Over the hills and far away

*** 18 months previously ***

Everypony was on edge, for this was no normal meeting called by the Royals. It was not being held in the palace halls, or even in the large Canterlot Gardens, but on the fields’ outside of the city. And it wasn't just a group of royals, the elite of society or diplomats. Everypony in Canterlot was invited, and all civil servants and figures of authority across Equestria were mandated to attend.

The bearers of the elements of harmony were given special seats at the front, mixed in with some of the most important ponies in the kingdom. Whilst some of the dignitaries were surprised to see what they saw as commoners amongst them, their faces changed when somepony explained who they were, and how many times they had saved the kingdom. Plus it was soon discovered that one of the unicorns was the sibling of the Crystal Prince, and protege to the Princesses themselves! Suddenly the six ponies found themselves being met with smiles rather than frowns.

Ponies from all over Equestria had answered the Royal call, and fields upon fields were lined up with nervous ponies  awaiting the meeting, or in reality a rally, to start. They all had some idea what was going on, you would have to be a foal not to, and the rumours were floating around the fields like wildfire.

Princess Celestia took the stage dressed unlike any living pony had ever seen her, her immortal sisters excluded. Rather than her usual crown, she wore a gemstone encrusted helm. The ornamental breastplate she normally wore was replaced by the Princesses being covered from neck to hoof in golden armour, shining not just in her sunlight but from a magic so powerful not many ponies would even dream such charms existed. Twilight of course recognized the spell immediately.

“My loyal subjects, these are dark days indeed. As many of you know since the Changeling invasion at the royal wedding, the enemy has been unrelenting in their attacks on our boarders and towns”

Celestia then gestured toward the couple next to her, where Princess Cadence and Shining Armour were standing. Shining had an outfit similar to the average royal guard, but slightly more ornate given his dual stature. Cadence, being the princess of love itself, had always refused to wear any aggressive armour but instead wore a formal dress, elegant manestyle and a determined regal face.

Celestia continued “The Royal guard have been busy keeping the enemy at bay, and with the Crystal Prince leading them, they have defended this great kingdom from countless attacks. We all owe them our highest thanks!”

The crowd whooped and cheered at this, the ground too soft for the usual hoof-clopping.

Princess Luna then took the stage, looking very similar to Nightmare Moon. Her armour was similar shape to her sisters, but was deep purple and black and rather than glisten it seemed to absorb light. Both of the battle outfits had actually not been seen since the great war between the sisters, the mere presence of the armour reminding the sisters of other dark times they had faced.

“My sisters and I have discussed this at great length, and it is felt that this can't be allowed to continue” A hush fell over the crowd, for this is not what they expected to hear. “And so, it sadly falls on me to announce that for the first time in our great nation’s history, we have to react against one of our neighbours. Of course we have one simple rule in Equestria, that no pony will kill except in self-defence."

There was a big cheer from the crowd, pleased to hear that despite the dangers the kingdom would not be compromising on its morals.

“However” Princess Cadence interrupted the cheer “The guards cannot prevent invasion by just responding to each attack. We cannot risk missing some intelligence and some innocent ponies getting hurt”

Celestia took the front of the stage, spreading her armoured tipped wings in a show of power “We have therefore decided that we will invade the Changeling Empire and stop the attacks at their source – Equestria is at War!”

Another hush descended around the ponies gathered, and the three immortal princesses looked at each other. In the past ponies always cheered during any such speech, and they were concerned that during such a long period of peace that their little ponies had gone soft. They did realise it was the first time they started a war themselves, rather than react to another declaration, so they didn’t know fully what to expect,

Luna took focus again “We are after volunteers for the war effort, and you will have to organise your towns and regions accordingly. I will be organising the front line of the Equestria army, the crystal Prince and Princess will be looking after the diplomacy with our other neighbours, and Celestia will be in charge of the home effort”

Celestia took her cue “Every town will need to do its part, both at home and the front line. The kingdom will need to gear up production of all supplies, and every able bodied pony, of all ages, would be expected to help in the farms, production or supply lines”

Luna than took a deep breath “And of course we need an army. There will be no conscription; each pony can choose whether to help at home…or the fighting. The royal guards will lead the units, but we need Stallions for all aspects of war. We need fighters, mages, scouts, experts, medics – whoever you are you will be invaluable to the effort.”

An overall silence fell over the crowd, with lots of mumbling amongst the gathered ponies. This had not gone as well as the Royal Quintet had hoped, and wondered if infact the kingdom was ready to fight. The Princesses thought deeply on how they could try to turn this around, whilst Shining wondered if all the ponies ready to fight were already in his Royal Guard.

Just when the Princesses had started to lose hope, a purple flash was seen at the front of the stage, and the microphone floated down to a filly…

“Hello everypony” A nervous voice boomed out magically “My name is Twilight Sparkle” The crowd started whispering “The Element of Magic” “Saved us from discord” “The Royal Protégé” “Destroyed Nightmare Moon” and hearing that everypony knew who she was made the filly even more nervous.

Looking to the sides at her mentor, her brother, her sister-in-law and even Luna (who had grown attached to Twilight as her first real friend), their faces of confusion didn’t help her nerves.

“You all seem to know who I am, and therefore you know what my friends and I have done. We have saved this great nation from threats four times, together, as citizens…of Equestria!”

She finished with an upward tone and the crowd erupted into the biggest cheer of the rally so far. Boosted by the noise, she took a deep breath, swept her hoof away from her to clear the stress and continued.

“You all seem to know that the bearers of the elements of Harmony released Princess Luna from Nightmare Moon”

The crowd cheered again, boosting Twilights feeling that she could do this.

“We defeated the spirit of chaos itself, Discord”

Another cheer erupted, the young filly playing the gathered masses like an expert orator.

“We reunited Princess Cadence and Shining Armour on their wedding day, allowing them to defeat the changelings major invasion”

Another cheer erupted,and Celestia looked over with so much pride towards her prize pupil, who had worked a crowd like nopony since Starswirl the Bearded himself had done just after the sisters war.

“We have served our beloved leaders in times of need, and saved this great kingdom from many threats. Everypony has to do their part, and that includes myself. I therefore wish to be the first volunteer in the Great Ponies Army of EQUESTRIA!” And with that she turned to Luna, and gave a salute to her new commander and chief.

Another cheer erupted, along with chants of “Equestria, Equestria, Equestria” Shining looked over the crowd whooping and hollering at his sister, and he had to admit he had never even been able to get his guards, or the crystal ponies, so excited. This completely distracted him from the fact his sister had just volunteered to go to war.

Twilight noticed a Pegasus landing next to her. Ah, Rainbow Dash, element of Loyalty, I thought you would follow in my hoofsteps the unicorn thought to herself, as she passed the magically enhanced microphone over.

“And I wish to be the second pony to volunteer” a soft voice boomed out, amplified by magic. Twilight turned shocked to see Fluttershy standing on stage, her determination clearly overcoming the nerves of being the focus of attention for tens of thousands of ponies.

The crowd started whispering again “That’s Fluttershy”, “Element of kindness”, “Such a gentle pony”, “Never harms a fly…literally”

“As our beloved Princesses said, everypony has a part to play. I’m no farmer pony who can work the land or pull supplies; I’m no strong Earth, powerful unicorn or fast Pegasus who can fight.” She turned, faced the scary dark Alicorn in front of her, and managed to stay upright despite the fear she was feeling as she saluted “But I am a pony of this great nation, and I will do my part as a medic in your great army to see us victorious!”

The crowd went absolutely mad at this point, seeing such a young and timid filly ready to take part was the final straw that was needed to galvanise all of them into the war effort. The four royals looked shocked at the second young pony to have out orated them all, but were glad that they had invited the bearers of the elements to the rally.

But they all thought to themselves as to Twilight or her friends actually going to war, absolutely not!

Celestia took front of stage again, with Twilight and Fluttershy bowing and backing out of the way. The Princess of the Day explained to the gathered crowed that they should all go back to their towns and villages, and start organising which ponies were to fight, and which were to stay. Luna and Celestia would be in touch with each mayor to help organise the effort.

“We are a loving and peaceful nation, built on freedom. But when that freedom is threatened, we must act to protect it, not just for us, but our foals, and our foals foals…”

The crowd went wild again and the three Princesses and Prince made their leave, beckoning for Twilight and her friends to follow them

***later that evening, back in Canterlot castle***

The arguments had started not long after they had reached the privacy of the royal quarter of the castle, and were getting more heated.

“There is no way my sister is taking part in a war” Prince Shining yelled at his little sister, a little too close to her face

“Shining, I’m a big pony now, I can make my own decisions! Besides, I’ve fought as many enemies as you…no offence Luna”

Luna rolled her eyes, used to being considered one of the high points of both her sister and the bearers of the elements victories.

“But Twilight” Cadence softly spoke “This is not like the other times. Your friends and you helped save this nation through friendship and the elements, magic only the six of you could weld. But this time other ponies can help for a change”

“I’m with Twilight on this one” Rainbow spoke up, nervous to argue with the royal ponies but loyal to her friend arguing against them “We all have to do our part, and you saw how the other ponies reacted when they saw Twilight and Fluttershy volunteer”

“Then how come you didn’t volunteer?” Shining snarled

Rainbow flew over and hovered right in front of the face of the Prince, all protocol gone out of the window “You know I did as soon as we got off the stage. I was about to fly up next to Twilight, but then I saw Fluttershy start to move. The look in her eyes told me what she planned to do”

The rainbow mane filly looked over at her best Pegasus friend, who she considered almost as a sister, and gave her the biggest smile she could “And I knew that Fluttershy speaking would do more to spread the message than me. Afterall, I’m known to be awesome and daring, and Twilight powerful, and that may have gave the wrong impression. But for somepony such as Fluttershy to go onstage and commit to the war helped spread the message that we are all in this together!”

Rainbow flew back next to Twilight and Fluttershy, and gave both her friends sly hoofbumps Ha, got you there! Rainbow inwardly gloated.

“Dearest Twilight, my faithful student. I know you want to help in this fight, but there was a reason we asked for Stallions. War is not an adventure that will be over quickly, it’s a long, hard, evil affair. And…it changes ponies”

“Princess Celestia, I am expecting this, as I’m sure my friends are as well. But we will not sit back in the safety of Equestria whilst fellow ponies put life and limb for risk. We have fought for you and your sister before, and will do so again” Twilight stood defiantly in front of her mentor.

Celestia knew it was hard arguing against the keen mind of Twilight “The elements of harmony will not help you in this. They are defensive magic only, helping only to protect this great land when there is a threat within its borders. Whilst you are out of the kingdom, you would lose their power”

This made the bearers of the elements a little nervous – they had not thought of this and started to wonder if they had acted too hastily.

Luna looked over to her sister “Dearest Tia, I know you care for these ponies…but you should not lie” Celestia shot her younger sibling an evil glare, but Luna ignored it “Twilight and friends, should you leave the kingdom you will temporarily lose the ability to use the elements, and their control will pass back to Cadence, Celestia and I.”

Celestia face fell, knowing that Luna had destroyed what she hoped was her trump card at protecting Twilight. Fluttershy flew up and stroked her wing down Celestia’s cheek, wiping away a tear, the other ponies in the room watching in shock at the informality shown by the shyest filly “Princess, I know you care about all of us, especially Twilight, but you can’t wrap us up in cotton wall. Even the most timid of creatures have to leave the nest sometime…”

The grand leader looked the yellow filly “Oh Fluttershy, kindness is just such a big part of you isn't it?” Celestia turned and faced the other ponies “Twilight, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash…if you want to be part of Luna’s army, I cannot forbid it. I may not like it, I urge you to reconsider, but I will not stop you”

She then stared at her younger sister “But if anything happens to you, I will hold Luna personally responsible”!

“Oh, aunty Celestia, don’t be so silly. Luna will be seeking to ensure the safety of all the ponies of her army” Cadence reminded the eldest sister.

Luna looked in deep thought “Twilight, I accept you into my Army, as a mage for an infantry unit. At the back of any battle, you will be safest there."

The alicorn then turned to the pegasi next to each other "Rainbow Dash, I accept your request as well. You seem best suited as a scout. It’s a little more dangerous, but with your speed I doubt you will be in much trouble”

She then looked at Fluttershy, her eyes turning a little softer “Dearest Fluttershy. You are kind, and brave, but I don’t think you would be suited for a life in the Army. You are not strong enough to act as a front line medic…”

Fluttershy put her hoof up to stop the Princess “With all due respect Luna, I wasn’t asking to be a first responder, but work in one of the hospitals. I am an expert surgeon and intensive care doctor”

“You are?” The three Princesses, five friends, a colt and a dragon all exclaimed in surprise

“Oh, my…well yes. Having tended to so many animals I became a self taught expert. Ponyville Hospital then helped train me and have actually asked me to help in emergencies. As Rarity can confirm, I am also good with needles and having the hoof on approach is better then magic for emergency medicine. And living on the edge of the Everfree forest, I probably do more emergency medical work than most pony doctors!”

Luna nodded at the timid pony with a smile “Doctor Fluttershy, I apologise. I am honoured if you will join my Army in the medical core.”

Spike then stepped forwards to the front of the group “Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, I wish to volunteer my services for communication. I know I am the only dragon, but hopefully I can provide some messaging between the front line and Equestria."

“Oh Spike, you are still a baby dragon, nopony expects you to help” Twilight went to hug her adopted son, but he shrugged her off

“If you are allowed to join, why can’t I?” the young drake protested with cross arms.

Princess Luna laughed “Spike, you are indeed correct. I accept you as a messenger between myself and my sister”

Shining Armor stood forwards to protest – not only is his sister going to war, but their adopted dragon sibling as well? But before he could start, his wife put her wing round him “My dearest husband, I know this is upsetting. But you cannot expect the other ponies, who are the loved ones of their own families, to put themselves in danger and not allow the ones you love ”

“Ya highness” Applejack approached Luna “I presume you need us strong earth pony types for fighting, and as sure as sugar I’m one of the strongest and fastest in the land! I therefore wish to fight.”

“Applejack, whilst this may be true, I think Celestia will need you more and I must refuse!”

Applejack looked shocked, and turned to her friends in confusion. Twilight nodded in agreement “Applejack, you may be fast and strong, but your skills are not best served in fighting but in farming”

Celestia approached the farmer and knelt down a little "Look Applejack, in this regards I do agree with my student. We need the best farmers in Equestria herself, helping grow, build and manage all the supplies that will be required. The whole of the Apple family, from coast to coast, are going to be needed on the home front. Ponyville has some of the most fertile land and I need you to head up the entire county's resources. That’s a vital job you understand!”

Applejack nodded, releasing that everypony was right. Besides, with Applebloom, Big Mac and her having lost their own parents, she wasn’t sure if she wanted to put her siblings through that again. “Understood yaw highness, I will ensure we produce the most out of all the land. I guarantee it!”

“I’m sure you will” Celestia smiled.

Pinkie then started bouncing round the room singing “My turn, My turn. Luna, please accept me into your army!”

Everypony looked at each other, not wanting to hurt the party pony's feelings “Erm, Pinkie” Rarity spoke “What part of the army do you think you suited for?”

“Well dur, isn’t it obvious?” Blank faces full of concern met her “I’m clearly suited for an engineering and munitions role, I’m awesome!”

Rainbow floated over to her friend, not wanting to hurt the filly but make her see sense “Engineering? Munitions? That’s an expert field, not something you can throw together like a party! You don’t know anything about it!”

“Oh really? Pinkie snapped “What about the party cannon, the body fireworks, the pumpkin catapults? Who designed and built them? Me!” and with that she caused a puff of smoke, and seemed to disappear.

“I am also a master of stealth, being able to hide almost anywhere” the pony called out, only being spotted when revealing herself from behind a statue.

Celestia and Luna looked at each other, knowing that any logical arguments were useless against Pinkie, as even the most skilled debaters in the kingdom are unable to argue against insanity. Luna approached the pink pony “Pinkie Pie, I would be honoured if you would join my army. I’m not sure what sort of role is best, but I suspect you will prove to be a valuable asset”

Pinkie started springing round the room, and humming a tune “Just working on some lyrics you guys, carry on”

Rarity released that she was the only one left “Well, I think we can safely say I will be no good on the front line. I mean, I don’t have the strength, speed or magic power to fight, and I’m no medic or delivery pony” Fluttershy put her wing round her friend to comfort her, but Rarity brushed it aside and stood proudly “But I am a hard worker, who knows how to work with all types of materials, so I will gladly take my role here in equestria wherever I am required”

“Rarity, I am sure that your skills and dedication will help massively on the home front, and I will want you to assist in the production of army and other war supplies” Celestia spoke to the white unicorn.

Twilight looked over her friends, realising how far they had come from that first day together at the Summer Sun Celebration. “Well girls, it looks like we’re going to be away from each other for a while. Since arriving in Ponyville I’ve never thought I could stand to be away from you for any length of time…” Twilight trotted over to the window showing them defeating Nightmare Moon “…but Equestria needs us and we have to answer the call...”

Pinkie then butted in “Songs ready!” and drew a big breath…

*** Two weeks later, back in Ponyville ***

The Royal Guard had arrived to collect and take the Ponyville volunteers to the front line. The whole town had turned out, as everypony had at least one family member or friend going off to the war. Six young ponies and a dragon were sat around, their hearts extra heavy.

The town clock rung midday, the scheduled departure time. All the Stallions gave their last goodbyes, grabbing their kit and forming a long marching column. The bearers of the elements gave each other a final last hug, and the four sole fillies leaving town took position somewhere in the middle of the column.

A few minutes passed awkwardly without moment, and they saw the company leader come trotting down the line, looking around. “Ah, Private Sparkle, there you are” the guard exclaimed as he saw the unicorn.

“Captain, why are we not moving, is everything okay?”

“Yes, except you are back here rather than the front! The guard is waiting for you, and your friends, to lead them away”

“Me, why me? Why us?” the filly responded in shock.

“Because you are Twilight Sparkle, student of the Princess. You are Twilight Sparkle, who organises her town whenever it’s required. And you four are parts of the elements of harmony, saviour of Equestria on no less than three occasions” the captain explained “We need you to lead”

“Oh, that!” Twilight rolled her eyes, and beckoned to her three other travelling friends. With Spike on her back, she walked to the front of column. Every stallion in line saluted them as they walked past and they had never felt so nervous having all the  townsponies they knew waving or saluting them as well. Twilight took her position at the very front and started the long march south…

Rarity, Applejack and the Cutie Mark Crusaders waved off their friends “I sure hope that we see them again” Applebloom wept

“You, me, and everypony else” Rarity replied, leading all five into a deep group hug.