The sun rose, giving birth to another day of life. A young orange filly with a blonde mane and tail slept peacefully, until a loud obnoxious rooster awoken her from her slumber. She struggled to get up, subconsciously pulling her blankets over her head.

She heard a yawn, it was loud and sleepy then came the smacking of lips afterwards. She heard the sounds of blankets being thrown off, then she heard the sound of hooves being placed on what sounded like wooden flooring. “C’mon Applejack, rise and shine. Ma and Pa don’t like it when you sleep in”

The voice was masculine but hasn’t reached maturity yet for the voice hasn’t broke.

Applejack groaned slightly before crawling underneath her pillow, “Go away, Big Mac” She said tiredly.

“C’mon now, we both got school”

Applejack felt a hoof poking her, “Don’t make me get Ma”

Before she could reply, a loud familiar voice sounded off from elsewhere in their home, it was masculine and stern, “Applejack! Big Macintosh! You better be up by now!”

The little filly groaned and after a few seconds felt her sheets being pulled off, “Let’s go little sis”

She reluctantly rose from her bed, her pillow falling off her head as she stood up. She stretched, yawned and rubbed her eyes, she was met with the view of the headboard of her bed, the wood was dark oak and had the shape of an apple carved into the centre.

She turned her gaze to the rest of her room, it was bland, rundown and in terrible condition, the only thing that was even remotely close to a stable condition was the blankets on her beds, hoof stitched by her granny.

“Good mornin’ Big Mac” Applejack muttered drowsily, she let out another yawn as her brother smiled at her. He was a red coated stallion with an orange mane and tail and sap green eyes.

“Mornin’ to you too sis” He then started to head out the room, “C’mon now, we don’t want to be late for school”

Once he was out of sight, Applejack jumped off the bed and walked over to a standing mirror. She took some time to inspect her current state; she was a mess, bed mane, rough uneven coat and some small bags under her eyes, though almost invisible to those who are inattentive.

She walked out of her room Applejack heard the sound of pans clanging, no doubt breakfast was in the process of being made.

After making her way down the stairs that felt like they were gonna give in, she immediately made her way towards the kitchen.

Once she entered, Applejack saw the state of the kitchen; to say it was in a state of disrepair would be a fallacy, it looked like the sheer weight of a feather could cause the furniture to collapse, the wooden floors and walls were cracked and warped, the mixture of green paint on the walls were already peeling while the oak wooden floor were losing its natural colour.

The kitchen equipment was on a whole nother level however; a rusting stove and sink, drawers and cabinet doors with broken hinges and knobs.

It’s a wonder our home hasn’t torn down already, Applejack thought.

Oddly enough her older brother was the only one seated at the dining table while her mother was making something on the stove. Applejack's mother was a beautiful mare, a pale saffron yellow coat with a brilliant orange mane and tail, turquoise coloured eyes. Her cutie mark was a picture of a glass jar that contained apple butter.

“Mornin’ y’all” Applejack greeted with a yawn.

“Good morning, hun” her Ma said without facing away from the stove, “Did you sleep well?”

Her mother’s question was answered with a yawn, “You didn’t stay up did you?” She said coldly.

Even without looking at her, Applejack felt a cold shiver travel down her spine.

“N-no ma, I…” Applejack let out a sigh, “There was somethin’ outside that was making a lot of noise though”

Her mother finally turned to face her, she raised an eyebrow “What did it sound like hun?”

Applejack placed a hoof under her chin, “Well, it sounded like an air-“ unfortunately before she could finish, the screen door to the outside world was slammed open.

Standing in the doorway was a stallion with a pale yellow coat, a brilliant red mane and tail, and moderate green coloured eyes. He had a Granny Smith apple with its core exposed as his cutie mark and had a light brown Stetson hat.

He did not seem to be in the mood, he had bags underneath his eyes and his mane, tail and coat was a downright disgrace, for his hair was standing out of place. In his mouth was what appeared to be a bundle of letters, “Mornin’ Pa” Applejack said before taking a seat at the kitchen table, opposite of Big Mac.

Her father placed the letters on the kitchen counter before facing his daughter, “Mornin’ sweetheart” he saw Applejack yawn, “Ah take it you didn’t sleep well?” She shook her head.

He sighed and walked over to his wife, “What are ya makin’ Buttercup?” He asked, placing his head close to her face.

She let out a soft giggle, “Prench toast with butter, honey and an assortment of berries, Bright Mac”

Buttercup received a loving kiss, “I don’t know how ya do it, Buttercup” Bright Mac whispered in her ear, “But you always seem to know how to turn a bad situation into a good one”

Buttercups cheeks gave off a slight shade of pink, “Take a seat sugarcube, I’m almost finished - oh actually”—She picked up a plate that had three pieces of prench toast and a healthy mix of blackberries, blueberries, raspberries and strawberries and hoofed it over to Bright Mac—“Give this to Granny, would you dear?”

Bright Mac grabbed the dish and nodded before leaving the room.

After a few minutes, Buttercup prepared four plates filled with an amount of food equal to Granny Smiths, two by two she placed them on the table, one plate in her mouth and another in her hoof.

“Eat up kids, you have school”

“Thanks Ma” Applejack and Big Mac said in unison before digging into their meals.

While they were eating, Buttercup took a quick look through the mail, everything seemed fine until she suddenly gasped out of nowhere.

Her kids looked at her, “Ma, is everything alright?” Big Mac asked, concerned at the current situation.

Buttercups back was facing them, so they couldn’t get a look at her face. The silence was making them anxious, they kept glancing at each other, neither of them knew what to do.

Finally she answered, “Uh, y-yes… e-everything’s fine” she said, her back still facing them, “Just finish your food and head to school, I… need to speak… with your Pa”

Buttercup quickly exited the room, not even looking at her kids. Applejack could’ve sworn she saw tears in the corners of her eyes, but she chalked it up to just her being tired and resumed to the current task of finishing her meal.

As she ate, she occasionally glanced up at her brother, “Do ya know what that was about Big Mac?”

He looked up from his meal and just stared at her, silently, “Just… finish your food sis, we don’t want to be late” She cocked her head to the side and continued eating though at a much slower pace.

Once they finished their breakfast Applejack and Big Mac grabbed their saddlebags and set out for school, they got a fair distance between the farmhouse until Applejack turned to get a look at it.

The farmhouse had seen better days and the outside seemed just as bad as the inside, it wouldn’t take much force to knock the place down if anypony was being honest. She sighed and quickly turned to catch up with Big Mac who hadn’t noticed her quick stop.

The walk to school was mostly silent and uneventful, Applejack kept shooting glances at her brother, his head hung low and his movements slow. Every offer to help was met with silence and every question to what happened this morning was met with a change of subject.

She slowed to a stop, staring daggers at the red coated colt. She shook her head and picked up the pace to catch up with him.

It didn’t take long before Applejack started seeing some of her classmates, some even walking with an older sibling or parent. Of those who were associated with Big Mac gave an attempt to say ‘hello’ but only to receive none in return, soon enough the pair had to part ways, “Behave at school Applejack” Big Mac mumbled.

“Ah will, ya take care brother, stay safe!”

He gave a soft smile before pulling Applejack in for a hug, “Ah will,” the siblings pulled away from each other’s embrace, “Remember head straight home after school”

“Ah will” She said, as she started to trot along the same path that led to her school.

As Applejack trotted along the dirt path, she overheard pieces of ongoing conversations between various groups of fillies and colts. Most of it was about what might the class do in school but one particular conversation caught her attention. It was between a Unicorn colt and a Pegasus filly.

“Did you hear what happened last night?” The filly questioned.

“No. What happened” The colt replied.

“Apparently a ‘Warfleet’ flew over Ponyville. When I asked my dad what they were doing, he told me that they were prob- prob- prob-a-bly going to the Earth pony mines or rock farms”

“Heh, be glad that it’s not us”

“Not yet at least.”

“What do you mean?”

“My dad told me that they were born with a hole in their heart. A hole that no possession, power or know- know-ledge could fill.”

“Wait… I think I heard that before… did you get that from a book or something?”

“Well… yes”

“Scroll… Heartstrung… right? Or was it Heartstrings”

“I think it was Heartstrings”

Applejack however did not catch the rest of the conversation as another caught her ears. Though this time it was between two Earth Pony fillies.

“-id your family get a weird letter this morning?”

“Yeah, my parents were talking about it before I left”

“Do you know what it was about?”

“Hmm… not really, but I think it was related to the harvest”

“... This coming harvest right?”

“Yeah… something about ‘making the quota’ this harvest season”

“Oh… well, what happens if you don’t make the quota?”

“I’m not sure Roseluck, maybe they might take our farm… or worse… ”

“Don’t worry Golden Harvest, my sisters and I can lend you a hoof. Our family may produce flowers instead of crops but we know the basics”

“Really?! Gee, thanks Rose, with your help we might make the harvest”

Oh gosh darn it, is that what the letter was about? Applejack thought as she mindlessly walked along the path.

No, it can’t be. Is it the farms? But why would they want to take our farms?

“Applejack”

No, they wouldn’t do that. Pa said that the farming families communities are just as important to them as the mining families.

“Applejack”

What about the rest of the family? Did mah cousins get the letter as well? Oh darn, I hope not.

“Applejack!”

“Huh what?” The orange filly was pulled out of her thoughts. Beside her was a white coated unicorn filly with a purple mane and tail and moderate blue coloured eyes.

“Oh uh, hiya Rarity” Applejack said, smiling sheepishly.

Rarity raised an eyebrow, “Is something on your mind Applejack?”

“Oh, no… why do ya ask?” she asked with a forced smile.

“I ask, because every farming family in Ponyville has gotten a letter this morning, and seeing that you were lost in your own world, I can only guess that said letter is on your mind”

Applejack sighed and lowered her head, “How’d ya know?”

“To be honest it was a bit of an educated guess” she said with a wave of her hoof, “...that and it seems to be the only thing on everypony’s minds this morning, oh and the absolutely dreadful ruckus last night”

“You heard that too?” Applejack asked questionably, before she continued walking, with Rarity walking beside her, “I thought you blocked out all the noise with cotton balls in your ears”

“Oh I did, but that only rates against small things, not what the whole of Ponyville heard last night”

“Yeah, I guess you're right” Applejack finished, but not before a question popped in her head, “Do ya know what the letters are about?”

“It’s hard to say. Ever farmer got a different letter, I think”

“Oh…” Was all that she could let out, unsure if that made her situation better or worse.

Rarity saw the look on her friends face and immediately acted out, “Oh don’t worry about it Applejack, I’m sure that there won’t be any problems whatsoever.”

“You sure? I’m not too sure myself” Applejack said softly, now looking away from Rarity.

“I’m sure, everypony knows about the backbreaking work your family does, and they should be lenient towards your family, your harvests weren’t exactly, uh, how do you say… smooth”

“I guess you’re right” Applejack said with worry still lingering in her voice.

“Hmm… “ Rarity pondered for a bit before getting an idea, “How about you come over to my place for a bit, I could use another filly’s opinion on some of my designs”

To Rarity’s success, Applejack’s face brightened for a brief second before dimming down, ears flattening against her head, “Ah appreciate the offer Rarity but Ah need to get back to the farm right after school”

“Oh… I see” Rarity sadly said, “Another time then?”

“Yeah, another time” Applejack finished, looking ahead, with the school now in sight. The school - much like Applejacks home - had seen better days, rundown, old, red paint that has peeled throughout time.

A shame really…

As soon as they reached the school, Rarity and Applejack immediately made their way to class but not before hanging their saddlebags on some hooks that lined the hallway outside of the classroom.

When they entered, they immediately felt the atmosphere in the air, it was cold, sombre, filled with sorrow, something that shouldn’t surprise anypony.

They saw their classmates who were all sitting in their respective seats, Berryshine, Golden Harvest, Shoeshine, Roseluck, Daisy, Lily, Cherry Fizzy and his brother Cherry Gold, Chocolate Haze and… Bran Wheat.

Applejack sent a glare to that last one, to which he sent smug grin in return. He was an Earth Pony stallion, with a wolf grey coat, jet black mane and tail, and cyan coloured eyes.

“Come on Applejack” Rarity said, pulling the farmer’s hoof with her magic, “Let’s take our seats”

“Right…” Applejack muttered, growling lowly.

They both took their seats - which happened to be next to one another - and as soon as they did their teacher walked in.

A unicorn mare with a peach coloured coat, a dark coloured mane and light hazel eyes, she had a white colour around her neck with a black tie along with it, and her cutie mark was three pencils. Her mane and coat seemed to be rough and uneven while her eyes carried dark bags.

“Good morning class” she said dully, “Please forgive me but let’s make it a peaceful session, ok?”

Most of the class murmured in agreement while others just stayed silent.

Berryshine raised her hoof, the teacher nodded, prompting her to speak, “Miss Pencil Pusher, what are we gonna do today?”

The teacher let out a yawn, “Just some quiet study for today's class, read a book or complete some work. If you need help just ask. Oh, we did receive some books from Her Highness, a donation no less” she said as she pulled out some paperwork.

The class nodded and went on to do their own quiet work, some students grabbed a book while others went outside and pulled out some incomplete work from their saddlebags.

Rarity got a pencil and some paper before starting to sketch out new designs. Applejack didn’t have any incomplete work, so her mind settled for some reading.

She walked over to the bookshelf that sat in the back corner of the classroom and took a good look, By all means it wasn’t a great selection, but who could blame her, they weren’t the only students in Equestria.

At least the bookshelf was filled with more books.

Above the shelf was a note, relaying a message,

You’re allowed to borrow these books, just return it soon - Pencil Pusher

Applejack began dragging her hoof across the spines of the books, sliding through many titles and authors.

Bestiary Guide by Doc Mare

Mysteries of the Frozen North by Hard Cover

Myths and Legends by Thorough Read

Emergence Day by Lost Faith

How to Survive in Equestria by Torn Pages

First Contact by Scroll Heartstrings

What we know about them by Scroll Heartstrings

Applejack raised an eyebrow before pulling the book out with a hoof. It had a dark brown leather cover with a refined white text as a title and was wrapped by two strips of leather. It was a fairly small book Applejack would even wonder if this should be in the section it’s in, but seeing nothing else to read she quickly looked around to see if anypony saw what see was grabbing.

Seeing nopony else paying attention to her, she quickly pulled out a much larger book and placed the first book inside the second. She then turned and quickly returned to her desk without drawing the attention of anypony.

When she did, she opened the book to the first page. The text that resided within was odd, written in pencil instead being printed in ink like other books.

Was this a draft or somethin’?

Applejack quickly disregarded it and began to read.

Entry #1

So let’s start with what we do know:

We know what they are and we know what to call them… and that’s about it.

Despite Ponies… ‘co-existing’ with them for over four generations, we still know little to nothing about them. I have an endless amount of questions that could fill out an entire exam sheet for a whole school but despite my attempts to find anything out, I was only met with failure. It seems I have to resort to a much more… difficult approach.

Applejack paused for a second and that’s when it hit her, this wasn’t a book… well it was but it’s not a story or anything like that, instead it was a journal.

Entry #2

Regardless of what other Ponies may think, you can find out a lot of things with… a bit of observation.

The subtle hints, reactions, ‘brands’, the way they speak, the way they see other ponies creatures. The smallest things can reveal a lot about a… pony.

All this… it still applies to them.

Oh what joy.

Entry #3

Getting one of them to say anything has been less than stellar, as none of them will reveal anything. Even the most simplest of questions:

How do you know how to speak Equestrian?

How do you balance yourself on two legs?

Why do you wear clothes all the time?

And all I get is either them degrading me or ‘shut it before I send your flank to the mines’

They can try… I’m no coward, unlike the Princess.

Applejack pulled her head out of the book, Darn this Pony is crazy.

She leaned into the book and continued reading.

Entry #4

After observing them for a few weeks, I figured out the daily routine for these ‘Imperial Guards’ as they told us to call them. When I asked why, he just said ‘Translated from our language you useless pest, now get back to work!’

Such a nice Pony creature.

Despite speaking different languages their daily routine does reveal something. I guess the phrase ‘actions speak louder than words’ applies here… kinda…

Every morning these creatures kneel, hold their weapons to their chest and start praying to somepony… or maybe its a way of remembrance, just like Ponies do on the anniversary of the ‘End of the Unification Wars’.

Hmm… I’m leaning more towards praying, I try listening in on what their say but I can’t understand a word they’re saying but there is one word that stands out from the rest:

‘Anima’

A God or Goddess? Hero or heroine perhaps?

If only they answered my questions.

Applejacks attention was pulled away however as a series of loud bangs were heard. She raised her head and saw that the class had also stopped whatever activity they were performing and turned their heads to the door.

The teacher moved towards the door and opened it, she suddenly stepped back in shock and horror. She quickly prostrated herself, her body trembling and her eyes shut as she waited.

Everypony excluding the students in the front row couldn’t see who was at the door, but judging from the mumbling and hushed conversations coming from the front, Applejack could only assume the worst.

Soon the teacher opened her eyes and rose, quickly trotting out of the room but not before stopping to look back at her students one more time.

Applejack could hear the voices in the room, and it didn’t exactly make her feel comfortable.

“What do you think is happening?”

“I don’t know, but somepony is in trouble”

“What makes you think that?”

“Well, why else would they be here?”

Applejack gulped and turned to Rarity who was trembling and trying to shrink herself behind her desk.

“Hey, uh Rarity?” Rarity turned her head to her, “Are you alright?”

Rarity shook her head, “N-not r-really Applejack, I uh, I’m just nervous,” Rarity looked around for a second before leaning towards Applejack and whispering, “Are they really here? You know what that means… don’t you?”

Applejack only slowly nod.

Soon enough Rarity held several designs up with a magical grip, placing them in front of her in a way to act as a barrier, shielding herself from the front.

Applejack sighed and stood the books up on its bottom edge, with the books shielding her face she continued reading and did her best to block out any outside noise.

Entry #5

There was a commotion in Canterlot today, from what I’ve heard from somepony, an Imperial Warship dropped off a group of five soldiers.

When I asked him to describe what they looked like… my gosh… they way he described them.

‘Soulless creature with no hearts, wearing nothing but the black hides of their enemies, a blackened hood that concealed their heads with each adorned with a silver like horn, revealing their devilish appearance, and a black piece of cloth that concealed their dead faces, they carried no weapons for they needed none, for their magic is fueled by the souls of their enemies.’

Clearly this pony has some issues… right?

I mean, there’s no way anypony could be like that… right?

The sound of a door opened, Applejack laid the book flat against the desk and looked up.

She saw her teacher who looked like she was about to collapse, constricted pupils, eyes that have shed their fair share of tears, snot running down her nostrils , irregular breathing, a form that shook violently. It’s like she saw the face of Death and lived to tell the tale.

Pencil Pusher turned to face the class who quivered at the look of her face, and the way she spoke… by Celestia the way she spoke, “C-c-class… i-is g-going to b-be f-finished e-early t-today, p-please head outside a-and head home straight away, d-don’t go anywhere else… ok e-everypony?” She finished, stammering all over her words and the sound of her voice sounded like they were going to break.

Golden Harvest raised her hoof, “M-miss?” She said, almost hesitant, “A-are you alright?” her voice, almost breaking.

The teacher nodded and put on a wide shakey smile, “Y-yes, I-I’m fine, j-just go on home now, alright?”

Everypony in the class just looked at each other while Bran Wheat just simply got up and left. There was nothing but silence, but soon enough, one by one, the students left and after a few students left, the rest of the class got up and proceeded to head outside, all except Rarity and Applejack… who remained in their seats, looking at Miss Pencil Pusher.

“Uh teach?” Applejack said softly, “Are ya sure you’re alright?”

The teacher nodded and started using her magic to collect the mess the students left behind.

“Are you quite certain Miss Pencil Pusher?” Rarity asked, “Is there anyway we can help?”

The teacher froze and turned away from them, her gaze now set upon the window and the image it reflected back.

Applejack saw one of her forehooves move to her chest. “J-just… g-get home as q-quickly and as s-safely as possible”

Applejack heard the occasional sniffle and watched as a single tear hit the floor, she opened her mouth to say something but felt a tug on her shoulder, she turned and saw Rarity slowly shaking her head and gesturing to the door. After a few seconds she reluctantly agreed and quickly grabbed the journal, leaving the larger book behind.

Once they were outside Applejack moved to the only two saddlebags that remained on the hooks, she placed the journal inside while Rarity reorganised her saddlebag, gently placing her newly drawn designs inside.

“Why’d ya do that?” Applejack questioned, staring at her saddlebag as she awaited a response.

“Applejack darling, you must know that Miss Pencil Pusher wanted to be left alone”

Applejack turned and faced Rarity, “But she needed our help!” she stated loudly, stomping a hoof on the wooden floor.

“If you wanted to help then you should just leave her alone” Rarity responded calmly, now using her magic to place her saddlebag on her back.

When she was done Rarity faced Applejack, “Did you see the way she was holding her ring?”

Applejack cocked her head, “Uh, what ring?”

“The ring that she kept hidden underneath her collar and tie?”

“No I didn’t see no ring”

Rarity released an exasperated sigh, “Nevermind, let’s just go home”

“But-”

“Just leave it Applejack” Rarity said quickly, effectively cutting her off.

The white filly then started moving towards the exit, leaving Applejack alone.

Well almost alone… for her ears swiveled around as they caught the sounds of… crying?

Applejack slowly maneuvered to the sounds, it was… coming from her classroom. She pressed an ear against the door and heard the sounds of sobbing, it was mixed with quick breathes and sniffles.

She raised a hoof to push the door open but froze as Rarity’s words echoed throughout her head. All she could do was bite her lower lips and slowly retreat from the door, carefully, not to make any noise, once she was a fair distance away she trotted slowly and picked up into a gallop, hoping to catch up with Rarity.

When she made it outside, she saw the white filly, simply sitting on a nearby bench while she waited for her. Their eyes locked onto one another, she smiled and Applejack returned it, “Come on, lets go” Rarity said softly, she stood up and jumped off the bench and started walking, Applejack simply trotted up next to her, keeping the same pace.

Applejack paused and looked back at the school, “Ah hope ya feel better soon, teach” before turning once again to catch up with Rarity who had also stopped in her tracks.

The two fillies trotted along the same path that they used to get to school but this time they have the intention of returning home. The trip was silent but it doesn't mean that they both didn’t have their own thoughts lingering inside their heads.

“How’d ya know?” Applejack asked, looking at her hooves as they moved along the dirt path.

Rarity quickly glanced at Applejack before looking away, “I do have a keen eye Applejack, I can notice the most simplest of things or things that are simply out of place”

The orange filly looked at the white one, “That doesn’t answer my question Rarity”

“Hmm… well… what do you see when you look at a window”

“What does that have to do with anything Rarity?” Applejack questioned.

“Just answer the question” She ordered.

Applejack tilted her head slightly but proceeded to think about it.

Why would she ask that? It can’t be as simple as that? Or maybe it is? Is it a trick question?

She looked back at Rarity who was patiently waiting for response.

‘What do ya see when you look at a window?’ Whatever’s outside Ah guess? No wait… she said ‘at’ not ‘out’...

“Hey Rarity?”

The white filly faced Applejack with a smile on her face, “Did you figure it out darling?”

“Your reflection?”

She closed her eyes and smiled, nodding soon after.

“So ya saw her reflection then?” She nodded again, “Oh darn, Ah didn’t even notice that”

Rarity wrapped a leg around Applejacks neck, “Don’t be too hard on yourself Applejack” Everypony is different, after all… that’s what makes us unique… doesn’t it?

Applejack raised an eyebrow, “Ah feel like you’ve been reading too much of those romantic novels of yours”

“Oh please, if only I could. Most of my family's possessions were ‘requisitioned’ whatever that may mean”

“Heh, Ah’ve heard that a hundred times if Ahm being honest”

“Oh yes, we need these for the ‘effort’ those barbarians don’t even specify what type of effort”

The two fillies laughed and the conversation ceased, but Applejack had another thought that lingered in her mind, “So… Ah can only guess what happened to the other pony that ring was bonded too”

“Who else could be responsible for such an act Applejack?”

“Ah… right…”

Before long both fillies reached a split in the path, one that went to town and the other that led to Sweet Apple Acres, “See ya around Rarity, good luck on your designs!”

“Oh yes, the play will be on next week, were lucky enough to receive enough donations for it to not get canceled”

The two said their goodbyes and headed down their separate paths.

Unfortunately the path laid before Applejack stretched quite a bit, so she thought of doing something that would pass the time, she reached into her saddlebag and pulled out the journal.

She flipped back to the first two pages that raised the author’s entries and continued reading where she left off.

Entry #6

I found the group of those soldiers that caused quite a stir in Canterlot today, you could feel something different about them, the atmosphere around them just changed as they walked among us ponies.

They walked in perfect formation, one led the group while the others walked in pairs.

I don’t know how to describe it but… it felt like their presence commanded authority, they had every right to be feared and they had every privilege to order whoever they wanted too…

Their appearance didn’t exactly help either, wearing all black clothing, black hoods covering their heads with ornate silver visors each with a silver horn-like ornaments. They carried no weapons but with the sheer commanding presence that they gave off… would they even need any?

The one that led them was different however… his horn and visor were shined gold instead of silver, he had a dark metallic pauldron on his left shoulder, but he had a dark cape attached to it. It revealed a strange white symbol, one that I have never seen before…

Unfortunately I only managed to get a quick glimpse of it, but I’m sure it consisted of four ‘V’ or arrowhead shaped concave quadrilaterals converging at a central vertex at right angles, two tips pointing outward symmetrically.

Applejack looked at the next page and saw a sketch of the symbol.

“What does this even mean?” Applejack muttered, she went back to reading.

I am unaware of what this symbol means.

But their presence… the aura they gave off… this symbol was important… maybe it’s a symbol that represented a noble house or perhaps a symbol of a hero, but everything I’ve written so far has been nothing but speculation.

I need one of them to talk to me…

Applejack looked up and saw that she was nearing the front gate of their farm, she made a quick turn before returning to the journal.

Entry #7

I did it! I actually managed to get them to talk to me and while I admit it was still kind of a failure but I still managed to get one to talk to me and that’s what counts.

The key was to challenge them at something, so I challenged one of them to a battle of the minds… Paradox-Billiards-Vostroyan-Roulette-Fourth-Dimensional-Hypercube-Chess-Strip-Poker.

A legendary game that mere mortals once played against God-like entities in exchange for gifts or wishes… or at least that’s how the legend goes.

Anyway… after a long explanation to him and his comrades, I won. Though I will admit he almost had me.

In exchange I get to ask five questions… and this is where I failed.

When I asked where he came from, he answered in perfect Equestrian: ‘I hail from a place beyond your very imagination’

Where’s that? I asked.

‘A place where the light and dark both reside’

What edgy answers…

I opened to waste a question but I quickly shut my mouth, instead I asked, ‘What’s it like living there?’

‘The conditions are too hard for the likes of you’

Gee thanks… I don’t know what’s with these… creatures but do they have to mock and degrade Ponykind all day?

‘Why are you doing this?’ I asked.

This question however struck him differently, he just turned away but before I could get him to answer, one of his comrades whispered something in his ear and they both left immediately.

Applejack looked up and saw her farmhouse, she looked down to quickly finish the entry.

So what do we know now; these creatures make mockery of everypony. Maybe it’s to those who are weak? He did say they come from a place that’s too hard for the likes of us.

Then again… how can I take his word for granted…

So, let’s instead focus on what we know from their actions and all the time we’ve been living with them:

These… living beings - if they can even be called that - are dangerous, deadly, harsh, oppressive, greedy…

Greedy… what haven’t they taken from us, let alone our neighbouring countries… the Changeling Queendom, the Dragon Tribes, the Griffons in Nova Griffonia…

What makes them better than us? What gives them the right to treat everypony terribly?

What did we do to deserve such a fate?

Applejack looked up and saw that she was at her front door, she raised a hoof and pushed the door open, but froze as soon as she saw the interior.

At the kitchen table, sitting in a wooden chair, was one of those soldiers described in the journal… black clothes, heads concealed under a hoof and piece of cloth, a golden visor with a horn-like ornament…

He was just relaxing there, leaning back on the wooden chair, in his hand was a short curved blade.

Applejack however could only stare at his eyes, by Celestia those eyes… they emitted a ghastly purple through that visor of his. His gaze fell upon her, she could feel a smile forming through that mask, and then he spoke.

“Hello there, little one…”

Author's Note

By all means, please let me know what I did wrong, it would help me improve. Oh and I would love to hear what people think. I wanna see the perspectives of other viewers and hear their first impressions etc.