Brothers of War

Prologue

(author’s notes: This is my first fanfic, so please give some feedback for this story. I’m not exactly as good as other fanfic writers, but I’ll try my best.)

Disclaimer: I DO NOT own any and all characters of My Little Pony Friendship Is Magic

Written by Scope (me). Edited and illustrated by Mailbox of d00m)

It all began with a sunny day in Ponyville. All the little fillies and colts were heading to school, just like any other day. As the students took their seats, the bell rang and Ms. Cherilee entered the classroom. "Alright, class: let’s get started. Today, we’re going to be writing an essay.”

“AWWW!”

The class, obviously not happy about this assignment, began to whine and complain in protest. Cherilee defensively responded, “Now, kids, before you throw a fit, let me at least tell you about the project.” The class became silent, giving Cherilee a chance to explain herself. “I feel this assignment is very important. Since we have a war going on right now, I believe we should do a pen-pal project to support our troops and give them our thanks.”

Ever since the Changelings' attack on Canterlot, there have been numerous ponies who were dissatisfied about the security and safety of Equestria. The fact that this invasion was the third attack on Equestria in less than 2 years didn’t look good for Princess Celestia. That, and the entire kingdom were to be protected by 6 mares who never even held a weapon before. Some ponies grew sick of the constant attacks on Equestria and the pathetic excuse for a military. As a result, they banned together and formed a rebel alliance which they dubbed the "Equestrian Alliance," or "E.A." Their main focus is to overthrow the Princesses and reshape Equestria how they see fit.

The kids turned and looked at each other, each giving their own two cents about the project. “This project is going to be so lame,” Diamond Tiara pouted.

“Totally,” Silver Spoon replied.

“This is gonna be easy, ah already write tuh my brother ever since he signed up tuh fight,” Apple Bloom boasted.

“Hey, that’s not fair," whined Scootaloo. "At least you know somepony in the military! I don’t know any of them!" While all the commotion was going on, there was one student who didn't say a word. Dinky Hooves just sat there, looking at the floor, her ears folded, a sad look residing upon her face.

Before the students could continue on about the project, CheeriIee got their attention back. “Now, if any of you know anypony in the military, then you can write to them. If you don’t, however, then when I call your name and give you a paper with the name of a soldier you can write to. Scootaloo, Featherweight, Snails…”

As names were being called, Dinky Hooves spaced out, continuing to look at the floor. Something was bothering her, but she didn’t want to tell anypony.

“Dinky…DINKY HOOVES!” She hears Cherilee calling her name. Cheerilee asked, "Are you alright, Dinky?"

“Oh…yeah, I’m fine.” Dinky got out of her seat and went to the front desk, collecting a name as she passed. As she returned to her desk, she read the name, which caused a disappointed look to appear on her face.

“Okay class, now that we got that out of the way, let’s get started…”

***

Hours passed. The school bell rang, and all the students slammed their papers on the front desk as they ran out. Dinky Hooves walked up to the desk and deposited her paper. Cherilee looked at the paper and, with a puzzled expression, looked back at Dinky.

“Um...dear, your paper is blank.”

“I know,” Dinky said. Cherilee gave her a weak smile. “Look, Dinky, if there’s anything wrong, you can tell me.” Dinky folded her ears and looked at the floor. Cherilee frowned as she realized what was wrong. “Oh, I get it now. I’m so sorry, Dinky; I didn’t mean to-”

Dinky cut her off. “It’s ok, Ms. Cherilee,” Dinky said, giving Cheerilee a sad look. "Okay, how about this: I’ll give you until tomorrow to write your paper, okay? Sounds good?”

Dinky managed to whisper, "Okay..." She took her paper and walked out of the classroom. She walked through Ponyville, looking at the ground the entire time. When she reached her home, she knocked on the door; the door opened and revealed a magenta unicorn who greeted, “Hey, sis!”

“Hey, Amethyst,” Dinky grimly responded. She walked inside, still looking down. “Something wrong, Dinky?” Amethyst Star inquired. Before Dinky could answer, she was suddenly hugged from behind by another pony.

“Hiya muffin! How was school today?”

Derpy Hooves nuzzled Dinky. Dinky turned around and returned the hug. Derpy could hear muffled sobbing and felt her coat getting wet. She looked down and saw her daughter crying at her chest. “Muffin, what’s wrong?” Derpy Hooves quickly acquired a worried expression.

“I miss daddy! When is he coming home?”

Amethyst Star entered and joined the hug. Derpy held Dinky tighter, rubbing her back. “I…I don’t know. He’s still out on patrol…”

“B-but he said he’d be back before my birthday! He’s been gone for 9 months now…I miss him so much, mommy.”

“We all do, muffin, we all do…”

Ditzy started to cry along with Dinky and Amethyst. After about five minutes, they finally started to calm down. Dinky went to her room and locked the door.

“Are you serious, mom!?” Amethyst angrily whispered. “Out on patrol!? Really?!” “Well, what do you want me to tell her??” Derpy replied, trying to maintain a whisper.

“Oh, I don’t know...maybe THE TRUTH!?”

“She’s not ready for the truth;she’s still too young!"

"This cover up about dad has been going on for too long. Look, either you tell her the truth or else she’s going to find out on her own; and trust me, it won’t end well if she finds out for herself.”

“I know…I just need more time, okay? I just don’t have the heart to tell her yet…”

They both hugged each other, still mourning over their loss. Meanwhile, Dinky was looking at a picture on her wall. The picture contained Derpy Hooves and Amethyst as well as herself and a stallion. The stallion appeared to be a white unicorn with brown eyes. The picture portrayed the family, each smiling, huddled together at the park.

After looking at the picture for a while, Dinky had an idea. “Wait…that’s it! That’s how I’ll get daddy to come home! Now I finally have something to turn in for my project!” Dinky grabbed the paper containing the soldier’s name and started writing the letter.

Dear Captain Scope…