The Final Renegade

by Im a B O X

Rating: teen
Tags: Original Character, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Dark, Alternate Universe, Other, Science Fiction, Tragedy, Profanity, Violence, Princess Celestia, Death, Human
Length: 6445

A war had gone on long enough. Its tides are shifting, but that won't mean a side will be left unscaved.

The Conversion War was at a stalemate, but the deadlock was about to end. On the 12th hour of the 12th day of the 12th month of the 12th year of the war, around 13 days before Christmas, and 20 days before a New Year, humanity had waited for so long, the deadlock had lasted long enough, and with a unified agreement, everything could end.

Humanity was about to repeat history once more, but it won't be about money or power, that would mean nothing to them, their decision would affect everyone beyond the graves, a will to preserve what is just and not right, reasons, and justifications are needed and given, the final decision is that made with questions to bear and a single answer to give.

The Final Renegade as it is to be known to history, and the final moments of the nations and creatures who had fought for what they believed be right, but for what was needed. Deep down, these two worlds shared one thing in common, their own mortality, a morality in which they would relive their separate history, lest they forget.

This one was an idea I "think" was good, and I plan to make it count.

This was made with inspiration is and loosely based around Rated Ponystar's Negotiations-verse (Not part of it in any shape or form), and like it, it was also influenced by other Conversion Bureau stories and Fallout(NV), in this one, humanity and Equus (as a whole) are in a deadlock, the Conversion War had lasted longer than what both sides had anticipated and prepared for, with neither seemingly getting closer to victory nor defeat. But the need to break the deadlock is made.

(I'll probably edit some things without notice...)

Also, it would be nice for corrections and whatnot to be made, I made this out of fun, and see you soon!

Published 2021-11-07 08:00:01 UTC
Last updated 2021-11-20 10:07:10 UTC

12 Weeks

Patience, there comes a time when the breaking point is finally reached, and with each fleeting moment, it came ever so closer for both sides.

The artic snow seemed to be colder, harsher, than usual, a blizzard had passed by earlier, with remnants of it still creating snow banks and other obstacles as the Knighted Royal Battalion, the personal and combined bodyguards of Equestria's Elite soldiers for the royalties, battled through to take one last message to humanity’s remaining stronghold.

With each fleeting moment, Equus causalities increased by the moment, humanity had created many things throughout the course of the war, from weapons such as powerful railguns, plasma rifles, and the like, to titans of steel and devices that could rule and change the entire pattern of the ecosystem. Yet none were as deadly as the so-called “Magic-Killers,” but there would be a much more befitting name that it would be known and go by. Collectively known as “Humanity’s Ace,” a name simply given by Equus as a whole to any of Humanity’s groundbreaking advancements or individuals.

These were undeniable testaments to what had pushed both worlds to their fullest, a mark that would forever scar both. It was, to some, magical, how everything the war had done showed the true nature of humans, it showed what really turns their decision, unlike their opponents. Humans continued to try and find ways to conquer the different fields and challenges presented to them, first was the challenge of division, the second, the battle against consciences, and the third and final one, the battle against their nature, magic as they saw it, was natural, thus, to overcome it meant to overcome the world that they had built upon. Despite the rockiest of times, Equus found unity with each and every creature despite their clear difference in species and... history, one that admittedly, humanity had known far too well amongst themselves. And if Humanity could be described with rational irrationality, Equus could be described as myth-given life.

A distant boom was heard, but the artic snow muffled what could be heard from the distance. Equus, with Equestria as its leading nation, had repeatedly fallen for the same blunder over and over, but just like their human adversaries, they too had unlocked something great, although they would never be able to unlock the Elements of Harmony's true and full potential, they too had managed to create unity amongst themselves, from Griffons to Yaks and everything in between, it rivaled the UN in all ways, the only thing keeping them afloat for this long was their combined desire to make it through, it brought their resources more than what both worlds could ever expect.

After the distant booms had been heard, explosions after the explosion had befallen these soldiers that traversed the arctic snow. This is what the war grew into a stalemate, with Equus as a whole refusing to negotiate out of a false belief that they could win this war because of the sole fact that they think their magic had attained their immortality, with humanity only really being forced to prolong it in the hopes of negotiation, less their hand be pushed to take drastic measures.

The snow was covered in red bloodstains, the same blood that had stained the souls of millions and untold billions, civilian and soldiers alike. Another “battle” would contribute to this stalemate.

It had been so long since the initial battles had been fought in this war, once, Equus with Equestria leading it was near unbeaten for five whole years with nearly no sign of dent in their progress, but it all came crashing into a halt once humanity had understood magic, and with the understanding, they used it in both their techs and experiments to turn the tides of war, but Equus refused to think otherwise, and untold millions or more had perished in the pursuit of victory, another five years humanity had seemed to turn the tide of war, yet with Equus refusal of surrender, with magic, knowledge, and technology growing in both sides, amongst other things, the war had grown in a deadlock, only hundreds were needed in keeping this war going, it could all end in an instant. Humanity and Equus, two vastly different worlds, yet they saw the unexpected in each other, Equus saw Humanity’s advancements without magic, complicated and calculating they were, yet also morally divided in their views, Humanity saw Equus’s unity, they had “gods”, leaders that they could look up to blindly and the magic that they held within each and every creature that banded that sense of unity, yet for all the grand gestures, both sides could only describe the other with one word: otherworldly, befitting, considering this was two worlds at war.

But amongst them who still saw no point in negotiations was Celestia and the leaders of Equus, who had grown to the very thing they swore to never turn into, or more appropriately, mimic into, they had become in more than one way, human-like, even if they won’t, couldn’t see or even admit it, they had been blinded by hate and anger, one of the most human aspects one could have.

It did not take long for the news about this latest attack to reach her table of command, although opinions were still very mixed in more than one way.

“If we may begin,” Celestia said as she gathered the ponies before her, her table of command, leaders, it was what she needed, she needed a major victory in order to do a real dent in humanities advancement, the war, although having grown into a stalemate, could still be fought and won if one was to achieve a blow that could cripple the others ability to fight.

“I do believe I am first to speak,” A mare said as she stood up to speak.

“Go ahead,” Celestia said.

A nod after, the mare continued, “As of recent events, it has come to our attention that the supplies, ships, and other necessities that we have been promised in order to make an offensive against the ‘South and South-East Asian Blockade Group’ haven’t been fulfilled for the time being, with respect, I would just like to know why that is the case.”

“Actually, there is a recent revelation I would like to share,” Twilight spoke up as she lifted a piece of parchment to show to the group, “There has been word that another stronghold has been located, this time in Antarctica, we have sent an ‘expeditionary force’ to investigate and capture it.”

Dead silence followed, until another pony, this time a stallion, spoke up, “What is the news about them currently?” He asked as he himself seemed to set another important file to show, “Because have also received word that the ‘Ocean Giants’ are mobilizing, several words of rumors have been circulating of certain codenames being tossed around, going by ‘Titan Fall’, ‘Mailman’ and ‘Lucky Gamble' respectively, it is currently unfortunate that the nature of these, likely, codenames are still unclear, they might, as some agents of ours would put it, be the beginning of a massive ‘project or plan of destruction,' one that is clearly of great concern should they turn out to bear some truth.”

Another moment of silence, then the mare from earlier spoke up once more, “That still doesn’t answer my...” holding her tongue and thinking of her next words wisely, she didn’t want to tip anyone off, even in the slightest, “inquiry.”

“I think we could worry about that later,” Twilight said for a change of topic, and as she did so, she lifted another file to read aloud, “For now, I feel as though I have to read this report aloud just for its contents.” She said, “The previous expeditionary forces that we have sent to Antarctica have yet to return from their mission, it is clear that they are likely KIA, but for now, they are still considered MIA until further notice, just like all of our recent... endeavors.” She finished, her voice losing its weight as she ended her little presentation.

For now, everyone was reading through the files, soaking up the information and devising in their own minds, ways how it could benefit their own braches.

“What about the other Equus nations?” The stallion asked, “How have their endeavors ended?”

“Better than what we had hoped for it seemed,” Celestia said as she lifted a file to read aloud, “it is reported that the Griffon and Hippogriff fronts in South American Campaign are at a standstill, the Yaks had managed to push west closer into the Russian capital but still hadn’t made a stronghold to their east, the Changeling and Equestrian Navy combined are still being pursued by the ‘South-East Blockade Group’, while the Dragon coalition currently having yet to make any recent moves against Europe or Africa with the ‘Big Seven’ sending constant support for nearly all known and nearby regions, this excludes the actions of other 'minor' nations.”

A wave of silence befell the room, day after day, the same report had always come and gone, news of success, failure, or neither would come and go. Then, a small shuffling noise is heard, one that was immediately followed by a knock on the door of the room.

“Come in,” Celestia replied, and what came inside was one of Celestia’s most trusted agents, Agent Sweetie Drops, “I believe you have a good reason to speak to me directly during this time?” Celestia asked as her agent moved to her side, a box full of folders on her back.

“Yes, you’re Highness.” She simply replied as she dropped the box on top of the table, with the countless other files being shifted and managed by Twilight to give room for the new information, “And I believe it could turn the entire tide of the war.” She said, a smug face forming, likely because of a job well done.”

“Well, what is the report about?” The stallion asked, relaxing his posture like every pony else in the room. They expected good news, considering the fact that this was one of Celestia's best agents.

“Well, I believe you have been told of the recent rumors with what the UN has planned, correct?” Agent Sweetie Drop asked, which she gladly received a unanimous nod from every pony in the room, “Great, because that saves me the time from having to explain the first part, skipping over some details, I would essentially like to say that we, the ESS, had figured out a supposedly important transcript message, one that would reveal some valuable secrets that could just be enough to turn the tide of the war into Equus's favor.” She said so as she held her head up high, waiting for any response or further inquiries which she would have to answer too.

“And what would you finding be?” Twilight asked, floating a quill and paper with her magic, clearly intrigued.

“Well...” Sweetie Drops trailed off, “it's news that you would either find greatly concerning or a great breakthrough in our progress to win against humanity.”

“Please, Miss Drops, you are a professional in your field, I believe that whatever you’d have to say will bring great opportunities for the soldiers of Equus in the frontlines,” Celestia said, putting a comforting smile to ease the agent’s worries.

“Um… Ok, Princess. I trust that everyone could handle and receive this news in a better light.”

“JUST GET ON WITH IT!” Shouted the stallion, “um, my deepest apologies.” He quickly followed suit.

“Ok, ok,” Sweetie Drops said, taking deep breaths before she spoke again, “The findings of the ESS, which are shown in the files in the box in front of you, is one that we did not anticipate, but one Equus should have expected. Mares and Stallions, it is with great reluctance that I should say, but as of today, it is confirmed that Humanity is making plans for the future, a future where the war has ended, a future where the war is entering its final stages, a future that is in the making as we speak…” She said, her voice losing its weight as she finished what she had just said.

The room, silent for a moment with tension being built with it, the silence hung for a moment, until in a united yet unexpected manner, the room busted into a fit of noise, every pony in one simultaneous moment spoke and stood up from their place, voicing their thoughts on arguably the most important news ever since the war had started, in a fit of rage, disgust, surprises, and other emotions, everyone, including Twilight Sparkle, had been knocked into a flurry of emotions trying to push their views, to try and find the right answer, because, in that very moment, the entirety of Equus and the war effort as a whole was now walking in a fine line, one that would no doubt be costly if they are unable to act appropriately.

But one thing stood true to everyone in the chaos that ensued, this news had to be spread throughout the nations of Equus, the Yaks, Griffons, Hippogriffs, Changelings, Crystal pony’s, and everyone else. Because in that very sudden moment of realization, the information that the final stretch of the war is about to enter would only bring an issue that has plagued everyone since its very beginning, the costs and effects that will ensue.

And while every pony in that very room was consumed by this new information, only one had thought that she fully understood its meaning, slipping away from the room unnoticed, Celestia made a byway for her personal quarters. And upon arriving in the room, she immediately locked it and sealed the entire room with her magic, encapsulating it and making sure nobody, not even those she would lay down her life for, would hear or even see what was about to happen in this room.

“Took you a while, Celestia, I was afraid I might have to intervene just to get your attention for a private discussion of ours.” A voice said, one that Celestia had no ill will towards, she had lost some emotions as the war progressed, and she honestly became indifferent to the creature that that voice belonged to.

“I can’t say this war had been going according to plan, Discord, but do know that I'd rather stay as vibrant as the sun for the following days, plus other... plans,” She responded, rage crawling into her voice, she admittedly hated how the war was at a stalemate, but the recent news only further dampened her mood, “so please do me a favor and leave, I do not wish to be indulged with you or your antics, Until later maybe, but may it be forbidden, I really don’t need you making it all the more unbearable.”

“Oh no no no, Celestia, as much as I'd love that being the case, well, let's just say I had to ‘negotiate’ somethings just to be here to meet and bring you some news,” Discord replied, taking on a much more serious tone, “and although what is about to happen will certainly bring chaos, I can't exactly say I am too keen with it happening, I am certain that most of humanity is hesitant with what they are about to do, Celestia, so do bring that into consideration once new news comes about.”

“And why is that, Discord? I’m almost certain you’d switch to the winning side once ab opportunity is found, and I’m sure you understand my hesitation to take your word, the war had gone on for so long, despite what humanity has created, Equus as a whole is still standing and putting up a fight, it won't fall so easily, and we will still win this war.”

“And yet it fails to realize you are straining not only your luck and resources but also time, let me ask you this Celestia, for how long are you planning to drag this war on?”

“For as long as it takes to achieve total Harmony.” She said with conviction and trust in her voice, she believed the war was far from over, and she knew humanity had a history of treachery, this could easily be another one of those, after all, this is war they were speaking about, playing dirty, as much as she hated, was a way to achieve victory, or in this case, harmony.

“Harmony, or a semblance of order?” He asked, lifting what appears to be a cup of tea for himself, “Because unfortunately for Equus, and especially for you Celestia, humanity had waited long enough, and with great reluctance on their part, they have decided to take action.”

“And what do you have to gain from telling me this?” Celestia asked, preparing her horn to imprison Discord, she had a chance, but first, information.

“Because as much as I hate the war, Celestia, I still love Equus in my own chaotic way, for it is the world that brought me these powers after all, and in the honest heart of Chaos, I came here to give you this warning, because it will be the first of many, and one that I need Equus to heed.” He finished with a sober tone, eyeing the princesses with a seriousness he seldomly showed to anyone.

Staring at each other for a moment, in one quick motion, Celestia discharged the spell that she had prepared, but before it could hit its mark, Discord had snapped away into thin air. Rage began to creep into Celestia's thoughts, but before it could get any worse, she laid down on one of her chairs, she needed time, but with every second that came and went, it cost Equus precious resources. And one that she would have to find a quick solution to, lest the worse is to come by what Discord is saying.

“The war really had gone off long enough…” Celestia muttered to herself, looking out the windows of her room, the weather seemed to be darker than usual, now, she first had to wait, collect her thoughts, to think rationally.

“Unfortunately, it has indeed, Celestia…” A whisper in the air said, the somber voice of Discord, one the Celestia expected. Now that war was on a metaphorical timer, it was a race against time to its results.

Author's Note

A new story, a new venture, or something...

So, the usual shebang will be asked, corrects and what not, apart from all that,
just like my other stories, I'm just trying to do something with time and writing for fun, amongst other things,

This is still a work in progress, and I am still going to make changes to better up the narrative, hopefully, I am able to create something good to bring

Storyboard and references are great and all, but sometimes, yeah no... I won't do something like that, maybe I'll include some, who knows!

Till next time!

12 days

The winter snow started to get worse, all over the world, from the nations of humanity to Equus, be it human, griffon, yak, or others, the winter season was worse than what had been initially expected. It poured harder, costing plenty of time and resources just to accommodate for it for both sides, and where the snow stopped pouring, the raining season made up for it, and all over the world, either from the deep snow or drenched in rain, the cold season brought with it a new layer of challenge, but behind all that worry for the war’s progress, a different kind of progress is being made. One that would bring undeniable results.

And with the progress of the war having been grounded to a near halt, with the supply lines being bogged down, the sharp difference between the harshness of the weather that the winter season brought compared to the previous season hadn’t made things any better or bearable. With the progress of Equus grinding to a near halt, it bought time for humanity for some breathing room, especially since for the last couple of weeks, Equus has been in a near proactive state that had cost both side huge amounts of resources, but undeniably placed are large dent in the general progress as a whole. For whatever reason they may have had to act in this expanse in this short amount of time was still up for debate in humanity’s eyes, but they knew it was a gamble for something, just like their upcoming efforts, now that the chips are laid, the cards dealt, let us see who folds or persists at the end of this all.

“So, Mr. Rueful, I believe the packages are ready, all that needs to be done is a signature and brief overview, if all that isn’t too much to ask for.” A person said as they approached the other figure, waiting at the end of a balcony atop a towering casino, the ‘Fortune 13’, one of the many sights of Las Vegas.

“Good, ok, ok, give me a moment to compose myself for what is about to happen, by the way, have we introduced ourselves yet? A little curtsey I try to keep up with all of those I employ personally.” He said, motioning for a much more pleasant and open encounter between the two, a show of trust and respect for what is about and needs to be done.

“I don’t believe so,” the person responded, complying with a previous set of instructions given to him beforehand for this situation. With each step he took closer, he now saw the city from a top-down perspective, like the other go-to spots for the new projects that just got approved about a month or so, really shows just how large the world is compared to a sole person in it.

“Then I believe we should get right into the point, shall we?” he responded, giving a warm smile as he grabbed something beneath his coat, “I am Mr. Edwin Rueful, you already know most of my major titles, being a politician and business figure, I am currently the major head director of Las Vegas with my apprentice, Robert House. I am sure you are aware of the tight schedule, what with the plans of the U.N. already being set in motion, but we could talk about that later, and I believe the Mann and Vanguard families already knew of your business, correct?”

“Yes, indeed, and I am sure you have already heard of me, if you could simply refer to me as Rudolpf Luger, I’d greatly appreciate it, and pleasure as always doing business with the families again, it’s been to a long time coming anyway.” Now he had just walked up beside the man to the balcony railings, overlooking Las Vegas, one of many cities around the world that would receive a defense upgrade, one that is planned to be effective even on a nuclear fallout scenario with the threat that global cooperation would be compromised on the event that nuclear warheads were actually going to be used and theoretical effects on the wider world, a repeat of the Cold War in some aspects, but most importantly, able to hold off against entire armies, since Equus has a supposed history of having lady luck giving them a hand of aces, one that humanity would plan to challenge if need be.

“So, Operation Machina was a success I believe, heard the call signal earlier near the city vicinity, ‘Viva La Vida’…” Rudolpf said, attracting the attention of Edwin, who merely looked at his direction, eyes that have changed over the years that came and went, but it always reflected a fellow human and friend, decades have come and gone, after all, and the war alone having lasted for more than a decade, materials being used by at the constant.

“Long live life… good quote and a good song too boot,” Edwin remarked, “as well as being befitting for what is about to be done.”

“So, if the negotiations fail, well, I must say this now, I really am curious to what may lay ahead for us, regardless of... other factors,” Rudolpf said, now reaching something in his pocket, an old wallet that he had carried for so long.

“Oh I’m sure it would be fine,” Edwin remarked, “after all, precautions were made, and the treaties are already set should they have some inquiries to make,” he then began a series of somber movements, as if he was imagining and writing on a paper in midair, “and it is in the best hopes of business and politics for the long run, one that I, with several others, would like to make sure gains the best outcomes, even if the cost is a gamble in its nature.” He finished, clearly referring to the ‘final hoorah’ of the war.

Looking through the city skyline, casinos, hotels, and other building all lined up and ready, either for war or for business, because behind those seemingly usual rooftops and rooms of luxury, the state-of-the-art technologies that humanity has to offer is at the ready. From railguns, plasma cannons, and the traditional likes, Project “Lucky Gamble” was nearing its complete stages, of course, it was going to be accompanied by project “Mailman” in order to negotiate between the two worlds, both from the economic and political standpoint of things, they hoped not a single nation would deny their offers, considering the fact that “Lucky Gamble” had introduced plenty of weapons that gained some unintended consequences and suspicions, even if long-time agreements had already been set. Amongst that, there was the worry that project “Titan Fall” and “Exodus” would actually be used in the war, but it was hoped that everyone who knew would remain quiet and hope it remains as is, just a contingency plan should things lean out of our favor.

“And how many negotiations are we holding again?” Rudolpf asked, “If I remember, and please correct me if I’m wrong, but at least 10 separate negotiations are being held, entailing different sectors for each Equus nation, correct?”

Edwin, smiling at Rudolpf’s direction, feeling a hint of pride, in a world that had been ravaged by war for more than a decade, people like him and Rudolpf still manage to keep up their pace, literally keeping the world economy afloat, even if there were alternative motives behind them, business is business after all, and they usually tried their best not to make it personal, which was what the war was at the beginning, just business. Of course, Robert House, Edwin’s prodigal and representative for the succession of Las Vegas most successful casino branch, at a very young age for a businessman at that, had plans, one that he shared with both him and the rest of America, and through America, the rest of the world, plans that un-ironically, although designed to make the most efficient economic gains for only him and/or anyone involved, turned into one of the saving grace that allowed humanity to progress despite the strains of the war effort being huge on both the people and economy, a godsent, if you will.

“So,” Edwin began, placing a hand on Rudolpf’s shoulders, “you won’t have to worry about anything, the economic sector, so long as it isn’t under its government’s influence, we should be able to a breeze through the paperwork, especially since we have a taker for our offer in business economics,”

“And I assume it’s a griffon?” Rudpolf asked, assuming that what the stories are true, Griffonia with her empire, are full of allegedly greedy griffons looking for the most in for money, naturally, he assumed one of them would take up the offer if it involved money. Which was another point that surprised him, since it was rumored that the U.N. had allegedly confirmed the existence, and by extension, usage of at least 7 Trillion sterling pounds just to end the war on a lighter note.

Shaking his head, Edwin continued, “contrary to that, it’s actually a fairly well-established business based in Equestria, specifically having ‘Ponyville’ as its founding town, ‘Barnyard Bargains’ if I’m correct, I’m sure you won’t find any problems, especially since you’d be flanked by the Mann’s hired mercenaries, Equipped with the weapons of the Vanguard’s best offers, of course, I did have a hand in all of this. Although admittedly, the war is now turning into a ‘Coventry conundrum’, with how magic is essentially another form of energy, one in its purest of form not bound and literally breaking physics.” Edwin finished, he had high hopes, being a regular gambler in both his own and foreign casinos, he had long learned the art of gambling and dealing, one that he hoped, with the available resources of humanity, could push Equus into a surrender, one that would be acceptable in order to avoid more lives being lost.

“Shame,” Rudolpf replied, closing his eyes in the process in order to better focus on what he was literally about to embark on, “how any considerably advance technology could or would be mistaken for magic… Then again, with these things usually comes opportunities, I could only hope we could catch that opportunity with magic.”

Celestia paced around her personal quarter. Twilight and her remaining friends were in another room, with herself and her sister, Luna, in the personal room that the two shared during their early reign of Equestria, which had been repurposed into their own personal quarters for… secretive matters between the two.

“I ask again, dear sister,” Luna said, her patience towards her sister dwindling by the second with what she assumed to be irrational thoughts inside Celestia’s head, “What is it that bothers thee? You have near nothing of worry and yet here you are worrying about a human invasion of the mainland.”

“And that’s the problem Luna, it’s something th-” Celestia tried to reason with her, but her sister wouldn’t allow it.

“-That you shouldn’t worry about, Equus, not just Equestria dear sister, as a whole is in a geological advantage, because most of Equus lands are actually continental islands, and are not directly imbedded onto enemy soil, it would buy us some time to prepare, one that would cost our enemy too much time and resources for them to even consider, not to mention we have the best spies on our side to tell us of any threats even before its mobilization.”

And there was a certain truth in Luna’s word, the majority of Equus was settled in the Pacific Ocean, with some nations, usually in pairs with each other, having their nations separated and landing in other ocean bodies. Plus the fact that changelings, at least according to their performance so far in the war, had been some of the greatest spies that Equus could hope for, call it their undeniable special talent if they were a pony.

For Celestia, this was common knowledge, but like any knowing being, knowledge could sometimes be a blessing or a curse, and for her, the knowledge that the changelings could in fact do their jobs with such proficiency that it almost brought into question the actual capabilities of humanity, and she personally had her doubts, like she was a puppet, only ever being lead and followed by what the strings command.

“I-I’m sorry, sister,” Celestia said, a heavyweight in her voice accompanying the somber tone that she spoke at the moment, “it is just that… I fear for the worse…”

“And why is that?” Luna questioned, “I have full faith in our subjects, more so with our scholars, to pull through in these trying times.” She said, always the inspirational little sister that Celestia could always look back towards.

“It is not that I don’t have trust in our subjects, per se…” Celestia said, hoping her elaboration would help her sister understand her point of view, “It is just that, as the war goes on, our magic, just like in our homeworld, is slowly being depleted,”

This did not faze Luna, but she allowed her sister to continue, “And with each passing moon, I fear we will reach a point where our magic will have to be used sparsely.”

“And how will that occur?” Luna asked.

“Sister mine,” Celestia began once more, a heavy burden weighing on her with each world she is about to tell, “I know you know of how Equestria’s magic works, correct?” Receiving a nod, she continued, “Well, with each time we use magic, we transform it from its base, mana, into the form that we desire, such as our own flesh in order to heal or a booster in nutrition, and this is a process that is costly to the mana pool, be it natural or within, and so, I fear that we may be using it too much at a rate that it could not replenish itself enough for us to further use, and I fear we will have to micromanage it atop the other resources we already have to keep track, it is not that I fear we may use up all our magic, I just feel as though we are using too much of it that the reward is not worth the cost.”

Staying silent for a moment, Luna began to walk up and onto the windows, where she folded the curtains to give way for the light of the sun, although not the sun that her sister used to control as a deity.

The window, overlooking the city of Canterlot, was simple in its design, but one that allowed Luna to look through and appreciate the beauty that is Canterlot.

In another office room, a pony had just dropped off a letter that was of great importance, to send one clear message, reserved and only to be read by Celestia herself, a letter from the U.N. to Equestria and her allies. A chance for something better, and like most things, it was hoped that it would be seen in the best of intentions.

“Sir, are you sure you would like to pull through with this… operation?” an operator said through the radio, guiding a single mercenary through Equestrian soil, “You could always have another hunt on a better day.”

“It's fine, trust me,” the mercenary said, preparing his rifle and taking aim towards the direction of Canterlot’s palace, “besides, it’s not like I’m doing anything right or remotely wrong.”

“I know, I know, just know that this will bring consequences, regardless of the reason for what we are about to do is in the right or wrong, ok?”

“And I am merely doing what needs to be done, and besides, you can’t exactly tell to stop now, since we have done so much to get to this point,” the mercenary said, as he pulled the bolt back of his rifle, chambering a new round while taking steady breaths as he looked through the scope into the palace, seeing the ponies that he expected through his scope as he took a gander at the surroundings from the position he had, an entirely different mountain just across the mountain from which Canterlot resides, his rifle being an experimental prototype designed just for the occasion, “so, do I aim for the limbs or just a stray shot?”

“Do what you will, I’ll just guide you on what to do after the fact, you’ll have a randevú point with another agent, negotiation is about to begin after all.”

And with that, silence had befallen between the two, setting the stage for another turning point in the war. It was already late afternoon, the sun slowly starts to set, yet the mercenary was still cautious enough to make sure no light was reflected from his scope’s lens.

And as the sun continues to set, and the lunar princess looked through the window to admire the scenery, a brief thought was unexpectedly shared by the two unknowing beings, ‘The weather is better than usual it seems.’

But before the trigger could be pulled, a new fray has entered “Yo, you seeing this? Is it just me or is the video feed catching what I see live. Should I continue with mission proper?” the mercenary asked as he eyed the new groups that had entered his sightline.

From chariots to carriages being pulled towards the palace, each carrying different creatures, most likely an envoy or diplomat, and on some occasions, the leader of said nation, from Griffons to Changelings, and unexpectedly an envoy most likely sent from The Zebra’s, Centaur’s and other less notable nations that are part of Equus, all coming to one location.

All before him, fresh for the picking, but he held steadfastly, he knew if some people were given the chance or even remotely knew of this occasion, they’d just send an intercontinental ballistic missile, or worse yet, a hydrogen bomb onto the palace, if not the city square.

Then his train of thought was interrupted when the operator responded after a long silence, “negative, stay on guard, we’ll send our double agents in the area to search the city and palace proper for information and anything else relative to this new revelation, this is most likely a talk on the shift of power and sides of some Equus nations, for now, hold position and hold fire until further notice…”

And so, another long wait was ahead, although despite what the palace proper may say to the naked eye, its interiors were about to get a hard beating with the meeting that was about to ensue. One that would heavily dictate the future actions that could be taken by these Equus nations, who and what those decisions would be is another story for another time.

Author's Note

Hewo!

It's me again, this time, I am positively sure I somehow did something, I'm not sure, I might be wrong...

All that said, I initially wanted this chapter to be a point where humanity had finally made a move against Equus, but I realized in order to have an (in my opinion) satisfying conflict for this, I would have to underline the reasons as to why they Equus fought in the first place.

I also plan on making a timeline for this, one that hopefully brings a bit more light.

The story as a whole was supposed to be a short one on my part but depending on what I do and the response, I don't know honestly, maybe next time or smth.

*insert usual request of corrections*