A House Divided Cannot Stand...

Arc 1: From Earth we were born, to Earth we shall return

Chapter 1: What we all seek…

You look back at Bright Bolt for a second, then turn and run towards Silver Lining. You try to ignore Bright’s screaming in pain in the background as you smash your shield into the undead trapping Silver, you then grab Silver and begin to run towards Whitetail woods. Biting your lip as you suddenly hear Bright’s screaming stop, and with that, you sprint into the woods. You find a tree along the way and lean your back against it, sighing as Silver finally catches his breath.

“Why?” Silver asks. You turn towards him and speak.

“Because the truth always comes at a price,” you put a hoof on his shoulder, “and this price was too high to pay, I would rather have a loyal Guard watch my back than a wanted criminal.” Silver nods slowly, you both turn to where you came from, and watch the smoke rise from the place you once called home.

You break the silence. “We…better get moving, I don’t want to get trapped here overnight.” Silver nods once again before you both begin to walk farther into the woods, you can (and do) thank Silver and his keen survival skills for getting you out of there before nightfall.

You walk at a brisk pace, you can almost see the end of the woods, and that’s when you trip over something, or someone rather.

“Oh sweet Deceiver” You hear Silver mumble as you look upon the corpses of two Earthborn solders who died in combat.

“What happened here?” You notice one of them has a ripped scroll in his saddlebag; you carefully take it out and read it

Citizens of the Town of Redheart’s Refuge.

A cult using necromancers and the undead to fight has been spotted approaching your town, we have been given orders to escort all townsfolk, of ANY race to the safety of New Ponyville, from there, you will all be under the protection of House Earthborn. Even the unicorn scum Citizens, this is a promise from the Ever-Vigilant herself. HOWEVER, there is an important object in your town that we have been sent to retrieve, we need the key to the Cathedral lower levels so we ca- The ripped scroll appears to be missing the end.

“Huh, that’s strange…” Silver rubs his chin thoughtfully, before speaking again.

“Why the hell would the Ground Pounders even give us unicorns the time of day? Hell, they are famous for sawing the horns right off us unicorns. What did they want of us so badly that they would bother to help the unicorns? And what did they want in the Cathedral?” Silver shakes his head slowly.

You had an idea, “let’s go, New Ponyville is a two day trot that way.” You point to the edge of the forest. You begin a slow walk in that direction, waiting for…

“ARE YOU CRAZY?” Silver shouted after you. “THEY WILL KILL ME ON SIGHT!” To this you grin.

“No they won’t,” you hold up the scroll, “we have Applejack Ever-Vigilant’s promise on that.” After smiling at Silvers shock turned grinning face, you both turn and walk off, then you stop and look back at the corps of one of the solders, noticing that he had a long mace attached to his tail. You walk over to him, carefully unlatching the mace, and attaching it to your own tail.

“Ok, let’s go.”

A hooded figure looks upon the gray Pegasus who hovers in front of him, the Pegasus speaks.

“Have you found the artifact?”

“Yes, they were smart to hide it in a town like this, we would never have suspected it normally.”

“Good, there were no survivors I take it?”

“…”

“There were none…right?”

“Three ponies, an Earth pony, a Unicorn, and a Pegasus, the Pegasus perished near the edge of Whitetail woods, but the other two escaped.”

“This is not good news…thankfully; this is not too bad, as anypony who would have known of the artifacts existence…is no longer in this mortal realm.”

“…has the Laughing Mare deemed my performance unsatisfactory?”

“No, this was expected, you may continue. After all, what damage can two ponies do?”

“Yes Messenger Derpy Hooves”

Day: 2 of the Journey  

Year: 15th year ATD (after the Disappearance)

Location: New Ponyville

“…Are you sure this will work?” Silver asked for the hundredth time.

“You want to turn back? Too late, we already used up whatever supplies we had, and unless you suddenly gained the ability to eat Bits we have to keep going.” You say sharply, you had run out of food yesterday afternoon, and Silver had been worrying non-stop the whole time.

“HALT!” A voice yells from ahead of you. Several Earth Ponies come out from the bushes ahead of you. “Earth Pony, state your business, and unicorn, prepare to be de-horned.” The pony seams to spit out this last part.

“Hold on,” You say quickly, you clear your throat “My name is White Lie, Guard of Redheart’s Refuge,” you dig around in your bag and pull out the scroll.

The Guards seem stunned by this, the head guard turns to you and speaks in a quiet voice. “Where are the others?”

You look down, “We are all that’s left.”

Silence engulfed the area, finally the guard spoke. “Very well, on the Ever-Vigilant’s orders , you are officially under House Earthborn’s protection…welcome to New Ponyville.

New Ponyville. Some would think it would be like the old Ponyville, one who never saw Ponyville would think that, yet if you did know what old Ponyville looked like, you would have noticed several differences, first, the large wooden wall surrounding the town, with Bucker Cannons pointed down at the gates, and Spotting balloons floating in the sky. This of course, is to be expected, however, once inside, one sees that three structures were missing, where the tree library once stood, now there was a giant Blacksmiths Forage, plumes of black smoke billowed from the top of the building. Next difference was instead of the famous carousel boutique, there stood an armory where Earth ponies and Pegasus guards stopped to watch a Unicorn walk through the town, and not being murdered. And finally, where a shop made of sugary sweets once stood, a normal restaurant stood. White Lie looked about the town, noticing that they were attracting almost every eye in the town. The guard leading them broke the silence.

“Applejack Ever-vigilant has requested your presence, and we will be there shortly.” The guard looked directly at White Lie, seemingly ignoring Silver Linings presence.

White Lie nodded, looking at the heavily fortified town hall they were being lead to, several guards parted way to allow the guards leading them entry, and the halls were packed with guards and citizens alike, who all seemed to stop and stare at the two ponies walking through the building. Finally, after what seemed like hours, they reached the main hall.

White Lie heard Silver swallow audible behind him, before they could enter however, the doors parted and a yellow mare with a red mane walked out, White Lies eyes meet with hers for a second before she trotted off. The guard hurried White and Silver inside before the doors shut behind them, both ponies look around before hearing a voice.

“So, I sent off for the town to be gathered and this is what I got? Ya’ll better be able to tell me what happened.”

POV: White Lie

“Who’s there?” You look around before you notice the orange mare walking in from the connecting room.

“Name’s Applejack, question is, what’s yours? Don’t even think about lying, those stories that I can see right through deception are all true.” The mare, who you realize is none other than Applejack the Ever-Vigilant. Questions you right back.

“My name is White Lie, this is my companion Silver Lining, and we are both guards from the town of Redheart’s Refuge. Approximately two days ago, our town was attacked by the Cult of Laughter, other than us, there were no survivors.”

Applejack nods for you to continue speaking.

“After we fought our way out of town, we came across two dead Earthborn solders, inside one of their saddlebags, we found the torn scroll we used to gain entry, and here we are.” You finish your story, looking up at Applejacks thoughtful face. She then turns to you and Silver, frowning.

“I can assume Ya’ll didn’t take the artifact with you?” She questions you.

“I have no idea what it even is if you co-“ You start speaking but she cuts you off by raising a hoof.

“Don’t you worry; if the cult has it, there is nothing ya’ll can do.” She sits back on a chair frowning.

“now, Ya’ll have been through a lot, and to be honest as much as I want to de-horn your little friend over there.” She Points towards Silver, who pales visibly. “I gave ya’ll my word, and I don’t lie, however, what the scroll does not say, is the part where I only promise protection for three days time after you arrive.”  Applejack holds up a hoof before you can protest.

“However, Ya’ll are one of the first solders I’ve ever seen escape the cult without an army at their back, so I’ll make you a deal.” She looks you in the eye with her one good eye. You nod for her to continue.

“Not more than a few hours flight north is old Ponyville, ya’ll know the story of how it was flooded by House Stormwing, even so, apparently that unicorn scum Twilight designed her tree library to last. Apparently House Stormwing found something interesting in the area, and are putting everything they got into trying to get into that library. If you and your companion here can get in there and find out what they want, I’ll let you and your unicorn friend here, stay here for as long as you two like, no de-horning required.” You hold her gaze for a few seconds, already knowing that you don’t really have a choice, you need a long term source of supplies, and Applejack can get you what you need. You turn to Silver, and he gives you a small nod of encouragement, you turn back to Applejack and speak.

“I accept your deal” To this Applejack smiles, she looks you in the eye and speaks once more.

“Well then a few things you should know, one, ya’ll are freelancing this project, that means anything ya need, you get yourselves. We can provide a pegasus sky chariot to take you near the area, but that’s it.” She stops to make sure you understand, after a second she continues.

“Two, there’s a particularly nasty Pegasus in the area, a commander Lightning Dust, she’s reckless, cruel, and VERY dangerous, she has no problem killing innocents and even less sacrificing her own men if it means victory. If you bring me her wings, I’ll add some bits to sweeten the deal, and it’s a good way to make a reputation around here.” You nod in understanding. She nods her head and calls for the guards.

“You need us, Ever Vigilant?” The guard asks, bowing down.

“Yes, get Ground Pound…” Applejack quickly writes a letter down before rolling it up and giving it to the guard.  “And deliver this message to him.”

“At once, Ever Vigilant” The first guard backs out of the room. Applejack turns her attention to the second.

“Escort these two to the Armory, there is a sky chariot waiting for them.” Applejack commands the guard.

“…even the unicorn Ever Vigilant?” The guard asks hastily.

“Yes even the unicorn, normally, I would much rather rip out my other good eye than trust a unicorn…no offense Sugarcube.” Applejack addresses Silver Lining directly.

“Uh…n-none t-taken…” Silver manages to stutter out.

“But if these two can find out what House Stormwing wants so bad, I’m willing to risk it, and I don’t want you giving them any trouble, ya’ll hear?” Applejack’s one good eye stares directly at the now flustered guard.

“Oh, yes Ever Vigilant” The guard bows before gesturing for you and Silver to follow.

You quickly retrace your steps following the guard leading you back past the blacksmiths forage and to the armory, where you notice a heavily armored Juggernaut  standing outside beside a sky chariot being pulled by four Pegasus ponies, the Juggernaut turns towards you before speaking.

“Are you the one called White Lie?” His deep voice seemingly echoing inside his armor, you quickly reply.

“That is my name, who are you, and how do you know it?” The Juggernaut grunts before showing you a scroll written by Applejack.

Earthborn Juggernaut Ground Pound

You have been selected to help White Lie, an Earth pony from Redheart’s Refuge, and his companion, a unicorn guard from the same town, I expect you to conduct yourself with restraint, as they are both under Earthborns protection.

Signed Applejack the Ever-Vigilant

You nod at the letter, understanding her motives.

“Very well, I guess you are our newest addition to the team.” Ground Pound grunts again at this before nodding and entering the sky chariot, you and Silver quickly follow him aboard. The Pegasus ponies start pulling the cart, straining for a moment before their natural cloud manipulation magic kicks in and the cart soars into the sky.

You look over the edge of the chariot at the large waterlogged area, you see that large wooden platforms surround the town turned lake, there seems to be a large surge of activity near the center, you strain your eyes and can see what looks like a large purple bubble surrounding a tree, you see Pegasus ponies hitting it with spears and swords and any other kind of weapon they have on hoof.

The chariot lands just outside the border of the town, Ground Pound and Silver both step out, you follow them closely. One of the Pegasus ponies turns towards you.

“We’ll wait here, if you get captured, you’re on your own…good luck.” You nod and thank the Pegasus ponies who flew you.

The three of you begin walking towards the town; you decide it’s time to plan.

“how do you want to play this Juggernaut?” You turn to Ground, he grunts before replying.

“Even I know charging in there is plain stupid and will get us killed, I suggest we go around and attack from the side, considering I can’t necessarily swim in this armor.” You nod, you see the logic in that.

“Silver, do you have any objections?” You ask Silver, who shrugs.

“You’re the leader; I just want you to know that if you give the order, I’ll follow you to Tartarus and back.” You are momentarily shocked at his words, you knew you took the lead, but you didn’t see yourself as the leader of this group. You turn to Ground, and look at him to find out his thoughts.

“The Ever-Vigilant has given my life to your hoofs; I will die for you if the situation calls for it.” Ground Pound replies. You can almost feel the weight of leadership suddenly appear on your shoulders.

You shake your head, now was not the time for this.

“Ground, what do you know of the forces here?”  You ask, your voice taking on a more commanding tone.

“House Stormwing wants this bad, but doesn’t want to attract any more attention than they already have, rough estimation of troopers falls in the thirty five range, Applejack however, knows that if she mobilizes the troops, that it would be seen as an act of direct war. However, if a small group of freelance, one’s that could not be traced back to Earthborn were to find out what they wanted, then the chance of the Stormwing’s starting a war would be minimized.” You think this over, and then nod.

“Ok, here we go, the plan is simple, stealth is key, don’t start a fight if it’ll get out of hand, and do it QUIETLY, I want this over quickly.” You smile as your two teammates nod in understanding. You breathe in, and move quietly.

“So, this is our life?” One of the Pegasus guards turned to his companion, giving him a confused look.

“Yeah, you have a problem wi-“Before the guard can finish his sentence, a blade goes right through his skull, the other Pegasus would have screamed at this horror, if a mace had not just crushed his head.

You nod to Ground Pound, who was shaking his head, trying to get the guards corps off of the blade on his helmet, then turn to Silver, who was looking quite ill staring intensely at the gore that was once the Pegasus’s head, you hear him mumble to himself.

“…they always say it would get easier…” You frown as you put a hoof on his shoulder, snapping him out of his trance.

You look ahead, you had moved silently around the town, and you were almost there, you could see the tree, well, the top of the tree, the rest was submerged underwater, yet the bubble around the tree seemed to keep it dry. about eight guards separated you from your target, you suddenly notice that the bubble surrounding the library had a large hole in the top, and an aqua Blue Pegasus with a mane with both light and dark amber streaks running through it was entering the tree.

Ground Pound turns to you and whispers.

“Go, I’ll hold them off” He looks ready to jump out of your current hiding hole. Before you can protest, Silver places a hoof on your shoulder.

“He’s right, we’ll hold them off, if that Pegasus gets her hooves on whatever she wants, we all lose. Don’t worry; it’s only eight vs. two, better than our odds of three vs. a legion of the undead.” Ground Pound looks suddenly to Silver, surprised by that last comment.

“Undead?” He replies, confused.

“I’ll tell you later.” Silver replies. You know it’s no use arguing, you get ready to go.

“Ok, on three…One” You say.

“Two...” Ground pound paws at the ground.

“Three!”  Silver Yells as the two of them jump over to the other platform and begin screaming like maniacs as they slash and tackle anything that was stupid enough to get in their way…none of the guards noticed you sneak around the edge of the battle…and jump into the tree.

You land stealthily on the ground, you grab your spear as you slowly tip-toe down the stairs, when you get to the bottom you see the Pegasus ransacking the room, pushing over bookshelves and throwing books around. She finally stops in front of a small box. You see her smile in the dim magical light, you grip the spear tighter as you slowly creep up behind her you lift the spear and…

*CREAAAAAAKKKK.* The Floorboards, wet from the large amount of moister underneath them, made a loud creaking sound when you placed your hoof down.

“Buck” was all you could say as she turned around and punched you in the face.

You recoil backwards as you drop your spear, you shake off your confusion just in time to be bucked in the face by the same Pegasus. You fly across the room, you can hear her laughing.

“Wow, that wasn’t much of a challenge at all, huh, did you really think you could take on the great Lightning Dust? Maybe after I kill you, I’ll go find your family and see if they present more of a challenge.” The mare, who had identified herself as Lightning Dust, continued laughing as you shakily got your four hoofs underneath you.

You paw at the ground seeing red, you suddenly charge at her, she jumps over you and slices at your back with her wing blades. You scream in pain as you crash into the wall, you look back worriedly; thankfully, it was more of a taunt than an attack, the wound was minor and ignorable. You suddenly realize that she had successfully egged you on; you take a deep breath and vow you wouldn’t make the same mistake twice. This time when you turn to charge at her, you roll off to the side and grab your spear, swing it around and begin grinning at the sound of your spear meeting her wing blade, your natural Earth pony strength pushing her off to the side, before she could do anything else, you swing your tail around smacking her with the mace. Causing her to fly off to the side and crash into a bookcase, her wing blade getting caught in the thick oak, and the box to fly out of her saddlebag and land on the floor.

You walk over to the box, picking it up, it was fancy, it had a picture of a solar eclipse on the bottom, and a large orange gem on the front. A language you did not understand was written all over the box, you try to open it, and found that the gem seemed to glow whenever you tried to pull it open, you examined it for a second, noticing it looked like it would hold a book, or a necklace of some sorts. You then put the box in your saddlebag, picking up your spear and begin slowly walking towards Lightning Dust, noticing her increasing fearful expression. You get right up in front of her, standing on your back two legs the spear in your front two hoofs. She begins speaking. Her voice is wavering from fear.

“I, I didn’t mean what I said, I was just j-joking, hey, you know haha funny? Look I can tell you’re not Earthborn by birth, or I’d be dead already, probably a mercenary, right? L-look whatever their paying you I-I’ll triple it! Their-their all scum you know! Dirty sc- NOT you I don’t HATE earth ponies, no, I mean, Pegasus ponies are superior, but you know, you could probably be an asset, let me live, and, uh, I’ll, I’ll tell them about the Brave Earth Pony who saved my life from the evil Earthborn Mercenary, think about it! House Stormwing’s hero of the day! Y-you can even keep the box, I’ll just say that it was taken by Earthborn… Please?”

You look down on her quivering form, weighing the pros and cons… You grunt as you lift the spear above your head and…