This ragtag bunch of minorities had a important meeting, of course. D'zhazi of Grand Zebrasia, Spike, Gilda from Griffionstone, and Thorax from the Changeling hive, all seated in a cold courthouse in the middle of the Frozen North. They stood primarily as mediators, as it was obvious that a Grand Coalition had to made. However, Doctrines had not been decided, until today. A highly decorated Crystal Pony finally spoke up, his medals chiming as he cocked up his neck.

"It is clear that we will all need to develop a naval force. However, I believe a strike on the agriculture of Equestria may be best, especially while their supply lines remain shaken from the Hive conflict." The controversy expected from this plan was nothing but a calm whisper.

"The Griffins may be able to fly the distance needed to perform an attack on northernmost settlements, but we wish to primarily take a support role." A few generals already began moving along, hoping that they could roll out the maps already. The Changeling's proximity to their enemy made it extremely clear what the plan was for them.

A Few Hours Later.

The Crystal Empire was the only state wrestling diplomatically with the Equines recently, as a desert nation with some surprising quirks had not yet entered the war. A Changeling diplomat racing through the ceded Everfree was prepared to change that. A hundred miles north, the first Military Factories were beginning fabrication.

In Equestria, the effects of war were obvious. However, most people did not think that the core industry of the nation would be shut off to it's citizens. However, a booming orchard in Ponyville was going to be the first to hear the news.
At Sweet Apple Acres, the field was always tranquil, but a group of elite Royal Guard marched onto the property, with a sign of commission. After four short and rasping bangs on the door, a wrinkled old woman, known to the owners as Granny Smith, opened the door. after a few short hours, cider season, and all unlimited apple sales were shut down in exchange for a government commission. The same was replicated amongst much of the country, with wheat based products being the only non-rationed food left.

Outside of the Everfree, the 73rd and 45th Armies of Equestria were crippled, to the point where deserters were no longer chased after. The fighting force of 12,000 ponies had become 2,388 after constant attacks from the Changelings. The situation had gotten so poor that the role of Squad Commander often rested on the shoulders of rookies, and some squads were lone ponies, expected to fight by themselves.

In the Frozen North, Equestrian Combat marchers finally made it to the Winter Wonderland they had anticipated. However, they were treated to freezing temperatures, as ponies dropped their sweaters in bogs, forgetting there was a chance they'd make it to the north. The environment forced them on to a bridge crossing, where the Crystal Army waited. Unbeknownst to the wind patterns, the snow changed direction, blinding the Equines. As they tried retreat under massive fire over the bridge, they overwhelmed it, causing it to collapse. Hundreds of 2-ton ponies fell onto thin ice, their unkempt weight cracking it. The snow concealed bodies and ways to exit, giving them a frigid blanket for their final rest. Generals sent rushed calls for help, and finally, the Wonderbolts would get a crack at the revolutionaries.

These Wonderbolts came in flying low, trying to avoid the snow above. Their flashy and blitzing air attack seemed cool, and surely cut at some of The Crystal Army, but in the end, the freezing temperature, fatigue and lack of supplies caught onto the Bolts as they soon pulled back. Wing Leader Rainbow Dash attempted a poorly timed counter attack, and her wing was caught in a hellish sea of flame, washing away her very being. As the sun rose, 200 infantry troops and 90 wonderbolts limped their way back.

Author's Note

Major Deaths:
Rainbow Dash.