The train sounded loudly as it chugged forward towards Canterlot. Soon, after the departure of Ponyville, the 6 ponies aboard grew scared and trembling, all but Armanii, who kept calm and remained seated on the train. Rainbow Dash tried frantically to comfort Applejack about her lost, and perhaps dead, sister Applebloom, but no mater what she did, Applejack sobbed. The others paced around the train, muttering to themselves.

“Those things were monstrous!”

“Did you see their eyes?”

“They almost got me!”

“What about my critters…oh my…this isn’t good…”

They all approached Armanii in a cluster, Twilight was the first to speak.

“So what do we do Armanii?”

Armanii sat back and thought to himself.

“Well?” Came an impatient Twilight.

“Right now…I need to speak with the Princesses…Important matters MUST be discussed.”

“Like what exactly?”

“Our next move.”

“What’s gonna happen to the other ponies…you know, the ones who didn’t make it out…”

“I…I do not know…”

At that moment, a loud static came from the radio Armanii had been holding.

“*STATIC* Giiluge, “Ponyvile” Belok? *STATIC*”

Applejack looked up

“What the hay was that?”

“Talomanzan radio chatter…this radio still works.”

“What did it say?” Said all the ponies eagerly

“It said Giiluge…Ponyville taken?”

“What does Giiluge mean?”

“Not what…who. Giiluge is one of the 5 supreme Generals of the military, at the top is Gritz, followed by 3 others…at the bottom of them is General Giiluge…”

“Who are the other 3?”

“I only hear rumors of them, one of them is General Arog, and another is uh...I think General Bago…but I have a feeling we’ll be dealing with them soon…”

The radio sounded again, this time, a different voice came over the radio.

“Irel Siya, Ponyville hii ba belok”

“Casua?”

“Mak”

The chatter ended.

“What did THAT say?” asked a disturbed Twilight

“It said. Yes Sir, Ponyville has been taken. Casualties? 1.”

“Wait, we hurt one?

“Not exactly…”

“Then…”

“He died. I killed him.”

Twilight backed up in horror

“You…killed your own kind?”

“Humanity is monstrous, I can vouch for nothing.”

“What will they do to ponies?”

“I’d rather not say…”

The train stopped, and Armanii stepped outside to see the faces of scared ponies staring at the train. Armanii turned around and saw a train with holes and shattered windows, there was also a sticky residue on the side…blood…

Armanii urged the other ponies out of the train.

“We must reach the castle. Come, we must go.”

He passed thru the crowds of ponies who, surprisingly, never took their eyes off the train. The other 6 ponies followed closely behind, and Applejack was still sobbing. As they passed thru the crowd, they could hear random hearsay from it.

“Where was that train from?”

“Ponyville I think.”

“Why is it damaged?”

“I don’t know.”

“Mommy what’s that red stuff on the windows?”

Armanii and the rest rushed thru, and walked up the empty streets to the castle, the guards were standing out front, he barged past one and stopped at the guard to the throne room.

“Halt! What do you need?”

“I must speak with Princess Celestia and Princess Luna. NOW!”

“What authority do you have that gives you power over me?”

“This.” He pulled out the Plasma Rifle. “This was at the battle of Ponyville, I used this to save these ponies, you see this blood? That is of a soldier that nearly killed us, I demand to see your Princesses NOW. The fate of your world depends on it.”

The guard looked, slack jawed, at the gun.

“Yes sir, right away!”

“Thank you”

Armanii opened the doors to find the princesses discussing a matter between themselves.

“Mr. Sve? What are you doing here? I thought you were studying in Twilights Library?”

“I was…but…Ponyville was attacked.”

“What?!”

“Ponyville was attacked by a squad of Talomanzans.”

“Is everyone okay?!”

“I wish I could say they were…but they were all captured, all but these 6 ponies and I…”

“Well...what can we do?”

"I don't know yet..."

Princess Luna noticed that Applejack was still sobbing

“Applejack, what is wrong?”

“Mah sister…”

“What?”

Armanii interrupted.

“Remember when I said that not everyone was ok?”

“Yes?”

“Well…her sister…she was captured. And I couldn’t save her…”

“Applejack…Will you be okay?”

“Mah family is gone…What’s the point?”

Armanii turned to Applejack.

“Do not worry, we will fight to get them back, I swear to you we will get them back.”

“Thank you Armanii…but it’ll take more than that…”

“I understand. But let us at least try.”

She sniffled and wiped her tears away.

“Ok…”

"Did you manage to complete what studies you could, Armanii?"

"Somewhat, but I need more time with the map and the history. But I did manage to bring these back with me."

Armanii laid the gun and mech armor on the table.

"Mother of Dad..."

"This is the technology Talomanza has. I cannot ask you to replicate it, as it would be impossible. But I have heard rumors that this land gives off plasma, which powers these guns and suits."

"Where did you hear that?"

"My Master General."

"Is that why they want Equestria?"

"It's certainly a good chance, or reason."

The room began to darken with the moonlight, and Celestia began lighting the candles of the throne room.

“What’s the next move Mr. Sve?”

“Right now Princess…I’m not quite sure…”

“May I throw an idea in?” asked Twilight

“Of course Twilight, what is it you propose?” responded Celestia.

“Well, Armanii, earlier you said there were 5 major generals…if your friend that was in here wasn’t one of them, he may have told a lie. Which general did he follow?”

“Gritz, the Master General.”

“Then why don’t we hold a meeting to have the Princess and him talk about it, I’m sure this is a huge misunderstanding, perhaps the general will end this silly thing.”

“That’s a good idea Twilight, but I don’t know…”

“Let’s entertain the idea Mr. Sve.”

“As you wish Princess, but let us do it in the morning, and I’ll work on tracking down the portal they came from.”

“Why don’t we do THAT now. Rainbow Dash?”

“Yes Princess?”

“I…Mr. Sve needs you to hunt around Equestria for that portal. You’re the fastest flyer I know, I need you to do this.”

“Yes Princess!” It was an honor for her to hear Celestia address her as the fastest flyer she knew, but Armanii didn’t care.

“Ms. Rainbow Dash, it is a large, purple, pulsating portal, trust me you cannot miss it.”

“I gotcha, I’ll be back as soon as I can. You can count on me.”

“I should hope so Ms. Dash.”

Rainbow Dash flew out the window into the starry night sky, and disappeared.

Armanii turned back to the princess.

“I do not mean to be a burden princesses, but is there a place I may sleep for the night, or possibly for a while until we can try to fix this mess?”

“Of course, the top of the Canterlot Tower will suit you perfectly, it’s a royal suite, and it’s technically our guest room.”

“That’s perfect.”

“Twilight will show you there.”

“Thank you once again Princess. And Vera naz. Goodnight.”

“Goodnight to you as well Mr. Sve.”

Twilight and Armanii left the throne room, and Armanii followed close behind Twilight, so she could show him the tower room.

“I really hope your plan works Ms. Sparkle.”

“I’m sure it will, Princess Celestia is a great negotiator.”

“Gritz is a notorious warmonger, I strongly advise she proceed with caution on that matter.”

“We’ll see Armanii, we’ll see. And please, call us by our first names, it makes it less formal.”

“Alright then Twilight, if you insist.”

They arrived at a large door.

“Here we are, go ahead and look inside.”

Armanii opened the doors and looked with awe at the design and detail of the room. It was an incredible work of art for just a guest bedroom.

“This room will be perfect, thank you Twilight.”

“Don’t mention it Armanii, Sleep well and we’ll all see each other in the morning.”

“You as well”

Twilight closed the door and left Armanii to himself. He took off his uniform and laid on the bed with this T-shirt and shorts. He hung is uniform in the closet and snuggled into his bed, it was soft, and fluffy like a cloud. Actually he was pretty sure it was a cloud, but he didn’t care. He closed his eyes and hoped that when he woke up…this would be all just a bad nightmare…

Dawn broke thru the windows of Armanii’s room. He opened his eyes slowly and spoke softly to himself.

“Talos please may that have been a dream…” he muttered in Talomanzan. But when he opened his eyes he found the same room he had slept in, the decorations on the walls and the luscious green landscape of Equestria outside the window.

“LOMAN!” he screamed. In Talomanzan, that is damn, and it is a word they say very often. He took his uniform from the closet and dawned it once again, he walked out the door with his radio and walked heavily down the stairs to the throne room. There, Princess Celestia was waiting with the other 6 ponies.

“Ah, good morning Mr. Sve” Said the princess with a delightful tone. “I hope you slept well”

“I did, thank you for asking. Are we all ready for the plan today?”

“Yes Mr. Sve, Twilight has stated it would be best if I went alone. We have already found the portal, it was just outside Ponyville. You missed Rainbow Dash come back about an hour after you went to bed.”

“I see.”

“I have written a letter to your ‘General Gritz’ and…”

Armanii interrupted.

“MASTER General, he is the MASTER General, do not refer to him as a general, this is an insult, for it means you address him as lesser of what he is. Whatever you do, only address him as Matoko when he offers it, until then, address him as Master General Gritz.”

“Thank you for the advice Mr. Sve. May I continue?”

“Of course.”

“I’ve written a letter to him, he replied swiftly but I cannot read it. It wasn’t in any language I speak.”

“May I see the letter?”

“Well it was just a few short lines. But here.” She levitated a small piece of paper over to Armanii. He grabbed it and read it aloud.

“Thank you for the letter Celestia, I would indeed like to meet with you over a fine Talomanzan dinner. I request to see you soon, and I will be waiting in the dinning room. My guards will know you are coming, and so will the scientists. Come alone. Regards -M.G. Matoko Gritz”

“Good, then he DOES want to see me”

“It may be a trap, take this…”

Armanii took out his Plasma Pistol and strapped it to her stomach.

“It will be hidden, if he tries anything, use your magic to shoot back, got it?”

“I got it, but I don’t think I could kill a living being…”

“Trust me princess, this will not be won with peace should anger get the better of Gritz. Now go, and hope this works.”

“Right. I’ll be off. Wish me luck my little ponies.”

Celestia flew off into the sky and dove down from Canterlot to the bottom of the mountain and flew high above the ground towards the rumored portal. It was a far trip but she made it to the location, all that sat there was a large purple portal with Talomanzan soldiers outside of it. It had just opened, and was barely in full operation. Celestia landed, all the guards pointed their rifles at her.

“Celestia?”

“Yes, I am Celestia”

“Ulik tugahl Talomanz? Said the guard

“Pardon?”

“Ulik tugahl Talomanz?” Said the guard once more.

“I don’t speak your language, I am here to speak with your gen…Master General.”

“Gritz” said the soldier with a low voice.

“Bii! Bii!” he shouted to the other guards, who quickly lowered their weapons. He pointed a finger thru the portal, and Celestia followed. She passed thru the portal and a tingly feeling rushed thru her, soon she was within a large metallic facility, and was greeted by a scientist. This one, surprisingly, spoke her language.

“Ah, you must be the princess Celestia we’ve been hearing about. Please, Master General Gritz is waiting for you, follow me.”

“Thank you sir, and what is your name?”

“I am Doctor Vedrach. I run the scientific department for the study of Equestria.”

“I see, and where is Gritz?”

“Thru this door. Your food will be out shortly.”

Celestia opened the door with her hoof and walked in. There laid a long table, with Gritz sitting on the other end. He looked up and a grin creeped across his face. In a heavy accent he announced

“Celestia, please come in, we have much to discuss.”

“We certainly do.” She said and she took her position at the other end of the table, opposite from Gritz.

“So why are you here, I must ask?”

“Well sir, I’m here to talk about this silly nonsense of a misunderstanding we probably have about this war.”

“What’s to misunderstand?”

“Well…You see Master General Gritz…The man who came to my throne room was utterly rude and I feel he perhaps lied to you about me declaring war.”

Gritz chuckled

“What’s so funny?”

“Oh nothing Celestia. It was us who declared war, not you is all.”

“Was it declared off that mans word?”

“I made the decision to declare it. I do not regret that decision. Galog Ishmaam is a loyal soldier.”

“Surely you’re not taking his side?”

“Actually Celestia I am. Would you like to know why?”

“Of course.”

“I’ll tell you when our food gets here. Oh, speaking of which…”

He turned to a small door on the end of the room.

“Poli!” he yelled as he clapped his hands together.

A small black pony came from the door carrying a plate of meat in his mouth. He had shackles on this hind and forelegs that kept him from moving much. He laid the food in front of Gritz and stood there.

“About time. What took you so long?”

“The chef had a hard time cooking it…he’s never cooked it before…” said the pony very softly and in a scared tone.

Celestia looked over at the Master General with a very angry look.

“So you’re using my ponies as slaves?”

“Oh Celestia, when will your kind learn. Some of us work for a living, why should they get to sit around? You see, what you call slavery, I call HARD WORK”

“He has shackles!”

“He will get them removed in time.”

“Why in time? Why is he a slave?!”

“He is a worker of the state Celestia, and soon all the ponies will as well. You’re food should be ready. GOI! Fella Celestia mudosa.”

“Address her as Princess…”

“I’m sorry…what did you say?”

“She is a Princess, you will treat her as such!”

“May I remind you what happened to your sister?”

The black pony fell quiet

“No Master General Gritz…”

“Good. Not get back in there and get Celestia her food.”

“Yes sir…”

“Ah ah ah! Say it in Talomanzan or you’ll be getting the same fate as your sister!”

The black pony looked frantically at the walls and stuttered in a bad accent.

“Irel Siya"

“Good, now get out of my sight.”

The black pony dashed out the door faster than Gritz could turn his gaze back to Celestia.

“Now, as I was saying. I sided with Galog because it wasn’t Galogs decision to start the war.”

“Pardon?”

“I gave the order.”

“WHAT!? Why?”

“Because Talomanza needs more land and some luscious new workers. Your little paradise is perfect for everything. And soon we’ll be in full control.”

“But what about…”

Gritz interrupted her

“I’m sorry, one moment” He turned to his guard standing in the corner and said aloud.”

“I goi, salla Naxxa Pruu”

The guard nodded and walked out of the room.

“What did you say to him?”

“Nothing. Just complementing this dinner” He smiled at her.

“You mentioned the word ‘goi’, I hear Mr. Sve saying that to my ponies all the time. He says it means horse…”

Gritz looked surprised

“He’s still alive? I thought Ishmaam dealt with him already…No matter! He can’t help you and nobody in Equestria or Earth can help you either.”

“What about the horse comment…”

“Oh that? Oh remember when I mentioned that black horses sister a while ago?”

“Yes…?”

“Well, We’re eating her!”

Celestia held her jaw agape for a few moments

“WHAT!?”

“Oh yes, expertly cooked considering the chef hasn’t ever seen it before. Magical horses are a rare dish. You see Celestia, horse is a very well craved delicacy in Talomanza, and I must say…this pony? Absolutly delicious you can hardly taste the fear.”

Celestia backed away from the table

“You’re a monster!”

“And you are a talking horse, which one of us is the crazier one?”

“That doesn’t matter! You’re still a monster!”

“And you are still a talking horse!”

Celestia tried to lift up the gun from her stomach but couldn’t find the power to do so. Her magic just…faded away.

“Do not bother Celestia, your magic is useless here!”

“I am leaving. Consider this war on!”

“It has already begun. Throw whatever you wish at us, we will fight it and crush it. Never think for a moment that we will not find all you love and burn it to the ground in fire and ash. When this is over you shall fear the name Talomanza and Matoko Gritz! The names of my soldiers shall haunt your dreams and your waking hours. Mark my words, when we next meet, We won’t have this chat again.”

Celestia quickly ran out of the room and back into the portal room. From behind she could hear Gritz yell “YHU I RETYA!” but she didn’t know what it meant. The portal began to close and disintegrate before her eyes, she quickly ran thru the portal and back into Equestria just as the portal closed. She stood back up and looked around, everything was fine. She unfolded her wings and went on her way back to Canterlot.

Armanii and the others sat impatiently in the throne room. When the princess finally arrived she was speechless.

“Princess? What happened? How did the talk with Gritz go?” Asked a very curious Armanii.

Princess Celestia looked down at Armanii and looked him in the eyes and said…

“It's on…”

Author's Note

An action must be taken to respond to the attack of Ponyville, the question is...what?