Equestria in Flames

by Verlax

Rating: teen
Tags: Other, Princess Luna, Original Character, Comedy, Adventure, Princess Celestia, Crossover, Main 6, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
Length: 12282

In the land of Equestria, there is no war, only tabletop gaming! Mane Six are getting ready for the Warhammer 40.000 Tournament. However, in the darkness, some creatures are planning their sweet revenge... Warhammer 40.000 Tabletop Cross-Over!

In the grim darkness, of the far future there is only war! Soon, the Great Tournament will take place in Canterlot, to choose best commander. Everypony are gathering their armies to meet enemies on blood-stained ground. This will end in slaugher thousands miniatures. Beside other generals, there are some creatures, hiding in the shadows, waiting for perfect opportunity to take revenge. Clock is ticking, and soon this will all end in the biggest battle Equestria ever known. Diced will be cursed, broken rules blamed and Luna will roll more one's than binary.

In shortcut : Ponies start playing Warhammer 40.000 Tabletop. Goddess-Empress, please bless my story-writing!

# Title based on "Galaxy in Flames" by Ben Counter.
# First story written in english, post-commy country origin with language skill lack... Goddess-Empress, seriously bless me.
# Rated Teen, because of violence that appear in "Not-Real Ones" parts.

Published 2012-12-01 23:50:02 UTC
Last updated 2013-01-02 18:53:04 UTC

Prologue : Act I - Fun Invasion

Smoke. Blood. Gas. Guns. Bombs. Trenches. Gray-Black Sky. Really 'bad-looking' words to most of ponies. Actually, 'most' is bad word too. In this forsaken universe, there is only war, and to everypony this landscape was absolutly normal. Turnurn IV was like any other Imperial outpost in this side of the galaxy. Bunch of cities, bunch of factories, some ponies, few rivers and forests. Nothing special at all.

The 29th Equestrian Regiment sent to deal with another tottaly normal invasion. Couple of Guardsponies Squad was deployed on battlefield by Vendetta's and Chimera's. General knew that this task is hard. She still remember this order, and it isn't looking good. Protecting Equestrian Empire always is a challenge, but this time she know that she can actually die. On this boring, not special planet. She will be soon forsaken, because in this universe every minute die so many soldiers and officers, that her death will not make any difference.

She ordered to prepare trenches and sandbags to make defensive line. Guardsponies digged ditches to stop the enemy vehicles in place. Heavy Weapon Squad with AP rocket launcher was setting up, while two Leman Russ battle tanks was slowly making way to better fire position. Colonel Hovard looked through his binoculars, searching for any enemy
activity. Three late Chimera's finally arrived, bringing two more squads of Guardsponies and Veteran Squad with Commissar Toth.

"Empress... please give us protection" - she whispered silently. Soldiers shook, and she really wanted to believe, that it's because of the cold, and not the incoming horde.

Actually, it was not Colonel Hovard who first spotted the enemy. Furthermore, they detected incoming wave not by eye, but by ears. Uneven terrein blocked their line of sight but still they heard the drums. Trumpets. Saxophones. Cymbals. That were the sounds of Imperium of Ponies most terrifying enemy.

"Steady, give them some time to charge at us, and then unleash entire arsenal." - she yelled - "Hold the line, and praise the Empress! For Equestria!"

Her battle cry was actually succesful. Ponies stood proud, ready for the incoming assault. Guardians of Imperium cheered loudly, praising the Goddess Empress and the Golden Pillow. General hope in winning this battle was restored.

Suddenly, first of enemies appeared. It was... a massive, muscular creature. Ridiculously big armor was covering entire body. Creature had two power hooves, mighty weapons that could easly penetrate any armor. The most interesting and visible thing was colour. Entire armor, fists, and skin were pink. There were some light blue and green lines running through entire plate, but still, pink was the most eye-catching.

- "Pinkskins'' - she said it almost like a curse - "Brace yourself Guardsponies of Equestria! Party Orkz are coming!"

And it was best moment, for enemy Partyboss to start battle cry. Battle cry, that could end peace for entire planet. Battle cry that could leads thousands, no, millions of party seekers into unstoppable rampage.

- "FUUUUUUUN!!!"

- "Fun! Fun! Fun! Fun! Fun! Fun!" - Party Orkz answered immediately. Then, entire horde charged across battlefield, looking for victims...

Their meeting took place in Twilight's library. All six friends gathered together, to help each other in upcoming Tournement. Applejack and Pinkie Pie were staring at each other with focus, they were playing 1750 Points Battle Equestrian Guard vs Party Orkz. Twilight Sparkle has been reading ,,Ultimate Guide for WH40k Commanders''. Codex for her army lay just near her. Fluttershy and Rarity were busy painting miniatures, while Rainbow Dash was looking at battlefield/wooden table from above, probably guessing who will win.

Squad deployment was quite obvious for such armies. Equestrian Guard drew their fire lines at edge of board, while Party Orkz were set up by Pinkie to make their charge faster. Applejack miniatures were covered in a color scheme of legendary 29th Equestrian Regiment. Dark-green and some black made them look like veterans of hundeds batle. Party Orkz for comparison, were painted purely pink. Of course, there were some details with red, blue and green, but from distance they were invisible. In total, it made them look like... pink ones. Only vehicle were painted differently. For comparison, they were absolutly red.

Applejack had in total Company Command Squad, Platoon Command Squad, four Infantry Squads with flamethrowers and plasma guns, Heavy Weapon Squad with Apple-Powered rocket launcher and two heavy bolters, Veteran Squad led by Commisar with meltaguns and one auto-cannon. There were also two Leman Russ battle tanks, but without any upgrade and three Chimera's transports.

Pinkie Pie had powerful Partyboss and bunch of Partysipentz. 'Bunch' actually was incredible bad word. She had 110 miniatures of this crazy party-bearers. Pinkie also had some Party-Trukkz, which she could use to transport units faster. Orkz had axes, power hooves, party cannons, cake bombs ( or bombz : Orkz Codex say so ), FUUUUN! banner's, instruments, and guns.

"Good luck Applejack. If i would choose now, i will bet you" - Rainbow said with a smirk - "I mean in painting, of course."

"Ya, thank you Dash''. - answered farm-pony - "But i'm looking for victory not only in this."

"Hey, my Orkz are not such bad! Pink is the most funny colour, why would i paint in another? You deserve good colour Party Boss, aren't you?'' - Pinkie Pie told grabbing her HQ.

"According to lore and Codex, green would be a better colour'' - said Twilight not even stopping with reading her guide.

"Oh, leave it now! I want to see awesome battle! Give me a minute, i'll bring popcorn" - said Dash, and then she bolted from the room."

Applejack looked at her troops again, and then she said slowly with caution.

"So... for the good start, i order my squads to..."

- "...First Rank, FIRE! Second Rank, FIRE!" - cried General to her soldiers.

All Guardsponies fired with all they had. Lasguns, firelaunchers, melta guns, some plasma guns...

Pinkie Pie took sixteen miniatures from the back of her massive strike force.

"Hey, shoudn't you took unit's from front? And why the heck you didn't take this big one with power hoof? He ran first, so he should died first!" - said Applejack.

"Silly filly, don't you see? This guardsponies..." - she pointed - "... have shot this way..." - she pointed - "...and then lasers didn't hit this one's, because they were too fast, but the Orkz on back who didn't see this coming, got hit."

"Pinkie, it doesn't make any sense."

"According to 23th Rulebook, player who gets his troops wounded can allocate wounds as he or she wants, no 'Look Out, Sir!' rule.'' - said Twilight, still reading her book - "Ponies Workshop abandon it, no player wanted to use this. It was hard to determine which minitures got hit. Someponies use this quite old rule, but i don't expect this on tournement."

"Still, it's stupid." - answered Applejack.

"Don't worry Applejack, you haven't rolled for your AP launcher yet!" - cheered Rainbow Dash - "I bet that minimum 10 figures will go down."

"Ok then, could you give me scatter dice and template? Thanks." - said farm-pony when she received tools. She made some calculation and then Applejack threw hoofful of dices.

"AP! Shoot this way!" - she made another order pointing incoming horde. She looked how guardspony slowly exceled and then he pulled a trigger.

Powerful Apple Rocket made a way thought the air. She was thinking that rocket will hit a group of Orkz, but it hit Party Trukk instead. There was a big explosion, and a lot of enemy's were wounded because of it.

"Wow, this was awesome. One Party Trukk and fourteen Partysipentz in total. Really lucky one." - said Rainbow

"Yea, i think too. Still, Pinkie's horde will overwhelm me if I allow them to get my troops in close combat."

,,My poor Party Trukk!'' - Pinkie Pie told with reprouch, while she was taking miniatures from board. - "It carried my biggest cake! With rich creamy goodness of the marzipan, combined with the tart tanginess of the mascarpone. It carried bombs too, but still!"

"Ok, my last rolles. Leman Russ tanks, go." - said Applejack throwing dices.

"Ghah, i don't see anything, sir! Too much smoke!" - cried one of the crew member.

"By the Golden Pillow, just shoot forward!'' - ordered commander - "There is a big pink mass, just ahead of us. Fire!"

A few minitures were destroyed, and Pinkie put them off table.

"Oki doki, now it's my turn!" - said pink pony with enthusiasm - "My Partyzipantz..."

"Um... Boss!? We'z gettin' shott up!"﻿ - Ork cried with confusion.

Partyboss looked on him with dissapointment - "Ain't you da master of da obvious!"

They hided in trench, because they got pinned by suppresy fire from heavy weapons and weak guardsponies. Luckily, trench was deep enough to hide them from enemy fire. Still, projectiles were cutting air just above their heads. Now, it was time for da Orkz Tactic.

"Mista Piebrain! Status reporta!"

"Piebrain iz all over 'ere! - said Kommando Sneaky Sneak - Se iz dere, dere and dere! And hiz brain is dere!

"Huh"

Partyboss became confused. He started to think. He really tried, and in a moment, or rather ten seconds, he know what to do.

"Dat means, diz punnies need to be hugga, stompa and dakka! Where is da party shoota!?"

"No party shoota, boss!"

"What?!"

"No party shoota! Dat means we 'an't dakka dakka dem!

Another point of plan was destroyed. Partyboss had thought for another ten seconds.

Leader of the FUUUUN! turn his sight to one of the Party Trukk.

"Move ya yur wrekk and destroy dis punnies!" - he ordered, then he immediately took cover. Shot from Leman Russ Battle Cannon just barely missed him.

"Right 'em boss! Dis iz gonna be fun!" - answered driver. Then, Party Trukk moved with incredibly speed, ignoring incoming fire from enemy weapons. Few seconds later, vehicle rammed entire Guardsponies squad. In the same moment, Partyzipantz got out of Trukk...

Applejack gave Pinkie suspecting glare.

"How'd your vehicle could drive so fast? You cannot in one turn cross half of the board!"

"Of course I can!" - said Pinkie with smile - "This Trukk is painted red, so it's move faster!"

"How red colour can make such a wreck faster?"

"Orkz Technology, making impossible possible by impossible."

"So, why you didn't paint entire army red?" - Applejack asked confused.

"Because Orkz believe that red makes vehicle faster, pink stronger, and FUUUN!, funnier!" - Pink pony answered with joy.

"Green Pinkie Pie, not pink. Still, i'm suprised that colours are so important in Orkz army." - said Twilight, now carefully observing entire battlefield.

"Oh come on! I still have a plenty rolls to make." - Pinkie cut conservation and then rolled another hoofful of dices.

"Get 'em, guyz! WAAA... i mean FUUUUUN!!!" - cried anonymous Partyzipant.

Group of Orkz from Trukk immediatly charged a squad of ponies with a fancy looking leader with even fancier looking pistol. Commisar took aim his weapon and then, after pulling trigger he vanished in a blue explosion.

Applejack was hardly keeping her fury at bay. She made a rolles for Overwatch before Partyzipantz horde charge and then...

Ten yellows dices and one red laid on table. This red one had 1 result. With a commisar death, Orkz easly destroyed her Veteran Squad.

"It's some kind of fatum. Everytime i give my leader plasma weapon, he just blow up himself!" - she yelled with frustration.

"Yea, i think it's some sort of rule of entire universe. Your leader always die in stupid way. Like Twilight HQ deep striking off board." - Rainbow said from above.

"Talking about rules of universe, i feel that this scatter dice is cursed. I have never had a moment, when shot scattered in a better way, it always hits nothing or rather your troops." - told Twilight putting guide on bookshelf.

"I think you are right Twi" - said Applejack - "My Leman Russ tanks are missing hard too".

"Actually, i just got a genious idea! We will make this battle bigger. Rainbow, you will join Applejack forces, and i will help Pinkie. 1250 more points for each of us. It will make 3000 points battle.

"Due to awesomeness of this idea..." - Dash said, while she was putting shades - "...i approve!"

"Me too! It will make things funnier! And more guys mean that my Partyboss can power hug more!"

"Hmm... I think that power hugging with this power hooves could end... deadly." - told farm pony glaring at pink pony's HQ.

"Okay then, according to Rulebook we must roll to check who will go first, after we joined battle." - said Twilight grabbing dice. - "Who will roll more, deploy first!"

Rainbow Dash grabbed dice too, and then they made rolls. 5 for Rainbow and 3 for Twilight.

"Yea, I won as always!" - she said with triumph - "Now, give me a moment, i will get ready my troops."

Then, Dash grabbed blue-painted chest and took it near the table. When she opened it, big smile appeared on her face. She had started pulling out her miniatures, and after minute she was done. Later, she scanned battlefield with caution.

"Okay then, let's do it!" - she told, while picking her favourite Drop Pod from her army.

"Deep Striking"

To be Continued.
Only in death does duty end.

Prologue : Act II - The War Origin

The Guardsponies were still fighting, when suddenly, fiery lines cut the sky. Five seconds later, black-painted Drop Pod struck ground, creating explosion of mud in process. The Guardsponies were confused, but their General knew who had come to save them. One of the most mysterious Adeptus Astartes chapters, known for their brilliant guerrilla strategy, and devastating aerial assaults creating the perfect art of war.

These were the Raven Guard.

- "The Empress finest have come to aid us! Forward guardsponies, to victory!" - she rallied her forces once more.

In this moment something struck her mind. It was really old quote, from her mentor. It was 5 years earlier, in the city of Stallion Forge on Meridian. She was only a Mayor back there.

They were defending Stallion Forge from the biggest Changeling infestation this sector had ever seen. They were doing what Equestrian Guard always do best, they held line. The heroic defence made by the out-numbered Guardsponies had pushed Changelings back. Suddenly, red-painted drop pod sped across the sky and landed with a big *BOOM*.

Her mentor, Lord-General sighed and said :

"Space Marines, Lance of the Empress, Shield of Ponykind, always ready to steal all the credit and glory."

He turned his to look at her. His voice carried the weight of sadness. She didn't know why he was sad, Imperium had again won, so why be sa... her thought suddenly broke. The General was hugging her hard, his head lying heavily on her shoulder.

"Promise me, that some time, you'll be the one, who will carry all the glory for battle, even if the Space Marines will come to help you, do not rely on them. Be the one, who will save a day."

The Blood Ravens easily cut though rest of Changelings' forces, completely destroying them. Soon after, the entire sector was saved from xenos. Her mentor died on Typhon Primaris, when Exterminatus destroyed the planet during the Blood Ravens Crisis. Now, 5 years after that battle she knew what she needed to do.

She turned her eyes to rest of her army. They stopped shooting at the Orkz, instead the guardsponies watched how scouts from Raven Guard were deployed by Land Speeders Storm. No, this time, she would take some glory with her, and her Regiment.

"What are you waiting for, ponies? Forward! Move your lazy flanks and clear the area of xenos scum! For the Empress!" - she made the order waving her power sword, but the Guardsponies stood still. They were glaring at her, but they were waiting for something. The General knew exactly what her soldiers were waiting for.

She bypassed the sandbags and ran forward, shooting from her pistol like mad, and pointing her sword towards horde of thepinkskins. These few steps she made ahead immediately carry all the remaining all guardsponies from their cover. They followed her, shooting without exceling.

Yes, definitely, this time glory would be hers.

"Sorry Rainbow, but I won't allow you to kill all these Orkz by yourself" - Applejack said, moving all her troops forward, totally unexpected from the Equestrian Guard player. - "Your Raven Guard isn't as good as think"

"Heh, so now you will see some of the awesome stuff I prepared! And this stuff will not involve my Command Speeder dying on its first turn from Anti-Air missiles." - Dash answered with determination.

The Raven Guard was quite a new army, compared to the others. The Raven Guard Codex came in the 21th Edition, and for the Equestria war gaming population it was an extreme surprise. Surprise, because it was the first "newly-added" codex that wasn't extremely overpowered at start, but a bit underpowered instead; or just extremely hard to play, as Raven Guard fans would like to say. They were also quite unusual in game style, and because of it, Rainbow Dash chose them as her fighting force in this grimdark universe.

The Raven Guard Codex also changed some things in the fluff and lore. According to the new added Codex, the Raven Guard had abandoned the Codex Astartes and changed their strategy dramatically. Tactical, Terminators and Devastator Squads vanished, same with most vehicles like Predators, Vindicators, Razorbacks, Rhinos and Land Raiders. To fill the hole, Ponies Workshop added a few new units, and the rainbow pony wanted to use them in this battle.

Rainbow Dash had in total, two Veteran Scouts Squads, both embarked on Land Speeders Storm. The Veteran Scouts Squads were really powerful units. They had same stats as Tactical Space Marines, only their armor weakened from 3+ to 4+, but they still had "Scout", "Infiltrate" and "Move Though Cover" special rules, making them extremely mobile. To make matters worse for the enemy, the Raven Guard could Deep Strike Scouts, not even using Drop Pods by using "Ambush!" rule. Scouts on Land Speeders were equipped with sniper rifles and rocket launchers. Rainbow also had two Assault Squads with a Thunderhawk to Deep Strike, one Protectors Squad - Raven Guard's remake of Terminators, equipped with a absurdly big shields granting special "Feel No Pain" rule and increasing armor from 3+ to 2+. The only destiny for this unit was capturing points and holding relics, because they couldn't do any damage with bolt pistols, and they couldn't charge anything, because of "Immobile Titans" rule. Still, they could Deep Strike by drop pod.

But, those were only some Troops and one Elite choice. Rainbow's pride was the third vehicle. The Command Speeder Storm, bigger and more powerful version of Land Speeder. Higher armor value, two twin-linked heavy bolters, lascannon and best of all : transport capacity of ten models, but not just ordinary scouts models. The Command Speeder Storm could transport his Commander and Honor Guard equipped with master crafted axes, swords, hooves and claws. It was the ultimate adamantum hoof of her army. And of course, all Speeders in Raven Guard could Deep Strike. Her Speeder and HQ were the only units she painted truly herself, without Rarity's help.

Rainbow Dash mades Deep Strike rolles for every unit in her army to surround the Orkz and cut off their possibility of escape. Protectors Drop Pod made a direct hit, and landed in front of some Orkz to defend the Guardsponies from the enemy charge. The Land Speeders scattered, but they still deployed their Veteran Scouts in perfect firing position. The Command Speeder and two Assault Squads arrived on left and right flank, trying to engage the Partyzipantz armed with party cannons.

First "To - Hit" dices rolled on the table.

The Land Speeder immediately stood still. In this short moment, scouts jumped onto the ground. Just few second later, they were slowly observing the battlefield, looking for easy targets. There were a lot of craters, difficult terrain and trenches, but their supreme sight allowed them to spot some Orkz' heads just barely sticking out of the mud.

"Scouts in position" - The Sergant said by vox communicator.

"Any important enemies in sight?" - asked the Commander

"Negative. Only ordinary Orkz."

"Take them out. May the Empress guide your aim".

Sounds of snipers shoots were almost unheard. The voice of dying orkz, not so much.

"I still don't see this 'awesomeness'. I mean, okay, you killed some Party Orkz with these fancy weapons, but you took out only five of them." - Applejack said.

"And to make matters worse, I checked distances between units. If you cannot kill this guys, they will assault your Scouts in the next turn." - Twilight joined with her perfect calculation.

"Don't worry guys; everything is going according to my plan!” announced the cyan pony "But I must admit, I wished for a little more successful round of hits. This 4+ Cover Save is too strong.

"Not fair!" - the pink pony complained - "These models with power hooves were making the cutest faces! Oh, and Rarity painted tomato sauce on their plates!"

"Tomato sauce? I think it's..." - started Twilight

"Yea! Rarity is soooooo good at painting models, isn't she? I wish she could paint my entire army, because she is so good at painting armies that we should make "Rarity-Best-Painter Party!" And at this party...

Yes, it definitely was Rarity, that who finally got all her friends to play Warhammer. But the story about how they became dedicated war gamers was much longer...

An Epic, Awesome Tale about Joining the Greatest Battlefield of all time, filled with the Fame, Glory, Blood and Steel

Or

How did our normal friends become such Nerds?

In the grim darkness, of the Rainbow's house, Dash was reading next tome of the "Daring Do" series. It was a long night, and after many hours, she finished the entire book. Throwing the book at the "Finished" pile the cyan pony looked on at the another big pile of stuff she randomly borrowed from Twilight's library. She started browsing.

"Legend of Ponyrock"? Damm, this one was thicker than Big Mac!

"Stalliongrad Revolution - Volume 3"? Nah, boring, historical book.

"Witcherpony"? This one looked good, but then she checked the author. Heck, she even didn't know how to spell his name correctly.

"Horus Rising" Hmm...

She turned book to check what it was about. With every line, the smile on her face grew bigger. The idea of the Warhammer 40k universe seemed awesome to her. She checked the time on her clock, and placed the book on one of the bookshelves.

2:34 a.m

She turned to look at the book, then again to clock. One more time to the book, and one more time to the clock.

"Heh, I guess sleep can wait!"

Of course, the disease spread almost immediately. The first pony who got involved after Rainbow was Twilight. After one conversation with RD, the lavender pony was also reading some books from the WH40k universe.

Still, this was not the main reason why they started war gaming.

It happened just a few days after. Rarity soon joined the conversation between Twilight and Rainbow, when suddenly they changed topic to Warhammer. Rarity tried to change it back, but she failed. She was thinking about taking a nap when she heard one word.

"Miniatures? Did you say... miniatures?" - Rarity asked.

Twilight told her about all about the figures from this realm. It wasn't very large piece of the information, becauseTwilight was mostly interested in the books, rather than some crazy-expensive stuff from the Ponies Workshop. Still, it made Rarity interested.

Rarity did a lot of things during her stay at Canterlot. Of course, she bought materials for her work, she met celebrities from all over Equestria, and she visited some marvelous museums. She also met with Fancypants, and this meeting was the most important. It finally sealed and directed all six friends to a new way of life.

The meeting took place in the Fancypants resident. His palace was an impressive example of baroque architecture with some gardens. Rarity knew that Fancypants was wealthy, but still the richness of his house was stunning to her. Besides her and the most important pony in Canterlot, there were also some other nobles and celebrities. Plot Twister, famous pegasus writer from Cloudsdale; Dmitri Skórzewski , one of the Stalliongrad's agents; Sir Orbmost, with his wife, Lady Kimberlee, Hovard Jetblue, Arthur Reginald Webster, Karl-Heinz Mullet, Michael Norman Randall, and about twenty more, Rarity couldn’t remember all of them. The party they managed to make was magnificent, and Rarity enjoyed herself, talking and gossiping about everything and anything. She didn't remember how, but suddenly the topic of conservation changed to the Warhammer tabletop game. She was shocked, that almost everyone, including Fancypants at their feast were dedicated players of this game.

Same as last time with Twilight and Dash, she could no longer join their conservation. She couldn’t understand what they were talking about at all. Such things like "Broken Blood Angels Feel No Pain" or "Matthew Ward's idiotic lore" or "complaining about Mares of Battle release" were completely an abstraction to her. Some minutes later, Fancypants spotted that she wasn't talking at all.

"Miss Rarity, is there any problem that I could offer a gently help?" - he asked, while approaching to her.

"Oh, thank you a lot Fancypants, but I'm fine. I just don't know anything about this "Warhammer" game. - she answered.

"Do you want me to introduce you, or at least give you some information about it? I'm a bit suprised that you really don't know about it, but i think i can easily help you."

"I... I... think it would be really nice if you would do that" - Rarity answered delicately confused.

"Actually, i was going do this later anyway, so... - Fancypants turned back to crowd of nobles.

Ponies were looking at him with a look of curiosity. If there was a lady or gentlecolt that was busy gossiping, now they all silenced themselves. Fancypants wasn't stressed at all, even with the entire crowd observing him. He corrected his stately suit, and drew air into his mouth. His scream was so extremely loud, it almost stunned her.

"TABLETOP TIME!!!" - he cried, while raising his right hoof into air.

Then Chaos, that started after Fancypants shout; which was... fearsome to her. Everypony just started running everywhere, generating gigantic disarray. Servants bolted to storage rooms, bringing big, wooden tables. Some nobles carried big suitcases, some others brought strange books. Fancypants was observing the entire situation calmly, from time to time pointing where to put tables. Gentlecolts shouts didn't help, of course:

"...wait, what!? Dmitri brought his Stalliongrad Ice Warriors army!? If it's the same list from the South Equestria Blood & Steel Tournament we will definitely lose!"

"...what do you mean by saying we don't have the Belial figure!? Without him my Deathwing will fail!”

"...I took him to the painter, but he didn't manage to get this miniature ready in time!”

"...Dau!? You think you will do anything with them, against this "Entire-Forces-Feel-No-Pain-and-Deep-Striking-Land-Raiders-Army!?"

"...what edition of rulebook will we use!? If it won't be 18th edition..."

"...Codex! Where is my dammed Codex!?”

"...are you crazy!?”

"...if the Ultramarines will be allowed I swear by our goddess ruler,I will tear Fancypants apart!”

The entire disorder scared her, she started shaking and she couldn't help it, and the unexpected hug from Fancypants almost made her faint, but his words brought her back.

"Calm down, please, there is nothing to be worried about." - he said, with the same, calmly manner.

"Is this... normal?" - She tried to ask normally, but her voice dropped to whisper.

"I must admit, that I'm extremely suprised. They prepere the game more orderly than I expected. With everymatch, our discipline is rising, I suppose." - he answered.

"And... all these ponies play this?"

"A lot do. Even Princess Luna often plays with us. This time she will not be with us, unfortunately she is now in the Griffon Kingdom."

"And Princess Celestia?"

Fancypants waited a moment before answer.

"No. She told me that she had been playing for some time, but she abandoned it." - he finally spoke.

"Why?"

"She never told me. I think it was a bit a painful to her, something related with Princess Luna and... the Nightmare Moon incident." - Fancypants said.

Princess Celestia and Luna were players of this "game"? Such a thing was unbearable for Rarity's mind. But... what was this thing with Nightmare Moon? Had Fancypants meant the most recent one, or the old Nightmare Moon? If the later, it would mean that Warhammer 40,000 had been around for 1000 years so far. And what was the connection between Celestia abandoning game, and banishing Princess Luna to the moon? On the other hoof, if co-rulers of Equestria played Warhammer 40,000, it shouldn’t be bad at all. Fancypants immediatly spotted her relief.

"Hmm, maybe I could show you some things you would admire in the game?" - he asked.

"I guess it would be good." - Rarity answered.

"Then follow me, please" Fancypants said. The nobles were still fighting with disorder, trying to set up all their things for the battle. Someponies finally spotted, that they had forgot all templates and scatter dice. Fancypants ignored them, and walked through the hallway, and she followed him, strolling slowly. At the end of corridor there was a big, gold-covered chest. He approached it, and with a gentle move, he simply opened it. She looked above his shoulder to see what is inside.

It... it was most beautiful thing she had ever seen. Celestia was of course the most beautiful pony in the world, but this was fabulous in every other way. Ranks of soldiers in their ceremonial uniforms, with officers caps, marched with their rifles forward. Their uniforms were painted such marvelous colors, officers were painted in gold and blue, ordinary soldiers in gray and gold for comparison. There were also vehicles; all of them were lovely, even the littlest details were painted gorgeously, with some steel and gold combination.

"I would like to present to you, my army and my biggest pride: the Canterlot Iron Guard." Fancypants spoke "And I'm not exaggerating. These figures are actually the main reason why I’m sometimes called the most important pony in Canterlot. My army is almost unbeatable."

She couldn’t disagree, because the beauty of his army stunned her. She just couldn't stop observing all these details, all these perfectly created miniatures.

"And..." - he continued - "I would be honored if lady like you could play them in the upcoming match."

That was too much for Rarity. She fainted with a delightful smile on her face.

"So... I should place these guardsponies far from... how did you call them?" - Rarity spoke before deployment.

"These are the Space Wolves Miss Rarity, and exactly, you should place these squads far from them. They are pretty dangerous, especially if they charge your units in melee" - Fancypants answered.

"Why there are so many rolls in this game? I mean, I commanded my squads to shoot at these Space Wolves, and why do I need to throw so many dices, first "To Hit", next "To Wound", and then "Armour Save"? - Rarity asked

"It can be exhausting, but I'm certainly sure, that it needs to be like this. And besides, you forgot Cover Saves and Invulnerable Saves."

"So there are even more?"

"Yes. You know, the actual Rulebook has 1034 pages. It's quite hard to learn these rules by heart, but it's still possible to learn the most important ones.

"Wow, this one guardspony is marvelous! You really are an ingenious painter, my dear. And he killed an entire squad by himself!"

"That's Marbo, my lady. And he is a really powerful unit indeed." - Fancypants spoke - "There is even one saying : 'Marbo is so overpower that in the movement phase, Marbo stays stationary and moves the gaming table 6" in any direction', or: 'Marbo is never added to an army list. Army lists are added to Marbo.'

"Well, so why don’t all the players include Marbo in their army lists? Or rather, why aren’t all army lists added to Marbo?" - Rarity asked with a smile.

"Honestly? - he came close and then he whispered into her ear - "I have no idea".

"And... after summing up Kill Points... Lady Rarity has won!" - Hovard Jetblue announced

Applause from the crowd of ponies was stunningly. She have just won her first battle... and she felt gorgeus with it! Of course, she didn't do it by herself. Actually, most time it was Fancypants who was playing. Still... emotion after game were truly positive.

Fancypants was gathering his miniatures, when suddenly, a strange thought struck Rarity's mind.

"Fancypants?"

"Yes?" - he turned eyes to her. Most of his Canterlot Guardsponies squads were already placed in their chest again.

"You see... this game was just... I can't even find words to describe how great this game was. And..."

"You are thinking about playing this game seriously, aren’t you? Well... I suppose I can help you with it.”

He reached for one of the bookshelves and drew out one of the books. Fancypants then gave it to her.

It was massive. It included extremely huge amount of pages and a heavy, gigantic cover. She almost fell over when she stood back up book in her hooves. She looked at the cover. There was a big picture on it. It was a powerful hammer, with the white skull on the smut. Below the hammer lay a lot of ponies’ skeletons, some weapons, skulls, scrolls, and other items she couldn't recognize at all. There was also an inscription on it, just barely above hammer.

Warhammer 40,000

Rulebook 20th Edition

Rarity came back to Ponyville, and almost immediately started convincing her friends to play the tabletop game. The first converted pony was Twilight. Mostly, because Rarity couldn't understand anything in the rulebook Fancypants gave her. So, the lavender unicorn just sat down with this one thousand page book and then, she slowly and methodical transcripted the entire tome into normal language.

Because of Rainbow Dash’s love of the books from the Warhammer 40,000 universe, she was easily converted too. Problem was that the cyan pony was a really bad painter. Rarity needed to help her with painting her newly-bought Raven Guard, and this was an extremely tiring job, even if Space Marines were the easiest to paint at all.

Pinkie Pie wasn't interested in all this tabletop stuff at all. Rarity and the other "just converted" friends didn't have any idea how to overcome her fear to miniatures war gaming. Rainbow Dash was the one, who got this done. Idea was simple, she gave Pinkie Pie a "Party Orkz Codex" and re-placed the cover with a "100 Ideas How to Make an Awesome Party" inscription on it. Actually, this wasn't so far from real one.

Applejack joined after the big conversation between her and Twilight. Applejack started playing Warhammer mostly because all other friends started playing too. After one game and some pages from Equestrian Guard Codex read she felt good with it.

Fluttershy was probably the hardest to convince. She didn't like idea of universe filled with blood, gore, violence, hate and other really bad looking words. The savior was Angel, who actually liked this idea. After he began a starvation diet Fluttershy didn't have any choice, and she started playing too. Compared to other ponies, Fluttershy always played with Angel on her side, half of the army for the shy pegasus, and half for the brilliant and brutal rabbit general. Her choice of army was obvious. Fluttershy agreed to play with the Dau Empire. Usually, Fluttershy command the Ethereal and the Kind Warriors Squads, while Angel takes the Dau Commander in Battle Suit with other XV8 Crisis Battlesuits Squad and Hammerhead Gunships. Despite that Dau is "weak" in the most ponies’ opinion, Fluttershy and Angel often won.

Some weeks after everypony joined the group, Twilight heard about an upcoming tournament. Actually, this tournament, in comparison to others, didn’t have any actual name. It was just "The Tournament" or "The Great Tournament". Despite the lack of adjectives, it would be the most important event for the entire war gaming population.

There were three Trophies for winning the tournament. First, you would be declared "The Best Equestrian War Gamer". Second, you would get totally awesome and glorious cup. Third, would be kind of strange. Ponies Workshop declared, that winner of the tournament will get opportunity to write a bit of fluff for his or her army. In summary, the prize would be incredibly high. These things were worth fighting for.

"Ehm... okay; now I’m kind of screwed.” Rainbow Dash said after seeing the results of her Assault Squads charge.

It was probably the worst charge in her war gaming history. Assault Squads with one power hoof each were stopped by a bunch of Orkz with sticks and axes. No doubt, it was even worse than losing the Command Speeder on the first turn.

"After your turn, I will join the battle. Better come up with something or my army will annihilate yours" Twilight told.

"Don't worry; I still have my glorious HQ! I declare a charge with my Commander and the Honor Guard on the biggest bunch of Partyzipents with the Warboss!" - commanded the cyan pony.

"Rainbow, but this group will melt you! Her Warboss has got two powerhooves with 6 attacks, this squad also has got a FUUUN! banner increasing their amount of blows." Twilight spoke "This will be in total... about fifty hits. Even your best squad won't survive this. If you suicide your entire army, Applejack won't be able to hold against Pinkie's and my army."

"Hah, you are really funny Twi! Just watch this! - Dash said, while gathering the dices.

Despite Rainbow Dash’s confidence, her friends were certainly sure, that if the cyan pony was not able to manage and make awesome rolls, the game would be certainly be lost for Applejack and her ally. They observed the entire flight of all dices, how they were rotating in the air, and then started rolling across the entire table.

They all gasped in unison.

To be Continued.
Only in death does duty end.

Prologue : Act III - Obtaining Artifacts

Canterlot was a magnificent city, even without the great castle. Shining buildings, perfectly located streets, clean and brightly walls of noble ponies. But, without the castle, it would be just "a beautiful city". Palace of the Princesses of the Equestria was abnormally big. If you would look from far distance, at entire landscape, you would probably think, that mountain would collapse under a weight of this monumental building. How it was still there, there were no ideas.

In the tower, there were two ponies. One was a castle guard in classical armor. However, he didn't wear a helmet, he held it in his right hoof. The second was a majestic alicorn, towering over her counterpart. While the hall was darkened, the light that came from her was more than enough to see by.

"Are you sure, that Tournament will have a good protection?" - asked Princess Celestia

"I can't be sure be centairly sure. I can't, after what happened during my wedding." - answered the Captain of the Royal Guard.

"You became much more careful after this event. It's good, but don't forget to enjoy yourself. Your little sister will take part in Tournement too." - Goddness of the Sun told.

"Yes, I know." - he answered shortly.

"It's quite ironic, I think. You didn't want to tell Twilight about Warhammer 40.000. You didn't want her to became even more nerdy than she was already" - Celestia spoke with a small smile on her face - "But now we can see, that Twilight not only became a fan of Warhammer, but also all her friends joined her too."

"Will Princess Luna participate in Tournement too?" - The Captain changed topic, didn't wanting to start this matter again.

"Yes. She will be back just in time. My little sis said that she prepered amazing army list for this one." - Princess of Sun answered - "I guess, it will be interesting. She can be dangerous on battlefield, even if she has terrible luck all the time."

"And you, my princess?"

Immediately, smile vanished from the Celestia face.

"No, I won't. - she simply answered, with a darkly tone.

Shining Armor felt that pushing this case would be a bad idea. Again, he changed topic.

"So, in total how many participants will arrive?" - he asked

"It will be about one hundred ponies. Not talking about players, there will be also about... five hundred spectators? My officials had problem estimating how many ponies will come in total." - Celestia answered.

Silence dominated room. Celestia approached the balcony and looked outside.

"Speaking of it, my sister has arrived." - she spoke, now with a warmer voice.

Shining Armor approuched gallery and look outside too.

Princess Luna was in a carriot, pulled by two pegasus from Royal Guard. These guards were still looking quite strange, due to their "bat" wings, but it didn't look that awesome as it was on the Nightmare Night. With the sun shining straight on their black armors and skin they didn't look scary at all. Interesting feature was a big metal box, that was carried by carriage on the back.

The Command Speeder didn't even stop, to ensure that deploy of the Chapter bests was save. Chapter Master with his Honor Guard just jumped from the vehicle, landing on the Party Orkz heads. The slaughter started immediatly. At first, entire situation looked ridiculous. Ten ponies just vanished between mass of the pinkskins. The Space Marines also were silent, Orkz screaming filled entire battleground.

The General thought for a moment, that their "saviors" just died on a suicide run. Party Orkz horde was still large, and she didn't think that her guardsponies could stand against them. Also, death of the Raven Guard bests would strike down the morale of her troops.

But suddenly, there was a big, powerful explosion, which immediately change entire situation. After a powerful thunder hammer blow from the Chapter Master a large group of the Party Orkz were sented into air. Rest of them were sliced to pieces moment after, by axes, blades and power hooves of the Honor Guard. Xenos who survived this tried to fight back, but they tottaly failed. Then, they started running away from battlefield, but the Space Marines were too fast, and the Raven Guard finest easly kill all of them.

Hovewer, The Partyboss was still alive and his power hooves immediately killed two of the Raven Guard battle brothers. Chapter Master immediatly charged him, seeking for revenge. His blow send half of the xenos leader armor to pieces. He wanted to made a killing blow, but the Ork was too fast. When he was rising thunder hammer into the air, the Partyboss immediately punched him in chest, sending him a few meters backwards.

"Your pink tide stops here, ork. You will find only death!" - Chapter Master snapped, standing on his hooves again, dodging another punch from Partyboss

"I like dat kind of talk punnie. Dis iz gonna be fun!" - answered the Party Orkz leader, sending another punch.

This time however, Chapter Master perfectly avoided getting smashed and counter-attack with his hammer. This blow made a gigantic Orkz stunned. Then, he rose a hammer and hit as hard as he could, poiting towards head. Powerful strike made entire Partyboss head crushed. Leader of the "FUUUUN!" felt over, and landed in the mud.

"So... much... WIN!" - shouted the cyan pegasus, rising her hooves in a gest of triumph.

"This was... unexpected" - Twilight said - "You got way too lucky rolls on the "Fury from the Sky" attempt.

Situation have dramaticly changed. In total : Applejack Equestrian Guard lost the Veteran Squad, and Rainbow's Assault Squads were stucked in a combat with ordinary Orkz. But this was only a minor faults, because Dashie HQ managed to kill the Partyboss with a most powerful horde of Partyzipentz.

"You know, that my army is one of most perfectly counter for your Raven Guard? I will be highly suprised if any of your troops will able to fight again after my turn" - Twilight spoke

"You know, i don't give a single buck about what you read in your 'Guide'." - Rainbow Dash snapped - "Seriously, who made a idea of the Dau being perfectly counter for the Dark Angels Deathwing?"

"Well, you will see." - the lavender unicorn answered. - "And besides, Dau is a good counter for the Deathwing. The Hammerhead gunships are genious for destroying 2+ Armor guys. Not talking about fusion guns spam."

Twilight took one dice. This one, comparing to other was quite unique. Five walls, from "1" to "5" were painted black, while the wall with a "6" result got an image of the raven, instead of the six dots.

"Okay then. Obtaining Artifacts roles, go." - she said, while throwing her favourite dice.

The Commander of the Raven Guard rose his thunder hammer again to rally his Space Marines. In this single moment he realised something was wrong. He didn't feel any weight from his raised hoof. With a strange feeling, he looked on it.

His Thunder Hammer just simply vanished.

###

Brother Hovarus executed stunned Ork with a bolt pistol and immediately turned his sight to another xeno. Feeled with a holy fury he hit him with power hoof.

Ork survived this. He didn't even moved after receiving punch from a one of the most powerful weapon in the universe.

Mostly because, he hit him with a ordinary gauntlet. Power fist vanished.

###

Privite Titus took aim with his plasma gun. The found a perfect target, Ork, who was to busy shooting with his abnormaly big rifle. Such a perfect, he didn't move at all, no one was on line of sight.

He pressed trigger with his hoof. Suddenly, plasma, instead of shooting forward started gathering though entire gun.

"Nonononono" - he tried to throw away his weapon, but the guardspony knew that it was too late.

But, he survived. Plasma gun instead of exploding, vanished.

"What in tarnation..."

###

Sudden realisation hit the Empress servants. Entire army of the Imperium of Ponykind cried with a fury :

"BLOOD RAVENS!!!"

"Okay, i know that not all rules or lore stuff have sense. But idea of stealing enemy weapons before battle is stupid! I mean, how they do this?" - Rainbow Dash spoke.

"Dunno. I betcha it's some Psyker's related fancy stuff." - answered the farm pony.

Like the Blood Angels always started battle with Red Thirst roles, the Blood Ravens always started battle with the Obtaining Artifacts roles. One of the most hilarious rule in entire Warhammer 40,000 universe. For every enemy special weapon on battlefield, Blood Ravens player needed to make a roll. If he or she got "6" result weapon was "gifted" to the Blood Ravens. Matt Ward really liked to destroy every Codex he touched.

After Obtaining Artifacts roles, Twilight started her regular deployment. Of course, the Blood Ravens strictly followed the Codex Astartes, so the lavender unicorn army list was quite boring. Twilight got in total the Two Librarians in Terminator Armors, two Tactical Marines Squads with rocket launcher and plasma gun each, both embarked into the Rhinos, two Predator's Tank with twin-linked auto-cannons and heavy bolters on sides.

Twilight army arrived behind the Party Orkz horde. Most of the Raven Guard was still stucked in combat with xenos. Guardsponies were just behind them, covering the Adeptus Astartes with their fire support.

"Blood Ravens." - snapped one of the Scouts. - "These guys stole my sniper rifle during last crusade."

"Be quiet cadet, they can still..." - started the Seargant.

He didn't finished, because powerful bolt of the pure warp energy landed just between them.

Veteran Scouts were almost completely obliterated by the Librarians forces. Few remaining Scouts failed Morale test and they started running from battlefield. Of course, they could came back, due to "And They Shall Know No Fear" rule but still this was quite terryfing that such elite forces were destroyed by single cast.

Of course, it were only the Libralians movement.

The Predator Tank made a way though battlefield, almost ramming the Party Orkz. Actually, the crew should opened fire to these xenos. "Should" was a key word here.

Before attack, the Blood Ravens found out that on Turnun IV was hidden one of the most powerful artifact. But power of this item was less important than fact, it was a relic from the far past, from time of Horus Heresy. It could reveal some dark seeds from past, and Azariah Kyras, their Chapter Master didn't want this. The Chief Librarian orders were straight. It was just one paper card.

1. Kill everyone, purife entire planet, destroy all cities, make total slaughter.

2. Ensure that all Artifacts are secured.

3. If Point '1' or '2' will be failed, press "Exterminatus" button.

4. Ensure that no one known what you have done.

Knowledge is a Power, Guard it Well

Your Chapter Master, definetely not worshipping Khorne

Azariah Kyras

The Party Orkz didn't attack them, so task now became even more easier. Predator rotated his auto-cannon towards Raven Guard and opened fire.

Thankfully, AP 4 Auto-cannons couldn't penetrate the Space Marines armor. Still, a few Adeptus Astartes was killed due to the Predator's supreme fire power.

Applejack was ready to announce begin of Turn 2 when Rarity came into the room. As always, the white unicorn with a fabulous purple mane looked great. Just behind her, Fluttershy with Angel on her back trotted too.

Thing, that bring most attention however was a miniature, that was held by Rarity. "Miniature" was quite bad word, because it was really big giant, covered with flames warrior, with sword longer than the Vanquisher cannon. It was the Avatar of Khaine. The figure was really beutiful painted, it was just a perfect Rarity's work. If you would place six Space Marines miniatures, painted by our all known friends, you would point which one was Rarity immediately.

"Wow Rarity, your figure is marvelous, as always" - said Twilight, when the white unicorn approached.

"Oh, thank you my dear, but i would never do this without Fluttershy help" - she answered, gazing with graditude and joy on the shy pegasus.

"It's nothing, i'm very happy that i could help you." - Fluttershy silently spoke. She was barery hearable.

"Okay, but backing to our battle. I'm disembarking Space Marines from my Rhi..." - Twilight was trying to change topic, when suddenly door was opened with a haste, and really exhausted Spike bolted inside.

"Uff... ufff... Twilight?" - baby dragon said with fatique

"Not now Spike, i'm shooting with my Tactical Squad. If this rocket launcher will fail again..." - the lavender unicorn ignored him, prepering to throw hoofful of dice.

"There is a letter from a Princ... BLAH" - Spike suddenly realised air, when he suddenly landed on floor, letter in his hand was pulled by magic to Twilight.

"Letter from Celestia!" - the unicorn gasped. - "Why didn't tell me this in the first place?"

"Umm i tried..." - Spike spoke, getting back on his legs.

Twilight ignored him again, and started reading letter. It took some time, and the lavender unicorn didn't show up any emotion during this reading. All ponies and Spike were looking at her.

"Hmm, strange. This letter was written by Princess Luna, not Celestia..." - Twilight started

Now situation became little awkward. Letter from Princess Luna?

"Okay guys, we are packing. We will arrive in Canterlot earlier." - the lavender unicorn spoke after she finished.

"Super-duper amazing! Oh, we're going to Canterlot for a tournament! I wonder if they'll have snacks? Ooh, I should tell the Cakes about this so they can cater! We'll have sugarcubes and sugar plums, sodas and sasparillas, and...." - Pinkie Pie started her never-ending, tottaly random, outbursted speech.

"Wait a moment Pinkie, why we should leave now?" - Pinkie Pie was cut of by Rainbow Dash, now watching with caution Twilight.

"Hmm, actually she didn't write anything why we would do this. Maybe i will just read this to all of you".

Dear Twilight Sparkle

I want to ask you and your friends to come to the Tournement earlier. I brought quite "special" army list and i want to test it before Tournement will even start. It's really important for me, I would be grateful if you could arrive in Canterlot today evening.

Princess Luna

"Personally, i think something is wrong here. I mean, it doesn't look like letter from a Princess." - Twilight continued

"I must agree, darling. This letter is so laconic." - Rarity spoke - "And why she can test it with somebody else? Maybe with Fancypants or..."

"I guess, that Princess Luna want to keep her army list in secret. Maybe she found broken rule, or something like this" - Applejack told" - "It could give her free win, if she would discover tactic like the Fish of Fury."

"Yea, the most broken and riduculous tactic ever! No offence, Fluttershy" - Rainbow said

"None taken" - Fluttershy quietly answered.

"Still, i think it's need to be something important. Better get packed" - Twilight spoke

Nopony wanted to do this, but they gather already placed miniatures in their bags. If they wanted to arrive before midnight, they should get ready really fast.

Sir Orbmost ( do not forget about Sir ) and Lady Kimberlee were walking though streets of the Canterlot. They have just left Hovard Jetblue residence, after a big, training match between them. They were enjoying the cold air, during this long, beautiful night.

Sir Orbmost was a lightly brown unicorn with a short, grey mane. He wear a flossy suit, which actually was damaged by accidentaly spoiled coffee. In one hoof, he was carring a big suitcase with his army. This one made this pegasi bourgeois from Cloudsdale jealous. Lady Kimberlee wear a modest, but still beutiful dress. She was a dark red unicorn with a long mane.

During they walk though Canterlot, they were talking with sincere care. They looked beutiful, perfect couple during they journey back to home.

It would be still looking such charmingly, but in one single moment, Sir Orbmost lied uncousiously on wall, hit by powerful bolt of pure energy. Kimberlee fell over, when she realised what she just saw. When she was losing her senses, she heard only one thing. Heavy steps of two ponies approaching her.

Black pegasus with a quite short, gold mane was sitting on balcon, watching entire situation calmly. He was also writing note. Really important one. Plot Twister always made a plan for everything. Plan which involve above ten points which another plans of above ten points for every failed point. If he failed any plan, it was because of the secret plan, which solved problem easily. It would be confusing for everyone else, but the Plot Twister genious mind procided all data without any problems.

When he checked all points on his additional check list he could say his favourite sentence. He loved these words, because they were only three of them, and they always said more than anything else. So many emotions, so many 'not-said' things, so many mysteries in just three, short words.

"Just as planned"

To be Continued.
Only in death does duty end.

Tournament : Act IV - Beginning

Absolutely not the luxury train arrived on the station. Six friends and the shy pegasus pet friend left their transport without pointless waiting. Their journey was uncomfortable, diplomitically saying. Twilight took a note, that booking worst class in order to save a little money was bad idea.

Six Bearers had different opinions on the Canterlot. Twilight loved this city hard, not only for fillyhood spent here, but for rich and abnormally big libraries and universities, it was quite obvious. On the other hoof, Applejack and Rainbow Dash were having problems with this city. In their opinion, buildings were too close, it was too loud, there were no nature and entire city was filled with rusty nobles with their fancy talking. Rarity was totally opposite to them, every aspect farm and cyan ponies hated, she loved. Fluttershy would probably be charmed by these beautiful buildings and streets, but to her, everything were too large, too overwhelming. Lack of nature, trees, and her animal friends only made the matter worse. Pinkie Pie liked the Canterlot, it was just a next place to make an awesome party. Fact, that there were more ponies than in any other village or city was convincing to her.

Now, when they stood outside the train with their bags, these emotions came to them. Twilight waited a moment, then moved to the exit..

“Okay, so now we need to find this hotel I booked two weeks ago.” – said the lavender unicorn

“Maybe this one will be more comfortable than this garbage train” – spoke Rarity with annoyance, not following Twilight

“Usually I disagree when Rarity is talkin’ about da “comfort” stuff, but this time however I need to approve. Seriously Twi, how much have you paid for this? – Applejack said

“Ehm…” – Twilight started thinking about how to explain entire situation.

Train she booked a tickets came from Saddle Arabia before, and it didn’t have any chairs, servants, or whatever. And it was almost full, filled with cosplayers. Ponies dressed as Black Templars were tollerable, but there was one big stallion who wore the Equestrian Fist Terminator Armour, and it was almost impossible to bypass him in the corridor.

Yes, it was cheap, but not worth saving money

“I could survive it with those fellows. But our bags were quite shook by low quality of this train. Hope that our miniatures are still assembled. I wouldn’t be surprised if my Banshees lost theirs blades” – Rarity spoke again, looking with a concern on her luggage.

“Okay guys, but maybe we could finally leave this station, huh?” – Rainbow Dash growled impatiently

The lavender unicorn was pleased that somebody saved her flank from an unending argument about traveling quality. The gang quietly went to the hotel. After setting up, they wanted to go for the Tournament Opening Ceremony.

“What in tarnation…” - AJ exclaimed

The manager, who was responsible for organizing the “Great Tournament” probably didn’t manage to hold entire chaos at bay. Yes, he borrow really big hall from the Canterlot Castle, but still the crowd was too big, and they had really problem with such a big amount of crazy Warhammer fans.

Six friends tried to make a way though the big crowd, but the task was too hard. They were thinking about leaving the hall, so managers could finally establish all things, when sudden shout from the white unicorn brought their attention.

“Sir Orbmost! It’s pleasure to met… What happened to you!?”

Rarity was talking to lightly brown stallion with a short, grey mane. However, he looked terrible. He was barely standing on his hooves, shaking horribly. Mane, despite that was quite short, was in total chaos. Some part of the body was covered with bandages. He was acompanied by two doctors, one for each side.

“Po… ponies?” – he answered with truly awkward face

“My husband got amnesia and mind shock. He can barely talk.” – Lady Kimberlee said, appearing from nowhere.

She looked better than her husband, but not much better. She also was covered with bandages, but her face was showing a great endurance and determination, instead of Sir Orbmost empathy.

“My dearest condolences. Could you tell me what happened? – Rarity said

“Last night, during a walk we got attacked by two ponies. They beat us hard and rob my husband miniatures army. The
Royal Guard is still searching for them. Me and Sir Orbmost should be in hospital, but we were so desperated to take part in tournament, that we... "convince" some ponies from hospital.” – Lady Kimberlee answered

“It’s terrible that you were bitten by such rusty and horrible ponies! Is anything I could help you with?” – Rarity asked

“No, my dear. These ponies are your friends? – Lady Kimberlee asked pointing towards rest of her group.

“Yes, would you mind, if I will introduce them to you?” – Rarity asked, and without waiting for answer she gestured her friends to approach lady.

"This is Rainbow Dash... "

"Hello" - the cyan pegasus spoke.

"...Twilight Sparkle..."

"It's pleasure to meet you." - the lavender unicorn simply answered

"...Pinkie Pie..."

Hi there! - the pink earth pony said, suprisingly short.

"...Applejack..."

Howdy - the farm pony answered with putting off her hat.

"...and Fluttershy" - the white unicorn ended

"Hi" - The shy pegasus quiet as always greet. No one heared that one, but they guessed it instead.

"Ahh, so you are these famous Bearers of Elements, aren't you? I'm extremely suprised that I'm talking with you in such place. Will you play Warhammer 40.000 in this Tournament?" - Lady Kimberlee asked

Yes! We will all play! - Pinkie Pie spoke with a joy

In this moment, Applejack face immediately change into a grim one.

"AJ, is there something wrong? - Twilight asked

"Nothin, i just realised that you Kimberlee are first pony who actually know that we are Bearers of Elements. You know, we save da world twice, so actually pony should recognise us. So yea, you are first who actually know it. - the farm pony answered with little ironic.

Twilight Sparkle had been thinking about this earlier. It was... strange. Actually, they saved world four times, including banishing again Sombra from Crystal Empire and the Changeling Invasion, so it was weird. She tried to explain this way : "Fame would probably corrupt ours like Discord". In her opinion, it was bad explanation, better than nothing, but still kinda stupid. Rarity was famous already in the Canterlot, sometimes ponies recognize Fluttershy as a model. Heck, even Rainbow Dash and Applejack were sometimes known, Dashie for saving ponies lifes and winning Best Young Flyer Competition and the farm pony for making the awesome cider.

Actually, Lady Kimberlee face turned into the confused one. Her expressions became easy to read : "I don't want to be here with those mares".

"Ehm... I'm really sorry but i need to talk with one pony. Have a nice day! - Kimberlee said and troted out. Sir Orbmost followed her with a slow pace.

"Not as planned."

Plot Twister observed entire situation. Of course, during entire conversation he was making a notes. His intrugue was slowly introduced, and he couldn't make any mistake. This time, he didn't make a point "What If" the point 8 of his Personal Plan Page 4 will fail. It was time for the little improvisation. He wrote next point for plan. After a few second of "THINKING" he came up with the idea what to do. He needed to learn this couple a bit more... but before this, Plot Twister needed to change entire schedule...

"Oh... but they are hurt, aren't they?" - cried Fluttershy. Of course, it was Fluttershy type of cry.

"I think this is kinda strange too, Fluttershy. I know that somepony can love Warhammer so much, but this is crazy. Playing this, after you got beaten by someponies... Twilight?"

Twilight replaced her face expression with "thinking" one. Her eyes were almost shutted and teeth tighten. It took some time before awkward silence was broken by the lavender unicorn.

"Okay, it's really strange" - she spoke

No one answered, so Twilight continued.

"Actually, i can understand that being in such pain can not stop you from playing Warhammer. Rainbow for example played game with me, even with broken wing. I heard, that even Granny Smith is collecting and playing Warhammer. But, it's not the point of the 'strange' thing."

"Problem is different. She recognize us as the saviors of Equestria, but how she recognize us as the Bearers of Harmony?"

"Ehm... Twilight? Isn't it obvious that we are Bearers of Harmony?" - Applejack asked with confusion

"When i thought deeper about it, i realised one strange thing. Celestia never actually said, that we are Bearers. I'm centairly sure, that no one, with Celestia, Luna and us expectations know this."

"Okay, but what's the point?" - the cyan pegasus said

"Point is, that something more... deeper is happening here in the Canterlot. Princess Luna asking us for earlier arrival, two wealthy and noble ponies beaten, and somepony actually recognizing us... yea, something weird is going to happen." - Twilight spoke

"You know Twilight, i think you are a bit... too careful. It's something like this situation with the infamous world end. Building an unbreakable, 5 meter below earth with magic shield bunker only because calendar in the Zebrica is ending was strange." - Rarity said

"I guess you are right. Maybe change of topic?" - Twilight spoke with resignation

"It's okay, my dear. New topic... hmm...Basically, what are rules of this Tournament? I read the official statement, but actually i don't understand much from it." - Rarity asked the lavender unicorn

"It's hard question to answer. Basically, there will be about fifty players, so we will be seperated into groups. Maybe four ponies each, maybe five, i don't know. So, ponies will fight each other, and ponies with a biggest win ratio will make a way to a next part of the Tournament. Next, the organisator will create a tree ladder. When it will come to this part, losing a match will mean being disqualified from the Tournament. So, for example : "If there will be 32 players, so there will be 16 matches. Next round; 16 players and 8 matches and it goes on." In the end, it will all end in the glorious final battle between the last two players. Talking about game, all armies allowed, used edition : 23th and every battle will be 1500 points..."

"Or in shortcut : "Everything is allowed, don't lose any match and you win" - Rainbow Dash cut Twilight Sparkle exposition.

"Much better version" - spoke Applejack and made with the cyan pegasus their typically bro-hoof.

“Attention! Attention!” – shouted the manager, trying to calm down crowd gathered near him.

The Opening Ceremony took place on the end of the hall. The manager stood on wooden stage, just near him stood one of the most honest sponsor of the Tournament, if this what Twilight knew was true. He was quite big red stallion with a messy black hair. His cutie mark was a pie with a Blood Angels mark. Crowd below them slowly was becoming quiet. When silence meter reached “I can hear fly from two meters” the manager spoke.

“Hello there, wargamers from the entire Equestria! My name is Winning Bet, and I want to welcome you to the biggest Tournament for the our land ever known. However, this couldn’t be possible without support from our friends. I want to thanks Princess Celestia for lending us this marvelous hall and Princess Luna for advertisement and help with organizing the Tournament”.

Crowd cheered, not only for praising the rulers of the Equestria for help, but because Princess of the Moon herself entered the hall from the back. She looked wonderful, not only glowing with darkened light, but was mesmerizing everypony with her beauty.

“Greetings wargamers!” – Princess Luna spoke – “I’m extremely happy to know, that there are so many ponies that enjoy this hobby so much, that they are here with us to have fun! I want to thank all of you, and I want to wish you good luck in the upcoming matches! Happy wargaming!

Applause was stunning, speech that the Princess delivered was short, but in these few small sentences she filled all the emotions that was gathered in the ponies.

“Okay then. In total, after counting we have fourty eight players.” – Winning Bet continued – “We will separate you into twelve group, each pony will play with each other. Deployment will be random, amount of the terrain pieces will be random. To ensure that every rule are treaten as they should be, coaches will observe all the matches.” – some grumbling was heard from the crowd – “Don’t worry, they are not as bad as you think. We are using 23th Edition, with some rules taken from 22th Edition. You can read all of them from our statement we give every participant and…

The manager suddenly stopped, when black pegasus with a golden mane entered stage and whisper something to the manager ear and give him a paper note. His cutie mark was a light purple vortex with a white center. Winning Bet was reading it with caution, not even raising his eye to meet with entire crowd below him.

“Okay then, my fellow ponies. Actually, we have already separated you into groups.” – Winning Bet spoke

“SO!”

“Group One!”

“What!? Trixie is here!?” – Twilight cried with anger – “And in the same group!? This is ridiculous!”

Her friends didn’t know how to react for the lavender unicorn fury. Fluttershy, despite her low courage, tried first.

“Ehm… didn’t you last time win against her army?”

“Of course I won! But only when I discovered that her pancy Feel No Pain from nowhere was cheating! And even without it, she almost beat me. Her Thousand Mares are incredibly strong.” – the Blood Ravens player answered

“Don’t worry sugarcube, even if you lose against her, you can just win with everyone else, and you will win the group stage.” – Applejack cheered up

“Seriously, there is nothing to be worry about. Your problem with the OP Thousand Mares are nothing compared to this, what will be waiting for me in my group.” – Rainbow Dash said

“Oh, Rainbow Dash, is there something wrong?” – Fluttershy asked

“Yes! I got dammit Ultramarines player in my group! Ultramarines! I’m surprised that these guys weren’t banned from the Tournament! But wait, I know why they weren’t banned! Do you know who exactly is this Ultramarines player?” – Rainbow Dash said

“Who?” – the cyan pegasus friends asked in unison

“Matthew Ward himself”

And in this single moment, hammer of the awkward silence stroke down. Similar conversations took place all around them. Ponies were louder than DJ-PON3 usual track. Talking about her, she was playing too. Vinyl Scratch was in the Group 5, which was also the Applejack group. Silence was finally ended, but no by one of the six friends, but by small, orange and energetic pegasi.

“Hey Rainbow Dash!”

Just behind Scootaloo were Applebloom and Sweetie Bell, caring definitely too big and heavy chest. Two fillies were having huge problem with standing still.

“Hey squirt, what are you doing here?” – Rainbow Dash asked, being quite surprised.

“We are going to take part in the Tournament! Isn’t it awesome?” – Scootaloo spoke with enthusiasm and then she turned to the other members of the CMC.

“CUTIE MARK CRUSADERS WAR GAMERS!” – she cried

“YAY!” – Applebloom and Sweete Bell joined and made simultaneous bro-hoof in the air. In the same moment chest fell down, pinning two fillies to the ground.

“Ehm, I didn’t know that you are collecting the Warhammer miniatures. – Applejack said

“Me too. How did you manage to afford 1500 points army? Figures from the Ponies Workshop are ridiculously expensive.” – Rarity asked.

“I knew! I knew!” – Pinkie Pie said, while jumping around – “You made it same as me! So, I after I summoned a little too many Pinkies I got an ingenious idea! I go with my newly bought Partyzipentz horde and I just pulled them though this fancy doubling pool and in this way I created my super-duper army!

“Ehm… okay, maybe change of topic. So, what’s your army, Crusaders? – the lavender unicorn asked

“Oh, after the democratically election we agreed for the White Scars Space Marines chapter!” – answered orange filly. –“And we will playing them together, we didn’t manage to buy enough figures for two or more armies.

“It’s really wonderful darling. Do you know maybe when will first match start?” – Rarity asked Twilight

“Well, according to the schedule, first match will be tomorrow at 10:00 AM.” – the lavender unicorn answered

“And who will be playing first?” – the farm pony asked

“Well…” – Twilight grabbed her schedule and started reading. The unicorn eyes got widen, and shock could be read from her face.

“Ehm…”

“I don’t know any pony whose name is ‘Ehm’ Twilight” – Rainbow Dash snapped

“Guys... it’s…” – the lavender unicorn continued

“Fluttershy. You will participate in the first battle” – she finished