Memories

by ArlontheWise

Rating: teen
Tags: Adventure, Human
Length: 8099

Memories, memories of the past are what keep us alive.

Memories, memories of the past are what keep us alive, are what keep us from making the same mistakes.

Published 1970-01-01 00:00:00 UTC
Last updated 2013-04-04 18:21:16 UTC

The Battle of Manehatten Part 1

“Alright you foals!” Commander Silver Shield shouted to get the attention of the group before him.

“Here’s the situation. A group known as the EFF has taken over the city of Manehatten.” A gasp resounded throughout the room. Everypony turned to the source of the gasp, a private by the name of Golden Heart.

“Uh…”

“Hey, by the way, what does EFF mean anyways?” A sergeant, Sergeant Solid Shield, asked a question.

“It means Equestrian Freedom Fighters you dote!” Knight Swift Arrow, who was sitting at the back, barked at him.

“Silence! Now, like I was saying… The Freedom Fighters have taken over the entire city, and…”

Private Golden Heart watched as he went off, but truly wasn’t paying attention. Her mind was wandering, back to when she met her comrades in arms.

Golden Heart had just walked out of boot camp. She was smiling, as she was now ready for whatever the world threw at her.  Anything, except…

“Private Golden Heart,” A mail mare flew up to the soldier.

“Uh, yes.” She responded.

“Telegram.” The mail mare reached into her saddle bag and pulled out a letter. She gave it to Golden Heart, then flew off.

“Huh, I wonder what this is for.” She unfolded the letter and began to read it aloud.

Private Golden Heart,

You are to be transferred to 20th Battalion, effective immediately. You are our new squad medic.

Signed,

Commander Silver Shield.

“Huh?” She said aloud.

He soon found himself in the army barracks, surrounded by new faces.

“Hello, I don’t think we’ve met yet, I am Sergeant Solid Shield.” One of the soldiers walked up to her. He then turned around to his comrades, and motioned for them to move forward.

“Yeah, yeah, I’m goin’.”

“I’m Brave Heart.” The only female of the group, besides herself, walked up.

A royal guard shouted from his position at the back of the room.

“Knight Swift Arrow, at your service.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

Golden Heart looked around, but noticed one pony was missing.

“Where’s the commander?” she asked, intrigued as to where his position was.

“He’s sorting through some reports right now, after all, didn’t you here, there was an attack on the city of….”

“So, you’re the new medic. Now, even if you are the medic, I don’t need your help, even if my legs get blown off.” A voice called out from the entrance of the barracks. Everypony turned to the new voice, everypony recognizing him as the commander.

“Hail, commandant, it is an honor to…”

“Shut up, knight.”

“Ah, commander, always the one snap at us.” Sergeant Solid Shield said with a smile. Everypony let out small chuckle.

“Silence.”

“Ah, I still remember it like it were yesterday.”

“That’s because you just came in yesterday, and now we get to see some action!” Private Brave Heart added.

“No doubt this will be the most action any of us will see for a long time coming.” Commander Silver Shield said. “Now come, we have a lot of preparing to do.”

“I can’t believe they made me switch my weapon!” Swift Arrow complained. “I much rather a good old fashioned bow and arrow any time of the week!”

Golden Shield chuckled as she watched Swift Arrow, who was fiddling with his weapon.

“Be careful with that, it could go off at any time!” Commander Silver Shield warned.

“I honestly don’t know why the Princess made us use these weapons, they’re unreliable.”

“Don’t say that, Swift Arrow, they’re the best weapons I’ve seen.”  Sergeant Solid Shield said. “And besides, the rebels have these weapons too. I heard that the guard were equipped with spears and bows, and that they got massacred by the rebels, no survivors.

A moment of silence passed before a door opened, and a tall fellow walked in.

“Ah, it’s good to have you here…”

“Who are you…. And why are you dressed so scary like?” Sergeant Solid Shield called out.

“Eh-hem…” The commander cleared his throat. “If you let me finish I would have introduced him. His name is Prince Charles, and he is one of the Princess’s elite shock troops.

“Oh, cool, the last human, and a shock trooper, just like you said commander!” Sergeant Solid Shield smiled like a little foal.

“Oh jeez, you remember what I said?!” the commander shook his head. “anyways, he is here on my request, so you are going to treat him like an honored guest, understood, and he’s not part of the DSV, alright.”

“Yes sir!”

“Why don’t you talk, sire?” Swift Arrow asked.

“Oh, sorry, just waiting for my turn.” Charlie said.

“Why are you fighting for us?” Brave Heart asked.

“Oh, hold on.” Charlie reached to his head and pulled off the veil. He then looked at Brave Heart.

“Princess Celestia named me a citizen of Equestria 20 years ago, so I felt the need to fight for her, and after the OFE, I had a bad problem with rebels.”

“Oh, who are the OFE, and what are you dressed like?” Solid Shield asked, still smiling.

“The Order of the Free and Eternal, a long story, but to put it short, they despised monarchial rule, and now this EFF reminds me of them, so they have to be put down. As for my outfit, I’m dressed as Death, pretty neat, huh?”

“Yeah.”

“Uh-huh.”

“Pretty cool.”

“Wonderful.”

  “Everypony,” Golden Heart called out. “We’re here.”

“Damn these rebels to Tartarus!” Golden Heart screamed.

Commander Silver Shield turned to the private behind himself. “Enough of your whining, we have to capture the city square!”

Private Golden Heart swallowed hard, then nodded.

“Yes sir!”

“Alright you lot, we are all going to charge into the building as the rest of the battalions are giving us covering fire!”

“Yes sir!” The rest of the battalion shouted.

“On my command, we charge forward!”

“Bah, screw it, I’m going in!” Private Brave Heart shouted. Private Brave Heart got up from her sitting position in the trench and poked her head above the trench.

“Brave Heart!” Private Golden Heart shouted.

“NO!”

PSST

She suddenly jolted, and fell stiffly to the side, grey matter and blood spewing out of the wound.

“Damn Sniper! Anypony else wanna try that!?”

Everypony stared blankly at the commander.

“No, good, now follow my lead!”

Private Golden Heart watched as the command’s horn began to glow, and suddenly he shot a smoking energy ball into the air.

“Alright everypony, let’s move!” The commander shouted before he got up and jumped out of the trench. Private Golden Heart watched as her comrades jumped of the trench, one by one. Soon, she was the last one left. She shook her head then got up and jumped out of the trench.

She ran blindly into the smoke, and soon she ran into something wet.

“Uh…”

Private Golden Heart glanced down, and immediately recognized what it was. Blood. She followed the trail. After a few seconds she ran into a body. Her heart leapt in her chest when she realized who it was.

“Commander!”

“Golden Heart… Help me…..”

Ponies?!

20 years prior to The Battle of Manehatten

Huge purple eyes was all that Charlie could see.

“Welcome back…. Charlie!”

“Help Me!!!!”

Charlie twitched in his position and shoved Twilight off of himself. He then looked around, where he saw other ponies watching him.

“Ponies!? What kind of world am I in?”

He placed his hands on his head then suddenly began to scream.

Soon, however, Light encapsulated him, and he suddenly felt sleepy. He fell to the floor, fast asleep.

“What’s going on?” A guard suddenly opened the door. Rainbow Dash shook her head.

“After all that commotion with the forces of life and death, they only decide to come in right now.”  Rarity said.

Rainbow Dash let out a chuckle.

“Bingo.”

“Oo, where’s Bingo? I haven’t seen him in a long time!” Pinkie shouted. Everypony glanced at Pinkie, who simply shrugged.

“Well, it’s true.”

“What are we going to do about Charlie?” Fluttershy asked.

Twilight thought about it for a minute.

“Ah-ha, the memory spell!” She exclaimed.

“That’s a perfect idea Twilight!” Applejack complemented her.

“Alright,” she walked up to Charlie and thought of the spell.

“Here it goes.” She lowered her horn, which began to glow, and placed it on Charlie’s forehead.

“Ugh…”

Charlie opened his eyes, and was met by a familiar face.

“Welcome back, Charlie!”

“Twilight?”

Charlie placed a hand on his forehead.

“Uh, what happened?”

“You died!” Pinkie suddenly exclaimed.

“What!”

“Indeed, you did pass away, but by the brave efforts of this pony here,” Princess Celestia walked up to Twilight and placed a wing on her back.

“My most faithful student Twilight Sparkle, now you are here, back to us.”

Charlie watched as each of her friends and Princess Luna walked up to back up Twilight.

“I… I don’t know what to say…” Charlie stuttered.

“I, I’m forever in you debt Twilight Sparkle.” Charlie got up from his laying position in… a coffin… and then jumped out.

“Well, that explains why I seemed taller than you, princess.” He looked back at the coffin, his coffin.

“Anyways, like I said earlier, I am forever in your debt, Twilight Sparkle. One day, I will pay you back.” Charlie then bowed to Twilight.

“By the way, what happened?” Charlie asked.

“Twilight battled the evil forces of life and death to bring you back!” Pinkie cried. “She nearly lost, were it not for some random guy, who stopped the battle and let us bring you back!”

“Wow…”

“Yeah, exactly what I thought of it as well.” Rainbow added on.

“So then it’s true, then, the forces of Life and Death, and how they gave the royal family immortality.”

“Huh?” Princess Luna raised an eyebrow.

“Oh, not your royal family, I’m talking about my royal family.”

“Oh, and we have a gift for you too.” Princess Celestia said before she turned around and walked towards the door.

“I’ll be right back.”

“Where is she going?” Fluttershy turned to Princess Luna.

“While you and your friends were gone to the island, Princess Celestia and I had made something for Charlie. I think he will like it.”

“Oh, what is it?” Charlie asked.

“You’ll see.”

A few minutes passed before the door opened up. Princess Celestia came in, with something floating behind her.

“This, this is something my little sister and I made for you Charlie.” Princess Celestia levitated the item towards Charlie, who took it in his grasp.

“Wow! It’s a new outfit!” He examined it with a giddy smile.

“You guys are the greatest!”

He walked over to Princess Celestia and gave her a hug. He then walked over to Princess Luna and also gave her a hug.

After all the hugging, Princess Celestia spoke up.

“I do believe there is a bush over there where you can change behind. After all, those clothes you are in are still stained with blood…”

“Yeah, I think that would be a good idea.”

“Aw, and that was one of my great winter designs too!” Rarity complained.

Charlie turned around to Rarity.

“Oh, I’m sorry about the shirt and the coat.”

Rarity smiled.

“Oh, don’t worry about it. At least your back.”

Charlie smiled deeply.

“I’m truly lucky to have friends like you guys!” Charlie exclaimed before he walked off to the bush and began to change.

“Hey, did you guys have me cleaned!” Charlie shouted out from behind the bush.

“Yes Charlie, we didn’t change your clothes though. After all, we didn’t have a spare change for you.” Applejack responded.

“Alright!”

After a few minutes, Charlie walked out from behind the bush. He was clad in a pure white cloak, with a cape that was midnight blue on one side and white on the other. On the backside of the cape was the cutie marks of Celestia and Luna, conjoined together in a magnificent fashion. He also had midnight blue boots and pants on.

“Now then, for the finishing touch. Charlie, would you please come over here.” Celestia spoke up. She waited as Charlie walked over to Celestia, who then met him and placed something on his hair.

“Wow, Charlie, you look magnificent!” Rarity spoke up.

“What, what is it?!” He asked.

“Look at your hair, there’s something connected to it.”

Charlie pulled at a clump of stands on his hair, and then look at it.

“Wow, it truly is an honor, your majesties.

Connected to his hair were two feathers, one midnight blue and one white, from both of the princesses.

“It was nothing, Charlie. Now, for one last thing.” Princess Celestia spoke up. “I now name you a citizen of Equestria, congratulations.”

Charlie beamed. “Wow, thanks!”

After that, a few moments of silence passed before Luna cleared her throat.

“Now that we are finished, why don’t you tell us what happened on the island?” Princess Luna asked.

“Well, was an interesting experience,” Charlie spoke up. “First off, I told my friends about the story of Emperor John and his sons, one that I will also tell you as well, but that was on the ship. When we arrived near the island, we were meet by guards, who were questioning why we were there.”

“Yes, we stationed guards near the island, for entrance to island is forbidden.” Princess Celestia shook her head.

“Why is it forbidden?” Twilight asked.

“Every explorer we sent there never came back.” Celestia responded.

“Oh, well that might explain why there was some bones that still had a bit of flesh left on them.” Charlie added. “Well, anyways, after Twilight gave us permission, we entered the island. I lead the group to the palace, where we found the bones of Emperor John and the assassins, but once again that is a story I will have to tell you another time. Anyways, I then lead them to the chamber of the Great Tree.”

“We knew there was some type of power source there, but we could never find out what it was.” Princess Luna said.

“Yes, you’re right, there was a power source there, the Great Tree. Basically, it is one giant power crystal.”

“What is a power crystal?” Princess Celestia asked.

“A crystal that provides power, siphoned from another power source. The power source can be anything, even life force!” Charlie said dramatically.

Princess Celestia thought about it for a minute, then looked back at Charlie.

“What happened to this ‘power crystal’?”

“I don’t know…”

“We brought it with us.” Twilight spoke up, cutting off Charlie.

“May we see it?” Princess Celestia asked politely.

“Sure.” Twilight Sparkle then teleported out of the room, but soon came back with saddle bags on her back.

“Here you go.” Twilight gave the head sized crystal to Princess Celestia, who took it in her magical grasp. She examined it for a few minutes, then placed it down right next to her.

“This looks promising. Did you find anything else while you were there?” Princess Celestia asked.

“Yes, in fact, we did. We also found a few staves like this one.” Twilight pulled a staff that was strapped to her back and gave it to the princess.

“Interesting. Is that it?” The Princess asked.

“Oh, and there’s this book we found near the tree.”

Twilight gave the book to Princess Celestia, who took it in her magical grasp. The princess examined the book, then opened it to the first page.

“Careful Princess, that book is rather old.” Charlie warned.

“Alright, I’ll take care of it.”

She placed the book right next to the staff and the crystal.

“Alright everypony, you may have to give us time to review the book, so I urge you to head home.”

“Thank you once more, princess.” Charlie said before he turned around to the ponies and followed them out the door.

Once they were out of the door, Princess Celestia turned to Princess Luna.

“This needs some research done into it, Luna. Care to read with me?”

“I would love to, Tia.”

John's Journal

20 years prior to the Battle of Manehatten

Princess Celestia walked up the stairs with her little sister Princess Luna beside her. They eventually came to a stop in front of a large door with an engraving of Celestia’s cutie mark on it. In front of it were two stationed guards.

“Welcome back Princess Celestia, and Princess Luna.” One of them said. Princess Celestia nodded her head. She then walked into the room, and waited at the side of the entrance for her little sister to enter. Once she did, she walked over to the fireplace and levitated a spare pillow for Luna. She then sat on hers. Celestia motioned with a hoof for Luna to sit down.

“Go ahead and sit down Luna.”

Luna nodded, then sat down on her pillow and waited for Celestia.

“Alright, how about we turn on the fireplace, shall we?” Celestia said before she turned on the fireplace with her horn. Once it turned on, she turned and levitated the book up to her face.

“Now then, let’s see what’s in this book.”

She opened it to the first page, then began to read.

“Entry 1…”

“So it’s a journal then.” Luna added. Celestia nodded, then began to read once more.

“I can’t believe it! I’ve been granted immortality by Life and Death themselves. Many thought of it to be a myth, well not anymore! Myself, Henry, my father, and my two sons were granted immortality. It’s unbelievable, I know, but now I know they exist. Anyways, now tomorrow I take over the city.”

“So they gave those humans immortality, incredible…” Luna added.

“Your right, here, why don’t you read the next entry.” Celestia said. Luna nodded. Celestia then gave over the book to Luna.

“Entry 2,

I’ve taken the city, just with the help of my supporters, my brother, and my father.  I’m guessing these people wanted a new ruler.”

“Entry 3,” Luna continued on.

“My father… gone, killed in a protest, I suppose that they didn’t want a new ruler. Now I take over the throne tomorrow.”

“Entry 4,

I planted the crystal like Life said, and I planted it in a place that only my brother and I could find. I plan to use this crystal to restore harmony to the world. One kingdom at a time.”

“Entry 5….”

“Uh, Luna, are you sure you don’t want me to read it as well?” Celestia asked softly.

“It’s alright big sister; I am intrigued by this journal.

Celestia nodded, so Luna continued.

“Entry 5,

The crystal has not grown since yesterday, I guess it is time to capture some prisoners. It is a good thing too, for the neighboring city has just declared war.”

“Entry 6,

“Soldiers have fought and died bravely this day, and I have the prisoners, I guess it is time to enact the plan.”

“Entry 7,

It worked! The crystal has grown to a tremendous size. Life may have said that any power source may work, but I think that life energy is the best!”

“Entry 8,

I’m afraid the people are starting to catch on. Some group named the OFE has been noted. They seem intent on getting me, as what my spies say. I guess it’s time to set up the barrier.

“Entry 9,

I’ve set up the barrier, but something is wrong. The guards have noted suspicious people walking around. This can’t be good.”

“That’s it Tia.” Luna said and closed the book.

“Hmm, now that I see that this is the crystal, follow me.” Celestia got up and walked towards the door. Luna doing the same.

“Let us go to the gemstone caves, I have a plan.”

Luna nodded, then followed Celestia out of the room and towards the gemstone caves.

“Tia, are you going to activate the crystal?” Luna asked once they reached the gemstone caves.

“Yes, Luna, this will be a boon to the ponies, and with such power, maybe we can even…” She muttered something incomprehensible.

“I’m sorry, what was that?” Luna asked, confused.

“Stop Death.”

New Enemies

12 hours before The Battle of Manehatten.

“So commander, what’s your story?”  Solid Shield asked. Everypony was gathered around a campfire, with Solid Shield and Swift Arrow flanking Commander Silver Shield.

“I can’t tell you my story…”

“Awww…” Solid Shield complained. Silver Shield chuckled.

“Not without hearing yours.”

Solid Shield thought for a few seconds, then turned to face Silver Shield.

“Well, when I was a colt, I experienced something horrible.”

“What was it?” Golden Heart asked, interested.

Solid Shield chuckled, then dropped his head.

“Bullying. One day my friend was bullied for being a blank flank. He was devastated. Luckily, he got his cutie mark the next week, but I never experienced such sadness in my entire life. I vowed I would protect any who couldn’t protect themselves, so when I was old enough, I enlisted for the military.” He lifted his head, then turned to Brave Heart.

“So what’s your story?”

“I don’t have a story,”

“Eh,” Solid Shield shrugged. “Suit yourself.”

“But,” Brave Heart started. “When I was younger, I was always the last one in. I was the weakest in my class, so when we played games, I was always the last one chosen. Well not anymore, I enlisted in the military, and I WAS THE FIRST ONE CHOSEN!!!!” Brave Heart got up and slammed a hoof, to emphasize her point.

“For what?” Swift Arrow snickered. Brave Heart growled, but sat down and turned to Golden Heart.

“So what’s your story newbie?” She asked Golden Heart. Golden Heart smiled.

“I always wanted to help ponies. When I was younger, I learned about medicine and first aid, and I was always the first one to help somepony when they were hurt. Eventually I attended medical school, but only for a short time, so I could enlist in the army to help those who are hurt in the field.”

“How touching…” Solid Shield said sincerely.

“So, Swift Arrow, what’s your story?” Solid Shield asked.

“Not much, just that I always wanted to join the royal guard when I was younger. My older brother was a royal guardspony, and I looked up to him. When I was old enough, I joined the guard.”

He glanced over at the commander, who seemed to be staring into the sky.

“Alright commander, we’re done, now what’s your story?”

The commander sighed, then looked down at the fire.

“Well, when I was younger, I was in the royal guard. I was a great guardspony, and my merits were so high that even the princess noticed. She called me in to the throne room one morning, and there she gave me the news…”

19 years prior to The Battle of Manehatten.

“Good morning guard, how was your sleep?” The princess asked.

“It was good, thank you princess.”

“Well, I’ve reviewed your records,” She lifted up a stack of papers with her magic. “and I say it’s very impressive.”

“Thank you princess.”

“In fact, it’s so impressive that I am inclined to offer a position with my personal guard.”

“I am honored princess!” Knight Silver Shield bowed.

“Do you accept?” The princess asked, ignoring his bow.

“I accept your proposal, many thanks, your majesty.”

“Good, then I need you to be ready for duty tomorrow.”

“Wait a second, you got a position with the princess’s personal guard?!” Swift Arrow exclaimed.

“Yes, I did, but that isn’t important right now, what is important is that you vow not to tell anypony what I will say tonight!”

Everypony nodded, so Silver Shield continued.

“Well, soon we were deployed, to an area south of Equestria, known as…”

“The Changling Kingdom…” Silver Shield said aloud when he saw the castle in the distance.

“Don’t get to distracted.” Somepony said from right next to him. He turned and noticed a pony, who was garbed in a cloak and a hood, who was looking at the castle as well. He then looked down at Silver Shield.

“They could ambush us at any minute, and we’re here to take care of the princess.” Silver Shield looked behind himself, and noticed the Princess, who was being pulled on a chariot.

They must have landed a few moments ago.

“By the way, what is this mission anyways?” Silver shield asked.

“Well, me being the arch-mage, I was told what’s going on. We are taking prisoners from the Changlings, but other than that, I don’t know.”

Silver Shield eyed him, then turned to face the castle once more.

“Well, how are we going to take prisoners, we hardly have any troops?” Silver Shield asked without turning his head.

“Well, when I said ‘we’, I actually meant that somepony else was going to do it.” The arch-mage said.

“Who’s that?” Silver Shield asked.

“Ah, must you asked so much questions,” the arch-mage scolded him. “but the ponies who are taking the prisoners are Princess Celestia and Princess Luna’s elite shock troops, the Dark Sun Vanguard.”

“I’ve never heard of them.” Silver Shield said.

“That’s because you will never hear of them, only now.” The arch-mage walked up to Silver Shield ad placed his face in Silver Shield’s face.

“Okkaayy….” Silver Shield backed off.

“We’re here.” The arch-mage looked up. Silver Shield also looked up and saw something amazing. There, right in front of him, was the scene of a battle. Bodies lay scattered throughout the field, all of them changlings. A pegasi dressed up in strange armor flew down to their position. He then walked, right past the guards and the arch-mage, right up to Celestia’s chariot.

“Your majesty.” He bowed.

“How many did you capture?” Celestia asked.

“Scarcely over 50, I apologize, your majesty.”

“Do not worry about it, you are free to go.” The pegasi bowed once more, then flew off.

“Alright, let us begin.” Celestia said before she jumped off of the chariot, and walked up next to Silver Shield.

“And that’s it…” Silver Shield finished.

“Wait what?” Aw, and it was getting good too.” Solid Shield said.

“So what happened?” Golden Heart asked.

“Oh, well we all teleported back to Canterlot, or at least under it to the gemstone caverns. Princess Celestia then ordered all of us to go home, everypony except the arch-mage and Princess Luna.”

“Hold on a minute, Princess Luna was there?” Swift Arrow asked.

“Yes, she was, now let’s get some shuteye before tomorrow.” Silver Shield yawned, then got up and walked into the barracks.

“Yeah, I think we should get some sleep, goodnight everypony!” Solid Shield shouted.

“Goodnight.”

1 month prior to The Battle of Manehatten

“Hey guys, look what I found.” A pony said when he walked into the room.

“What do you think it is?” A pony with a cutie mark of a frowning flower asked. A pony right next to her, one with a cloak, stood up.

“It’s called a power staff, and it’s a very powerful weapon… how did you get your hooves on this?”

“Uh, I stole it.” The pony with the staff smiled.

“From where?” The cloaked pony asked.

“The armory, I know a way into there without spooking the guards.”

“This is perfect.” The cloaked pony said.

“Uh, perfect for what?”

“It is now time to enact our plan, we have enough ponies, and now we have access to powerful weapons. Dainty Hooves, take some ponies with you, we’re going to need many of these staves.”

“Yes sir!”

The Battle of Manehatten Part 2

Golden Heart ran up to the commander.

“Oh no! You’re going to be fine!”

She examined the commander. His left forearm was missing. He appeared to be in serious pain, so she quickly planned her actions.

“Sir, what happened?!” She asked while she quickly reached for a syringe in her saddlebags.

“Now isn’t the.... Just, please help me.” He complained.

She administered the syringe full of the lifesaving liquid. She then examined the wound.

He’s bleeding profusely, looks like I’m going to have to cauterize it.

“I’m sorry commander, but your leg, it’s gone.”

“I’m aware of that!” He barked. “Just please, stop the bleeding.”

“Yes sir.” Her horn lit up. She then knelt down and began to burn the wound.

It only took a minute, then she lifted her head up and examined the wound.

That should suffice. She smiled.

“Alright commander, we have to get you out of here.” She went to lift him up, but his own weight plus the weight of his armor made him heavier, in fact, too heavy to lift him up.

“Sir, your too heavy!” She shouted.

“Argh, you must get back to the trench!”

“But sir…”

“Don’t complain, just go. I’ll be fine!”

“Allow me to help.” A calm voice suddenly said. Golden Heart glanced up and saw…

“Charlie! You have to help me get back to the trench…”

“No, we must go forward.” Charlie calmly said. Suddenly light began to appear through the smoke.

“Come on, the smoke is clearing!” Charlie ran up to the commander and picked him up. He then began to run. Golden Heart taking off after him.

It was only a few seconds before they reached the safety of the building. Waiting for them there was Swift Arrow and…”

“Where’s… Solid Shield?” Golden Heart asked once she reached Swift Arrow.

“Dead. Took a shot right to the heart.”

Golden Heart bowed her head, then glanced around.

“Where is he?” She asked, concerned for his whereabouts.

“He’s over there,” He pointed with a hoof to the left. “by the way what happened to the commander.” He asked when he saw the commander in Charlie’s arms.

“He… he had his leg blown off, Charlie, please put him down.” Charlie complied and put the commander down with his amputated leg exposed.

“My Celestia, commander, what happened?” Swift Arrow asked.

“…”

“He must be asleep. That injury must have drained his energy.” Golden Heart said before she walked off to Solid Shield position.

Once she arrived she found a few bodies. All of them rebels, all except one. Right in the center of the bodies was Solid Shield. He had a small entry wound in his chest and the exit wound…

“Where’s the exit wound.” Golden Heart examined his body, and found the exit wound in the most uncomfortable of places.

“May you rest in peace, Solid Shield.” She reached into her saddle bag and pulled out a folded blanket. She unfolded it and placed it over Solid Shield. She paid her last respects before she walked away from the body and to the rest of her battalion.

“Alright, so it’s settled.”

Golden Heart arrived right when they finished talking.

“What, what’s going on?” Golden Heart asked.

“We decided that Charlie would watch over the commander while you and I find the leader of this rebellion and kill them.”

“Alright, but does he have a weapon?” Golden Heart asked.

“Yes, he does, but just in case, I gave him my weapon.” Swift Arrow smiled.

“But, what weapon will you use then?” Golden Heart asked, concerned.

“Oh, don’t worry, I found this.” He reached to the side and pulled out a bow.

“I found this one on rebel, finally!”

Golden Heart chuckled, then walked over to Charlie.

“Will you be alright?” Golden Heart softly asked.

“Oh, don’t worry about me,” Charlie waved it off. “Just go find the leader and end this damned rebellion already.

Golden Heart nodded, then turned to Swift Arrow.

“Shall we?”

“Let’s”

Swift Arrow and Golden Heart approached a door. Suddenly Swift Arrow motioned for Golden Heart to stop.

“Wh…” Swift Arrow stuck a hoof on Golden Heart’s mouth

“Shhh.”

He motioned with his head to follow. They quietly approached the door.

“What, what do you mean there is no other exit!” A female voice shouted from behind the door.

“I’m sorry, but like I said there is no other exit.” Another voice said, fear noticeable in his voice.

“Ugh, you’re lucky I don’t kill you right now.”

Swift Arrow lifted up his bow, then glanced over at Golden Heart.

“You ready?” He whispered.

She nodded.

“Good, you break down the door.”

Golden Heart nodded once more, then walked up to the door. She turned and lifted her hooves, then bucked it as hard as she could.  Right at the same time Swift Arrow lifted his bow, which was already armed with an arrow.

Psst.

A bolt of light zoomed right past Golden Heart and sliced into Swift Arrow. It sliced his abdomen open like a zipper on a jacket, spilling its contents, with Golden Heart witnessing it all.

“Swift!!” She screamed. She began to run to his position, but another bolt of energy zipped right past her. This time, it struck Swift Arrow’s head, killing him instantly.

Golden Heart turned towards her adversary, and the pony who killed Swift Arrow. She felt anger rushing to her head when she saw who it was.

“You, why are you doing this!”

“Isn’t it obvious?” The pony with the frowning flower cutie mark asked. “Celestia has gained too much power, and now she needs to be stopped before all this power goes to her head.” She tapped her head with the power staff to emphasize her point.

“Why you… Princess Celestia is the most kind hearted pony I have ever met!” Golden Heart retaliated.

“Is that what she wishes for you to believe?” She asked. “She hasn’t told you…”

Golden Heart watched as the pony went on, but wasn’t listening. She turned her attention to the right, where the mayor of the city was tied up, fear plastered on his face. She then turned her attention behind the leader of the rebellion. She smiled.

“So that’s why your precious princess has to be…”

“Uh, excuse me.” Golden Heart interrupted.

The leader gasped.

“You dare interrupt me?! I’ll have your head!” The leader lowered her staff, but Golden Heart just kept on smiling.

“Why do you keep smiling?!”

Golden Heart pointed behind the pony.

“Not before they have your head first.”

The leader turned her head, and immediately frowned.

“Damn.”

Soon many bolts of light fired into the building, turning the rebel leader into Swiss cheese.

Eternalization

50 years after The Battle of Manehatten

Twilight sat in the sun, enjoying its warmth. Around her, her friends also were enjoying the sun. Suddenly it grew dark behind Twilight’s eyelids, but just for a second. She opened her eyes, and saw a familiar chariot circling around. It landed right next to the group. Twilight got up and walked to her former mentor.

“Princess Celestia!” Twilight said while Princess Celestia got off the chariot.

“Hello everypony.”

“What was that, explosion… and why do we look younger?” Rarity asked astonished.

“Life has been restored in all of you because of one’s noble sacrifice.” Celestia responded with a happy tone.

Applejack walked up next to Twilight.

“Oh, who’s that Princess?”

“By the way, where’s Charlie? I thought he went to see you.” Pinkie asked.

The princess stood silent.

“Uh, Princess, what’s wrong?”

“Where is Spike?” Princess Celestia asked, avoiding the question.

“He’s in the library.” Twilight answered. Princess Celestia nodded, then began to walk towards town.

“Let us go to the library, I will tell you in there.”

Twilight looked at her friends, who didn’t know what to think. They then followed the princess.

“Princess, what’s going on?” Twilight asked. They had already reached the town, however, it seemed that nopony was out today.

“I will explain once we reach the library.” Celestia answered. She seemed pretty adamant, so Twilight shrugged and continued following.

They reached the library in short time. Twilight walked up to the door and opened it.

“Who!” A hoot called out from inside the library.

“Owlowiscious?!” Twilight called out. She walked into the library, and found Owlowiscious on Spike’s shoulder.

“Twilight, what’s going on?!” Spike asked, astonished.

“I don’t know Spike… Princess, this is amazing, what did you do?!” Twilight asked.

“I didn’t.”

“Well then, who did?”

“As I said earlier,” Princess Celestia began.  “Life has been restored in you because of one’s noble sacrifice, and that someone is… Charlie.”

Nopony said anything. Soon, however, Twilight broke the silence.

“What! What do you mean?”

“Charlie sacrificed himself to bring back those who passed, and to restore life to those who are still here.”

“Charlie…”

“He sacrificed himself?” Rainbow asked. The princess nodded.

“Yes. I think that I should tell you what happened.

“Why? Why must it happen?” Charlie asked, saddened by the fact.

“Everypony has their time Charlie. Even you and I must leave eventually.” Princess Celestia answered. Charlie, however, shook his head.

“No, it can’t, I never want it to end.”

Princess Luna spoke up.

“I’m sorry Charlie, but that is just nature.”

“No…. what if… what if it never had to end?”

“What?” Princess Luna questioned.

“Meet me at the ruins of your old castle, and bring a knife.”

Charlie ran out of the throne room, leaving the princess’s with many questions.

“There, all finished, now all that is needed is the blood…”

“Charlie!” Charlie turned around and saw Princess Celestia and Princess Luna flying towards him.

“Yes, Princess Luna.” Charlie smiled.

“We brought the knife like you said,” Luna gave the knife to Charlie. “now what is it... what is that?” She looked down and asked.

“It is a symbol I learned while I was at the Great City.” Charlie answered.

”What is it for?” Celestia asked, intruiged.

“You will see.”

Charlie then walked back to the symbol and kneeled on it. He lifted the knife and sliced his hand, and rubbed the blood on his other hand. He then placed the bloodied hands down in the middle of the symbol.

“I call upon the forces of Life and Death… now, hear my plea! Give them immortality, please, and bring back those who have passed.”

Celestia and Luna watched as Charlie lifted up his hands, but while keeping his kneeling position. A few minutes passed, with nothing happening, yet Charlie stayed there.

“Uh, Charlie, I don’t think anything happened.”

Right when Luna said that, a chilly wind blew past the group.

“Behind you.” Charlie said without turning around. Celestia and Luna turned, and saw something very familiar. A small green bush, and a tall dead tree.

“Wow...” Celestia uttered, amazed.

Suddenly two humans walked out of their positions, two very familiar humans.

“Life, Death.” Celestia greeted.

“Celestia, Luna.” Life spoke.

“Now, then, for what reason did you summon us?” Death asked.

“You didn’t hear?” Charlie asked politely.

“No, we only saw the summons.”

“Well,” Charlie began. “I wish for you to bring back life to those who have passed and give life to those who are still here.”

“Are you saying immortality?” Life asked.

“Yes.”

“We can’t do that.” Death said.

“But you’re Life and Death, you can do anything.”

“Not everything.” Death chuckled.

“Well then, can you do it.”

“Yes,” Life said, completely contradicting Death’s earlier statement. Death didn’t seem to mind, however.

“But only on one condition.”

“What is that?!” Charlie asked, eagerly.

“You must return with us.”

“What, is that the only way?!” Charlie shouted.

“Yes, I am sorry Pass…” Death suddenly hit Life in the head with his staff. “Ow, what was that for?”

“You are starting to become more forgetful than Forgetful.” Death chuckled. Life simply shook his head.

“Anyways, I am sorry Charlie, but returning with us is the only way.”

Charlie sighed. “So be it.”

Death and Life nodded. Death, however, approached Celestia and Luna.

“I apologize for my actions earlier, your majesties.”

“Death, you could not control your actions, we forgive you.” Celestia spoke for the both of them.

“Thank you, now, then, shall we finish this.” Death asked Life.

“Yes, we shall.” Life said before the three of them walked back to the circle.

“You can follow us if you want.” Death offered.

Celestia nodded, so they walked over towards the group.

Once they reached the three, they shot up in a ball of light. Soon, they were high above Equestria. Celestia and Luna looked down in awe.

“Tia, look!” Luna shouted and pointed at the ground.

“Wow, look at all the humans.” Celestia looked in amazement.

“It looks like they’re ghosts.” Luna noted. Suddenly a blue light flew up to the group. It specifically flew to Celestia and Luna. Soon, it took the form of a child.

“Well hello little one…. wait, aren’t you Nik…”

“Yes, it is me.” He interrupted. “Now, know this. We are watching over ponykind now.”

Celestia and Luna didn’t respond immediately.

“I apologize for my voice, it scared him too.”

“But what about the first few weeks?” Luna asked. “What if somepony dies?”

“I know what you have planned.” The child answered. “But don’t worry, no pony will die on our watch.”

BOOOOOMMMM!!!!!

“Wow, so that’s what happened.” Pinkie stated. Celestia nodded.

“Yes.”

Applejack placed a hoof under her muzzle.

“So wait, everypony who was dead… came back?!”

“Yes.”

“Granny Smith!” Was all Applejack shouted before she ran out of the library. Everypony else glanced at each other, and in a split second, they were gone as well.

55 years after the Battle of Manehatten.

Twilight placed down the last of the flowers in front of the statue. She smiled and rubbed away one last tear.

“Care to eat lunch with me Twilight?” Celestia asked.

Twilight nodded.

“Sure princess, I would love to.” She glanced at the statue one last time.

“Princess, with your permission, I would like to see the crystal.”

Celestia smiled.

“Of course you can see the crystal.”

Celestia’s horn began to glow, and she opened up a secret door on the statue’s chest. She walked over to the statue, however, once she saw it, she gasped.

“It’s not here.”

“What?”

“Your majesties!” A guard suddenly ran into the room. Both ponies turned to give the guard their attention.

“There is a situation in Ponyville that requires your attention!”

Celestia walked past Twilight and up to the guard.

“What is going on, guard?”

“There is a hostage situation in Ponyville! Somepony by the name of Starlight has taken hostages in Ponyville, and with our weapons and Changling bodyguards, we can’t get him to release the ponies.”

Celestia glanced back at Twilight.

“Care to join me?”

Twilight nodded.

“I would love to.”

Starlight

Twilight Sparkle watched the scenery pass as she flew high above the ground.

“It never gets old doesn’t it?” A voice said from right next to her.

She turned her head to Celestia.

“Yeah, I remember my first time flying high above the ground… hehe, I admit, it was a little scary, but it was truly beautiful.”

She smiled and looked down. Then she looked to her left and right, and saw many guards flying right next to the chariot. She opened her mouth to speak, but was cut off by Celestia.

“We’re here.”

Twilight Sparkle walked right next to Princess Celestia. Once they entered Ponyville, they were approached by her friends.

“Twilight!” Pinkie called out. She ran up to Twilight and gave her a hug.

“What’s the situation?” Celestia asked.

Rainbow Dash walked up and spoke first.

“Somepony took hostages and is holed up in city hall. Whenever we tried to speak to the captor, he only says that he will speak to Princess Celestia, and princess Celestia alone.”

Celestia bowed her head.

“So I have heard… I will deal with this, alone.” She said once the royal guards began to walk towards the city hall.

“But your majesty,” A guard spoke up. “It is dangerous in there; we cannot risk your life trying to save the hostages.”

“Don’t worry about me, Swift Sword. I’ll be fine.” Celestia said with much confidence.

The guards looked at each other, then looked back at the princess.

“I’m sorry your majesty, but we cannot allow that.”

Celestia simply glanced over at the guards, then thought up of something. She smiled and glanced at Twilight.

“Twilight, will you follow me.”

Twilight looked at the princess, then walked over to her. Celestia began to walk towards city hall, but stopped half way.

“Twilight, I need you to place an illusion spell on yourself to disguise yourself as me.” Celestia whispered. Twilight smiled.

“Alright, when do I begin?”

“On my cue.”

Celestia glanced back at the guards. Her horn began to glow as a spell came into her mind.

Stop time.

Suddenly everything stopped moving. Celestia and Twilight were the only ones breathing.

“Alright Twilight, I will walk into city hall, and by then the spell should wear off. By then you should have the illusion spell on.”

Twilight nodded, so she began to walk towards city hall. Celestia opened the door and walked in. Right next to her were two changling bodyguards, armed with their weapons, just like the guard said. Celestia chuckled to herself, then waited for a few seconds. Soon, time caught up with her, and everything began to move once more.

The changlings glanced at Celestia, then glanced at each other. They shrugged, then turned around, and began to walk towards the center of city hall.

“Ah, Celestia, so glad you could make it.”

Celestia frowned.

“I knew you would be back, and my, you look handsome… but why, why would you take hostages.”

“Oh Celestia, only way to get your attention was to take hostages.” Starlight responded. “Oh, and by the way, I couldn’t help but notice that strange feeling earlier. Did you cast a time spell? And if you did, why not take the hostages then.”

“Very observant, Starlight… and even though I casted a time spell, it wouldn’t be fair to take the hostages then.”

“Don’t talk to me about fairness!” Starlight cried. “You take many Changlings hostage, and accuse them of treason, then take their lives?! How is that fair?!”

“Some things cannot be achieved without sacrifice, Starlight, you know this. My plan was to stop death, however, now that that has been achieved, I have no reason to…”

“Enough of this!” Starlight walked over to a hostage.

“It’s time you learned your lesson.”

He unsheathed a knife with his magic, causing Celestia to gasp.

“You wouldn’t…”

Celestia glanced behind Starlight and the hostage, then smiled.

“Of course I… why are you smiling?” Starlight asked.

“Oh, nothing.” Celestia responded.

“I know your hiding something!” Starlight screamed.

Celestia suddenly began to laugh.

“STOP!” Starlight stuttered. He then lifted up the knife, and brought it down.

Ding!

The blade suddenly flew out of Starlight’s magical grasp. He gasped, then glanced down at the hostage.

“I’m pretty sure I took off the shield apparatus.” He uttered to himself. He then grabbed a second blade, and brought it down on the hostage.

Ding!

Celestia continued laughing.

“What, what did you do?” Starlight stuttered.

Celestia then made a turnaround motion with her hoof. Starlight obliged and turned around.

“What’s a dead tree doing in here… AAHHHHH!!!”

Celestia freed the hostages, and motioned for them to exit. As soon as they exited, Celestia turned back to the tree.

“Don’t worry, these criminals will be dealt with, severely, and don’t worry about repaying us, consider it a favor.”

“Thank you.”

“Celestia” stood fast, yet she felt her strength failing her.

“Your majesty, what’s wrong, why won’t you speak?” A guard asked.

“Celestia” didn’t answer, but she thought in her mind.

I can’t believe I forgot the vocalization part of the spell!

Rainbow Dash glanced at the princess with narrow eyes.

“I don’t think this is the princess.” She said.

Oh no…

“How do you know that?” Swift Sword asked.

“Didn’t you notice that Twilight went missing? She’s done this trick before.”

Swift thought about it for a moment, but the sound of a door opening caused him to look to his right.

“The hostages, they’ve been released!” He shouted. Suddenly the crowd broke from the guards’ wall, and ran to the hostages.

“Celestia” took the opportunity and ran towards city hall.

Once she reached city hall she opened the door, right when a flash of light went off, causing her to cover her face.

“Princess!” She called out.

“Yes, Twilight?”

Twilight closed the door and released her spell.

“What was that?”

“Oh,” Celestia smiled. “an old friend.”

“What happened to Starlight and the changlings?” Twilight asked.

“Oh, let’s just say they’ve been dealt with.”

Twilight raised an eyebrow.

“Ok, Princess, tell me what really happened.

Princess Celestia sighed.

“Oh, alright, here’s what happened.”