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                          The War                          
                    -by SassaflashDash-                    
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                1- Another Day In Paradise                 
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1- Another Day In Paradise
It was near Midday  in the small town of Nickertie. The afternoon sun was blazing down hard on the Pie's family rock farm. The four Pie sisters were hard at work on their daily tasks on the farm. Having to move large boulders from the east side to the west side of their father's property before the evening Rainstorm struck.
A tall grey earth mare toiled  over the rocky terrain that she called home. She huffed as she shifted a rock into place, dunking her head into a bucket of fresh water. She turned to her Pastel coated sister with her normal emotionless face. " Pinke, why don't you take a break?  You don't want to overheat yourself again.."  she said as she gave her sister the bucket.
Pinkie pie huffed and sighed in relief and gave her sister a tired smile as she too dunked her head in the pale then back up again.
"Thank ya Maud!" she chirped. " this really cooled me off."
Maud blinked at her sister " good now let's get back to work. Father is counting on us."
Pinkie nodded confidently as she once again lowered her head to continue pushing the rock, as she was doing before she got interrupted.
"UGH! how much longer do we need to keep working?"
Maud looked at her sister once more. "we should be nearly done. we have been working since six."
she then hitched herself to a cart as two other sisters loaded it up with more rocks.
Pinkie let out an annoyed huff as she headed back to get another rock to push. Moments later a small raindrop hit her nose.
She looked up at the once clear sky, that was now becoming more cloudy by the minute.
"Maud? should we stop now? it's starting to rain."
Maud shook her head. "No we need to finish up." The four sisters finished their work just before a downpour took place.
After the girls finished working, they headed inside the house for dinner
Pinkie smiled, feeling very satisfied with their work today."All done mother!"
Cloudy Quartz smiled warmly as she took dinner off the stove top "Good girls now go eat."
She served her daughters oatmeal... again. As soon as their father took a seat at the table, the pink mare dived her head in the bowl and finished in an instant.
"Thank you for the food mother"
Limestone (the second youngest) and Marble (the youngest) slightly giggled at their hyperactive sister and began eating her oatmeal silently.
Dinner at the Pie's Family Rock farm was normally quieter than most families. It was around the time of day when everypony is
worn out from working in the fields, and are just sitting down for the first or second time all day. So there really wasn't much to talk about.
However the family still had a strong relationship with one another. It remained a mystery for the rest of the townsponies of how could such a mostly quiet family have such a strong bond? over what! Rocks? As long as they were together, as a family, they were more than happy.
Pinkie pie went right to her vanity and brushed her long hot pink mane.
"WOOW! what a day!!!"
Marble headed to her bed and lied there looking up and sighs,  closing her eyes to sleep.
Maud and Limestone followed a similar routine
Limestone scoffed "Tell me about it! it felt awesome!" Just as the girls got in their beds, there was a knock at the door.
Pinkie's head perked off her pillow and tilted her head. "That's kind of funny.. why are there ponies at our house so late..." Marble ducked under her covers shyly. Limestone rolled her eyes and got out of bed and headed towards the door. The oldest Pie sister looked at the tomcolt. "where are you going?" Limestone twitched her long flat tail. "Well I am not going to be able to sleep knowing there is somepony at our house so late at night. Heck it could be the police! I dunno about you but I am gonna peak."
Marble peaked out from under her bedsheets. "W-Wait Limestone it could be a robber...be careful!" Limestone kept walking.
pinkie spoke up and got out of bed as she followed her younger sisters. "Limey don't be silly. What kind of robber would knock?"
Maud watched her three sisters sneak down the hall. He blinked and sighed and followed them.
They got downstairs and saw their mother speaking to two solar guards talking to their parents. Pinkie perked her ears trying to pick up what they were saying. But alas she couldn't hear a darn thing.
by reading their parents expression it was nothing good. Cloudy looked like she was going to cry and their Igneous  looked like he'd seen a ghost. moments after the guards left, Cloudy sighed as she saw her three fillies spying on them from the stairway.
"Girls... we need to talk...."
The older mare and stallion stood in the middle of the foyer with a more depressed look than usual.
the girls knew that they never acted like this unless there was a reason. Which was never usually a good reason
the older mare  sighed as she shifted her glasses back onto her muzzle.
"We were informed that the Crystal Empire has been enslaved by King Sombra who has managed to capture the princess Luna, Celestia and Cadance. Princess Luna managed to escape but her magic is powerless, she has asked Prince Shining Armor to gather an army of the strongest pony from each family to go and fight. Your dad offered but was too old and out of shape to battle. So they have asked for Maud to fight in his place."
the mare sniffled and tried to hold back tears. Igneous Rock spoke up shyly "W-we really tried to Reason with them but they demanded it at once and there was really nothing we could do."
Maud's eyes opened slightly larger than they normally are for a moment then went back to her normal board face.
she blinked " okay... i'll do i-"
"-WHAT!!!" Maud was interrupted by her sister.
Pinkie stamped her hoof on the wood ground assertively  "No! if Maud goes we all go!! No Pie member left behind right?"
the two other mares looked at their older sister and cheered "RIGHT!"
their mother sighed.
"your right Pinkamina. But promise me to be careful and write us"
Pinkie nodded "Of course mother!  we all have each others backs no matter what."
Marble peeked through her long grey mane that draped in her face
and smiled shyly "T-that's right mother...ummm....mmmm hmmm." she mumbled.
"Okay. You need to get ready you leave at Dusk."
Everypony rushed upstairs and got their things together.
Pinkie pie puts on a black suit with a high tech belt of rocks twirling out of closet and in front of bed
as her sisters just grabbed their scarfs. Everypony was in no rush... but at the same time where in fear of what was yet to come.
Night came too quickly and ur parents kissed and held their daughters goodbye
wishing them the best of luck in the war.
The pink mare started to slightly cry as she threw her forelegs
around her parents necks." We'll be back mother and father...w-we promise"
she said with her voice breaking
Limestone looked at her parents confidently
"We promise we won't let you down!"
Igneous Smiled and nuzzled her "we know you will. just be sure to write to us,
keep each other safe and be strong."
"Don't worry we will!" Pinke kissed their cheeks and solutes them running of with group
They followed and boarded the train and headed towards the Niagara Falls!

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              2- As Long As We're Together...              
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2- As Long As We're Together...
Pinkie pie sat quietly as she watched the world pass by through her window.
she was deep in thought and never heard her eldest sister speak up breaking the silence. "are you okay?"
Pinkie sighed "y-yeah...just....sad that's all"
Marble face planted on a pillow sobbing lightly
"who knows if we'll come back?"
"I Know we will." Limestone practically neighed from her seat.
waking a few other passengers and catching her sisters off guard.
"I know times are tough but we can do this if we stick together.BECAUSE WE ARE PIES!
and there is nothing tougher than a Pie."
The other two sisters cheered up a whole lot more. Limestone had the ability to encourage ponies with only a few small words.
it was a great ability to have and hell knew they need her now.
Maud looked at the moon high in the sky.
"We should get some rest. it is a long way to Niagara falls."
Marble yarned leans close to pinkie resting head at her chest.
As the pink mare held her close leaning head on window.
"Will make this through Lil' sis...just wait and" she yawned"...see "
Many hours later, the train arrived at the Base in Niagara.
the recruits were told to stand in a line as they would be assigned their poisons
Of which they will remain throughout the war.
As they stood in line, for what felt like hours on end, the sisters began to worry about
if they would be separated, they were silent as they continued to move forward to the front of the line.
Limestone looked at Marble and hugged her.
"I-It's ok Marbel, there nothing to be scared of.
As long as we stay together we will be safe-"
Shining Armor cut her off in mid sentence, assigning her as a blacksmith
and sent her off immediately.
"I-I guess this is goodbye..." she mumbled as she hug her sisters.
they said farewells and watched Limestone disappear in the crowd.
the silent ritual continued as Maud was sent off as a Medic.
Pinkie and Marble were then sent off to be warriors.
they obeyed without a word. still broken hearted about imagining having to face war without their other sisters.
Shining Armor finished his duty before announcing dismissal and everypony went to their assigned tents for the night.
Marble shyly  glanced to her older sister. "P-pink...what do we do without our sisters."
Pinkie sighed and broke her eye contact. but tried to hide her emotions to the best of her ability.
don't worry they are both very strong they can handle it...We together can also handle this...we may be separated but we are still in this together. Marble hugged her older sister.
Out of all her sisters, Marble has always looked up to Pinkamina. She grew up admiring her sister's  optimism, and enthusiasm towards even the smallest of things. This being the case. Pinkie knew she had to be strong for her sister. so she slapped a smile on and returned the hug.
"Don't worry! things will be better in the morning. let's get some shut-eye."
The mares approached a navy dark tent. It was a little worn down due to the chilly climates and wind. it was tall, yet somehow
wide. It reminded Pinkie of the tents the ponies of Nikerte would set up in the town square on market days....
they entered the tent and the inside was somewhat dark. Lit by a small lantern that glowed a golden yellow. There were two cots on the ground that provided a secure place to sleep. The cots were similar to the ones she used when her father used when he used to take her and maud camping when they were small. It gave Pinkie a warm feeling and she smiled.
she was surprised to see that it was just them but that didn't matter. Both were exhausted, and needed a good night's rest.
and that was exactly what they got..
The got into the familiar cots. They were hard but soft at the same time.
"goodnight Marble"
"goodnight Pinkie."
that's all that was said that night before both mares felt their eyes grow heavy before they drifted off to sleep.
Unaware of what was yet to come the next day...

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                  3- Off to A Rough Start                  
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3- Off to A Rough Start
The following Morning, they girls where waken buy a
Loud ear beating trumpet blast! A rainbow maned pegasus stood in the tent doorway of
Where the girls spent the night
"Up and at them girls! Head to the grounds for roll call now!
Captain's orders!" she shouted in a scratchy voice.
The other two mares reacted immediately... as immediately as somepony can first thing in the morning.
And meet up again in the Mess Tent for their Breakfast.
That mainly included... Uh.. It might of been broccoli?
They were quite unsure.
The announcement came on an intercom telling everyone to meet
In the training grounds for inspections.
Pinkie stood next to Marble in the center obediently as they watched the Captian
Step on the podium as he did the day before.
"My name is shinning armor and I am your commander
You won't speak unless u give you the command
No lollygagging or slacking on commands
And every order must be followed!"
"SIR YES SIR!"
The two sisters  stood among other ponies of mixed genders,races and shapes. Shining Armor got on a rock and spoke loudly into a megaphone to the small army of newly recruited ponies.
"Thank you all for coming to fight for us! As you know, King Sombra is in the works of enslaving equestria and by Luna! We won't let that happen! He has already enslaved the poor Crystal ponies and the empire. So we need to fight back, rescue the civilians and take him down!
Everypony let out a big "SIR YES SIR"... the Shining held his hoof up to silence.
"The army is a rough place to be soldiers... No doubt about it! Heck rough doesn't even begin to explain it! THAT is why as long as you are
in MY army, you need to follow the follow the following guidelines! They might even save your life one day!
NUMBER ONE! Stick together! Don't leave anyone behind ever!
If you find a wounded soldier do not leave him behind! every life matters! Bring them to safety
and contact the health officers Immediately!
TWO!!! If you feel like you and your fellow troops are in danger. it is OKAY to call a retreat!
BUT NEVER GIVE UP! Luna is counting on us... your COUNTRY is counting on us!
and third  and most important rule DON'T TRUST ANYPONY!
I know FOR A FACT! King Sombra is a craft war horse. BE aware. he will likely
have ponies ambushing us everywhere so be on your hooves! and STAY on your HOOVES!
Oh one more thing
Since this is war, i an sorry to say that i have to cut connections to the outside world. This means no post or wrigint.
We have informed ur families.
It is for their safety and yours. I am sorry." He sighed and looked down at his locket that had a picture of himself and his wife
Princess Cadence on their wedding day. He closed it and but it back into his armor.
"ANY QUESTIONS!?"
"SIR NO SIR!"
Good now grab a sandbag and go!"
Marble shook her head in fear. "b-but mom and dad..."
Pinkie sighed but smiled placing a hoof on her sister's withers.
"worry not marble they'll be fine just as well as we will! Now let's go!"
Weeks turned into months  as the newfound army continued to train.
the girls would have breakfast early in the morning. Then start their training which lasted a majority of the day.
Troops were taught harshly by Shining how to combat, defend themselves, climb crystals and fight off Dark soldiers, and
basic survival skills.
half a year later, the day came to fight....

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                 4- A Cry From A Stranger                  
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4- A Cry From A Stranger
Shining stepped on his platform in front of his now fully trained army.
and was in the process of getting them ready for their first actual battle that didn't include
himself or a hay-filled dummy with a stick tied to it's leg. The troops were nervous but they had
full confidence in their leader as he had in each of them.
"Now remember! King Sombra is a very tactical war pony. He sends the quickest witted strongest ponies to fight for him
so be sure to stay on your hooves! Do your best to stay alert and keep each other safe. and ALWAYS! follow rule number one.
TRUST NO PONY! Especially said warriors.
everypony Replied with a firm and assertive "sir yes sir."
The white unicorn nodded satisfied, as his helpers handed out spears and shields to the troops.
he put his armor on and the troops headed into battle.
The Sand was as dry as the air but none of that mattered to the sisters as they followed their leader across what was once
known as the Frozen North.  It seemed unnatural for the Pie sisters to be so far from home for so long.
but if it meant Keeping their friends and family safe. none of that mattered at all.
Hours later. they set camp back up again but this time closer to what was once the famous Crystal Empire.
Pinkie has only heard stories from her Granny Pie About the city of crystal. Only to be inhabited by the unique
and amazing crystal ponies. She has grown up always wanting to see the Empire's glory for herself... just not in this state.
the once shimmering city was now all black, coal like and twisted. It looked as if a big ball of tar fell from the sky
and infested the establishment. It was very uncomfortable to see.
the Troops set up their camp far enough away from the empire to see it but far enough to stay hidden.
while some of the blacksmiths and locals helped set up camp. Shining's army moved forward and met up with another
army of ponies.... But something wasn't right
There must of been hundreds- no THOUSANDS of these ponies. All of whom were too mixed in gender and race.
Unlike Pinkies armor, their armor was Dark grey and black... and a hint of purple on the plumage on both the spikey
helmet and tail area. Unlike their own helmets. Sombera's helmets covered their face and eyes only revealing their ears.
their eyes were dark black with a green neon light peaking through the slips. it was impossible to pick out any familiar faces
if there were any at all. The only pony that stood out was a tall dark grey Unicorn with a red horn and Green, red eyes that
had a purple arora smoking off the sides of his eyeballs. he wore light armor on his neck chest and hooves and a crown and what
looked like a flowing red royal robe and a silver crown. His teeth were sharp like knives and his glance was grim. this was indeed
without any questions, King Sombra.
it grew strangely silent in the desert. not a word was spoken as the two leaders glanced at each other.
seconds later the dark unicorn sounded off some ear belading war cry as his army began to charge the surprised opponents.
Without hesitation, Shining gave his singal and his troops charged as instructed.
Pinkie began to charge at speed of light, bucking soldiers in faces left and right.
Marble did as well dodging punches and bicking strangers in the jaw and flank, ambushing them from behind
pulling them off her sister occasionally.
Pinkie took down a soldier and almost got jumped by another stallion who was clumsy and earned a buck in the jaw sending him tipping backwards, her pinning him to the ground.
The soldier didn't move... he just looked up at her and twitched his ear. For some reason pinkie was able to sense that he wanted to say something but wasn't aloud to speak unless commanded so by his leader..  Marble growled at it and it scurried to its hooves and ran off into the crowd.
Pinkie stood there motionless dumbfounded by what just happened. She blinked mindlessly to where the Dark Warrior disappeared too.
she buck a soldier who looked up at her and  she could tell it was trying to tell her something but he couldn't find the right words to say
"SIS LOOK OUT BEHIND YOU!!!" Shouted her sister who was nearly taken down by a unicorn she simply used her shield to block
and laughed as the pony ran face first into the wooden shield.
the battle continued for what felt like hours. Sombra noticed his troops were falling so he called a retreat and transformed to a smokey
figure and disappeared followed by his army who retreated back to the Tar Empire.
Shining looked at his troops who stood strong and told them to go back to camp and get shut eye.
on the way back to the camp, Pinkie heard a cry from a small forest area that only inhabited a few trees and tall shubbs.
She turned to her sister "Marble go ahead, I think there's a troop that's hurt."
Marble turned to her to respond  and tell her to stay with the group but she was gone.
"HELLO?!? WHO NEEDS FIRS-Y AID?!?" She sang as she trotted in the small woods.
to see the cry was coming from a Dark warrior who has stayed behind form Sombra's army.
The black armor hid his face and features but it was plain to see he was incredibly  thin for a war pony.
A Dark Warrior heard her call and quickly stood up
From what she saw, he was unarmed.... and alone.
The stallion stood up and backed away from Pinkie.
Even though she coudn't read his face.. she could tell he was scared.. But she didn't want to take any chances.
Pinkie inched closer to see him as an opponent  and toggled him down
"What is your purpose on being so close to our camp?" she said through her teeth aggressively
the stallion shook and spoke stuttering.
"No! P-PLEASE! D-DON'T HURT M-ME..
I-I mean no harm!  I-I don't want any of this!" He Cried flattening his ears that were his only way of showing emotion.
Pinkie placed her hoof where his mouth would be on his helmet.
"Shh...I won't unless you give information I need"
"Wh-wha-"
"If you don't want any of this..then why are you in sombras side?" SHe interupted
as she narroed her eyes.
"W-we are Slaves; Prisoners! I need your help to get this helmet off my head.
I promise not to hurt you on the honor of the Princess."
She looked at him quizzing before she bucked the helmet off his head
"There... now Dare you lay one hoof on me and I'll kill you. I-I'm a rock farmer!"
The stallion's Helmet flung off in an instant. The pony took a bunch of deep breaths and . "A rock farmer eh? I Wouldn't dream of it."
he began to rub his face and blink violently as if he has never seen the moon before.
Pinkie turned and got her first good look at the stranger's appearance.
He had a young face but he seemed to be older than her by a year. He had a gunshot wound on his earlobe winch looked painful, He was tall with a buckskin pelt and a brown curly main that resembled hers with the exception of his sideburns that ran down the sides of his face and collided with his Five o'clock shadow on his face. The stallion smiled warmly.
"T-thank you! Thank u so much!" He said wagging his chocolate colored tail.
Pinkie sat down looking at him, she quickly looked away as she felt her cheeks warm up lightly.  She  turned back towards him
"Your'e welcome. Tell me more about how you became a slave"
He looked to the side and itched his mane, taking a deep breath of fresh night air.
"W-Well you see.. I'm kind of a traveler."
Pinkie listened attentively
"I went to crystal empire to visit a good friend of mine and one day, We were captured
and separated. He became a Blacksmith, and I was sent as a Stationary guard in the palace.
It all happened so quickly."
Pinkie blinked in disbelief "So...all the soldiers....are slaves?!  b-but that's not fair...WE ARE KILLING INNOCENT PONIES!!!!"
The earth pony sighed and pawed at the ground.
"Yes I know.. It's awful ... you see, every one of Sombra's put a ruby in everypony's helmets that he has cased a spell on . The Ruby is known
to be able to brainwash wherever it touches The longer you are brainwashed but If it's removed within a certain amount of time, you can recover to yourself agan.  but the longer the ruby is touching you , the harder it will be to rehabilitate yourself back to normal.
and apparently King Sombera cased a spell on it to make them answer to him and no pony else."
he showed her his helmet that had a very unusual gem inside. it was rectangular and a dark ruby color. It also had swirls of purple in it.
it was unlike anything she has ever seen... which says a lot coming from a rock farmer.
Pinkie then looked down in anger and sadness back up at the tall colt.
He sighed
"We've been abused and beaten and some even killed if we didn't follow orders. Im just so happy knowing  there are still ponies Like you that are safe and free from his madness." I ran off after you broke my gem so i could try and get my helmet off and warn the Princess.
Pinkie nodded "you got lucky you weren't completely taken over....but I have to take you in as a late soldier...If I tell Shinning that you were an opponent I helped he will know I disobeyed him."
Pinkie looked aorund her and then back at the stallion.
"I know I am breaking the rules when i ask this, but  we could use your knowledge to our advantage in winning this war
so... would you be willing to help?" she asked.
He smiled warmly and saluted
"Ill do whatever it takes to contribute. I Don't know a bunch about Somebra's plans but I DO know my way around the castle. Because i was a stationary guard for a long time."
pinkie beamed " perfect! That is just what we need."
The stallion wagged his tail with enthusiasm
"YAY!! Oh By the way I never got your name!"
Pinkie's mane puffed up "How silly of me I'm Pinkie Pie" she extended her hoof to greet him.
He shook her hoof back firmly."Pleasure to met you! Name's Cheese Sandwich. But you can just
call me Cheese." Said Cheese as he shot the mare a wide grin.
"Nice to meet you too. Cheese." she said blushing lightly without him noticing.
Pinkie beamed at Cheese. "almighty!  then follow me I'll get you an outfit of ours!"
she lead him back to the camp
He grabbed his shadow helmet and followed.
Pinkie took him the armory tent where she was able to find him a set of armor that would at least
come close to matching is strange figure.
The tent has some suits on the left and dressing rooms on the right.
Pinkie found a suit and gave it to Cheese "Alright I'll keep guard while you get dressed."
he smiled warmly
"Thank you  Pinkie pie."
She giggled "you're  welcome."
He changed into the other set of armor and it showed off his bruises and scars more on his golden dirty coat.
"S-sorry that other suit was way too small for me"
She slightly gulped as she observed him blushing lightly.
Cheese looked at his Dark armor. "But what about my armor? I feel like i need to keep it incase i need to do some snooping." He chuckled heartedly.
She chuckled back cutely.
Giggling behind her hoof.
"I can hide it for you."
The Rock farmer grabbed it and hid it underground behind the tent.
She then looked back at the colt remembering his bruises and could help but to frown and feel concerned
"You sure have a lot of bruses there. Here I can get you some bandages if you need them."
Cheese smiled at the young mare. "Thank you Pinkie."
Pinkie went into a cart and pulled out a red bag with a white cross on it. She gave the bag to Cheese as he began
to use some gauze to clean out his wounds and wrap them up.
Pinkie looked at him and sighed.
"On battle field I want you by my side...You have been through enough. Sorry if im asking for too much."
Her eyes darted nervously.
Cheese stooped wrapping his arm as he looked at her and froze. After a moment of awkward silence he smiled.
"Pinkie, if you didn't remove that helmet I would of went mad like every pony else." He contused to wrap and patch his wounds. " I am very grateful for what you did,
I am very thankful for your kindness. and I am more than willing to repay you. I want to rescue the Princesses just as much as you do.
and I think if we work together we could make a heck of a team.  And I promise that I will always have your back."
Pinkie was flattered and blushed at this sight as she was about to respond to him only to be surprised by her sister coming in the tent.
"Sis....oh I'm sorry did I interrupt something?" she blushed as she walked into seeing her sister speaking with a strange stallion.
She looked at the stallion
Cheese scurried to his hooves like a scared hamster and sat up tall.
"Cheese Sandwich. Pleasure to meet you."
He saluted firmly, puffing his chest out slightly.
Marble looked from pinkie back to cheese and smiled playfully.
"So in war you found a lover huh sis?"
Marble teased elbowing her sibling.
Cheese looked away embarresed and continued his stance as if he was waiting for an order.
Pinkie growled "Marble...cut that war attitude short. Cheese you dont need to stand like... That... I-if you dont want too..." She chuckled.
The young stallion relaxed his body and let his head hang low. "s-sorry.. That's a habit... I guess i'm still not used to not being around the king."
Marble blinked in shock.. "wait! what do you meanThe King?.... You mean Sombera? But he's not here!  WAIT!!! PINKIE WHAT DID YOU DO!?"
Pinkie stood in front of the stallion protectively.
"I know it looks bad Marble... Because you caught us. He was a Stationary guard for King Sombra...."
She went into explaining everything to her sister.  she even brought up the fact that every one of Sombra's ponies
where brainwashed slaves and the Ruby. "Marble. You need to promise me... Pinkie promise to not
tell anypony! or we will get in the dog house for sure..."
Marble sighed and smiled. " I promise i wont tell anyone. But promise me not to do anything like that ever again!
you could of been killed!"
Pinkie sighed... "yeah i know... but Cheese is aware that i will kick his flank if he steps out of line."
cheese gulped and nodded.
Marble giggled. "yeah and besides you make a cute couple." Pinkie felt her eye twitch with irritation holding in
a yell at her nosy sister.
Cheese felt like he should say something but refused in fear of making things worse.
Marble laughed and cleared her throat..."Any who....I was talking to Shinning about the camp being too crowded....so he told us we could keep this tent for the night... Which is why I came here. and The recruit should stay because it's best to keep him hidden till morning ya know."
Pinkie smiled "really?....oh wow...sweet"
Cheese cheered as he wagged his tail like a terrier.
"this is gonna be great! it's like a slumber party!"
Pinkie laughed at the colt's sudden burst of enthusiasm. "Woo someone know how to party"
He smirked and Rolled his green eyes sarcastically.
"I should know how. I  Would make a lousy party pony if i didn't know how to throw a party."
Pinkie's eyes lit up as if she where a filly in a candy shop.
" WHAT! A party pony? I've always wanted to be one....but I couldn't leave my family..."
Marble smirked and whispered in her sister's ear. "he he, Maybe he can take you on journeys sis"
Pinkie flatted her ears
"Marble I swear" Pinkie mumbled under her breath.
Cheese laughed gleefully. "I promise you girls! once this stupid war is behind us! I promise Equestria the best party it has ever known!"
the pink mare gasped and hugged him briefly "Cheese that sounds awesome!! I want in!! we have to restore the sisters first tho."
Cheese looked at her seriously again."Well of course! that's why we are here."
Pinkie giggle and lied down in front of the stallion, looking up at him with curiosity and fascination like a child.
"Tell me more please." He looked at her slightly confused "Tell you what?"
Pinkie pie giggled. "About being a party pony! OH MY! It is truly my dream to be a real party pony and spread joy and happiness in Equestria"
The younger gray mare giggled at her sister's foal like wonder. Marble leaded towards the Buckskin pony " My sis here has always wanted to throw parties for everyone ,but she practiced on us a lot and never failed to make us smile."
Cheese smiled. "She made me smile that's for sure..."
Pinkie felt her entire face and ears begin to rapidly hear up to a crimson hue.
"w-wow...r-really....making such a handsome...I-I mean gentle colt like you smile with just my presence?" She slightly giggled feeling a little
embarrassed.
the colt laughed and nodded."Yeah! totally."
Marble made kiss faces at her sister making Pinkie's face turn as red as an apple.
"OKAY! THAT'S IT! "
The mare got up and toggled her sister down in tickles.
Marble's laugh was so quiet not even cheese could hear it
Cheese just laughed at the two goofy mares.
Pinkie immediately bounced to him and put her hoof over his muzzle.
"shhhh.... we need to stay quiet Cheese..."
Cheese Stopped laughing and took a deep breath. .
marble slowly gets up and looks both of the ponies silently giggling.
Pinkie soon realized that she was now a little too up close and personal with her friend. She quickly removed her hoof ,
looked at him stammering "S-sorry....didn't want the Captain to hear us and ruin the bit of fun we can have."
The stallion chuckled and got up.
"Don't  apologize for having a good time!"
"thank you pinkie... I speak out loud a lot... so excuse me.."
WHELP! should get some rest gonna be another normal war day tomorrow."
the mare gave him a shy smile
The stallion smiled back
"oh um pinkie... i have something i want to give you.... Its for saving my life..."
The colt gave her a funny yellow rubber chicken and smiled.
"Keep him safe..... His name is Boneless. He has gotten me through some hard times and inspired me to bring joy to everyone and i hope he can do the same for you.... Have a good night." He smiled and went to a corner and curled up in a ball like a cat nose to tail.
The mare then got I into a sleeping position and cuddled the chicken to sleep, along side her younger sister. until the following sun brought on another day of battle....

//-------------------------------------------------------//
                    5-First Day Jitters                    
//-------------------------------------------------------//
5-First Day Jitters
Morning again, felt as if it came too early. As Luna raised the sun with lots of struggle, she managed to raise it over the
horizon. The Princess was proud of the accomplishment and knowing she was one step closer to following in her beloved sister's
hoofsteps....
Even though it was a beautiful sight. it still meant the daily wake up call from the rainbow Pegasus who would barge in with a trumpet
and scare the heck out of the slumbering troops. "UP AND AT THEM YOU SLOTHS! AND MEET IN THE MESS HALL IN FIVE MINUTES!" The mare barked at the very annoyed and very tired soldiers who were just opening their eyes and complaining.
Pinkie woke up with boneless in her forehooves and Marble resting herself against her withers. the older mae shook her body, taking her sleeping grey sister by surprise. Both mares yawned and got up and followed their regular morning routine. When Pinkie noticed Cheese who was still sound asleep, drooling slightly, lining on his back with his hooves in the air, as if he was a dog.
She chuckled and crept up next to him with her tummy brushing against the cold ground. She reached her hoof over and gave him a gentle yet firm shake on his withers. "WAKEY, WAKEY LAZY BONES!" she chirped as she saw the stallion begin to open his green eyes.
Cheese let out a large groan. He felt his bones crack as he lifted his body off the ground. He stood up and shook the dirt off his coat uneasily before he turned towards the two mares.
"Good morning girls. WHat's the plan for today?"
The colt said still in his cracky morning voice.
Marbel continued to brush her mane as she responded. "Same as every day I suppose. I am not expecting anything
more than another battle."
Cheese nodded sleepily, as he pulled a handkerchief out of thin air and washed the dust off his face with it. "Yeah. That's what I thought."
Silence fell among the tent as nothing had to be said as the three ponies got ready for their breakfast.
They got their armor on and headed out the door. As the ponies got closer to the tent's entrance, Cheese felt his legs freeze in place as he stood motionlessly in the doorway.
Pinkie looked back at the stallion with bewilderment. "Hey, are you okay?"
He sighed. "yeah... B-but I'm a little worried about today." He stammered. "W-what if Shining sees a n-new troop out of place...
Surely he must keep track of all his recruits and who goes where and has what task."
Pinkie let out a goofy razberry at the stallion's complaint. "Pffftttt.... don't worry about that. I will tell him
you came in late. Don't worry about the Captian he's a cool dude."
Cheese smiled shyly as he proceeded forwards out of the tent. To catch up with his new friends; with caution as he kept his head and ears low. "A-are you sure?"
Marble smiled shyly at the yellow pony "Yes we are. Just stay with us and it will be okay."
He smiled weakly and perked up a little and respond with a gentle quiet "okay."
as they continued to eat. Pinkie kept getting that sinking feeling that they were being watched.
No it was not normal for the other soldiers to stare them down when they are eating. But this didn't matter.
She turned her thoughts back to the stallion beside her. She looked up at him as she picked away at her food.
Fascinated with this mysterious pony. Millions of questions rushed through her head.  Where is he from? doesn't he have a family?
is he single? What is it like to be a party pony? How did he get his cutie mark? Did he run away from home? And why? And what happened
to his ear?
Pinkie was debating whether she should ask him some of her questions... but for Obvious reasons, this was not the time nor the place.
One simple question shouldn't draw too much attention now would it? she thought to herself.
She was about to say something when she was interrupted by the sound of the horn sounding off for the Morning daily inspection.
she sighed and was kind of relieved they were going to do something that would keep her from thinking so deeply about the stallion.
They got up and headed outside with the other soldiers as the maintenance ponies picked up after the messy ponies.
The ponies were lead to a clearing where all the troops were ordered to stand in rows, side by side, for the inspection each of them silently
loathed. As Shining Armor went through each row with his clipboard, checking on conditions and attendences; Cheese couldn't help but look over at Pinkie who stood beside him, tall and her head as high as she could hold it without looking too silly.
He was really beginning to like Pinkie. He knew as soon as she took his helmet off the day before that they had a lot in common, . As a traveler, he has encountered many different ponies with colorful pelts and personalities.
But being a traveling party pony who was always on the move. He unfortunately never got to know any of those ponies for more than a day or less! This made it hard for him to build friendships and relationships, and keep in touch with ponies who he clicked with. Even for the short time he'd known Pinkie, It was long enough for him to notice how different she was. Was it her pelt? eyes? laugh? her whimsical personality?  Celestia knows why. But for some reason.... he wanted something a little more... which was strange considering they just meet. but It didn't feel like any of that mattered.
As his mind wandered he decided it would be best to just stick to the task at hoof. He sat up tall mirroring Pinkie. Sitting up tall and head held high, eyes focused on Shining who was at this point, talking down  a white unicorn mare  who decided it'd be Fashionable to Bedazzle her armor.
Marble looked at her sister who was glancing back and forth between Cheese and the Captain. slightly blushing.
the gray mare chuckled lightly and slightly nudged Cheese with her elbow. "Nice...trying to impress my sis...I can already tell she likes you."
she whispered playfully, as Cheese felt himself blush a shade of pink.
The stallion darted his eyes back and forth looking everywhere but at either of the Pie sisters.
"W-what do you mean? I-I'm not trying to impress anypony but the Captian..." he stammered.
Marble rolled her eyes
"it's fine Cheese but if I were you i would focus moreso on fighting than flirting.
I would take it more as a reward." she snickered.
Cheese couldn't help but let out a playful smirk "of course my apologies." he smirked
He eyed the pink mare one more time and sighed to himself. He was brought out of his thoughts
when he heard the Captain getting closer. He slightly panicked and resumed his proper poster as the white
unicorn approached.
Shining Armor inspected Marble then got to Cheese and studied him questionably. He studied the younger stallion's
face then looked at his clipboard that was enveloped in his magenta tinted magic.
"What is your name?"
Shining Armor asked glaring at the traveler. The Wiry colt saluted immediately as he responded
"Ch-Cheese Sa-Sandwich Sir!" he stuttered nervously.
Pinkie pie spoke up seeing her anxious friend.
"Captain this is a relative of my family. I found him lost in the battlefield since he just came in yesterday sir."
Cheese responded "Sir Yes sir!"
Shining took a quill and wrote down the information he just received humming.
He eyed the other stallion suspiciously.
"where are you from Mr. Sandwich?"
Cheese kept the salute as he responded firmly
"I am from Manehattan Sir!"
Shining got into Cheese's face looking deep into his eyes. Cheese struggled but managed to keep calm with
this up, close and personal encounter he was having with his new leader. Shining pulled away and squinted.
"Alright you are good to go. but I am watching you young stallion... you better not be pulling my chains or there WILL
be Consequences. understand?"
"SIR YES SIR!"
Shining smiled pleased with the response. "good!" nothing was said as he continued the inspection.
Everypony let out a long and relieved sigh as soon as the Captian was distracted.
Cheese smiled. "Thanks Fillies. I was afraid That was gonna be it."
Pinkie giggled behind her hoof. "Anything for a friend." she winked at the colt causing him to blush again.
not too long after... It was time to head out.

//-------------------------------------------------------//
                     6-A Better Tactic                     
//-------------------------------------------------------//
6-A Better Tactic
"That meal was just what I needed". Chimed Shining Armor as he smiled contently at his now empty plate."I can see that dear." Giggled the pink Empress. Both ponies had been married for a little over a year ago, even though to them, it feel like as it it had only been a few weeks
For Shining, life in the Crystal Empire was so different than his previous life in Canter-lot. Sure he missed his family and friends and his old job as the Captain of the solar guards, but Cadence was worth it all. The two met when they where young. When he used to foal sit his younger sister Twilight Sparkle. He was very shy at first when it came to confronting her about his strong emotions for her. But he had to be brave. and Nothing would stand in his way. He told her on hearts and hooves day and it went off smoothly. of course she was taken by surprise but she accepted his offer. The two dated for a few years until Shining finally pooped the question. Of course the Princess said yes. The two got married in Canterlot with a simple wedding. Ever since the wedding. Shining armor has taken his job as Emperor and Husband very seriously.
He only ever wanted what was best for her after all.
After their meal Cadence yawned and said she was going to hit the hay earlier than normal. She had a conference with Princess Celestia in the morning so it only made scene. Shining smiled and gave her a kiss as she headed up the crystal stairway to her sleeping chambers.
"Shining are you coming?"She sang down the stairs. Shining smiled "yeah, I will be up in a bit. I have to take care of a few things."
Shining Armor waved her off and went to patrol the halls like he did on a normal basis. Everything was very normal and peaceful... but there was a strange feeling in the air that he couldn't shake off his withers. He shrugged it off and moved on. after the halls where cleared, he decided to go for a gallop in the evening air. Being an Emperor, he didn't usually get time to himself. He was always inside and he rather missed the Outdoors. He had No problem with taking advantage of this rare opportunity.
He cantered outside onto the crystal streets. the springtime evening wind blowing back his forelock as he began to gallop in the fresh open air brought him more than simple joy. he felt free. As if  he was a bird who has escaped his cadge and was able to fly free, and NOTHING could clip his wings.
The Unicorn reached the crystal gates that where the gates of the Empire as he took in the Frozen North around him. he smiled and yawned."I should get back before it's too late and Caddy Bear worries..." He nickered contently and made his way back to the Castle.
That was when sometime particular happened. A single small snowflake landed on his nose.
He was taken by surprise by the snowflake.  Shining Armor Enveloped it in his purple magic careful to examine it. Making sure it was a legit snowflake and not just his own figment of imagination... But no it was definitely a snow flake.
seconds later millions more began to blow past him. He looked behind him in horror.
Yeah to most ponies Snow was not a rarity in the Frozen North. The Crystal Heart was the center of the empire and kept everything snow free and safe, as it has been for many generations before. So if there was snow in the Crystal Empire, it usually meant that eater the Crystal heart was damaged... or worse... gone competently!
A small blizzard approached him. Knowing this, he broke into a full on gallop back to the castle, more particularly, the altar of the Crystal Heart.
He finally arrived at the altar only to find that was missing..... Shining  looked around frantically and on alert. It was then when he finally saw an unnatural Black smokey cloud devour the horizon.
as it got closer Shining squinted his eyes only to notice this was no regular smoke. it had shaped itself into two green and misty eyes. Shining pined his ears and didn't budge.
the mist collected itself as it got closer it began to take form of a pony. more like some sort of strange unicorn like figure with an unnaturally curved red horn and knife like teeth.
for a moment Both shining and the creature stared at each other the creature smiling evil. Shining stomped his hoof. Sensing this stranger was no friend and was not supposed to be here. "Who are you and what do you want?" Shining commanded assertively.
The Black unicorn just grinned as he approached the young Emperor. The Stallion readied his horn in suspicion. the Creature spoke with a low crack unnatural voice. "I am your King. King Somber. I have chosen your lovely Empire as my home and you will surrender or else lights out for your Wife." Somber used his dark magic to summon a cadge with Cadence chained down and begging for her husband to rescue her.
Shining gasped and growled"Not if I have anything to say about it. Don't make me get the Sisters. "This statement sent Sombera Into a chuckle. "Hardly! Over the previous century, I have gathered enough magic and entry to take down Celestia and Luna themselves. So There is no use in fighting. If you give me your thrown and allow me to take ownership of the Crystal Empire and your subject's freedom, i will consider sparing your lives. but if you don't lights out for both of you. You decide."
The young Prince was torn. there was no way he could choose between the love of his life. and the subjects that he has grown to love. He had no choice.
" I will give you the thrown Sombera. As long as you don't harm her." Shining said as he surrendered stepping closer to the dark unicorn.
Sombera grinned. "Good choice young stallion." With that he used his magic to block his magic and chain him up with his wife in the cadge.
Shining was used to being in the crystal prison. but he was usually on the other side of the bars. He groaned as he failed once again as attempting to buck away the Crystal bars on the cadge they where in. he finally sat down weakly. "I-I'm sorry Cadence. I am weak.. there is nothing i can do. i have failed you , I have failed Equestria.... I am so sorry."
Cadence warped her wings around him in a soft embrace. "Shinny, you always tell me never to give up when it's tough. and there is still hope for Equestira! you need to escape and go find Luna. alert her of Sombera.,. build an army and Take Sombera by surprise." Shining sniffed and looked into her eyes. "B-But what about you? He will hurt you."
The empress chuckled  "don't worry about me Shinny. I'm a big filly I can take care of myself for a while. now go while you still can.." It was just big enough for him to squeeze through.
"Shining You need to go now. no time to waste and good luck.." she gave him a peck on the cheek just before he made his way out...  "hey shining?" She called back to him as he began to twist the beam back in place. "Y-yes?" He croaked.  "I love you..." He sniffed and kissed her through the cadge as much as he could. "I love you too....." with that, he smiled at her reassuringly, earning a smile back from his wife. He quickly, and quietly hopped up though the gait, escaping into the night, to find Princess Luna, Build an army and take back was was rightfully theirs.
"Sir? SIR! are you there?" Pinkie pie's cherry voice strayed the Captain from his thoughts. Shining Armor shook his head snapping out of his reverie. "Y-yes... Pinkamina. I am fine. Just nervous... i was thinking about her again."
Pinkie smiled and looked up at him with a soft gaze. "Don't worry sir. She is gonna be okay We will deffinatly find her."
He smerked confedently
"I know we will!"
The Troops neared the Tar infested Empire. Shining paused , raising a hoof high queuing his troops to come to a halt. soon, the Solar Army found themselves face to face with their Opponents.
Dark warriors who remained in their robot-like armor. Their leader stood ahead of them parallel with Shining armor.
The battlefield was silent as the wind blew by. The cold, bloodthirstily glance in Sombera's eyes reminded Pinkie of her nightmares... She did her best to not think about it and focus on the task at hoof. The pink mare glanced up at her commander waiting a command.
King Sombera and Shining Armor slowly moved closer to each other. Looking one another square in the eyeballs.
Sombera smirked "I see you finally made it out here." He said gruffly.
The royal Guard remained emotionless. "Indeed... Now that I am here. I will give you One last chance to surrender. and I will dismiss my troops. and there will be no bloodshed."
Sombera let out a deep chuckle was nearly loud enough to make the ground shake. "Now why in Tartarus would I do such a thing? If i wasn't mistaken, i'd say you where there to just amuse me"
Shining Armor snorted. "Becuase If You don't we will make you. We never did anything to you! You took away our Ruler! You Took away My Wife, You took away MY Home! You took away my Subject's freedom! and you took away My Wife! I have no intentions of amusing anypony, We are fighting to get back what is rightfully ours! We never did anything to you!"
They both grew silent staring from Sombra to Shining Armor.
The dark stallion huffed " That is not true Shining. I couldn't help but notice you have captured one of my guards.
If you don't return him to me, I will have to use force." Shining was taken by surprise by this comeback. "What do you mean? I know for a fact that We have not captured any pony. I even went over role call this morning."
The King gritted his teeth. "Where. IS. HE?"
Shining stomped his hoof with annoyence. Are we really doing this?  "I said WE Don't have any prisoners!"
The umbrum Leader growled.
"Give him to me now! You have one more chance!"
Shining Armor flicked his ear and snapped;
"WE DON'T EVEN HAVE A PLACE TO PUT THEM WE CAN'T EVEN TAKE PRISONERS!!"
The beast hissed "FINE! I will take him back by force." The Caped Unicorn reared and let out practically one of the most ear breaking neighs (if you even call it a neigh) to his troops queuing them to attack at once. Sombera's spiked soldiers moved forward at a galloping pace towards the opponents.
Shining reared and told everyone to get ready to attack.
as the two armies collided, Marble did her best to say by her sister's side, while repetitively dodging everyone's attacks and using them against the enemy. Pinkie Pie followed a similar tactic, while Cheese was able to trick one enslaved pony to but heads with another.
After what felt like a life time of continuous dodging and bucking, Cheese whistled at Pinkie, catching her attention. He leaned down and talked to her in her ear.. "Pinkie Pie, all of this fighting is getting us NO where closer to the Princesses. We need to get to the castle somehow. Its not too far away."
Pinkie looked at the golden pony and nodded, tapping her younger sister on her withers. Marble looked at her as Pinkie explained the plan to her briefly. Marble smiled lightly "Lead the way."
Cheese lead the girls towards the casltle, while keeping out of both Shining Armor and King Sombera's radars. The three ponies slithered around the fighting ponies and eventually made it over to the empire.
Marble peaked out of the bushes, doing her best to keep out of site. The castle grounds where depressing to say the least. They where defiantly not the once shimmery site they where once upon a time. Pinke poked her head out of the bush and took a look around.
Cheese followed in suit. "So now what?" Whispered Marble keeping here eyes on the guards that where standing by the front gate.
Pinkie swished her tail in thought. Her face lit up as she looked up at the stallion next to her "You said you where a stationary guard right?"
Cheese nodded "yep... why?" Pinkie smiled "Do you think you can figure out a way to sneak us in?"
Cheese's face lit up as he took off his solar armor and pulled out his old Sombera armor out of nowhere and started to put it on. "How about we do this, I will go in dressed as a guard.. and You will have to pretend to be my prisoners. This way i can sneak us though the guards and into the dungeon chambers."
Pinkie smiled "That would work!"
"Well, i know a route that will take us right to the dungeon.
BUT... The only way through is through the west wing of the castle. If we go through with this, and the guards buy it, I can get us into the dungon as quick as a whistle."
Pinkie beamed with enthusiasm "Wow such a planer you are indeed!"
Marble goraned, rolling her eyes. here we go again.
the Pink elbowed him playfully. "Great plan soldier I'm glad I found you!" He smiled shyly  and began to paw at the ground sheepishly
"It's nothing really. It's just a simple plan...."
Marble did a light skip in place. " well then soldier, Lead the way before the worse!!"