You awake with a head-splitting migraine, the chilling wind singing in your ears. What little heat still remains slowly seeps out of your body as the crystalline pavement beneath you leeches onto you like a changeling. The City is deathly quiet, the atmosphere hauntingly similar to that of Sombra's tyrannical reign.

As memories flash through your mind's eye, you shake off the cobwebs clouding your consciousness. Screams of fear and anguish, drowned out by the roaring magic somewhere far above. You are Captain of the Crystal Guard, the best and only remaining opposition to The Tyrant King's rule.

Your eyes narrow as a sound reaches your ears, hoofsteps echo across the barren streets, a gaggle of guards galloping towards you, eyes wide, they stand at rapt attention.

"Iron Hoof, Sir! Thank heavens you made it!" An earth pony mare, her amber coat peppered with shards of crystal and snow, salutes you. "We've scouted the city in search of survivors and gathered what precious few we found in the Castle, or what remained of it, anyway." A weak smile graces her lips. "Come, Captain, they'll be glad to see a friendly face."

Your wings flare out defensively as the mare takes a step forward, halting at your intimidating display. "And what of Sombra? The Princesses?" Your voice is coarse, each word sending jolts of pain through your dry throat.

"Haven't seen hide nor hair of them, sir." Her words are careful enough for you to lower your guard. The news, coupled with the worsening weather sends a shiver down your spine.

A beige coated unicorn stallion steps forward, large goggles strapped to his winter hat convey his status as an engineer, one of the few that remained.

"There's no trace of either of their magical signatures, Sir. Truth be told, we're not picking up any signatures, save for a few weak ones scattered beyond city limits."

You frown. The whole situation is greatly off-putting, and yet, you have little time to think as a violent gust of wind showers everypony with icy shards, snowflakes dancing feverishly in the wind.

"We must hurry, the wind is picking up!" The earth pony urges, gesturing to the others to move forward. Casting a final look beyond the city limits, you follow her words, and the group, deeper into the city.

Grief and anger mix in the pit of your stomach as you trot through the empty city. Once shining and beautiful, the intricate architecture lays shattered, each house you pass suffering either from a roof caving in, or some other structural collapse. Worryingly, some buildings appear to be cinched, black spots peppered along the crystalline wood.

"What happened here?" You wonder aloud, not really expecting an answer at the moment.

"At this moment, we can only guess, sir." Snowdrift replies, the unicorn’s breath visible in the surrounding cold. "Battle damage is the most likely cause." Your eyes drift over remains of a house, nothing but charred planks and long dead embers. The sight makes you scoff. “Approximately, half the city is beyond repair, I can’t be any more certain at the moment.”

“Celestia’s as subtle as an avalanche. We’re lucky we have a City.” Shining Dawn comments, shivering as the howling wind ruffles her mane. “Not that I’d refuse the warmth of her Sun right now...”

“I’ve seen her reduce Sombra’s fortifications to molten crystal in a blink of an eye. You’d do well to keep guard around her.” You remark, slowly approaching the central castle, or what remained of it. Dark crystals jut out of the otherwise pristine surface of the building, fresh snow slowly gathering in the crevasses. What windows are visible show nothing but darkness, the large balcony rapidly filling with snow, the doorway no longer visible. Once opulent and imposing, the castle is nothing but a monument to equine hubris.

Silence reigns over the group as you take in the sights. Below the castle dozens upon dozens of tents are visible, ponies huddling around hastily lit fire pits, smoke trailing into the cloudy sky. Slowly but surely they notice your approach, cheer spreading through the crowd as you draw closer. The sight of so many ponies together warms your heart.

You squint in an attempt to discern a single silhouette racing towards you, his chestnut mane distinguishing him from the average crystal pony. “Iron Hoof? Lucky bastard, you made it!” The stallion’s pine green coat is barely visible under his clothes, yet you instantly recognise him.

“How could I not? Can’t leave everything up to you, eh, Pierce?” Snowpiercer chuckles as you shake hooves. Your second in command motions for you and the engineers to follow him.

“Never in a million years. I’ve got one hell of a headache as is, can’t imagine it’d get any better if I was left in charge.” His attitude shifts to a more serious one as you reach a temporary command tent, a small metal furnace barely containing the cold from ravaging the tent’s insides. “We’ve got the city map set up for you, Hoof. The tents we currently have are plenty to house our people, but they won’t last for long if the temperature drops. Same goes for the braziers, I can’t say how long our coal supplies will last at this rate.” You furrow your brows. Things are dire, but it’s not like you expected otherwise.

“Has anypony fallen ill yet?”

“Not yet, thank the stars, but our luck won’t last forever. Not in this weather.” Snowpiercer glances behind you, somewhere far out in the distance, at the shifting snow tides, slowly but surely approaching the city.

“Are any workshops operational?” His expression falls once more. You have a feeling it won’t be the last time such a thing happens today.

“Not a single one survived the battle. Either Sombra was intentionally targeting them, or we’re just unlucky. Either way, we don’t have enough materials to erect one right now, we barely srounged enough up for the tents.”

“Right. I want temporary gathering posts built near the broken houses. Keep them heated with braziers if possible, but prioritise the tents first. As soon as we have enough material, construct a workshop and order engineers to work on a heating system for our workplaces. Materials are scarce now, make sure they keep that in mind.”

“Of course.” Snowpiercer nods as you mark spots on the city map.

“I know there are coal deposits nearby. I don’t know in what condition the mines are, but I’m sure some changes to the layout will be needed, so I’m willing to wait. But the longer we remain without a heat source, the worse things will get.”

“Sir, if I may?” Shining Dawn approaches you, continuing her speech after you nod. “The castle’s lower levels contain large deposits of coal, wood and other vital resources. I believe Sombra stockpiled them in case of a prolonged siege. If you allow it, my team can scout the castle and pinpoint their exact position. These resources should be enough to hold us over for some time, at the very least, I’d give the ponies a moment to gather their wits.” A hint of pain flashes through her features as you raise an eyebrow. “With all due respect, I doubt many ponies would approve of returning to the mines.”

“You argue they’d rather freeze?” You huff as she turns away. Shaking your head, you continue. “Fine. I’ll give you the go ahead, just be careful. We can’t afford to lose any more ponies.”

“Captain, my team would like to accompany them as well.” Snowdrift steps forward, protective goggles obscuring his eyes. “The town’s library is vast, but I believe the Castle’s library is unmatched by even that of Canterlot. I have an inkling we may find something useful there. It’ll take a little longer to get to the upper floors, but I assure you, it will be worth the trouble.”

You mull the conundrum over in your head. On one hoof, you’ll be losing around ten ponies for at least a day, and at the moment, every pony counts. On the other hoof, you really can’t deny that without a major breakthrough of sorts, things are going to get grim real fast.

“Very well. Report to me as soon as you’re done, wake me, if need be. Do what you must, and may the stars guide your way.”

“Yes sir!” They say in unison, saluting you on their way out.

You rub your eyes, the stress slowly mounting as you think about the myriad of things to take into account of the current situation. Will you gather enough coal to keep everypony warm? Will you find enough food? Will Sombra return? Why hasn’t Equestria tried to contact the City?

“Hoof, it’s late, you should get some sleep.” There’s concern in Snowpiercer’s voice, one that you brush off without a second thought.

“Late? Nonsense. Rest is a luxury we can rarely afford in our situation.” Suddenly, a thought pops into your head. “Speaking of, we’re in an emergency situation, correct?”

“Of course, how could I forget!” Snowpiercer facehoofs, rummaging under the table before pulling out a thick journal. “It doesn’t look official, exactly, but it’ll do for now.” He clears his throat, jogging his memory as he begins reciting aloud. “In an emergency situation, the highest remaining authority in The Crystal Empire is given emergency powers, and holds the right to declare any law they see fit, until the crisis draws to a close.” You smile, picking up a fountain pen, putting your, admittedly rusty, calligraphy skills to the test as you stain the cold paper.

Emergency Shift

Sometimes we have to concentrate on the task at hoof at the cost of everything else, or die.

If need be, shifts will be extended for 24 hours.

The city must survive.

“I can’t believe it!” a mare yells into the dark of the night, stomping her hoof into the snow. “Has the Captain gone mad? Twenty-four hours... Unbelievable!” She feels a wing rest on her back, the sudden warmth melting some of her anger away.

“Oh hush, you.” The soothing voice of her husband accompanies her as they walk. “Tough times are upon us, we all must do our part to survive.”

The mare sighs. “Still, twenty-four hours?” Her face grows bright red as her husband gives her a peck on the cheek.

“Don’t worry love, we’ll pull through. We always do.”

By the time the pair arrives, a dozen more ponies are already hard at work taking apart the ruins of a particularly nasty collapse. The house resembles an unfinished construction, more than anything else. The workers seem to be agitated, their hollering prompting the pair to hurry.

“You two, quick, help us move this support beam here!” The two rush to aid the gray-maned stallion, grunting with exertion as they heave the heavy piece of lumber to the side.

“What’s going on? Why all the commotion?”

“We heard a voice from below the rubble, it’s faint, but it’s definitely there! If somepony’s still alive, we have to hurry!”

Any possible complaint the mare has evaporates the moment she hears the elder’s words. She nods, pushing herself harder than ever as a faint whisper reaches her ears.

“A-anypony? Please... help...”

You blink away the blurriness out of your eyes as the map before you slowly shifts into focus. The wastes, tundra, the white desert. The place beyond city limits has many names, yet only one feels ‘good enough’ for you to describe it. The Frostlands. For the past few hours you’ve been studying an old map Snowpiercer managed to save during the battle, highlighting points of interest, charting out travel routes, e.t.c. If not for the howling wind outside and the chilly air inside, you surely would’ve fallen asleep.

Your eyes drift towards the empty potbelly stove, its insides dark and cold. You assured Pierce you were warm enough under the heavy coat, and while it took some convincing, the stallion relented. It is for the best, you suppose. After all, your people need the heat more than you. Suddenly, the silence of your tent is interrupted by rapid hoofsteps.

“Captain! Ponies stationed at a gathering post rescued a filly from the rubble!” Noticing the worry written clear on your face, he continues. “She’d suffered minor bruises, but is mostly fine. Her parents, unfortunately, didn’t make it.” His voice grows somber as he continues. “Rescuers say her parents covered her when the building collapsed. Despite everything, medical staff insisted she spend the night in the medical tent, just as a precaution.”

“I see.” Without another word, you stand up from your seat and approach the stallion, the latter visibly surprised. “Escort me to the tent, please. I wish to see the filly.”

“This way, sir.”

An eerie silence fills the air of the castle as a group of ponies makes their way through the abandoned halls, the sound of their own hoofsteps the only noise breaking the stillness. It’s been a few hours, the scouts had no problem locating the resources. Now the group’s making their way up a tediously long staircase, their search for the castle’s bastion of knowledge seemingly unending.

Shining Dawn holds her breath as she passes an enormous tapestry covering a large portion of a wall, the image depicting an imposing dark stallion sitting on a throne, a bloodied alicorn laying defeated at his hooves. The mare sucks air through her teeth, concentrating on the hallway ahead of her. Most ponies are preoccupied with immediate hardships at the moment, but when things even out, they’ll start asking questions. As loathe as she is to admit it, they hadn’t found Amore’s body yet.

It is no matter. The Empress is dead and gone, regardless of rumors, she was far too important to be left alive. Empty hopes, doomed to fall. She mouths a silent prayer to all willing to listen. Give us all strength, but most of all, to Iron Hoof. The stallion’s been acting oddly cold towards her, was he feeling unwell? She didn’t spot anything out of the norm, apart from a mild hypothermia. If only we could have a moment to ourselves. Oh, but a moment...

“Over here! I found it!” Shaking off the mesmerizing thoughts, Dawn rushes towards the source of the voice, rounding a corner only to freeze in place at the sight before her. Even during better times, Dawn had little free time to visit this place. Catching a cold was never a challenge in The Empire, which, in turn, meant that medical professionals always had their hooves full. As such, their primary source of medical knowledge were books from the city library, which, while covering quite a grand array of topics, pales in comparison with the vision before her.

Rows upon rows of bookshelves stretch as far as the eye can see, the smell of old paper permeating the room. Each section properly labeled, each shelf devoted to a certain topic, this place is a treasure trove to the capable mind, both medically and technically inclined. Perhaps even Snowdrift can learn some new tricks here? Speak of the Discord...

“Stars above...” The stallion in question whispers, laboured breaths straining his ribcage as he gasps beside the mare. Before Dawn can ask if they can go back to report their findings, Snowdrift points his hoof at each of the aisles, barking orders.

“Each of you, go down every aisle and gather every book regarding local geography and geology, spells and mechanics you see!” The ponies react with a curt nod, rushing along the bookshelves in pairs to fulfill their duties. The mare hears the unicorn humming a soft tune as he methodically levitates books closer, putting some back onto the shelf, and others into his saddlebags. “Shining, are your saddlebags full?”

His eyes, still hidden by protective goggles, stare into Dawn’s soul as he sharply turns towards her. Whether or not the intent was deliberate, the action sends a chill down the mare’s spine. “I, err...” She shakes her head, gathering her wits. “No, Drifter, I’m empty.”

“Wonderful. Follow me.” Her eyes struggle to follow each book the unicorn grabs and subsequently sorts, Dawn can only imagine the level of concentration one has to possess to multitask with such efficiency. Truth be told, she feels a little jealous, she could use such an ability when treating patients. Then again, you rarely see unicorn doctors. Perhaps there’s a tradeoff of sorts? Dawn shakes her head. There she goes daydreaming again. Perhaps a conversation will help her concentrate.

“What are we looking for, exactly? Besides books, I mean.”

“Why do you think we’re looking for something other than books?”

Dawn rolls her eyes. The stallion was a brilliant engineer, but sometimes he was quite obnoxious.

“Drifter, I’m not an idiot. Those colts and fillies you sent are more than capable of gathering some dusty old books. You are looking for something else.”

“Hmpf.” Dawn can feel the cocky smile on his lips. The stallion, his back still turned to her, continues. “I’m looking for something that’ll save this City. Something a colleague of mine had been working on for quite a while before Sombra’s rise to power.”

“Sheesh, can you be any more vague? MIght as well be looking for an alicorn potion...” The stallion flicks his tail from side to side in irritation.

“My colleague was a secretive fellow, introverted to a fault even before the takeover. Despite our friendship, he refused to share his inventions with me, claiming he’d only show the schematics when they were ‘perfect’. The last time we spoke was during the Coup...” The stallion sighs, although whether in sadness or irritation, Dawn cannot tell. “His last message was to visit his favourite spot in the library when milder times come around.”

“Huh. Can’t say things are milder than before... But at least Sombra’s gone.” Dawn chewed on the inside of her cheek, wondering if it was her place to ask. “Your friend, is he...”

“He fled into the frostlands. Wanted to warn The Equestrians, call for help.” An odd sound escapes him, a chuckle with no mirth behind it. “Judging by their swiftness, he didn’t make it to Winterfort. They were always slackers when it came to beacon maintenance.”

“You blame the Equestrians for what happened?” The stallion stops at the question, turning to look at Dawn, a glint of anger visible in his eyes, despite the goggles.

“And you don’t? Had they been a little faster, many deaths could’ve been avoided. The Diarchy move the Sun and Moon, yet it took them months to approve a military intervention.”

“You can’t blame them. Sombra was one of us at some point, if anypony’s responsible for his actions, it should be the ponies that shaped him into who he was.” Dawn squirms under the hateful leer Drifter was giving her.

“I do not absolve Us of blame, Dawn. I merely redistribute it in equal measure. A new page in the history of our empire lays open before us, we only need the strength to lift the pen.” The unicorn’s smile gives Dawn the willies. “We will not let another Sombra happen, mark my words.”

For some reason, Drifter’s words chill Dawn more than the frost.

You nod to the engineer as you exit the medical tent. It’s been a couple hours, but the filly has managed to fall asleep in your grasp. The poor thing practically cried herself to sleep, the events of the past few days too much for her to bear. Despite the tragedy of the situation, a searing question burns your mind. How many more suffered like her? How many had lost their loved ones? And most importantly, what can you do to help them?

Snowpiercer’s sudden pat on the back is enough to startle you, it takes all of your resilience to not let an undignified whinny escape your mouth. “Hoof, you feeling well?” The earth pony casts a worried look across your features. “That shouldn’t have startled you.”

“Lower your voice, the filly just fell asleep. I’d hate for you to ruin an hour of work.” You hiss, the stallion flinching at your tone.

“Of course, Captain, I heard that filly’s been through a lot... May that bastard Sombra rot in hell for what he’s done.”

“While I agree with your sentiment, curses won’t remedy the situation.” You settle your thoroughly ruffled feathers, the two of you heading for the Captain’s tent. “Is something the matter?”

“Nothing bad, fortunately. Just wanted to report that all of our people are housed, and we’re slowly dismantling the broken houses.”

“But?”

“We’re running out of people, Hoof. Even if Dawn gets us the supplies, and Drifter finds some wondertech in that castle, it’ll all be useless if we run out of horsepower.” It’s true, a city of hundred ponies cannot sustain itself for long. Soon enough, demand would exceed supply, and there’d be no way to gather adequate resources with such a small workforce.

“And what do you propose?”

“Our engineers finished drafting beacon schematics, we can start assembling one on your order. As Snowdrifter mentioned, some of our unicorns were detecting weak magical signals out in the frostlands, these signals could very well be our people. I believe scouting the frostlands should be our top priority.”

“Very well. Report to me once the beacon is operational, I will be in my tent until then.” As you prepare to leave, Pierce’s hoof grips your withers.

“Hoof, get some sleep, will you? You won’t do anypony a favour if you collapse from exhaustion.” You offer your friend a weak smile.

“Of course, Peirce. Thank you for your concern.” He doesn’t look convinced as he leaves to deliver your message.

You don’t get a wink of sleep that night.

Author's Note

City of the dead

Captain, some of our people survived The Tyrant King's downfall, but many more are buried under the rubble that once was our great city. Ponies understand we have greater things to take care of but they would be satisfied if you allowed them to recover the dead, and give them a proper burial.

Their sacrifices will not be forgotten.

Hope rises, some workplaces will not operate for the next 24 hours.

Miraculous discovery

Sir! Under the rubble of an old bakery, ponies found a sole filly, barely clinging to life. Fortunately, she suffered only minor bruises and will recover In due time. Sadly, the same cannot be said for her parents. Some say your haste in developing our city helped save the filly. “A few more hours in this weather, and she’d have been as good as dead.” One of the engineers staffing a medical tent commented. People are inspired by the occasion, some argue we should scour the wrecks for more survivors.

We have to save everypony we can.

Additional horsepower will be diverted to search and rescue efforts. A quarter of our workforce will not be available for the next 24 hours. Hope rises.

We have to save our people

Captain, now that the basic commodities are taken care of, we need to scout the frostlands for survivors. Constructing the beacon should be our top priority.