Author's Note
This was originally meant to be a Non-Canon spinoff to the Negotiations-verse, but since my story contained many elements that didn't quite fit into Rated Ponystar's timeline—at least not without severe changes having to be made—they recommended that I simply make it its own thing, simply inspired by the Negotiations-verse. So here's the first of two prologues to explain the world and setting for this story.
With all of this said, I hope you enjoy what you see.
Prologue 1: Remembering
Dear Journal,
The Ambush is set to start first thing in the morning, rumoured to be headed by Princesses Luna and Twilight. This’ll be the first time we use the new anti-magic generators, Thalmann Generators as they’re called. Everyone’s pretty excited about that, calling this battle as good as over, as if the ponies don’t still have incredible strength without their magic, we’re still humans after all.
As for me, I’m neutral on the whole thing. As I’ve written in here before, I don’t believe in my father’s way of war. It’s bad, no matter who the enemy is. It just makes me remember all that we’ve lost to this point, and all the good that the ones we’re killing have done for us.
Following the Third World War back in 2025-2029, most tensions between East and West were all but eradicated. But, obviously, that didn’t stop more conflict from brewing, this time over the Kaiju. They’re Island once sat just south of Hawaii—now having been eradicated by the Crystal Cannon—and that was a point of contention, because without a clear enemy, the world had to make a new one, which became the US. Everyone was afraid of them somehow using the titans to create new powerful weapons to conquer the world. On top of that, the world was entering into an energy crisis, and after Apex’s use of the energy to make the Mechagodzilla, it was swiftly banned to the Hollow Earth and unusable to solve the crisis.
It was just when the world was about to start WW4 that Equestria suddenly appeared in 2036, in the middle of the Indian Ocean, surrounded by a barrier capable of melting us humans like it was made of Acid. Just like that, everyone forgot their grievances with one another and focused on the new landmass. Soon after that the ponies made first contact with humans, led by Princess Twilight and her brother, Prince Shining Armour. They weren’t immediately trusted by everyone, and while it did get better, it has now gotten much worse for what I think are fairly obvious reasons.
But for those in power, that wasn’t so much an issue. They did well to build strong relations from the very beginning, which led to the world having its energy crisis solved by Equestrian crystals, which outperformed all but Nuclear Energy, while Princess Twilight solved the issue of the Kaiju by convincing the US President to allow Japan and China access to military bases in Hawaii.
That’s how Equestria gained enough trust to go through with everything that happened in the following nine years.
In 2039, it became known that the barrier surrounding Equestria was actually spreading, and with them unable to stop it came the first suspicions that Equestria had ulterior motives than those presented upon first arrival and contact. Although we all loved, and still do love, Discord.
In 2040, it was revealed by Celestia that the barrier was completely unstoppable. But they then presented us with a potion, known as the Conversion Potion, it was capable of turning humans into ponies. It was given a 5 Year Trial Period, but it barely saw the end of year four. This was because of the revelation in 2044 that the potion repressed human emotions and made them conform to Equestria’s way of thinking. By January of 2045, all of the Conversion Bureaus were shut down, and relations with Equestria were about as far down the shitter as was physically possible without war, which started in May of 2046.
For the first few years the war was like any other we’d ever fought, minus Equestrian teleporting tactics. It was just back and forth stuff, with defectors from Equestria helping us adapt and stand our ground. From what I heard, most ponies in Equestria had expected us to be defeated by the end of the year, which obviously hasn’t happened.
It was only a month ago that Equestria unleashed their latest weapon, the Crystal Cannon. It was used to wipe out Rome, Mecca, and Monster Island. Discord destroyed it, but now he’s injured and will be using minimal magic until he recovers, which means we’re on our own. But I think we’ll be ok without him from here, assuming the Thalmann generators work as anticipated.
But thinking about the Kaiju, I heard that Godzilla and Kong were last seen burning documents, and that something had been reclaimed by Equestria. I seriously hope that they didn’t find out about
“My my, that’s certainly an impressive timeline- WHOA!” Whoa is right, as my notebook and pen quickly find themselves on the floor, and the jackass who decided to sneak up on me suddenly finds himself dodging my oncoming fist by the skin of his teeth, only not receiving more injuries from falling thanks to a hardcore otaku girl catching him.
“DON’T SNEAK UP ON A GIRL LIKE THAT, JACKASS! ESPECIALLY NOT A SOLDIER!” I then pick up my book and pen again, promptly shoving them into my bag next to my cot, which I swear is damaged from me getting up so fast. Hardly the first time it’s happened, but it’s still infuriating as all fuck.
“My apologies,” the man gets up with the help of the girl, “I am simply looking for someone, and you seem to match the description of who we’re looking for.” Now that I get a better look at this guy, he’s a hell of a lot older than I initially thought, probably nearing being an elder, but the lab coat he’s wearing indicates that he’s still working.
The Otaku beside him is pretty standard, nothing really unusual aside from a lab coat, which can just as easily be a bit of cosplay. I’ve seen plenty of anime with people wearing lab coats… although she doesn’t seem to be matching any of them… it’s really a mystery.
But the one who really stands out is the pony beside her, sporting a cream colored coat and a red mane. She honestly looks like Twilight Sparkle, minus the glasses and ponytail she’s sporting.
“Well, who are you looking for? Because you’re sure as hell not going to be finding them with that shitty tactic.” Which someone his age should be more than aware of, but since when has anything like that ever been common sense?
That’s a trick question.
“Thomane Doramus. Daughter of General Yoatsu. The only human in history to ever go through-“
“Okay! Just the name would’ve been enough!” Again, common sense, not even once! “Yes, that’s me, although if you’re looking for anything involving my father, you’re shit out of luck.” And boy is that an understatement. “I haven’t had any worthwhile talks with him as of late, unless you count pissing matches as being worthwhile, which I don’t.”
“Your father is merely a means of finding you, Ms. Doramus. He has nothing to do with the matter at hand. We’d honestly be disappointed if he were affecting the way you think out there.” I can’t help eyeing him suspiciously when he says that, because no one has ever praised me for those decisions, especially not an elder.
“Ooookaaayyyy… But that doesn’t explain what you want from me, or who the hell you three are.” They do look familiar though. The unicorn anyway, the other two are as forgettable as anyone you see once. Her name is on the tip of my tongue, yet I can’t quite place it…
“Of course. All will be explained in due time, Ms. Doramus. But before that comes, could I please request that you join us outside?” Well that doesn’t sound suspicious at all.
That was sarcasm if you couldn’t already tell.
Against all my better judgement, I gesture for them to lead the way outside and begin following them, but not before I pick up my jacket. Nights in the desert are cold as all hell. I’ll need it.
Sure enough, the second we step outside, the Otaku is shivering. Apparently a lab coat isn’t very protective from the elements, who would’ve thought? I just throw my coat over her shoulders, which earns me a grateful look.
We end up stopping about 30 meters away from the barracks, right in front of the Knesset, only about 200 feet away from where the Equestrian Army will appear in no less than 16 hours.
“Okay, now that we’re out here and won’t be overheard, allow me to introduce myself. I’m Professor Thalmann, partial creator and namesake of the Thalmann Generators.” He extends his hand for a shake, which I accept, while simultaneously kicking myself internally.
In hindsight, it makes a lot of sense. Of course the creators of the generators would be here, albeit likely much further away from the battlefield. If something went wrong and the generators either failed or needed repairs, they’re about the only ones who currently have the knowledge to actually do such things.
“Right, that makes sense now that it’s been said. But that begs the question; Why were you here looking for me? You were talking about how my father’s philosophy affecting me would be a disappointment, why?” As I said before, nobody praised my way of thinking over my father’s, yet here I am, getting praise from one of the smartest men of our generation.
“Because we have something we want to give you, Ms. Doramus. Also, I’m Moondancer, just in case you forgot.” As she says this, she levitates a long box into my hands.
I simply stare at it for a moment before glancing back at them. When they nod encouragingly, I pull the lid off the box, only to find that there’s a sword inside, which I never would’ve guessed with how light the box is.
When I take it out of the box, it lights up in a bright green glow and it’s almost like numerous needles go through my hand, before just as quickly disappearing. A few more seconds later and the light goes out too, which scares me slightly.
“Um… is it supposed to do that?” None of them say anything, eyes kept firmly on the sword itself. I look back to it as I begin hearing the sound of parts grinding and creaking, as well as a lot of vibrations from within the handle.
Then it lights up, a calm and majestic blue color. But the way that the aura comes off of it, it’s almost like… No way…
“Is this-“
“The first, and only one of its kind. A Thalmann Generator inside of a sword.” Prof. Thalmann then fixes me with a stern look. “Understand, Ms. Doramus, that this is an incredibly powerful tool. One that cannot be allowed to fall into the hands of anyone else. In the wrong hands, it could turn humanity into the very monsters that Celestia has painted as.” I.E. rapists, enslavers, etc.
“You’re the only one we’ve found that we can trust out there, Ms. Doramus.” Moondancer is carrying the same look on her face. “With how many times you’ve run out and risked your own arrest for the sake of those who most would think of as the enemy, we believe that you are the only one worthy of this blade.”
“That and, I’m pretty sure we’d all commit suicide if we had to try and build any more of these damn things!” Dr. Yamato exclaims, seemingly shuddering at the mere idea of it. “That single blade took us 137 hours to make! And we lost the diagram because I forgot to save! Even if we wanted to make another, we’re not putting ourselves through that again!”
I sigh. “Please tell me that was total, not straight…” Prof. Thalmann simply makes a smooth, flat slicing motion out in front of him, not stopping even once. “THAT’S ALMOST SIX WHOLE DAYS, DAMNIT! GET SOME SLEEP!”
“Yes Ma’am.” Dr. Yamato and Moondancer both suddenly look ready to drop dead.
“I concur, get some rest. We need you all at your best tomorrow, should something go wrong.” I whirl around as none other than my commanding General approaches with three more soldiers. “You three, see to it that they make it to their respective quarters, and stay posted in case of emergency.”
“SIR!” They then begin ushering the three very tired scientists away.
In the meantime, the General turns his attention onto me, fixing me with a level stare that I’ve become far too used to seeing for it to be healthy. It’s safe to say that he doesn’t like me in the slightest, yet simultaneously seems to respect my resolve to stick to my beliefs, even at the threat of arrest.
“Professor Thalmann made me aware of what you were being given. I expect that blade to stay with you at all times. Custom armor has been made for you to wear during battle tomorrow.” I nod, honestly surprised that he was willing to go to such lengths for this. There has to be a caveat…
“However, you will be posted right beside me tomorrow. Run any plans by me first, and I will approve them. However, if it is a split-second decision, at least hit me on the shoulder so I can at least call off or redirect the lines of fire somewhere else.”
“Sir, you are aware that all of my actions in the past were split-second, right?”
“Don’t give me sass, Doramus. If you rush out there without alerting me, I won’t even try to protect you from what will happen.” I roll my eyes, because that’s just knowledge at this point. “I’m serious, Prima.”
I shoot him a nasty glare at that last part, and he actually flinches because of it. “Low blow, General. You know I was hardly in my right mind at that point.” He looks away, fully aware of that fact, yet refusing to acknowledge it.
“At ease, soldier. Get some rest.”
I keep my glare on him for several more seconds before finally walking back into the barracks. Immediately, the sword earns me a lot more attention than I otherwise would like, but I ignore it and simply slide it into the sheath that has been added to my new custom armor.
I’ll admit, it looks good. Although that may just be due to the fact that this armor hasn’t taken dozens of bullet shots from my impromptu rescue missions. Just maybe.
“Wow Doramus, where’d you get the sword? Does the General not trust you to stay out of trouble or something?” I roll my eyes as everyone else starts laughing.
“Yeah. He gave me it because I, unlike you, am not afraid to fight for my views and beliefs. Tell me, how many times have you done anything that hasn’t just been what everyone else is doing?” My reply is met with silence, as usual. Big and tough when talking, pathetic when the object of mocking talks back. It’s how so many are.
Whatever, it’s unlikely that I’ll even see any ponies that I can save before they’re gunned down anyway. Even then, it wouldn’t do anything besides save a singular life.
Little did she know…
