spell. “They have been sentenced to hang until dead and—“

The stallion as cut off as Bon Bon. “She is not a great ruler, she is a tyrant!” She yelled as she glared at the stallion, Lyra beside her was looking at her hooves and seemed to be silently crying.

The Stallion backhoofed the earth pony hard enough to knock her from her hooves. “Be silent you miserable traitor, you shall not speak of out Empress in that manner.” EHs aid with anger.

Bon Bon spat a tooth on the plat form below her and looked back up at the stallion still glaring. “You might follow her but I follow Princess Celestia and princess Lune, the true rulers of this land!” She said and received a swift kick to the ribs in response. The candy maker gasped as the air was driven from her lungs and Lyra could only wince beside her.

“Bon Bon stop….there’s no point….”the unicorn said weakly and Twilight looked at her and her eyes hardened as she read the medical dated displayed in her vision. Multiple broken ribs and facial fractures. Damage to her lungs caused by water and several burns along her forehooves. Twilight couldn’t’ how growling silently as she looked at the tortured mare.

A cry of pain drew her attention back to Bon Bon who was on the ground clutching the side of her head, the stallion holding a baton in his magic as he stood over her, seems Twilight missed another exchange between her and the stallion.

“You will hold your tongue traitor!” The stallion said and brought the baton down on the prone mare.

Chrysalis leaned close to the disguised alicorn, able to sense her rising anger as Bon Bon tried to say something and received another blow from the baton. “Twilight, you need to calm down before you do som—“

The disguised queen was cut off as a loud bang echoed across the town square and the unicorn stallion’s head jerked to the side in a spray of blood as the crowd cried out in fear as the unexpected noise.

The square was dead silent as everyone stared at the dead stallion as a pool of blood slowly spread under his head. Slowly the crowd all looked towards where the sound came from as they backed away from the light purple mare holding a small black object in her magic with a look of profound rage on her face.

The soldiers were quick to recover once they saw the cause of the disturbance and they drew their weapons as one of them spoke up. “You are under arrest for mur—“
Another bang sounded and the speakers head jerked back in another spray of blood. “You want to try and take me?” Twilight said. “Then bring it the fuck on!” she yelled as a second pistol appeared beside her and the soldier rushed forward as the crowd of ponies ran for their lives while the town square exploded into violence behind them.

“Chrysalis get to the gallows, untie those two!” Twilight ordered as she fired on the soldiers charging them. She could only beret herself for allowing her anger to take hold before getting Violet and dawn to safety first but it was too late now. The Queen nodded and galloped towards the gallows as Twilight cleared her a path by gunning down the soldiers between the disguised changeling Queen and the two mares staring in shock from the gallows.“

Dawn get Violet out of her, keep her safe! We will meet you at the edge of the forest where we came out.” Twilight barked. Dawn nodded and drew a small piston from her saddle bags, placing it in her mouth as it was designed to be fired in that manner she grabbed the purple filly who was watching everything going on with the widest smile and started pulling her away from the town square.

“No I want to watch mom and sire fight.” The purple filly complained but Dawn just grabbed her and dragged the protesting filly behind her as they ran and disappeared into the crowd.

With those two out of the way it gave one less thing Twilight had to worry about a she reloaded her pistols and continued to fire on the soldiers as more seemed to be showing up from else wear in the town. Twilight had to dodge a dive bombing Pegasus then duck a magical blast from a unicorn. Even if these soldiers only had melee weapons and steel armor the fact was there was way too many of them.

As twilight fought, having to keep a shield up whenever she needed to reload as it didn’t take the soldier long to figure out when to attack, they defiantly weren’t the Royal Guard. Chrysalis appeared beside her along with the two from the gallows, Lyra on the Queens back as her injuries would make her unable to run.

“I think it’s time we leave now!” Bon Bon yelled and Twilight nodded as she fired several more shots to clear them a path. The group quickly galloped away from the town square with the purple armored soldier in hot pursuit.

Running through the town they passed the ponies who had been in the town square as they hid from the fleeing group and the soldiers. Twilight fired rounds behind them to keep the soldier at bay but stumbled when an earth pony tackled her from the side, the only thing that allowed her to stay on her hooves was the fact she weighed so much so the pony basically tackled a brick wall.

Still Twilight wasted no time in putting a round from both her pistols in the pony as she ran. “This isn’t working!”

She shouted. “We need to split up so they have to divide their forces.” She yelled.
Chrysalis nodded. “Alright, I’ll meet with the others!” She said before peeling off down a small side street.
With that, half the soldiers chasing them had to break off to chase the queen. Twilight couldn’t help smiling as she heard automatic weapons fire from the street the queen galloped down, she did love to use that light machine gun of hers.

It didn’t take long for Twilight and Bon Bon to reach the edge of town. “This way!” Bon Bon yelled as she took the lead and Twilight had to admit she was impressed as Lyra wasn’t the only one who had been beaten before being taken to the gallows and yet the candy maker galloped as if she wasn’t injured.

Twilight had to fire continuously behind them as they were not on open ground and so the unicorns couldn’t fire off their spells. What she hadn’t expected was to hear a gunshot from behind then and feel a bullet rip through the air an inch from her own head. Looking back she saw something she hadn’t been expecting. “Is that a musket?!”

She yelled a she saw a griffin going through the long process of reloading the privative firearm.
While her home Equestria had by passed the first type of firearms and gone straight into full automatic and magazine fed rifles and the like she was still aware of what the earlier versions of those were and how they functioned, she made it a point to learn about all types of firearms after all.

“Yes, they are pretty new to Ponyville, only arrived about a week ago!” Bon Bon yelled back. The two of then doubled their efforts to reach the trees line in front of them as several more shot fired behind them. Twilight thanked the gods that since they were muskets and new to the area they were not that accurate, if they had modern rifles then her and Bon Bon would be well and truly dead as all they’d have to do is spray and pray to hit them.

As they reached the trees Twilight stopped firing her pistols and stashed them back in her pocket dimension as the trees made it so the muskets couldn’t be used easily or that the unicorn spells could hit them as they weaved between the trees.

After a while of following Bon Bon through the trees the sound of pursuit slowly faded, still bon Bon galloped and Twilight followed her. “Hey slow down, what’s the rush?” Twilight yelled.
“Making sure we aren’t still being followed.” Bon Bon called back as they galloped through the trees deeper into the Everfree forest.

After a few more minutes they entered a small clearing and the earth pony finally stopped to catch her breath, Twilight doing the same right beside her though Twilight wasn’t as winded as the mare beside her.

“Ok, now that we have lost those soldiers you mind telling me what the hell is going on?” Twilight asked as she looked around, she felt like someone was there but she couldn’t see anyone.
“I’ve been feeding the resistance information for months now.’ Bon Bon said. “Lyra’s been helping me though I think since we were both about to hang that was pretty obvious” The mare said and looked at Twilight. “Thanks for helping us.” She said.

“Yeah no problem, I have an issue with people like that stallion.” Twilight said with a scowl at the memories.
Bon Bon nodded. “Yes I can tell.” She said. “Also sorry about this.”
Twilight blinked and opened her mouth to speak when a spell hit her from the side. She stumbled and fell as she register she just got hit with a sleep spell and did everything she could do to stay awake. “What…the hell…”She asked.

“Sorry but this is for safety as we don’t know who you are.” A second voice said and Twilight saw several figures seeming to separate from the surrounding trees as he vision starting to go black.

“Hell…of…a way…to….thank….someone…”Twilight said as the last of her consciousness faded. The last thing she registered was her illusion spell failing as she was unable to maintain it and hearing a loud gasp and then she was lost to the darkness.

Author's Note

Once more uploaded via mu cell phone. I'll be going back to fix all of this when I can.

Well we lot happened in tjsi chapter. The Commander is sepersted from Chrysalis and captured by persons unknown after saving two ponies from the hangman's noose.

Also seems The Commander has some resentment about tyrants from her past. Who would have guessed that?

Chapter 2: Separated

"Chrysalis get to the gallows, untie those two!” The Princess ordered as she fired on the soldiers charging them. Dawn looked around as the other ponies all started to panic and run as Chrysalis nodded and galloped towards the gallows while the Princess cleared her a path by gunning down the soldiers between the disguised changeling Queen and the two mares staring in shock from the gallows.“ Dawn get Violet out of her, keep her safe! We will meet you at the edge of the forest where we came out.” The Princess said looking at the dark blue filly. Dawn nodded and drew her 9mm pistol from her saddle bags, placing it in her mouth as it was designed to be fired in that manner she grabbed Violet who was watching everything going on with the widest smile and started pulling her away from the town square.

“No I want to watch mom and sire fight.” Violet complained but Dawn just grabbed her and dragged the protesting filly behind her as they ran and vanished into the crowd.

“You heard the Princess; we have to get out of here.” Dawn said around the pistol in her mouth as they dodged between the hooves of fleeing ponies. Dawn could only roll her eyes at how panicked they all were.

Violet sighed. “Fine.” She said before she galloped beside the unicorn filly. The two of them galloped through the streets of what the Princess had called Ponyville, Dawn had no clue why she called it that when it clearly wasn’t the small town. No matter she was the Princess so she could call the town whatever she wanted.

“You two stop!” A pegasus pony in dark purple armor yelled as he landed in front of the two foals. “You are being deta—“Whatever he had been about to say was cut off as Dawn fired three rounds into his chest.

The two fillies didn’t slow as they jumped over the dead soldier’s body moments after he collapsed to the ground. “Wow you are getting good.” Violet said looking back at the dead soldier as they ran.

“Thanks, been practicing.” Dawn said with pride. “If anyone asks there were three of them, and one of them was a minotaur with a giant sword.” Dawn said and the disguised hybrid beside her nodded.

“And one had a one of those weird looking rifles.” Violet said.

“Weird looking rifle?” Dawn asked and the filly pointed to the side as half a dozen griffins armed with strange looking guns flew by heading in the direction the Princess had fled. “Huh….weird.” She said with a shrug as they galloped on.

They were nearing the edge of town when the two foals finally had to stop to catch their breaths, both of them could run farther than most foals but the fact was they were still just foals. “Ok…I think we are safe here for the moment….”Dawn said as she panted and looked around. She could hear gun fire else were in the town and knew the Changeling Queen had started fighting. She hoped that didn’t mean the Princess was in real danger….no…now way the Princess was in danger, she was the Princess and knew everything about magic and fighting, now way a town full of dark purple wearing soldiers could be anything but a minor annoyance to her.

Violet sat on her haunches as she panted and looked around. “So any idea what was going on back there?” She asked as Dawn stashed her pistol back in her saddle bags, after reloading it of course, the Princess always said to make sure you had a full magazine whenever you weren’t in immediate danger.

“Well it looked like those two ponies were about to be hanged, got to say I like the tan one and how she kept talking back to the unicorn.” Dawn said as she got her breathing under control. “Anyways we should get moving so we can meet up with your parents. “ Dawns aid as she started to trot away and Violet nodded as she started to follow.

“What are you two doing out here? It’s dangerous.” A voice said and Dawn looked back in time to see the dark pink mare they had followed into town galloping up to them. Dawn opened her mouth to speak but was cut off as the mare scoped the two fillies up and tossed them onto her back as she galloped towards the edge of town. “You have to get out of sight before the soldiers recognized you two as the fillies who were with those other two.” She said.

“Hey let go.” Dawn said and bereted herself for allowing a random mare to sneak up on her, granted it was hard to tell she was coming do to how many people were running around so the device on dawns leg just displayed a mass of green and red ticks.

“Shhh before you draw attention.” The mare said as a group of pegasi and griffins flew overhead and she ducked into a side ally. Once the patrol had passed the mare stepped back out and started trotting towards a house that wasn’t far from a red building that sat inside a small fence. “You two can stay with me till I figure out what to do with you.”

“Oh ok, thank you ma’am. I’m sure my parents will be happy that someone is looking after use as they always worry.” Violet said with a smile. “And we should have to stay with you long as they will be by to pick us up pretty soon.”

The mare looked back over her shoulder and Dawn saw she was looking at Violet rather sadly. “Yes, I’m sure they will be by soon to pick you two up.” She said before looking back ahead as they approached the door of the house.

Dawn could only grumble as the mare was right, if she tried to escape with Violet it would draw attention of those soldiers and if she failed to keep Violet safe the Princess would be really upset and there was no way she was going to let the Princess down. So with a scowl on her face Dawn allowed herself to be brought into the mare’s house before the mare shut and locked the door.

<<>>

Chrysalis ran alongside Twilight as she shot the earth pony who tried to tackle her. “This isn’t working!” She shouted. “We need to split up so they have to divide their forces.” She yelled.

Chrysalis nodded. “Alright, I’ll meet with the others!” She said before peeling off down a small side street, the injured unicorn still on her back, the queen was doing her best to not bounce the injured mare as she ran and cause more harm.

As she galloped down the side street a minotaur, a griffin and two ponies came out of an alleyway and blocked her path. Chrysalis wasted no time in withdrawing her LMG from her pocket dimension and fired on the four soldiers. They apparently hadn’t expected her to be armed as they looked surprised as the weapon appeared.

Chrysalis jumped over the downed soldier and galloped up the road, glad to have magic so the heavy weapon didn’t slow her down. Many were surprised when the Queen had chosen the LMG as her preferred weapon, while Twilight had trained her extensively on all the different types of firearms Chrysalis always preferred the light machine gun as she didn’t have to worry about running out of ammo very often and the weapons was excellent for suppressing enemy forces. Plus it was a large weapon and gave anyone who saw it pause.

Chrysalis made a hard right into an alleyway between a flower shop and someone’s home and as she ran down the alleyway she changed her disguise to a yellow earth pony with a green mane. She was surprised when she didn’t hear anything from behind her; looking back she found the reason why as the unicorn had lost consciousness either from pain or just her injuries catching up with her. No matter it made running easier as the unicorn wouldn’t panic suddenly finding herself on a different pony.

Now more easily able to blend in with the crowd as all she had to worry about was the unicorn being recognized the newly disguised changeling queen galloped for the edge of town. The test came rather quickly as a group of the soldiers came around the corner of a side street and ran at the queen who dove to the side like a terrified civilian, The unicorn falling off her back and Chrysalis acting like they were cowering together. It worked as the soldiers ran by without a second glance at the two of them.

Smiling the queen grabbed the unicorn and gently placed the mare on her back before calmly trotting out of the town and towards the forest where she’d be meeting up with the others.

<<>>

Slowly Twilight swam back to consciousness and became aware of voices nearby. “I can’t believe she’d actually try infiltrating us herself.” One voice, sounded like a mare said.

“I don’t know, it’s something she may try if she got fed up with her soldiers failing to do so….but….She doesn’t look like her. Not completely.” A second mare said.

“Who knows what she’s been doing in that castle, you know how much she loved to run experiments, I wouldn’t put it past her to do things to herself.” The first voice said with an edge to it.

Twilight tried to figure out what they were talking about but she was finding it hard to think, her thoughts moved as if they were in some sort of sludge. It wasn’t hard to figure out she was under the effects of a mild sedative. If she had just been awake when they gave it to her she could have fought off the effects.

Keeping her eyes closed so to make them think she was still asleep Twilight listened as the two mares continue to speak, judging by the muffled nature of the voices they were behind a door or at least the other side of a wall.

“But would she kill her own soldiers? And what about those strange pistols she was using? “The second voice said.

“We’ve seen firearms before, those are no different.” The First voice said.

“You didn’t see them in action, they are way above a musket, she was firing multiple shots before she ejected a piece of them and slide another in.” The Second voice said. “They are way more advanced than anything the soldiers have.”

“Well maybe they made better muskets and they just haven’t been released yet.” The First voice said. “Anyways none of this matter, the point is we have her, we can end all of this.”

“I don’t know…” The second voice started sounding uncertain.

“I’m in charge here Bon Bon and that mare is going to pay for everything she’s done.” The first voice said with anger. A moment later a door unlocked and opened and Twilight heard hooves on stone. Twilight remained still right up till a hoof connected with her stomach. “We know you are awake, the spell was removed not long ago so stop pretending.” The first voice said with anger.

Coughing a few times Twilight slowly opened her eyes and blinked up at the mare who was glaring down at her. “Dash? The hell? Did not expect to see you.”

Rainbow Dash snorted. “Right sure Twilight, you didn’t know my group has been working the area for months now.” Dash said with a roll of her eyes before glaring down at Twilight. “Honestly never thought it would be my group that got their hooves on you but I must admit I am quite happy about it.” Dash said then her hoof connected with Twilight’s jaw snapping the alicorn’s head back. “That’s for Spitfire.” Dash said before she spat on Twilight.

Twilight worked her jaw a bit before running her tongue over her teeth to make sure they were all there still. “Well can’t say I have any clue what you are talking about Dash as I think you have me confused with someone else.” Twilight said and started to site up. A cyan hoof to the face put a stop to that and Twilight was down again.

“Yeah because there are so many purple alicorns around that I got the wrong one and you aren’t Twilight.” She said with clear malice.

Twilight sat up again and shifted her legs noting she had shackles on before wiping a bit of blood from her nose, how many times was that going to happen today? “No I didn’t say I wasn’t twilight, I just meant you had the wrong Twilight.” She said and tried to reach for her magic, only to get hit with a sharp feedback that made her wince.

“Tsk, don’t even bother, we got four military grade inhibitors on you so there is no way even you can get through it.” Dash said. Twilight shook her head to clear if of the pain and then looked at the two mares before her. Bon Bon was there with bandaged around her ribs to hold them in place as well as her other injuries bandaged as well. Dash wore a dark blue jump suit with some sort of armored vest on. Her mane was cut short and messier than usual. The most surprising was the scar that ran down from her forehead, between her eyes and down the right side of her muzzle as well as the fact her left wing was metal.

“The fuck happened to you? You look like shit Dash.” Twilight asked.

“Few presents from your soldiers. Which remind me. “Dash said before turning around and bucking Twilight in the chest driving the air from her lungs as she was slammed back against the wall behind her. “Thought I’d thank you for that.”

Twilight took several deep breaths before looking at Dash. “Well can’t say that’s the first time I’ve taken a hit like that, though first time I took it from you Dash.” Twilight said and smirked. “And for the record if you had run into my soldiers then you’d have more than a single scar and a missing wing.” She said and received hoof across the face as a response.

“Keep talking Twilight, nopony is coming to save you, no one will find us.” Dash said.

Twilight chuckled. “Well I can think of a couple of people who will come for me once they realize I’m not going to meet up with the.” Twilight said as she pushed herself back up to a sitting position and couldn’t help smiling at Dash as her nose bled.

“What are you smiling about? Or have you lost your mind so much you don’t care about the situation you are in?” Dash yelled angrily.

Twilight could only laugh. “No, nothing like that, I’m fully aware that I’m being repaid for saving someone by being held prisoner and beaten for my trouble.” She said and got her laughing under control as she smirked once more. “It’s just this isn’t the first time I’ve been held against my will, but I must say this time is far more pleasant then that time.”

Dash glared at her and probably was about to launch herself at the shackled alicorn if not for Bon Bon putting a hoof on the pegasus’ shoulder and speaking up. “Dash you need to calm down, don’t let her get under your skin.” The candy maker said soothingly.

Dash looked back at the other mare before taking a few deep breaths to calm herself before looking back at Twilight who still wore the same smirk as she bled and Dash couldn’t help glaring at her. “Yeah you are right; she’ll get what is coming to her after the trial.”

“Trial?” Twilight asked with curiosity.

“Yes, unlike you we have real trials where we will show everything you’ve done and then judge you accordingly.” Dash said.

“Show everything I’ve done?” Twilight said blinking.

“Yup, got a unicorn that used to work for the justice system that knows the spell that will let us all see your memories in a projection while you go through them in your head.” Dash said with a smirk.

Twilights smile dropped and her blood ran cold. “No….no you can’t do that…..a spell like that….how does a spell like that even work?” She said with a hint of panic.

“Oh trust me we’ve used it a few times, it works wonders. No way to lie or talk your way out as your own memories will be the evidence of what you has done Twilight.” Dash said before punching the alicorn in the stomach causing her to double over.

Coughing Twilight spoke quickly. “I’m not Twilight.” She said.

“Tsk, not this again.” Dash said with a roll of her eyes.

“No I mean I am a Twilight but not the Twilight from here, from this world. I only arrived not that long ago.” She said. “Whatever crimes you think I did you have the wrong mare.” She said. “I haven’t done anything you think I’ve done!” Twilight said.

“Yeah sure.” Dash said with another roll of her eyes. “Guessing you realized it’s all over so you’re trying for the insanity plea.” She said with disgust. “We already know you aren’t insane enough be aware of what you are doing when you overthrew the Princess Twilight. And everything from then on is just more fuel for the fire.”

“I did what?” Twilight said. “You mean those soldiers back in town….they were this world Twilight’s?” She said and the deadpan look Dash gave her was all the answer she needed. “By Celestia what kind of fucking mess have I ended up it?” Twilight and received a backhand that was harder than the others.

“Don’t you dare say the Princess’ name.” She said with more anger then before. “You have no right to say any of their names.” She said before kicking Twilight hard. “I’m looking forward to the trial, going to be fun.” Dash said with malice. “Ok we are done here.” She called behind her as Twilight started to push herself up.

A unicorn mare came in and charged her their horn. “No wait!” Twilight said before the spell was cast and she took the full force of another sleep spell. The last thought she had before everything went black was to hope beyond anything Chrysalis realized what had happened and found her before Twilight was forced to relive her past, the thought of having to relive her past terrified the mare beyond anything that Dash could have done or said in that small room.

Author's Note

Well we see what happened to everyone after they split up as well as what happened to Twilight.

Everyone is now on their own in an Equestria that is most defiantly not friendly to them.

Chapter 3: The Trial of Twilight Sparkle

Twilight wasn’t sure how long she had been out for but one moment she galloping through sterile white halls while being chased by bipedal monsters dressed in dark blue armor and the next she was floating in darkness with voices slowly fading in.

“Ok that should do it, she should be waking up” an unfamiliar voice said.

“Good then we can get this started.” She heard Dash’s voice say and then a hoof went across her face and the pain snapped her fully awake.

Eyes snapping opened Twilight found herself still groggy from a sedative and her legs where still shackled, but now she was in a larger room. With a mixture of ponies, zebras, griffins and a couple of minotaurs all dressed in random bits of armor and wielding a random grab bag of weapons. And every single one of them was glaring at her with pure hatred.

“Well nice to see it’s not just you who seems to have an anger problem Dash.” Twilight said looking at Dash. She jerked her head back to avoid the punch the cyan Pegasus threw. “You know I am really getting tired of you hitting me.” She said flatly.

“To bad I’m not getting tired of hitting you.” Dash said with malice as she raised a hoof to deliver another blow.

“Rainbow Dash please control yourself.” A voice said calmly from behind the pegasus. The voice sounded vaguely familiar but Twilight couldn’t place the voice. All she was sure was that the voice sound beyond tired and filled with sadness. Despite the calmness in which the owner of the voice spoke Dash stiffened and looked as if she had been yelled at with her ears splayed against her skull and she lowered her eyes as she stepped away.

Interesting. Twilight thought as the mare stepped away and moved to stand beside the owner of the voice. Twilight looked at the one who spoke but couldn’t tell anything about the person besides the fact the sound of the voice told her they were a mare and the lack of accent meant they were a pony do to the fact they wore a robe that covered them completely.

“well I’m guessing you are the mare in charge yes?” Twilight said and Dash glared at her but Twilight ignored her.

The robed pony nodded. “Yes, you are correct Twilight. When I received word you had been captured I wasted no time in coming to see you for myself.” The mare said. “I must say you look….different then when I last saw you. You have altered your body extensively.”

Twilight snorted. “Not by choice. Believe me.” She said and looked at the robed mare. “Least you seem calmer then everyone else so maybe you will actually listen when I say you have the wrong mare.”

The pony tilted her head while Dash rolled her eyes and grumbled something under her breath. “so I have that that is what you claim and yet you are clearly Twilight Sparkle.”

“Yes as I tried to tell Dash there. “She gestured to the glaring Pegasus. “I am Twilight Sparkle, I’m not the Twilight Sparkle from here. I only arrived….well I don’t know how long ago as you people keep knocking me out but point is I haven’t been here long.” Twilight said. “I’m not the one you want.”

The robed pony was silent and Twilight could feel the glares from everyone else in the room as they tried to burn a hole through her hide.

“If you truly are not our Twilight then why are you here?” The robed pony asked.

“Fuck if I know, I had just finished dinner when a hole opened up in the air and sucked my dining room into it. Landed in the Everfree Forest and made my way to Ponyville to try and figure out where I was.” She said and Dash glared harder at the use of the swear.

The robed pony didn’t seem to react, though it was difficult to tell really, what with not being able to see her face and all. After a few minutes of silence, the robed pony nodded her head and spoke again. “Well perhaps you are telling the truth or perhaps not. Either way all will become clear during this trial.” The Pony said and the color trained from Twilight face and Dash smirked at this.

“No, no. You can’t use that spell; you can’t make me relive my memories.” She said with a hint of fear in her voice. This caused Das to smile as she Twilight look around in a bit of fear.

The Robed pony looked at her for a moment before speaking up in a loader voice to address the crowd of others in the room. I hereby call this trial to order.” She said. “Twilight Sparkle stands accused of innumerable crimes against the people of Equus, some of which consist of treason and many war crimes against the people of the other nations of Equus as well as the ponies of Equestria.”

Twilight started to move to break her restraints, her cybernetic strength could easily break the shackles, the damn sedative was making it hard to think so she hadn’t thought of that till this moment but before she could move she was wrapped in a dark green glow as a unicorn stepped up beside her.

“Now We shall see the evidence of these crimes displayed for all to bear witness too.” The Robbed pony said and Twilight reached for her magic to use it to overpower the magic that was holding her, however the rings on her horn sent a pulse of pain back at her as it repelled her attempts.

She felt the spell as the unicorn cast it enter her mind and she did all she could to fight it but all at once her eyes snapped open as they were filled with white and images were projected onto the far all as she was forced back into her own head.

<<>

Rainbow Dash couldn’t help smiling as she looked at the purple alicorn as she started straight ahead while the spell took effect. She could see beads of sweat on the brow of her former friend as she still tried to fight against the spell as it adjusted to her mind.

After a couple of minutes, the white light being projected on the wall from the other mare’s eyes faded and was replaced by an image of a purple egg sitting in a basket as the sound of a filly straining sounded from the image. Dash easily recognized it as Twilight’s memory of the entrance exam into Celestia’s school for Gifted Unicorns, the mare had told them all about that day in detail.

After a few minutes everything became hyper detailed and the view rose into the ground as lavender beams of pure magic fired randomly in all directions as the filly Twilight suffered her magical sure.

After a few minutes of a total chaos Princess Celestia walked into the room and within moment of her horn being wrapped in a golden aura the magical surge was brought under control and everything had been undone.

“Move on, we don’t need to see her fillyhood.” Dash said with some annoyance and the unicorn nodded. A moment later the imaged moved rapidly and was impossible to tell what was going on.

The imaged came to a stopped to Ponyville street as they bobbed slightly as Twilight walked. “Twilight just try making some friends, all you have to do is talk to somepony.” The voice of Spike said.

Twilight sighed and looked around till she spotted a pink mare trotting down the street and Dash gritted her teeth as Twilight approached the mare. “This is her first day in Ponyville, skip it. Skip for a while.” Dash ordered not wanting to be reminded of any of that.

Once more the unicorn nodded and the images began to move forward rapidly.

When they stopped again the view was of Twilight’s old lab in the basement of Golden Oaks with her looking over calculations on papers that were incomprehensible to Dash and she saw the alicorn sweating even more. Once she was done looking them over she spoke. “Triple check notes. “Done!” Twilight said happily as a list appeared before her and she checked a box before setting it on nearby table. Turning to face Spike who stood a little way off she spoke again with a cheerful voice. “Ok, ready Spike?”

The baby dragon wore a look of worry as he spoke. “You sure about this Twilight? This seems more complicated than most of your other experiments.”

“Yes I’m sure, I’ve triple checked all the calculations. Everything is set.” She said as she glanced back at the notes for a moment. “After this test we will have a new teleportation spell that will cost half the magic as a normal teleport but allow you to go the same distance.” She said and pushed away from her desk and made her way to an X on the floor.

Dash had to blink at this as she didn’t recall Twilight ever mentioning doing an experiment like this, though usually when the mare went off about magic Dash zoned out as she didn’t understand it. Dash watched as Twilight Reassured Spike once more and mentioned the Princess and how this would create a new avenue of research as she giggled and danced in place.

Spike brought her back down to earth by reminding her she needed to do the test and the mare stopped abruptly. After that she went over to the X and stood on it.

“See you in a moment Spike.” She said and the image when dark as she closed her eyes.

Despite herself Dash found herself watching this with curiosity as was everyone else in the room. Though she did notice the alicorn was sweating even more and seemed to be starting to shake.

As Twilight went through the spell that no one could see do to her eyes being close the mare in question shook more and more as if she was terrified.

Suddenly the image was filled with the library as Twilight eyes shot open and the colors of the room inverted and Spike was staring at her with fear plain on his face. “Twilight what’s wrong, what’s happening?” The baby dragged asked with a hint of panic.

“I…I don’t know, something— “Twilight started to say but it was cut off as she started screaming. “Dashes ears went back against her head at the sound. A moment alter the image dropped to the floor as Twilight collapsed.

“Twilight!” Spike yelled as he ran towards the mare but was stopped as he ran into some sort of shield. Desperately banging his fist on the shield the room was filled with Twilight’s screams of pain and it took a moment for Dash to realize the alicorn was actually screaming as she relived the pain.

“Spike….” The projection said weakly as she reached a hoof out to the baby dragon a moment before she started screaming once more and then the colors inverted once more and there was only darkness and screams.

Suddenly the image was filled with the sound of hooves banging on metal and Twilight’s voice filled with fear. “Hello! Somepony! Anypony! I’m in here!” she called out.

Suddenly voices that had been in the background cut off and Twilight spoke again. “Help me! I’m trapped in here!”

The room was filled with the sound of hissing air as whatever was in front of Twilight slide out of the way and there was a blinding light. The light was cut off as the mare in the memory squeezed her eyes shut.

Then something moved in front of the light.

“What the hell?” Another voice said that sounded like a stallion.

Twilight opened her eyes and Dash’s eyes widened as she saw what was blocking the light. The pegausus had no clue what it was, the only way she could describe it was as a hairless ape of some kind. Wearing a white coat that was taller than the mare.

The ape stepped back as more of them crowded around all dressed the same. “what is it?” one of them asked.

“I don’t know.” The first one said.

“it kind of looks like a horse.” Another said.

There was a hissing noise and the group of apes all look back as more walked into the room wearing dark blue armor. “What the hell is going on here?” One of the armored apes said with a hint of anger in his voice.

The view suddenly fell to the side as Twilight collapsed and passed out.

The image came back with Twilight laying in a bed that you’d find in a hospital with the first of the hairless apes she had seen sitting beside her. Twilight focused on the ape. “Wh-who are you?” Twilight asked with a hint of fear.

Dash looked at the alicorn as she heard her shackles clink together and the mare was shaking violently as all the color drained from her face as the ape spoke again. “My name is Doctor Adam Frisk…”

Suddenly there was a sound of a door opening that drew Dash’s attention back to the image. Twilight was being lead into a room with a table, two chairs and a large mirror on one wall. The blue armored ape stepped around the table and took a seat in the other chair as twilight took the other and looked around the room. “Where’s Dr. Frisk?” She asked curiously.

“Dr. Frisk will be by later, in the mean time we have a few questions we’d like to ask you.” The ape said in a gruff voice.

“Oh? Well I’d be happy to answer any questions you have.” Twilight said happily and Dash could tell she was smiling, the mare always loved to explain things.

The ape nodded and asked a question Dash hadn’t expected. “What are the weaknesses of the two alicorns that rule.” The ape looked at a piece of paper. “Equestria.”

Twilight blinked. “Excuse me what do you mean?” She asked tilting her head to the side.

“What are the weaknesses to the two alicorns that rule Equestria. “The ape asked again. “Answer the question.”

Twilight blinked. “I….don’t think that they have any really….why are you wanting to—“Twilight was cut off as her face was slammed into the metal table from behind and she came back up clutching the end of her muzzle as she looked behind her at another armored ape that stood behind her. “wh-…what.”

“Answer the question.” The first ape said and Twilight looked back at him. What are the weaknesses of the two alicorns” He demanded.

“What…I’m not telling you…where’s Dr. Frisk?” Twilight asked. “Why—“ Twilight was cut off as the ape across from her back handed her so hard she fell out of the chair and onto the floor.

The image lifted from the floor as Twilight was roughly picked up and sat back in the chair.
“Answer the question!” The ape yelled.

Dash jumped to Twilight being lead into another room and she looked at the unicorn. “What happened?” Why did you skip?” She asked.

The unicorn looked confused. “I-I didn’t do that.” She said.

Dash looked back at the screen as she saw the ape named Dr. Frisk as well as other apes all dressed in the white coats. Twilight seemed to be limping but she perked up when she saw Frisk. “Dr. Frisk.” She said and stated to move towards. Him. “It’s so good to see you I nee—“ She was cut off as she suddenly fell to the side with a loud gasp. She looked back and saw one of the dark blue wearing apes lowering his booted foot after kicking the mare in the side.

Twilight looked at Dr. Frisk and Dash was sure she was as confused as the am rein the memory was. “Wh-what’s going on?” Twilight asked

Dr. Frisk seemed to ignore her as he spoke to the other apes. “Get her on the table.” HE said and the other moved to obey. Twilight struggled as the picked her up and placed her on a metal table. Holding her down they forces some sort of mask over her face and Dash could hear as something started to flow through it and slowly the room grew darker and darker.

The scene jumped again to Twilight being shoved into a small cage like room that was complexly bare and looked to be fore housing animals. She fell off her hooves and Dash caught site of bandaged wrapped around one of her legs as she looked back at the blue armored apes. “What’s going on…..wh….why can’t I got back to the infirmary?” She asked. The apes ignored her as she shut and locked the door.

The image jumped to back in the room with the table. “What is the power of these Elements of Harmony.” The same ape from before asked.

“I’m not telling you anything!” Twilight said defiantly. The view jerked to the side as Twilight gasped in pain from a powerful kick.

The images jumped again to her being restrained on a table as some sort of device jammed over a dozen needles into her right foreleg and she cried out in pain

Then back to the room where another question about Equestria was asked and she tried to avoid answering and received another blow from one of the two apes.

It went on and on, swapping between the two rooms faster and faster, just showing seconds of different torture.

At one point the they were back in the cage where two of the blue apes walking with a bowl of food and restrained Twilight as she fought them while they forced the food down her throat. Dash couldn’t help smiling as the mare in the memory managed to hit the one holding her in an apparent weak spot and he dropped her.

Then they both drew two small telescoping clubs of some kind and Dash winces as they started to hit her with them over and over again. This went on for ten minutes before Twilight was able to try and fight back. One of the apes pulled out a small yellow thing and shot her with it. Twilight dropped as the thing made a rapid clicking sound. Whenever the clicking stopped the other ape would repeatedly hit the mare with his club then would stop and the clicking started. While the thing click twilight seemed to be unable to move as she just stiffened.

The images then flipped to something that made Dash recoil and the room was filled with screamed both from the memory and the shackled alicorn. The image was filled with Twilight looking down at herself as the apes cut into her body, apparently performing some sort of surgery while she was still fully awake and ignoring her pleas for them to stop as they made observations. When she started to pass out they injected her with something that woke her back up and continued with their work.

It then flashed to her standing at the end of a room facing a dozen of the dark blue apes as they raised the strange muskets they carried. Dash jumped as the weapons made a clattering sound and Twilight barley got a shield up as dozens upon dozens of bullets hit it. It didn’t take long for her shield to break and shatter and she collapsed as her magic ran out.

The images then started shifting again till they stopped on her being lead into a room again and Dr. Frisk standing there as he spoke to Twilight. “Ah 438 you’ve arrived, good.” Dr. Frisk gestured to one of the other apes “This is Dr. Gale, head of surgery here at Demanil Labs.” He said as if this was just a pleasant meeting between two friends. Dash couldn’t help gritting her teeth as she glared at the ape. She had seen him in the background of the imaged where Twilight was having who knows what done to her, watching everything while she screamed in pain.

Frisk looked back at Twilight. Now I believe you told me that mark on your flank, Cutie Mark if I remember correctly, appears whenever your kind finds their special talent.” He said. Twilight didn’t reply and Frisk Smiled. “Well you don’t need to answer, it’s in my notes.” He said and turned to the other ape. “She’s all yours.” He said.

Twilight turned and tried to bolt but was kicked by one of the blue apes who then grabbed a handful of her mane and hauled her onto the table.

The apes placed the mask over her and then the image shifted to Twilight back in her cell staring at the bloody bandages where her Cutie Mark should be as she cried

She closed her eyes and after a bit the sound of metal hitting stone echoed and the cell door opened and a new voice spoke with panic. “438!” Twilight opened her eyes and looked at a dark tan human in light blue clothing as she looked her with horror clear on his face. “what…what happened?”

Twilight stopped crying. “What do you think happened!” She yelled with anger. And the ape recoiled. “They took my Cutie Mark!” She said and the ape took another step back. “What have I ever done to any of you?!? I never even wanted to come here!” She screamed and jumped at the ape. She started to hit the ape as hard as she could which from the looks of it wasn’t very hard for some reason.

The ape didn’t raise a hand to defend himself as the image started to blur and after a moment Twilight collapsed with sobs. “Why….why are you doing this to me…..I never did anything to you….” She sobbed as she looked at the ape who looked down at her with pain in his eyes.

The ape tuned and left the room and closed the door behind him. “Have a good night Twilight.” He said before walking away. Dash gritted her teeth as the ape just abandoned her while she cried.

Twilight cried for a long time before she slow stopped and got to her hooves. She looked at the door and went and pushed it. The door came open easily and without a sound. Stepping out the memory mare spotted a small white square on the floor and Dash looked at it in surprise as she saw what was on it. It was a picture of the ape that had left her and said something about having clearance.

The image jumped to Twilight galloping down white hallways as an alarm blared and a voice kept saying to apprehend “Subject P438-29T” as she had escaped. Dash watched as Twilight used the white square to unlock a door and then she was outside and galloping for the trees beyond a fence.

Dash Leaned forward and barely kept herself from shouting for the memory Twilight to run faster. A loud bang put an end to Twilight run for freedom as one of the blue apes stepped over her and brought the butt of his musket down on her head.

Twilight woke to Frisk telling her they had placed a “shock collar” on her and all of the security staff as well as his team had controls for it and that it would go off if she left the build. He then demonstrated it and Twilight collapsed as she screamed in pain.

The image then changed to her back in the room with the table and the one who always asked her the question smirking at her as spun a small device with a button in his finger. “How about we see what that collar can do eh 438?” HE asked as his smile turned cruel. HE pressed the button and Twilight started screaming as she collapsed onto the floor and spasmed. She continued to scream as the minutes ticked by and the ape stood over her smiling down at her as she writhed in pain and Dash saw smoke starting to rise from around her neck as whatever the collar was doing began to burn the mare’s fur and skin.

Dash ended up putting her hooves over her ears in an attempt to block out the screams and looked at the unicorn running the spell. “Cancel the spell!” She shouted to be hear.

The Unicorn looked at her. “I’ve been trying since before we got to this….I….I don’t have control of the spell anymore…her….her emotions are to out of control….” The unicorn said.

Dash paled as that meant everything they had seen was because Twilight had an extremely strong emotional attachment.

The screaming finally stopped after an hour as an emotionally dead Twilight followed the blue apes to meet frisk and his “team” as she was lead into the room and strapped to the table, not putting up any fight as she simply climbed onto it without a world. An explosion echoed from somewhere nearby and the blue apes left.

As the scene played out the explosions got closer and then there was gunfire and screams.

Two apes arrived to get Frisk and the other but the door exploded off its hinges and dark green apes rushed in. Killing the two blue apes and one of Frisk’s team before Twilight looked at one of the dark green apes as they shoved the other against the wall and spoke. “Please……help me….” The last thing seen was the ape spinning around in shock.

Twilight was then in another medical bed with a female ape in a white coat. “Hello, my name is Dr. Grey….”

Dash watched as Twilight learned about the rebels fight against their corrupt government. She saw as Twilight had a chance to leave but chose to stay. How she became part of the medical team and learned about medicine. How she learned of her fear of science of biology.

How the rebel base was attacked by the “Feds,” How Twilight accidently killed one when she meant to just make him run.

How the leader of the rebels helped her deal with it and they became friends.

The rebels move into the sewers. How Twilight watched two rebels die and made a decision to go into the field. How she became friends with the “human” known as Dupo as they bonded over weapons training. How she met the strange supply clerk Liston and the tough as nails instructor Mendez who taught her how to fight.

When she meat the Reapers.

Her first mission where she and two other ambushed an ambush.

How she lost her leg and eye in an ambush. Her decision to get them replaced with “cybernetics” the death of the leader of the Reapers and the second in command and her stepping on a land mind that took her other leg and hearing.

How they were replaced as well.

How she became the squad leader and user her magic to attack the Feds and how she sang while killing them.

The ambush that killed two of the humans under her command and whipped out most of the others.

How the squads were combined and her talk with Desmond.

How they became friends. How she killed an injured soldier and then lied about what she said to him before doing so.

How she began to swear more and more.

How they raided a building disguised as criminals. How they barely escaped.

The mission on a train and her squads returning to their base under control of mercenaries, her finding Liston dead and the horrible things she did to one of them to extract information on where the rebel leader was and how they got in.

Her mission to rescue the general and kill the Traitor.

How she kept the General from losing hope and lead the attack on the Fed base outside of time where she had a brief talk with a strange squad leader before he stayed behind to cover their escape.

Her promotion to the rank of Commander and meeting White Rabbit and losing her back legs. Her activating the sentries.

What White Rabbit did to Wallace and how Twilight “saved” him.

How White Rabbit killed Dupo and another squad.

Twilight’ upgrading her cybernetics. When she deployed her blades Dash looked over at the mare’s hooves before looking back at the images.
Her fight with the Black Operation soldiers and what she did to the survivors.

The attack on the Federal Press building.

The death of the last two Reapers.

The images got strange there as they distorted and eventually snapped to her on the roof of the building mutter that the Feds couldn’t invade Equestria s they would easily take over.

How she tore White Rabbit’s heart out and then slowly began to take him apart piece by piece as she laughed like a foal.

Her releasing all the files on the Feds.

The rebels helping the Feds restore some order to the city as it tore itself apart.

How she burned over two dozen people alive because she could.

Her break down about Dupo’s death.

Them finding out how to get Twilight home and the general ordering her to return.

The fight through the lab and her going off on her own. Her feeding Frisk into an automated autopsy machine while he was alive and her telling him it was all for “science”

Her return and killing the Bugbear.

The welcome home party. Her meeting Celestia and informing her of the impending invasion.

Twilight forming her own army called the Equestrian Defense Force. How they built bases everywhere. How she integrated the changelings into the hive. How the changeling Queen learned what the mare was and Twilight threating to kill her slowly if she told.

How Twilight dealt with the group that attacked the changeling workers.

How Twilight killed Tirek and the memorial service for the ponies and changeling who died.

Her being informed of the attempt on Candace life and Shinning Armor being killed.

How the Separatists attacked innocents. How Equestria changed one day as the memory mare walked into Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns and Dash saw all the bodies under white sheets. Celestia ordering the extermination of the Separatists and their allies as Equestria citizen called for the ability to defend themselves and guns became available to the public and Equestria became an armed society.

The eventually attack on the Separatist base and the images distorting again.

Twilight ending up in another Equestria and meeting herself as an alicorn and saving it from a cult who hated alicorns. Eventfully killing the Leader.

How she returned home and the battles she fought, the lives she took.

The funerals she went too. Seeing your own eulogy had been strange.

Twilight ascending to alicornhood decades after she should have.

Sharing in the memory Twilight shock to find out she was pregnant and learning it was the Changeling Queen’s as well.

The eventual birth of her daughter.

Twilight dealing with hatred for her relationship with the changeling. That hatred going as far as a group foalnapping her daughter with a ransom of her breaking off the relationship and marrying a pony.

Twilight tacking down the foalnappers and calmly chasing them as she sung a lullaby and her daughter telling the foalnappers they were all dead moment before Twilight attacked and killed them all.

And of the day her castle opened and she ran court, helping the commoners over the nobles.

And then a portal opening up in her dining room and the Queen, her daughter and Twilight’s student getting pulled in and the mare following.

Her seeing what was happening in Ponyville and killing the unicorn.

How Dash herself had treated her and then eventually this trial showing up and then the light faded.

The room sat in stunned silence while the Alicorn mare just sat there catatonic from the memories of her time in the lab. Dash stared at her. She now believed this wasn’t the Empress, but she was pretty sure this was someone that was far worse and much more dangerous.

All Dash was sure about was the rebels had captured a monster who enjoyed killing and torturing others for her own amusement.

Author's Note

Well the Rebels now know what they have with them. The question is how will they judge the mare who has done both good and evil.

Only one thing is certain. Things have defiantly changed for the rebels and they have a hard choice ahead of them.

Also I know most of this information is recapping the previous books with bits of new information here and there that may be expanded upon later. we shall all see now won't we?

Chapter 4: Judgment of The Commander

The room was dead silent, it had been a few minutes since Twilight’s memories had stopped playing for all to see and she was finally started to come out of her own head. The first thing she noticed was the hushed voice of Dash as she spoke to someone and the sound of hoofsteps as they neared her.

“Ok….we need to get her back to a cell…like now…” Dash said. Twilight remained slumped with her chin resting against her chest till she heard the hoofsteps stop directly in front of her.
Light lightly her hand shot out, finger extending as the shackle’s chain snapped like a twigs. Dash was able to let out a yelp of surprise before Twilight finger closed around the pegasus’ throat. Slowly Twilight raised her head and opened her eyes. The Mare was highlighted in red as Twilight had switched into combat mote and she could help enjoying the look of fear in the other mares eyes as she stared wide eyes into Twilight own, the red light that they now were reflecting in Dash’s eyes perfectly.

Slowly Twilight stood, dragging the other mare from her hooves as the alicorn stood to her full height. Dash was suspended a few feet off the ground by Twilight finger around her throat as they slowly tightened. Dash looked at the alicorn who held her with pure fear as she started to choke and stroke Twilight’s steel hooves in a vain attempt to break the alicorn’s grip.

Twilight cracked her neck and lifted her other hand, the blade shooting out and Dash’s eyes widened even more. Very carefully Twilight taped the side of the mare face with the blade. “Give me one good reason why I shouldn’t skin you alive right here.” Twilight’s finger preventing the mare from being able to speak. “What was that?” Twilight asked as she leaned hear ear close as if trying to hear. “You can’t think of a reason? Well then I guess that means there isn’t one~~~”

“Commander Sparkle we are in the middle of a trial and I would thank you to put my second in command down please.” The robbed pony said calmly. Twilight moved Dash to the side and looked at the robed pony with an arched eye brow, everyone else was frozen in shock and fear and the robed pony was calm as ever.
Glancing between the robed pony and Dash Twilight shrugged and let the mare go. Landing with a thud the Pegasus gasp for breath as she pushed her self away from the alicorn as fast as she could. Twilight retracted her blade before smiling at the mare. “You are lucky I have such respect for law and order.” She said with a hint of sarcasm before looking at the robed pony and placing her hands behind her back. “So then what’s the verdict judge? Am I guilty?”

The pony was silent for a while before finally speaking up. “Based on the evidence I have seen I find you not guilty of the crimes you have been accused of.”

“What?!” Dash said, her head snapping around to face the robbed pony. “Did you not see what she has done!?”

“Yes I have Dash, and none of them were the crimes we accused her of nor is she the Empress.” The pony said. “Therefore she is not guilty of the Empress’ crimes.”

“but…”

“Rainbow Dash I have made my decision and it is final.” The pony said a bit sternly. Dash reacted as if she had been slapped before hanging her head.
“yes ma’am.” She said disheartened.

“Not that this isn’t interesting and fun to watch and all. “Twilight said. “But can I go now? I have some people I need to meet up with and let them know I’m ok so they don’t have a meltdown.”
The robed pony looked at Twilight for a while. “Actually….I would like to request your aide Commander Sparkle.”
“What? You can’t be serious ma’am! You can’t ask her fore help! You saw what she has done!” Dash yelled pointing at Twilight.

“Yes, I saw a mare who was loyal to her country above all else, who did her best to help those in need even former enemies. And mare who has been through more than anyone could have ever faced and survived to do what she can to protect her home. A mare who has known great sadness for death of those she cared about and become enraged at the death of innocents.” The Pony said. “Yes she has done what could be seen as evil, yes she is dangerous. But the fact of the matter is she has never done any of that to those who could be seen as innocent civilians, it has always been against enemy combatants and those who have done great evil themselves.”

Dash’s jaw worked up and down and the pony looked from her to face the alicorn in the room. “So I ask you Commander Sparkle, will you help us topple the Empress?”

Twilight scratched her chin as she thought for a few second. “Well not every day you get the opportunity to kill yourself and live to tell about it.” She said and smiled wide. “How could I refuse? ~~”

“Very well. Welcome to the resistance Commander Sparkle.” The pony said.

“Please, call me Commander, I never did like when people called me Commander Sparkle.” Twilight said with a smile as she grabbed the shackles still around her wrists and broke them and then looked at the unicorn who still stood beside her shaking. “Now then you mind taking these off me?” She said and flicked the inhibitor rings “It rather hard to fight at 100% when my magic is cut off.”

“But…how do you except her to work with us?!” dash said as she looked at the leader while the unicorn nearly jumped to remove the rings so as not to anger the psychotic alicorn.

“Well Dash.” Twilight said after the rings were removed and she made her way over to the Pegasus who spun to face her, wings flared in an involuntary response to try and look intimidating, Twilight found it cute. “You have two options.” She said as she stood before the Pegasus with her hands behind her hack. “Option one is you let me help you take down that bitch of am Empress, something I planned to do with or without you. Or option two.” Twilight said and leaned down till her face was a mere inch from the cyan mare’s and she switched back to combat mode so her eyes glowed red. “I show you all just how much I appreciate you making me relive some of the worst moments in my life.” She said with a smile. “So which sounds better to you? Either option is fun for me, just one is more immediate fun.~~"

Dash opened and closed her mouth and the fear was plain on her face. Taking on a more normal smile Twilight stood back up. “I thought that was what you’d say.” Twilight said and cracked her neck once more before turning and heading for the door. She paused next to the unicorn and looked at her for a long moment. “boo.” She said and the mare jumped back and twilight couldn’t help laughing as she shook her head, begging to walk once more, the gathered rebel soldiers parting for her like water before a ship. “Oh I am going to have so much fun~~~~”

Author's Note

Uploaded via my phone. Did my best to get spaces in.

Also sorry for the short chapter but o felt this scene should be on its own do to what it contains.

Chapter 5: School Days

Lyra slowly woke up to the sound of somepony muttering worriedly. “Where are they…..they should have been here by now…..” the voice said. The unicorn slowly opened her eyes and tried to sit up but a sharp pain put a stop to that and made her cry out. “Careful, do you want to puncture a lung?” the voice said sternly. “here let me help you.” Lyra felt a magic aura wrap around her and slowly moved her into a sitting position.

“Thank you.” She said as she looked at a dark grey unicorn with a black mane sat across a small fire from her.

“Don’t mention it, if I let you hurt yourself anymore then I’d be a dead mare.” The unicorn said in a slightly educated voice. Lyra blinked at the statement and opened her mouth to speak but the unicorn continued to talk. “I managed to bandage you and it should help hold everything in place but you are in serious need of a doctor as my first aid training can only do so much.”

Lyra blinked once more and looked down to find her chest wrapped tightly is bandaged and several of her worst cuts with bandages as well. She looked up at the other mare who was looking around at the surrounding forest while stroking a strange object with a large box attached to it and some gold pieces shinning in the fire light that rested beside the mare. “um…thank you….for the help.” She said a bit sheepishly.

The mare looked back at her. “Don’t mention it, if I didn’t help you then I’d never hear the end of it.” She said. “Besides helping you might give me a few points towards a cuddle.” The mare said.

Lyra’s eyes widened. “Brah? Um…I’m….I’m taken….” She stammered out.

The unicorn blinked and then seemed to realize what she had said. “Not with you.” She said with a slight blush. “no no, I’m taken as well and I don’t want anyone else.” The mare said waving a hoof before her as if shooing Lyra’s thought away from her.

“Oh….um…Sorry.” Lyra said with a deep blush. “I’m Lyra Heartstrings by the way.” She said trying to change subjects.

“Chrissy.” The mare said with a nod. “It’s a pleasure to meet you Lyra.” Then looked around them once more before looking back at her. “Now you mind telling me what was going on back in town?”

“oh…um…” Lyra looked around not sure if she should say the truth but after thinking about it the mare had saved her and in doing so made herself an enemy of the Empress. Sighing she spoke up. “I’ve been helping Bonnie gather information on the Empress’ forces.” She said. “I play in a lot of places soldiers hang out and I keep my ears open and then tell her what I hear. She then hands it off to the resistance.”

“So you two were spying and somehow got caught?” Chrissy asked.

Lyra nodded. “Yeah I think something I overheard was false and meant to see what information reached the resistance. All I know is on morning our front door was kicked in and we were dragged to the base.” She said and looked down. “I….I tried to stay strong….I didn’t want to tell them…but……”

“Don’t think like that.” The grey mare said looking at her sternly. “You have no reason to think you failed. You aren’t trained to resist torture. The fact you made it as long as your injuries were to suggest is impressive.” The mare said and nodded in respect.

Lyra blushed lightly and looked down as she pushed a small pebble around with a hoof. “you…you really think so?” She asked quietly.

“I know so, most ponies in your position would have broken within the first half hour, you look like you endured days.” Chrissy said. “So you have no reason to feel as if you let anypony down.”

Lyra looked at the unicorn as she stared at her from across the fire. The way she said all that so matter of factly made Lyra feel like it was true. Taking a deep breath, the musician looked down. “Thank you….” She said.

“Don’t mention it.” The grey unicorn said as she looked around once more.

“So…where are we anyways?” Lyra asked looking around, she was sure this wasn’t Whitetail Woods.

“The Everfree Forest.” The other unicorn said as if telling her they were in a park.

“Th-the E-Everfree Forest?” Lyra said snapping her head around to look at the unicorn before she started to franticly look around. “What are we doing I here? This place is the most dangerous place in all of Equestria!”

“I know, that’s why we are camping in it, those soldier will be hesitant to search here, and if they do they won’t go far before giving up and assuming we are head.” Chrissy said.

“That’s because we will be dead!” Lyra said franticly, trying to keep her voice down.

“No we won’t, trust me, I know my way around this forest and should be able to deal with most of the beasts who call this place home” She said and tapped the strange musket beside her. “In the mean time you should get some sleep. You have a lot to recover from.” She said gesturing to the bandages around Lyra. “Don’t worry, I’ll keep watch and if anything happens I’ll be sure to wake you up.”

Lyra stared at the unicorn wondering if she was insane or not for being so confident she could deal with the monsters of the Everfree. But looking at the mare Lyra found she actually believed it if she had been able to escape the Empress’ soldier and make it this deep into the forest. Plus, setting up a camp while tending to an injured pony.

Slowly Lyra nodded her head and carefully laid down. Resting her head on her hooves she finally noticed just how exhausted she actually was and within seconds sleep claimed her.

<<>>

The sun was shining brightly through the window when Broken Dawn slowly woke up. Stretching as she yawned the little filly grabbed her pistol and slowly crawled out from under the bed. Slowly she scanned the room for anything that was out of place before she made her way to the door. Using her magic, the unicorn filly carefully removed the glass she had placed on the door knob the night before. Setting it aside she silently unlatched the door and peeked out.

Seeing the hall was clear Dawn nodded her head and turned around as she placed her pistol back in her saddle back.

“Hi Dawn, how’s everything look?”

“GAH!” Dawn stumbled back as she found Violet only an inch from her face and took a wild swing with her hoof. The other filly calmly ducked, her smile not once leaving her face. “Damnit Violet don’t do that!” Dawn scolded.

“Do what?” Violet asked as she blinked and tilted her head in confusion.

Dawn facehoofed, she was just like the Princess when it came to personal space, in that there was no such thing. Dawn had tried explaining it but the other filly never understood so Dawn just came to live with her friend’s odd tendency of suddenly being on top of you.

“Nothing, how did you sleep?” She asked looking at the undisguised filly.

“Oh I slept great, the bed was nice and comfy, I still don’t know why you didn’t want to sleep on it.” Violet asked as she tilted her head, a smile on her face.

“Just personnel preference.” Dawns said. Trying to explain the Tartarus damned place she had come from to someone who had never actually been there was impossible. Least the Princess understood having been there.

“Do you think miss Cheerilee slept good?” Dawn asked as she glanced at the door.

“I’m sure she slept fine.” Dawn said. After arriving at the mare who had grabbed them while they made their way for the edge of town’s house she had locked the door before making sure they weren’t followed. Afterwards the mare had gone to make them all dinner and during the meal introductions were made. Dawn hadn’t really been paying much attention as the mare talked to them as she had been busy trying to form a plan for how to get away and meet up with the Princess and Chrysalis.

Despite everything Dawn had decided it would be best to stay the night with the mare and slip away sometime during the day when things had calmed down and there weren’t soldiers everywhere. And thus the two fillies found themselves sleeping in the mate’s bedroom while she took the couch. Dawn had said they would be fine with the couch but the mare had insisted that foals needed proper sleep to grow up healthy.

It had been clear the mare would hear no argument so Dawn reluctantly agreed.

A small knock at the door drew Dawn’s attention and she quickly waved to Violet to get her to disguise herself as she went to the door. She only spoke after she saw Violet wrapped in flames and replaced by a normal dark purple unicorn filly. “Hello?” Dawn asked through the door.

The door knob slowly turned and Cheerilee stuck her head in. “Oh good you two are awake.” She said and smiled. “Breakfast is ready.” The mare said pushing the door open before she turned and headed back down the hallway.

Dawn looked at Violet before reaching up and adjusting the goggles on her forehead. Once they were straight the two fillies left the room and followed after the dark pink earth pony.

Breakfast consisted of a large stack of pancakes for the both of them already sitting on the table when they entered. Dawn blinked as she looked at the food. “This is for us?” She asked looking at the earth pony as she came in with a container of syrup balanced on her back.

“Yes it is.” She said with a smile. “Breakfast is the most important meal of the day for young foals and you want to grow up big and strong don’t you?” She asked with a smile as she placed the syrup on the table before taking a seat and gesturing at the other two seats.

The two fillies climbed into a chair and Dawn let Violet use the syrup first before using it herself and then passing it to the earth pony. “My you two seem rather skilled in magic for being so young.” She said as she poured syrup on her pancakes.

“Yup, mom is a really good teacher and she’s also teaching Dawn as well.” Violet said with a big smile.

Cheerilee nodded as she started to eat. “So how did you two sleep?”

“We slept well, thank you.” Dawn said around a mouth full of pancake, Violet was eating smaller bites though she had been born as changeling royalty so some of her mannerisms were genetics.

Cheerilee couldn’t help giggling as the two ate their food as perfect opposites, she had assumed the two were sisters at first but Dawn had corrected her in that they were friends. She did mention she lived with Violet’s family though. “That’s good to hear, I know last night was rather scary, I was worried you two would have trouble getting to sleep.”

Dawn shrugged. “Wasn’t that big a deal, I’ve seen worse.” She said as she shoved another large bite of pancake into her mouth. The princess had introduced her to them the day after she had followed her back home and Dawn was practically addicted to pancakes from that moment forward. They were as bad as chems but without the negative side effects and she had them every other day for breakfast.

Dawn had been living with the Princess for almost a year now, ever since she had first learned the Princess was indeed a Princess and not like the other alicorns she heard about.

The Princess had given her some lessons on magic as she had worked on her gear and when the rift had opened to recover the Princess Dawn took one look at the barren wasteland she called home and the rift to an unknown land that the foul mouthed princess called home and made an easy choice.

The Princess had been upset that she had followed her and try to send her back but the rift had snapped shut before she could. It seemed the device that opened the Rifts was only able to lock onto objects and people from the Princess’ home and so since nothing from the dimension was left in Dawn’s home reality there was no way to guarantee they’d get a lock. Since opening a Rift to a random dimension and shoving the filly through wasn’t an option according to the Princess and the science team Dawn was told she’d stay with the Princess till they could find her a foster family.

It had been almost a year since then the Princess had given up trying to find one do to no one being able to deal with someone like her correctly. Plus, the Princes had continued to give her lessons in magic, as well as reading, mathematics, history and all manner of subjects and slowly Dawn became the Princess’ personal student without anyone noticing.

Dawn was drawn back to the present when Cheerilee spoke up after she finished her pancakes. “Now then once you two are done eating go get cleaned up as we have a big day ahead of us.”

“oh? What are we doing today miss Cheerilee” Violet asked as Dawn’s ears perked up.

“Well today is Monday which means it’s a school day.” Cheerilee said with a chuckle.

“What?” Dawn cried loudly.

“Well I can’t just leave you two here as I need to go and teach my class and two foals not being in school would look rather odd and get ponies talking.” Cheerilee said. “It’s best if you two go to school like normal fillies. I already filled out the paperwork last night saying you are the foals of some friends of mine who are traveling abroad on business so sent you to stay with me so you can keep up your schooling.” She said with a nod. “as long as they don’t look too closely at it or run a background check on the names it should work.”

Dawn stared at her before groaning and facehoofing. As much as she hated to admit it, the school teacher was right, people would notice two fillies running around and not in school, which meant they needed to go with the earth ponies plan, which meant they would have to wait about tracking down the Princess and the Queen till some time later. Dawn was sure that the meeting spot had been abandoned within the hour as staying while the soldiers hunted them would have been suicide or at least a real pain in the flank for the alicorn and changeling queen as Dawn was sure they could handle anything with ease.

Still Dawn was not looking forward to this as her only experience with schools was sneaking through them to scavenge for whatever of value was inside, that and them being used as a camp for some ponies you really did not want to be found by.

Sighing with accepted of the situation Dawn shoved the last large bite of pancake into her mouth and started to chew, least she got pancakes before having to face her first day of school.

<<>>

It seemed Dawn’s experience with schools was rather accurate and she kept glancing at the ticks at the bottom of her vision but so far they all remained yellow. Currently her and Violet stood in front of about fifteen other foals all staring at the pare as Cheerilee introduced them. “Now Class these two are Broken Dawn and Violet Flame. They will be joining us for a while as their parent are traveling abroad on business and asked me to look after them.” She said with a smile before looking at the two fillies. “Why don’t you tell us a bit about yourselves?”

“Hi! I’m Violet! I like math, biology and people watching.” The purple filly said with a big smile.

“Uh…I’m Dawn, I mostly like building things.” The blue filly said glancing down really quick as if she were shy before looking back up at everyone.

“Hi Violet, hi Dawn.” The class said together. Dawn found that rather unnerving.

Cheerilee nodded before looking at the two unicorns. “Why don’t you two go find a couple of empty desks and we can get started with today’s lessons.” She said and Dawn nodded before gesturing with her head for Violet to follow her.

The two fillies found a couple of empty desks in back and they claimed them for themselves. No one noticed as the dark blue filly looked at the object on her right foreleg and mutter something along the lines f “how do you know the name of this place?” before shaking her head and looking back up as Cheerilee started with a history lesson.

The two fillies followed the lesson though Dawn grew somewhat board as she had heard this part of history before from the Princess she found her mind wondering as she tried to form a plan on how to find the others and meet up with them, prospects were not looking good as the Princess and Queen could be anywhere by now though she knew they wouldn’t abandon the two foals. Which meant something was keeping them busy but in the end she couldn’t come up with anything besides sit tight and wait for the others to come for them. Which meant more school, great.

Dawn didn’t mind learning, far from it actually, but she liked it when the Princess was teaching her as she made it all interesting by demonstrating things and giving random trivia she thought Dawn would find interesting and she let Dawn choose what she learned by asking question. That and Dawn was just with Violet and not a bunch of other foals.

After history they were all given paper started being taught multiplication. Dawn sighed and had to suppress her urge to facehoof as she had already learned the basic times tables but these foals were just starting on them.

The two new fillies easily breezed through the multiplication work they were given, one with a broad smile on her face and another with a slightly annoyed face, though only one of them wrote down random notes in the margin for a completely different subject. That filly asked if she could have the paper back later so she could keep her notes on hoof for later use.

Then they moved onto something that perked Dawn up, science. Ever since the Princess had explained to the filly how the sun and the moon orbited the planet the dark blue unicorn had been obsessed with learning more about science, something the Princess was more than happy to tech though she seemed rather quiet when teaching any subject except engineering and physics. She hired a tutor to teach the foals Biology and on those days neither of them saw the Princess till evening when she tucked them in.

As Cheerilee explained basic physics of gravity Dawn couldn’t help raising her hoof. “Yes Dawn do you have a question?” the teacher asked with a small smile.

“Are you using Rarehoof’s theories on the nature of physics or Dr. Swift Talon’s?” She asked.

Cheerilee blinked at the filly. “I’m sorry but…what do you mean Dawn?”

“Well Rarehoof theorized that the gravity of Equus was the result of a large deposit of magic at or near the core of the planet and that is what gave us gravity as it maintained a constant pull on everything while Dr. Swift Talon theorized that the planet itself is rotating at thousands of miles an hour and thus creating gravity on the surface. Both of them did experiments that leant a great deal of weight to their respected theories and so the scientific community has been divided about who is right. “Dawn said and tilted her head to the side as she thought for a moment. “Personally I think Dr. Talon’s theory has more merit as while a lot of things on the planet is controlled by magic not everything is and a deposit of that much magic would do a lot more then create gravity and would have most likely been found or detected by modern equipment.”

She looked back at the teacher. “Anyways the reason I asked is both theories of the nature of gravity have their own branching sub sciences and theories as to the nature of physics that have drastically different ramifications on our perception of the world around us and so I wanted to know which theory you were basing the lesson on so I know which mind set to be in for the work.”

When Dawn finished speaking she finally noticed everyone in the classroom was starting at her, some in confusion, others with their jaws on their floor and two with sneers for some odd reason. “What?” The filly asked tilting her head.

Cheerilee blinked several times as she recovered from her confusion and shock at the fact the filly seemed to know a lot about advanced scientific theory, she put on a slightly trained smile. “We teach Rarehoof’s theory here as the Empress preferred that theory.”

Dawn nodded. “Ok, thank you.” She said and sat back as Cheerilee got back to the lesson. Over all in the entire lesson Dawn raised her hoof about a dozen time to either ask a question or correct Cheerilee when she said some that wasn’t right or had been proven false by later studies. Violet has also raised her hoof to ask several question concerning the lesson and between the two of them the lesson ran for an extra half hour then normal.

“Ok Class, I think that is enough for science today.” Cheerilee said. “Oh my, seems we are late for recess.” She said and looked back at the class with a smile. “Do to the lesson running later then planed we will have to shave off about ten minutes if we are to cover the other subjects before school is out today.” She said and all the foals groaned, except for the two fillies in back, one of which had a hoof raised. “yes Dane?” Cheerilee called on the unicorn and the class groaned once more.

“This isn’t a question about the lesson but it is a question for clarification.’ Dawn said. “What’s recess?”

The other foals in the room stared at the dark blue filly as if she grown a second head and she tilted the single head she did have. “What?”

“Oh…um Recesses is a time where the class get to go outside and play and enjoy the outdoors for a time.” Cheerilee said. “You didn’t have recess at your old school?” She asked.

Dawn shook her head. “No, we were taught throughout the day for the most part till the pri---till mom decided we had done enough for the day.” Dawns aid having barely caught herself from mentioning the Princess, her and Violet had agreed it would be for the best to not mention the Princes till they had more information and Cheerilee had suggested that the two of them pretend to be siblings so the cover story would be more believable. To dawn it felt weird calling the Princess mom as she was always the Princess, even if she did take care of her and make sure she was ok and the like.

“Ah, so you were homeschooled, that explains it.” Cheerilee said with a smile. Yes, well everyone is free to go outside and play.” She said and with a loud cheer the foals in the room rushed for the door. All except for the two in back who calmly walked to the door, their unfamiliarity with recess easy to see for anyone who dealt with foals on a daily basis. Cheerilee could only shake her head with a small smile on her face after the two had left the room. “Such strange fillies but they are still good foals and their parent must have loved them a lot.” She said before sighing as the smile dropped from her face and she stared off into the distance, her hoof absent mindedly rubbing her stomach. “if only…..”

Outside Dawn and Violet looked around the playground with confusion clear on their faces. “So….any ideas?” Dawn asked looking at the purple filly beside her.

Violet shrugged. “We could always go see what materials we can find and build something, we do have your altered designs for your flying machine.” The filly said with a broad smile, most people seemed to find it unnerving but Dawn had long since grown used to how the other filly smiled all the time.

“Yeah but all we got is my blow torch, the rest of my tool are back in my workshop, I don’t think we can build anything with just that.” Dawn said and started to scratch her chin with a hoof. “Well….maybe we can….”

Dawns thought of some sort of full body steel armor designed for two foals and able to stop bullets as well as grenade explosions were interrupted by two other fillies walking over to them. “Well look what we have here, it’s the two nerds.” The pink filly with a purple and white mane and wearing a tiara said to a grey filly with a two toned grey mane and sore a pair of glasses.

Dawn blinked out of her thoughts and looked at the two other fillies. “Huh? Are you talking to us?” She asked as her mind reoriented to the outside world.

“Yes I am, because of you two nerds we were late for recess and also its being cut short because of you and all your questions.” The pink one said.

“uh….sorry?” Dawn said not being sure how to respond. She glanced at the ticks at the bottom of her vision but they still showed everything as yellow.

“Sorry? Sorry? Sorry doesn’t get us our recess back. “The pink one said.

“Hey Diamond Tiara they aren’t just nerds.” The grey one said and pointed at the two fillies’ flanks. Dawn looked back but only saw her normal flank.

“Oh my gosh! You two are totally blank flanks!” The pink ne, Diamond Tiara apparently, said.

Dawn looked back at the two of them. “yeah so?” She said.

“Well it means you two are a just sad blank flanks like those Crusaders or whatever they call themselves.” She said and scrunched her face up in discussed.

“Wait the Crusaders are here?” Dawn asked wide eyed, how could the Crusaders be here? Dawn left them all behind when she followed the Princess. How could they be here?

“No, no one has seen them for a long time, well that blank flank sweetie bell was in school still till about a month ago but no one’s seen her since.” Tiara said.

“I bet she got arrested for not having her Cutie Mark yet.” The grey earth pony said.

“Yeah I wouldn’t be surprised.” Tiara said.

“somehow I don’t think anyone would arrest a foal for that. She’s probably just been sick or something. “Violet said.

“tsk, shows what you know, her house has been abandoned for the month as well and no one has seen her sister either.” Tiara said. “Anyways it’s been so nice not having a punch of blank flanks crowding the playground but then you two showed up and what’s worse you both are nerds.”

“So…what’s wrong with being a blank flank?” Violet asked tilting her head to the side.

“What’s wrong? What’s wrong? Everything! It means you don’t have a special talent like we do!” Tiara said and the two of them turned to show the two black flank fillies their flanks.

“So….” Dawns aid looking at the pinkie fillies Cutie Mark. Your special talent is wearing a tiara?” She looked at the other one’s flank. And yours is….bulimia? I think you should see a doctor about that.”

“What? No!” Tiara said her face scrunching up in anger as she turned back to face the other two fillies.

“Then what is it?” Dawn asked.

“Tsk, none of your business, I doubt you two would understand anyways.” She said and looked at the grey earth pony filly beside her. “Come on Silver Spoon, I’m tired of talking these two and I don’t want the blank flankness to rub off on us.” She said before turning and walking away her nose held high in the air, the other filly doing the same right behind her.

“That’s now how Cutie Marks work!” Dawn called after the two but shrugged when they didn’t respond and turned to look at violet. “Well I have no clue what’s up with those two.”

“Well seeing as one’s talent is basically wearing a hat and the other is a sever eating disorder I can see why they are in bad moods.” Violet said before nodding sagely.

“Right.” Dawn said turning to face the playground. “Anyways let’s go find some materials to build us some armor.” Dawns aid before she started to trot off to begin her search.

“Ok!” violet said happily before following after the dark blue filly. She had to admit so far school was really fun as she got to lean thing and spy on new people and practice her emotional sense. Mom and Sire would be so happy to learn how much experience she got with it, maybe she will have mastered it by the time they came to pick her and Dawn up

Either way she was looking forward to more schooling as well as helping Dawn with her inventing and experiments. She’d also need to see about setting up some of her own biology experiments as well once she got her notes on the subject back from Miss Cheerilee.

Both fillies waded into the playground on a quest for things to help experiment and to learn more about things just like they were always told to do.

Author's Note

Thought we should check in and see what the others were up to while The Commander was on trial as well as get to see the relationship and thought process of several of them.

next chapter will be back with our favorite psychotic mare.

Chapter 6: History Lesson

Twilight hummed happily to herself as she sharpened her combat knife in her little corner of the rebel base. After leaving the trial the mare had wandered the cave system that the rebels called home chuckling at the fact she was a rebel hiding underground once more. It had been a lot of years since that time and yet it felt like just yesterday she was slipping through manholes to escape enemy patrols and return to base. She looked back on that time fondly and being here now brought up many nostalgic feelings in the alicorn as she had wandered the base.

Though this was a bit different in that the people she met were made up of all the races on Equus and they wore mismatched sets of armor from every military on the planet and some that appeared to have been made by the rebels from random scrap metal and other supplies. And the fact most everyone panicked when they saw her as word hadn’t yet spread she wasn’t the empress come to kill them all.
It took about an hour for word to spread on who she was and the panicked cries of alarm when someone ran into her were replaced by looks of total fear the mare just loved to see, she was sure a few people had actually wet themselves.

As she had wandered the robed pony had tracked her down to show her somewhere she could stay. What Twilight asked why she didn’t send a soldier the mare had explained no one wanted to escort her and nothing the Leader said would get them to do it so that left the Leader doing it herself. Twilight had to chuckle at the fact a bunch of hardened rebels were scared of just one mare and she mentioned this to the Leader.
The leader had simply explained they weren’t used to dealing with someone like Twilight and some of the things she had done were beyond monstrous. Twilight had just shrugged and said that that was why she had a spot reserved in hell for when she died. She then had to explain what hell was which was simply done by saying it was a place worse than Tartarus where bad people like her go when they die.
The mare had been quiet for a while as she led her through the base and only spoke once they reached an area cordoned off by some seats for privacy. She had then asked how Twilight could be ok with what she had done and why she joked about it. Twilight just told her she had come to terms with what she was a long time ago and there was no point in giving it anymore thought.

After that the leader had bid her good night because apparently it was night outside and left the mare to do with her room as she pleased.

Twilight had wasted no time setting up her room as a sort of Equestrian Defense Force miniature Forward Operating Base. Which mostly meant she pulled a few storage creates from her pocket dimension that contained ammo, equipment, medical supplies and everything else one would need to coordinate forces in the field. She had even set up a radio in the corner though there were no forces besides Chrysalis to communicate with and if she was still disguised then she wouldn’t have her radio with her so reaching her for now would be out of the question. She’d try around noon tomorrow as that was a designated check in time they had set up after the first time they had ended up in another dimension together.

She had set up a small medical area with a cot and everything she’d need to work to save lives when needed as well as set up a small armory which consisted of her digging a bit of the cave out to make a room and then using a few martials she had with her to set up a cell door so no one could go in and mess with her guns. Just to be on the safe side she set up an alarm enchantment that will alert her if someone unlocks the door and opens it without an encrypted EDF Key Card, she doubted anyone here would know anything about how to break a computerized lock but still better safe than sorry.

The only other additions to the room was a table with maps of Equestria and surrounding nations on it and she had replaced the candles with eclectic lamps, she even had a generator set if she needed it but right now she was just using battery operated lanterns. In short she made her room feel like home, it was just missing a one important thing or person in this case.

Once the room had been set up Twilight had gone to bed, though sleep had been more difficult than it used to be but she eventually managed to fall asleep. She was glad she was used to such short hours as well as operating with little sleep.

After waking up she had done an equipment check of her weapons and found her combat knife a bit dull, and thus she was sharpening it for the last few minutes. Looking at the blade she reached dup and plucked a hair from her mane. Holding the blade carefully she ran the hare along the blade and smiled as the half she wasn’t holding fell away. Perfect. Sheathing the blade she stood up and stretched as she stashed the blade in her pocket dimension.
Pulling out her uniform she dressed and cracked her neck before withdrawing her mirrored sunglasses from her breast pocket and placed them on the bridge of her muzzle. Looking at herself in the mirror the room had already had she smiled at the image that stared back. “Time to go make some friends.” She said and chuckled as she turned and headed for the break in the sheets that acted as her door, hands automatically going behind her back as she had yet to change back to being a quadruped since the trial.

Walking the halls she searched her memory for where she had seen the rebels kept their kitchen area, it was mostly just a read with some cook fires as these people were not doing well in the equipment department.
As the alicorn walked down the tunnels she quietly sung to herself swapping voices as needed for the song as ponies, griffins, zebras and minotaurs quickly made way for her and seemed to try to be merging with the walls just to keep from being near her, such fun.

“Drowning deep in my sea of loathing
Broken your servant I kneel
Will you give into me?
It seems what’s left of my equine side
Is slowly changing in me
Will you give into me?
Looking at my own reflection
When suddenly it changes!
Violently it changes!
There is no turning back now
You’ve woken up the deamons….in me!”

“What the buck are you singing?” A voice said behind her and Twilight stopped singing and glanced back at Dash who was staring at her with her head tilted to the side. Twilight noted that while there was fear in her eyes she kept it under control better than the others and was more curious then afraid, seems the mare was indeed a veteran to know how to control her fear so quickly when face to face with what she knew was a monster.

“Oh just a song I enjoy immensely.” Twilight said with a smile and the mare took a cautions step closer.

“That song….ok that song was really weird.” The mare said. “And the way you were singing it was….unsettling.”

Twilight snorted and then smirked at the other mare. “Well madness is the gift that had been given to me so I think I’m allow to sing songs anyway I choose.” Twilight said and laughed at the confused look on the pegasus’ face.

“Wha….wait you know you are insane?” She asked confused.

Twilight laughed more as the words had only one meaning to the mare and the laughing caused the mare’s wings to shift slightly in an involuntary fight or flight response. Getting her laugh under control Twilight turned and face the mare fully and spread her arms wide. “I figured out what I was a long time ago and have since come to terms with it and in fact embraced it.” She said with a large smile that made the cyan pony shutter.

“How can you be….ok with what you are?” She asked.

“Cause it’s fun.” Twilight said with a snort as her arms dropped to her side and she held up a finger as she leaned close to the Pegasus causing her to recoil slightly. “Think about it, I have such a wider range of things to do to entertain myself then the average person, I can read a book or go find some real sick fuck of a person and use them for some entertainment while doing the world a favor.” Twilight said matter of factly.

Dash’s ears splayed back against her head. “You are a monster…”She said.

Twilight nodded. “yup, which reminds me.” Twilight said and then decked the other mare causing her to stumbled back and fall to the ground clutching her face.

“What the buck was that for!?” She shouted in anger, wings flared as she held her cheek where Twilight had hit her.

“For beating me up while I was in custody.” Twilight said simply.

“What? But you’ve done way worse!” Dash said as she glared at the alicorn still rubbing her cheek.

“Yes but I am a psychotic monster so I have an excuse.” Twilight said simply with a shrug. “Besides that doesn’t mean I like being on the receiving end, its only fun when I do it to other people.”

It was at this point Dash seemed to remember who it was she was yelling at as her eyes became as big as dinner plates. “ah…uh….”She stuttered out.

Twilight rolled her eyes behind her sunglasses as she clasped her hands behind back once more. “Relax, if I was going to kill you I would have already.” Twilight said and smirked. “We are “friends” after all and I don’t kill my friends.”

Dash blinked up at Twilight. “Wait you have forgiven me already?”

“Oh fuck no!” Twilight said causing the mare to recoil again. “It will be a very long time before I forgive you for making me relive my time in The Labs, while I can easily forgive you for reliving the rest of it as a lot of that was good except for my friends dying The Labs……….The Labs are a different matter……”Twilight said a bit quietly, her usually smirk gone, her face neutral. Dashed tilted her head looking at the alicorn and opened her mouth to say something but the alicorn seemed to snap out of whatever it was she found herself in and shook her head before speaking. “Anyways I was on my way to grab some breakfast, care to join me and fill me in on the situation you guys are in?”

Slowly Dash nodded her head and got to her hooves. “Excellent!” Twilight said before turning and heading for the kitchens, the Pegasus mare following behind keeping a close eye on the alicorn, a look of distrust and concern on her face but also a hint of sympathy that she herself most likely was unaware she felt.

After a bit of walking Twilight looked over the small cavern that acted as these rebels kitchens/mess hall. There were some cook fires on one side with dinged and bent pots and pans over them as they were tended to by the cooks, runes drawn in the ceiling above the fire absorbed the spoke and sent it to who knows where though it didn’t get it all and there was a slight smoky smell to the air. On the other side of the room were a few chairs but for the most part the rebels who were eating were just sitting on the ground or against the wall. In short these rebels were in a sorry state compared to the rebels Twilight had joined so long ago.

Walking into the room the quiet mummer of conversation died instantly as she made her way towards the cook fires and she could feel all eyes on her as she walked. “Why don’t you take a picture it will last longer…” she muttered as she walked, it was one thing to glare at her with hate or look at her with fear, but just staring? No that was another thing entirely and it made her skin crawl and she felt her wings shift slightly as it brought up some dark memories the rebels had gotten a glimpse of the previous day. She knew they hadn’t seen even half of what happened as the memories came to fast and the spell had only been able to latch onto a few of them while
Twilight relived her entire month of true hell.

She did her best to ignore the stares and suppress the memories as she reached one of the cooks, this one a green unicorn mare who started up with nervousness, ah good something to get her off her memories.
Smiling as friendly as she could Twilight spoke as if to a good friend. “Hello there, I was wondering if I might be able to get some food?” She asked the mare just stared at Twilight which resulted in the alicorn sighing. She let her hands go and brought one of her hands in front of the mare’s face and snapped her fingers, she had been amazed when she learned her new fingers could snap as it made very little since but after a while she figured it had something to do with whatever had changed them from the original version. Either way the snap had the desired effect as the mare blinked and snapped her jaw closed with an audioable click.

“Huh?....What?” She asked blinking several times and then looking up at Twilight, staring at her own reflection in the alicorns sunglasses.

“Food, can I have some?” Twilight said slowly as if talking to a foal, one nice thing about being with rebels who knew what she was is she didn’t have to be completely polite, least not all the time, and could actually say what she wanted to. She would still control herself somewhat as she did need them as fighting an army is a lot easier with another army then just one soldier.

“OH….um….yes….”The mare said and started to stir the stew she had been cooking, Twilight hoped it wasn’t burnt since the mare had been distracted. Levitating a chipped bowls from a pile the mare scooped some of the soup into it and held it out to Twilight.

Twilight smiled as friendly as she could once more as she took the bowl from the mare. “Thank you kindly.” She said with a slight nod.

Dash stepped up beside her and spoke. “Maple can I get some as well?” She asked. The unicorn seemed to relax when she looked at Dash and smiled sweetly before nodding and grabbing another bowl and scooping soup into it as well.

Once Dash had her soup she turned to see where the alicorn she had been with went and blinked as she saw her walking towards one of the griffin cooks. Carefully balancing the bowl of soup on her normal wing she made her way after the alicorn, a bit confused. “Where the hay are you going?” She asked once she caught up.

“Getting food, this is a mess hall after all yes?” Twilight said without looking back.

“But that’s a griffin cook, he only does meat.” Dash said, her muzzle scrunching up.

“Exactly” Was all Twilight said as she approached the griffin cook.
The griffin looked at her and Twilight noticed his feathers were somewhat unkempt and he had a rather large scar running down the left side of his face and neck, the eye on that side was also milky white and clearly useless.

“Well if it isn’t the Empress look alike, what do I owe this visit to?” HE asked in a voice that was scratchier then even Dash’s.

Twilight smiled at this, this was an interesting turn of events actually running into someone who didn’t seem to care who she was. Twilight decided she liked him. “oh nothing just wondering what you have.” She asked, she looked out the corner of her eyes and saw Dash staring at the griffin in horror.

The griffin stared at Twilight with his one good eye. “Rabbit, caught just this morning, why you want some?” He asked in a tone that clearly said he knew the answer.
Twilight hated to disappoint the griffin as she nodded her head. “Absolutely.” She said.

The Griffin blinked a single time at her, the only indication to have heard her while Dash blanched at what Twilight said. “What? Why do you want meat?” The cyan mare asked staring at the alicorn. At the sound of her voice everyone in the room, include the other cooks, all instantly looked at Twilight.

Twilight sighed and looked at the battle scared Pegasus. “Because it’s good is why.” She said as if it was the most obvious thing on the planet. When she looked back at the griffin she found a small plate of rabbit being held out, the griffin eyeing her as she smiled and took it from his talon. “Thank you my good griffin.” She said before turning on her heels with her meal held in each hand and humming to herself as the shocked rebels tracked her across the room.

She heard the hooves of Dash as she scrambled to catch up to the alicorn who reached a corner of the cavern and sat against the wall smiling up at the Pegasus who just stared at her. “You eat meat?” She asked.
Twilight nodded. “Yup, have for years, it’s rather good once you get used to it.” She chuckled as she set her food to the side and scratched her chin. “Though flat teeth are not the best for eating it but eh, you get used to it.” Twilight said with a shrug before picking up her soup, she’d save the best for last.
Dash stared at her before slowly setting her bowl down and sitting on her haunches. “Anyways I’m glad you came with me Dash as I need a sitrep.”

Dash blinked at her. “what?” the mare asked tilting her head to the side.

Twilight sighed; oh she was going to have a fun time working with these rebels she could just tell. “Sitrep is short for situation report.” Twilight explained as she scooped a spoon full of vegetable soup into her mouth. “Tell me what is going on? I already guessed who the Empress is based on the whole trial but all I know is what is going on in Ponyville and that her army is made up of all the races on the planet.” Twilight said. “So tell me what all is going on, how did this all start?”

Dash sighed and picked up her own soup and started to eat. “It started with Tirek….well….no I guess it started a long time ago but nothing happened till Tirek.” Dash said as she stirred her soup and Twilight could tell she was seeing something else.

“Anyways Tirek was lose Discord helped him and in order to protect their magic the princesses gave it to Twilight as she was still new so Tirek wouldn’t know about her.” She said as she scooped some soup into her magic and Twilight nodded.

“Tirek eventually found out about her and came for Twilight, captured all of us and such to draw her out.” She said. “They fought, did a lot of damage as Tirek had the power of all of Equestria while Twilight had the power of four alicorns so they were about even.” Dash sighed. “it was really intense.”
“Tirek tried to use us as leverage but Twilight didn’t give up her attack or slow….I….I think she was letting out a lot of repressed anger or something.” Dash sighed and looked up at Twilight. “in the end she killed Tirek and all the magic was released and returned to its rightful owners….”Dash said. “We were all happy to have our magic back and some mages got the princesses out of Tartarus back in Canterlot.”

“It took us a while to notice Twilight was just staring down at the crater where Tirek’s body layed….at first we thought she was in shock she had taken a life…but….but then she started to laugh…..it….it chilled me to the bone as I never heard a laugh like that……”Dash looked at the alicorn. “your laugh at times reminds me of it….”She said
Twilight nodded and gestured for the mare to continue.

“We asked her what was going on and she grabbed us in her magic…she dragged us before her and glared at us all before she spoke. “ Dash said and took a deep breath and closed her eyes. ”well well, looks like you five were useless and it was up to me to figure out how to fix everything again!”
Dash sighed and looked down at the ground. “It….seems she hadn’t forgiven us for…well…a lot I guess, The wedding being one of the biggest I think.” Dash said her ears splayed backwards. “Discord was the first to realize what she was going to do and he tried to stop her….but….she was ready. She hadn’t forgiven him for everything he had done and before he could snap his fingers she sealed him in stone as he was the only one who had a real chance of fighting her. I don’t know what she did with him after that.”

Dash sighed. And scratched the back of her head. “After that she threw us aside and took to the air with a look of determination on her face as she flew east….it was a while later we heard she attacked the Griffin Kingdoms and killed their kings and the entire royal family….the army tried to fight her but….from what I’ve heard from some of the other griffins it was one of the bloodiest battles in their history and not one of them even came close to laying a talon on her…I think the Commandos came close….and after the rest of the army surrendered the Commandos refused to stop….last anyone heard of the Griffin Commandos was Twilight walking into their command bunker……apparently some high ranking officer took a drastic measure to try and take her down and detonated all the explosives they had….the entire command center was destroyed and Twilight just walked out without a scratch….we haven’t heard of any Commando’s since then…” She trailed off.

“After that it was Zebrica, The Minatare Homelands, Saddle Arabia everyone…..she single hoofedly attacked and conquered everyone in just a week before returning to Equestria and doing the same and declaring herself The Empress of Harmony” The cyan mare said with a snort. “Under her the world is in true harmony as all people are united under one banner, hers.” Dash said and spat on the ground.

“It didn’t take long before surviving military forces from all over banded together and…well the rest is history. “She said and gestured to the mixture of races all sitting around the room silently as they listened to the history of what had happened be told to Twilight by one who was there. “After she took Canterlot I joined the rebels...”She said.
Twilight nodded. “What….what happened to the others?” She asked carefully.
“Me and Applejack joined the rebels, me as an active member Applejack coordinating information we received and such from her farm till recently when it was found out, she barely made it out with her family and from what I hear the farm was burned to the ground. Fluttershy is with us sort of…but…..she doesn’t leave her room or really talk to anyone but me and then that’s just barely and usually through a locked door.” Dashed sighed. “rarity tried to stay out of it all and just keep her head down, she had Sweetie to think about after all but about a month ago that all changed and we barely got her to safety.”

“As for Pinkie….after….after we heard about what happened in the Kingdoms….she just disappeared….no one has seen her since….” Dash said and took a bite of her cold soup.

Twilight nodded. “What about the Changelings?”

Dash glared at the mention of them but quickly got control of her anger. “From what we know after twilight had secured her power and formed her armies she sent them out looking for the Hive.” Dash said. “she found them and as far as we know there are no more changelings.”

Twilight was quiet for a while before nodding. “Well then I can understand why you treated me as you did when you thought I was her.” She said and Dash looked at her but twilight spoke quickly. “Still haven’t forgiven you for that but I understand it.” She said and sat back placing her empty bowl to the side she picked up her rabbit. “From what you tell me you guys don’t stand a chance.”

Dash blinked and then glared at the alicorn. “What the hay! I tell you all that and you basically say we should quit?”

“No, I never said that, I said you don’t really stand a chance.” Twilight said. “you have your backs against the wall with little to no chance of success, how could I refuse helping you?” She said with a smile.

Dash stared at her for a while before speaking. “You are mad you know that right? She is way more powerful then you and you are still going to help us even though it’s not your fight?”

Twilight smirked. “Come now Dash I may be a proper military leader back home but deep down I am still and always will be a rebel soldier fighting to topple a corrupt regime who has a vastly superior force then me.” She said and chuckled. “If I ran from a little thing like being outnumbered, outgunned and outmatched then I wouldn’t be where I am today.” She said and took a bite of her rabbit.

Dash recoiled at that. “You actually do eat meat?” She asked looking like she was going to be sick.

“I told you I’m an omnivore.” Twilight said with a chuckle. “I think after this I’ll need a proper tour of the base as well as some information of exactly what we have to work with.” She said and smiled at the mare before her.
“Going to be fun going back to my roots and kicking ass in the name of truth, justice and fun!” She said and giggled as she took another bite of food.

Dash just shook her head. “Twi you are insane you know that?”

<<>>

Deep in the Everfree Forest which remained dark even as the sun shone down do to either the thick trees or the strange magics that permeated the forest, or a combination of both sat a set of chairs, broken plates, silverware glasses and what looked to be a well-crafted tables resting against a tree.
After a few moments a soft moan was heard from the table. “Sweet Celestia what hit me?” A slightly pained voice said. After a few more moment the table shifted away from the tree and fell back, its legs now resting pointed towards the forest canopy above.

Then a single hoof reached up and gripped one of the table legs before pulling itself up. What slowly got to its hooves was a mare wrapped in a skin tight suit meant to make it hard to be seen in the shadows, on her sides sat saddle bags and shifted with the sound of equipment in it, on her forehead rested a pair of night vision goggles. The mare groaned and rubbed the side of her head as she looked around her with her dark purple eyes, the only part of the mare that could be seen besides purple, pink and white tail, the pink wings she had at her side and the pink horn that sat just above her goggles.

Princess Mia Mora Cadenza, or Cadence, looked around at the twisted trees of the Everfree Forest with some confusion. “Ok….so this isn’t the Castle of Friendship dining room…”She observed out loud. She searched her memory to see if her second favorite filly or her lover/mate/sort-of wife or one of the two fillies had discovered her hiding under the table which would have resulted in Taillight either teleporting it away or flinging it to parts unknown.

All she remembered was listing and recording the conversation of the four when there was a boom, the sound of rushing winds. A sense of flying through the air and then her vision being filled with that of a tree as the underside of the table, and in extension herself collided with a tree knocking her out cold.
Well that explained the headache.

Rubbing the side of her head Cadence looked around once more. “ok Twilight where have you and Chrysalis gotten off to…”She said and activated the tracking spell she had managed to place on the other alicorn while she had dinner, the other mare kept finding and removing them when she realized Cadence had placed another on her.

Cadence hadn’t been able to place one on the Queen do to whatever happened but no matter, those two were almost always together doing something interesting. Her spell soon gave her a pulse in a direction deeper into the forest and Cadence smiled before galloping off in that direction. “You two can’t escape The Princess of Love!!!” She declared loudly as she galloped through the forest towards the other alicorn.

Author's Note

Upload brought to you by my phone.

Well we now now at what point the timeline diverged from cannon and why.

As well as finding out someone else has ended up here as well.

Interlude: A Real Princess

Broken Dawn trotted out of the post office in the little town of Chapel just outside of the huge walled off city of Hoofington. As she slipped the 9mm pistol she just bought from the filly store clerk Charity for almost all of her remaining bottle caps she found the strange purple alicorn she had meet only the other day sitting on the ground watching as the other Crusader and what few adults called the town home gave her a wide berth, some glancing at the alicorn with fear, other sneered with clear anger.

The fear was because of the fact alicorns dragged off unicorns to parts unknown to make them part of their Unity, though this alicorn claimed to have no idea what that was, nor who the alicorn’s Goddess was. The sneers were because the alicorn claimed to be Twilight Sparkle and she indeed looked just like her if you looked past the wings, scars and cybernetics.

It wasn’t hard to see why some were angry, while some looked at the Ministry Mares with awe; other looked upon them with contempt and blame for the state of the world. Even this alicorn claimed she wished she could meet Ministry Mare Twilight Sparkle and beat the ever living crap out of her.

That was something else odd about this alicorn, she claimed to be from an alternate Equestria where though in some aspects they were less advanced then this one was, they were far more stable and not engaged in a war that would lead to the end of the world. Dawn didn’t know what to believe honestly, all she knew was that the alicorn was weird and nothing like the alicorns she had heard about, the Ministry Mare or the Princess she claimed to be as well.

While she had to admit the strange vehicle the alicorn called a Humvee that the filly had woken up in definitely wasn’t like anything she had seen, the alicorn claimed it got pulled into the vortex that opened up in what she called a motor pool while she was inspecting it.

At first the filly had thought the alicorn was a unicorn as she hadn’t seen her wings till arriving in Chapel, even thought she was from a Stable do to her seeming to have no idea what was going on and was just so damn friendly.

“Helllllllloooooo, you awake Kid?”

Dawn blinked as she realized the alicorn was standing before her waving a hoof in front of her face to get her attention. “Huh? Yes I’m awake.” Dawn said as she pushed the hoof out of her face with some annoyance.

“Ok, well you’ve been staring at me for about five minutes and it’s kind of weird.” The alicorn said.

Dawn huffed and spoke. “I can stare at whatever I want.” The little filly said firmly, this only seemed to amuse the larger alicorn as she chuckled and shook her head.

‘Right that may be true but I would thank you kindly to not stare at me.” She said and all amusement left her face as she too on a blank expression. “I don’t like when people just stare at me.” Dawn opened her mouth to say something back but the alicorns expression snapped back to normal, or at least what Dawn thought was normal, she question if it was normal for alicorn to smirk most of the time and seem to be laughing at some joke only they knew.

“Yeah way it’s not every day you meet a baby alicorn.” Dawn said.

The alicorn facehoofed. “For the last time I am almost seventy years old, I am far from a baby.”

“Maybe to a normal pony but you said you are extremely young compared to other alicorns” Dawn shot back earing a scowl from the alicorn who opened her mouth to say something once more but was interrupted as the white unicorn who lived in the old house up on the hill came galloping into town with her friend hot on her heels.

The Alicorn quickly left Dawn and made her way to the unicorn as she looked around franticly, Dawn couldn’t help noticing all of them were armed. “Blackjack what’s going on?”

“Trouble.” Blackjack said. “Lacunae saw a large dust cloud in the distance and she went to check, it’s a large group of raider heading this way.” She said.

The alicorn didn’t flinch and just nodded. “Alright if these Raider are as bad as I have heard it would be best if we temporarily evacuate the town so no one gets caught in the crossfire.”

Blackjack looked at her. “I was thinking we head out there and kick their butts before they reach the town.” She said tilting her head in a manner similar to the alicorn she was speaking to seemed to at time.

The Alicorn shook her head. “No, beet to let them come to us and fight out our terms rather than on theirs, plus the town will provide a lot better cover then the open ground.” The alicorn said as she eyed the buildings. Looking from the building to the tall unicorn in the funeral garb the alicorn spoke. “How long do we have till they get here?”

The tall alicorn opened her mouth to speak but was interrupted by another voice. “Oh about ten minutes and then this fucking town will be nothing but cinders.”

Everyone who had come out to see what the fuss was about eye snapped to three ponies dressed in patchwork armor, an earth pony stallion and a unicorn mare were armed with carbines while another unicorn mare had a pistol aimed towards the sky. Blackjack and their friends all raised their weapons but the unicorn mare with the pistol raised a hoof. “No need for that, we will leave this shanty town alone if you hand over whoever the fuck it was that killed everyone at one of our small outposts.” She said. “We know they came here as we’ve been following the tracks here so we know they are here.”

Dawn’s eye shrunk to pinpricks as she realized these raiders were here because of the alicorn killing the raider who had captured her.

“And what do you plan to do with them if we do hand them over?” The alicorn asked from behind Blackjack.

The unicorn mare sneered. “Just plan to repay her for what she did to them, we still aren’t even sure which parts go with which pony and we really want to show her why no one fucks with us.”

The alicorn suddenly stood on her hind legs and pressed her wings tightly to her back so they weren’t easily seen and walked around Blackjacks group who blinked at her. Once she was standing before the group she put her hands behind her back as the three Raider stared at her, the two in back had wide eyes while the one speaking seem unimpressed as she looked up at the alicorn.

“Tell you what.” She said pulling out a bit from the pocket of the uniform she was wearing. “Let’s leave it up t chance shall we? Heads I go with you tails you leave. Deal?”

The unicorn rolled her yes. “Yeah sure whatever.” She said and Dawn opened her mouth to tell the alicorn not to take their word but before she could the bipedal pony flicked the coin into the air. Both Blackjacks group and the Raider looked up. Dawn didn’t have to from where she stood so she saw as the alicorn drew the pistol on her flank and in quick succession shot the three Raiders in the head before they could react. By the time the stallions body hit the ground the alicorn caught the coin.

“You know I should have probably warned them that I cheat.” She said as she glanced at the coin and snorted. “Heh, heads I lose.” She said before tucking the coin back in her pocket. “Anyways we don’t have much time before their friends get here. If they were telling the truth there is no time to evac the town.” She said and looked back at all of the ponies of the town. “Glad I know you lot are all so trigger happy. Just greet them the same way you greeted me and you should be able to take them all out in like three seconds.”

Some of the ponies in the crowd couldn’t help chuckling as they remembered that they had all tried to kill the alicorn when they realized what she was only yesterday. Dawn was amazed the alicorn could joke about that as if it was nothing, granted her shield easily stopped all the shots and she did disarm the entire town with a single levitation spell so that was probably why.

As Blackjack and the alicorn discussed how they should set up the town to repel the coming Raider army a breeze began the blow. Dawn would have ignored it as she watched the gathered ponies, most of the town had now joined it, but something about the breeze was odd. For one it was quickly growing, and two her horn felt odd, there was a slight pressure to it that she had never felt before and she noticed some of the other unicorn fillies rubbing their horns as well.

As the breeze quickly became a wind the adult finally noticed it and when the wind grew strong enough to pick up dirt and small rocks Dawn could see the wind was coming from all direction and that the alicorn smiled and spoke loud enough for everyone to hear. “Or we could get some reinforcements to help in the coming fight.” She said.

Blackjacked looked at her confused. “What…” She was cut off as the air in the middle of town tore open and bathed them all in light that was brighter than the daylight around them, some of the ponies had to shield their eyes.

As everyone stared at the tear in confusion, all except the alicorn who smirked, there was a bright flash and a black ponyshape with a tank came from the rift, followed by another, then another and another. The black pony shapes quickly moved out of the way as more flashes came from the rift and with each flash another pony shape appeared landing on their hooves. Dawn blinked, except for the first four pony shapes all of these ponies were dressed in dark green armor and some of their fur was black and shiny.

Dawn’s eyes widened as a much larger pony shape came out of the rift and landed on hooves that were full of holes. The figure looked around before the alicorn stepped from the crowd of Chapel ponies, some of which had raised weapons but hadn’t taken aim yet. “Ah Major, it’s good to see you, I was wondering when you’d all get here.” She said with a smile.

The large pony looked at her and sighed in relief. “Well at least this wasn’t like the last time, it’s always nice to land near you Commander.” The pony said in a strange voice that sounded like two different ponies were talking at the same time.

“Yeah….but damn fighting a dragon king on a snowy mountain top alongside a magic wielding human destined to defeat the dragon was a lot of fun.” The alicorn said with a chuckle then looked behind the larger shiny pony. “So where’s… ah there they are.”

The alicorn said this as more ponies leapt from the tear in the air, these ones wore dark gold armor similar to the first wave of ponies but in the center of their helmets was the old insignia of Equestria of the two alicorns chasing the sun and the moon. However it was the pony that came just behind them that everyone was looking at, most with jaw’s dropped.

The pony had dark blue fur and wore dark silver armor over her body. Her dark mane and tail blew in an unfelt wing and seemed to twinkle with small lights. It wasn’t hard to recognize the pony who stood there surveying them all as everyone knew her.

“Luna there you are, here I thought you weren’t coming to save me.” The purple alicorn said with a chuckle as she approached the dark alicorn with a smile, the black shinny pony staying close to her.

Princess Luna looked at the purple alicorn and smiled. “Surely you jest Twilight Sparkle to think I would not come to help rescue thee from this other reality.” The alicorn said with a smile. “It is good to see you well.”

“Please, you think a little something like all of this would be enough to take me down?” The alicorn said gesturing to the surrounding town.

Princess Lune chuckled. “Nay, the thought had never crossed my mind for you could walk into Tartarus and return unharmed Twilight Sparkle.”

“Damn straight.” The alicorn…no….the Princess said. Dawns eyes became as big as saucers as she realized the alicorn had been telling the truth. She was actually a Princess, a real Princess who ruled alongside the Goddesses. The filly had been talking with a real princess! Her excitement quickly died as her eyes shrug to pinpricks as she realized she punched a Princess in the muzzle when she woke up and found her only a few inches from her face! The princess was going to banish her, or smite her, or banished her and then smite her!

“Kid you ok?”

Dawn jumped as she found the Princess and Luna as well as the shiny pony standing before looking down at her, the Princess was flanked by two hovering spears that had jewels imbedded in them and Gatling guns hanging under them.

“Ah…uh…please don’t smite me!” The filly squeaked.

The Princess blinked and tilted her head to the side. “Now why the hell would I do that?”

“B-Because ….Because I….I punched….you in the nose…”The filly said trying to make herself as small as possible, she was vaguely aware of the rest of Chapel staring at her.

The princess righted her head and laughed. “Relax Kid, I’m not in the business of killing foals and you only did that because I surprised you, it’s a good reflex to have.” She said with a smile.

Dawn huddles there staring up at what she thought was an angry Princess but slowly her words sunk in and she felt a wave of relief washed over the filly and she launched herself at the Princess hooves, wrapping her fore legs around one of them. “Oh thank you, thank you for showing mercy.” She said and kissed the metal hoof, ignoring the metal taste.

“Hey quit that.” The Princess said lifting her hoof, Dawn going with it as her hooves were still around it. “Let go!” The Princess said shaking her hoof in an effort to dislodge the dark blue unicorn filly.

While all of this was going on Luna watched on trying to hid her small laugh behind a hoof as the Princess kept trying to shake the small filly lose, several of the armored ponies looked on with either smiles of amusement or laughed openly.

As Dawn clung to the Princess’ metal hoof Blackjack and her friends slowly approached the little gathering of ponies and came to a dead stop as several of the dark green and dark gold armored ponies stepped between the two groups and took aim with the weapons in a clear threat not to take another step.

“Relax lads, they are friends, you can let them through.” The Princess said as she looked over her shoulder at the ponies that nodded their heads and stepped to the side allowing the other group through. When Blackjack and the other got to the two alicorns and the shiny pony the Princess finally managed to shake dawn free of her hoof and quickly back peddled to prevent the small filly from latching one once more.

“Is…is that really Princess Luna?” Blackjack asked with a bit of awe. It was then the Princess noticed the crowd of Chapel ponies all staring in disbelief as the two alicorns and only being kept back by the soldiers standing between the crowd and their leadership.

The princess looked back at the white unicorn mare. “Yeah it’s her; I told you I’m a blasted Princess who studied under Celestia.” Twilight said.

“But she died and became a Goddess in the sky.” Blackjack said pointing a hoof at the dark alicorn who blinked.

“”Pray tell us Twilight what does this mare mean?” Luna asked looking at the purple alicorn.

Twilight sighed. “Long story short, our counterparts in this reality royally screwed up and it resulted in a war that ended with an M.E.E and now Equestria is a wasteland with scatterings of survivors all over the place and your counterpart was killed at the end of the war.” Twilight explained.

The Dark alicorn bristled. “Well if not for the fact she is already dead I would challenge her to a dual of honor for failing to protect her subjects and allowing this to happen.” Luna said with a frown.

Twilight nodded. “Pretty much what I said concerning this world’s Twilight Sparkle who is also dead.” She said then looked back at the group of ponies from the town. “Anyways introduction time, you already know me. This is Princess Luna of the Night “She said pointing at the dark alicorn then pointed at the tall shiny pony. “And this is Major Chrysalis, my second in command and Queen of the Changeling Hive.”

Blackjack blinked and looked back at her friends. “Changeling Hive?”

Twilight sighed. “Let me guess you have no clue what they are do you?” She asked and the mare nodded. “So another difference.” She said and looked at the queen beside her. “Show them.” She said.

The Queen nodded and her helmet was wrapped in dark green magic and lifted off her head reveling a face that cause the Chapel ponies to recoil as a few other soldiers removed the helmet to revel solid blue eyes and insect like features. The queen frowned at this. “Why is it everyone does that?”

“Because they aren’t used to you and you know how easily frightened ponies are of the unknown.” Twilight said as the soldier replaced their helmets.

“Doesn’t mean I have to be ok with it.” The Changeling Queen said.

“Relax Queeny I think you look great.” Twilight said with a smile and Dawn was sure the Queen’s cheeks turned a darker color.

The Small filly was watching the exchange in awe. This Princess was friends with the Goddesses as well as a queen of strange bug like ponies, was there anything else that this Princess was? The small fillies mind raced with all the possibilities of what this princess could do and was as said Princess switched to being a biped and a rifle dropped into her outstretched hands.

Aiming the weapon towards the sky whiling holding just the gripper, her finger hovering near the trigger she spoke loudly to the soldier who all turned to listen. “Listen up lads I’m glad you are here.” Her voice echoed over the town with the ease of someone used to addressing large crowds. “As we speak a large group of what is known as raider is heading this way. I’ve seen what these ponies due for fun and have no doubt they will kill everyone in this town or worse before burning it to the ground.” She said as she looked at the soldier who listed with rapt attention.

“Now these townspeople have been decent to me and I would even call a few of them friends.” She said gesturing to Blackjack and her group of friends beside her. “So then I am going to be fighting to defend this town and the people in it as we don’t have any more time to evac them to safety.” She said and smirked. “I’d like some volunteers to help me defend the town.” She said and a hoof shot in the air from every single gathered soldier. “That’s what I thought.” She said as she chuckled in a manner that said she knew this would happen.

“So then who is ready to show some sick bastards what happens to those who fuck with friends of the EDF?” She asked and the town was filled with the voices of soldier all shouting that they were ready as they lifted their weapons into the air.

Twilight smiled. “Then dig in lads and prepare for a fight!” She yelled.

The soldier quickly dispersed and began to head swarm through the town, some of the ponies turned out to be pegasi much to the surprise of many of the townspeople who flew onto the roofs of the buildings while some of them carrying long rifles flew onto the roof of the church for which the town was named.

The crowd of ponies all jumped back as two large tanks appeared in the street and changelings and ponies climbed onto them and quickly disappeared down the hatch. While the tank’s started up as a vehicle that looked somewhat like a vertbuck appeared and two earth ponies climbed into the cockpit.

As the soldier prepared for a fight Twilight looked at Blackjack who was staring at the soldiers as they set up defenses rapidly/ “If you want to help out I’d suggest you get ready, I’m sure the town would feel a lot better knowing Security was part of this fight.”

Blackjack blinked. “How did…”

Twilight pointed at her ears. “I listen, from what little I’ve heard you’ve done good Blackjack and definitely know your way around a fight; I’d be honored if a hero of the waste fought alongside us.” Twilight said with a smirk.

“Well…not like I was going to let a bunch of Raiders attack Chapel.” Security said with determination.

Twilight nodded and looked back at Dawn who was still watching from where she sat on the ground after having been shaken lose from Twilight’s hoof. “Dawn I need you to gather up the foals and get them all into one of the buildings.” She said.

Dawn and several others nearby foals glared at this. “We can fight!” one of them said.

Twilight looked at the small foal who spoke up. “I have no doubt about that but what about the ones too small to fight?” She asked in the same tone she used when speaking to the soldier. “Someone needs to keep them safe and calm and so I’m giving that task to all of you.” She said gesturing to the older fillies and colts. “Can you do that?”

The older foals looked around at themselves and the other foals who were much younger and smaller before looking back at the purple alicorn and nodding with determination. “Good now start to get everyone into a building.” She said.

Some of the foals imitated the salute some of the other soldiers we using before they started to herd the younger foals towards the post officer, Dawn being the last go, looking back at the princess who watched them go before she went in and the door was closed and locked.

“You can’t honestly expect foals to Fight can you Twilight?” Luna asked leaning over once the door was shut.

“They’ve been surviving in a wasteland for who knows how long, they know how to take care of themselves.” Twilight said. “But still have the Royal Guard post up to defend the building.”

Luna nodded and ordered the guard to do just that. The gold armored ponies saluted before the unicorns removed their ballistic shields from the back and the six ponies moved to defend the Post Office.

Twilight looked overt eh town and saw the soldiers had finished setting up defenses and many of the adult in the town were also set up with random assortments of firearms. The town was as ready as it could be and Twilight could see the first of the raider army as it crested the hill not too far outside of town. She smiled and looked at the dark alicorn beside her. “So our usual wager?”

The Princess of the Moon nodded as she drew her two short swords.

“I’ll leave direct defense of the town to you Queen, don’t let me down.” She said with a smile to the changeling queen who replaced her helmet and nodded. With that the two blades shot from the ends of twilight’s hooves and she smirked at the alicorn. “Lowest kill count buys drinks for the platoon!” She said and the two alicorns teleported away to flank the enemy.

Author's Note

And we have out first interlude that will be follow Broken Dawn in her time before ending up in the Equestria that this story takes place in.

Chapter 7: Reunion

“This is Steel Pony calling Demon Pony, come in Demon pony.” Twilight said into the radio’s microphone. She sat in a camp stood before the small table that the radio sat upon in her room within the rebel base. She had turned the radio to the emergency frequency as it was what Chrysalis would monitor for a call from Twilight. While the radio was limited without any towers or satellites in orbit they were not as limited as they used to be back when they first made. While the helmet radios were weaker and could only reach about six miles before signals degraded too far to be anything more than just static the radio Twilight was on was able to reach much farther and would be able to pick up the Queen’s signal if she was forced to use her helmet radio.

If the rebel bases was truly where they said it was in the Everfree then Twilight would just be able to reach the edge of Ponyville about twenty five miles away. If Chrysalis set up her radio at the edge of Twilight’s range then it would double the range as the radios would act as relays and boost the signals for both.

Both the Alicorn and the Queen carried the same supplies in their pocket dimensions for the most part, Twilight carried a lot more medical supplies in her being a medic and all while the Queen carried more electronic equipment such as small computers and the like. Between the two of them they could set up a decent outpost when together.

“Demon Pony this is Steel Pony please respond.” Twilight said once more into the airwaves.

A burst of static signaled the radio picked up a weak transmission. “This is Demon Pony, I read you Steel Pony.” Came the slight garbled voice of the Major, she must have just been at the edge of the radios range and on her helmet radio.

Twilight signed in relief. “It’s good to hear from you Demon Pony; you had me worried there for a bit.” Twilight said with a smile.

“Sorry, I’m with a civilian and don’t know enough about this place to risk getting my helmet out till I could go somewhere alone so as to avoid having to explain things.” Chrysalis said and twilight assumed she was referring to Lyra which meant they got to safety. “By the way from what I have seen this Equestria is much like how Equestria used to be in terms of technology so why are we using callsigns? It’s not like anyone could really listen in without another radio.”

Twilight paused for a few moments before speaking again. “Uh….because of protocol?” She said.

“You hadn’t thought of that fact did you Twilight?” Chrysalis said and Twilight could practically feel the Queen staring flatly at her from wherever she was.

“Anyways it’s good to hear you alive and well Chrysalis how is your guest?” twilight said changing subject and ignoring the slight burning in her cheeks.

“She is fine over all, she has endured some extreme torture and could really use a doctor but I did what I could with my medic. We are currently hold up in a small cam in the Everfree.”

Twilight nodded even though the queen couldn’t see her. “That’s good to hear, how are Violet and Dawn?” Twilight said.

There was a long pause before the Queen spoke again. “I thought they were with you….”She said, worry clear in her voice.

Twilight’s blood ran cold at what the queen said. “No I haven’t seen them since we split up; I thought they were with you.” Twilight said.

“No they never showed up at the meeting point and I couldn’t stay there more than an hour due to the soldiers and an injured unicorn with me. I figured they were with you and you were all hold up somewhere.” Chrysalis said; while she was keeping calm the worry was beyond clear in her voice.

Twilight took several deep breaths. “Ok, I’m sure they are fine, Dawn is smart and knows what she is doing. She wouldn’t let anything happen to Violet and I’d hate to be the one to try and capture that little filly as they wouldn’t know what they were getting into.” Twilight said, she had seen the filly fight and growing up in a post MEE world had led to the filly believing in fights not having any rules and she will use every dirty trick in the book to win, double that with her skill with that strange pistol of hers along with the super computer on her leg and taking on Twilight’s student is no easy task.

“Yes….Yes you are right.” Chrysalis said and Twilight heard her take a deep breath to calm herself. When she spoke again there were still traces of concern but the Queen was calmer, twilight knew that was just on the surface and that the changeling was most likely panicking on the inside due to having no idea where Violet was. Usually Changeling Princesses were part of the hivemind and thus the Queen could keep in touch and know where they are at all times, but Violet pony nature either made it so she couldn’t be part of the hivemind or that it caused a delay in her joining it like it did with her emotional sense. “Anyways where are you Twilight? Should I wait for you or come to you?”

“I’m with a group of rebels who are fighting against the Empress, I’m at one of their bases and I think it would be easier for you to come to me. I have the general coordinates for the entrance but they aren’t exact as there are no GPS satellites or precise maps so once you reach them you will have to find the entrance on your own but the guards know you are coming.” Twilight said then smirked. “You still that sexy unicorn as before?”

Twilight’s smirk turned into a smile as she heard the queen sputter and knew she was bright red if she was disguised. “Y-yes I am.” She said and Twilight could actually hear the blush in the queen’s voice.

“Ok good, it’s the description I gave them and I’ll let them know you have Lyra with you as well.” Twilight said and then gave the Queen the coordinates to the entrance. Then the amusement left her voice. “Be careful out there ok? Stay safe.”

“I will, don’t worry, I had the best teacher when it came to fighting.” The Queen said and Twilight couldn’t help smiling.

“Alright, see you when you get here Demon Pony.” She said. “This is Steel Pony signing off.” With that Twilight clicked off the radio.

Twilight stood from and turns around to find Dash staring at her from the entrance curtain staring at her. “Do you always talk so lovey dovey like that with her?” The Pegasus asked while making a face like she was gaging.

Twilight ignored the burning in her cheeks and the fact her ears were splayed back in embarrassment. “Uh…..sometimes?” The alicorn said.

The cyan mare stared at her. “Wow….here I thought you knew how to lie.” The mare said and Twilight felt her cheeks burn more. She was a good liar it’s just she wasn’t expecting to have to lie at this point….and she was bad at lying when it came to her relationship as everyone always seemed to see through them.

However in response to the other mare’s smirk Twilight calmly picked up the pillow from her cot and hurled it as hard as she could at the mare nailing her right in the face. She wasn’t actually trying to hurt the mare, after all they were on the same side and its does no good to hurt your allies without reason and embarrassment was just short of being a good reason.

This only seemed to result in causing the other mare to laugh her damn head off. “What do you want?” Twilight said with a glare, however with her cheeks still burning the effect was nonexistent and only lead to the mare laughing harder and Twilight seriously thinking about changing her assessment of embarrassment being a valid reason to hurt an ally.

After the cyan mare got herself under control she stood and wiped a tear from her eye as she panted. “By Celestia I haven’t laughed like that in a long long time.” She said with a small smile. “Anyways the reason I came by was we got our maps together and you have been authorized to see them, they will show you where out safehouses are, supply caches, other cells as well as basic enemy troop movements. Everything you asked for basically.” Dash said the smile leaving her face as she looked hard at the alicorn. “We are trusting you with things that could destroy us, don’t make us regret it or I sware I’ll kill you myself before the Empress’ forces take me.”

Twilight couldn’t help smiling at that as she stood up from the radio and walked over to the Pegasus who to her credit stood her ground. Twilight gently reached out and patted her head. “You can try but I guarantee you I’d die before I gave up those secret to a corrupt regime.” She said and then stepped around the pegasus and up the door stopping to look back over her shoulder “you keep forgetting I am a rebel soldier and have endured things you cannot even begin to imagine as I guarantee you, what you saw of my memories was just the tip of the iceberg, it got a lot worse from there.” She said in a somber tone and her eyes unfocused for a moment.

She then blinked and shook her head before stepping out the door. “Anyways let’s take a look at these maps shall we, I need to know exactly what I have to work with if I’m going to help you lot take down the Big Bad Bitch.” She said as she headed down the tunnel and the Pegasus mare scrambled to catch up.

<<>>

Just past the entrance to the rebel’s underground base the guards at the entrance were just returning from checking the nearby trees where they found nothing but a tree branch that had fallen from one of the trees.

Deeper into the base soldier in the random assortment of armor that all the rebels wore as only a few had full sets of armor from their respective militaries moved down the halls either chatting with friends or going to complete one task or another. It was clear that despite the situation these ponies, griffins, zebras, Minotaurs, horses and even diamond dogs you could easily mistake this place for one from the past if not for the cave walls, armor and weapons they all carried.

However a single solitary figure paid them all no mind as it darted from a stack of creates to a dark alcove in the wall and waited for a griffin and horse who were chatting about whatever meal was going to be for breakfast. Once they passed the figure peeked out and saw the tunnel clear and it started to move up it as quiet as a ghost. Idly the figure noted this wasn’t a natural cave and was most likely dug by the diamond dogs.

As the figure reached an intersection the sound of hooves marked the approached of a pony based on how the footsteps fell. Whoever they were they were clearly in a rush and the figure pressed itself to the wall. Sure enough a second later an earth pony mare trotted by rapidly and vanished down another tunnel.

The figure waited ten second before removing itself from the wall and heading down the hall the pony had come from, these solider were not the best trained it seemed but then they were probably mostly civilians who had taken up arms against a tyrant so that was to be expected, it just made the figures job all the easier. “Now where are you….”The figure whispered as it moved down the tunnel.

The figure made it down several tunnels, easily avoiding the occasional soldier that was passing through. As the figure made its way down another tunnel towards its objective it head several voices coming down the hall and quickly ducked into a darker tunnels, glad these tunnels were not lite that well as it seemed lighting was an issue for this rag tag group of repels.

Slowly the group of a zebra, horse and two ponies started to walk by the dark tunnels. However unlike before the horse of the group stopped and the figured noticed unlike the others in the group this horse wore a full set of armor from the Saddle Arabia military. The figure froze as it realized this one was an actual trained soldier and proved it by turning and looking right at the figure as the other three in the group paused when they noticed the horse had stopped.

It took a second for the horse to see the dark figure in the shadows but when they did their eyes widened and they opened their mouth. Before they could raise the armor the figure launched itself forward, two unique clubs extending as electricity danced across them. One of the clubs connected with the horse soldier and the metal armor carried the electricity straight into the horse who spasmed as the shock did its work and the horse crumpled to the floor.

The other three blinked in shock for a moment before rushing the intruder and drawing their weapons as they started to open their mouth to raise the alarm.

The figure rushed them and the electric clubs spun through the air blocking sword strikes and connecting with exposed hide or metal armor and within a few second all four of the rag tag group were on the ground unconscious and the figure mentally patted its back for taking them out before the alarm was raised.

“Intruder!” The figures head whipped around to see a griffin standing up the hallways, a sword drawn as they yelled down a side tunnel. “We have an intruder! Get your asses in gear!” the griffin yelled before taking to the air and charging the figure.

The figure said a choice word under their breath as the stealthy approach was shattered and they raised their clubs.

The rebel base was in chaos as soldier ran to and fro searching for the intruder as they kept getting conflicting reports of where they were. The intruder seemed to be moving in a completely random pattern with no reason behind it and all the rebel were sure of was the intruder was tearing through them as squads kept going missing.

In the command area of the rebel base the robed leader of the rebels, her Pegasus second in command and a griffin that was coordinating the defenders via runners all stood around a map of the cave system while a purple alicorn looked over them and kept marking areas where downed rebels were being found.

“Send a squad of minotaurs to the easer caves, make sure they are backed up by unicorns, if the intruder try’s to leave that section they are to stop them by any means.” The griffin said and the young Pegasus saluted before darting out of the room as fast as they could to deliver the orders. Just after pegasus left a diamond dog ran in.

“Intruder been sighted in north dog tunnel.” The diamond dog said.

The griffin cursed and Dash spoke up. “How the buck are they getting past our forces so easily? Are we sure there is just one?” She asked looking at the griffin.

“All the reports describe the same figure so it’s unlikely it’s more than one but it’s not impossible there are more, how they infiltrated us this deep before being spotted I have no clue.” The griffin said with a clenched beak before looking at the dog. “Send some Royal guard pegasi to the northern tunnels.” He said. The dog saluted but before he could turn to leave the alicorn spoke up.

“No….that’s a bad idea….” She said and the griffin looked at them with a glare.

“How is it a bad idea to try and stop the intruder? They are most likely a member of that honorless whore’s army.” The griffin said with anger.

“Because trying to catch them where they are clearly isn’t working, we need to put soldier in front of them.” The alicorn said.

“And how do you propose we do that when they are running all over the base?” The griffin asked with more anger.

“Because I’ve been analyzing their movements and while it looks random it’s not entirely, it’s more like someone who doesn’t know their way around but they are clearly heading towards a specific objective.” The alicorn said without looking up from the map as she ran a metal claw along a tunnel and pointed at a room near the middle. “They are heading straight for us.”

“So what they aren’t here to steal intel but assassinate one of us?” Dash asked stepping forward and flaring her wings. “Let them try and I’ll send their flank to the moon.” She said dragging a hoof across the ground as she snorted.

The alicorn shook her head. “No I don’t think so, they haven’t killed any of our soldiers only knocked them out, if they wanted anyone dead why spare the soldiers?” Twilight said and then scratched her chin. “Actually….I’m wondering how they are doing that as the method seems familiar….”She said.

Just then a zebra ran into the room and skidded to a stop before the griffin. “The unwelcomed one has defeated the pegasi guard sent to apprehend them and they come this way!” he said.

“Damn it all to Tartarus.” The griffin said drawing a sword as a cry of pain came from beyond the door and when the rebels in the room looked they saw a slender figure dressed in a black suit wearing something over their eyes.

“Ha! Found you!” The figure said as the alicorn launched themselves at the intruder the blades built inter her hooves shooting out, one aimed for the intruders heart of reflect. The parried the stick and Twilight grunted as a familiar section coursed through her body.

Twilight jumped back and blinked at the figure as the other started to move to attack the intruder but they all stumbled when the alicorn spoke. “Cadence what the fuck are you doing here?” She demanded.

“Did you really think you could hide from the Princess of Love?” Cadence asked as her magic lifted up her night vision goggles and pulled the front of her stealth suit down to revel a smiling face.

Twilight stared at her flatly. “You were hiding under the table again weren’t you?” She deadpanned.

Cadence eyes shifted back and forth. “Maybe?” She said and Twilight facehoofed as the other in the room started at the scene before them in utter confusion that was summed up by Dash.

“What the buck is going on?!”

<<>>

Carefully Chrysalis threaded her way through the underbrush of the Everfree Forest still disguised as the unicorn mare. Normally she’d have reached the location Twilight had told her of within an hour but she was traveling with an injured mare so had to move slowly to ensure she didn’t hurt herself more.

“How you holding up?” The disguised changeling asked looking back over her shoulder as she used her magic to hold a branch out of the way of the mint green unicorn following her.

“I’m…I’m ok.” Lyra said as she panted, it was clear she was not used to hiking through rough terrain under normal circumstances, even less so while still recovering from being tortured. “How are you able to keep going through this like it’s nothing?” She asked stepping up beside the other unicorn.

Chrysalis just shrugged. “I’m used to it.” She said simply before she started to walk once more.

“What the hey do you do that you are used to hiking through the most dangerous place in all of Equestria?” The mint green unicorn asked.

“Well my…I suppose you would call her my marefriend likes to go for long walks at times and she is very big into staying in shape.” Chrysalis answered after thinking a moment she honestly wasn’t sure what her and Twilight were at this point in this life.

“Your marefriend sounds really strange.” Lyra said. “No offence.”

The disguised queen waved a hoof before her face. “None taken, she is someone who takes getting used to but I wouldn’t change a thing about her.” She said with a small smile as she thought about the purple alicorn.

“Well who am I to argue with love?” Lyra said as she looked at the expression on the other unicorns face, a face that quickly turned red with a deep blush and the musician couldn’t help giggling at. “Oh yeah you got it bad.”

Chrysalis grumbled at the comment and got to her hooves. “Anyways that’s a long enough break, we are close to where we are heading.” She said, yes she was being a petty towards the unicorn and Twilight will give her an earful but no one but one person is allow to make her blush! She has her pride after all.

The two mares walked on for another half hour as the disguised queen was working on a mental map of the Everfree Forest as trying to come up with a reasonable explanation of where she got a detailed map of the most dangerous place in all of Equestria would be rather hard even for the queen of a race of infiltrators as it took decades for the EDF to map of what they do have and still there were areas that remain unexplored, either because they hadn’t gotten to them yet, recon teams were driven back or simply went missing and not into another reality as was a common occurrence in Equestria. Though the map she had may not be accurate in the least bit due to this being another reality Everfree.

They eventually reached the approximate location of the entrance to the rebel’s base Twilight had mentioned. As expected it was just more forest and they would have to search for the entrance, great. The search of the area was about as fun as Chrysalis thought when conducting it with an injured Unicorn who had no military training to speak of in that Chrysalis systematically searched while Lyra took a look around and stayed close to the disguised changeling for protection. Though from what Chrysalis wasn’t sure as so far this version of the Everfree seemed a lot safer then back home.

After around an hour they found a small cave that the queen was sure lead to their destination. Still to be on the safe side Chrysalis unslung her LMG and looked back at Lyra. “Stay close and do exactly as I tell you ok?” She said and the unicorn nodded.

With that confirmation now had Chrysalis slowly entered the cave, LMG aimed forward as she swept it from side to side. As they went deeper they soon lost the light from the outside and much as the Queen hated to do it she had to click on her LMGs tactical light so she could see which also gave away her position but so would a light spell. She needed to remember to pack some NVGs when they get home in case this happens again.

With a tiny burst of magic Chrysalis clicked on the small flashlight at the end of her LMGs barrel and everything in front of her was bathed in light, that included the griffin, two ponies and Minatare that stood in the cave with two swords, a large battle axe and one of the strange rifles this reality had.

“ACK!!” one of the ponies cried out and all of them recoiled at suddenly having a bright light shined in their face. Chrysalis was also startled but years of military training under Twilight kept her from pulling the trigger on reflex….barely.

“Put out that Grovendamned torch.” The griffin said using one of the griffin swears.

Well they clearly weren’t like those soldiers from town, not in the random bits of armor they were all wearing that screamed “not an official army.”

“Sorry.” Chrysalis said and clicked off the light. After about a minute there was small chine and the tunnel was bathed in a dull purple glow coming from a small crystal being held by the griffin who held it up towards Chrysalis and Lyra, the unicorn tucked tightly behind the disguised queen for protection.

“It’s them.” The griffin said before turning to head deeper into the cave. “Follow me.” He said as he began to walk, leaving the two ponies and miniature to guard the tunnel. Chrysalis followed after the griffin and Lyra followed after the queen staying close, Chrysalis could taste the fear radiating off of her and it was clear she only felt safe with the disguised queen for now.

The griffin lead them by the light of the crystal till they turned a corner and Chrysalis saw the tunnel was lite by torches on the wall just ahead and when they neared it the griffin tapped the crystal three times and it went out. The griffin lead them in silence through the maze of caves, past nearly every race on Equus wearing pieced together armor and wielding all sorts of weapons, there seemed to be only one race missing from what the queen could see and it did not bode well.

Eventually they entered a cavern that had a large table in the center of it, various chairs and had a griffin, pony wearing a robe a few others that the Queen ignored once she saw the purple alicorn looking over a map in the center of the room and she couldn’t keep a small smile from her face.

“Ahem, the ones we were told to keep an eye out for have arrived.” The griffin said and the gathered people looked up and Twilight smiled when she saw the disguised queen.

Twilight wasted no time in walking over to the queen and Chrysalis could taste the relief coming from the alicorn. “Glad to see you managed to find the entrance.” Twilight said.

Chrysalis nodded. “I would have been here sooner but Lyra here is injured and we needed to take things slow.” Chrysalis said gesturing to the mint green unicorn who exploded with happiness and relief as a cream colored earth pony came over to her and the two nuzzled. Chrysalis was a bit jealous of the two but knew twilight wasn’t the type to publicly show her affections.

Twilight nodded. “Well I’m sure this place has an infirmary so she will be taken care of.” Twilight said glancing at the unicorn. “I see you gave her some medical attention.” She said looking back at the queen.

Chrysalis nodded. “Of course, wasn’t going to leave her like she was.”

Twilight nodded as well. “And yourself? How are you?” Twilight asked and though her voice was its normal happy tone Chrysalis could taste the concern.

“I’m fine, made it out of town without any injuries, worried about Violet and Dawn.” She said.

Twilight nodded. “I know, me too but Dawn knows what she is doing so I’m sure they are both safe and in hiding.” The alicorn said and chrysalis had to agree as being reminded of dawn and actually being with Twilight made the queen feel a lot more at ease then she had before.

“Now kiss…..” A familiar voice said from the corner of the room and with what was said drew the attention of the disguised queen and she saw one of the last people she’d thought she’d see here.

“Cadence, by the Mothers what are you doing here?” The queen asked as she took in the sight of the aggressively pink alicorn who sat in the corner wearing a black stealth suit those in the Castle of friendship were all too familiar with, though she had the head covering pulled down and the NVGs around her neck.

“Oh….just….um….” Cadence said trying to think of an answer.

The fact the alicorn was in that outfit told the queen all she needed to know. “You were hiding under the table again weren’t you?” Chrysalis deadpanned.

“Hehehe….maybe?” Cadence said.

Chrysalis hoof met her face and she sighed as she dragged it down her face and looked towards the ceiling. “Mothers why out of everyone she also had to end up here?”

Author's Note

Now then only two people are missing and we get to see that Cadence is far from a push over even if she wont kill anyone.

Chapter 8: Family

Commander Twilight sighed as she sat against the wall beside the now undisguised Chrysalis with a plate of food held in her magic. “So how are you Queeny?” she asked.

Chrysalis sighed as she held her own plate in her magic. “Worried about our daughter and your student being out there.”

“Relax Queeny, Dawn can take care of herself and there is no way she will let anything happen to Violet.”

“Twilight you know I can feel how worried you are so there is no point in trying to hide it.”

Twilight sighed and let her ears droop. “I ever tell you how annoying your empathic abilities are?”

“On more then one occasion when it comes to your emotions that you are trying to hide.”

Twilight sighed once more then took a bite of her steak. “Ok, I am worried sick but I can't just go out there and tear up the town looking for them so I'm going to rely on Dawn to do what she always does, survive and take care of Violet.” she said with a nod. “Anyways how are you doing? The little incident earlier wasn't exactly the best.”

“It's not the first time someone I was with panicked when I dropped my disguise. I just hope she didn't injure herself further.” Chrysalis said as she poked at her food with a fork.

“She will be fine, you did a good job dressing her injuries.” Twilight said patting the Queen’s head resulting in a small smile from the changeling.

“I’m glad, I didn't have a lot to work with in the med kit and only able to check on her as she slept. Then I find out our cover was blown big time when I find you.”

“Not by choice.” Twilight said coldly.

“Twilight, deep breaths, in and out and focus on something more pleasant.” Chrysalis said a bit firmly.

Twilight did as she was told, closing her eyes and taking several deep breaths as she thought about Violet’s 9th birthday. On her 7th breaths she opened her eyes. “Thanks.”

Chrysalis smiled. “Anytime.”

“Now...my more immediate issue….” Twilight said as she looked over at her sister-in-law standing in line for food, still wearing her stealth suit.

“What about her? She can take care of herself, the soldiers in the infirmary can testify to that.” Chrysalis said as she looked over at Cadance.

“That's not what I'm worried about.” Twilight said as she looked back at Chrysalis then gestured to all the rebels in the eating area. “A lot of them saw my memories, and the rest heard all about it…..”

“And now…..Cadance may find out…”Chrysalis finished.

“Exactly.” Twilight said as she took another bite. “60 years…..60 years I've kept what I am secret….had a few close calls but now…..there is no way I can keep her from finding out…..”

“yes…...that is a problem…” Chrysalis sighed.

“And as soon as she does….”

“Tartarus” Twilight finished and Chrysalis nodded as Cadance came over with her own food humming happily.

“So!” Cadance said as she took a seat the other two. “How are you both?”

“Good.” Twilight said cheerfully. “Bit annoyed you some how bypassed my security measures and hid under my dinning room table….again.”

Cadance chuckled nervously. “Just making sure you're safe. You and Chissy are my next closest family outside of Flurry.”

“Yes...and the fact I live inside fortress doesn't mean I'm safe?” Twilight asked arching a brow.

“yes and no, I mean it's never a bad thing to test that security from time to time.” Cadance chuckled and Twilight joined her.

“No, suppose it's not.” Twilight said taking another bite. “Still weird that my sister in law regularly breaks into my home.”

Cadance shrugged and smiled. “I see it as a good bonding experience.”

“Bonding experience?” Chrysalis asked in surprise.

“Yes, I mean Twilight is all about the army and so I figured what better way to spend time with her then helping test her soldiers?”

“I...suppose that makes sense….in a weird way.” Chrysalis slowly. Dealing with Cadance and her odd way of thinking was always interesting, she never was the same after her husband had died protecting her.

“So….how are you doing? I mean...you did gallop through the Everfree in an unknown reality.” Twilight asked. “Not to mention fighting your way through a base filled with soldiers from all around the world.”

“Well a few soldiers from around the world.”Cadance said. “Most of them seem to have barely any training at all.” she leaned close putting a wing up to shield her mouth from being seen by the rest of the room. “and honestly none of them are up to EDF standards.” she whispered then giggled.

Twilight chuckled as did Chrysalis. “I doubt many would have ever even come close to the same type of training as the EDF.” Twilight said smirking.

“But I'm sure you'll be changing that soon enough.” Cadance said as she started to eat.

“We will see, I was in the middle of being briefed on things here when you ran your little test.”

“Oh…..sorry….heheh….” Cadance said ears drooping.

Twilight sighed. “Look, it's alright. Honestly you helped me get a look at how these rebels operate and showed some weak points so it actually helped a bit.”

“Really?”

“Yes.” Twilight said smiling. “I’ll be making a few adjustments to perimeter security to close the gaps you revealed.”

“Well then glad I could help.” Cadance said happily. “Anyways how are you two? I heard there was a bit of trouble in Town, something about a small scale battle and a rescue?”

“Yes…..we rescued two rebel agents about to be executed.” Twilight said.

“I would comment on how romantic that could be but seeing as you are married to Chrysalis that's not really an option.” Cadance said with a giggle.

“Not married just dating.” Twilight corrected.

“Yes dating for the last decade, living together and having a daughter. Face it you two are basically married.” Cadance said smiling.

“Am not.”

“Are too.”

“Am not.”

“Are too.”

“Well not married by pony standards but by Changeling standards we are mates.” Chrysalis said resulting in the two alicorns looking at her, one happily the other flatly. The Queen just shrugged. “It's true.”

“Anyways…” Twilight said turning to look back at Cadance. “I have to admit it wasn't the cleanest extraction ever but it got the job done.”

“Yes, I'm sure Violet and Dawn had a blast.”

“We…..don't know….we got separated and they never reached the rendezvous point before Chrysalis had to leave….” Twilight said ears drooping a bit.

“Oh…..” Cadance took her sister-in-law’s hoof. “I know those two are okay Twilight, if fact I'm sure they are causing trouble for who ever they are with. You know how those two are when left alone together, you'll be able to find them just by following the trail of property damage.” she said and smiled. “What was it you called them? The CMC on steroids?”

Twilight smiled. “something like that, though I doubt they will be experimenting as Violet doesn't have access to her lab and Dawn doesn't have her work shop.”

<<>>

“This is just a minor set back!” Dawn said as her and Violet used curtains to try and put out the fireball that was once Dawn’s desk at the schoolhouse as the other students ran around in a panic having abandoned their own arts and crafts projects, Cheerilee arriving with a bucket of water.

<<>>

“Yeah true, hard to run one of their experiments without their equipment.” Cadance laughed behind her hoof as Twilight and Chrysalis joined her. “So I doubt we have to worry about them. They are smart.”

“Yeah, true.” Twilight said smiling as she felt better, Cadance always seemed to know just how to help calm her.

“So….what else have the soldiers told you about the situation?” Twilight asked carefully.

Cadance watched her as she took a bite of her food thinking. “Nothing I didn't already know.” she finally said.

“Didn't already know?” Twilight asked tilting her head slightly.

“Yes, I mean we are sister Twilight, I doubt there isn't anything I don't know about you. I mean you said it yourself I've been spending time with you for decades.”

“So you…”

“We are sisters and you're my last living family. Family watches out for each other. Shinning did for me and I do the same for you.” Cadance said looking at Twilight with a slight hardness Twilight had never seen in her eyes. “I would never let anything happen to my family….”

<<<>>

10 years ago

Twilight sighed as she walked down the streets of Ponyville, her stomach already starting to show her pregnancy and she had begun to feel the effects the book had warned her about. Well not soar hooves as steel hooves don't exactly feel discomfort but everything else seemed to be trying to make up for that.

The mood swings were the worst, she was taking a walk due to a sudden but of anger that nearly caused her to attack Chrysalis for no reason. She had barely stopped herself and now she was working on clearing her head with a walk around time. Chrysalis had wanted to come with her but Twilight had deemed that a bad idea and the Queen had conceded.

Twilight had been randomly walking around town for about half an hour, no real destination in mind, just enjoying the town as it was bathed in the light from the setting sun. It was always relaxing to her to watch the beginning of a new day or an ending of one.

She turned down a side street deciding she was ready to return home and was halfway down the street when she hear hooves gallop from a side alley straight at her. She barely ducked as a bat swung through the area her head had been a split second before.

She lunged forward slamming her shoulder into the chest of her attacker driving the air from his lungs a second before she cried out as she felt a sharp pain in her flank. She bucked on reflex and heard a yelp of pain followed by a crash. Looking back she saw a small knife buried in her flank.

Using her magic she pulled the blade free a second before about a dozen ponies poured out of the alleyways armed mostly with various melee weapons but a few had pistols. It wasn't hard to recognize members of the Purists as they wore the armbands with the groups symbol, a pony’s hoofstep. Twilight despised this group as their entire group was centred around their motto. “Equestria for ponies.” and we're the most adamant about driving the changelings from Equestria as they never forgave the hive for the invasion so many years ago.

They had also been buzzing like a kicked hornets nest once it was finally reveled Twilight's foal was Chrysalis’. the Royal Guard had been monitoring them closely incase they members tried anything, seems the guards missed this….unless….

Twilight’s thoughts were interrupted as a pegasus mare took aim with her pistol and Twilight barely rolled to the side just in time to miss being shot, the injury in her flank burning but she ignored it as she had more pressing matters.

Twilight came up with her own pistol and the mare wasn't as fast as Twilight and her head snapped back as a hole appeared in her forehead. The others surged forward intend on taking Twilight down and the once peaceful street echoed with the sounds of gunfire and yells.

Then as quickly as it had started silence claimed the street once more except for the distant sound of sirens approaching fast.

A few moments later royal guard cruisers skidded into the street, having been called by residents who heard the gunshots. The guards jumped from their vehicles weapons drawn as they came upon the scene of a dozen downed ponies, all but two of them dead and an injured alicorn.

<<>>

Chrysalis threw open the hospital room door as she rushed in to find Twilight sitting up in bead sipping water from a glass. “Twilight are you alright? I was told you were shot.” The Queen said as she practically galloped to the bedside, worry clear on her face.

“I was, I’m fine now, doctors took care of everything.” Twilight said.

“And?”

“The foal is fine.” Twilight said placing a hoof on her stomach. “Shots it me in the shoulder...I'm not as fast as I usually am.”

“And you're just going to get slower. Twilight I’m assigning a protection detail till we figure out what happened and I won't take no for an answer.” Chrysalis said firmly.

“Okay.” Twilight said as she sipped her drink.

Chrysalis blinked. “You agree? I had...expected resistance….”

“Normally I would but in this case you are right, I'm just going to be getting slower and if a hoofull of thugs can actually send me to the hospital then it I should have some added backup.” she looked at Chrysalis. “I trust you have already made the arrangements?”

Chrysalis slowly nodded recovering from the unexpected turn of events. “Yes, two MID operatives will shadow you for the next few months.”

“Excellent, I trust they will remain hidden unless needed?”

“Of course, they wouldn't be very good intelligence operatives if they were out in the open….are you sure you're alright? Normally you insist on taking care of yourslef.”

“I am fine but as I said I'm only going to get slower as time goes on and it's not just my life on the line anymore.” She set the glass to the side. “What can you tell me about those who attacked me? I don't think it was entirely random they knew I was alone.” Twilight arched a brow.

“I thought not as well...the timing was to we'll done and Captain Kilo thinks the same thing, he’s called in internal affairs to take a look at the guard station.”

Twilight nodded. “Good, I trust they will be able to handle it but off them any EDF support they may need.”

“I will Twilight.” Chrysalis said as she took a seat beside the bed and sighed.

Twilight reached over and patted her head. “I’m alright Queeny, really and I know those responsible will be found and dealt with.”

“I know...It's just….when I heard you'd been shot….” she said and Twilight took her hoof before pulling her close to nuzzle the larger quen causing her to relax.

“I’m alright.”

<<>>

Lieutenant Charon growled as he read over the report of the shootout in the street. “That thing survived.” the earth pony spat.

“Yes but we came close to removing it.” Sergeant Crimson said from where the pegasus sat on the other side of LT’s desk in the basement of the local guard station.

“I knew those bafoons couldn't have taken it and we should have gotten outside help from other in the guard.” Charon said as he dropped the report on his desk. “How in all of Equestria could one of our Princesses ever go to bed with such a disgusting creature I’ll never know.”

“Neither will I but we can try again in a few month to remove the thing from her belly.” Crimson said.

“If we can, I heard talk IA was being brought in so I think the captain suspects some one here in the station.” Charon said as he sat back.

“Relax, we covered our tracks well and the report said none of the others survived so there is no way to trace it back to us.” Crimson said smirking as he sat back. “We will be perfectly fine.”

A moment later a knock came at the door and Charon sat up straighter as did Crimson. “Come.” Charon called.

The door opened to revel some one neither guard expected to see. “P-Princess Cadance.” Crimson said as both guards stood and bowed.

“Both of you may rise.” Cadance said and they did. “I must say that was a rather poorly thought out plan to jump Twilight, she may be pregnant but she is still a well trained soldier so jumping her in the streets never would have worked.”

“You…..you know?” Charon said as his blood turned to ice. “B-but how?”

“You and I both know the Crystal Empire has some of the best intelligence services on the planet and Twilight is my sister-in-law, do you think I wouldn't figure out who arranged to have her attacked?”

Charon’s blood ran colder and colder till it felt like ice water in his veins with each word she said. “So…..what now?” He asked licking his lips as he imaged IA coming in any moment to arrest him and the sergeant.

“Relax I have no intention of sharing what I know with anyone.” Cadance said.

This cause Charon off guard but then he thought, it was no secret the history the Princess of Love and the Changeling Queen had and that they were not friends. Perhaps he could have a powerful ally in the pink alicorn. He relaxed as he smiled while relaxing in his chair, the sergeant doing the same as he came to the same conclusion as Charon. “Well then, what do we owe this visit for then? I know you have no love for the Queen. Perhaps we could enter into a sort of arrangement to remove that which neither of us likes?”

“I think you misunderstood me lieutenant I have no intention of helping you.” Cadance said firmly.

The smile on Charon’s face was replaced with confusion. “Then why…”

“Let me explain something to you Lieutenant, I don't like Chrysalis and it will be a long time before I ever forgive her for w hat she did. But she makes Twilight happy and so I will put aside my feelings towards her for my sister’s sake.” she said her voice growing cold. “and that means I will never tolerate those who would try to harm her and will never forgive those who harm hurt Twilight as you have.” The alicorn stepped into the room. “And I will always protect my family.” she said as hee horn lite and the door closed.

<<>>

Royal Guard Internal Affairs
Investigating Officer: Blueberry Crepe
Date: 03-12-08
Case: Assault on Princess Twilight Sparkle
Case Number: 482677

Investigation revealed ties to Manehatten chapter of Purist movement which denies any involve the in crime. Upon suggestion from Captain Kilo report of incident hide the two surviving suspects. Upon interrogation with help from EDF suspects indicated that Lieutenant Charon and Sergeant Crimson of Ponyville Royal Guard had Princess Twilight under surveillance since information on the other parent of the Princess’ unborn foal.

Once the Princess was alone on the evening of Tuesday the 9th the suspects were contacted by sergeant Crimson via payphone. Phone record and surveillance camera from store across the street confirmed it was Sergeant Crimson. Upon further investigation it was found sergeant Crimson commanding officer was also involved.

Both Lieutenant Charon and Sergeant Crimson became primary suspects. A search of both their offices and their homes revealed no trace of suspects however did revel evidence of extreme hostility to the Changeling Hive. Evidence suggests both suspects left in a hurry as they took none of their clothes or any personal items.

Both suspects bank accounts have been frozen and their pictures have been released to national news outlets and both former guard have had arrest warrants issued.

Author's Note

I was tempted to have the flash back be in Soldier Series Stories but decided to put it in the chapter.

Also I still draw breath

Interlude: To Follow A Princess

Broken Dawn held her pistol in her mouth as she and the Crusaders took up defensive positions in the Post Office in Chapel. They were not hiding, they had to protect the Crusaders because they young to defend themselves.

The outside of the Post Office echoed with the clatter of assault rifle fire and the occasional crack of a high powered rifle. There was a louder clatter of a large machinegun and the boom of a Cannon, followed by an explosion a couple seconds later.

Under it all Dawn could just make out the outlines of the soldiers as they communicated and moved like a well oiled machine as they fought the larger group of raiders to defend the town. Every now and then, Dawn caught sight of one of the strange flying machines the ponies have. The Princess started strafing the raiders or dodging incoming rockets.

She wanted to go out and help protect the town but the Princess had charged the Crusaders with keeping the younger foals safe and they weren't about to let down a literal goddess.

She wasn't sure how the battle was going. She started to hear something…. Something building she looked around to see if others heard it as well and she saw other foals looking around.

As the sound built she finally could make it out…… It was music. She didn't know where it was coming from or who would be playing music at a time like this.

And then she heard the voice of the Princess begin to sing somewhere off in the distance…

Landed in the town, Equestrian forces are in place

Awaiting orders!

She blinked confused about what hilltop the pony was talking about. Then the voice continued.

They were only 49

They were told to hold the line

In control

Sent into battle, came from the rift

Trapped in the town, and into the fire

Dawn listened and wasn't sure what was going on or why the soldiers were singing.

Hold your ground!

When you're fighting those who fight

Death is waiting in the town!

No surrender, shoot to kill!

You have to

Hold your ground!

Kill the raider in your sight

Death is waiting in the town!

No surrender, shoot to kill!

The sound of the battle seemed to be changing. Before while sounding organized it had been getting closer and closer to the town. Now though it seemed to have stopped getting closer.

January 7th, hold the town at all costs

Follow orders!

Holding their ground

To the final round

One by one

Fight through the pain,

Enduring the death, awaiting the end

Hold your ground!

When you're fighting those who fight

Death is waiting in the town!

No surrender, shoot to kill!

You have to

Hold your ground!

Kill the warrior in your sight

Death is waiting in the town!

No surrender, shoot to kill!

Stand, hold your ground!

Come around!

Hostile land!

Your last stand!

Under fire low on munitions,

Make your bullets count

Push the raiders back into the Wastes ,

Rule the battlefront

Sent into battle, came from the rift

Trapped in the town, and into the fire

Hold your ground!

When you're fighting those who fight

Death is waiting in the town!

No surrender, shoot to kill!

You have to

Hold your ground!

Kill the warrior in your sight

Death is waiting in the town!

No surrender, shoot to kill!

Slowly as the song wound down the sounds of battle died off with it. Dawn could hear the flying machines moving to land and in a moment a knock came to the door. “You foals okay in there? It's safe now.” a stallion said. Dawn and the Crusaders made no move, there wasn't anyway to know if that was a raider or not. “Foals?” the voice said concerned.

“It's safe.” The voice of The Princess said and dawn moved towards the door unlocking it, pistol in her mouth as she looked out to see the soldiers and the Princess.

Nodding Dawn waved to the Crusaders to let them know it was safe before opening the door and stepping out.

Several of the buildings at the edge of the town were either destroyed or damaged and bodies littered the ground outside of the towns. She could see several Soldier collecting them and piling them in one area while they collected their wounded and their own dead.

It was amazing to the little filly as the soldiers had been outnumbered by a lot and yet only lost a few of their own while it looked as if the raiders suffered heavy losses.

“You kids okay?” The Princess asked and Dawn nodded.

The Princess smiled as Security walked up to the group.

“I haven't seen a group able to kick that much butt in a while. “ she said.

The Princess smirked. “been awhile since you've seen soldiers I assume.”

Security nodded. “don't think I've ever seen something like it actually. Close maybe.”

“Proper time and training. Does wonders. “

“Hey….. You said before you would be returning to your own Equestria right?” Security asked and The Princess nodded. “can you take Chapel with you? “

“No. “ The Princess said. “as much as I'd like to we don't fully know about dimensional travel or having this many ponies from another reality In ours for a prolonged period of time would do. Not to mention the risk of both dimensional and culture shock. I cannot in good conscience do that, not to mention who knows what is destined for everyone here. We could really mess things up.”

Security sighed. She wasn't about to try and force this issue with the alicorn who had helped defend Chapel.

“I am sorry but the risks of damaging destiny is too high as is the risk to the ponies.” The Princess said before she left to go and oversee the cleanup.

Dawn followed her at a distance. She had never met somepony like The Princess. Sure she'd met mercs and ponies like Security but something about The Princess was….different. She didn't know what but watching her give orders and tend to the wounded with her knowledge of healing. Going from pure authority to calmly holding the hoof of a soldier as the light fades from his eyes so he wasn’t alone within seconds of each other.

<<>>

The day passed, The bodies were collected and the wounded tended to. The EDF medics even tended to the injured raiders. Something about having sworn to provide aid to all those injured no matter which side of the conflict they were on.

It was a bizarre concept to the ponies of Chapel helping raiders. They just let them go afterwards only making sure they left and that was it.

The more time Broken Dawn spent with these ponies the more fascinating she found them. They were such a sharp contrast with everything she knew of the world and contradicted each other constantly. Talking of fierce battles with enemies and then doing the same as they had with the raiders after the battles. Even collecting the dead for the enemies soldiers to recover later. Not even using the bodies for traps.

The Princess was easily the most interesting as once orders had been given she had talked with Security for a while and then ended up teaching Security a bit about magic, gaining a bit of a crowd from the Crusaders as she explain how to work with telekinesis spells and practice with them. She seemed to enjoy teaching a great deal. And would a swear any and all questions without losing patience.

Then she even lowered the sun when it needed it. That was the most amazing thing g she had ever seen. All she did was light her horn and the sun started setting as she watched the sky. Not to mention how the insect ponies deferred to her. Even the bit one she called Major deferred to her.

It wasn't long after that that an odd wind started to blow at the edge of the town and the Princes called for the soldiers to gather. Many in the town gathered to watch.

“What's going on?” Dawn asked approaching the Princess.

She nodded. “yeah kid. Got places to be.” she said and Dawn started d to take off the goggles she had been given. “Keep them. Consider them payment for being my guide.”

She put them back on below her horn just as the air tor open. After a few minutes the first wave of soldiers when through with the injured.

“Whelp it's been real Blackjack. Not everyday I meet someone with my same love of whisky. “ she said

The white unicorn smiled. “Yeah. Thanks for letting me have that song.”

The Princess chuckled. “No problem..” she said and put a steel hoof on Blackjack shoulder. “good luck with what you are doing. I have a feeling you have a lot ahead of you but you will succeed in the end. You are a tough DOB.”

“DOB?”

“Daughter of a bitch. It means you are tough and not some one to be taken lightly. “

“oh… Thanks….. I think.”

The Princess nodded as the last wave of soldiers prepared to depart. “Well….. Goodbye and good luck.” she said and joined the soldiers. They all headed for the rift and jumped through leaving the town behind.

Dawn stared at the rift then looked back at the town and the glowing city behind it. Then looked out at the wasteland before looking at the rift and adjusting her goggles.

<<>>

Twilight landed on her hooves and walked down the platform slowly as the black clad soldiers tracked the latest ground with their weapons. Security in the Recovery Facility was tight. You never knew what might come through the rift should you open it.

There was a flash behind Twilight and the soldier yelled in surprised training their weapons on what came through as Twilight spun around to see a dark blue filly rolling down the ramp.

Twilight caught her in her magic . “what are you doing here Dawn? “ she demanded

The disoriented filly shook her head trying to keep her balance. “Following you. “

“What? No you don't you can't. “she pointed at the rift. “back you--” the rift snapped shut. “go…..” she said and sighed dropping her hoof with a sigh before turning and walking down the ramp. “Come on we need to go through quarantine. And then we will be sending you back. “ she said.

Broken Dawn unsteady followed behind The Princess into the new world.

Author's Note

Ha! I finally got another update up. The ending wasn't unexpected I am sure as we knew how this ended from the rest of the fic but now we have a bit more details.

Also! I now have a PATREON to help me out financially. It has some rather fair rewards I think and every bit will help me out and will be much appreciated.

Also the song the EDF was singing was an adaption of Hill 3234 by Sabaton.