Prologue: A Country Divided

All was calm in the Cotton Candy Kingdom. Its ponies silently waited as their western neighbor, Equestria, tore itself apart in wake of a civil war. Equestria's former ruling party, sisters Princess Celestia and Princess Luna, divided their former country after the suspicious assassination of Six Legendary Ponies.

Celestia had suspected Equestria's past enemy, The CCK, for this tragedy. However, Celestria drove herself to insanity to discover the true culprit. In her time searching for the criminals, Celestia began to suspect Luna and her followers of the assassination. Before the division, Celestia began to oppress those loyal to Luna in the southern tundra of Equestria. The oppression led to a rebellion in the south.

Lunar loyalists forcefully drove Celestia's soldiers out of their homeland. This was sought as an act of treachery. Celestia demanded Luna's head on a pike. Luna was able to evade capture and death. She escaped to her southern loyalists and under her authority; they formed The New Lunar Republic.

In response, Celestia claimed to be an immortal god empress and formed The Solar Empire in northern Equestria. She declared the NLR to be Heretics to her glorious name. All those who opposed the Empire were to be put to death.

King Chemi awaited news of his bickering neighbor. Hostilities were high in Equestria and information was rare in this time of uncertainty. The tall, slender dark blue Amnicorn trotted his mechanical hooves across the halls of his hallowed castle deep in the Royal city of Gallington. The King's elongate, light blond mane flowed across his horn and through his glorious, golden crown encrusted with the finest rubies. The magnificent crown reflected the dim lighting of the ancient structure. His flank bore the cutie mark of a beaker filled with cyanide and peaked with a crown that mimics his own.

King Chemi's hooves clanked against the metal floor of the highly advanced war room deep inside his lonesome castle. The war room illuminated with many high tech computers along the wall, a holographic generator lay in the middle, and an enormous monitor flickered with life.

An image of a young unicorn appeared on the monitor's screen. The young unicorn stood ready at attention. Her white coat reflected the lighting in the room on her side of the monitor. Her professionally trimmed rich blue mane sat silently. The King's murky brown eyes stared at the mare in the monitor. Instantly, Chemi recognized her as one of the many spies he had sent to secretly collect Equestrian information. Her royal blue robes embroidered with gold trim suggested she was deep in Canterlot.

“My liege,” the spy announced respectfully, “Equestria lays divided. Luna has been sought as a traitor by Celestia. She has retreated to their southern tundra. They have formed the New Lunar Republic under her rule. Celestia, in response, has claimed herself an empress and formed The Solar Empire. War is predicted between the two.”

King Chemi carefully thought over the stupendous news. His first reaction was to immediately amass the Earth Pony Corps' armored and infantry regiments to strike the heart of The Solar Empire. However, this would have been impulsive in the eyes of military elite. A board of military advisers must be assembled, King Chemi quickly foresaw. An invasion strategy was to be delicately constructed to insure victory over the squabbling Equestrians.

“I thank you for the grand news my loyal advocate. Now you must infiltrate the ranks of the Imperial army. Reports this directly to your superior officer and by his discretion continue your surveillance. I commend thee for great service to the Kingdom!” King Chemi lowered his horn graciously to acknowledge the spy's service.

“Thank you, my king”

The monitor faded, leaving Chemi alone to his thoughts. The King's metallic hooves reached for the horrific scars left where his natural wings once were. The bloodcurdling memories of his father surfaced. His father's torturous claws melted in Chemi's skin. The thought made him grit his teeth. The memory faded and reality set back in.

“I must contact General Razor Wing at haste,” Chemi hissed to himself.” As Chemi’s lips sealed from his statement, another image appeared on the monitor. An Amnicorn was seen standing at full attention, suggesting he was ready for something. A worn, golden coat and cybernetic enhancements decorated his damaged body. Two of his limbs were replaced with mechanical legs. His left eye was transformed into a pulsating red sight. The shadow, grey mane reflected his age and experience. The pony bore great wings with Razor ends.

“King Chemi sir,” General Razor Wing saluted his glorious King.

“My esteemed general, welcome. I say, you must be psychic. You always know when I need you the dearest.” As King Chemi chuckled slowly, Razor stood silent, displaying his disciplined nature.

“Sire, are you aware of the recent developments in Equestria?”

“Of course my general, I was just informed moments ago by one of my greatest spies.”

“Shall I help you assemble a board of war advisers?”

“Astounding! Indeed I say again; your psychic abilities impress me. Yes… I need you to assemble our generals for the war board. I have a friend who may be able to assist us.”

“Yes my King. What else do you command of me?”

“Inform the chapters of The Royal Air Cavalry. I have decisive quest for the Blood Stallions. They shall lead the grand invasion force my great general. Will you be at the head?”

“Well, of course my grand King! My soldiers thirst for Equestrian blood,” Razor exclaimed in anticipation.

General Razor Wing lowered his horn to salute the King. The screen faded to black and Chemi was left once again. He grinned dreadfully in the eve of war. Those impudent fools, Chemi deemed. They should prepare for the chaos that awaits them. Only industrious power, scientific development, and advanced technology determined a pony’s worth. Equestrian dependence of magic weakened their country.

The King’s heart bumped vigorously to the beat of the drums of war.

Chapter 1: The King’s Friend

The sun rose across the horizon, gleaming across the royal city of Gallington. Gallington was the prime example the Cotton Candy Kingdom’s modernization. The city was a utopia riddled with enormous towers of platinum and industrious silvers. Gallington’s streets were flooded with advanced electrical railways and citizens decorated in sleek clothing. Gallington’s life ranged from the political elite to the lowest form of sewer pony who scourged for food.

In the middle of the futuristic metropolis, laid an institute dedicated to the CCK’s intellectual elite. The Gallington Institute of Technology was an ancient building that resembled the CCK’s colonial heritage. The school was built from elegant red brick and the finest oak filled its class rooms. Marble floors filled the vast hallways exceeding through the institute. The school’s reputation far exceeded its retro appearance. The military and political elite amassed the student body. Those who academically triumphed were invited only so often. The Gallington Institute of Technology held a strict reputation that reached far and wide. Equestrian scholars had been grinding their hooves for years only to get a glimpse of Gallington Tech’s legacy.

One Pegasus, Colts, had been a professor at the Gallington institute for some five years now. Colts was a legendary figure in the school. His legacy first began in his service in The Royal Air Cavalry during the first Equestrian Invasion. A member of the elite chapter, The Blood Stallions, Colts loyally served his kingdom in the devastating war.

In the original invasion, The Blood Stallions were selected for a high priority mission. They were selected to drive deep into the Equestrian heartland and occupy or destroy Canterlot. In the days leading to siege of Canterlot, the original Blood Stallion chapter master was brutally struck down. His engineered suit of armor was speared by an Equestrian Royal Guard. As Colts’ chapter master blood spewed across his face, he unleashed a fury of bullets into the foolish Equestrian. Along with another Blood Stallion, Ultima, they forcibly took command of the distraught chapter and hauled forward.

In time, The Blood Stallions reached Canterlot with few numbers, yet high morale. The siege of Canterlot dragged on for eight hellish months. Battling those holding the gates and the massive Equestrian counter attack, the Stallions did considerable damage to Canterlot’s walls. The city still bears the scars of their ruthless onslaught.

News of the Blood Stallions suicidal exploits soon reached the top brass, who originally believed they had been slaughtered by the impossible odds. General Wind Storm, supreme leader of Air Cavalry, commended Ultima and Colts’ service to the kingdom persoanlly. The General sent word to the king the bravery of these warriors. King Chemi himself made it his personal mission to reward their bravery. The two warriors were brought before the King and were rewarded the Iron Cross of Formidable Service. Along with the prestigious medal, each pony was given the opportunity of a life time.

Under King Chemi’s personal order, the two stallions were able to pursue any career they dreamed of. The blood thirsty Ultima demanded he be instated as the new chapter master of The Blood Stallions. King Chemi was pleased to see such an eager soldier lead the finest chapter into battle. Colts, however, was unsure of what he wanted to pursue. His entire life was based on drifting from one area to another, never finding what he truly loved. The Stallion considered asking the king for a quick death, but his intellect denied him any pleasure. Naturally, his thirst for knowledge argued he pursue the career of a professor. King Chemi declared Colts as a new professor at the Gallington Institute of Technology.

In the time of Colts’ career as a Professor at Gallington Tech, he had achieved a grand reputation as an intellectual dedicated to frontiers of a pony’s mind and the art of military strategy. Pony psychology and Military Strategy had become Colts’ finest subjects to teach.

Colts trekked through the drawn out hallways that encircled the institute. His hoof echoed against the marble flooring as he walk down the hallow pathway. Colts approached the door leading to his personal court yard built high atop the school’s grounds. The archway leaned opened and Colts proceeded through.

His creamed colored coat illuminated as the bright sun beat down upon his body. A gust of wind flowed through his dirty blonde mane. Soldiers had flown by at almost super-sonic speeds. The advancement of technology from his days of service was immense. Memories of his service resurfaced. Colts was unable to define the emotions that bottled beneath his skin.

His solemn blue eyes looked into the great sky. Cotton candy clouds filled the air this fine after noon. A cloud had been mockingly calling his name all day to rest upon. He extended his powerful wings and took flight. Lying on the cushioned cloud, Colts fished through his tangled mane. A joint and lighter were extracted from his ragged mane. The distraught teacher lit the end of the joint and inhaled the calming smoke. The silence, the sky, and the potency of Equestrian weed allowed Colts a rare session of harmony. The perfection of the day allowed Colts to take pride in his choice to continue living.

When Colts had cast away the burnt out joint, another gust of wind and broken into his sanctuary. A great dark blue Amnicorn cascaded down into the court yard. Colts knew it was his long friend, King Chemi. After Colts had been established as a new professor in The Gallington Institute, King Chemi had contacted the former soldier about his strange choice. Though Colts had lied, telling the king it was his life-long dream to teach, the two built a friendship on the incident. The two conveyed messages commonly, traded life stories, and King Chemi made appearances at Gallington Tech to see the professor.

Colts did not acknowledge King Chemi’s arrival. He, instead, closed his eyes and waited to be addressed in his moment of peace.

“Hey Professor Badass, are you too damn lazy to acknowledge me?” King Chemi jokingly stated.

Colts shifted slightly and stretched his wings out. “I guess I was too entranced by meditation my good king.”

Chemi slid his hoof over the burnt ashes of joint and flung them away. “Well, I guess your ‘meditation’ is going to infringe on the opportunity of a life time.”

This intrigued Colts. What was so important the King himself directly delivered this new? Technically his life was set, but the King had such an offer for him? Colts plopped off the cloud and greeted the King.

“Once in a life time you say? What could possibly ever be greater than being set for the rest of my life here?”

“Well, my old friend, it seems as though we are going to have a second chance after all.”

‘Second chance?’ This was very strange indeed, Colts wordlessly thought over. “What do you mean by second chance, Chemi?”

“It seems as though our neighbor has been spilt into two. It is our time to claim Equestria as our own. I am personally choosing you to join my board of military advisers. Do you accept?”

Colts stood stone-like as Chemi offered him the opportunity. His face sunk and deep thought shrouded him from the world. “Well Professor Badass? What say you?”

“First we need to go to a more secluded area. Then, I will need more details, but I do accept the offer, King Chemi. I shall be honored to serve you once more.”

King Chemi smiled warmly, a rare sight by even those related to their leader. “Thank you, Colts. War is upon us now. I want you by my side, at the center of world… while we take it over.”

Colts stood silently. He was quite aware what he was truly getting himself into, but did he care? He didn’t know honestly. He just drifted along where the wind took him.

An amnicorn cladded in cybernetic limbs and a rough, golden coat scooted his hooves on the balcony in a large warehouse. The facility contained hundreds of tanks across the floor with weapons decorating the walls. Soldiers were frantically preparing for war. General Razor Wing, supreme commander of The Earth Pony Corps, watched his ponies in admiration. After his discussion with King Chemi, he directly sent word to captains of each regiment in The Earth Pony Corps that an invasion was soon.

Razor’s message was an unmistakable order to ready for war:

My fellow veterans, Equestria lays divided. Our long awaited return is imminent. The five prolonged years of preparation now ready us to drive a spike into every Equestrian’s heart. We shall show no fear, no mercy, and absolutely no toleration for the pathetic fools who bicker towards the west. The angels of death shall lead us to victory!

General Razor chuckled villainously as the soldiers beneath him scrambled to assemble the invasion force. Razor anticipated the eve of invasion. It had been too long since he was able to wring his hooves around the neck of a magic loving fool. Equestrias lack of technology displeased the Cotton Candy Kingdom, but Razor had burning rage for the pitiful country. The thought of his razor-sharp wings tasting Equestrian blood brought an overwhelming sense of alleviation to the grizzled veteran.

The industrious rattle of tanks coming to life alarmed Razor the field army was ready to advance. Razor calculated a strategy to drive his forces deep into The Solar Empire and The New Lunar Republic. The two fronts of the war would strain supplies, but the civil war suggested the Equestrian’s would face similar issues.

It was a frivolous task to prepare The CCK’s mighty army. The General took pride that in only five years technology had sprouted to a higher standard. Equestrian military encompassed minor technology that was basic and crude when compared to the glory of The CCK. Razor dreamt of unleashing the entire military on those pathetic fools. However, it was Equestria’s massive fleet of soldiers that deterred Razor from unleashing his whirlwind of hell.

Lost in thought, Razor was seen as a stone figure on the balcony towering over his ponies. The clang of hoof and metal awoke the tired general from his deep trance. His acute reflexes triggered and Razor opened his wings to meet the earth pony sneaking up on him. However, he soon lowered them to greet the distressed soldier. His uniform was tattered from what seemed to be the harsh winds of snow and ice. His coat a grey mess and a tangled black mane suggested he had been far from society for quite some time. The unknown soldier saluted the curious general and cleared his throat, readying to speak.

“General, we have received dire news concerning The New Lunar Republic. It seems as though my recon squad was informed by an agent that The NLR have been developing a nuclear missile high in a secret facility within the high peaks of the deep south.”

General Razor Wing contemplated the horrific news. It was evident The NLR were preparing to cast away ethical standards to topple Empress Celestia’s tyrannical rule.

“Have you any records of nuclear devices soldier?” General Razor calmly spoke.

“Yes sir we do. A spy handed my squad a report depicting large amounts of uranium found within the mountains. The agent also revealed the exact location of the secret facility. Her report was vague, but my squad came to the conclusion a fully operational bomb could be in construction as we speak.” The frightened pony handed Razor the spy’s full report in detail. The soldier proceeded to topple over from fatigue. Razor knelt to the soldier’s side to assist the deranged soldier.

“What seems to be troubling you? Were you discovered by republic troops?”

“No, sir; my outfit was lost in the horrific winds of the tundra for weeks trying to relay this information. It is a real shit storm out there sir.” The soldier passed out from the stress of his gauntlet. General Razor Wing immediately sent the exhausted soldier to the infirmary.

The thought of nuclear weapons sent Razor into a dilemma. However, the cowardliness of Equestria gave the distressed general the empathy to know they wouldn’t dare nuke themselves into oblivion. The news gave the tactical genius a strategic target. It was urgent that the facility remained intact. The secrets that were behind its walls may prove to be useful.

Razor admitted he found a new respect for Luna. He thought Luna was going to prepare to even attack The CCK in the event that they may topple Celestia's tyrannical rule. He grinned, hoping the soldiers under Luna’s banner proved to be worthy adversaries. He still resented those in the north. It was evident Celestia was still the diluted fool who believed magic was innovation.

General Razor Wing looked over his ponies, who eagerly awaited combat. The snitch of gasoline, the sounds of roaring engines, and the chatter of enthusiastic ponies filled the warehouse. He approached a platform that lowered him to a stage that rose above the floor. The general gracefully stepped to the fine oak podium that lay before him. A microphone was set on the podium and Razor flicked it on. His booming voice echoed through the warehouse, calling all to the stage area. The soldiers formed around the general’s stage, awaiting further orders.

“My fellow ponies,” Razor’s voice impressively announced, “Welcome to dawn of a new age! It is our time to finally strike back into Equestria and take it in the name of The Cotton Candy Kingdom! We rose from the ashes of defeat and now we will claim our birthright. The magic-loving heathens will be driven to the depths of hell itself. Our glorious King Chemi shall behead the false idols the Equestrians worship. The blood of the magical insects shall be spilt by the might of industrious strength. Canterlot, Cloudsdale, Manehatten, Fillydephila, and any other city we come across will be toppled by our power. It is time, my esteemed soldiers, to lead this world into an age of prosperity!”

As the final word in Razor speech fell, a roar of cheer rose from The Earth Pony field army. The inspirational words enticed the earth ponies to begin the strenuous task of sending the fleet of tanks and soldiers to the southern borders. Many warehouses across The CCK were also sending their armories to the zones where the invasion would begin. Razor Wing lifted his horn to encourage the troops once more.

One by one, the heavy machinery and hundreds of earth pony soldiers left the facility’s walls. Razor stood attentively, watching his ponies go forth in the name of science and technology. The enormous movement of the CCK’s forces was a sight of terror for anypony who aligned themselves with Equestria. Razor contemplated the potential of failure, but five years of agonizing patience, preparation, and the advancement of war machines erased all doubt. Victory is going to be ensured, Razor mind reminded him. Razor’s intense thought was once again, disturbed by a messenger. However, this was no recon unit. This was a royal messenger, more than likely sent by King Chemi. The silent messenger left Razor with a letter and without speaking a single word.

The letter read: My great General Razor Wing,

I have found the first leg to our new war board. My dear friend’s expert knowledge of military strategy shall entrust our war board with coherent schemes to thwart the divided country. After the field armies are deployed to their positions to begin the invasion, I need your assistance here in Gallington. My dear general, your service in battle has impressed me the years following the take down of our horrific creator. It is with great honor I say I can you call you my brother.

Sincerely, King Chemi.

General Razor Wing was off to Gallington. His wings expanded and he took flight. The letter reminded him of the horrific past he and the other amnicorn had suffered from their initial creation. The blood soaked claws of his creator skidded across his body once again. The cybernetic enhancements were a constant indication of his suffering. General Razor Wing casted aside the thoughts that he believed weakened his mind. He trudged through the wind for Gallington.

Chapter 3: The Eve of Invasion

To the western deserts of The Cotton Candy Kingdom, a range of magnificent red mountains lay near the border of Equestria. Deep within the blood red mountains, a secret air base was created by the notorious chapter of The Royal Air Cavalry, The Blood Stallions. In the ashes of an unsuccessful invasion, similar bases were created along the border to inspect for an Equestrian retaliation. The years following their establishment, no sign of an invasion was ever found. The bases sat patiently, remaining as an ever vigilant eye on Equestria.

The Blood Stallions were no different to the other secret facilities. General Wind Storm, supreme commander of The Royal Air Cavalry, strategically place The Blood Stallions base to recon the growing Equestrian city of Appleloosa. Appleloosa was a rose in the desert, becoming a large hub for travel and trade following the years of CCK defeat. Ultima, the newest chapter master of The Blood Stallions, had been dying to claim the city as his own. He viewed it as an insulting example of prosperity. It adorned wooden structures and towers of cinder and iron. It did not gleam like the royal cities Ultima was inspired by to serve The CCK. It was a dull underworld when compared to even the smallest CCK city. His raged boiled even to think of the ponies who claimed it to be a metropolis.

In recent days, Appleloosa was becoming a curious location for soldiers bearing emblems of different countries. Moons and suns decorated the armor worn by those who occupied the city. Outbreaks of violence and destruction plague the pathetic town. It was as though a spike had been driven into the heart of the town, splitting it into northern and southern districts. It was obvious The Blood Stallions were going to be called soon for a mission by the recent developments. A special report from General Razor Wing had confirmed what Ultima had already presumed: Equestria was divided by Princess Celestia and Princess Luna and The Blood Stallions were going to be chosen for a special mission.

This day brought a chill over the mountain top. The blood red coat of Ultima shivered in the eerie atmosphere. His jagged, sandy blonde mane was blown by harsh winds that gushed over the air base. It was as though an army flew above his head, invading Equestria as this very moment. The grizzled pony had been patiently waiting to wring the claws he bore on his hooves around the neck of Equestrian. Five humiliating years gave Ultima time to perfect the art of killing. He trained his ponies to be vicious, cruel, and to show no mercy, even in the eye of defeat. The superior numbers they had faced in the first invasion; gave Ultima insight to use fear to exploit weakness in Equestrian ranks. It was unknown whether this was a viable tactic, but it pleased Ultima he understood how to use it.

Ultima began to pace to a platform that overlooked Appleloosa. He gazed into the city with his blank, blue eyes from a telescope. From his observation, it had seemed as though the city was consuming itself in a riot. Soldiers from The New Lunar Republic and The Solar Empire watched over the bickering citizens, but keeping their distance from each other. In the middle of the town square, an alicorn had built a ragged stage to preach peace. The alicorn was throwing flyers into the distraught crowds of citizens. It was evident this pony bore no banner to either side of the Equestrian dilemma. This intrigued Ultima, but still infuriated him. Her concept of peace was in confliction with Ultima’s standard. You must make your enemy submit to your will, not dangle your intentions in his face like bait, Ultima calmly thought. Ultima admitted his interested in the alicorn was peaked. Never before he had seen one tied to royal guards or emblems. However, Ultima’s burning rage overcame him and he wished to capture and brutally gut her.

In the middle of his mental strategy to kill the unknown pony, the beeping alert of his communicator ringed through his ear.

“Sir,” the professional tone of the communications officer sounded, “General Wind Storm has entered the base and is requesting your presence in your chambers as soon as possible.”

“Tell the general I shall make my way at once,” Ultima’s soothing voiced declared. Ultima took his leave from the watch post. The sight of the strange alicorn soon died to be replaced by the anticipation of war. General Wind Storm’s presence was an obvious sign that The Blood Stallions were finally going to be given their special task. Ultima grinned from the joyous news and he pressed on the meet the general.

Upon his arrival to his chambers, the amnicorn greeted Ultima by raising his wing in the trademark salute of The Royal Air Cavalry. Ultima did the same respectfully and sat next to General Wind Storm. In the moment of the silence the two shared, Ultima looked over the general’s lightless, brown coat. His age was not reflected well. The legendary general seemed to be only a few years older than Ultima, but his obvious stature suggested otherwise. The general glared at Ultima, noticing he was staring. Ultima’s head cowered and Wind Storm rose.

“Ultima, I bring you remarkable news. Your chapter has been hoof chosen by the king for a decisive task. General Razor Wing gave me all the details in full,” Wind Storm spoke in a triumphant tone, alerting Ultima of the dire need of his service.

“Yes, what is my lord’s biding?”

“King Chemi has chosen you to be the first force to strike Equestria tomorrow. Your chapter will fly straight into that pathetic Appleloosa and you will crumple it into a patch of dust. However, the king is dedicated to finding rarities within the town. Anypony or any object that is unique shall be captured, not eliminated. Is that clear?” Wind Storm’s voiced boomed on the last sentence. It was a reminder to Ultima not to deviate from the mission.

“Of course sir; any oddities shall be taken care of; if any are found in that pit they call a city.”

“I am glad we are at an understanding. I apologize for raising my voice. Your preference of total destruction suites me, but the king insisted on this. Your reputation as one of the most blood thirsty professionals impress me, but strike fear as well. You will either obtain victory beyond all expectations, or go down fighting to the last pony. I respect you Ultima, and wish you a great battle tomorrow.”

“Thank you, General Wind Storm. I only employ the best when it comes down to the art of killing. I shall not fail you.”

“Of course you will not Ultima, but it is this secondary objective that gives me doubts of this invasion. I see no point in preserving Equestrian anomalies, but there may be somepony or something of use to us in their rat holes. I would love to continue this discussion, but I have been called to Gallington after I deliver your mission. Good hunting stallion.”

General Wind Storm abruptly took his leave, and was headed for Gallington. Ultima was seen alone in his chamber. He began to contemplate the alicorn again. It seems as though royal intervention was going to sustain her life, granted she survived the attack.

“The eve of invasion,” Ultima’s whispered trailed off. “I must give a glorious speech to my fellow Blood Stallions at once!”

Ultima approached the communication tower. The jamming signals in placed ensured unwanted ears that the mountains were dead. Ultima approached a microphone readied for his dramatic speech.

“My fellow Blood Stallions!” Ultima’s thunderous voiced echoed through the secret base, “It seems as though tonight is the eve of invasion! I have just gotten word from our General Wind Storm that we have been hoof chosen to drive our forces into the heart of Appleloosa. We have been honorably selected to be the first force to invade Equestria. Our King Chemi understands the elite potential of The Blood Stallions. However, we have been given the foolish secondary objective to preserve any anomalies we may encounter. This includes any object or anypony we may come across. I do not know of any specifics besides the presence of a third alicorn in the city. She is too be captured and taken directly back to this facility. My brothers, it is time to rise once again! We shall show our might over the pitiful Equestria!” His booming echoed once again. A sheer thunderous roar rose from the blood thirsty soldiers. The Stallions clamored in their highly advanced suits of armor and armed themselves with weaponry ranging from razor sharp claws to assault rifles.

Ultima looked over his troops preparing for war. He saw the dedication and blood lust within their eyes. It was their time, he thought, to finally taste Equestrian blood. It was his time to reclaim the honor he had lost from the devastating defeat at Canterlot.

Chapter 4: Violet Peace

Through out Equestria isolated individuals campaigned for the peace and prosperity that had blessed Equestria when there was peace between the former princesses. One such patron was one of the last alicorns left in Equestria, Violet Lullaby. The conflicting issue of loyalty plagued Violet's mind like an itch. As the only other alicorn, Violet had became a mediator between Celestia and Luna, using her status and history with the princesses to gain where others failed. The division of Equestria had devastated her and the ancient and wise Violet refused to choose a side in this horrid conflict. Her husband, Laurel Mysticane, in defiance to Celestia's tyrannical rule and Luna's rebellion for democracy, chose to seek isolation within the Everfree Forest. His natural sanctuary had separated him from the rest of Equestria, including Violet which she understood the meaning of but still brought tears to her eyes when she thought of how they had been forced apart. Laurel's peaceful display of defiance to The Solar Empire and NLR inspired Violet to spread a message of harmony throughout Equestria.
 
Violet's quest took her across the cities bordering The Solar Empire and New Lunar Republic. Across the border, many cities lay divided between the factions. It was soon evident ponies were not going to listen to her speeches about right and reason when more practical matters were more pressing. The hostile arguments amid the divided citizens were too strong for Violet's preach for peace to attract many followers, how is one supposed to condone peace when memories of the past conflicts and atrocities are still fresh in one’s mind?. She optimistically marched from city to city to discover rational ponies who wanted to convert back to their traditional standards. Very few ponies were found who shared her vision of a united Equestria.
 
Violet's quest now took her to the city of Appleloosa. Appleloosa had become a city of split personalities, with both the Solar Empire and New Lunar Republic holding sway over part the city. Its citizens were hostile to those whose loyalty was different and propaganda littered the streets in an attempt to draw followers to each cause. Soldiers from both sides were present to ensure Appleloosa would become a part of their state and to limit the influence of the other faction. Preservation of Appleloosa deterred each side from open conflict. The citizens openly fought amongst each other however.
 
Violet had a difficult time trying to find followers in Appleloosa. Soldiers oppressed her message, but out of respect for the alicorn they never jailed her. The pearly alicorn strolled through a thick crowd of republic loyalists. Her lavender mane with a green strip was tangled with a leather satchel drawn around her. The satchel contained fliers promoting peace under a united Equestria. The lunar loyalists did not take kindly to the idea of Celestia holding the entailed influence over their city. Even mentioning Celestia drew horrid memories of violent raids and injudicious imprisonment. Violet was pushed from the crowd and she continued to the northern area of the city to try her luck with the Imperialists.
 
Violet faced brief opposition in the imperial controlled area of Appleloosa. The citizens under The Solar Empire attempted to emulate the aristocratic style of Canterlot so favoured by their patron goddess to seem superior to the more pragmatic Luna. Violence was appalling to them since it was seen as the past-time of drunkards and ruffians of the lower classes who were mistrusted by the land owners of the city. Violet and her fliers of peace were ignored rather than violently removed, partly out of respect for her status but also to preserve their image of aloof superiority. In a failed act to draw followers with the fliers, Violet decided to publicly speak her message to attract more attention.
 
Violet searched the alley ways for a box to serve as her stage. After venturing through many alleyways, Violet finally discovered an abandoned soap box for her stage. She eagerly trotted to the square of the imperial occupied district of Appleloosa. However when she arrived at the square a group of soldiers noticed the alicorn immediately and they closely watched her actions to make sure she didn’t cross the line. She placed the soap box down and stood on it. Standing silently, Violet contemplated her choice of words for the speech. Citizens awkwardly began to stand around the alicorn, anticipating what she was going to say.  

 “Citizens of Equestria,” Violet roared surprisingly, “We have been divided by misguided suspicion and hatred. Tyrannical rule and rebellion are the tools of those who seek to destroy the former Equestria. The death of harmony in Equestria has driven a spike into our hearts. We must unite under one banner. Under one cause. Under one,” her voice trailed off as the sound of distant explosions boomed.

The crowd Violet had drawn began the chatter ferociously. They had speculated The New Lunar Republic had finally began to advance on their portion of the city. Violet did not wish to see who truly was causing the destruction. In the midst this thought, a bomb fell near the square. Rubble from some of the buildings toppled around her, crushing many who had gathered around her. Blood and organs showered the horrified alicorn. In an attempt to flee, Violet Lullaby made a mad dash to where she thought it was safe. Violet ran through the rubble along many other fleeing ponies. Soldiers from each side took arms against each other. The city had now become the front line for war. Violet witnessed groups soldiers brutally attack each other. Without mercy, many ripped into the rib cages of others, spewing blood, guts and intestines everywhere. Organs were ripped out of other ponies from shrapnel and masonry. One Solar Imperialist literally pulled the intestines out of a poor Lunar soldier just 3 months from basic training. Violet was traumatized by the scene of brutality. She ran to the ruins of a building that served as her shelter through the attack and screams of the dying.
 
Bombs continued to fall over the entwined city. It soon was evident nopony was singled out as a specific target with violence being meted out indiscriminately. The Solar Empire and New Republic were both being attacked by the same force. Violet focused on the idea as she hid from the rain of death. Pegasus who wore blood red armour swooped upon the city intent on fighting and violence. From what Violet could see, their armour seemed very technologically advanced. They bore masks that symbolized anger and inspired fear with twisted grimaces. They carried guns that were alien to Equestrian technology. Some preferred claws that tore straight into anypony, shredding armour like paper. Everypony was a target to them. Soldiers were easily picked off by the ministers of pain. Two of the invaders picked up a Lunar soldier and ripped him in half, showering the ponies fighting beneath in his organs. A blood red pegasus who seemed to be in charge, took the intestines of one pony and choked to death an imperial of what Violet judged to be of high rank from the large crest on his helmet.
 
“I want nopony to survive this,” the enraged stallion screamed. “We must hunt every last Equestrian down and feed them their own hearts!” The stallion pulled the heart out of the imperialist's chest and feed it to the bloody corpse. Violet could not comprehend the horror of what she had just witnessed. She vomited from the unrealistic savagery of the stallion. She loudly coughed from the intense vomiting. The stallions showered in blood were alerted of her presence. They attentively surrounded her position. From the gut quenching fear, she stepped from the ruins and gave herself to the jackals before her. To her, she expected to be shredded to pieces by the brutes that lay before her. However, they stayed their hooves and the suspected leader approached her.
 
“What... what are you going to do to me?” Violet nervously queried, trembling in terror.

“I shall not do anything. I will be blunt, my orders were to preserve all oddities we happen to discover. It seems as though the only alicorn who is not royalty is one oddity we mustn't ignore. Your life was sustained by royal decree miss. You will not find any harm from me or my ponies.” Violet shook nervously and toppled over from the impending fear this stallion brought over her. She gulped and spoke once more.

“So I will not be harmed?” The stallion nodded in agreement. Violet exhaled a sigh of relief. “I am Violet Lullaby.”

“I am Ultima. Chapter Master of The Blood Stallions and loyal soldier to The Cotton Candy Kingdom.” The ponies around him saluted as his stated his status. “Again, you will not be harmed. You will be taken with me and my soldiers back to our base. Sergeant, here at once.” Ultima whispered to the Sergeant and he proceeded to administer a sedative to Violet. She passed out almost immediately. “Now take her back to my quarters. She and I need a chat before I report her presence to King Chemi. It is time we continued to destruction of this pitiful trough they call a city.”
 
Under Ultima's discretion, the city of Appleloosa was going to be stomped into the dirt. He literally commanded the city to be flattened by his troops. Soldiers were not to be captured, but instead all were to be killed on sight. Citizens were also to be killed on sight, but their deaths were to be more gruesome beyond imagination to further the terror spread to the Equestrian fools. Ultima was passionate about sending a message to all who opposed him. It was his intent to strike fear to all those who witness the barbarity of his will. “It is now our time to reclaim what is ours my brothers. We are the beginning of the end to Equestria. This is ground zero stallions. We will need Earth pony support to set a forward base into the rest of Equestria. I must go now my Blood Stallions. This Violet will be awaiting me. I will rejoin the fun. Do not kill them all. I haven't felt this alive in five years. It is good to get my claws wet again.” Ultima began to walk away, but then a cowardly Lunar soldier charged him. Ultima drew his hoof back and speared him then he dug his claws right into his eyes. He pulled the eye balls straight from the sockets and threw them aside. Ultima roughly put down the soldier, stomped on his chest, dug his claws through the pony's eye sockets, and pulled what he could of his own skull from his head. The blood soaked pony beastly chuckled and flew off to meet this Violet Lullaby.
 
Several hours later Violet awoke from her initial capture. She found herself lying on a fine silk couch in a room adorned with trophies and weapons. She had noticed the heads of various mystical creatures were scattered across the walls on plaques. The head of what seemed to be a minotaur gazed hatefully at her. She coward in fear from the sight of the beastly head. Violet picked herself up from the couch and began to search the room. As she stood up, her wings felt compressed. Violet's wings had been clamped down by a metallic bind. The bind gave her a depressing thought of imprisonment, torture and pain. To take her mind of her inability to spread her wings, Violet wanted to read a book. She glanced at a desk under a stained glass window and a book was sitting on it. She attempted to use her magic to lift to book towards her, but something was blocking the flow of magic towards her horn. She placed her hoof at the base of her horn and made another soul crushing discovery. A metallic ring was bound at the base of her horn. She tried to slide the ring off her horn with her hooves, but an electric shock pulsated through her body when she applied pressure to the ring. It was obvious Ultima did not want her to fly or use her magical abilities. She went back to searching to strange room. A glorious bed was behind the couch. A red scaly sheet lay over the comforter. Violet ran her hoof over the luxurious scale sheet. To her surprise, it seemed as though this once belonged to a dragon. Violet made the correlation to the dragon skin and the other heads of mystical creatures. This was the quarters of someone who hunted magical creatures as a game, killing for sport. Anxiety fell over Violet as the idea of her head may adorn this wall as well. She blocked the horrific image from her mind and made her way to the desk. Violet grabbed the book, then went back to couch, and began to read.
 
The book was entitled The Art of War by Sun Jin, a name alien to her. As she began to open the cover, the door swung open. Ultima stood at the entry way as Violet stared at the tattered stallion. His armour was somewhat cleaner from the last time they met. The stench of blood still reeked from the war pony however. He casually walked to a chair adjacent to the couch Violet lay upon. Ultima noticed the novel she was about to begin reading and smirked.
 
“Ah, I see you are reading The Art of War. That book has become a code I have dedicated my life to. You know, that book gave me a wonderful strategy to crush the Equestrian armies. I must exploit their fears more than anything. To do that I must send a message to each and everypony that I will not just show no mercy. I will display brutality beyond no bounds. The soldiers will not just fear their deaths, but the death of everything they hold dear. Those who surrender may be offered a quick death for not resisting the true order, but I am a sucker for appearances.” Violet could not comprehend his horrifying methods. The sight of this stallion sent tremors down her neck. She shivered in fear as she stared into the soulless eyes of Ultima. Where am I going to be next? Who is going to be there? Is he going to follow me everywhere I go now? Violet wordlessly went over her situation.
 
“Um, what is going to happen to me?” Violet nervously voiced.
 
“First I must contact my King directly. At his discretion, your fate shall be decided. You must starving young one. I will call for a meal at haste.” Ultima stood and headed for the door.
 
“I am not young. I am 634 years old,” she stated with confidence. Ultima halted from the staggering statement. How can she be so old, but look younger than I? Ultima could not fathom how she was so old.
 
“How is it that you so old, but nopony in our Kingdom as ever heard of you?”
 
“I was not one for public appearances before Equestria cut itself apart. I quietly live in Canterlot and the Everfree forest. My duty was to awake the world with soft songs, not to be royalty.” Ultima was astounded by the discovery. He trotted away to send word to the King. A salad was brought to Ultima's quarters for Violet. She gazed into the bowl and the hunger that carried with her took over. She ravenously scoffed down the entire palate in minutes. The life as a patron for harmony in these divided times left her with few meals and warm place to sleep. Before her capture, Violet had been living off the streets since nopony dared take her in. Violet was given very few chances to sleep soundly, or fill her stomach with decent food. Now the enemy of Equestria was giving her everything she lacked in her quest to bring peace. The hospitality of her hosts was very strange. They gave her the best quality of everything she needed, but bound her abilities. She could understand their intentions, but feared for what her hosts may have in store. After Ultima left the room Violet Lullaby drifted away, the excursions of the day overtook her and she fell asleep with the hum of her favourite lullaby ringing through her ears.

Hush Now, Quiet Now, it’s time to lay your sleepy head...
 
Hush Now, Quiet Now, it’s time to go to bed.

Drifting off to sleep, the exciting day behind you...

Drifting off to sleep, let the joy of dreamland find... find..