Chapters In the middle of all this, I was working in a small factory on the outskirts of Canterlot. We were tasked with making jewelry for the aristocrats of the nearby Capital. Wasn’t too exciting, but I got a decent enough salary to pay the bills and put food on the table. What led me to my great “adventure”, I will never forget. It was a Friday, I was about to clock out, but I had decided to snack on an apple before my departure. Suddenly, one of our workers bursts through the door and says “Er’ypony, did you hear? Luna’s Kingdom seceded from Equestria!” Silence fell over the room. The only sound left was the rumbling of machines. The pony continued “Celestia put out a Call to Arms; she called for some 75000 troops!” Utter silence. Nopony knew what to say, we were all speechless. We knew relations were bad, but not this bad. After the shock of it had left the room, workers slowly returned to their work. I threw away the apple and trotted home.
After much pondering, I made my decision. I would enlist. I felt it to be the right thing to do. Plus, it would be a great break from the boring routine of the factory. The next morning, I went up to a recruiting station, men were lined up for blocks. After an hour’s wait, I approached the desk. There set a rather rough-looking stallion with a royal guard uniform, and with what I could tell the rank of sergeant. He spoke to me “So boy, you want to fight for Celestia do you? “Yes sir” I replied. “Aye, of course, of course. Well, write you name here, or make your mark. I proceeded to do so. “Alright boy, be at Fort Equigis by tomorrow afternoon, they’ll get you mustered in.” After returning home, I wrote a letter of resignation to the factory owner and retired for the night.
That afternoon, I entered Fort Equigis. A bunch of stallions from all parts of the Kingdom were there. We began conversing over recent events. After a few minutes, the chit-chat was abruptly ended by a loud and sudden “Attention!” We all formed a straight line. A rather large stallion approached us, escorted by two privates. “Gents” he spoke “You have come here, to fight for the Princess, is that true?” “Aye sir!” we responded. “You have come here, to teach Luna and her army that they cannot simply break away from Equestria is that true?” Aye sir!” we yelled out again. “So, I shall make you a soldier! My name, is Dashstar, I will be your instructor, your mentor, your master, whatever you wish to call it. Fall in on the Corporal; he will issue you your uniform, equipment, and rations!” We quickly ran over to him and proceeded to make a line. Each stallion was given one slouch hat, one jacket, one pair of trousers, one pair of combat boots, knapsack, tin plate, tin cup, fork, knife, spoon, blanket, one shelter half, one canteen, a few pieces of salt pork, and one rifle with bayonet. After outfitting ourselves, we were given a tour of the fort, which lasted until night time. At that point, Tattoo sounded off, and we retired for the evening into our tents. Let me tell you, I have never had a worst night rest than at my first night at the fort. We were crowded six into a tent that was no bigger than a twin size bed. I barely got any sleep that night.\
I was suddenly awoken from my slumber by the sound of the bugle. Reveille was sounding off. Being half awake, I put on my trousers, shirt, and hat and stumbled outside. Stallions were slowly but surely, pouring out of their tents and forming on the fire pit, trying to stay warm. “Fall in for roll call!” Dashstar shouted out. We proceeded to make a line on a side of the row of tents. Dashstar walked and stopped across from us, followed by a sergeant. “When your name is called, answer with ‘here sir!’”. The sergeant then proceeded to open his book and call out names. “Pacemaker” “Here sir!”, “Bull’s-eye” “Here sir!”, “Stardust” “Here sir!”, “Paradox”, I proceeded to let out a formal “Here sir!”. The list continued until all men were labeled present and accounted for. At that, the sergeant gave Dashstar a salute, and walked away.
“Gentlecourts” Dashstar spoke, “I have a feeling that you all are spoiling for a go at Luna’s army. That is good! But first, we must train you to be a soldier! Your stay here will last two weeks, after that you will be sent off to the war. First week, will consist of maneuvers and marching orders. Second, will consist of weapon training. After your stay here is over, you will be professional, and well trained soldiers. Now, go eat breakfast, you’re gonna need it. Dismissed.” We then proceeded to take out our salt pork and chow down. During my “feast” A stallion walked up to me “You’re…Paradox right?” “Yes I am, and who do I have the honor of meeting?” I replied. “The name’s Bulls-eye.” “Ah yes, pleasure to meet you Bulls-eye.” “Just wanted to say, if ya need anypony to talk to, I’m the one.” “Aye, I’ll keep that in mind.” He then proceeded to walk off somewhere into the crowd. I continued eating.
On the first week, we learned basic marching orders, maneuvers. We were drilled until Dashstar was satisfied with us for the day. We were drilled until every man could perform each maneuver in his sleep! On the second, we perfected ourselves with our weapon. Bayonet drill was intense. I know we all hoped we would never have to use it. The mere idea of a piece of sharp steel going through me, made me want to gag. The two weeks seemed to fly by. On the first day of the 3rd week, we were assembled for a dress parade. At the end, we were presented with two flags, one being our nation’s flag, and the other one, which were our regimental colors. They were a beautiful sight. They read “First Canterlot Volunteers”. We then packed up, and marched out to the Ponyville depot. We boarded the train to the Whitetail Woods, where most of Luna’s Army was concentrating. The sound of the railroad car put me to sleep.
“Alright, once you’re out, start forming into your companies!” I awoke to the sound of our Colonel Toothpick ordering us out. He was the commander of our regiment. We didn’t know much about him. I grabbed my hat and rifle and walked out of the car. It took a while for my eyes to get adjusted to the light. Once we were all formed up, we were formed into a long column of fours and marched about all day. We passed miles of farmland, which made us feel like we were getting no where. I used up all my water in my canteen. My feet were really starting to hurt. I had a huge sigh of relief when we were ordered to make camp for the night. I slept with Bulls-eye that night. He was the only one I knew the most. He seemed like a nice pony. Around midnight, I heard a series of shots coming from the woods. I had dismissed it and tried to get back to sleep. But the gunfire seemed to increase in volume and intensity. I finally emerged from my tent, only to find our pickets scrambling back to the camp, out of breath. They said they were met with, what at first seemed to be enemy skirmishers, but eventually turned out to be a large attack force.
Toothpick alerted the camp. “To arms, to arms!” Stallions were emerging from their tents. They grabbed their cartridge boxes and other leathers, struggling to get their gear on. “Form a line on me!” Toothpick exclaimed. Our company was formed. In the middle of the woods, a long river separates the two sides. We were deployed on one side, while the rebels were deployed on the other. We were given orders. “Load!” We brought out a clip, inserted it into the rifle and primed it. “Ready! Aim!” Our sights were set on the enemy, our first taste of combat. “Fire!”. At that moment, our side of the woods was ablaze with the flashes of rifles. Ponies on the other side were mowed down like cattle. The rebel commander spoke up. “Dress your ranks!” “Ready! Present! Fire!”. Men in our line were cut down. A stallion to the immediate right of me fell, wallowing on the ground in agony. Toothpick’s voice again spoke up. “Ready! Aim!”. Smoke surrounded the entire area. I couldn’t see 10 feet in front of me. I could barely make out the faint silhouettes of ponies. “Fire!” I saw the pony of which I was aiming at be struck down by my bullet. The 23rd Regiment of Hoofburg volunteers came in to reinforce us. They were very much needed. By 2AM, the battle was still going on strong. I thought my barrel was going to melt it was so hot. I had no rounds left. The ranks of both sides were severely dwindled.
The rebel commander withdrew his men. We had our muskets at the ready, just in case. A few minutes past, we all stood, not knowing what would happen. At that moment, I heard a sound, which will forever stay with me. It was the neighing of ponies, but it was….demented. It sounded like some sort of barbaric war cry. Out of the smoke, emerged a full battalion of rebels with bayonets at the ready! They proceeded to cross the river! Finally, we were given a change of orders. “Company, cease fire! Right Face! By files right, at the double quick, march!” We were run out of that hornet’s nest. We ran for our lives. Our entire line broke. We ran out of the woods in a mass rout. As we reached a large hill, I was met with a site for sore eyes. The cavalry was here! Pegasi from the 3rd Cloudsdale flew up from the cover of the hill. Armed with carbines, they took down our pursuers until they retreated back into the woods. We wouldn’t have made it without them. As we organized back into our separate regiments, we marched back to HQ.
Upon reaching it, we were met with the General, who said he had just sent couriers to tell them to retreat to Ponyville. Apparently, the very same thing that happened to us, had happened to the whole army. The rebs were closing in on our position. At 4AM, our company, along with the rest of the army, began its long march towards Ponyville.
We may have lost, but we took a good number of rebels with us. I had hoped we had disrupted them in some way. As the sun began to come over the horizon, I could see what kind of panic our army was in. Rifles, cartridge boxes, canteens, knapsacks, clothing, all sorts of junk littered the road, while Utter devastation littered the landscape. I wondered about Bulls-eye, I hoped he was alright. I really liked the pony. After what seemed like half a day of marching, our column passed a road sign. It read “Ponyville: 20 Miles” I sigh of disappointment consumed me. We marched on. At nightfall, the colonel gave words that I couldn’t of been more happier to hear. “Company halt.” Men straggled over to the two sides of the road and collapsed. We were exhausted. We were going to stay here for the night. Pickets were posted ¼ of a mile away from us. I undid my belt and quickly fell asleep.
At the crack of dawn, we were awoken by Toothpick shaking us up. It was quieter than a bugle call; we didn’t want to attract any unnecessary attention. We ate a fast breakfast and marched on. We marched, and marched, and marched, the hot sun shining down on us all the while. Sometime in the afternoon, a courier pegasus came soaring down out of the skies. She fluttered toward our colonel. “Are you Colonel Toothpick?” she asked. “That’d be me” he replied. “Our scouts have spotted the enemy advancing towards Ponyville. They’re only a few days away. Once you reach the town, you are ordered to prepare defenses to defend it.” “Yes ma’am” Toothpick replied. She gave him a salute and flew back in the opposite direction. She looked rather odd to me; I’ve never seen a pony with those types of eyes before.
At the end of the day, we finally reached the town. Defenses were already being set up. We were by several members of the local militia, which escorted us into town. We were once again exhausted. I unpacked my knapsack and took out my blanket. I fell asleep in no time. At daybreak, we were up. We started to assist in the building of defenses. Sandbags and fences were built up. We worked side by side with the militia, which we were to be fighting beside in the upcoming battle. Most of the unused metal was torn down and casted into bullets. Food production was increased. Civilians boarded up their homes. On the night of the 2nd day here, the preparations were finished. After meandering around town, I found a familiar face, Bulls-eye. I approached him casually. “Hey Bull, how’s it going?” I asked him. “Oh, hey Paradox.” “Haven’t seen you in a while, how are things going for you?” “Besides two days ago? Great.” “What do you thing about this whole thing?” I asked. “What do you mean?” “I mean, you know, about defending Ponyville.” Ah. Well, frankly, I think if Ponyville falls, the war’s lost.” “I agree...we’ve got to hold here.” “What did you thing of Whitetail Woods?” “Scariest day of my life yet.” Bulls-eye replied. Tattoo sounded in the distance. “Well, I guess I’ll see you tomorrow then.” I said. “Right, ‘night Paradox” “’night Bulls-eye”.
The following night, I was on pickett duty about a quarter of a mile from Ponyville. On most nights during picket duty, I would usually be on the edge of sleep. However, that night, I was wide awake. I knew the enemy was out there somewhere, marching this way. I thought about home. I wondered if that factory, which seemed so long ago was still in service. I thought about how I got into this mess in the first place. I joined to keep equestrian together. My thoughts were interrupted by the noise of talking. It was far off, but not far off enough for me. I could start to see the smoke of a campfire rising above the tree line. It was dangerously close to me. I began to feel uncomfortable.
I fought the urge to investigate the supposed enemy encampment. I lost, my mind got the best of me and I snuck through the bush until I was about 20 feet from the camp. I saw that those ponies were forming for a night raid. They were lined up in companies, forming a battalion. I slowly backed away. Once I was well out of range of the camp, I started running back to the town. Once I passed the guards, I searched for Toothpick. He was sitting by one of the campfires. I ran to him and saluted him. He returned the salute. “What is it boy?” he asked. “Sir, I….I ran into a…- “Take it easy boy. Now, what did you see?” I..A…a rebel encampment sir…, they..were coming this way.” “My god… Go wake up the bugler!” I ran to his tent and proceeded to shake him up. “Hey, what’s the big idea!?” he asked sternly. ‘They’re coming!” I told him. He pushed me aside and blew Assembly. Stallions rushed out of their tents, grabbing their rifles and cartridge boxes. We’re were lined up beside one wall of defenses. To my surprise, there was a rather impressive looking regiment of pegasi (of whom I later found out to be the 1st Ponyville Pegasi Dragoons) stationed beside us. There commander was a cocky one. She had an amazing rainbow colored mane, unlike anything I’ve seen before. “Alright everypony, let’s show these rebels we mean business!” she addressed to her troops. Toothpick was going up and down our line, stating words of encouragement. “Steady lads steady, we have the cover. Don’t’ shoot until they’re in range.” He said. After a few minutes of waiting, I started to see figures marching through the evening fog. There colors flying proudly in the wind. “Steady, steady” Toothpick said. They marched closer and closer. Each step they took, I became more fearful.
“Ready!” Toothpick exclaimed. “Aim!” We aimed our rifles at the enemy. “Fire!” We sent a devastating volley into the ranks of the Lunar regiment. The dragoons commander spoke up. “Ready! Aim! Fire!” The dragoons had the same effect on the enemy ranks. “Battalion, halt!” said the rebel commander. “Ready” Aim! Fire!”. Most of their bullets hit the structures of the defenses. Most of them. “Ready! Aim! Fire!” Another volley of lead poured into the Lunar ranks. This continued all through the morning hours until finally, we were out of ammo. I knew that this was not a good sign.
Toothpick approached the dragoon commander for advice on the situation. “Captain Dash, our lads are out of ammo, what is your approach on this dilemma?” “My ponies are out too. There’s only one option left, we will give them the bayonet!” she said. “I wouldn’t have it any other way” Toothpick said with a grin. He walked back over to us and exclaimed “Company, fix bayonets!” I hesitantly pulled my bayonet out of my scabbard and attached it to my rifle. I had dreaded this ever since bayonet drill, which seemed so long ago. “Charge...bayonet!” A war cry resounded through our ranks as we brought our rifles down at the ready position. “Prepare to charge!” Toothpick said as he waved his sword in a circular motion. “Charge!” At that moment, I leaped over the wooden barricade into the wild. A ferocious war cry over came us as we charged toward the enemy. Adrenaline was bursting through my veins. Most of them began to turn and run for the woods, which is what I would’ve done in their situation. We chased them towards the edge of the woods until Toothpick called us off and we walked back to the town. Our loses were light. With the 123 stallions we had in our company before this engagement, only 6 were killed and 23 wounded. The same couldn’t be said for the rebels. Three hours of point blank firing left a field of devastation. One of our lads even got a prize for the regiment, the enemy’s colors.
With the battle over for now, we began to calm down and started our leisure routine. I was cleaning my rifle when Toothpick approached me. “Private”. I stood at attention and saluted him “Yes sir.” “I’m sure you’re aware of our large amount of wounded comrades.” “I am sir” I replied. “Captain Dash says there’s a Pegasus somewhere in this town. Says she takes care of animals and things like that. I thought she might be the ideal pony for caring for our wounded.” “So sir, you’re requesting that I track her down for you sir?” I asked. “Indeed I am lad.” She’s the closest thing we’ve got to a medic ‘round these parts. She lives in a cottage beside a small steam, shouldn’t be too hard to spot. Now go, times a wastin’.” I saluted him and proceeded to search the town.
After asking some of the locals, I finally managed to spot the house. It was surrounded by all sorts of pet houses. I peeked through the window, the door was boarded up from the inside. But I hoped she would still answer. I approached the door and knocked a few times. A soft voice replied to my knocking.”Y..yes?” “Uh, ma’am.. I heard you were good at taking care of animals and such, and..We have a quite a lot of wounded. My colonel was hoping you could come down and help.” “I..is the battle..over?” She asked. “Yes ma’am, it’s all over.” I heard what I guessed was the sound of homemade barricades being taking down. She slowly opened her door and peeked out. She was a yellow Pegasus with a long, pink mane. I could tell she was a timid pony. “Don’t be scared” I said reassuringly. She came out of her house. “Follow me” I said. We started walking back towards the front line. “So” I said “What’s your name?” “F..flutter-“ the rest was inaudible. I’m sorry, I couldn’t quite hear you. “Flut..fluttershy..” she said softly. “Fluttershy? That’s a nice name. My name’s Paradox. “Oh, hello Paradox” I could tell she was starting to warm up. “You know, you seem like a really nice pony.” I said to her. “Thank you” she replied. She brought with her bandages and a bottle of chloroform.
Upon reaching the site of our wounded, Fluttershy stopped in her tracks. “Oh, oh my!” she said as she put her hoof up to her mouth. After the shock of it all left her, she started tending to our wounded. When our men were under her care, a smile came over their faces. They knew they were in good hands. She seemed to have a mother’s touch; it’s something I’ve never seen before. She patched up the lightly wounded and put the heavily injured ones under for their operations. Some of the citizens of the town acted as temporary stretcher bearers.
After our wounded were addressed with, Fluttershy still wasn’t done. She asked our colonel and Cpt. Dash if she could help the rebel wounded. Dash spoke out “Why in Celestia would you wanna do that Fluttershy?! In case you haven’t noticed, they’re the ENEMY!” Toothpick was also unsure. “But we’re all equestrians” she said. After some convincing, Dash reluctantly agreed. He and Toothpick ordered 5 guys from my regiment, me included, and the Pegasi Dragoons to fill canteens and address the Lunar wounded. We climbed over the wall with a white flag, in case any enemy pickets were to discover us. We started our task. We poked each body. If it was alive, we tended to it, if it was dead, we moved on to the next.
Fluttershy said a few kind and soft words to each stallion as she passed by. She was the pony embodiment of an angel. As I turned over one of the bodies to check if it was alive, what I saw startled me and interested me. The lad I turned over was one of the boys I went to school with back in the day. Shot through the jugular. Heck of a way to go I thought.
Some interesting also happened later that night. As I was about to retire, something in the sky caught my eye. At first I thought it was some sort of bird, but as it got closer, I realized it was actually a Pegasus. It was spiraling out of control towards the ground. It crashed landed somewhere in the town. A few minutes later, I saw the same one being carried onto a table. Upon reaching the crowd that was rapidy growing, I saw it was the same crossed-eye Pegasus I saw at Whitetail Woods. She had been shot through the wing. In her pouch, we found a letter from HQ it read as follows.
"Colonel Toothpick,
I regret to inform you that the town of Ponyville has been besieged by the enemy. The regiment that I sent to attempt to break it has failed. I am unable to assist you, other than send regiments in to slowly liberate you from your attackers. I hope this courier finds you without incident.
-General McClopping, Commanding General"
We sent her off to the local hospital. The wing would have to come off, but she’d live. We were dismissed and Tattoo was sounded. In my tent, I thought of the situation I was in. The enemy now intended to starve us out. I hardly got any sleep that night.
Things continued at the norm for a little while. The rebels would only send skirmishers to harass us once or twice a day. That was the least of our concerns. Slowly but surely, the life was sucked out of Ponyville. Resources ran out quickly. Seeing ponies as a literal skeleton of their former self was not an uncommon sight now. It was here I went my longest without a meal, 5 days. The civilians were hit the hardest. 85% of food was taken for the army. I began to see dead civilians lying on the streets. But everypony was too weak to bury them. Eventually, we started sending parties into the Everfree Forest to hunt. Most of them never came back.
As winter set in, things went from bad to worse. More and more ponies were dying from starvation. Food became even more scarce then it was before. Eventually, Colonel Toothpick ordered us to find any edible items in Ponyville and bring them here for the lads. We took some of Fluttershy’s animals and ate them. As much as I regret it, and believe me, I do an awful lot, it was the only thing we could do to survive. But probably the worst thing I’ve seen starvation do is to a pony who worked at Sugarcube Corner. Sugarcube Corner was a candy shop we used to go to for treats while we were off duty. When food became more scarce, instead of baking cakes, they started simply baking bread. One of the ponies who worked there was always energetic, happy, and at most times, downright crazy. She was pink with big poufy hair. But now, she’s a shell of what she used be. She shows no emotion except grief and sadness, her hair long and straight. It was as if she had the life sucked out of her.
The siege lasted for 5 months, from the beginning of fall to the end of winter. In early march, I had never felt so happy in my entire life. In the afternoon, a regiment of French Zouaves marched into town. We couldn’t believe our eyes. After enduring hell for 6 long months, we were finally liberated. I had been severely crippled by the malnutrition. A lot of the citizens were hospitalized. Due to my condition, I was taken to a hospital in Canterlot. My regiment, after recovering moved out into the Everfree Forest.
The Everfree forest is the scariest place I’ve ever been in. You can barely see it’s so dark. There’s trees and brush everywhere. I could already tell the fighting would be up close and personal.
The lads were happy to see me back, especially Bulls-eye. He never seemed the same ever since I saw him in Ponyville. But none the less, we greeted each other warmly. Besides the scenery, little had changed. Aside from the rebels, we were introduced to a new enemy, the ferocious creatures that await us in this nightmare of a forest. We apparently also received a new sergeant while I was absent. I knew little about him, but I hoped he was somewhat as good as Toothpick. With spring having arrived, and both sides resuming combat (winter was spent in winter quarters, it was a hibernation period for the army), my nerves became more tense. During one of our patrols, I discovered some bodies of stallions, our lads. I assumed they were from when they went scavenging for food during the siege, its memories still fresh in my mind. There was distinct claw marks on the bodies. Whatever took them, was a rather large animal. I tried to push a mental image of the horrible thing out of my mind and continued onward.
Woosh! A heard the sound of a bullet fly past us. “Take cover!” our Sergeant said (Who I learned had the nick-name of Sweet William). I took my position behind a thick tree. Toothpick had said this area was littered with sharpshooters, but I didn’t expect to run into any. “Do you see him?” William asked. “No Sarge!” another replied. I poked my head out, only for it to be swiftly drawn back by the wiz of a passing bullet. “Stardust!” William yelled. “Sir?” he asked. “Start running towards that tree in a zig-zag formation!” he said. “Are you crazy sir?” Stardust asked. “Just do it private! The rest of you, I want you to give him covering fire, once you see the flash of that reb’s gun, light him up!” “Aye sir!” I said.
Stardust began his sprint. The sharpshooter took the bait. We began pouring rounds into the tree from which he was firing. I aimed my rife, looked down my sights, and fired. The reb fell from the free onto the ground. Most of our day had us repeating this until we stumbled upon some sort of fortress. “What in the hell is that?” Sawbones said. I noticed the Lunar flag waving over the structure. He marked it on a map, and we marched back to our camp. Upon telling Toothpick, he quickly made his decision, we would attack at dawn.
The next morning, we ate a quick breakfast of salt pork and a small cup of coffee and marched out. A song started to resound throughout the column, which went something like this:
"Rise up you valiant patriots, and listen unto me!
Those turncoat traitors of the dark have gone to war with ye!
So enlist me lad and join our ranks and we will make them see!
Put on your suit and grab you boots an’ come away wi’ me!
To arms me lads, assist the princess in her dire hour!
We’ll give those rebs the bayonet an’ show them our true power!
We’ll take the Princess of the Night and bring her to her knees!
Put on your suit and grab your boots an’ come away wi’ me!"
We reached small clearing right under a ridge overlooking the structure. It was there we made camp. It was here that I learned of the importance of this fort. This fort was the only protection left between Luna’s Castle and us. I could see the end of the war was in sight. Right after lunch, we formed our battalions for the assault. My regiment had the job of being the first wave. A detachment of pegasi was going to hopefully provide a distraction while we attack. We formed into our battle lines. Toothpick came up and addressed us. “Fix...bayonets!” I pulled that long piece of steel out of my scabbard and attached it to my rifle. It shined gleamed brightly on that clear spring day. “Shoulder, arms!”. “Forward...March!” Our attack began. At that moment, the cannons of the Lunar fort opened up on us. One of them made a direct hit on our line. A collection small of legs and hooves rained down on us.
More shells landed around us. After a few minutes of marching, the infantry opened up on us. Men were falling left and right. Our color bearer fell, one pony dropped his rife and took his place. “Steady boys, steady!” Toothpick said. We continued marching. Another volley of lead poured into us. The lad towards my left was hit in the arm. I could hear the bones break as he fell backwards. The artillery and musket fire was getting more and more accurate. Our lads were being mowed down like cattle. “Forward, keep going forward!” Toothpick exclaimed. Our regiment was already down to 1/3 strength. “At the double quick, march!” Toothpick ordered. We started galloping towards the fort. It was then, that an artillery burst sent a small piece of shrapnel into my neck. I fell down on my stomach. The last thing I remember was seeing our regiment run forward towards the fort, and seeing our flag fall from the hands of the bearer.
When I awoke, all was silent. It was night time. I felt my neck. The bleeding had stopped, and I felt I could manage it. As I started to survey my surroundings, I came to a horrific conclusion. Our assault was not successful. Bodies of our lads litter the ground. Some of them lay in the most peculiar positions. I turned my attention from the corpse-littered ground, to the enemy fort. That Lunar flag still waved defiantly. I needed to get back to our lines. And if possible, find the remainder of my company. That is, if there were any. As I began to move, a bullet hit the ground beside me. I fell back down, still as a rock. I knew that this was not going to be easy. I very slowly moved my arm towards one of the bodies, and slowly pulled him in front of me. I took two more and placed them beside me. In a no time, I had made me a box of cover. I would have to stay here, and see what dawn brought us.
I opened my eyes to the glaring sun. I saw a lad who was in the same predicament as I was squirm around before being shot. Those bastards were still going at it. A few hours of waiting later, one of our commanders rode up with a white flag, asking an audience with the Lunar commander. His request was granted. After a few minutes of talking, they had agreed to a temporary cease fire. This provided time to get the wounded off of the battlefield and for other things. Once it took effect, I slowly raised myself off of the ground. After not being struck with a piece of lead, I ran back to our lines.
“Any of you seen Toothpick?” I asked around. “Who?” one asked. “Colonel Toothpick, 1st Canterlot.” I replied. “Ne’r heard of him.” This continued until I found a few familiar faces. “Hey gents, uh..do you know where I can find Toothpick?” I asked. “Aye, he’s paid a little visit to Sawbones!” Sawbones was a slang term for the surgeon. “Is it serious?” I continued. “Tis just a li’l scratch, dinne fret!” the soldier replied. The remainder of my company and I spent the rest of the day trying to reorganize. A while later, we heard Toothpick was going to be put on furlough for a while to recover from his wounds. I wondered who are knew commander would be.
A day later, we received our commander who would replace Toothpick until his return. His name was Toadsticker. He was a wildcat for sure. “Gentlecourts, I am your temporary commander until Toothpick returns. Under my command, things will be done differently. You will respect me, and I will respect you. If you fail to respect me, you will be severely punished! And under my command, we will drive those heathens back into the hell from once they came!” I could tell this was going to be a wonderful experience.
That afternoon, we began to pack up. We were going to have to find another way to Luna’s Castle. We packed up camp and marched out. I was glad to be getting out of this forest. We were going to go back into Ponyville. That town had somewhat become our home camp. About half way through the march out of the Everfree, I began to here running. I thought it must be the enemy pegasi. The running got louder and more intense. “Company, brace for pegasi!” Toadsticker yelled. At that moment, our column of fours split. Two columns were facing the left, the other two were facing the right. Our bayonets were fixed and at the ready and our rifles cocked. However, what came out of the brush was not enemy pegasi, it was a horde of manticores. “What in Celestia are those things” One said. “Ready, aim, fire!” We poured lead into them. Many fell, but the rest kept coming. We braced ourselves for the impact. The manitcores ran themselves onto our bayonets. Our colonel was shooting them with his revolver. Pretty soon, it was all over. The survivors retreating into the woods. After a minute of waiting, new orders came out. “Company, form column of fours! Forward, march!” We continued our way out of the forest without incident.
Ponyville looked much better than it did a while back. Life had been restored to the town. That pony at Sugarcube was back to her hyperactive self. We only spent a night in Ponyville. That morning, we had our usual breakfast of salt port and coffee. We marched out to a local river. We boarded a convey of transport ships, we were to disembark near an ill-defended fort near the rear of Luna’s Kingdom.
The ride was alright. We spent most of our time on the ship playing cards and relaxing. And lucky for us this time, we were bringing artillery with us, which would make the siege a whole lot easier. We also had the 1st Ponyville Dragoons with us too. Cpt. Dash was as always, an over confident wildcat. But, I could tell she cared about her lads, and they did the same.
We disembarked at a shallow bank near the fort. We marched until we had it in our sight, which was where we made camp. Dash sent out scouts to recon the area. They came back with good news. The fort was undermanned, which would make this an easy battle for us. On dawn of the next day, we awoke, had a good breakfast, and assembled into our battalions. Cpt. Dash and her men were to surround the area with her ponies and keep them distracted while we scaled the walls and took over the fort.
“Fix...bayonets!” Toadsticker yelled out. I pulled out the long blade and attached it to my rifle. “Load!” I loaded a bullet into my rifle and primed it. Forward...march!” Toadsticker yelled out. Just then, our artillery opened up, raining death upon the enemy. It was strange, the enemy was not on the walls. Even through the barrage of cannon fire, I still expected there to be guards on the walls firing upon us, but the walls were deserted. We kept our pace with the drum cadence. I hoped we would succeed in taking this fort, so I could finally go home.
When we were half way towards the fort, the gate opened. The Lunars poured outward, forming into their battle lines. “Battalion, charge bayonet!” Toadsticker yelled out. Our battle cry resounded through the ranks as we slowly marched towards the line of darkness. The Lunar commander’s voice spoke up “Company, ready! Present! Fire!” A volley poured into us, many fell but we still marched on. “Charge!” We rushed forward towards the enemy, bayonets at the ready. Before they had time for a second volley we tore into them. “Give ‘em cold steel boys, give e’m cold steel! Drive these heathens back to the moon!” Toadsticker exclaimed. In a matter of minutes, they broke and ran for the gate. We pursued them into the fort. The pegasi planted themselves on the wall and proceeded to fire lead down upon the enemy as we tore them to pieces with our bayonets.
Then, in the midst of all of this, a voice rang out “Cease your fire, we surrender!” We ceased. Toadsticker wanted to finish them off, said they didn’t deserve quarter. After some convincing from the men, he reluctantly agreed with us. The rebel commander approached Toadsticker, and presented him his sword. “Captain Dash, take charge of this prisoners!”. Be my pleasure!” she responded. After giving a salute, she along with a group of men escorted them out of the fort under armed guard.
The Lunar flag was taken down, and the flag of Celestia was raised high. Our lads cheered at the sight “Huzzah!” they exclaimed.
We were stationed at the fort while we waiting on word when we were going to attack Luna’s castle. We heard that Celestia sent her sister a letter, giving her this one and only chance to rejoin her. Upon hearing of this, I hoped she would agree. I had had enough of the soldier life. While waiting for word, we were pretty much on furlough. Ponies spent their day in leisure. Playing cards, playing music ‘round the fire and other sorts of things.
Months later, word got through on Luna’s response. She refused. The next day, units started moving in and around the fort, such as the 34th Pegasi Dragoons, 125th Manehatten Volunteers, and the 69th Pillydelphia Guards. I could tell something big was going to happen. I knew it would have to be an assault on Luna’s Castle.
A full two years after the battle of Whitetail Woods, we marched out to the outskirts of Luna’s castle. Resistance was surprisingly minimal. In just 3 weeks, we were at the walls of the castle itself. That was where we encountered heavy resistance. It would seem as if every remaining pony, every rifle, every cannon left intact was gathering together into that castle for its defense. Cannons lined the walls along with a thick line of troops. A large fluttering banner also waved o’er the large structure. If we could take this, we could finally go home.
At 4 am the next morning, our 3 hour bombardment commenced. Our cannon made good work of the forts walls. Many of us stared out of our tents and watched the fireworks. At 7:00, there was many a hole in the enemies walls, could’ve been mistaken for a changling fort by that point in time. This battle was going to be close quarters, fighting inside a castle, room by room, hall by hall. This was the only occasion I can recall where we actually had musicians with us. Young lads they were, most of them weren’t even 15. But none the less, they could play!
Toothpick finally returned and thankfully relieved Toadsticker of command. It was glad to have the old man back with us. “Battalion, fix bayonets!” he called out. “Shoulder arms! Forward march!” As our left hoof touch the ground, the musicians started playing Celestia and Liberty. Got me all pumped up. The walls were deserted, which was probably a smart idea considering that was barely a piece of wall big enough to cover more than a pony. We stopped at the large iron gates that provided the only means of entering. We divided our battalion into squads of 15, each would go a certain way in the castle and navigate their way to the throne room. As we broke open the large iron gates, pure darkness greeted us.
After lighting a set of lanterns, we began to navigate our way, one lantern per squad. I and the lads began our sweep through the left side of the first floor. I began to hear whispering somewhere in the darkness. As I approached a corridor, a reb popped his head out and took a shot at me. Lucky for me, it only put a hole in my uniform. When he popped his head out again, I fired. He fell down. “Come on boys.” I said, they followed after me as I approached the next room. I ran in there, bayonet at the ready. I was greeted with a Lunar loading his weapon, I charged him and plunged my bayonet into him. He collapsed onto the hard wooden floor. I placed my hoof on his chest and pulled it out. As I turned around, I was greeted with the sight of a Lunar charging at me. As his piece of steel was about to enter my body, A flash of light went off and he went down. When he went down, I saw bulls-eye standing there with a smoking barrel. “Be more careful next time will ya?” he asked. “I’ll try but no promises lad” I returned with a grin.
Room by room, hall by hall, corridor by corridor, level by level, we cleared that castle out. When we reached the dining room, which led into the throne room, I saw a small lad standing there. He had to be no older than 16. He swiftly dropped his weapon and threw his hands up, fear was in his eyes. I slowly lowered my rifle. At that moment, of our lads popped around the corner and shot the poor thing. “What the bloody hell was that for!” I exclaimed “Wha? He’s a reb, we’re here to kill rebs aren’t we?” “Not unarmed ones! He’s just a kid! That’s bloody murder you bastard!” I persisted. “Meh.” He returned and walked towards the kid to inspect his glorious trophy. Toothpick caught up with us, along with the rest of the battalion. We had cleared out the whole castle except for the throne room.
“Alright lads, ye ready?” Toothpick asked. We all replied confidently. “Remember, we dinne know what’s behind those doors, so remember tae keep your eyes open alright.” We all nodded. With a kick of the door we rushed in, rifles cocked and aimed at a the princess of the night herself.
Toothpick took a few paces in front of us. “Are you Princess Luna?” he asked. “Tis I, and who do I have the honor of speaking with?” she returned. “Colonel Toothpick, 1st Canterlot Volunteers” “Charmed” she said as she reached out her hoof. I was awed by her kindness, surely this was not the same Luna we had been at war with for two years. “Ma’am, you being put under arrest for high treason against the Kingdom of Celetia.” “Ah very well, I knew this day would be upon me not too long ago.” She came willingly, which was a big surprise to us all.
Luna was brought out under armed guard. Toothpick stepped out with her. Our lads were gathered around them. “Three cheers for the colonel!” a stallion shouted. “Hip hip, huzzah, hip hip, huzzah, hip hip, huzzah!”. “Three cheers for Celestia and the Solar Kingdom!” another shouted “Hip hip huzzah, hip hip huzzah, hip hip huzzah!”
We were then marched back towards Canterlot. There was going to be a victory parade there. Luna was put in the city jail and it was being decided whether she should live or die. As long as I fought her and her army, I couldn’t bear to see her die. I hoped she would live, I knew she regretted it all.
“Battalion, shoulder arms! Right shoulder shift, march! Forward march!” We began our march around Canterlot’s parade ground. There were ponies of all ages on both sides waving Solar banners and cheering. I thought to myself, I wondered what I would do now. Would I go back to the factory? After a moment of pondering, I decided I would cross that bridge when I came to it.
After the parade, we were marched down to Fort Trottsdale. A few days later, I got notice that my service in Celestia’s army was up. The 1st Canterlot was disbanded. I turned in my uniform, rifle, and other accoutrements and put on a pair of civilian clothes that now seemed foreign to me. As I was leaving, I wanted to see Toothpick one last time. I eventually spotted him. “Sir” I said as I approached him with a salute “At ease, what is it boy?” he replied. “I just wanted to say sir, it’s been an honor serving with your sir.” “Aye, you too boy, you too.” With a quick salute, I walked off.
I spent the next few days getting readjusted back to civilian life. A week later I heard news of Luna’s punishment. It was a big relief to me that she as not going to be executed. But she would have to serve years in the dungeon for high treason. There was nothing Celestia could do about it. I got my job back at the factory. I was planning to move out of my small little town. Just wasn’t the same it used to be. The only town I actually wanted to move to was Ponyville. The town had grown on me whilst serving there.
A couple of years after the war’s end I moved to Ponyville. I had a very peculiar greeting upon my move to the town. As I was pulling my cart, a pink pony with poufy hair came hopping up to me. “Oooh! Are you new here!?” she asked eagerly. “Aye I am” I replied. “Oh that’s great! I love to meet new ponies! I’m Pinkie Pie, what’s your name? “’Name’s Paradox” I answered. “Paradox” she replied, “Are you some sort of time traveler? Oh a time traveler, I’ve always wanted to have a time traveling friend! We’re going to have so much fun just wait and see!” “Heh, I’m not a time traveler ma’am.” I said. “Oh, well we’ll still have LOTS of fun!”
Now I’d like you to keep in mind that will we were conversing, she was bouncing around my cart, in a sort of revolving pattern. This pony was crazy! She bounced around my cart carrying on our conversation until I reached my new home. “Ooh is this your new home?” she asked “It appears to be.” I said. “Can I help you move in?” “Uh thanks but I can handle it myself.” I told her. “Oh..well come down to Sugarcube Corner later! We can throw a party!” “Sure thing Pinkie”
With a smile she turned around and hopped back in the opposite direction. In an hour or so, I unloaded and arranged most of my things. It already started to look like home. I retired at early that night. I thought about Pinkie. I couldn’t believe that pony from way back when was still here. She was a bit older, but her personality hadn’t changed a bit. I felt as though things were going to be wonderful here.
Chapter XV
That morning, I set down to a bowl of hay and oats. The best breakfast I’ve had in a long time. I knew I needed to get a job somewhere. Since factory work was the only thing I knew, it would have to be something under unskilled labor. Eventually, I got my job at another factory outside of Ponyville. The factory specialized in making items for the military. I was getting back into old routine.
That night, I was invited to attend party, hosted by no other than Pinkie Pie. Upon arriving, I was greeting with six different faces, two of which were familiar faces. One being, Pinkie Pie, and another one was a yellow pony with a long pink mane of who I believed I had seen during the war.
Pinkie began to address the the other five “Everypony, meet..uh..hmm now what was that name again? Paraflocks? Pairofsocks? No, that’s not it-“ “It’s Paradox ma’am.” I said. “Oh right, Paradox!” she corrected. A purple unicorn approached me. “Hello, my name is Twilight Sparkle, I’m a student of Princess Celestia and I’m currently researching the magic of friendship in Ponyville.” I assumed she was some sort of an intellectual judging by her greeting. “Hello ma’am pleased to meet you.” I said. The next one was an orange pony with a blonde pony-tail. “Howdy Mr. Paradox, ‘names Applejack, I’m a farmer on Sweet Apple Acres and I’m might obliged to meet ya!” she said with a firm hoof shake.
The next one was a blue Pegasus with a rainbow colored mane. “Hey Paradox, the name’s Rainbow Dash, the fastest flyer in Ponyville and soon to be Equestria!” “Dash huh? Say, did you serve in the war?” I asked. “ I sure did!” she said confidently. “1st Ponyville Dragoons?” I persisted. “You bet!” “Captain?” “Yep”. “Well Captain Dash, it’s nice to see you again.” “You know me?” “Well yes, our regiments fought beside each other during the defense of Ponyville.”Ah right, boy we really gave ‘em hell didn’t we?” Dash replied. “Heh, yeah”.
The next pony to greet me was a white one with a rather stylish purple mane. “Hello sir, my name’s Rairty and I’m very pleased to meet you. I run a fashion boutique not too far from here. And don’t hesitate to stop by in you need anything.” “Thank you ma’am, will do.”
The last one to greet me, well not so much as greet, I actually had to do the greeting. I walked up to the yellow Pegasus. Hi Ma’am, my names Paradox, what’s yours?” I asked calmly. “F..flutter..” she began to trail off. “I’m sorry, I didn’t quite hear you.” “Flut..Fluttershy.” she spoke softly. “Hello Fluttershy, do you remember me?” I asked. She shook her head. “Remember that battle here a few years ago?” I persisted. “Y..yes, it was a very frightening experience for me.” She spoke. “Well, I came to you and asked for your help, and you helped care for my wounded.” It was upon this sentence that she recognized me. “Oh, your that pony, oh it’s so great to see you again!” I couldn’t help but grin.
And this pretty much sums up my experiences in the war, my movement to Ponyville, and my introduction to my new friends. About ten years later, I asked Twilight to help me right a book about my experiences. She agreed, and with her help, I published this book that you are reading now.
There is only one way I can think to end this book. We must remember all the blood and toil that was shed during this horrific conflict. We must always remember, and make sure that it never happens again. For those who do not know history, are condemned to repeat it.
Prologue
For most ponies nowadays, the Equestrian Civil War is a thing of the past. There are few reminders of it, only the people who lived through it themselves remain. I guarantee you; you wouldn’t find it in any school books. Hay, the only book I’ve ever seen a reference to it is in some dusty old book in Twilight’s library. With the remaining record of the war getting smaller every day, I feel compelled to give my account of what I witnessed during my time as a soldier for the Princess. This is my story.
Chapter I
I guess I should begin a bit before the outbreak of the war. Back in these days, Luna and Celestia weren’t the best of sisters. Their relationship with one another was good enough to co-exist, but nothing more. Political matters increased the tensions between the two. A big one was slavery. Luna’s kingdom flourished on slavery. It depended on it. I’d say, around 75% of their land was focused on agricultural needs. Wheat, corn, potatoes, you name it. Celestia’s Kingdom wasn’t too pleased with their “work force”. Tensions became really tense after some Stallion rode into Fillyville with a small band of ponies (which happened to be his relatives) and raided the arsenal there! He had hoped to start a slave rebellion, but things didn’t quite goes as planned. Celestia’s Kingdom was largely focused on industry. Factories were popping up everywhere. Most of the ponies there were opposed to the idea of slavery. This would lead up to the outbreak of the Equestrian Civil War.