No time, there was no time left to wait. This was my chance at freedom and sure as hell I wasn't going to let it slip. Years of being locked up and confined to the Academy and I’m finally out.

The stained glass window shatters as I leap out and land onto the rooftop, shards scratching at my fur and digging into my skin. I’ll live I guess, it’s only a scratch after all. As much as I would like to simply sit here and admire the view, the clambering bellow is some indication that I should probably get going and fast.

Blowing a strand of dark blue hair from my face I look down to the drop ahead. By Celestia it was high, at least three stories of the ground. The Academy was surrounded by a ten foot tall wall surrounding the entire perimeter, only one way in and out. Bellow I could see a cart full of hay, a stroke of luck.

It was worth a shot, and even though the thought of dying young was a scary one, it’s not like I had many options. Did I plan this? No. Closing my eyes and holding my breath, I leaned across the edge in a leap of faith.

The moment of weightlessness was indescribable yet terrifying and the impact much harder than I imagined it. My hooves landed first, a sharp pain travelling up my hind legs accompanied by a small gash on my head painting my light blue coat a dark crimson. It always seemed so simple in the stories but that bloody hurt.

For a moment I thought I had lost my sight, but a quick inspection revealed my cloak had simply fallen over my face. Right, where was I? Oh, no time to waste, escaping. Stumbling from the cart I galloped off towards the gates, keeping the weight off my hind legs after my rough landing. By all fortune they were still open, my chance at freedom still there.

I picked up the pace, letting my black hood fall of my head and my mane flow the cold breeze, even if it was rather short. I could hear the front doors of the Academy Hall open behind me, but a dared not look back in fear the guards would catch me. Above the gates Legionaries were given the signal to close the iron gates and seal off the perimeter. Things just became a whole lot more desperate, I wouldn't let them take me back, this was my last shot.

The guard’s horns lit up and the gates began to close before my eyes, panic surging through my system. I only had a few feet to go; I just had to push myself harder. Please, just let me have this. Leaping into the air I try to dive through the gap, time seemingly slowing down around me. My mane grazed against the cold iron, my hoof clipped the side as I passed through. I landed with a sharp crack in my hind legs, but I was free! I was out of the prison with the gates shut firmly behind me!

The guards looked rather angry, the others even more so. With a slightly cocky look on my face I turned to trot away, leaving this place behind for good. But something snagged on my tail and brought me to a dead halt. I turned to see that it was not one last ditch attempt at the guards trying to grab my tail, simply that it had been caught in the gates as they had shut. It took a couple of tugs, and I ended up stumbling a bit after I’d wiggled it free, but I was out and on my way. Bells were sounded within the walls and the alarm was raised. Looks like I had more running to do.

Alright, first follow the main road down south, then take the east road towards the barracks and then turn left at the crossroad… I think. Uggh, why does Hoofington have to be so hard to navigate, the maps I studied in the academy seemingly not matching up to the actual city layout. I just have to keep going and avoid any of the Legionaries. Those bastards weren't taking me back any day soon, I promise you that.

Okay, okay, keeping my calms cool. The guards don’t seem to be still searching for me, but I should be good so long as I keep out of sight. Scratch that, that mare just saw me. Damn, now they’ll all know where I am.

She called out to the other Legionaries, “I found the filly, she’s over here!” And naturally they all began to gallop towards where I stood dumbstruck. Once I managed to convince my legs to move again I was off like a bullet, deciding to abandon my plan of following the road and ducking off into one of the side streets.

They were hot on my tail, their horns lighting up as they tried to get in range of a magical grip. I kicked over some planks of wood but I knew it wasn't going to be enough to slow them down. Ahead though I could see some scaffolding on the side of a building. I galloped past it and turned to face the target, lightning up my horn as I put everything I had into the spell. Sweat was gathering on my forehead and my teeth ground together as I tried to concentrate.

It seemed to be working, the wooden scaffolding began to creek and groan, but at the same time the guards seemed to be getting closer. A small yelp escaped my clenched teeth as I finally broke the support beams and destabilized the structure, causing it to sway back and forth till it finally crashed onto the approaching Legionaries. The side street was blocked and cluttered with blocked pieces of wood and scaffolding; my pursuers a bit occupied trying to free themselves from the wreckage or finding a way around the collapse with their magic. Thank Celestia none of them know how to teleport, I’d be dead in an instant.

I took a brief second to catch my breath, the realization of just how much the spell had drained my energy dawning on me as I tried to run. I needed to hide, find some cover till they had given up the search. But where? On second thought that can wait till later, more of them are coming around the other road and I’m running out of time. I wish I could hear myself think but my heartbeat refuses to slow down for a second. The prospect of going back to that place is enough to keep my adrenaline surging.

A ladder, that’s what I need. Across the road I can see propped up against the side of a smithy is a ladder extending to the roof top. I didn't really have time to think it through, my legs seizing the initiative and moving to a quick gallop to escape.

“She’s trying to get one the roof tops, after her!” Damn, they were on to me.

Using whatever strength was left in my shattered hind legs I leaped onto the ladder, landing so few feet up the railings and instantly beginning to scale it. When I reached the top I promptly bucked it to the ground, much to the anger of a few Legionaries and a rather cross Black Smith. From here I could see a good deal of the city, much of it accessible from the rooftops.

With a new determination I galloped to the edge of the roof and leaped across the gap onto another roof, a few tiles cracking as my hooves landed. By now the Legionaries had already replaced the ladder and were in hot pursuit once again. Damn it, I had to lose them soon. I don’t think I can handle any more of this excessive running. A thirteen year old filly shouldn't have to deal with this kind of punishment.

Leaping across to another roof top I just about lost my fooling, one of my hind legs slipping on a lose tile and promptly reminding me of its injuries.

“Buck!” I cried, taking a second just to recover. But the Legionaries were still closing in, I had to keep going. My breath was short and ragged, my steps more resembling a limp now rather than a gallop. A gap was just ahead, looks like I had another jump to make. This time however all the strength in me failed, my jump a pitiful failure. I fell short of the distance by a few feet, landing on one of the lower balconies with yet another sharp crack.

Looking at my left hind leg there was no longer any doubt over its injuries, a shard of bone breaking through the skin. Holy crap it burned, the pain was unimaginable. I held back my sobs, letting them get caught in my throat. Can’t stop, have to keep going. Have to escape before it’s too late.

Pulling myself back to my hooves I cringed as the sharp pain spiralled up my leg. In front of me was a door leading inside the building from the balcony. Without much choice I used what was left of my magic to open it, quickly moving inside and closing it behind me.

Then silence, my back pressed against the door as I waited to hear what the guards would do next. I could hear their hoof steps as they approached the edge I had failed to make, almost shocked at what they had seen.

“I saw her fall, but where’s the body?” A distinctly masculine voice spoke. “Oh they aren’t going to like this one bit.”

“Shut up for a second. She defiantly fell down here, maybe using magic to survive the impact. Let’s get down on the ground and start searching the area. We have to find her.”

I heard the sound of more hoof steps getting further and further away. Letting out a deep sigh of relief I allowed myself to slump up against the doorway and catch my breath. Looking around the room I had just barged into it seemed to be just a normal home, although no pony was here at the time.

Random bits of furniture were scattered around in no particular set up, but what really caught my eye was the sheets lying on the ground. Many of them seem to be stained with blood, and along the walls she could see chains mounted and hammered in place. It was a slave room, a place where the household kept the second class workers. The smell hit my nose, almost making me gag. Maybe this wasn't the best place to hide out, let’s try the next house and see how that goes.

My hind leg was still in a bad state, my eyes dared not look back to see how it was doing. I could only handle so much blood before I empty the contents of my Stomach. The idea did hit me that I could use one of the sheets to bandage the wound, if just to stop it getting infected.

Tearing off the edge of the nearest sheet I wrapped it multiple times around the leg. Once I was satisfied I kept moving, more eager to leave this room behind than anything. Sure we had slaves back at the Academy, but I never had the displeasure of seeing the conditions they endured. It made me feel a bit sick.

There were some steps leading down to the lower levels just ahead, probably my best bet would be just to find another room to hide into. A timely grumbling of my stomach suggested it should probably be somewhere with food. I don’t know if anypony’s home right now, I can’t hear anything from here so I guess it’s safe enough to have a look. The next level was actually a dining room, although there was no food laid out on the table.

The layout all seemed rather upper class, they even had candle sticks. However the fruit bowl in the center told a different story; it was completely rotten. Whoever lived here either hasn't been here for a long time or is very lazy when it comes to house work. Then again that’s probably what they had slaves for.

This didn't exactly spark any hope for finding food still good to eat, but it was at least comforting to know that no pony was here. Maybe I could find some medical supplies. After looking through the other rooms my search came up rather fruitless, only bedrooms and bathrooms with empty cabinets. On the ground floor I did manage to find the door leading to what smelled like a barn. Inside was a small cart filled with old hay and benches littered with various tools and equipment, none of which were worth taking.

Actually I think I do see something, just a small knife. Well, better be safe than sorry. I’ll take it in case I run into any more Legionaries… maybe. The thought sent a sick shiver down my spine. Taking a life… no, never mind it. I’m, safe and that’s all that matters for now. Although I could use some rest. The hay over in the corner looks comfortable enough for a quick nap and rest my injuries. I had taken a few cuts and bruises throughout the day, but overall I was doing just fine. Letting my eyes shut briefly and my head lit back, my mind slipped into a small daydream.

And yet there was more noise, my ears pricking up as I heard it above me. Hoof steps coming from above, they’re on the roof right above me. My eyes shot open as it drew closer and closer. Soon it stopped over the middle of the room. There was a dead silence as I waited for something to happen, till suddenly the roof itself gave way. With a loud crack and a thundering crash the ceiling collapsed in on itself.

As the dust settled two figures could be made out clearly in the rubble, both landing it somewhat awkward positions. One of them had a bright bubble gum pink coat and dark blue mane, her wings flared in surprise. The other guy was a stranger sight; a griffin (be him a rather small one). He wore an olive green travel cloak, his head covered in white feathers while the rest of his body was a darker tan.

“Well, that could have gone better.” For a griffin he had a remarkably soft voice.

“Oh just shut it.” The pink one dusted her armour off, although it was nothing I recognized. She was defiantly foreigner of some sort. “Anyway where are we?”

“Some kind of shed maybe, possibly a- who’s that?” Oh no, he’s pointing at me. “Is that her?”

The pink one was looking at me with a rather curious eye. “Looks like it. I think the stars are in our favour today. Allow us to introduce ourselves; Firefly,” She took a low bow.

“And Felix,” The griffin imitated his comrade.

“At your service.”

Author's Note

And so we embark on a new quest for adventure. If you haven't already I suggest taking a look at PoorYorickDA's: Equestria Divided series. He has since removed is Deviant Art account, but the general idea is that a civil war has torn Equestria apart, and the Elements of Harmony have split into six factions which we'll slowly learn more about. This is set fifteen years after the war first began.