Eq. Divided: Sky Dreamer's Journal

by PurpleFire18

Rating: teen
Tags: Fancypants, Zecora, Alternate Universe, Sad, Main 6, Gore, Original Character, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Dark
Length: 9639

In the universe of Equestria Divided, the land is torn by war between the mane 6. How could ponies live in such a country, with a raging war? One of them will try to find his way in the war to ultimately pick a side. But is it as easy as it sounds?

Before the war, Sky Dreamer was just a young friendly pegasus. Now, the war affected him in a terrible way. All that he knew seemed to be lies, he became a slave and lost all he cared about because of the war.
Trying to get his life back, or at least one bit of it, he chooses to risk everything to find his place in the divided country, and writes the events of his life in a journal.
How far can a normal pegasus like him go in this war? How will the past come back to haunt him? How will he decide his fate when any choice will cost him dearly?

Edit: Sequel found here.

Set in the amazing Equestria Divided universe created by PoorYorick

Published 2013-03-29 17:00:02 UTC
Last updated 2013-04-13 17:05:10 UTC

Past and Present

February 28th, 15 ATD

The past was better…

What happened? I don’t even know…all I know, is that Equestria is no longer what it was 15 years ago…before the sisters disappeared.

It all happened just so…suddenly…Luna and Celestia disappeared just like that, no trace left. However, the sun and the moon kept their cycle. Why? How? Was it all just a big lie? Did we believe in some tyrant’s words because they seemed true? The Princesses…were they liars? No, it couldn’t have been a lie, could it? I can’t think about this for too long, let alone waste pages of my journal going on about something that I won’t know.

They disappeared, and we were left in a state of mass confusion. At the time I was just a kid from Old Ponyville, but I was well aware of my surroundings. I think the most affected ones were the Elements of Harmony, the 6 ponies that had saved Equestria not once, but twice. I was fortunate enough to have known them…well, I lie, I just spent time near them on very meaningful situations. Ah, to my point, the 6 ponies had varied reactions to what happened, some were saddened by the loss of the sisters, others disappointed that everything seemed to be a lie, others haven’t shared their views and one of them started going a terribly dark path.

One day I heard horrifying news, Twilight Sparkle, the element of Magic, had attempted to follow in the sisters’ legacy by forcing an alicorn transformation with help of her friends…it went terribly wrong.

Rainbow Dash, element of Loyalty, was injured by the experiment, while Pinkie Pie, the element of Laughter…died…Fluttershy, element of Kindness, disappeared and was never heard from again, Rarity, element of Generosity, escaped and Applejack, element of Honesty, left after saying that Twilight was insane. From that moment, the division of Equestria into the awful crap land it is now had started. At least, that’s what I was told by my parents, a unicorn from Canterlot and a pegasus from Ponyville.

Years passed, and now Equestria is a country of war, where 5 Houses are in a conflict for dominion over this land. As it turns out, it seems these groups are led by the 5 surviving elements of harmony. Well, I’m not sure about all of them, but I know for sure that one House, Moon and Star, serves Twilight Sparkle. What else do I know? Nothing…oh, yes, there is another group even the Houses seem to fear, but I know nothing else about it.

Now, with the war going on, there’s little room for a good life…especially for me, a Pegasus living in Canterlot, Moon and Star capital. No, I lied; I don’t live IN Canterlot…I live in a camp outside of Canterlot, with other non-unicorns. We are treated like slaves, all under control of the “royal family”, Shining Armor and Princess Cadence. More lies…one of my family’s friends knows how things work inside Canterlot...the royal couple is just a face, the real brains behind this is Archmagister Twilight Sparkle. Heaven forbid someone reads this, we are not supposed to know this, let alone write about it, and my friend surely isn't supposed to be telling me secrets. Anyone who questions things here will be executed. Come to think of it, I’m surprised I was given private time, which I am using to write this journal.

I am not safe here; I must find a way to leave all this madness. I have been sent to “deal” with enemies of the House before…I just don’t want to kill in the name of the “perfect race”. I just want to find a place where I can be less of a tool. Maybe one of the rebel cities, or even one of the other Houses’ territories…I don’t know…I must escape, before they find this journal when they inspect our homes.

I NEED TO LEAVE THIS PLACE!

Author's Note

First chapter, also first time writing in a first person perspective. Constructive criticism welcome.
Also, sorry to all Twilight Sparkle fans and Moon and Star fans. I personally have nothing against any house (and especially not against Twilight) but this seemed like a good way to start Sky Dreamer's story.

Slave no more

March 5th, 15 ATD
My chest is still bleeding a bit…not too much though...

I made it, I managed to escape. Was really hard too, but I owe it all to the most generous unicorn in that mad supremacist nation.

Her name was Thin Veil, mage of House Moon and Star. She was a friend of my mother…after my parents passed away, or rather, died fighting for Moon and Star, she would often sneak out of Canterlot to visit me. She was one of the high-ranking mages…though why so much power didn't corrupt her is a mystery to me, but i'm really glad it didn't. When I told her of my desire to escape she just smiled and gave me a hug, then gave me a saddlebag full of bits and jewels. She promised to give me a chance to leave this place. She was basically the only friend I had inside of Canterlot...well, the only friend in the entire House. I… I still remember the last words she said to me…

“It is a great misfortune you are not a unicorn, or else I wouldn't need to leave you. Go as far as you can, as far away from here as possible. But please, don't look back, this place is not for you. Run to the protection of another House. Do this for your mother, your father, for me. Maybe you will find the peace and happiness you deserve, my dear Sky Dreamer”

I couldn't hold back the tears then, and I can’t hold them back now…this page will be stained with them, but I don’t care. Thin Veil deserves my memories of her. I regret leaving her…if the guards didn't kill her immediately, she's going to be executed, or have her mind broken. I'm so sorry, Thin Veil...

I curse the day you started going dark, Twilight Sparkle. You say you follow the princesses’ legacy….IS THIS WHAT THEY WANTED?! Unicorn Supremacy? Perfect Race Ascension? Inquisition?! WAR?!

Why did you have to do this? You lied to us, saying that Shining Armor and Cadence are our leaders. Thin Veil knew the truth. They had no authority, you were the one pulling the strings. Just....why?

Enough of her and her House. I escaped, and it wasn't easy. I picked minimal food, my saddlebag, diary and some valuable mementos, put on a cloak and started making my escape. Thin Veil allowed me to leave without being immediately followed. But the trouble came when I tried to leave the mountains and the guards there. I don't want to go into detail, it hurts even remembering. I’d rather forget…though I know I won’t…these scars will be a permanent remainder of my old life’s end and my new life’s start.

I'll wander Equestria until I find somewhere to live, away from Moon and Star, even if it means another House like Thin Veil said. I know they'll likely be chasing me, if they discovered that Thin Veil told me what i know about them. I'm not afraid of them...I do this for Thin Veil, for my parents, for the peace and harmony that once ruled in Equestria.

Author's Note

Second chapter. As always constructive criticism is welcome.
Wrote this and first chapter in one day, future chapters will be made when i have time.

City in the Clouds

March 17th, 15 ATD

It has been a while since I've had time to write here, but I've been on the run and lately not much has happened.

A couple days ago I came to a rebel camp far from Canterlot. I had expected a very bad welcome, but they were quick to offer me protection after I explained my tale.

I have been living with them ever since, but I don't want to stay around much longer. Not because I don't like them, in fact, I do, they have been so kind to me that it hurts me to leave them, but I can't help but feel I'll lead the Inquisition to them if I stay.

I think we are close to Cloudsdale, the flying city and capital of House Stormwing. That will be my destination.
I'm sorry, friends, I'll never forget your kindness. And I hope that I didn't endanger you.

***

March 19th, 15 ATD

Cloudsdale, capital of House Stormwing.

After leaving my rebel friends, I found myself witnessing an armed conflict. House Stormwing against House Earthborn. It was the first time I saw a battle without being involved in it. Well...the first one since my father died.

The battle lasted until sunset, and it seemed more like a defense against a very prepared scouting force. After it was over, I was...truly inspired. Not thinking about what they could possibly do to me if they knew I was a Moon and Star slave, I ran up to them.

When I was close enough, they saw me and immediately took a defensive position. In hindsight, my sudden appearance wasn't peaceful at all. It didn't take them long to see I meant no harm. I introduced myself and said I escaped from Moon and Star. As soon as I mentioned that, She appeared.

Rainbow Dash...the element of Loyalty. The fastest pegasus I had ever seen, with her rainbow mane and tail, light blue coat and dark pink eyes. I always admired her, she was my childhood hero. I always thought she was one of the best ponies out there.

Now...the tales from my childhood about her "accident" didn't compare. She was really injured, half of her face was burnt, and her legs had many scars. It pained me to see her in such a state, but my admiration and inspiration made me bow down to her appearance.

She looked at me. I said nothing, all I did was look at the ground as she stood before me. She demanded to know details about my escape, and I couldn't help but tell her everything. Maybe it wasn't a smart thing to do, but none of it was a secret. After I was done explaining, I asked to be let into Cloudsdale, at least for a couple days. Rainbow Dash seemed to be considering my request very carefully. To my fortune, she ordered the troops to bring me with them.

As soon as we got to Cloudsdale, I was amazed. It was nothing like I remembered. As I didn't know my way around, I asked one of the Hoplite pegasi to lead me somewhere I could spend the night in. I expected just some directions, but she instead personally showed me way. Not wanting to make it awkward, I tried to start a conversation as we flied. She wasn't very talkative but she did tell me her name: Rain Cloud. As we got to the place, she told me that if I wanted to stay in Cloudsdale, I'd have to make a choice: to fight for House Stormwing or to be a coward and hide. I could tell that Stormwing was all about military strength. She told me what it meant to belong in Stormwing, what it meant for the pegasi to win this war, and the House's motivation, all in a detailed but short speech.

If it wasn't because I was tired, I would have said "I'm your pegasus" at that exact moment. All I could say, afraid of disappointing her, was simply "I...will have to think about it...and I really can't think being this tired". In reality I realized I did not want to force myself to choose too quickly.

She was disappointed, I could tell, but now that I think about it, she seemed more sad than disappointed. She said goodbye and left quickly. Something about her makes me feel sorry for not giving her the answer she wanted.

***

March 22nd, 15 ATD
After a few days of getting to know Cloudsdale, I happened to see Rain Cloud outside the building I'm currently staying in. To my surprise she wasn't in her Hoplite armor, revealing her body for all to see. I was quite impressed, you wouldn't expect such a beautiful mane and figure to be hidden under such armor.

Her approach was friendlier but still distant, not sure how to explain it myself. I expected her to try to get an answer from me, but gladly she did not bring that up. She said she had the day off and wanted to know how I was doing. I told her I was doing well and we started flying together around the city. I am not comfortable leaving my belongings with others, no matter how safe it might seem, so I had my saddlebags with me all the time, though ironically that made something really important fall off. Rain Cloud quickly got it, though before I had the time to tell her to give it back, she noticed it was a family picture.

It was taken in Old Ponyville, back when I was really young. My father, Cold Feather, and my mother, Silver Petal, were mostly the focus of the picture, I remember the camera was not at the right angle for me to appear entirely. Rain Cloud quickly took notice of that, and I could tell she didn't see me there. She asked who the ponies in the picture were, and I, trying to hold back tears, said they were my parents. She then asked if they were still in Canterlot, apparently referencing my mother being a unicorn, and I was quick to answer that they were dead. She was silent, then handed me the picture. I then told her how my parents died because of one unicorn, whose name I don't care to mention in this journal.

The rest of the time she was near me was awkward, but I admit I'm to blame, after the picture incident I didn't feel very talkative. While we didn't talk, in my mind I had the thought of me joining House Stormwing only to one day make the unicorn, and Twilight, pay for what they did to me. I was shocked by my own thoughts. I, a former slave who tried to escape from the war, wanted to join the battle for the wrong reasons? I tried to shrug it off, and told Rain Cloud I'd return to where I was staying. She seemed to understand, and silently waved her hoof as if saying goodbye. On my way back, the thoughts still came to my mind.

I am really tempted to join Stormwing, even if it means working my already injured body and giving up my life for Rainbow Dash's cause. But, my parents and Thin Veil always told me to have an open mind. I am not sure why, but their words are repeating themselves in my head, together with laughter. Wait, laughter? Why am I hearing laughter in my head? No, that isn't my head...I'm actually hearing laughter below. It's probably nothing, I'll just go to sleep and hope whoever is laughing will stop.

Author's Note

Third and so far longest chapter. Future chapters will possibly be this long, maybe longer, depending on the situation and events described.

Forces of Nature

March 23rd, 15 ATD

I don't know what happened. Just yesterday I was in Cloudsdale talking to Rain Cloud, and now, somehow, I ended up in the Everfree Forest, a place I was afraid of when I was little. I don't remember coming here this morning, or last night, all I remember is writing on my journal when I heard laughter, then some kind of music, but I must have fallen asleep afterwards.

One of my wings got damaged when I tried flying out of here, so I tried to find another way out. Walking through the forest, I started remembering tales about it. Most of them were mostly rumors, cautionary tales for little fillies, like the one about the zebra Zecora. I remember I once met Zecora during one of her frequent visits. Most ponies seemed to have a thing against zebras, but not me, as a matter of fact I always admired other cultures, so Zecora was something like a celebrity in my eyes. I couldn't help but wonder what happened to Zecora with the war.

The forest isn't a place for jumpy ones, there are beasts everywhere, and I think it was luck that I've found none...yet. When the sun set I came across a wounded eagle. Normally I would have left him there, but seeing the poor creature in a state so similar to mine, not being able to fly, made me feel the need to help. I tried to use a piece of my cloak as a bandage for the poor bird, and though reluctant at first, he stopped struggling and let me help him. Maybe it was because the pain was so much for him, or he was tired.

I heard rumors from other slaves at Canterlot and from some pegasi and gryphons in Cloudsdale about ponies living in the forest, referring to them as "those Everfree savages". The name isn't very friendly, but if they live in the forest, that might be my only way to find the exit, and to help this bird. I will try to find them in the morning, for now I will find somewhere safe to sleep, which won't be easy. If I sleep out here in the open, I don't think I'm going to wake up tomorrow.

***

March 24th, 15 ATD
I woke up today to find Timberwolves outside my poorly made shelter. I was afraid I was going to have to run for my life, but before I could, they moved aside to make way for a group of zebras and...ponies. I don't know, they did seem to be ponies, but they also looked so...different at the same time. They looked at me and demanded to know what I was doing in their sacred forest. I tried to explain how I ended up here, but they didn't seem to believe me. I then tried to ask for the way out, but they simply said there is no way to leave the forest. I could tell that it led nowhere, so I instead asked for someone to help my feathered friend. They were losing their patience with me, but a single zebra came up to me and asked if she could see the eagle. After a quick look she told the others to take me and the eagle to their village, and let "Lady Fluttershy" decide my fate. Lady Fluttershy? I couldn't believe my ears...

A while later, we arrived at the ruins of the old Royal Castle, now looking like a fortified settlement. I was really amazed by the way it looked. More zebras and ponies, along with some beasts and even minotaurs, came to greet the group that brought me there. The zebra that made the others spare me left with the eagle and I was told to keep moving.

Moments afterwards, I was surrounded by everyone, as if they were waiting patiently to come at me and rip me to shreds. And I don't exaggerate, more than once I saw a beast or one of the feral ponies looking at me with a vicious face. It was then when I saw 2 figures approaching from the ruins. One of them was Zecora the zebra, and the other one...was Fluttershy.
After so long, I would have cried out of joy to see that the Element of Kindness, Fluttershy, was alive, but after seeing her I was...petrified, to say the least. She looked different, like if she no longer was Fluttershy. My time to think about her appearance was short, as she fiercely demanded to know why I was in the forest. I repeated my story but she didn't buy it. She looked at me with furious, penetrating eyes and asked once again. I said the same thing but with the added detail that I came from Cloudsdale, though I still don't know why I said that. It was at that moment that I felt I was going to die, and it would have happened were it not for the eagle I helped yesterday coming in and landing on my head, making noises. It was hard to believe it was the same eagle, he looked so small and helpless when I found him and now he was big, healthy and full of energy, that zebra must have done something great. I realized he was trying to communicate with the others, though I'm not sure what he said. After he finished, Fluttershy looked at me, while Zecora said something I still remember freshly:

"The one before us is no outsider spy I'm sure, helping nature's creatures is something pure"

Still not sure of what was going on, I simply waited for Fluttershy to say something. She finally said to let me stay in the forest until my wing was well again, and then told me not to return afterwards unless I wished to "embrace the forest". It was then when the zebra from earlier appeared and offered to keep an eye on me.

Just like that, I became a "guest" in House Everfree. My eagle friend stayed with me, and I wouldn't have it any other way. After all, he saved my life. I decided to call him Guardian.

***

March 31st, 15 ATD

Life in the forest has been both enjoyable and frightening. On one side, I seem have befriended Hadiya, the zebra who helped me days ago and now makes sure my wing is properly healed, and others around here now look at me with somewhat friendlier eyes. Me and Guardian have become best of friends, he even keeps an eye on my belongings when I'm not around to ensure no one takes anything from there. I have also learned a lot about Everfree, things I would have never thought about before coming here. Nature is really fascinating.

On the other side, however...the "savage" part of the name others call these ponies is not there to be there. I have an idea of how vicious these Everfree members can be. Ferocious, unpredictable, beast-like, they form warbands to attack and repel intruders. I have seen many warbands go, and then return with fresh blood on their hooves and faces. I even saw a...questionable ritual involving cannibalism. Hadiya told me that nature is not always peaceful, and I agree. House Everfree is, quite literally, a force of nature. They want to expand the forest and take over what civilization has destroyed, through brutal force if need be. I wonder what would become of me if I were to stay here with them.

However, I must leave the forest. My wing is now well and I think I can find a way out on my own. Hadiya said that if I ever return as an ally of the forest, she would welcome me again, and then we said our goodbyes. Guardian is coming with me as well, I don't think I could ever leave him, and I'm sure he thinks the same way. We will be gone from the forest tonight.

Sweet heavens, again I'm hearing somepony laughing...maybe so much time in the forest is making me lose my touch with reality.

Author's Note

Fourth chapter, we're halfway there. Constructive criticism welcome
I'm trying to make this fanfic stay within the Dark category, but there can always be a bit of positivism, right? jk, the REAL dark part will come soon enough

Earth's Determination

April 2nd, 15 ATD

It's been one day since I left the forest. I know I am not anywhere near Stormwing territory, this place is more like a desert. Maybe I took a wrong turn in the forest, but who cares, at least I can fly safely here.

I saw Earthborn ponies returning from the forest, luckily they didn't see me getting out. I asked them where the closest city was, and they said they were going to Appleloosa and offered me to come with them. I'm not entirely comfortable with going into Earthborn territory, since they were involved in the battle my father died in. But it wasn't their fault, so I suppose I can let that pass. I accepted and we're now on our way to the Earthborn capital.

Guardian doesn't trust these ponies, then again, they have been constantly attacking the forest. I don't entirely trust them myself, but they haven't acted suspiciously so far.

We are close to Appleloosa, but they decided we should rest for the night. One of them asked how come I ended up here and in such a state, likely referring to my scars. I just told her it was House M&S's fault and didn't want to reveal anything else. She seems really interested in me, and I'm sure she's looking at me as I write. Luckily Guardian is keeping an eye on her.

***

April 3rd, 15 ATD

Appleloosa, the capital of House Earthborn. I separated from the group that brought me here a couple moments after getting here. This place sure seems like a busy town. Most of the ponies here are always training or working. Who knows how many ponies are here, it's truly shocking.

Guardian seems really wary of this place, and has pointed out many guards looking at me. I tried to stay calm, and thought that maybe they are just as distrustful of strangers as other Houses. I was surprised however, I have not seen a single unicorn around here. Though I would find out the reason later...I wish I never did.

After a couple hours of exploring, I came across a very frightening show. A group of elite Earthborn soldiers surrounded a unicorn. I suspect it was a M&S battlemage, judging from her clothes. They...cut off her horn. I had heard rumors about this but never saw it myself. And I still think I shouldn't have. After they cut off her horn, she cursed them in the name of Celestia and Luna, and then they executed her. I stood there, not moving a muscle. The soldiers looked at me, and then left.

It was then when the same pony from last night came up to me. She explained that every unicorn caught in this territory would be "dehorned" and then they would either die or be allowed to live. I couldn't believe what I heard, and asked who thought of such a thing. She then said "Supreme Commander Applejack". I think I would have fainted that second were it not for the fact I had heard worst things. I said I needed somewhere to just rest for a while, trying to get some time to myself. She instead offered me to spend the night at her place. I wasn't going to agree to the idea, but after what I just saw anything would have done just well. She then realized she forgot to tell me her name in the first place. Leaf Heart.

Right now I am in her house, in a guest room she reluctantly offered. Her original idea was that I slept in the same room as her, and that not only made me feel uncomfortable but also made her attraction to me painfully obvious. She's cute, I give her that, but right now a relationship is not in my best interest. I'm not sure I even plan on staying here.

***

April 6th, 15 ATD

I met Applejack, the element of Honesty, today, after something that made me doubt my sanity.

Leaf Heart was walking with me, possibly thinking of this as a date, when we heard something about a new prisoner. She rushed to the center of the town. I could have stayed where I was, but my curiosity got the best of me.

I saw Applejack and her family surrounding a unicorn, who was inside a circle of buffalo totems that apparently silenced his magic. I didn't get a clear view of the unicorn, but i could see Applejack just fine. She looked mostly the same as I remembered, except she had only one eye and was serious. I heard her saying that she had seen through the unicorn's lies, and that he had very important information. I then realized they couldn't interrogate him, and that for some reason they couldn't dehorn him. When I tried to understand why, I heard his voice. That...voice...THAT UNICORN!

Black Night, the unicorn that caused the death of my parents, with his black mustache and moon tattoo on his left cheek. Just remembering him made my blood boil with rage. They couldn't dehorn him because he had cast a spell on his own horn that made it hard as steel, precisely to be prepared in case he was ever captured by Earthborn forces. But there was one flaw that I discovered when my mother died: he hated fire.

I wasn't thinking, I felt my mind being filled with nothing but thoughts of revenge. And he was right there, I didn't miss the chance. I grabbed a piece of wood and looked for a way to light it on fire. When I did I rushed to where Black Night was, luckily he was too important to be killed by Earthborn, and that gave me my chance to do it myself. I charged into the scene and stood in front of Black Night. The soldiers tried to stop me but something stopped them. I wasn't really paying attention to anything besides my revenge. Black Night didn't recognize me, and I tried to make him remember. I asked if he remembered the time he used a pegasus slave to shield himself from a Juggernaut's charge, if he remembered how he drowned the unicorn who was married to that slave after she tried to avenge her husband, if he remembered how he left a poor pegasus kid orphaned and enslaved that night. That is when he asked why it mattered to me, and I said I was the kid whose parents he killed 8 years ago. As I said that, I lowered the burning wood near his horn, and he started saying some things, with so much fear in his tone. I didn't care about what he said, but judging from what happened later I think it was the information Applejack wanted. I simply watched and enjoyed how his horn was being burned, Black Night screaming in pain, and shouted "WHERE ARE YOUR PRINCESSES NOW?!"

After it was done, I realized what I had done, and I could feel everypony looking at me, likely frightened. Applejack walked up to me and demanded my name. Afraid of what would happen, I said my name and waited for her reply. Applejack simply said "Well done, Sky Dreamer" and left. Everypony else left afterwards, except for Leaf Heart, who tried to comfort me as best as she could, surprisingly not trying anything.

I'm afraid of myself. I'm considering staying in House Earthborn, they could really use help, after all they are fighting Changelings from the south and every other House in the war. It's difficult not to be inspired by them, and after what I did today I find myself agreeing with Earthborn's hatred of unicorns. Am I really...going insane?

Maybe, I keep hearing the laugh ~~in my head~~. Not again, it seems like everywhere I go somepony is laughing at me! WHO THE BUCK IS IT?!

Author's Note

5th chapter. Criticism welcome.
I was going to put much more into this, but the chapter is already long as it is.

Greed and Lies

April 7th, 15 ATD
I left Appleloosa and Earthborn territory this morning. As I expected, Leaf Heart didn't want to let me go, but I managed to convince her in exchange of a kiss. I can't say I didn't like it, but I tried to leave as soon as possible before I started having second thoughts. The moment the sun was rising, I started flying away from Appleloosa with Guardian, towards the east.

I was flying for at least a couple hours, and was beginning to get tired when I saw an airship in the horizon, slowly disappearing into the clouds. I remembered seeing similar airships near Canterlot, they belonged to House Whitegold. The slaves told me that seeing them so close to a city without attacking could only mean trade between factions. It didn't surprise me, Whitegold very rarely started battles with other houses, and the few times they did so the battles were short.

I decided to fly towards the airship, hoping to end up in a neutral city. To my surprise the airship led me to Whitegold's fortress city and capital, Manehattan. Not wanting to attract unwanted attention, I landed outside the city and slowly walked. The guards saw me and asked where I came from. I was getting tired of being asked that everywhere I go, so I simply told them I was a wandering pegasus and happened to arrive at Manehattan by chance. They believed me and let me into Manehattan's Undercity, though before they left one of them told me to keep a close eye on my belongings. I didn't worry, Guardian already did that for me.

The Undercity is truly something that makes me wonder if Whitegold and M&S are equals in terms of elitism. Everywhere you turn there are ponies living in poverty and thieves. If it wasn't for Guardian, I'm sure my saddlebags would have been stolen shortly after I arrived. What really made me realize the bad situation in this city was when I saw a group of ponies stealing from a poor little unicorn filly with a bandage over her left eye. They were quick to take her bits and quick to leave, and even if Guardian flied after them we wouldn't have been able to catch them. I looked at the girl, she was crying very quietly over her stolen bits. I asked her why the money was so important, and she pointed to a pair of signs the thieves had knocked over, one of them said "HUNGRY" and the other one said "Mommy died. No daddy.", as I read them the girl asked me if I had any money, and that "just one bit will do". I couldn't believe such a thing. I asked her for her name, and she said her mother used to call her Starsong. I told Starsong to give me her hoof and, holding it with mine, I made Guardian take one of the jewels I had in my saddlebags and place it in her hoof. I then told her to keep it safe and run to wherever she lived, she gave me a hug and her thanks, then ran off with the jewel.

As soon as Starsong left, a pony with a beard and a hat came up to me, saying that was easily the most generous action he had seen in this city. I wasn't sure if that was a compliment or not, and asked who he was. He introduced himself as Lucky Shot, mercenary and card sharp. Both me and Guardian were wary of this mercenary pony, and I could tell he knew this. He asked if I enjoyed card games, and I said I hadn't played one in years. He then told me to follow him to where he was staying, and though I didn't trust him, I still followed him to see what he was planning.

Hours later I realized I misjudged him. He was staying at an inn and paid the owner to stay one more night in a room with 2 beds. When he was finished with that he invited me to have a drink with him, and even though I said I didn't drink, he still took me to the bar and ordered a drink for himself and one for me, which I didn't even touch. Moments later he took a deck of cards and we started playing poker. In the middle of the game I asked why he was doing this, and told him I could have easily paid for my drink and my own room myself, since I still had most of the money Thin Veil gave me. He answered with "I do this to show you that you can't judge by appearances in this city, just because I look untrustworthy doesn't mean I am, and the same happens with those upper-class 'nobles' who are nothing but greedy liars, even more so than mercenaries like me. Could you believe that?". He certainly had a point, but I could not agree entirely as I don't know any nobles.

After the long card game we went to the room he paid for. It's not the best but it is something. Guardian still doesn't trust Lucky Shot, and I'm sure he will keep him away from my things until he does. Not like I would let anypony near my things anyway.

***

April 8th, 15 ATD

Today my own luck surprised me.

Lucky Shot, Guardian and I were walking near the Wall that separated the Undercity from the REAL Manehattan, when we saw a small group of guards fighting a larger group of thieves that had robbed a couple and their kid in front of the guards. Lucky Shot stood there and watched and advised me to do the same, as the guards would likely get backed up by the rest of the militia around the Wall. However nopony came to help the guards. I could barely stand still witnessing such helpless violence, but I reached my limit when one of the thieves threatened to kill the mare if the guards kept fighting them.

I told Lucky Shot to keep my saddlebags safe and then I ran to the guards' aid. Sure, it was something stupid to do, as it was 3 against 7, but I had Guardian on my side to help me. I'm sure it was just luck that me and Guardian were able to beat 3 of the thieves without a lot of trouble. The thieves fled without the stolen goods when other guards came.

I was ready to leave with Guardian and Lucky Shot when the guards that had just arrived told me that I had to come with them and that General Fancy Pants wanted to see me. I wasn't sure what this meant, but Lucky Shot told me that it would be better to go along with it. The guards brought me and Guardian to the Wall while Lucky Shot left, wishing me good luck.
As soon as I got to the inside of the Wall, I was greeted by Fancy Pants, who seemed genuinely interested in me. He said he had seen how I helped the guards fight the thieves, and that he was impressed by how I fought. I said it was nothing worthy of recognition, and I wasn't being modest. Fancy Pants still complimented my determination, and asked if I had ever thought of joining the military. It was then when I saw where this was going. I said I didn't think of that possibility since I was just a normal pegasus with nothing special, adding that I wasn't even from Manehattan. Fancy Pants then directly offered me to join House Whitegold's military, and also offering entry to the Inner City. I was about to reject the offer when I heard a voice saying "My, General, PLEASE tell me you're not wasting your time with more of the common populace!". I nearly froze in place.

It was Rarity, the former bearer of the element of Generosity. While Fluttershy looked different from what I remembered, Rarity looked far more different. She had crystals growing from different parts of her body and even covering her horn, and she made no effort to hide this and even seemed somewhat proud of it. She walked in and took a quick look at me, then proceeded to talk to Fancy Pants, who told her of my "outstanding" skills. I still did not understand what was going on, and it seemed like the "liars" part of Lucky Shot's description of the nobles was coming to be true. Rarity looked at me as Fancy Pants finished talking, seemingly examining me, and then smiled as if she had either found something good or wanted Fancy Pants to believe she did. She then said that I would need to prove to be useful and loyal before forming part of the military, and Fancy Pants said, very sure of his words, that I wouldn't need to prove much. Rarity then smiled at me and left.

I was losing my patience and demanded an explanation from Fancy Pants. He told me to calm down, and asked if the name Silver Petal meant anything to me. That's when I started to remember something, and started looking for something in my saddlebag. I took out an old picture of my mother, she had finished one of her most expensive works, a rose made of gold and silver, and it was being shown at an art museum. It took me little time to notice that, aside from my father, there was another pony in the picture, the pony who had encouraged her to show her work at the museum, and I realized...that pony was a much younger Fancy Pants.

Fancy Pants then proceeded to explain that he had known who I was the moment he saw me from the wall. He knew that Silver Petal and Cold Wing, both his old friends, had stayed in Canterlot, but he never forgot about them, nor their son. That is when I realized what everything was about. Fancy Pants once again offered me to stay in Manehattan, but this time he said I would be able to stay without needing to be part of the military, as a favor to my parents. I was overwhelmed by the recently revealed truth, and only said that I would need to think about it. He understood, and said that if I ever changed my mind his offer would still stand.

I got back to the inn very late, to find that Lucky Shot was nowhere to be found. The owner said he didn't even show up at all that day, but that somepony else had already paid for another night on my behalf. I simply returned to the room, not even interested in finding out who the other pony was, and went straight to writing this all down.

Whitegold...I can't see myself here, but the offer is tempting. Do I really want to stay in this city, where the social difference is so obvious? I don't know...I think I jus

HA! HA! HA!
THAT IS ONE VERY DETAILED MEMORY OF YOURS, DREAMY!

Author's Note

2 more chapters to go, we are getting to the end of this.
Yes, the next chapter will be dark, very dark.
Criticism welcome as always.

Smile, damn you!

April 12th, 15 ATD

Dear Sky Dreamer:

We know you are in no shape to write the past days here, so we thought we would do it for you, taking turns to write this down, starting with Lucky Shot, then Rain Cloud, Hadiya and finally Leaf Heart, so we're sorry if this seems messy. Actually, no, we are sorry for everything, you'll understand when you finish reading this.

When you were called by the General, I returned to the inn. However, on the way there, I realized I was being followed, and turned around to see who it was. It was a cultist, a unicorn with an unsettling smile and with a very disturbing music machine. I was going to leave quickly, but she started playing something, and next thing I know, I was in a dark room, tied up and hanging from the ceiling. I quickly realized I wasn't the only one in that situation.

We were all in the same room, but we didn't know why, nor who everypony else was. That is when the unicorn came in, asking us if we had any idea what we were doing there. She had kidnapped us all, one by one, in 2 days, and kept asking us the same question every time she brought somepony else into the room. I was the first one kidnapped, it happened while I was scouting near Cloudsdale. Then came Hadiya, then Leaf Heart and Lucky Shot.

The girl finally gave us the answer, asking us if we knew a pegasus called Sky Dreamer. We were surprised to hear that name coming from a cultist. She said that you would "join us soon" and left. We looked at each other and we finally started talking, putting aside the obvious loyalty differences for the time being. We found out you knew us all and that you had spent some time with each of us, in our respective Houses.

As you can expect, we were really surprised, but then again, you didn't tell us, nor had to tell us. While knowing what we had in common was out of the way, we still didn't know why this cultist knew you, or more importantly, why she knew about us. That is when she finally walked in holding this very same journal with her unicorn magic. She asked us if we REALLY knew you, and before any of us answered, she began reading it out loud.

At first we didn't understand, until it was clear that it was your journal. She read it, mocking you, and laughing at every mention of "somepony laughing". We were shocked, we really didn't know about your past and now that we did we felt sorry for you, for all that you had to go through. When she read the last part, she said that you had a very detailed memory, and then said that she wrote that part herself. We really thought something was wrong when she came in holding your journal, but then we heard the way your last entry ended and feared the worst.

I shouted at her, wanting to know what she did with you. She said we would find out soon enough, and took our ropes with her magic, lifting us and making us hang upside down. She started laughing and said that now we would "definitely be smiling through this", then left again. The room became much darker and, after a while, we heard something downstairs, like a welcoming song. After it was over we felt we were falling, like if someone had cut the ropes even though they were intact. We were going to hit the floor when it opened like a trapdoor, sending us to the room downstairs. The first thing we saw there was you, staring at us in horror.

You were chained to the floor, with your eagle friend in a cage made of bones.The cultist was near her music machine, accompanied by other cultists, though she looked higher-ranking than the others. She then asked you if you liked to see us all "smile", but you were too shocked to answer. She asked you if you thought we were your friends, and after coming to your senses, you answered that we all were. She laughed at this and told you that you were not seeing the obvious, then told you that she read your journal out loud to us, and that we all knew you were looking for a House to join. You didn't say anything, but then she said something that made everyone of us want to break free and kill her right there.

She said that it didn't matter which House you joined, the ones that belonged to the other houses would kill you on sight without any sort of remorse, that we weren't your friends and were only being nice so you would join our respective side and then we would treat you like anypony else. You denied it, believing in us. She just laughed and said that you were still not seeing something, and walked closer to you, asking you if you had any idea of what you thought you saw in us. You said that you saw your only friends tied up and a psychopath trying to make you see lies where there were none. She laughed harder, and said that your eyesight wasn't working well, then offered to help you with that. Nopony said anything, then she took a knife from behind her and...that is why you'll wake up with an eyepatch.

You were in pain and we couldn't bear to look. The girl and the other cultists just laughed at you, and you asked why they were doing this. The girl looked at the knife, still with your eyeball on it, and said that it was because she was your only real friend in the world. None of us understood this, then she said that the reason she kept following you all the way from Cloudsdale, through the Everfree Forest, to Appleloosa and Manehattan, was that she wanted you to join the Cult Of Laughter and serve the Laughing Mare, the real element of laughter. You were shocked and said something, but the only thing we could hear from what you said was "Pinkie Pie", not sure what that means. You then demanded to know why was this necessary, why she kidnapped us, and why she said she was your friend. She said she wanted you to see the truth about everything, and then said that she was your childhood friend Tricky Note, saying that you knew each other years before the so-called princesses disappeared. You looked like if you had seen your worst nightmare come true. She said that she joined the cult after Ponyville was flooded, and that she now brought smiles to everypony, including the ones that were dead. She then told you that she never stopped looking for you, hoping that you would be together again making everypony laugh in this war, and that when she saw you leaving Moon and Star territory, she followed you, putting you to sleep when she needed you to leave a place and you didn't do it by will. As soon as she finished, she made the other cultists cover our ears, then got to her music machine, saying that you would laugh with her like you did years ago. She started playing something, we could tell, but we couldn't hear. All we saw was you, helplessly shaking and trying to cover your ears. However...we saw you couldn't take it anymore, and fell to the floor, bursting out in laughter while tears were flowing from your only remaining eye.

Tricky Note was delighted and finished playing, then told the others to release you. Right after you were free, you stood up and killed one of the ponies by breaking their neck, still laughing. The others tried to stop you, but you broke the eagle's cage and then...I...I have never seen anypony fight the way you did. You started the fight laughing, then the laughter turned into a fury so strong that we were afraid. Something snapped inside of you. After a couple minutes only Tricky Note was left, and she tried to stop you with music, but you were too fast for her.

You held her down and she tried to use the knife again on you, but Guardian stopped it and gave it to you. You looked at her, holding the knife. She was scared and said you wouldn't hurt your only friend. You then said...you said this:

"Come on! Aren't you supposed to always smile? Then do it! Smile, damn you! SMILE!"

You dehorned her with the knife. She started screaming in pain and you stabbed her foreleg, she was beaten and unable to fight back now, but you didn't kill her. You then took the knife and released us, but then warned us not to come near you. You didn't want to talk to us, and we can't blame you. After what you went through we weren't expecting you to be happy. We left the room to realize we were near the city of Baltimare. You didn't stick around for long, and tried to leave, but you were exhausted and couldn't fly, and you fainted in midair.

We took you to Redheart's Refuge. It took us 2 days, considering the state we were in. We made the trip silent and avoided being seen by anyone. We got you immediate medical attention and you are supposed to be here for one day before you can recover. Knowing that you needed this, we stood by your side as you laid unconscious on your bed, and left you one thing from each of us to show you that you do mean something to us.

Sky Dreamer, please stay here and forget about the war. You have suffered enough already, and you'll be safe here. If we can, we will visit you. But if you leave, you will only face what Tricky Note said, and you will have to choose a side forever. And even if you don't, if you leave the Inquisition might still look for you, and Tricky Note might want to have revenge. If..if even after this, you still want to join a side...if we ever fight, be sure that we will not do so out of hatred.

We are sorry for everything.

Author's Note

And we reached the climax of the story with a dark and sad chapter. Next chapter is the choice and ending.
Idk why I'm expecting this chapter to be disliked.

My Choice - A letter to the House's leader

April 13th, 15 ATD

They were right...something changed in me.

Tricky Note did something to me. While I was unconscious I had only one dream, or rather, one nightmare. I would rather forget it, so I will not write it down. All I know is that I am going crazy, but aren't we all crazy in this world? Well, I'm suffering from insanity, while others seem to enjoy it.

My "friends" left some things for me like they said, and if we really were friends then I'll have them with me. When I woke up today the medic in the room told me my friends had already left, and gave me my journal. I read everything, and I admit I was happy for a second to see that they cared about me. However, they were all right, whatever I choose I'll inevitably end up losing friends. I wish I could choose to remain neutral, but I can't...and I can't explain why either.

I feel there is a laughter somewhere in my head, slowly driving me nuts. I have to choose a side or else it will drive me to join the Cult, and if I choose a side I won't have the temptation.

House Moon and Star is out of the question. House Stormwing, pegasus military dominance, small in numbers but an elite army. House Everfree, expansion of the forest and destruction of the civilized world, great in numbers and beast-like in battle. House Earthborn, death to all unicorns and control of Equestria in the hands of earth ponies and pegasi, powerful and trained armies. House Whitegold, elitist and manipulative, very small in numbers but deceptive. The Cult of Laughter...they just want to make the world as crazy as they are, with those...things...making up their army. Truth be told, they are all bad, and if I asked myself before, I would not choose, but now...I believe there is one that may be the best choice. One that might let me avoid open conflict and give me a chance to keep my bonds with my friends mostly intact.

I think I know what to do. I am leaving my journal here in Redheart's Refuge, and will tell the medics who treated me to keep it safe and only show it to the ponies who brought me here.

My friends, forgive me...or else, it's best you stay out of my way...

15 ATD April 13th

Dear Mistress Rarity:

General Fancy Pants has allowed me to enter the Inner City and I have chosen to join House Whitegold's forces. You said I would need to prove my loyalty and usefulness before doing so, and I believe the General was right when he said I would not need to prove much. After all, I have been in the territories of all other Houses, and I have information that may be of use to you. I know quite the bit of vital information about House Moon and Star, and I can assure you it is reliable. You do not need to believe my words, you can simply take a look at the notes I included with this letter.

I do not ask for wealth, which I already have, nor a place among the upper class of the House, that position suits only ponies such as you, Mistress. I simply ask to be recognized as an equal by the nobles of the Inner City. My loyalty belongs to House Whitegold and you, Mistress Rarity.

Yours faithfully,
Sky Dreamer

Author's Note

And it's over. I didn't expect this chapter to be so short, but oh well.
Feel free to criticize.

For the moment, this is all I can offer to the world of ED, but a sequel may come in the future.