The Nameless War (or, the Circum-Equestria Conflict)

It was rare that Celestia issued orders to gather the entire guard together. Only a skeleton crew was established to keep the order in Canterlot and abroad for this day - she prayed it was enough. The rumours had gone on for long enough - it had come high time to quash them, once and for all.

Standing on the balcony, Celestia felt the murmurs settle. "At ease," she ordered. The congregation sat, comfortably but alert.

"The purpose of this meeting will be to dispel any rumours regarding my sister, these extradimensional threats, and the former bearers of the Elements of Harmony." Celestia announced. "The rumours regarding Equestria's state of war are, regrettably, true. We were, as of three days ago, at war with the extra-dimensional creatures known as humans, the avian species known as the silver falcons, and their pony allies."

Celestia braced herself for a massive barrage of questions that never came. Instead, only one tiny voice dared speak out amidst the silence, asking the question that was on everypony's mind.

"Why?"

Celestia had anticipated that question, but it was still the hardest for her to answer. She did, however, come prepared.

"To answer that question," she began. "I would like you all to meet somepony."

Celestia stepped aside and a young filly, not much older than her former prized student, stepped forward awkwardly. This awkward, blue and white unicorn was familiar to some of the guard, who could barely contain their surprise. Her eyes scanned the procession, and sweat beaded all across her lithe form, as though merely standing there was a form of physical exercise.

"Please start with your name." Celestia calmly requested.

"Dayflash," she said, seeming to draw confidence from Celestia's own.

"Dayflash," Celestia continued. "tell us about your family."

Dayflash gulped down something nervously, beginning her tale. "Mom died when I was very young, and Dad...was a part of the guard."

She wiped her forehead, but sweat wasn't the only thing Dayflash was wiping away.

"Until three days ago." Celestia finished. "Three days ago..."

"Three days ago I learned..." Dayflash gasped for air. "...that Dad wasn't coming home."

Celestia gently let Dayflash rest her weary, grieving head against her wing. She spoke out to the rest of the guard. "Lance-Corporal Skyflash was killed in action three days ago, on Corrolero Beach. He was just one of several victims of..." Celestia chose her next words carefully. "...an error that has persisted for far too long.

For years, we lived in peace and prosperity, but as we learned from the humans and the silver birds, there are other dimensions out there that are far more hateful, far more destructive, than anything we could have imagined. It was only through great fortune that I have acquired one of their own weapons," Celestia lifted the tiny pen up for all to see. "and the ability to defend ourselves against threats like these."

Celestia paused. "You asked why we go to war?" she asked. "We go to war to prevent tragedies like this," she gestured to the still sobbing Dayflash. "from ever occurring within Equestria's borders. Equestria may change, mares and gentlecolts...but we won't lose it. Not to Nightmare Moon, not to Discord, and certainly not to some bloodthirsty thugs from another dimension.

That is why you are here. You are Equestria's final hope against those who would keep us weak and helpless. We fight for a stronger Equestria, and we will prevail!"

Celestia ignored the cheers, but nodded with sober satisfaction. "Come, Dayflash. There is much work to be done."

"What sort of work?" she asked.

"Lots...my faithful student."

===

Formerly a relatively open area, the Canterlot throne room had been altered significantly. Much of its style had been removed in favour of function. Gone were the stained glass windows containing Twilight's exploits, replaced instead by a new material Celestia had called 'laserproof glass'. It was a complicated recipe that combined technology and magic, but one that the glassmakers had taken on with great enthusiasm. The large pillars on either side of the hall were reinforced several times, and the hanging potted plants were gone as well.

The center was formerly an empty space with a regal carpet leading straight up to Celestia's throne. Now a large war table obstructed the aisle forward, showcasing the current status of the conflict. Several of the pieces were positioned near Corrolero Beach still.

A dark green earth pony overlooked the board with great confidence. He wore Equestrian Army  greens, which had only recently been re-tooled to look more like one of the militaries from the humans' world. Despite his youth and dignified demeanour, General Lance Corrolero exuded an air of invincibility and unshakable calmness.

"The Equestrian Guard's ardour is palpable. Never have I borne witness to such zeal in my lifetime. It is quite invigorating to see the military so alert after these long years." he said, smirking at the board.

"I shall keep my reservations, General Corrolero." his light blue counterpart replied. "The princess' actions seem uncharacteristic. She has declared her own sister and her prized pupil to be enemies of the state. She is now ruthless beyond contempt..."

"Ruthless, you say?" the general replied. "Were she more so! She gives traitors no quarter, be they of her own blood. Were that we applied the sword more liberally, perhaps Equestria would not have borne witness to such tragedies to begin with. Do not doubt the actions of the princess, Admiral Wavedancer. Equestria has always prevailed in the past. This shall be no different."

"I pray right, you are." the Admiral replied as a young filly walked up to the pair.

"Hello, little one." the general greeted her with a gentle smile.

"The princess told me to talk to you about lessons, or something..." she said.

"Is that so?" he asked, as the filly seemed to shrink before him. "You must be the Lady Dayflash. It is an honour to meet Celestia's prized student, and an even more illustrious one to instruct her!"

"Do be gentle with the young Lady," the Admiral said gently. "she has seen more than some of our associates have witnessed in their lifetimes."

The general sat down to be eye level with Dayflash.

"You have nothing to fear," he said, exuding the same confidence that Celestia had. "Follow our instructions and we shall all see through to the conclusion of this conflict. As I explained to my colleague here, Equestria has come of every crisis she has witnessed - from Nightmare Moon to Discord - stronger than before. As you might say, 'Our track record is very good'." he smiled, and Dayflash returned it. "Come, we shall begin immediately."

"Do not admit the Sky Marshal admittance, and events will remain in your favour," the admiral smiled. "She is...different."

Dayflash didn't really know who the Sky Marshal was, but she knew she was in good hooves for now.