Author's Note

Really wanna take my time with this story and make it as interesting as it can possibly be. Act one's all about building the world and characters before we dive into the deep end. We're goin' for a combination burrito made up of old school Final Fantasy, Resident Evil, and Shadow Hearts on super steroids. And of course, we can't forget a nice heaping helping of metal sauce to go with it. It's PURE FUCKIN' STEEL, STRANGAH!

A Warrior's Princess

Twilight's last premonition occurred during the party's first night with Zane. Everyone was there, along with a few other people none of them had met yet. The Alicorn recognized their shelter's structure. Spherical walls encompassed the group, forming a blockade of ice. It became apparent they were inside an igloo. She could tell by Emily and Spike's ages, as well as their powerful gear, that they were several years into the future - four or five at least. All of them were laughing, smiling in the face of seemingly hopeless odds. While it didn't tell her much, there was one crucial detail made all too clear. They survived. Somehow, some way, they'd managed to emerge victorious. Not only that, but they were thriving. No one had to be afraid anymore. So long as they stuck together, invincibility was all but guaranteed.

The party awoke to Zane's alarm screeching. Rainbow rubbed her temples, groaning in dissatisfaction. Still, it was fortunate their anatomy allowed them to sleep anywhere. It made the process of awakening somewhat more tolerable.

"Would somebody turn that darn thing off? Can't even hear myself think..."

"I got it," Twilight replied devilishly, flipping a switch to shut off the device.

"That's gonna get annoying. For an advanced species, they couldn't invent something less shrill? Feels like I lost hearing just from that alone."

"I don't think they're that advanced quite yet. I still see a lot of similarities to the old world. Only difference is the coat of paint it's wearing."

"That explains it. New face, same old tricks."

"I can think of a few other ways to be woken up. I won't say which, but I'm sure they know."

"Beep, beep!" Pinkie sounded, giggling in a manner similar to her old, bubbly self.

"I hope he's not mad," Fluttershy spoke with concern, "I know he's used to waking up early, but this is closer to Sweet Apple Acres. Most townsponies aren't up yet back home."

"I'm sure he'll be fine," Applejack comforted, "Shucks, he was the one who asked us in the first place."

"Everyone wake up for a few minutes. I'll go talk to him. He'll probably want some coffee before we head out."

"All right, Sugarcube. See you in a few."

Twilight nodded, strolling back towards the living room.

Zane slept softly on the couch. It was strange to see someone supposedly so dangerous at their most vulnerable. Twilight could see the sorrow underneath, empathizing with his pain. Brushing a hoof against his cheek, her eyes flickered, shifting from purple to a calming shade of blue...

"Zane..."

"Mmm."

"Morning."

"Hey...Is it time...?"

"Yeah. I told the others you'd want coffee first. I can make you some if you'd like."

"Nah. It's okay. I got it. Need to get up and movin' around anyway."

The human sat up, stretching before popping his neck and shoulders. Something about the sound unnerved Twilight, though she couldn't decipher why.

"Come on. I'll fill you in in the kitchen."

Twilight obliged, following her host. While heating up his coffee, Twilight took the moment of silence as an opportunity to inquire further.

"So you said the shelter was constructed by your grandfather?"

"With dad's help, yeah. During the cold war, he was convinced the soviets would attack at any moment. He thought it might buy us some time to come up with a plan."

"Then the soviet union collapsed, and the project was abandoned. Is that right?"

"Pretty much. It's packed with supplies, but the guns might be need polishing. Think y'all'll be able to handle it?"

"I think we'll manage. Based on what we've told you, I'm almost positive we're up against something supernatural. I don't know if our weapons will have any effect, but we have to try. Doesn't help whatever they are have yet to show themselves, though that's probably a blessing in disguise."

"Long as they don't pop up before we're ready, I think we're in the clear. Fingers crossed anyway."

"So it's settled, then. We'll start training back home and return for Emily's birthday. Once we've convinced them, we can wait it out until the monsters show up. Hopefully by then, we'll be a lot stronger."

"It's the best we got. I'll be training too in my free time. Feel free to drop by on rest days as well. May not be extensive as Maria's, but I've got my share of cool shit to show ya. Rainbow and Spike'll get a kick out of it if nothing else."

"Of course. This world is full of colorful characters. I'm eager to see what you all have in store."

"Stick with me, kid. I'll show you around."

"I'm countin' on ya, old-timer. Don't break a hip on the way down to hell."

"Tss. Y'all are fuckin' crazy, man. Good thing we're all in the same boat then, isn't it?"

"Finish your coffee so we can get goin'. I've got a report to submit."

Zane bowed, rolling his hand in a dramatized motion.

"As you command, your highness. Come on. Let's get outta here."

Zane led the party deeper into the woods, stopping before concrete hidden under dirt by leaves. A rusted chain extended from below, offering extra leverage around the rear.

"This thing's pretty heavy. Mind lendin' me a hand?"

The others nodded. Rainbow and Applejack pulled upward from behind, gripping the chain with their teeth. Everyone pushed forward to aid them. In the light of the sun, they were able to make out the bottom. Handlebars were welded into a fortified structure, beckoning them towards the heart of their destination.

"There's a generator below. I'll head down first and crank up the lights. Feel free to take whatever you need. Be better seein' use up here than sittin' around collecting dust."

In a surprising display of athleticism, the man jumped down, foregoing the ladder in favor of something quicker. His friends rushed towards him, only to find he was completely unharmed.

"Zane," Twilight called out, "are you all right!? What were you thinking!? You could've seriously gotten hurt! What is it with you people!? I swear!"

"It's not as steep as it looks. Don't have to go far when it comes to radiation. I've done this a million times. I know what I'm doin'."

"That kind of reckless attitude is exactly what'll get you killed! Stop and think before you act next time! Geez!"

"Okay, okay. I get it. You comin' down or not?"

Twilight rolled her eyes, floating down in a gentle hover. Normally, Rarity would've insisted on going first, but this wasn't a scenario the average mare wanted to be in. Twilight fell silent, eyes widening in shock.

"It can't be...!"

"What? What's wrong?"

Zane turned back, veering in the direction of her gaze. A bright blue glow emanated from the corner, mixing with violet while springing forth from Earth's mantle. Floating balls of light danced around its stream, falling in line with faith amidst displays of harmonious elegance.

"The fuck...!?"

"What is it," Rarity inquired, "Is everything all right?"

Zane shook his head, muttering the only words he could think of that came to mind. If Twilight couldn't explain it, there was no way he would be able to either.

"I don't know...That thing wasn't here before..."

Zane cranked on the power, everyone else climbing down. Weapons were minimal, though food and medical rations proved substantial. There was enough to last them at least a year.

"Incredible...," Twilight murmured, "You really were ready for an end-of-the-world scenario."

"Back in the day, it would've been plenty, but nukes are bigger now than they were back then. If shit hit the fan, there wouldn't be much left. Least whatever we're dealin' with doesn't seem to be that powerful."

"Power and speed are two different things. Whatever they are, they're moving methodically, systematically destroying your world from the inside. If we don't stop them here, life as we know it will cease to exist. You may feel poorly about your species overall, but we do not. If you can't be motivated to fight for anyone else, I ask you to fight for us. We've done nothing to harm you. You always wanted to be a hero, didn't you? Now's your chance. You'd have to be a fool to waste it."

"I'm with you guys. Long as you're here to help, I'll do what I can to pitch in. Seems like a fair trade from my point of view."

Twilight approached the light, allowing its warmth to ease her distress.

"I feel stronger when I'm near it, like my energy's returning slowly...Gradually...Judging by your reaction, none of us know what's going on. I think we should pack up and head home right away. Celestia and Luna will be eager to hear about our recent escapades. They might have a few answers, though I wouldn't hold my breath. It's either a form of magic we've never seen before or something else entirely. I'll leave that part to you for the moment."

"It almost looks like one of those save point thingies from Maria's games. Wonder if that means it's some kind of healing station. Be awfully convenient if it ended up here, though. You think someone might be tryin' to throw us a bone? Make things a little easier later on down the line?"

"It's possible. If that's the case, it's likely they're doing so in secret, just like the shadows. I doubt they're a defector, though. The shadows rely on instinct, not cognition. Maybe someone else is trying to resist them? But who? Another entity...?"

"I don't know, but whatever it is, I'll take it. More help we can get, the better."

"No point scrambling our brains trying to figure it out now. Things are gonna play out however they're supposed to, so why don't you show us how those guns work over there?"

Zane removed a rifle from the gun rack. There were only three for the time being. The group would have to choose who they wanted to use them later. That was a conversation best saved for another time. For now, the only way they would learn was through proper demonstration.

"This one's a standard .223-caliber bolt-action sniper rifle. It's been modified with a thirty-two milimeter scope intended for precision aiming. You shoot by squeezing the trigger here. There's no ammo inside right now, but to reload, just stick the corresponding rounds in the chamber and lock it. From there, you're good to go."

"Simple enough."

"Remember to follow safety regulations. There are other types of rifles out there, but bolt-actions like these are suited for beginners. I'd say you fit that category to a T."

"Guess we oughta pack up and move out, then. Come on, girls. Let's go."

The party split into groups, filling their bags with what food and medicine they could carry. Zane handed Twilight two of the three rifles, keeping one on hand for himself. Twilight had one last request before her group departed for Equus.

"We're about to head home, but I have one more favor to ask. Rarity's a fashionista who runs a boutique back home. If we're gonna be here on Earth for a while, would it be possible to buy us a few materials? We usually only wear clothes on special occasions, and while I wouldn't classify this with the same connotation, it's definitely unique. Think you could help us out with some fabrics and cobbling?"

"No problem. I'll have everything ready by the time you get back."

"You're a lifesaver. It's fucking freezing up there."

"I was wonderin' when you'd start cursin'. Now that we're teammates on even footing, you're stuck with me. I've got your back, whether you want me to or not."

"I wouldn't have it any other way."

Spike chuckled. It was funny to see Twilight speak her mind so freely. Back home, she'd always done what was expected of her, but on Earth, those expectations were meaningless. He was happy to see her having fun for once. Maybe humans weren't so bad after all.

Celestia struggled to process the vast amounts of information gained over such a short period. Not only had Twilight discovered the identities of their potential saviors, but she'd also found time to pick up on customs and traditions. She'd come a long way from her naïve and introverted days as a foal. The party's progress in general exceeded all levels of precedence. It was extraordinary, in more ways than one.

"Astounding...Completely and utterly astounding. You've outdone yourselves. I expected we would be one step closer to saving our world from destruction, but you've already solved the puzzle..."

"Not quite. There are still mysteries we can't fully explain, like the light in Zane's shelter, and I don't know why I've been having these visions. I only know us and the humans will be close in the future. There's something about them...Their sadness...It makes them care about others more. I'm starting to wonder if maybe we were wrong. Maybe they can be saved after all."

"It makes sense the lights would be kind and compassionate. It's plausible those qualities are rare enough that people who possess them stand out. Divided, our future's all but lost. Together, we possess the power to change history. The struggles humanity endured made them stronger. I'm starting to realize now we're two halves of the same whole. Without one, the other will fall."

"Emily's birthday takes place on Halloween - a holiday equivalent to Nightmare Night here. We'll be spending a few days with her family in Arkansas. Maria and the others will be there as well. There's still a lot we have left to learn, but If it's to save our home, I'll do whatever it takes. No one will ever threaten Equestria again. I'll see to it personally."

Celestia smiled, chuckling in a sigh of relief. Shining wasn't they only one with a strong sense of honor. The future was in good hooves.

"I'm proud of you, Twilight. At first, I thought your coronation would mark the end of your journey. Considering our state of affairs now, I see it's only the beginning. Do what you have to. We'll be here to provide support. If there's anything we can do, please, let us know right away."

Twilight nodded, her resolve unyielding.

"Find a way to keep us in contact. If we're able to communicate between dimensions, you can send in reinforcements should something go wrong."

"Luna and I shall begin our research immediately. Feel free to use the castle grounds for training. I look forward to seeing your progress. Keep us informed if at all possible. We may be able to fulfill advisory positions in addition to our navigational duties. Would this arrangement suit your needs?"

"Yes. Thank you."

The elder placed a hoof upon her former pupil's shoulder. It was time to step aside. The gates of strife's endeavor held within their confines eternal harmony's serenity. It was all she'd ever longed for, ever since her parents passed. Now her protégé would become the key. Caressed by the feathers of angels' comforting wings, there was nothing left to do but gain.

"Be well, my faithful student. The hopes and dreams of all rest within your creation. You're not alone anymore. Your friends will show you the way. All you have to do is trust them."

"I do, princess - with every fiber of my being."

"The light of friendship burns strong. Now it's humanity's turn to listen. Do not let them sink into despair. Should they surrender to self-destruction, our hope will die with them."

"You have my word. I'll save them the way their gods failed to. One door closes, another still opens. The courage to alter course in the face of total nothingness. That is the gift of the Equestria's offspring. I'll cherish this lesson to my dying day."

"So will I, Twilight, as will we all."

Twilight's friends smiled. It was too early now to give up the fight. No matter how horrifying or dire things seemed, they would persevere. It was in their nature. Nothing would ever change that. Not so long as their race persisted.