Vigor

Vigor

Chapter One - The Horizon

Field - Present

The sun was just on the horizon as it was every morning, and a Cougar was hunting for his daily catch. This Cougar, Power Claw, was hoping for a large buck, but would settle for almost anything nowadays. He was in his favorite stalking spot, on top of an overgrown hill that overlooked a long field. He favored this spot due to its great height advantage and view of the rising sun. One thing he enjoyed was seeing the sun rise each day to greet the world.

Power Claw, having seen many years of hunting, was a more seasoned hunter than the rest of his town. He enjoyed the density of his muscles from countless hours of training; he was different from his agile brethren. But seeing years of hunting doesn’t mean he doesn’t enjoy the peace irradiated by the rising sun.

As Power Claw marveled in the radiance of the rising celestial giant, he spotted a beefy buck creep into the field below. It had just come out from the tree line that was close to the edges of the field. This was his chance. He disappeared in the high grass and began to close the distance.

Power Claw, being able to hunt anything, was considered by peers very skilled at hunting. After all, hunting had been his main occupancy for a while. Needless to say he stealthily closed the distance between him and his prey. His moments blending into the sound of the soothing breeze, undetectable by the unknowing buck, he was mere meters away from it.

Springing forth as he did many times before with his powerful hind legs, Power Claw had the buck motionless on the ground in mere seconds. Releasing his teeth from the buck’s neck and ripping his engraved claws out from the twitching flesh, he got ready for the long drag back to his town. Looking into the sun one last time, he began to drag the buck towards his town.

Equine Royal Chambers - Yesterday

Princess Celestia is standing on her balcony, overlooking the lands. The moon reigns dominate over the skies for a few seconds before a gas giant becomes evident over the horizon. Celestia, horn glowing, watches the beautiful sight of her sun rising. The orange glow entrancing her as she continues to watch after her horn stops glowing.

As Celestia looks away from the rising sun to examine the lands of Equestria, a voice interrupts, “Sister? We were wondering if you wanted to go for a walk in the gardens with us. To help calm us before the meeting.”

Startled by her sister, Princess Luna, Celestia is slow to give a response, but finally utters, “We would be delighted to join you.”

Cougar Town - Present

Most felines are nocturnal, but the Cougars, strangely, aren’t. This has been pondered by many, but they just come to the conclusion that it’s how it is and sometimes you just shouldn’t question everything. The populace of the town is just now been up and awake for a few hours now. Power Claw is usually up early, though it embarrasses him to admit it, to catch the sun rise.  He usually covers this up with the saying ‘The early bird gets the worm.’

In the heart of the city is the market. The market is the loudest part of the city, as well as the largest making up 25% of the town in size. This town is also a respectable economical hub for the Cougar country, with it being connected by paths and roads to many cities and villages. In this key position, the market is the most important organ of this town.

Power Claw enters the town, dragging the buck to the local market where he can sell it for an honest price. Moving through the hustle and bustle to the meat stall he always goes to, he finds it particularly odd today. Dropping the buck carcass, Power Claw speaks up to the nearby vendor, “Good morning, Butcher.” Power Claw greets his friend in a gruff but energized voice. Plainly put but within reason. No one likes to drag a body for longer than thirty minutes, with his spot in the field being a good fifty away.

The vendor of this stall, fittingly is, “Butcher Tail” The reason for this is due to how the Cougar culture names their people. The first name is their current or main occupancy, or something related to it, with their last name being their family line. Power for his strength and Claw for his family line of warriors. Butcher for his job and Tail for his blood line of workers involving more delicate work.

“Hey! There’s the town’s Claws!” Butcher is always joyed to see a friend and frequent trade partner, “I see you got yourself a big one. How much you wanting for this one?” Butcher looks towards the buck, “Same rate per kilogram?” Butcher, being on the job, is fast to get to the point.

“Sounds great to me, but I’d like a few kilos of cooked venison. Of course in exchange for a few kilos off of the buck. Let’s say…” Power Claw looks towards the buck for a few seconds, imitating thought; he finally continues facing Butcher, “Four kilos of cooked venison in exchange for four kilos off the buck and the rest to be sold at the usual.”

“Of course, Power!” Butcher drags the buck carcass behind his stall onto a large scale and later into a container. After packing it away to be processed, he goes to a different container and picks up multiple packages of venison. He goes back to the stall table and lays them down in front of Power Claw. After shuffling around behind the stall, out of view of Power Claw and other passing eyes, Butcher finally takes out a pile of bits and places them on the counter.

Power Claw counts the bits and finds it to be a respectable amount. He puts much trust into Butcher, and Butcher puts much trust into him. They’re really just good friends on top of trading partners. Additionally, neither of them have a reason for cheating the other in the amount of bits owed to the other. Currency is only used to get what you need and power isn’t desired to a large extent in the Cougar society, only enough to be respected and viewed as an equal to others. The only Cougars with significantly more power than others were the ones elected through democracy, those being ministers and the single president.

“Say Power; are you free to talk a little?” Butcher suddenly questions Power Claw.

“Yes, I think so.” Power Claw quickly answers, Butcher never asks him about his schedule.

“Well…” Butcher puts on a solemn facial expression and continues after a sigh, “I have some bad news for all of us, but I’m not quite sure how true it is.” Power Claw reflects Butcher’s face and he simply asks, “What is it?”

“I’ll tell you, but don’t go around telling everyone. There has been a… ” Butcher is at a loss of words and stumbles over his tongue before saying, “Event. It has been contained from spreading publicly for now, but I really just want you to be prepared in advance. Okay?” Butcher’s tone became more firm, and his attention is completely focused on Power Claw. “Trade routes between us, Cougars, have been ceased with the Equines. I have no idea why this has happened, and the entire merchant community is in shock from this.” Butcher stops for Power Claw’s response.

“But… Why would we cease trade routes?” Power Claw’s gruff tone has degraded into fearful one. Taking into account of the years of peace his nation and the Equines had shared. Getting prepared for the worst, Power Claw intently listens.

“Supposedly our president is going to release an announcement publicly later today. He’ll hopefully put things in a better light. Let’s just hope there was just a disease outbreak, and trading would only help spread it. I don’t really know.” Butcher explains to Power Claw, quickly but descriptive enough. They both think for a while: going over the possibilities, and hoping for the best.

Equine Royal Gardens - Yesterday

The gardens were shining from the light being reflected off the morning dew. The flowers were beaming with their vivid colors of bright pink, blue, and red. The air is surprisingly smooth to breath, even with the large amount of pollen in the air. The bushes were expertly trimmed to resemble many things, including the royal Equine sisters.

The royal Equine sisters themselves were slowly walking through the gardens. They enjoyed examining all the glorious sights the plants had to offer. Though they don’t like to tell anyone; they sneak a few bites of the flowers every once in a while. With their eyes and taste buds satisfied, they find a nice area lay down and rest.

“Sister, we are nervous about the meeting today…” Princess Luna finds this time to get something off her chest.

Princess Celestia puts a hoof on Luna’s and reassures her, “Sister, you haven’t anything to worry about. They’ll accept it. We are sure.” Celestia states this with a hint of nervousness herself, but Luna doesn’t detect this in Celestia’s voice.

“But, what if they don’t? We don’t like the…” Luna cringes small bit and continues, “‘backup plan’ the captain came up with…” Luna shuts her eyes and lowers her head, facing her hooves.

Celestia lets out a short sigh and tells Luna, “We don’t like it any more than you do. But it’s necessary for our goals. The captain knows that, and that’s why he decided on that plan.” Celestia lowers her head to be on level with Luna. “Do you understand?” Celestia gives her most comforting tone she can muster for her last question.

Luna opens her eyes and hugs Celestia while saying, “We do. But we think there should be another way.”

They embrace one another, both hoping for the best in the coming hours. They let go of each other as they both stand up.

“We think it’s about time for the meeting.” Celestia adds while standing up with her sister.

“But wouldn’t someone come to remind us?” Luna adds, right before the doors to the garden are opened, revealing a royal guard. The royal guard was just a normal ranking guard, wearing iron armor, equipped with a spear. The princesses approach the guard, and the guard approaches the princesses.

As they come within three meters, the guard bows and clearly states in a low voice, “The Foreign Relations meeting is going to take place in an hour, my lieges.”

“Thank you, we shall be there shortly, dismissed.” Celestia tells the guard as he rises and leaves the gardens. Celestia faces Luna and asks, “Are you ready?” Luna looks Celestia in her eyes and nods.

Equine Meeting Room - Yesterday

The Equine royal meeting room is just over the top decorated as any other building or room that had royal in its name. This room has a silver center table, lined with chairs specifically designed for those would be sitting there this evening; the most noticeable were two thrones at one end for the princesses. There were two doors in this room, both on opposite sides of each other; one was behind the two thrones at the end of the table. The other, of course, was near the other end. The closest door to the thrones was exclusively for the princesses’ use and the other for all the foreign representatives. The windows on one long side of the room lit up the room and made the royal guards who were stationed in the corners look very shiny.

The princesses entered into the room through their door and took a look around as a guard approached them.

“The security checks are complete and the representatives are waiting outside. We’re waiting for your go ahead.” The guard explained in a monotone. After finishing he looked straight forward and waited for a response.

After exchanging nods with Princess Luna, Princess Celestia replies, “I think we better let them in then.”

“Yes ma’am!” the guard goes off, and outside the doors on the other end of the room. The princesses then take their seats and wait. After about two minutes, the foreign representatives pour into the room, easily finding their seats and all get prepared.

“Welcome! We’re delighted to see you all made it today. Of course, you’re all probably tired of waiting, so we’ll start off immediately to the subject today.” All eyes are on Celestia as she explains further. “You’ve all been summoned here, as told, to renew trade and peace agreements.”

A Griffon representative interrupts, “Please Princess, can we just move along? We all know why we’re here and you’re only wasting time.” This statement causes the crowd of representatives to start talking amongst themselves.

“Silence, please.” Celestia orders in a gentle but assertive voice. After the crowd is completely silent, Celestia goes on to say, “I realize that, and because of that, we’ll go right to explaining the new terms on our side.”

The crowd starts to question silently. Celestia says, “These terms have been modified greatly from last, so I suggest you listen up.” Celestia clears her throat before reading off the new terms of peace and trade out loud in a very serious tone, “The first and only additional term for the trade agreement… In return for free trade between your nation and the Equine nation, you shall pay an annual tribute of five hundred thousand bits.” Celestia finishes her new term for free trade. Everyone in the room starts talking at once, everyone except the guards and the princesses.

“Silence!” Celestia’s voice booms out, and bounces off the walls forcing everyone to go dead silent.  “You will all listen at once.” Celestia cries out.

“Princess, with all due respect, but that term is ridiculous!” the Griffin representative bawls; once more igniting the room with talking.

Celestia is quick to stop the talking by dropping a bomb, “Any nation who doesn’t renew their terms, either on the trade agreement or peace agreement, will be declared an enemy of the state of Equine!” As Celestia finishes her announcement, the entire room falls back into order. “Now that I have your attention, I will announce the new peace agreement term… First and only, by signing this you agree that your nation’s military will never bypass ten thousand soldiers, or pay tribute to the Equine nation per extra soldier. This tribute will be 100 bits per extra soldier. That is all.” Celestia looks around at the representatives around the table, all whispering to one another.

Princess Luna finally speaks up and says, “You all will be given the choice to renew these terms here and now, or declare war upon the Equine nation.” She then uses telekinesis to pass out the trade and peace agreement papers; one of each to each representing party. The representatives talk amongst others in their own parties and finally; the Zebra foreign representative signs it.

The Griffon representative shouts, “How could you even consider this!”

“No choice, we have.” The Zebra representative manages to say. The Griffon only stares at the Zebra, and then down to the document. After about a minute, the Griffon signs it; causing silence to fill the room to the brim.

Celestia starts up and breaks the silence and asks, “Foreign Minister of the Cougar nation… Why haven’t you signed it yet? The Equine nation would love to have peace with you.”

“I can’t do this to my nation and nor should anyone else!” the Cougar representative confidently states in return. “I saw take my leave immediately.” The Cougar and his advisors then stride off, out of the room.

As they leave Celestia says, “We would suggest you sign it.” When she finishes this sentence she’s quickly shouted at with a response.

Stopping on his way out, the Cougar roars at Celestia saying, “I will never sign such things! They’re abominable and I’m ashamed that that anyone would even consider agreeing to them.” Celestia only nods at this response as others in the room, who had signed it, frown deeply. With this, the Cougar finally takes his leave.

“You’re all dismissed. This meeting is over.” Celestia calmly informs the nation representatives in the room, followed by leaving the room herself, with Luna and the Royal Guard Captain by her sides.

Dirt Road Leading Out of Equine Country into Cougar Country - Yesterday

A long dirt road leading out from the Equine capital, going into Cougar territory has three carriages on it. All three of these carriages have Cougar emblems on them, along with the Cougar flag. The carriages are in a column formation, with a certain Foreign Minister riding the carriage in the middle.

Inside the middle carriage is a purple velvet interior with two seats. One seat is occupied by the Foreign Minister for the Cougars; the other seat has his advisor on it.

The advisor named Tally squeaks a question to his superior, “Um sir, are you sure that not signing that… Was the best idea?”

“Yes I’m sure Tally. Signing that would hurt us more than any war could.” The assured minister states clearly.

After eyeing some papers, Tally asks, “But sir, are you sure that we wouldn’t benefit more from continued trade and peace?”

Thinking about this question, the minister comes back with, “If trading and peace meant being forced to limit our military, and pay them money. Yes, I am very sure.”

“But sir, what do you think the president is going to say?” the advisor is getting very concerned, and it’s visible in his voice.

As soon as the minister’s eyes connect with Tally’s, he states, “Don’t worry Tally, the president entrusted me with these powers to decline these things. He is going to fully support me in this scenario.”

“I sure hope so… Sir…” Tally squeaks one last thing before a loud boom is heard ahead of them and the carriage swerves to the right, throwing both of them off balance and off their seats. The carriage goes to an abrupt halt and voices can be heard outside.

“I’m going to go outside and see what’s going on!” the minister, very shocked, almost shouts to Tally as he jumps out of the carriage only to see an entire platoon of Royal Pegasus Guards harassing his body guards.

“You’ll all die for this heresy committed against us!” a Cougar bodyguard screams after he pounces and shreds the neck of a Pegasus. The Pegasus, now twitching, is devoured at the maw of the cougar, now efficiently bleeding beyond repair. Drenched in blood the bodyguard makes his way to the minister in a full sprint.

“Shield! What’s going on?” the minister frantically asks his head bodyguard.

“The Equine! They’re attacking without war officially being declared! We need to get out of here quickly.” Shield forces out these words before a large Pegasus dives down and tackles him. Screaming at his Pegasus attacker, the Cougar begins clawing at his sides and biting his face. The Pegasus retaliates by attempted to trample him.

Tally steps out from the carriage and shouts, “Shield!” Tally then pounces onto the Pegasus, forcing him down on the ground, and starts biting his neck mercilessly.  As other bodyguards are defeated, taking a few Royal Guards with them, Pegasus start to surround the minister, Shield, and Tally.

The Cougars stand together in the middle of the Pegasus Guards who circle them over ahead, and in front of them. A minute passes before a single Pegasus approaches. In armor that was much more complex than the others around him, he was obviously at least a non-commissioned officer.

“Surrender and come with us.” The Pegasus declares to the three remaining Cougars.

After exchanging glances and confirming nods the minister is first to speak, “If you kill one of us, you have to kill all of us.” This is met only with a stare from the Pegasus.

“Kill them.”

Cougar Town - Present

It was a long day for Power Claw. His time spent hunting today only wielded him a single buck. After catching news from Butcher about the trade routes and the rumors, Power Claw had been wondering more and more what had actually happened.

Walking into town for the second time today, he noticed the absence of racket from the market. Wondering what had happened, Power Claw went to Butcher’s stall.

Upon approach you could see that Butcher, among others, were packing up their stall for the day. But something else was different.

“Butcher, is something wrong?” Power Claw asks his friend with a sincere tone of voice.

“Wha-. Oh yes, Power Claw… Our questions were answered in the middle of the day…” Butcher, sounding less than enthusiastic, calmly explains to Power. “The president made his announcement, and news spread quickly.”

“Tell me what it was, Butcher.” Power Claw starts to sound irritated, not with Butcher, but from the distress he was getting prepared for.

“It was announced that the Equines had killed the Foreign Minister… War was declared. I’m so sorry Power…” Butcher sadly tells Power Claw, as he approached to comfort him.

“How… I mean why…” Power Claw was at a loss of words. The Foreign Minister… His father… Had been killed.

End of Chapter One.